The 13th Kingdom: Reincarnation

Day 2 of 2nd Fire Cycle1, 1995 g.c.

 Slightly over one hundred and fifty kilometers (94 miles) northeast of Talasi lies the breathtaking yet notoriously perilous Janell Forest. This ancient woodland is a sanctuary for a myriad of mana beasts, magical flora, and nature-based spirit creatures. Towering trees, their trunks fortified with dense mana, stand like sentinels, capable of withstanding the impact of a full-speed cannonball. The air is thick with the scent of earth and verdant life, and every breath you take feels charged with energy; as if the forest itself is alive.

The forest floor was a lush carpet of moss and ferns, with beams of sunlight filtering through the dense canopy, casting a soft, ethereal glow on the path ahead. Mana crystals occasionally jutted out from the ground, their soft, pulsating light added to the magical atmosphere. The trees were ancient, their bark gnarled and twisted, with leaves that shimmer with an unnatural vibrancy, hinting at the magical essence coursing through them.

But beyond its natural beauty, Janell Forest held a deep connection to the spiritual world. It was home to Fairies, Pixies, Dryads, and other nature spirits, each tied to the land in profound ways. Fairies, with their delicate wings and luminous forms, flit between the trees, their laughter a melodic echo in the breeze. Pixies, mischievous and quick, dart through the underbrush, leaving trails of sparkling dust in their wake. Dryads, the lustful guardians of the forest, blend seamlessly with the trees they protect, their presence felt in every rustling leaf.

The history of Janell Forest is intertwined with the lives of these beings. They have lived there since time immemorial, their existence tied to the very mana that flows through the earth and trees. The forest itself was a reservoir of ancient power, a place where the veil between the physical and spiritual realms is thin, and the mana that saturates the area could be felt in every step.

However, this beauty comes with danger. Monstrous beasts, born of mana and shaped by the elements, roam the forest. These creatures, capable of manipulating fire, water, earth, and air, are as formidable as any M-Cee, their attacks mirroring the elemental arts practiced by the most skilled mana users. To venture into Janell Forest is to step into a world where the line between wonder and peril is as fine as a whisper on the wind.

 With the sharp crack of branches breaking and the swish of low-hanging leaves, two Thunderhorn Stags bolted through the forest, their movements a blur of speed and fear. Their eyes, wide with panic, darted around as they zipped between trees, desperate to evade their relentless pursuers.

The Thunderhorn Stags were formidable C-Class mana beasts, resembling massive deer with antlers crackling with electricity. Their meat, slightly charged with energy, was a rare delicacy, invigorating those who consumed it. The stags' antlers, highly prized for their conductive properties, were sought after by craftsmen and alchemists alike. But their true danger lay in their electrified antlers, capable of delivering a shock powerful enough to incapacitate anyone who dared approach without caution. Yet, despite their speed and power, they were not out of reach for their hunters.

Hot on their trail, moving just as swiftly, were Vericka and her three sons. The stags split up. The larger and faster of the two veered to the right, pursued closely by Vericka's youngest son, Steez Mikazuki.

 At just six years old, Steez was already showing signs of his prodigious talent. His skin, a warm caramel tone, radiated a youthful vibrancy that complemented his striking heterochromatic eyes—one a vivid blue, the other a deep brown, mirroring his mother's gaze. Steez's dark, close-cropped hightop fade was impeccably styled, the sharp lines and neat edges accentuating his youthful face.

Dressed in a sleek, red & white hoodie that reached just below his waist, Steez sported a look both practical and stylish. The hoodie's collar framed his neck, and the red and white crescent moon design added a touch of boldness to his appearance. A white pocket was sewn into the center of the hoodie, providing a handy space for his small essentials. The belt at his waist was a vibrant red, fastened securely and adding a pop of color to the ensemble.

His pants were a matching deep red, padded at the knees for extra protection during his daring escapades. They were tucked neatly into knee-high boots, sturdy yet flexible, with dark leather straps that ensured they remained snug during his swift movements. As Steez leaped from branch to branch, his body flickered like a phantom through the treetops, his agile form and precise movements hinting at the exceptional skills he was beginning to develop.

The young Celestial had locked onto his target, the Thunderhorn Stag, and there was no escaping him. Every twist and turn the stag made, Steez matched it effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. His hand darted out, grabbing branches with ease, and he seemed to flicker between each jump, a blur of motion as he closed the gap.

As the distance between them began to narrow, Steez activated [Chrono Trigger]. Time seemed to freeze around him, the world slowing to a crawl as he surged forward, his focus sharp and unyielding. The stag, unaware of the sudden shift in time, continued its frantic escape, but Steez was already upon it, his feet barely touching the ground as he raced through the suspended world.

Steez sprang from the branch with the grace of a seasoned warrior, flipping effortlessly through the air. His feet touched down in front of the Thunderhorn Stag just as time snapped back into motion. The stag, unable to comprehend how its relentless speed had been bested, skidded to a stop, its wide eyes locking onto the young boy standing defiantly in its path.

