We open up to a beautiful day on Earth; everything appears normal with blue skies, green grass, and people fighting. Wait, what?!? Yes, that's right, folks, but this isn't your normal fight. They are engaged in a soul battle with phantoms—heroes and villains from other worlds—granting them special powers and abilities to combat each other. Each phantom is different from the last, and special individuals called Duelists can wield them. There is a special academy for teaching these Duelists, but soon we focus on our main character.

?????: Driving his bike in a rush, pedaling like a maniac "AHHHHH, I'M GONNA BE LATE!!!"

Our main character is running late to this academy, but he is special as he is unable to make a contract with a phantom. However, he has been having strange dreams of a door. Pedaling away, he failed to notice a kid, standing at 6'8, casually strolling on the sidewalk with a katana strapped to his side.

???: Yawning, he found today to be boring, not expecting his life to change.

?????: "GANGWAY!!" He rushes beside the guy on his bike, pedaling like a maniac.

The 6'8 boy sidesteps, skillfully avoiding the maniac who runs into a stump.

?????: "Owwwww." He soon laughs. "Hahaha, maybe dad was right. I should look before I leap."

???: "That, and perhaps cut back on the coffee." he said coldly staring at the boy who crashed at a stump not sensing any phantom energy in him which was odd in this world.

????: "But I don't drink coffee. Wait, it's you!!" He points at him with a sudden realization, his eyes widening.

??: Stands by the front gate of the academy, glancing at his watch, his impatience evident as he taps his foot while waiting for the MC. "Ok, where is he... he should be here; it's not like he's late or something."

??: Umm, yeah, did I do something to you?

????: He rises from his spot with a determined look. "Make me your rival!!" Passion resonates in his voice.

??: Deadpans. "Do you seriously go around yelling at people to demand they make you their rival?"

????: "Nope, but I need to be your rival because I shall be the next phantom champion!!"

???: Sweatdrop intensifies. "...Do you even know my name?"

???: "Why do I get the feeling he just asked someone to be his rival?" His eye twitches as he frustratedly dials the MC's number. "Oi! Dude, where are you?" The blue and black-haired boy engages in a conversation on his phone with the MC, his impatience and concern evident in the way he talks.

????: With a hint of pride in his voice, he declares,"Your name is Ethan Tempest, and your phantom is Adam Taruas." The soft hum of his visor sliding into place underscores the weight of his knowledge. "You've been the champion for a solid decade, an unchallenged reign of supremacy."

Ethan: Maintaining a calm and collected composure. "Huh, that's impressive...but no, I won't be your rival."

????: "Why the hell not?!?" His face contorts with a mix of frustration and determination.

???: As his call goes to voicemail, he sighs. "I hope he gets here in time..." He tries to call the MC by phone again, but there's no response. ".......Pick up your damn phone, dude..." He leans against a wall at the entrance of the Academy, waiting for the MC to arrive.

Ethan: "Easy, we haven't battled, and I don't know if you're worth my time."

????: "Well, how will you know if you don't try?!?" He challenges Ethan, who has heard rumors about this boy—the phantomless, one who charges into battle without a phantom and gets his ass kicked but doesn't stop.

Ethan: He smirks, his words dripping with a calculated confidence. " 'Cause I don't waste time, kid. Challenge me, and I'll see if you're even worth the effort." With an effortless stride, he walks off, leaving behind an air of nonchalance. "Also, check your phone; it's been ringing for 10 minutes."

????: Growls as he checks his phone, simultaneously fishing his bike out of the river.

???: Dials the MC again, and the call goes through successfully. "Dude, where are you?"

????: "Umm, running late, but no worries, I'm on my way." He hops on his bike, pedaling towards the academy.

???: "Also, why the hell did I get the feeling you asked someone to be your rival?"

????: His eyes narrow ever so slightly, and he chuckles, a nervous edge beneath the surface. "Umm, don't question that part, Sliver." His pace quickens as he nears the academy, as if eager to change the topic and bury the inquiry in the urgency of the moment.

Sliver: "Seriously, the 'Don't question that part?' Did you ask someone to be your rival, and I'm gonna take a guess they rejected the offer or something?" Notices the silhouette of the MC on his bike.

Ethan: Strolling by with an air of indifference, he casually interjects. "He did," his words carry a note of nonchalance, yet there's a subtle glint in his eyes, suggesting a keen observation of the unfolding dynamics between the two.

