Chapter 4 – The Border Between Body and Spirit
The air thickened. A strange vibration echoed through the hall, as if even the walls could sense something beyond the natural. Kaito's black card hovered in his hand, softly pulsing with a dark blue glow.
"What... kind of trick is this?" Jin spoke, unsettled by the unfamiliar energy radiating from Kaito's stare. This was no longer the same opponent from a moment ago.
Kaito said nothing. His eyes glowed, and the tip of his dart seemed to aim itself. Soul Scope — a power he hadn't fully mastered, yet something deep within him whispered what to do.
He let the dart fly.
It struck the edge of the 20 segment — not technically perfect, but almost impossible to hit. Jin froze. He fired back quickly, but his dart landed slightly off. For the first time, he hesitated.
In the shadows of the balcony, the silhouette of a girl appeared once more. Her hair fluttered slightly, caught in a breeze that didn't come from the vents. As if the energy shifted with the duel. Her eyes sparkled — not with surprise, but satisfaction.
"So it really is you," she whispered. No one heard her.
Kaito felt eyes on his back. His body tensed, but his focus remained on the board. He knew now this match was no ordinary game.
It was a trial. Maybe even a calling.
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Jin took a deep breath. His hand trembled for a moment, then steadied. He gripped the dart and closed his eyes.
"You think you're the only one with a weapon?" he muttered, barely audible. His dart began to shimmer — not with magic, but with something else. Precision. Devotion. The cold strength of survival.
"Sharp Break Technique..." he whispered, and released.
The dart pierced the board, striking the segment at such an angle that it cracked — Kaito heard the metal give way. The crowd fell silent. A throw like that wasn't seen even in world championships.
"It's not a power," Jin said, turning toward Kaito. "It's something you can't learn… only survive. We call it the Instinct of Survival."
Kaito's heart pounded faster. This match had changed. It wasn't just about winning or losing anymore.
Two players. Two paths. Two worlds colliding.
From the balcony, the girl smiled faintly.
"And the game begins."