Steez smirked, his heterochromatic eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and determination. The crackle of electricity sparked around him, the very air tingling with energy as he readied himself for the final blow.

"My nigga, why do you look so shocked?" Steez taunted, his voice carrying the playful confidence of a boy who knew he was in control. "Lightning isn't that fast."

 The crackling of electricity intensified as arcs of lightning danced around Steez's body, creating a vibrant halo of energy.

"Now... Shoryureppa!!" he declared, his voice echoing with the fierce determination of a street fighter.

Steez clenched his fist, planting his feet firmly into the ground, his stance unwavering. With a mere thought, he activated [Enhanced Strength], his muscles surging with power. Concentrating his mana, he conjured storm mana—a potent blend of wind, water, and electric mana—channeling it into his fist. The energy coiled around his hand, forming an ethereal gauntlet that crackled with raw power, the air humming with anticipation.

With the speed of a lightning strike, Steez launched himself into a rising uppercut, his fist connecting with the Thunderhorn Stag's chin in a perfect, devastating arc. The impact was explosive, a blinding flash of light as the stag was lifted off its hooves, its body flung skyward. The stag's massive form hurtled through the air before crashing into a towering tree with a bone-rattling impact, the trunk splintering under the force.

The shockwave from the blow rippled through the forest, trees shuddering in their wake, leaves torn from their branches as the sound echoed for miles. The clearing was left in stunned silence, the once-mighty Thunderhorn Stag now crumpled at the base of the shattered tree, its body twitching as the last remnants of electricity danced across its fur.

As Steez lowered his fist, the crackling energy faded, leaving only the faint scent of ozone in the air. His smirk broadened, a gleam of satisfaction dancing in his mismatched eyes as he admired the aftermath of his strike.

 The forest was still, with only the distant rustle of leaves and the echo of the Thunderhorn Stag's crash. But that silence was soon interrupted by the low growls and snorts of a pack of Moltenfang Direwolves, roused from their slumber by the thunderous commotion. The direwolves, large and imposing creatures with fur that glowed like embers, were notorious predators in the Janell Forest. Their molten fangs could heat to unbearable temperatures, allowing them to rip through even the toughest hides.

The leader of the pack, a massive wolf with eyes like smoldering coals, sniffed the air, its keen nose picking up the scent of blood and burnt wood—a potential meal ripe for the taking. The rest of the pack followed suit, their ears pricking up in alert as they began to prowl toward the source of the noise.

But Steez was far from aware of the direwolves. His focus was solely on the Thunderhorn Stag, which, despite its battered state, managed to rise shakily to its hooves. The stag snorted, a sharp, wheezing sound that was soon followed by a deep, guttural roar. Its massive antlers, once a mere decoration of power, began to glow with a menacing intensity as charged electrons and electricity surged through them, gathering at the tips of all eight points.

Steez's grin widened, his excitement palpable as he watched the stag prepare its counterattack. "You know what? Show me something," he challenged, his tone dripping with a mix of mockery and anticipation.

The stag responded instantly, unleashing a barrage of eight high-speed lightning bolts that streaked toward Steez, each one crackling with deadly voltage. The air sizzled with heat as the bolts cut through the space where Steez stood.

"Light work," Steez remarked casually, his voice tinged with amusement as his body flickered, seemingly vanishing from one spot and reappearing in another.

He moved with effortless grace, weaving between the 80,000-volt arcs of electricity as if they were mere raindrops. Time itself seemed to bend to his will, his mastery of [Chrono Trigger] allowing him to manipulate the seconds, slowing the world around him to a crawl.

The Thunderhorn Stag, in a desperate attempt to strike its elusive target, continued firing bolt after bolt, the forest lighting up like a stormy night. But no matter how many bolts it sent, Steez was always a step ahead, his form blurring as he flickered across the battlefield. His movements were almost comically fluid as if he were dancing rather than dodging, his every step and twirl a mockery of the stag's futile efforts. He sidestepped one bolt, then spun around another, each movement as precise as a dance.

Thirty-two seconds passed in what felt like an eternity for the beleaguered stag, its energy draining with each missed shot. And still, Steez remained untouched, posing confidently between each dodge, a wide grin plastered across his face.

Finally, the Thunderhorn Stag's assault faltered, the once-brilliant glow in its antlers fading to a dull shimmer as it gasped for breath, its energy nearly depleted. The stag's labored breaths filled the air, a stark contrast to the earlier crackling of its powerful attacks. The ground beneath it was scorched, the scent of ozone and charred earth lingering like a distant storm that had passed.

 Steez stood amidst the aftermath, unfazed by the destruction around him, his posture relaxed as if he were merely out for a stroll. A chuckle escaped his lips, low and mocking.

"I thought they said to fear the deer?" he quipped, brushing an imaginary speck of dust off his shoulder with exaggerated nonchalance. His eyes narrowed as he glanced at the struggling beast before him.

"Well, I hate to do you like this Bambi, but we need food. So let's wrap this up. I got something special for my electric kinfolk," Steez declared, his tone shifting to one of finality.

