Ink of the Heart Chapter 5: The Tale of Satoryo and the First Trial
Evening had settled within the temple walls. A gentle glow from lanterns lit the room where Bokuro, Kitsui, and Nensudo sat, resting after a long day of training. Shadows danced along the walls while the soft breeze from the window rustled the pages of their Scripts.
Suddenly, Kitsui grew quiet, her expression calm but serious. She held her Script close, yet her mind seemed far away.
"Do you know the true origin of Enlightenment?" she asked quietly.
Both Bokuro and Nensudo turned to her, startled. Bokuro replied, "I've heard it's a powerful book… but I don't know the real story."
Kitsui smiled faintly. "Let me tell you. This is something every true Scriptor must know. My first master told me this story—and now, it's my turn to pass it on."
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The Tale of Satoryo
Long ago, when there were very few Scriptors in the world, there lived a young man — Satoryo. He was no ordinary man; he had a heart that could feel every emotion deeply. Sorrow, love, fear, anger — every emotion lived within his soul.
But one day, his village was attacked. His people, his family… everything was destroyed. Yet, Satoryo did not break. He began to pour that pain, that sorrow into a book. That book was — Enlightenment.
But it was no ordinary book. It was a symbol of his suffering, his truth, and the inner strength he had lived through. He wrote every page with his blood and tears. That's why, to this day, no one has been able to fully understand the book.
They say that Enlightenment only grants its power to the one who writes with a true heart — without deceit, without fear.
Bokuro was speechless. He had never imagined that the book he dreamed of mastering had been born from such heartbreak and sacrifice.
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The First Trial
As silence settled after the story, the door creaked open. Master Yusugo entered, his face firm.
"Your training begins now," he declared.
The three students stood quickly and followed Yusugo out into the temple's main training grounds. Dozens of squads were already practicing—each team of three under the guidance of a master. The air was filled with shouts, glowing Scripts, and a powerful sense of purpose.
Yusugo turned to them. "Your first trial: Defense through Emotion. Each of you must use your feelings to create a shield that will block my attack."
Kitsui stepped forward first. She closed her eyes, held her Script to her chest, and wrote, "I want to protect everyone." A soft blue light emerged, forming a shimmering, transparent shield—a reflection of her compassion.
Next was Nensudo. He took a deep breath, then wrote, "I will guard my people." A strong golden shield took form, sturdy and unbreakable—born from pride and courage.
Then came Bokuro's turn. His hands trembled slightly. But then he steadied himself and wrote, "I'm afraid… but I'll still stand." A deep red shield appeared around him, pulsing gently—crafted from the power to face fear.
Yusugo smiled faintly. "A shield is not just power. It is the armor of your soul. And this… this is just the beginning."
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As the three walked back to their room later, their hearts were quiet but heavy with realization. They weren't just students anymore—they were stepping onto a path where emotion was weapon and shield, light and shadow.
Bokuro glanced at his Script, thinking of the tale Kitsui had told.
Could I ever become someone like Satoryo? he wondered.
(To be continued...)