Cold night air rushed across the rooftop as Arjun stepped outside.
The city lights stretched endlessly below, unaware that the world had already changed.
Seraphine stood near the edge, coat moving gently in the wind. Golden symbols floated around her feet like quiet stars.
She didn't turn around when she spoke.
First lesson. Forget everything you think power feels like.
Kael leaned against the doorframe.
Pretty sure power feels awesome.
Seraphine ignored him.
She looked at Arjun.
Close your eyes.
Arjun hesitated, then did.
The sounds of the city slowly became clearer. Cars moving. Wind brushing buildings. Distant voices.
Now breathe normally, she said. Do not search for energy. Let it notice you instead.
Arjun frowned slightly but followed her instructions.
At first, nothing happened.
Just darkness behind his eyelids.
Then… warmth.
A faint current brushed against his skin, like invisible water flowing through the air.
He inhaled sharply.
I feel something.
Good. That is Origin Flow. It exists everywhere, always moving.
Her voice softened.
Most Awakened force it into obedience. That creates unstable power.
She stepped closer.
You don't control it. You synchronize with it.
The warmth increased, spreading through his chest.
Images flickered faintly in his mind — lines connecting everything around him.
The rooftop.
The wind.
Even Mira and Kael standing nearby.
Everything felt connected.
Suddenly the sensation intensified.
Too much.
Arjun opened his eyes instinctively.
Golden energy burst outward.
Wind exploded across the rooftop, knocking Kael backward.
Whoa!
Cracks spread beneath Arjun's feet as light surged uncontrollably around him.
Seraphine raised her hand calmly.
Stabilize.
A golden barrier formed around them, containing the energy storm.
Arjun struggled to breathe.
It's pulling me—
No, she corrected firmly. You are pulling it.
He froze.
Fear made his power spike again. The symbol on his hand burned painfully.
Lyra stepped forward.
Your emotions amplify synchronization.
Mira moved closer carefully.
Arjun, look at me.
He focused on her voice.
Just breathe. Slowly.
The chaos began calming slightly.
Seraphine nodded.
Good. Anchor yourself to something real.
Arjun focused only on Mira's steady presence.
The energy gradually settled, golden light fading into faint sparks.
Silence returned.
Kael stood up, brushing dust off.
Okay… note to self. Training equals near death experiences.
Seraphine looked impressed despite herself.
You reached synchronization in minutes. Most take months.
Arjun looked at his hands, still trembling.
It felt… alive.
Because it is, she said quietly. Origin Flow responds to intent, emotion, and identity.
She stepped back.
Now second exercise.
She lifted her hand and formed a small sphere of blue energy.
Attack me.
Arjun blinked.
What?
You learn control through action. Try to shape the energy consciously.
He hesitated.
I might hurt you.
Seraphine smiled faintly.
You won't.
Arjun took a breath and focused again.
The warmth returned, calmer this time.
Golden light gathered around his palm, unstable but forming.
He pushed forward.
A burst of energy shot toward her.
Seraphine moved slightly — not dodging, simply redirecting the attack with two fingers.
The energy curved harmlessly into the sky, exploding like silent fireworks.
Too much force, she said. No structure.
She walked toward him.
Power without form wastes energy.
She gently adjusted his arm position.
Imagine shaping water, not firing a weapon.
Arjun tried again.
This time the energy formed a smaller, stable pulse.
He released it.
The golden projectile flew straight and clean.
Seraphine nodded.
Better.
Suddenly the symbol on his hand flashed violently.
The sky fracture above reacted, glowing brighter in response.
Everyone looked up.
Lyra's voice turned serious.
Resonance increasing.
A deep vibration echoed across the sky.
For a split second, something massive moved behind the crack — a shadow passing beyond reality itself.
Mira whispered.
Did you see that…?
Seraphine's expression hardened.
Training phase accelerated.
She looked at Arjun.
Whatever is coming… it has started noticing your growth.
The golden light around his hand faded slowly.
For the first time, he didn't feel overwhelmed.
He felt ready.
But far above them, unseen eyes watched through the fracture — patient and curious.
And the stronger he became…
the closer they moved.