He extended his arm, palm open, and began to gather a swirling sphere of concentrated Storm Mana. The sphere pulsed with raw fused energy, cobalt blue, and yellowish-white lightning crackling violently from its center. The air around him buzzed with power, the sheer force of the mana causing the ground beneath his feet to tremble. Each bolt that shot out struck the earth with a thunderous boom, leaving smoking craters in its wake.

"Peep this," Steez grinned, his voice rising with anticipation. "This Mana Art does increased damage if you're resistant to electricity. But for the big boys who have Electric Nullification..." His voice trailed off as the sphere in his hand began to stabilize, the wild lightning withdrawing into the orb, which now glowed with an ominous, deep blue hue.

With a flick of his palm, Steez unleashed the supersonic bolt. The ball of condensed electrical energy shot forward like a lightning strike born from the very heart of a storm, piercing through the air with a deafening crack. The bolt slammed into the Thunderhorn Stag, and for a split second, there was silence.

Then, the stag was engulfed in a radiant sphere of electricity, a sparkling jubilee of crackling energy that danced around the beast, each bolt converging at the center where the stag lay. The intensity of the attack was overwhelming, the surrounding air thick with the smell of burning flesh and the sizzle of ozone. The heat was suffocating, mystical, and unnatural, as the mana-infused lightning seared through the stag's body, bypassing its natural resistance to electricity and frying it from the inside out.

The stag let out one final, pitiful bleat before its body went rigid, its brain cooked by the relentless surge of mana. The electricity that had once made it a fearsome opponent was now its undoing. As the stag's antlers dimmed, its breath came in ragged gasps, the power it once wielded reduced to a flickering ember. With the last crackles of energy dissipated, the stag slumped lifelessly to the ground, smoke rising from its singed fur.

Steez lowered his arm, the remnants of the storm mana fading away as he surveyed his handiwork. The forest around him was eerily silent, the fight concluded with a climactic end.

He exhaled slowly, his smirk returning as he muttered, "It's always a critical hit."

 Just as Steez was about to revel in his victory, the rustling of bushes signaled imminent danger. In a synchronized blur of motion, three Moltenfang Direwolves lunged from the underbrush, their fangs bared and glowing like molten metal. Their coordination was flawless, a perfect flanking maneuver aimed to catch him off guard. But in the split-second, before they could reach him, Steez activated [Chrono Trigger]. Time itself seemed to stretch and slow as Steez sidestepped with precision, leaving the direwolves to crash into each other in a chaotic tangle of limbs and fiery snarls.

"Whoa, that was close! Where'd y'all come from?" Steez exclaimed, his voice tinged with both surprise and amusement.

The direwolves quickly recovered, their eyes blazing with fury. They let out a collective, fiery roar that echoed through the forest, the heat from their breath searing the air around them. Steez grinned, but his mind raced with concern.

"I really should let big bro teach me that [Sense Presence] skill," he uttered to himself, casting a quick glance around the area, trying to gauge his surroundings. The direwolves began to circle him, their glowing fangs casting an eerie light on the darkened forest floor.

 Steez's thoughts were frantic. "Ah man, I've burned too much mana with [Chrono Trigger]. I'm gonna need a moment to recover, but they're not about to give me that. Wait, I can use a weaker time spell with a chant. Chanting reduces the MP cost for arts."

 He started to chant, "Temporal Mana—"

But before he could finish, one of the direwolves shot a massive fireball from its mouth, cutting off his incantation. The fireball roared through the air, forcing Steez to dodge to the side, the heat singing the edge of his cloak. He barely had time to regain his footing before another fireball came hurtling toward him, leaving him no choice but to stay on the defensive. The ground around him was ablaze, the smoke thick and suffocating.

Seeing what it thought was an opening, the third direwolf lunged at Steez from his blindside. Steez sensed the attack at the last moment and countered with a mid-air somersault kick, his foot connecting with the beast's jaw in a sickening crunch. The force of the kick sent the direwolf sprawling, but Steez wasn't out of danger yet.

He dashed toward the fallen direwolf, intending to finish it off, but the other two quickly fired off more fireballs, forcing him to retreat. The surrounding area was now a hellscape of flames, the air hot and difficult to breathe. Steez activated [Accelerated Mind], his thoughts speeding up as he desperately tried to figure out his next move.

"Maybe I should use water to put this fire out… but wouldn't that just make more steam? Wait… if I could get the direwolves to cluster together, I could hit them all with what little mana I've got left."

As he formulated his plan, the Moltenfang Direwolves began to howl, their voices resonating with primal, fiery energy. Seeing his opportunity, Steez dashed out of the ring of fire and deeper into the forest, the direwolves hot on his heels. He stopped suddenly and turned, quickly forming a sphere of Water Mana in his hands.

"Water Mana: Hydro Missile!" he shouted, firing the concentrated water blast at the pursuing direwolves.