?????: He manages to catch up with Sliver, though Ethan slips away. "Hey Sliver."

Silver: "Hey Ki." Uses the visor on Ethan, a mix of curiosity and skepticism in his gaze as he then Looks at Kibou. ".....Did you seriously ask the Champion to be your rival?"

Kibou: He scratches his head, a sheepish grin on his face as he glances away, evading direct eye contact. "Umm, maybe."

Silver: Raises an incredulous eyebrow. "......Did you really?" His expression shifts from curiosity to mild disbelief as Kibou's avoidance confirms his suspicion.

Kibou: In an attempt to change the subject, he suggests nonchalantly. "Umm, let's head to class." He starts heading to his class, a subtle hint of nervousness in his step.

Silver: Shakes his head slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. "Sure thing." He follows Kibou to class, the unspoken tension lingering in the air.

Ethan: In the dimly lit classroom, he sits with an air of composed contemplation, eyes closed as if lost in thought. "....So?"

Adam: Emerging silently beside him, his presence feels like a phantom's whisper. "Don't know yet, need to see him in action."

Ethan: Nods slightly, a subtle acknowledgment of the strategy being woven in the silent exchange.

Soon we see Kibou walking down the stone pathway suspended over an abyss, as the air thickens with an otherworldly tension. The door before him, adorned with ancient chains and guarded by intricate locks, emanates an eerie energy. Whispers, ethereal and haunting, echo through the abyss, calling his name with a spectral urgency.

Whispering Voice: "Kibou... unlock the mysteries within. Open the door to your destiny."

Each chain clinks with a ghostly resonance, as if resonating with the weight of untold secrets. The locks, engraved with cryptic symbols, seem to shift in response to the whispers, inviting Kibou into the unknown.

Whispering Voice: "The power awaits you, Kibou. Embrace it."

Suddenly, the whispers intensify, intertwining with the distant echoes of a heartbeat, as if the door holds the pulse of some cosmic force waiting to be unleashed. The atmosphere becomes charged with a sense of foreboding, leaving Kibou caught in the mysterious dance between dreams and reality. And then, with an abrupt jolt, he awakens. "Huh, what happened?"

Ethan: Hovering over him, a calm aura enveloping him. "You fell asleep."

Kibou: With a hint of frustration. "Dang, I'm usually not like this." The lingering dream's impact casts a shadow on his usual demeanor.

Silver: "Ki, you don't usually fall asleep during class." His voice carries a mixture of concern and mild surprise.

Ethan: "Well, I was told to wake you. Come on, Combat class is about to start." There's an air of authority in Ethan's words, and he seems to effortlessly command attention.

Kibou: "Yeah, sorry. I don't know why I fell asleep, and yay, best class!!" Kibou's apology is laced with a genuine yet sheepish tone, and the excitement in his voice is palpable.

Silver: Gulps nervously, his discomfort evident, especially in Combat class. His posture tightens slightly as he anticipates the challenges ahead.

Ethan: Vanishes with an enigmatic departure. "Don't be late." Ethan's sudden disappearance leaves an enigmatic aura, adding to the mystique that surrounds him.

Kibou: "Yeah, yeah!" He responds with a buoyant smile, entering Combat class. Kibou's enthusiasm is infectious as he steps into the arena, ready for the upcoming challenges.

Silver: Follows Kibou into Combat Class. Silver's apprehension is visible, and his steps carry a mix of determination and nervous energy.

Soon, we see Kibou skillfully dodging attacks in a sparring match with a phantom user. The arena comes alive with the dance of combat, and Kibou's agility shines through as he navigates the challenges of the sparring match.

Ethan: In the midst of the battle, his movements are fluid and precise as he takes down a skilled warrior with ease. I'm getting bored.

Adam: Observing the battle with an air of calm confidence. (I know, just wait.) His spectral eyes reflects a subtle glow as he analyzes the unfolding dynamics, a silent strategist in the midst of chaos.

Bully 1: The school bully, wielding the formidable phantom Cardin, relentlessly attacks Kibou, reveling in his apparent weakness. "Hahahaha, so weak!!"

Kibou: Despite the onslaught, he musters a defiant response, albeit weakly. "Yeah, your mother was after I was done with her." His words hang in the air before he's struck again.

As the bully prepares for another strike, Ethan swiftly intervenes, blocking the attack with his katana. The clash of weapons resonates through the arena.

