The Eternal Sketch

Ryo's heart pounded as he stared at the cat he had drawn. Though it had only blinked for a second, it had been real—his creation had come to life, if only briefly. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was as if a spark of his very soul had been transferred into the ink.

Elara nodded approvingly. "You're beginning to grasp the essence of Ink Power. But a simple flicker of life isn't enough. To truly master this art, you must imbue your creations with will."

Ryo frowned. "Will? I thought skill alone was enough."

She shook her head, leading him toward an intricate mural of a warrior battling a colossal beast. The warrior's drawn blade shimmered with a strange energy. "In this world, art is more than just skill. It's an extension of one's spirit. The stronger your will, the more powerful your creations."

Ryo clenched his fist. Back in Tokyo, he had poured his entire heart into his stories, but here, it wasn't just about emotion—it was about manifesting it into reality.

"Try again," Elara urged, placing another blank page before him.

Taking a deep breath, Ryo steadied his hand and began sketching once more. This time, he focused not just on the physical form, but on the essence of his creation. He wanted movement, purpose, life. He imagined the cat stretching, yawning, its tail flicking with curiosity. He wanted it to feel alive.

The ink shimmered again, more vividly this time. The cat twitched—and then, before his eyes, it stood up. Its tiny paws pressed against the paper as if testing the surface. Then it leaped off the page, landing on the table with a soft thud.

Ryo gasped. The cat meowed, rubbing against his hand before dissipating into wisps of ink.

A thrill shot through him. He had done it.

Elara smiled. "That is the first step. Your journey has begun, but there is much more to learn."

Before Ryo could respond, a deep chime echoed through the academy halls. The doors at the far end of the chamber swung open, and a robed figure entered. His presence commanded silence, and the students immediately stopped their practice.

"Master Callus," Elara whispered, bowing slightly. "This is Ryo, the newcomer."

Callus's piercing gaze fell on Ryo. "So, you are the outsider who has awakened the ink. Interesting." He stepped closer, inspecting the remnants of the cat's form. "A raw talent, but untamed."

Ryo swallowed hard. "I want to learn more," he said, his voice steady.

Callus studied him for a moment before nodding. "Then prepare yourself, for the true test of your abilities begins now."

As the grand doors shut behind them, Ryo knew there was no turning back. He was about to discover the full potential of Ink Power—and the challenges that came with it.