My story is called The Shadow of Spirit.
It tells the tale of a young boy named Kaito who, after losing the people he cared about most because of an organization known as the Mugentamashii, becomes determined to take revenge. Here is a part of the first chapter.
Chapter 1
Light rain fell over the town, sliding off the wooden roofs of the houses and soaking the dusty ground.
Wrapped in his dark cloak, Kaito walked at a slow pace. His hood was pulled down, hiding most of his face and leaving only the glint of his brown eyes visible; at his waist were two sheaths—inside them lay two peculiar blades.
Ahead of him stood a crowded inn. A constant clamor of voices and laughter spilled from inside.
(An inn, huh... should be fine.)
Kaito pushed the door and went in.
The warmth of the room hit him immediately. The inn’s interior was full of people drinking, talking and laughing loudly. The hall was medium-sized, and toward the back was the bar counter.
Near it there was a flight of stairs leading to the upper floor. The smell of alcohol mixed with the scent of food, creating a heavy atmosphere.
He moved up to the bar, ignoring the curious glances of some patrons drawn to his solitary figure.
"Hello, I'd like something to drink."
His voice was flat.
The bartender, a man in his fifties with a dirty apron and strong arms, looked at him with one eyebrow raised.
"You're a bit too young for these places, kid."
"...I just want some water."
The bartender was silent for a moment, then sighed, filled a glass with water and set it down in front of him.
Kaito lowered his hood, revealing his face: slightly tousled black hair, dull brown eyes, and an expression that seemed too bleak for his age.
The bartender stared at him for a moment, noticing something.
(This boy... there's something strange about his look.)
Kaito took out two brish — the currency used in this world — and let them drop onto the counter.
"There. Thanks."
"See you, kid."
Kaito barely nodded and turned to leave. But something made him stop.
In a corner of the inn, a group of men were bothering a girl.
"Leave me alone and go away."
The girl's voice was firm, but there was tension in her eyes.
One of the men, a burly type with a scar on his cheek, sneered.
"Come on, if you dress like that you want the attention, right?"
The others laughed. One of them reached out and grabbed her by the wrist.
Kaito felt a slight irritation rise within him. A mix of annoyance and... disgust.
The bartender stepped forward, his face tense.
"Leave her alone and get out of my inn."
Link to story: https://tapas.io/series/The-Shadow-of-Spirit-
