Parallel Memory

The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the training field. Hiro stood in the center of the field, a sword in his hand and a look of intense focus on his face. He was dressed in loose-fitting training clothes, and his hair was tied back in a ponytail.

He began with a series of stretching exercises, preparing his body for the training ahead. As he moved through the exercises, he took deep breaths, focusing on the flow of energy through his body. Once he was finished, he took a step back, his sword at the ready.

Hiro began with a series of basic sword techniques, performing each move with precision and accuracy. He moved through the forms, his sword flashing through the air in a deadly dance. He practiced the techniques over and over, each time with increasing speed and intensity.

As he progressed, Hiro began to incorporate more advanced techniques into his training. He performed lunges and spins, striking imaginary opponents with deadly accuracy. He moved fluidly, his body and sword working in perfect harmony.

As the training progressed, Hiro's movements became more and more graceful, like a bird in flight. Sweat glistened on his skin, and his breathing became ragged but he kept going, pushing himself to the limit. He was determined to be the strongest and most skillful swordsman.

His Sword Art StarShatterer was the Art that the system had given him as a newbie gift. It is level 8 Art, something that Hiro could never even dream of. Even level 6 Art would have been enough for Hiro to change his life, not to mention the Art of level 8.

Despite being bestowed with such a cheat, he didn't dare be sloppy in his training. Instead, he trained even more so in hope that he would be able to display its full power. He knew that getting level 8 would be nothing if he could not display its power.

Finally, Hiro came to a stop, his sword resting at his side. He was breathing heavily, but a satisfied smile played on his lips.

He picked up the towel and cleaned his face, then took a deep breath, ready for another training session. He was extremely close to breaking through to Rank-B - but he always feels like something is missing for him to break through.

Hiro was in the middle of his sword training when his phone suddenly vibrated, interrupting his focus. He glances at the phone and sees that he has a new message. With a feeling of unease, he quickly finishes his current set of training and wipes sweat off his forehead before unlocking his phone.

The message is from an unknown number, but the moment he opens it, he sees a picture of his sister being captured. He immediately feels panic rising in his chest and with trembling fingers, he reads the message.

"Hiro,

We have your sister and she is unharmed for now. But, if you want her to stay that way, you must follow our instructions carefully. We know who you are and what you're capable of, and we're not playing around. If you want to see your sister again, you must keep quiet and come to the location we've provided alone. Any deviation from these instructions and your sister will suffer the consequences.

Star City's Abandoned Warehouse District,

Come alone. We will be watching you every step of the way.

Do not involve The Authority or anyone else, if you do, it will only make things worse for your sister. We will be in touch."

The message is a clear threat and it leaves no room for negotiation.

Hiro's heart races as he reads the message over and over again, trying to process the enormity of what he's just learned. He knew that he had to act fast, there was no time to waste.

With a heavy heart, he sets off, fully aware of the danger that awaits him. He knows that the kidnappers are not to be underestimated. Since they challenged him, that means that they have the capabilities to defeat him. Hiro makes his way to the address, his mind focused on rescuing his sister and bringing her back safely.

There was no time for him to think about who was the person behind the kidnapping as he had many enemies who could do that. No matter what, he knew that he needed to save his sister as soon as possible.

"Dammit! How could they make their move against Yui?"

He was angry at the enemy as well as himself for making Yui face danger. He thought that his action had brought forth danger for Yui. He just hopes that she is okay.

-WHISH!

******

"Haha… I didn't think that he would fall for this easily!"

Victor, the man behind the kidnapping, laughed as he received the report saying that Hiro was coming to this location alone.

Victor was pleased with himself for having successfully kidnapped Hiro's sister and lured Hiro into a trap. He knew that it was risky to kidnap the sister of someone like Hiro, who was a powerful explorer and had connections with many powerful people. But, he was confident that he had planned everything perfectly and that Hiro would fall for his trap.

A few days back, he received an order from William telling him to take care of Hiro using his sister. Victor could not make a move on Yui until that day as she was in Ace Academy where Rank-S Professors were.

He had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike and that opportunity came when Hiro's sister, Yui, left the safety of the Ace Academy and went to the city. Victor had sent his subordinates to grab her, knowing that Hiro would not be able to resist the temptation of rescuing her.

It would have been a disaster if Hiro sought help from The Authority. Luckily, Hiro really seemed to care about his sister as he had decided to come alone.

With that, 90 % percent of his plan was successful. Now, he only needed to kill Hiro and he would be able to fulfill what William ordered.

-SNAP!

"You called, Master?"

Ten of the men covered in black clothes emerged from the darkness.

"Get ready! Our prey is on the way!"

"Yes, Master!"

-WHOOSH!

After receiving the instructions, they disappeared again.

Victor gave orders to his men to prepare for Hiro's arrival. He knew that Hiro was skilled and powerful, and he couldn't afford to underestimate him. He was prepared to deploy every assassin at his disposal.

"You may be a genius but even you could not defeat so many Rank-C and Rank-B assassins."

As time passed, Victor's men reported that Hiro had entered the warehouse district and was making his way toward their location. Victor felt a surge of excitement and adrenaline as he prepared for the confrontation. He knew that this would be the defining moment of his career, and he was determined to come out on top.

"Haha… After this William is sure to support me in the battle for me to become the guildmaster of GreyRat Guild."

"Haha… Nobody can stop me!"