Chapter 5: The first subordinate

Hiroshi sat in his study, surrounded by ancient tomes and scrolls Chiyo gave him that whispered secrets of forgotten magics and lost civilizations . The room was shrouded in shadows, illuminated only by the flickering candlelight that danced across the parchment pages. It was a sanctuary of solitude, a place where Hiroshi could lose himself in the pursuit of knowledge without the distractions of the outside world.

Or so he had thought.

The tranquility of his study was abruptly shattered by the sudden intrusion of his three sisters. Yuki, Sora, and Mei burst into the room with all the subtlety of a thunderclap, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of chaos.

“Hiroshi, why do you always hide away in here?” Yuki’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she flung herself onto his desk, scattering parchments in her wake.

Sora rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with annoyance. “Honestly, can’t you just come out and have some fun for once?”

Mei, the youngest and most innocent of the trio, simply giggled as she twirled around the room, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Hiroshi’s expression remained impassive as he regarded his sisters, his patience wearing thin. “I have no interest in your frivolous activities,” he replied curtly. “Leave me be.”

Yuki scoffed. “You’re such a killjoy, Hiroshi. Always with your books and your brooding. Why can’t you just lighten up for once?”

With a heavy sigh, Hiroshi rose from his seat, his movements deliberate and measured. He gathered his belongings, tucking them into a satchel slung over his shoulder, and made his way to the door. His sisters exchanged glances, sensing that they had pushed him too far this time.

“Where are you going?” Mei asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

“Out,” Hiroshi replied tersely, offering no further explanation. He needed to escape the suffocating confines of the house, if only for a brief respite from his sisters’ incessant nagging.

He wandered aimlessly through the streets, his mind consumed by thoughts of ancient magics and forbidden knowledge. The city bustled around him, its chaotic energy a stark contrast to his own internal turmoil.

As he walked, he found himself drawn to a familiar figure approaching from the distance. Xavier, the brash young mage with a penchant for trouble, swaggered towards him with a cocky grin plastered across his face. Hiroshi’s lip curled in disdain, but he couldn’t deny the allure of Xavier’s offer.

“Hiroshi,” Xavier called out, his voice tinged with arrogance. “I’ve been looking for you.”

Hiroshi stopped in his tracks, turning to face Xavier with a skeptical gaze. “What do you want?” he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

Xavier’s grin widened. “I’ve been thinking. You’re powerful, Hiroshi, perhaps the most powerful mage I’ve ever encountered. I want to be your first subordinate.”

Hiroshi arched an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. “And why would I want you as my subordinate?” he inquired, his voice dripping with skepticism.

Xavier’s expression faltered for a moment, his bravado giving way to desperation. “Because... because I have skills that could be useful to you,” he stammered. “Together, we could accomplish great things.”

Hiroshi considered Xavier’s words carefully, weighing the potential benefits against the inherent risks. He had no love for Xavier, but he couldn’t deny the advantages of having such a powerful ally at his side.

“Very well,” Hiroshi conceded, his tone begrudging. “But make no mistake, Xavier. You will be under my command, and you will obey my orders without question. Is that understood?”

Xavier nodded eagerly, his earlier bravado replaced by a sense of humility. “Yes, Hiroshi. I understand.”

With a curt nod, Hiroshi resumed his journey, Xavier falling into step beside him. Despite his misgivings, Hiroshi couldn’t shake the feeling that this newfound alliance would prove invaluable in the trials to come.

The two walked in silence for a time, their footsteps echoing through the empty streets as they made their way towards the outskirts of the city. Eventually, they arrived at a secluded clearing in the forest, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the canopy above.

“This will be our training ground,” Hiroshi declared, his voice echoing in the stillness of the night. “Here, you will learn to harness your abilities, hit me with whatever you got. And don't hold back” He takes a fighting position, gesturing him to attack.

Xavier nodded, a sense of determination burning in his eyes. Being the loud and abonoxious person he is, craking his knuckles he eagerly replies. “oh yeah baby, this is what i'm talking about. This shit is gonna be the most epic fight in history! ”