But the beasts were ready. They responded with three massive fireballs that collided with Steez's Hydro Missile in mid-air, the resulting explosion sending a wave of steam and fire through the trees. Steez stumbled back, breathing hard. His mana reserves were nearly depleted, and he knew he didn't have enough left to take down even one of these direwolves, let alone all three.

 As he turned to escape, the Moltenfangs began to close in, surrounding him once more. They growled menacingly as they charged up a synchronized flamethrower attack, their fangs glowing hotter than ever.

Steez paused, his breath steadying as he looked the direwolves dead in the eyes, unflinching. A slow smile spread across his face as he took a deep breath. "I doubt y'all live long enough to enjoy the thought of killing me. Y'all still the lil' dogs in this hood."

Just as the direwolves unleashed their combined flamethrowers, a blur of movement shot down from the treetops, landing in front of Steez with a force that shook the ground. The flames exploded outward, but before they could touch Steez, the fiery energy was sucked into a swirling spatial vortex.

Steez blinked in surprise as the vortex dissipated, revealing the familiar figure of his older brother standing before him, calm and collected. The remnants of the direwolves' attacks were completely absorbed by his [Energy Devour] skill.

With a casual glance over my shoulder, I smirked. "Tag me in, baby bro."

Steez let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his tension melting away. "Don't come stealing the show, Xi."

The Moltenfang Direwolves, now faced with an even greater threat, hesitated, their confidence waning. The tables had turned, and it was clear that Steez wasn't alone in this fight anymore. Big brother had entered the chat.

"Three lost puppies, huh? Listen, I don't normally feast on Moltenfangs, but unless y'all want to find out how the Yulin Dog Meat Festival turned out for your kin, I suggest you run away." I said, gathering Bio Mana.

The three Moltenfang Direwolves growled in low, guttural unison, their molten eyes narrowing. But before they could react, three more Moltenfangs emerged from the shadows, padding into the clearing, their fiery breath steaming the air. Now six of them circled us, their snarls echoing through the night like the prelude to an inferno.

"Well, can't say I didn't give y'all a chance." I activated [Yin Mana Arts: Shadow Storage], summoning my ninjato sword.

The black blade, forged from mithril, gleamed in the dim light, its edge sharp enough to slice through the night itself. Mithril may be second to magisteel, but it channeled mana like a dream—just one that could shatter if overcharged. Something a normal M-Cee wouldn't worry about, but for me, it was always a consideration.

One of the Moltenfangs darted to our blindside, teeth bared, ready to strike. But my [Future Sense] kicked in, a whisper of the impending attack flashing in my mind. My body moved on instinct, my feet sliding into position as I prepared to parry.

"Mikazuki-no-Ken: Lunar Reflection," I said calmly.

In a fluid motion, I deflected the direwolf's momentum with a dancer's precision and a beast's strength. The ninjato sang as it cut through the air, slicing the direwolf's paws clean off before decapitating it in a single, swift stroke. The beast's body was still airborne, its severed head tumbling as I pivoted on my heel, the remaining force of the attack sending the corpse crashing into the underbrush.

Before the blood could splatter, I cast [Air Control] and [Spatial Control], infusing the blade with a razor-sharp edge that hummed with magical energy. The air around me crackled as [Molecule Manipulation] allowed me to manipulate the converted magitons, honing the ninjato's edge down to the molecular level, making it sharp enough to cut through magisteel like butter. With that trick, I could make a dull butterknife an Excalibur.

Xiro (thinking): "I wonder if wolf paws bring good luck? Like a rabbit foot."

Tsukuyomi (within): "No, master. No known Gaia clans collect direwolf paws for good luck."

Xiro (thinking): "Oh shit, Tsuki, my nigga, I didn't know you were listening."

Belial (within): "Shall we finish this?"

Xiro (thinking): "I was just about to spin the block for the rest of them. Can't have them messing with my baby brother."

The remaining five Moltenfangs growled, their bodies glowing with intense heat as they gathered fire mana within their jaws. The air shimmered with the promise of impending destruction, waves of heat distorting the surroundings. But I was already in motion, a decision made in the space of a heartbeat.

Activating [Wind Mana Arts: Flash Step], I became a blur, a phantom racing through the battlefield. My movements were a symphony of precision and speed, each step calculated to perfection. The world around me slowed as if even time itself was hesitant to keep up with my pace.

 The first direwolf barely had time to register my presence before I was upon it. I pivoted smoothly on my left foot, my ninjato slicing through the thick air with deadly grace. The blade connected with its neck, the sharp edge cleaving through flesh and bone in a single, fluid motion. The direwolf's molten eyes widened in shock, a fleeting moment of realization before its head separated cleanly from its body. The severed head toppled to the ground, the fire in its eyes extinguished, while its body crumpled to the earth, momentum carrying it forward a few more steps before it collapsed.

Before the first head even touched the ground, I was already moving to the next target. The second Moltenfang attempted to leap back, its survival instincts kicking in. But it was too slow. I ducked under its fiery breath, feeling the searing heat brush past my cheek, and unleashed an upward slash. The blade caught it under the jaw, severing its head with a decisive snap. The direwolf's body spasmed, flames flickering wildly before it crashed down beside its fallen comrade.

