Joren frowned. It took him a moment to process what he'd just heard.
"You mean… the breakthrough?!"
"Yeah…" Nova gasped between short breaths. "I think it's happening…"
Joren's eyes widened, the flicker of realization cutting through his calm composure.
"Come!"
He rushed out toward the training lawn, his boots thudding against the packed earth. Nova followed close behind, still panting, every step filled with both fatigue and anticipation.
When they reached the open field, the night air was cool, and the faint scent of damp grass drifted through the wind. Fireflies hovered lazily near the hedges, their lights blinking like distant stars.
Joren turned to his son, voice firm but calm.
"Alright. You remember what happened last time? How it felt when you had your first breakthrough?"
Nova hesitated, then nodded slowly.
"I… yeah. I was tired — exhausted, actually. But when Riku fell, I wanted to save him. I tried to move, even though I could barely stand. And then it happened — I felt this… rush of energy inside me. Like something burst open."
"Willpower and emotion," Joren murmured under his breath, as if confirming something to himself.
"What?" Nova asked.
Joren placed a steady hand on Nova's shoulder. "Good. You remember. That feeling — that rush — it comes when your will breaks the wall holding your energy back. But this time…" he paused, meeting Nova's eyes, "you won't wait for emotion to drive you. You'll guide it yourself — with calm."
Nova nodded, drawing a deep breath. His chest rose and fell quickly, his body trembling slightly from exhaustion. Still, determination flickered in his eyes.
"Sit," Joren said, gesturing to a flat patch of grass. "Cross your legs. Close your eyes."
Nova did as told. The grass was cool beneath him. A faint breeze brushed his skin, carrying the smell of soil and evening dew.
"Now," Joren said, lowering his voice to a steady rhythm, "focus on your breath. Let everything else fade — the tiredness, the thoughts, even your excitement. Just breathe.
Inhale…
Exhale… slowly."
Nova's breathing began to even out. The sound of the wind and the chirping of crickets faded into the distance. His heartbeat slowed, syncing with the rhythm of his breath. The tension in his shoulders melted away bit by bit.
"Good," Joren whispered. "Now, feel the warmth inside your body — deep in your lower abdomen. That faint spark of energy that's always been there. Don't force it. Just… watch it."
Nova's brows drew together slightly. He could feel it — that tiny flicker of heat, pulsing deep within. It was faint, like an ember in the dark, but steady.
"Let it flow," Joren said softly. "Guide it through your body — your arms, your legs, your veins, your very core. Let it move wherever it wants to go."
The warmth began to stir. Nova's breathing deepened. A subtle wave of energy rippled through him, spreading from his lower abdomen to his limbs. At first it tingled — a soft hum beneath his skin — but then it grew stronger, alive.
"Good," Joren continued. "Don't resist it. Let your body remember."
The warmth built into a current. Nova's fingers trembled as the energy surged, washing away the fatigue that had clung to him all day. The heaviness in his limbs disappeared, replaced by a light, vibrant pulse. The world grew silent — utterly still.
Then—
Boom.
A low hum rolled across the lawn. The air around Nova vibrated as the grass beneath him swayed, though the wind was still. Joren's eyes gleamed with quiet pride.
"There it is…" he murmured.
The energy flared once, brilliant and wild, then receded — settling back into Nova's core. A faint golden shimmer hung in the air around him, glowing softly before fading into the night.
Nova opened his eyes.
For a brief moment, they glowed deep orange — like the first rays of dawn piercing through darkness.
"I… I did it," he whispered, disbelief and wonder trembling in his voice.
Joren smiled, pride softening his usual sternness. "You did. That was your first true controlled breakthrough, Nova. Remember that feeling."
Nova nodded, still breathing deeply. The warmth within him lingered, flowing smoothly through every vein. His body felt lighter, renewed — as if every muscle had been reforged.
He flexed his fingers, awe in his eyes. "It's like… I'm awake again."
Joren chuckled softly. "That's what a real breakthrough feels like. Each time, you shed the old and awaken something new."
The wind stirred again, brushing gently across the yard. The last trace of golden light faded from Nova's skin.
For a while, neither of them spoke. The silence felt full — heavy with meaning.
At last, Joren placed a hand on Nova's head. "Come. You should rest. Your body may feel strong, but let it settle."
Nova smiled. "Alright, Dad."
As they walked back toward the house, the moon rose above the quiet village, its pale glow spilling across the rooftops. The night was calm — deceptively so.
---
Back home, Joren began preparing dinner while Nova bounded toward Elaine and baby Mira.
"Mom! I did it!" Nova burst out, grinning from ear to ear. "I broke through!"
Elaine turned, puzzled. "Broke through…?"
"Yeah! Breakthrough!" Nova said proudly, puffing his chest. "Dad said I'm now at the second stage of Flesh Tempering! Isn't that amazing?"
Elaine blinked, then smiled at his excitement. "It sure is, Nova."
"'Ooo… ahh… ggg…'"
Elaine chuckled and glanced down at Mira, who was waving her tiny hands, drooling happily. "Look, even your little sister's cheering for you."
"Haha! Thanks, Mira!" Nova said, crouching beside her and letting her wrap her tiny fingers around his.
Time passed, and the warm scent of food filled the air.
"Nova! Dinner's ready," Joren called.
"Coming!" Nova rushed to the table, practically bouncing into his seat. Joren handed him his meal, then served Elaine before sitting down himself.
"So," Joren asked, "how do you feel now?"
Nova grinned between mouthfuls. "So much better! It feels so good not feeling tired all the time."
"Haha," Joren said, amused. "Good. Eat plenty — your body needs it to keep growing stronger."
"Don't worry, Dad," Nova said with mock seriousness. "I'm gonna eat everything in the world!"
Joren laughed softly, shaking his head. "Just don't start with the table."
They finished dinner in peace, warmth filling the small home. Nova later went to Elaine's room, playing with Mira while Joren sat at the table, staring quietly at his empty cup.
His eyes grew distant.
'Already, huh…? he thought. That's… fast. Too fast. If he keeps growing at this rate… people will notice. People we don't want noticing.'
He closed his eyes, the weight of the thought settling like a stone in his chest.
A long, weary sigh escaped his lips.
"I have no other choice… I have to stop him."
Outside, the wind rustled the trees — soft, haunting, and uncertain. The moonlight spilled through the window, bathing the table in silver. Soon, the household slept.