Bully 1: "Why the hell are you protecting this weakling?!?" His anger is palpable as the mace comes to an abrupt halt.

Kibou: Coughing, he weakly protests, "You didn't need to do that." There's a mixture of gratitude and surprise in his voice as he glances at Ethan.

Ethan: "I hate egotistical pricks harming people who can't fight back...plus I hate his voice." His tone carries a weight of disdain for the bully's actions, and his eyes narrow with an intense resolve.

Kibou: Grimacing but defiant, "Who says I stopped fighting back?" Despite the pain, Kibou's eyes flash with a fiery determination as he tightens his grip on his wounds.

Bully 2: Meanwhile, the other bully mercilessly beats Silver with a Halberd from his phantom, Sky. The echoes of each strike reverberate through the arena, painting a grim picture of the unequal battle.

Silver: Bruised and battered, Silver bears the physical toll of the relentless assault. His determination, however, flickers in the grit of his expression.

Ethan: His gaze sharpens, eyes fixed on the other bully. "Hmph, fine, but do it in the arena... it's more honorable." There's a sense of unyielding principle in Ethan's words as he insists on a fair fight.

Kibou: Rushing over to Silver, he positions himself protectively. "You won't hurt my friend!!" Kibou's defiant stance emphasizes his commitment to shielding Silver from harm.

Bully 2: "He's a weakling, he deserves—"

Ethan: Interrupting swiftly, he delivers a resounding whack to the bully with his sheathe and follows up with a decisive kick to the other. "I hate bullies." His actions resonate with a raw distaste for those who abuse their strength.

Kibou: "Like hell he does!!" He stands firm, a shield against the bullying onslaught, his protective instinct overriding his own injuries.

Ethan: "Alright then, I'll talk to the teacher and set up a match." His voice resonates with a sense of authority, as if he's orchestrating a pivotal event.

Kibou: Determined but conflicted, "I'll face the two bullies myself!!"

Silver: "Kibou... no, you're not doing it alone." Despite the pain, Silver's eyes reflect unwavering solidarity with Kibou.

Ethan: Bonks Kibou's head with his katana, a gesture both stern and oddly paternal. "Shut it, boy. If you and your friend want to be stronger, he must battle alongside him."

Kibou: Gritting his teeth, torn between conviction and concern for his friends. "I just can't stand by and watch my friends get bullied. It goes against everything I believe in."

Ethan: Deadpan and pragmatic. "I'm setting up a match for you four, just get ready."

Unbeknownst to them, except for the phantoms, a hallowed presence stirs in the shadows—the legendary Swordsman, a phantom of unparalleled skill and history. Whispers among the phantoms herald the impending return, a grand revival of one of the greatest Swordsmen in history. His phantom essence, shrouded in mystery, casts a spectral silhouette that sends ripples through the very fabric of the phantom realm. Even the wisest phantoms whisper tales of his unrivaled swordsmanship, a force capable of shifting the tides of any battle. As the whispers echo through the unseen dimensions, the legendary Swordsman prepares to make his presence felt in the clash of phantoms and mortals.

Silver: "I won't just stand by for those bullies to continue... this shit..." His words echo with defiance, pain etched on his features.

Ethan: Walks out with purpose. "Okay, get in the middle and no dirty fighting... or else."

Kibou: Helps Silver up, the weight of the impending challenge settling on their shoulders. Together, they step into the middle, where whispers foretell Kibou's supposed downfall.

Silver: Sends a small glare to the ones whispering, an unspoken defiance against the unseen forces.

Ethan: Bangs his katana on the floor, demanding attention. "Enough! The rules are this: no dirty shots, no illegal magic, and no cursed items... or I will intervene, Understood?"

Silver: Nods in agreement. "Understood."

Kibou: "Bring it on!!" He challenges the bullies with a fearless resolve, ready to face the impending onslaught.

Bully (2): Smirks at Silver. "Prepare to get humiliated."

Ethan: Nods sternly. "BEGIN!"

The bullies attack with their respective weapons—Lance and Mace, Sky and Cardin.

Kibou: "Too slow." Dodges the attacks and counters with a punch, though it seems ineffective.

Silver: Barely dodges a Lance strike and retaliates with a solid right hook on Bully (2).

Ethan: What do you think?

Adam: Nothing yet... but I do sense something.

Kibou, after being sent back by the Bully, gets back up and attacks again, a glint of determination in his eyes.

Silver: Gets hit and tumbles to the ground from Bully (2).