The third and fourth Moltenfangs tried to flank me, their movements synchronized in a desperate bid to overpower me. I spun on my heel, using [Air Control] to create a gust that forced them off balance. As they staggered, I struck with unerring accuracy. The third direwolf's neck gave way under the relentless force of my blade, its head soaring through the air before landing with a dull thud. The fourth managed to twist its body, attempting a final retaliatory strike, but I was already there, meeting it head-on with a diagonal slash that severed its head from its shoulders. The body fell forward, its lifeless form crashing to the forest floor, smoke rising from its glowing wounds.

The last direwolf hesitated, sensing the swift demise of its pack. Its molten eyes flickered with both fear and rage as it gathered a massive amount of Fire Mana, intent on releasing one final, devastating attack. But I didn't give it the chance. I closed the distance in a blink, my ninjato cutting through the thick mana-infused air. The strike was swift and unyielding, slicing through its neck with surgical precision. The fire that had been gathering within its jaws dissipated into the night, leaving only a lifeless corpse that slumped to the ground in defeat.

In less than seven seconds, the clearing fell silent, the six B-Class Moltenfang Direwolves lying defeated at my feet. The ninjato blade slid into its scabbard with a soft hiss, the sound barely audible over the dying crackle of the creatures' smoldering remains. The air hung heavy with the scent of burnt fur and charred earth, a reminder of the fierce battle that had just taken place.

"Finally caught up, huh? You got good timing as always, my niggah," Steez said, stretching his arms above his head, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

 It had been a decade since I was first placed on Gaia. The years had been brutal, filled with endless training and battles that had pushed me beyond my limits. Yet, through it all, I'd evolved twice. I wasn't conscious the first time, but the second... the second was something else entirely. It started with an uncomfortable tingle; like every cell in my body was on fire, but it quickly morphed into a euphoric wave of power as my entire being became infused with Bio Mana. My cells transformed, evolving into something stronger... more resilient.

My transformation into an Oni Sage had left a striking impression. My skin now boasted a deep, rich brown-reddish tone, smooth and luminous under the ambient light. From my forehead, sleek, pitch-black horns arched gracefully backward, their glossy surfaces contrasting sharply with the crimson pin marks beneath my intense gaze. My dreadlocks had grown a bit, becoming thick and lustrous strands of midnight black that seemed to possess a life of their own, subtly swaying with every slight movement of my head.

My attire reflected the power and wisdom I had gained. I wore a sleeveless gi top in a dark gray hue that absorbed shadows, accented with royal purple stitching that traced the contours of my athletic build. Over this, I donned a trench coat-length garment in the same royal purple, the fabric flowing and regal, symbolizing the authority I now carried. Prominently displayed on my back was an intricately embroidered Crescent Moon symbol in silver thread, its delicate curves and sharp points a testament to my evolved status. Every detail of my appearance, from the colors to the textures, spoke of the strength and serenity that defined me as "That Nigga".

This wasn't a full evolution—more like a Variant Evolution. It was a slight increase in power, a shift in form rather than a leap in species advancement. The cause? My abnormal stats and skills. While normal Onis leaned heavily on Combat Arts, the Oni Sage path was one for those with no combative weaknesses. Oni Sages are rare, even among Onis, making me a one-of-one anomaly from what I knew.

"I've been closer than you think, fool. I just wanted to watch a bit since you called iso on that Thunderhorn," I replied, dropping my ninjato back into my Shadow Storage, the blade vanishing into the void with a flick of my wrist.

"Oh snap! I hope that wildfire ain't catch his body as well," Steez quickly remembered.

"Let's go check on it," I told him, giving him a light pat on the back as we started moving through the scorched underbrush.

 The years on Gaia had been unforgiving, but they'd also made me stronger. I was no longer just a survivor—a predator, an apex in my own right. Now standing at five feet, six inches tall, my evolution into an Oni Sage had solidified that status. Even among the deadly creatures of Gaia, I stood apart, a unique force to be reckoned with.

 My baby brother, Steez, was the fourth child in our family. He was the son of Jeff Stylez, the Duke of Hayneville, Velonica—a man with a reputation that followed him like a shadow. People called him the "Manwhore" due to his ex-lovers who couldn't quite get over his endless charm. But to me, Jeff was a loving father and a solid role model. The problem was his relationship with Vericka, our mother, couldn't withstand their clashing views on Velonica. Jeff wanted Vericka to give up her position as Demon Lord to the other clans and focus on being a mother, but Vericka wasn't about to let the other clans have the title. She was convinced they were planning a war on the human nations. Despite their differences, they found a rhythm as co-parents to another one of the Mikazuki clan's unique prodigies.

When Steez was just two years old, something wild happened. It was one of those nights when I was up late meditating and studying my arts, and out of nowhere, he managed to activate an ability of his V-Skill, [Storm Sage: Susanoo]. This sub-skill was similar to our Grandma Fann's ability to read a soul's memories. Steez's sub-skill, [Memory Collection], went into overdrive, all thanks to him accidentally manipulating Temporal Mana.

