Page 23 of Son of Shadows

“Shouldn’t we be searching for the World Eater?”

Katsu shook his head. “And what would you do if you found him?”

“Beat him.”

Katsu actually rolled his eyes. “No, you wouldn’t. You’d bleed. A lot. Then you’d die. You must be prepared, or finding him will be useless.”

Ryuichi hated to admit Katsu was right. He still had a lot to learn.

Fine. He’d do this.

Already in his blue armor, Katsu went to the small wooden rack and pulled out two practice swords.

As he turned back to face Ryuichi, a matching suit of armor magically appeared over Ryuichi’s body, piece by piece. Starting with the kabuto, which had elk-like horns, and ending with the dō, which was flecked with gold. Ryuichi had never owned a full set of samurai armor before. He gasped as he ran his hand over the chest plate. It was heavy, but so heroic.

Wow!

He felt grown. Invincible, even!

Katsu handed him a sword. “How much do you know?”

“I’ve been taught by Koichi. He’s the best swordsman in the world.”

Katsu appeared as doubtful as most. That was expected, but always a mistake. While Ryuichi knew he was nowhere near as accomplished as his sensei, he had been battle-tested.

But as much as he’d gone through, he still didn’t quite trust or understand his own abilities.

Katsu grabbed his wooden katana and walked to his corner of the arena.

Ryuichi knew what the tengu thought as he sized him up. Just another child. Another easy victory.

But he was much more than that.

I’m the son of a goddess. Fathered by one of the greatest evils ever known.

And still that little voice sounded in the back of his mind. You’re nothing. A foundling. No one thinks anything of you.

It was so hard to silence these terrible lifelong doubts. Those soul-destroying criticisms that had once haunted him like an oni bent on devouring every part of his being.

I won’t let it win.

I am Mahōtsukai Ryuichi. Summoner of Masaru. Controller of the gates.

Katsu narrowed his gaze on Ryuichi as if he could hear his thoughts. “Begin!” He lunged forward and struck. A loud pop sounded.

“And it’s over.” He returned to his corner.

Confused by that, Ryuichi blinked. At first, he thought it was a joke, then he realized his right arm hurt.

Badly. And his sword was on the ground by his side.

Katsu had struck him so quickly he hadn’t even seen it.

Then the pain really set in. Gasping, Ryuichi doubled over. His entire arm was numb and aching. Never in his life had he seen anyone move so swiftly.

Or hit so hard.

Had that been a real sword instead of wood, he’d be dead now.