Passing the Torch Arc Two (Volume 1)

Picking up the weapon in awe as to what was just witnessed when in a split second, the bamboo part of the sword broke off and collapsed in a brittle decay. Holding only the handle I felt an energy of great power rushing through my body.

The yellowish aura glared once more as a distinctive marking covered my forearm and allowed me to understand something I hadn’t taken into consideration yet. Making it out alive from the Kaiju’s destruction I very well may be the last of my Clan now. The Shira Clan of the Flame Village must live on through me from here on out.

Once the portal I entered, the ability to breath ceased entirely. I stood above the elemental regions on a high mountain top where the portal left me. Closing behind me I gazed at the sight for some time. There had been six divisions of land. Each pertaining to its own element.

The land covered in fire I believed to be the Torch region had flames of multiple colors covered all over. It was hardest to see besides the Torch region, especially the land of Shadows. Slowly regressing down the slope of the mountain my senses began to enhance. Perhaps being in this elemental word allowed me to further tap into the abilities I’d been working on with the Minaro sword. A tear ran down my face for a few moments.

Wondering where my grandfather would have been? Trying to not focus on the past for too long, my journey would lead me deeper in the valley of elements as the Spiritual Kingdom would allow me to find a way to whomever it was birthing evil in the Torch region. My father would be proud of me getting this far. Already the frisk week of being eighteen and I’m on my way to defeating evil once and for all.

Or at least that’s what I thought, having only the Minaro Sword in my possession would be everything I needed for battle? The sky was fluorescent and bright. There was no indication of a sun anywhere in sight, the air non-existent. My path ahead led down to the Torch reason which resembled a prison from back home. Oddly enough there were strange sounds coming from the atmosphere around me.

Sounds of anguish and anger. My idea is that whatever lived in this world would soon sense my presence. I prepared the hand of the Minaro Sword bracing for whatever would come next. “Many have come to conquer the Kingdom of Spirits, none but I have succeeded.” When I became warden of the Torch Prison my task was to gather the souls and parade them among the elemental regions for the upcoming tournament that would be held soon.

The realm defenders believe they are all too high and mighty to participate in this power struggle. But I'm not so sure -- I've heard rumors of spirits seeking power in the Kingdom of Spirits returning to the human world and duping the young and foolish into training hard enough to enter this world.

They will not only fail and claim whatever power they seek, but we will imprison them in our Fire prison for all eternity. "We've heard of certain sprite tricksters and their plot for the throne. As a Fire Warden, I Anagu will ensure that victory comes to me, for better or worse."

Now in the realm of spirits, I pondered myself if the naivety of my youth has faded my perception on whether or not my victory would even be possible. All alone for the moment, I gathered what resources were in my possession to rest for the time being.

The landscapes in this world seemed to shift and alter as whatever was considered time passed. The Minaro Sword hummed in a light tune whenever danger drew closer. And as of lately, I hadn’t found myself to be in much danger.

There had been a large structure like tower to the east of my location, flames of ember yellow and aquatic greens flourished all over the building in a dancing motion. This had to be where Lord Maro Maro mentioned to me before my departure.

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