Remember, I have the skill called [Absolute Memory], which allows me to remember moments I experience, even in my sleep. So, not only do I recall all the events, actions, and things I've done, but I also retain the information from things I heard while knocked out. And trust me, I've fallen asleep in front of the TV more times than I can count, with YouTube on autoplay, soaking in everything from survival videos, to how to build a house from nothing, and even to the science behind nuclear fusion. I used to get high and just fall into autoplay, don't judge me.

Then, [Midnight Star: Belial] kicked in, analyzing and copying Steez's [Memory Collection], and teamed up with [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] to create a new skill, [Memory Recreation]. This ability lets me take the small things I've heard and piece them together into full-blown visions of the past, thanks to mixing in a copy of [Sage Wisdom].

So there was Steez, a toddler, soaking up hours of my memories from my old life—especially the bits of Black American culture I carried with me. It didn't take long before he started talking more like someone from my old world than a typical Gaian. The way he used old pop culture references and said "nigga" with such ease and comfort, it almost felt like I was back home. He also fell in love with my collection of Kung Fu movies and anime. And honestly, I couldn't blame him. It's anime—what's not to love? Plus, I had someone else who spoke my "language".

 Steez walked me over to the lifeless Thunderhorn Stag, its body untouched now that the wildfire had subsided. The air still carried the bitter scent of smoldering embers, but the threat of a raging inferno had faded.

"See, over here is where I left Bambi," Steez said, jogging toward his trophy with a grin plastered across his face. He stood proudly, gesturing to the stag as if presenting it to an audience.

"You know, I'm the only one who's going to get that reference, right?" I said, chuckling.

"Well, you're the only person I was talking to. Who else is here?" He glanced around, genuinely puzzled.

"Dang, y'all can't see me over here?" a voice called out from behind the thinning smoke.

 As the last wisps of smog drifted away, my younger brother Artamis Mikazuki emerged, joining us around the stag.

 Artamis—or Art, as we often called him—was a sight to behold. His rich brown skin gleamed with the soft light filtering through the trees, and his vibrant golden eyes sparkled with an energy that was impossible to ignore. His hair was a tight, curly fade, meticulously shaped and always on point, complementing his youthful face. Art's outfit was as unique as he was—he wore a sleek black shirt with teal accents that matched his pants, each piece adorned with intricate designs. A broad strap ran across his chest, decorated with a red moon emblem that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. His gauntlets, silver and teal, looked both futuristic and ancient, while his boots were sturdy yet stylish, perfect for the adventurous spirit he embodied.

Art stood before us, a flicker of curiosity mingling with mischief in his eyes. The air seemed to hold its breath, as if the very world waited to see what he would do next.

"Yeah, I'mma need you to teach me that [Sense Presence] skill, Xi," Steez said, his gaze shifting back to me with that familiar eagerness.

"If I still got access to it. I've been upgraded to [Future Sense], but I got you," I replied, my thoughts momentarily wandering as I considered the possibilities.

"Master, a copy of [Sense Presence] has been located. Would you like to use the target-driven form of [Skill Imprint]?" [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] chimed in, its voice echoing in my mind.

"Nah, not right now. I'll do it tonight when we're back home," I relayed, my senses suddenly sharpening as a faint mana signature brushed against my awareness, creeping closer.

"Y'all were easy to find. All I had to do was follow the fire," Art said casually, stepping closer to inspect the Thunderhorn Stag, his presence as unassuming as ever.

"Art, you put the fires out?" Steez asked, his eyes scanning the now clear and eerily quiet opening.

"Duh. I'm always cleaning up y'all mess," Art replied, his voice light as he nudged the Thunderhorn's nose with the tip of his boot. "He's a nice size. Those antlers..."

But before he could finish his thought, a jolt of warning surged through me. My [Future Sense] activated, flashing a split-second image of a missile-like object barreling toward us from the sky. A Skyshadow Falcon, a B-Class Bird of Prey, had locked onto us, its wind mana-enhanced wings carrying it in for a lethal Falcon's Punch.

I could have easily deflected the attack, but Artamis was already ahead of me. Without even glancing behind him, he raised his arm, forming a gun shape with his fingers, and whispered, "...Bang."

In an instant, a searing wave of Fire Mana erupted from his fingertips, blazing through the air with terrifying speed. The heat was intense, a wave of scorching energy that sliced through the Skyshadow Falcon's stealth, revealing its form just as it was incinerated mid-flight. The smell of burning feathers filled the air as the charred remains of the bird plummeted to the ground, landing with a heavy thud between Steez and me, and skidding to a stop just behind Art, who hadn't so much as blinked.

"I'm sure I could use those antlers if y'all don't need them," Art muttered, his attention still fixated on the Thunderhorn's corpse, completely unfazed by the smoking wreckage now lying at his feet.

