Divine Protocol: Rise Beyond Mortals

When Hiroshi dismissed Sayuri's chosen technique, her face fell, a wave of disappointment washing over her. She felt a sting of hurt, her pride bruised, when Shizuka placed a hand on her shoulder and said softly,

"Your choice wasn't great, big sister, but it's not your fault."

Shizuka smiled and moved toward Hiroshi, but Sayuri's frustration flared. First Hiroshi insults me, and now Shizuka joins in? she fumed silently, her mind a whirlwind of irritation.

Meanwhile, Hiroshi reached the ancient book, his fingers brushing its cover as he prepared to lift it. Shizuka appeared beside him, her face bright with a wide grin.

"Hiroshi, I found a technique for you too!"

Before she could elaborate, Hiroshi snapped, his patience thinning,

"No, I don't like it—put it back."

He grabbed the old book, leaving Shizuka's mouth agape in shock. He hadn't even heard her suggestion before rejecting it outright. Sayuri approached, placing a hand on Shizuka's shoulder with a smirk.

"Your choice wasn't great, little sister, but it's not your fault."

Shizuka's face turned red with embarrassment as Sayuri echoed her earlier words. Hiroshi, oblivious to their exchange, began reading the book. Ice Grip—this technique allowed one to shape ice at will, forming swords, spears, or even a defensive wall, though its use depended on the practitioner's Seishin level.

Hiroshi paused, musing inwardly, This is perfect for me, even if it's incomplete. I'll master it anyway.

Sayuri and Shizuka noticed the book in his hands, their eyes widening in disbelief. Sayuri stepped forward, her tone cautious.

"Hiroshi, don't learn this. It's incomplete and incredibly difficult! You'd need at least five months of meditation, and even then, there's no guarantee you'll succeed."

Shizuka nodded, her voice gentle.

"Sister's right, Hiroshi. Pick another technique—this one will only bring you disappointment."

Hiroshi sensed their concern—they didn't want his first attempt at a technique to end in failure. But he felt compelled; Ice Grip seemed the easiest, letting him defeat opponents with thought alone, sparing him the need for physical combat training.

With resolve, he declared,

"It may be half-complete, but I'll master it."

Sayuri and Shizuka wanted to protest again, but his determination silenced them. They sighed in unison, resigned. Sayuri then handed him an empty book.

"Write the technique here, then return the original."

Hiroshi understood—keeping the book would deny others the chance to learn it. He took the empty book and began transcribing the incomplete Ice Grip. Ryūjin had revealed it was split into two parts, the first in his hands—a secret unknown even to the palace.

After finishing, he returned the original to its rack and clutched the new book tightly.

Seeing Hiroshi secure his choice, Sayuri said,

"Let's go—Hiroshi needs to practice."

Shizuka and Hiroshi nodded, turning to leave, but Hiroshi froze, a strange sensation gripping him. The sisters stopped, watching him curiously. His gaze fixed on a massive stone slab, atop which sat a large iron box bound with thick chains. A peculiar energy pulsed from it, tingling his skin.

Ryūjin's voice echoed in his mind,

"This sight makes my blood boil—happens only with kin or a sworn enemy."

Surprised, Hiroshi asked,

"Your sworn enemy? Who?"

Ryūjin grumbled,

"The dragon clan."

Hiroshi's ears perked up. "So, a dragon's trapped inside?"

"No, not a pet! It might hold a powerful technique—stronger than your girlfriend Aoi's Phoenix move," Ryūjin teased.

Hiroshi recalled Aoi's technique annihilating a blood serpent in an instant. If this surpassed that, he couldn't let it go. Steeling himself, he stepped toward the box, but a hand clamped on his shoulder, freezing him in place.

Turning, he faced an old man, bald and stern—Sōma—his grip unyielding. Sayuri rushed forward, her voice urgent yet respectful.

"Library Officer Sōma, what are you doing? Release him!"

Despite her pleas, Sōma increased the pressure, forcing Hiroshi to his knees with a choked gasp. Sayuri and Shizuka grew frantic, but Sōma remained unmoved.

Hiroshi writhed in pain, but suddenly, a powerful force pressed down on Sōma, dropping him to his knees. The pressure on Hiroshi lifted. Sōma shouted,

"Your Majesty, ease your power!"

King Haruto materialized, his eyes cold as ice, though he restrained his anger. In a deep voice, he said,

"Sōma, I sent Hiroshi here to choose a technique. How dare you test him with your power?"

Releasing his hold, he allowed Sōma to speak. Hiroshi, now beside the king, glared at the old man.

Sōma rose, hands clasped.

"Your Majesty, I meant no harm—I was testing him."

King Haruto frowned. "Testing what?"

Sōma took a deep breath.

"He saw the Five Elements of Dragon technique's first part and approached it. Your son instructed me to let only the worthy see it, so I tested him."

The king understood—Five Elements of Dragon was a technique even he couldn't master, its history bringing a mist to his eyes.

Hiroshi stepped forward, addressing Sōma.

"I misjudged you, but I still want that technique. What must I do?"

Impressed, Sōma listened as King Haruto interjected,

"If Hiroshi wins the upcoming tournament, will you deem him worthy?"

Sōma pondered, then nodded.

"Yes, if he wins and earns the Solar Blade, he can use it. I have no objection."

Relieved, the king and Hiroshi exhaled. The king vanished, and Hiroshi thanked Sōma, who added,

"I want this technique shared, but…"

He paused, shifting topics.

"I hope you win the tournament."

With that, Sōma disappeared. Sayuri and Shizuka rushed to Hiroshi.

"Are you okay, Hiroshi?"

He nodded. "Who was Sōma?"

Shizuka explained,

"He's the Technique Shrine officer and our father's best friend."

Hiroshi asked, "Where's your father?"

Their faces fell. Sayuri replied softly,

"We don't know—we've never seen him."

Hiroshi felt their pain, mirroring his own uncertainty about his parents. Shizuka broke the somber mood.

"Hiroshi, shouldn't you practice Ice Grip? If you want Five Elements of Dragon, start now."

Hiroshi agreed, glancing at the box, imagining a clay dragon staring back. After a moment, he left with the sisters. In the palace corridors, Sayuri asked,

"Hiroshi, you have a storage ring, yet you carry the book. Is it full?"

Hiroshi realized he'd forgotten to use Ryūjin's ring, too busy that day. As he opened his mouth to reply, two boys—Kazuya and Takumi—blocked their path, their eyes glinting with curiosity.

Who are Kazuya and Takumi, and will they cause trouble for Hiroshi? What's the story behind the technique that moved the king to tears? Where is Sayuri and Shizuka's father? Will Hiroshi master Ice Grip?

To find out, keep reading…