Yumetarou

Yumetarou braced against the roar of Waterfall City's cascade, sword held low as their trainer lunged. The blow should have landed. Instead, the practice sword cracked against an unseen barrier inches from Yumetarou's chest. They hadn’t moved. This was the third time it had happened—a feeling of absolute, unbreakable defense rising from within, an instinct they couldn't control or explain. Elders in the lower city told tales of Tamago, the Shell Warrior, but Yumetarou had always considered it a myth. Yet, the adventurer's sword on their back felt more like a formality every day. Their trainer stared, baffled. The strange power receded. Was this what they were meant to master? Tipping their bowler hat, they left the training yard, heading for the pale stone temple, finally ready to ask the right questions.