 Artamis, my younger brother, was originally the stoic one of our group. He wore a perpetually relaxed, almost sleepy expression, his face a mask of calm that rarely betrayed his emotions. But his mana signature told a different story—an inferno raging beneath the surface, always burning with an intensity that belied his laid-back demeanor. It was a trait he shared with Kimmi, his twin.

Unlike me, Artamis never aspired to immense power, but he possessed it nonetheless, along with a genius that was all his own. His [Fire Sage: Kagutsuchi] granted him absolute control over all things fire-related, including Fire Mana and Kinetic Energy Manipulation. But the skill I was most grateful for was [Transmutation]. With it, he could alter any object or target, reshaping its properties and nature, provided he had enough Mana to overpower it. He often used this skill to craft stunning replicas of weapons from my memories, which he and Steez would practice with. Though he lacked the Mana Pool to use it recklessly, I had no such limitation. So, naturally, I copied it.

"What in the world?" Steez muttered, eyes wide as he stared at the charred remains.

"Crispy Hen. Your favorite," Art called back with a chuckle, hefting the Skyshadow Falcon's large, blackened body. "Might've flash-cooked it a lil' too much, though."

"Nigga, you burnt it!" Steez shot back, his tone laced with disgust at the sight of the ruined bird.

 The Skyshadow Falcon, once a majestic creature, was now an unrecognizable mess of charred flesh and twisted feathers. The air was thick with the acrid stench of burnt meat, and the bird's once sleek, iridescent plumage had been reduced to brittle, blackened quills that crumbled at the slightest touch. Its body, now more ash than muscle, crackled softly as Art moved it, the remnants of what had been a formidable predator now nothing more than a grotesque shadow of its former self.

"Normally, they have lean, gamey meat that gives you a temporary agility boost after you eat it. But the feathers are the real prize," I added, examining the bird with a frown. "Yet, you fucked them up."

Art glanced around, nodding with satisfaction. "Oh well. Mom caught those Crystalback Boars, and with Steez's Thunderhorn as well, we're good on food."

"Yeah, I got those hotdogs that caused the fire," I said, shrugging as I sensed a familiar mana signature nearby. "But I'm really not that big on eating direwolf meat, even if it is a Moltenfang."

 Steez shook his head, recalling his earlier encounter. "Those lames pulled up on me when I was running an iso with the Thunderhorn, and I was Milly Rockin' on him mid-battle." He mimicked the dance, swaying with a playful hand motion and tilting his torso for emphasis. "I could've gotten away from the Moltenfangs if I didn't run low on MP."

"You can't be spamming that [Chrono Trigger] skill, bro. I know it's your favorite, but it drains hella mana." I replied, popping my neck to relieve some tension.

"Yeah, I know. I need to get my mana pool up," Steez conceded with a sigh.

 Steez's [Chrono Trigger] skill was a complex one—so complex that even [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] had trouble analyzing it. It didn't just manipulate magitons; it controlled an additional set of particles that I couldn't even perceive yet. At the time, it was impossible for me to copy the skill and use it, which only fueled my curiosity. There were still so many secrets to Mana Skills and Arts that I had yet to uncover, and that thought excited me.

"Everybody ain't got your infinite mana pool, Xi," Art teased, casting a glance in my direction.

I smirked. "Nigga, I know you ain't trying to talk like you so weak when you just no-scoped that Atlanta Falcon."

Art raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "Wait, ain't that one of your old world's soccerball teams?"

"Football," I corrected with a grin. "But I'll give you an E for effort."

Before we could continue the banter, Mom's voice cut through the air as she approached us. "So boys, what all did we get?"

Steez puffed out his chest, strutting over to her with a confident grin. "I got my target. 'Cause I'm the Realest Nigga in Velonica."

Mom smiled warmly at him, her pride evident. "Good job, baby. But why not aim to be the Fastest Hunter in Velonica instead of that made-up word your brother likes to use?"

Steez tried to correct her, his tone almost teacher-like. "It's from big bro's old world. It means I'm the best there is."

 I couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange, though Steez's words sparked a thought in my mind. In Gaia, the word "nigga" didn't exist—it had no history, no connotation. Here, it was a blank canvas. Back on Earth, the word was deeply rooted in my culture, but I wondered, could I redefine it here? Could I create a world where everyone wanted to be a "Real Nigga"?

Mom walked over to the Thunderhorn Stag, examining the outer damage it had taken. A proud smile tugged at her lips as she said, "I thought I felt six B-Class levels of pressure up here, but I guess they didn't take the kill. Good job, Steezy-baby."

Steez practically glowed from the praise, his cheeks flushing with a hint of red.

"I took care of the Moltenfangs with a Flash Step art. I stored the bodies, so that's more meat for us," I informed Mom.

She turned to me, her expression thoughtful as she seemed to search her memories. "Flash Step? The Wind Mana Art? I don't remember teaching you that." Her inner thoughts seemed to be racing, but she simply sighed, letting it go.

"Since it's Xiro, I'll ignore that he defeated six B-Class mana beasts with ease. He never stops doing crazy things. You kids are proof the next era of M-Cees will surpass anything I've seen before." She paused for a moment, then added quietly, "Xiro's mana pressure feels like his next evolution is near."

