Chapter 7: The Phantom's Shadow

Hiroshi and Xavier emerged from the serene forest, their recent battle a vivid memory etched into their minds. As they walked towards Hiroshi’s home, the early morning sun cast a warm glow over the landscape, promising a day of tranquility and recovery.

Hiroshi's estate, nestled at the edge of the forest, was a harmonious blend of traditional and modern design. The main house, a sprawling structure with elegant wooden beams and expansive windows, overlooked a beautifully maintained garden. A dojo and several smaller buildings surrounded the main house, creating a peaceful sanctuary.

As they approached the main gate, the air was filled with a cacophony of sounds. Yuki, Hiroshi’s younger sister, was practicing her swordsmanship with a wooden dummy in the courtyard. Her fluid movements and precise strikes were accompanied by rhythmic grunts of exertion. Nearby, Sora was casting spells, her incantations mingling with the crackle of arcane energy. Mei, the youngest, was shouting at the top of her lungs, frantically searching for her pet silver fox.

"Sounds like home," Hiroshi remarked with a weary smile.

Xavier chuckled, appreciating the lively atmosphere. "Seems like your sisters are quite loud."

Hiroshi nodded, leading the way through the gate. "Indeed. Let’s get inside and rest. We’ll join them once we’ve recovered a bit."

They entered the main house, greeted by the warmth of the interior. Hiroshi guided Xavier to a guest room, where he could rest and heal. After ensuring his friend was comfortable, Hiroshi headed to his own room. He lay down, the events of the past night playing in his mind. Despite the exhaustion, a sense of satisfaction filled him.

Several hours later, Hiroshi awoke to the sound of laughter and chatter. He stretched, feeling the soreness in his muscles, and made his way to the courtyard. The scene before him was a portrait of chaos and joy.

Yuki's sword strikes had become more precise, each move calculated and efficient. Sora’s spells created dazzling displays of light and sound, showcasing her growing mastery of magic. Mei, her face a mix of frustration and determination, was still searching for her pet.

Hiroshi joined them, his presence immediately drawing their attention. "Good morning," he greeted, his voice warm.

"Morning, big brother!" Yuki called out, pausing her practice to give him a quick hug.

"Did you have a good rest?" Sora asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Mei rushed over, her face lighting up. "Have you seen Silvy anywhere?"

Hiroshi smiled, shaking his head. "No, but I’m sure she’ll turn up."

Xavier appeared in the courtyard, looking much better after his rest. He was greeted with enthusiasm by the sisters, who were eager to hear about the battle. Hiroshi watched with a nonchalant look, feeling a sense of camaraderie and peace.

As the day went on, they spent time training, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s company. The lively atmosphere was a welcome contrast to the intensity of the previous night’s battle.

In the afternoon, Hiroshi received an unexpected visitor. A messenger arrived, breathless and agitated. Hiroshi’s demeanor shifted to one of seriousness as he accepted the message.

"Master Hiroshi, there’s troubling news," the messenger began, his voice trembling. "There have been reports of a deadly assassin known as Vesper. She’s been targeting powerful mages and leaving a bloody trail of death any she goes."

Hiroshi’s eyes narrowed as he listened. "Tell me more."

The messenger continued, "Vesper is known as the Phantom Assassin. She’s quiet, vigilant, and deadly. Witnesses describe her as a lithe figure clad in black, with silver hair and eyes that glow with an eerie light. She can become intangible, striking from the shadows with deadly precision. And to top it all off, s-she uses dark magic to kill her enemies. One of the most powerful magical powers out there, created by lord of gluttony beelzebub himself!"

Hiroshi absorbed the information, his mind racing. Vesper was clearly a formidable opponent, and her presence in the region was a significant threat. But the fact that this world actually use dark magic suprised him, because once he learned that god recreated reality he thought that god also got rid of evil/dark magic for good.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention," Hiroshi said, his voice calm but resolute. "We’ll be prepared."

The messenger bowed and departed, leaving Hiroshi deep in thought. He turned to Xavier, who had been listening intently.

"It seems we have a problem that needs to be dealt with immediately," Hiroshi said slightly agitaded.

Xavier nodded, his expression deride. "Vesper sounds dangerous. But she possibly can't be that bad, right?"

Hiroshi agreed."Yeah i guess you're right, i mean nothing wrong has happened so far. And becides i might be able to defeat her."

Unbeknownst to them, Vesper had been watching from afar, hidden in the shadows of the forest. Her silver hair glowed faintly in the dim light as she observed them with her piercing, eerie eyes. A sinister smile spread across her lips, and she let out a villainous laugh that echoed through the trees.

"Fools," she whispered, her voice dripping with malice. "They have no idea what they're up against. By the time they realize the truth, it will be far too late. The shadows will consume them all, and not even their combined strength will save them from the darkness I'll bring. And with each fallen soul, I will etch my name into the darkest depths of terror, immortalizing my legacy in an eternal abyss of suffering!"

Her laughter continued to reverberate through the forest, a chilling prelude to the chaos and destruction that was soon to come. The shadows seemed to grow darker around her as she melted back into the night, a phantom preparing to strike from the darkness.