Bully (2): "Prepare to get destroyed, weakling! You don't belong here!" He swings down with his Lance towards Silver, unaware of the legendary Swordsman making his return with a shadowy appearance.

In the clash of metal, a shadowy figure appears before Silver, blocking the Lance strike. All the phantoms recognize this shadowy Phantom, and the longsword he wields.

Kibou: Keeps dodging the bully's attacks, slowly accumulating more wounds. "I won't back down, no matter what! I shall become the hero of hope in this world!!" Suddenly, Kibou finds himself before the mysterious door again, its question echoing in his mind. "DO YoU HaVe tHE COurAGE TO OpEn ThIs DoOr?!?" Kibou laughs as he rushes at the door pushing it to open the door. "I SHALL CREATE THE FUTURE OF HOPE!!" A bright light envelops Kibou as he opens his eyes, witnessing the transformation. The bully, now surrounded by a dark aura, as Kibou groans in pain. "Woah, what?!?" As he looks around, Kibou discovers four phantoms, yet three of them leave in a blur, leaving one who wears a red cloak and has silver eyes as Kibou is just speechless facing his new phantom Ruby Rose.

Silver: "H-huh?" Sees Bully (1) enveloped in a dark aura and writhing in pain. Meanwhile, Bully (2) is blocked by a Shadowy Phantom, whose name remains unknown to Silver. He can't see the name of his Phantom, but he can discern the other name. "A... assassin..." The Shadowy Phantom parries Bully (2)'s lance strike, sending the Bully backward.

Ethan: Raises an intrigued eyebrow. Seems it's begun.

Adam: Hehehe, indeed. The unfolding spectacle is quite intriguing.

Bully (1): "DARK PHANTOMIZE." Soon, he undergoes a monstrous transformation as the dark aura erupts.

Kibou: "What is happening to them?" Shields himself, visibly perplexed.

Ruby: "Dark Phantomize." Floating next to Kibou shielding herself against the aura "We need to stop them. Will you phantomize with me?"

Kibou: His eyes sparkle, a mix of curiosity and determination. "Let's do this!"

Kibou and Ruby: "PHANTOMIZE!" The merging process begins, enveloping them in a radiant glow, creating a mesmerizing display of energy.

Rose: "We are the heroes of hope! We shall save the day!" Meanwhile, Ethan and Adam observe, their expressions a blend of fascination and anticipation as the unfolding events shape the course of the battle.

Silver: Gets up, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and concern. "What the..."

Assassin: Stands beside him, their shared purpose evident. "We need to stop this, right?"

Silver: Nods, clenching his fists. "Let's do it..."

Silver and Assassin: With synchronized resolve, they chant, "PHANTOMIZE!" The merging energies create a dazzling spectacle, blending shadows and light in a dance of transformation.

As the energies intertwine, a new entity emerges—a fusion of Silver and his enigmatic companion. The fusion embodies the harmony of their strengths and the shared commitment to the impending battle.

???: The newly formed figure raises a weapon, the glow of light reflecting in their eyes. "WE ARE THE SWORDSMEN OF LIGHT! WE SHALL SAVE THE DAY!"

The fusion of Silver and the Assassin, now the Swordsmen of Light, stands ready, their presence a beacon of hope in the encroaching darkness of the arena.

Ethan: Should we intervene?

Adam: They did break the rules, but wait... let's see what happens.

Rose: The new hero maneuvers with newfound powers, circling around their enemies. "BANZAI!!" Swift slashes cut through the bully with unprecedented speed, launching the enemy into the air. "ROSE PETAL HURRICANE!!" A flurry of rapid slashes inflicts massive damage, culminating in a powered-up downward strike. "Hahahaha, don't underestimate us!!"

Bully (2): "DARK PHANTOMIZE!" Transforms into a monstrous form, shrouded in a dark aura, and roars menacingly.

Samurai: The new Swordsmen employs a signature technique recognized by Adam. "Shallow Reversal!" With a seamless blend of agility and mastery, Samurai's blade becomes an unstoppable force, striking his foes with a series of rapid and unpredictable sword maneuvers. Effortlessly concluding their fight with the concealed technique.

But suddenly, the bullies, writhing in pain, let out primal roars as an unsettling instability consumes them.

Ethan: Sighs, sensing the escalating situation "Seems I must intervene."

With a determined expression, he rises, the glint of his blade catching the light as he strides purposefully toward the arena.