"Aye, Mom, since we got enough food, can we head back home now?" Artamis asked, turning to his mother. She seemed lost in thought for a moment.

"Yes, Art-baby, we can head back. In fact, I think your aunt is there with your new cousin for y'all to meet," Mom replied, her playful smile spreading as she rubbed the smugness off Art's cheeks.

I had just tucked the Thunderhorn Stag and Skyshadow Falcon into my [Yin Mana Arts: Shadow Storage] when Steez looked over and asked, "Mom, is he a real nigga?"

"If he's of Mikazuki blood, then he's a real negguh. Right, Xiro?" she said, flashing me a knowing grin.

"Haha, you're right, Mom," I laughed, appreciating her attempt to join in on our lingo.

"I was born a real niggah," Art chimed in, a smirk on his face.

"A-1 since day one," I added with a grin. My family was the best—always had been.

Mom paused, scanning the forest around us before looking back at the three of us. "Fellas, we're about a hundred and sixty-seven kilometers northeast of Talasi. You can tell because the Marie Pond is that way, about forty-two kilometers," she said, pointing northeast.

"That's where we go fishing," Steez noted.

"Yes, baby. So that means it would take us 33 minutes to get home if we jog," Mom replied, a devilish grin spreading across her face. She never missed a chance to turn anything into training.

"Ooh, we should race back to see who's the fastest!" Steez suggested, excitement bubbling in his voice. His mana pool had recovered a good bit, and he was practically buzzing with energy.

"That's a great idea! In fact, I'll give the winner a reward when we get back to the house. To win, you just have to make it to the barrier," Mom replied, her excitement barely contained.

"We're using skills, right?" Art asked, punching his fist into his palm, ready to go.

"Yes, baby, that's fine. Use whatever you want. Just don't attack each other," Mom uttered, her concern for our safety leaking through her smile.

 We all exchanged glances, eyes flashing with rivalry. My family always pushed me to grow stronger—I grew to want to be their protector, someone they could rely on in times of danger. But they were all prodigies, meaning I had to constantly step up my game to stay ahead.

 Vericka created a starting line, and as we lined up, she fired off a blast of wind. The air around us seemed to hum with anticipation. Artamis activated his skill [Human Rocket], one capable of launching him with an explosive force that would propel him into high-speed flight. Steez was ready to flicker through time with his [Chrono Trigger], leaving afterimages in his wake.

I knew this was the perfect time to test out a new art I had recently copied from Mom—[Wind Mana Arts: Flash Step], a technique that allowed for hypersonic movement, was a good choice. But thanks to my V-Skills, I also learned one of the arts Mom had kept hidden: [Wind Mana Arts: Air Samba].

Mom created an air bubble using [Air Control], letting it float lazily in the air before it popped with a sharp "POP!"—the signal to start. Art took off like a bat out of hell, and Steez flickered out of sight, leaving only a ripple in the fabric of time.

I stayed behind for a few seconds, gathering Wind Mana around my entire body. Mom's eyes widened in recognition as she watched the energy swirl around me.

"When in the hell did he learn..." she thought, but I was already finishing my chant.

"Wind Mana Arts: Air Samba," I whispered before vanishing from the line.

 The world blurred around me as I surged forward at impossible speeds. Air Samba pushed the boundaries of velocity, allowing me to move from hypersonic to light speed in an instant. The forest became a streak of blue, green, and dark brown, the wind roaring in my ears as I closed the gap between myself and my brothers.

Artamis was ahead, the explosive power of [Human Rocket] propelling him through the air with a crackle of energy. But Steez was the real challenge. With [Chrono Trigger], he was practically skipping through time, reappearing miles ahead with each flicker.

Artamis strained, pushing himself harder, but no matter how fast he went, Steez crept ahead. The distance between them grew with each flicker, but I was closing in fast, the air rippling around me as I approached light speed.

Steez flickered again, but I caught a glimpse of him just before he reappeared, the faint glow of his mana pool dimming. He was running low on mana—he'd pushed [Chrono Trigger] too far.

Just nine feet from the finish line, Steez stumbled as his mana flickered out. He landed hard, gasping for breath, his eyes widening in shock as he saw me slide in front of him, crossing the perceived goal line a split second before he could.

 The world slowed back down as I crossed the finish line, the air settling around me. I skidded to a stop, turning just in time to see Steez fall to his knees, exhausted but grinning.

Artamis landed with a heavy thud a moment later, his face a mix of frustration and admiration. "Dang, Xiro," he panted, "You really pulled that off."

I laughed, my heart pounding with the thrill of victory. "My niggas, I'm glad to see y'all," I said, grinning as Mom walked up, her expression a mix of pride and amusement.

"Well done, Xiro," she said, ruffling my hair. "But don't think this means you get to slack off. We still have a long way to go."

 I nodded, still smiling. My family always pushed me to be better, and this race was just another step in the journey. But for now, I could savor the win—at least until the next challenge came along.

[End of Chapter]