Inside the Kasama household, the air was thick with tension. Maito and Ryoji sat across from each other, their voices low and serious.
"This village has been peaceful for too long," Maito muttered. "But something feels off. The sudden increase in monster activity… and now a Direwolf appearing near the village?" His fingers tapped against the wooden table. "This isn't normal, Father."
Ryoji sighed, rubbing his temples. "I know." He leaned forward. "That's why I trained Kaito and why I'm helping Hiroshi. If danger is coming, we need fighters."
Maito's sharp gaze narrowed. "Tell me about this Hiroshi."
Ryoji paused, then smirked. "He's… interesting."
Meanwhile, outside the house, Kaito fidgeted with excitement.
"Hiroshi!" he whispered, grabbing my arm. "Let's eavesdrop on them!"
I raised an eyebrow. "You sure that's a good idea?"
"Of course!" Kaito grinned. "My brother always talks about crazy stuff. Maybe we'll hear something important."
I sighed but followed his lead as we crept toward the window. Kaito was practically bouncing on his feet, but just as we got close enough to hear—
The front door swung open violently.
Maito stepped out, his sharp eyes locking onto us.
"Kaito," he said in an amused tone. "I know you're trying to eavesdrop, but our conversation is already over. So, stop wasting time and come here now."
Kaito froze mid-step, his mouth hanging open. "H-How did you—?"
Maito smirked. "You're predictable."
I exhaled, relieved that we weren't in trouble. But then Maito turned to me, his eyes analyzing me like a predator sizing up prey.
"Hiroshi."
I stood up straight. "Yes?"
A gleam of excitement flashed in Maito's gaze. "I heard you killed a Direwolf."
I nodded slowly. "I did."
Maito crossed his arms. "That's impressive… but I want to see it for myself."
I blinked. "See what?"
Maito's smirk widened. "Your strength. Let's have a duel."
The words hit me like a thunderbolt.
The villagers around us gasped, murmuring in shock. An elite soldier challenging an outsider?
Kaito's jaw dropped. "Wait, wait, wait—big brother, are you serious?! You want to fight Hiroshi?"
Maito nodded. "Not a real fight. Just a friendly duel." He looked at me. "You've fought monsters, but have you fought a trained warrior?"
I clenched my fists. The answer was no.
I had been fighting for survival, but a duel with a real soldier was an entirely different battle.
But still…
I wasn't going to back down.
I met Maito's gaze and gave a determined nod. "Alright. I accept."
Maito's smirk deepened. "Good. Let's see what you've got."