Ethan: "You two... step back. I'll finish this."

Rose: Assertively spins their scythe, addressing the urgency. "Don't! They need to be purified, or this battle shall never end!"

Samurai: Tightens their grip on their sword, echoing Rose's sentiment. "Indeed, like they said!"

Ethan: Stops with a confident smile. "Oh, don't worry... I got this."

As Ethan walks, a transformative aura envelops him. His skin begins to melt, and his hair turns a fiery red. His attire undergoes a dramatic change, heralding a profound alteration.

Adam: With a nostalgic sigh. "Man, it's been a while... let's finish this."

The stage is set for Ethan's remarkable transformation, hinting at a power not witnessed for some time, as the ensemble prepares for the impending resolution.

Rose: "No way!! True Phantom Fusion!" They express genuine surprise, their eyes widening as the fusion process takes an unexpected turn, perhaps revealing untapped depths of power.

Samurai: "I've never seen a true Phantom Fusion, but!" Their surprise is evident, a mix of awe and curiosity. "You truly surprise me, Red Bull!" The Assassin part of the Fusion offers a compliment to Adam, acknowledging the uniqueness of the transformation.

Bully 1: Eyes filled with rage. "DIE!"

Bully 2: Snarls with hostility. "WE'LL KILL YOU!!"

Adam: Amidst the threats, remains calm and composed. ".... Moonslice."

As Adam utters the technique's name, an air of anticipation envelops the arena. The tension builds, hinting at the unleashed power about to be manifested in the form of the Moonslice, leaving both allies and adversaries on the edge of expectation.

Rose: "Woah, that power." They express surprise and awe, their eyes widening at the unexpected level of strength.

Adam: Steps up confidently as rose petals gracefully dance around the scene. "That was... disappointing."

Both bullies, now groaning, experience a purification that leaves them with mere bumps and bruises.

Samurai: Surprised and impressed. "That's quite a bit of power you've got there."

Kibou: Deforms, falling to the floor panting, then bursts into laughter. "HAHAHA, THAT WAS AWESOME!"

Ruby: "Yeah, it was! You were so cool—I mean, we were so cool! My name is Ruby Rose, by the way."

Kibou: "Call me Kibou!" He beams with newfound camaraderie, embracing the name that reflects his spirit.

Adam: Smiles, and as he deforms, there's a sense of gratitude in his expression. "Thanks for letting me out, Ethan."

Ethan: Nods thoughtfully. "No problem. Hmm, interesting." There's a subtle air of intrigue in Ethan's demeanor, suggesting a curiosity sparked by the unfolding events and the powers that have been revealed.

Silver: Deforms, sweating a bit and panting. "That... was awesome."

Assassin: "Indeed, like she said. But you can call me Assassin, as I won't reveal my true name to you yet." A mysterious air surrounds Assassin, leaving a sense of enigma about their true identity.

Ethan: Gazes at the two, his eyes reflecting a depth of contemplation. Hmm, walks off As Ethan strolls away, there's a taciturn demeanor about him, hinting at thoughts and considerations yet to be unraveled.

Ruby: "Hmm, Dark Phantomize. This could only be the work... the work of... Why can't I remember it?!" She grips her head, struggling with memory lapses.

Kibou: "Woah, calm down. What is Dark Phantomize?" He inquires, addressing his phantom.

Ruby: "Dark Phantomize is when the user and phantom get corrupted, and their desires get twisted, becoming monsters."

Assassin: "The work of the Dark Witch, is that what you forgot, huh, my scythe-wielding comrade?"

Silver: "A Dark Phantomize... that sounds really dangerous."

Ruby: "I can't remember anything! Just my mission and my name!"

Ethan: So that's the Assassin, Kojiro Sasaki?

Adam: Indeed, he was a legend from Japan. Also... you saw it?

Ethan: I did. Seems the Dark Witch is at play again.

???: Stands in the shadows, their gaze fixed upon Ruby and Kibou with an intensity that suggests a profound interest. The mysterious figure, shrouded in an aura of enigma, absorbs every detail, leaving behind an air of subtle intrigue. With a silent departure, they slip away, leaving no trace of their presence, unnoticed by all who remain engrossed in the aftermath of the supernatural encounter.

                          EPISODE 1 END

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Hi guys It's Ryan here and I hope you enjoyed this story because the show is only beginning!!
Also thanks Tempest68 Crimson-Pendragon-X