Kevin woke up in a panic.
— Where… where am I?! This isn't my house! — he muttered, gasping.
He looked around, still confused, until he noticed his sister standing by the window.
As he tried to get out of bed, he stumbled and fell to his knees.
— The floor… it's moving? — he said, stunned.
Ryane turned to him, calm as always:
— We're on a train.
— W-what?! — Kevin's eyes widened.
— Yesterday, while you were sleeping, I brought you here. We can't waste any more time. Your training begins today… as soon as we reach our destination. — she explained, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Kevin pulled himself up, still dizzy.
— I get it… but… what about Aunt? How did she find out about this?
Ryane glanced over her shoulder, serious:
— She doesn't know anything. But don't worry, Luis will explain everything to her.
Kevin fell silent, watching his sister leave the room.
Alone, facing the window, Ryane whispered softly:
— They left the hardest part to me… well, I'll do my best.
---
The Explanation
A few hours later, Kevin was sitting at a table. Across from him, Ryane had her arms crossed.
— They told me you don't know what Essence or Aura is. — she began firmly. — So I'll explain.
Kevin straightened his back, attentive.
— In short… Essence is the life energy of every living being in this world. With enough training, that energy evolves into Aura, which is far more powerful. — She leaned her elbows on the table. — Got it?
— Yes… I understand. — Kevin said, a little shyly.
— With Essence, you can use Neojutsus: unique enchantments that vary from person to person. When you reach Aura, those enchantments become much stronger. — she explained clearly. Then her eyes narrowed. — Now answer me, Kevin… how is it that you didn't learn this in school?
Kevin looked away, saddened.
— To be honest, I did know… I just didn't really remember. Thanks for expla—
He couldn't finish. Ryane grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the wall. The impact echoed through the train car.
— Enough excuses! — she shouted, pinning him against the wood. — Tell me the truth right now, no lies!
Fear took over the boy. He no longer saw his sister, but a threatening gaze capable of killing him right there.
— I… I did go to school. But… after a while, they expelled me. Just because I can't use physical weapons or Neojutsus.
Ryane released him, turning her back. Her voice came heavy with disappointment:
— Is that for real? You… really can't?
Kevin lowered his head, answering in almost a whisper:
— Yes.
---
The Desert
Later, the two walked side by side through an arid region. Little vegetation, suffocating heat, and no sign of people. Silence followed every step.
Suddenly, Ryane stopped. Kevin stopped too.
She looked straight at him.
— Kevin… I can only go with you this far.
— What? — he frowned.
— Follow this path until you find a house. There, look for Cyrus, the Dimensional Angel. He'll be responsible for your training. — she said firmly.
Without waiting for a response, Ryane turned and began walking back.
— Sister… — Kevin reached out his hand, but no voice came out. He only sighed and murmured to himself:
— I just have to continue what I've already started.
And he pressed forward.
---
The Master
The small house appeared before him, standing alone in the middle of nowhere. Kevin sat at the door to rest, lost in thought.
"What awaits me now?"
— Hey, boy. — a deep voice suddenly called. — What are you doing sitting there? Lost your way, maybe?
Kevin looked up, surprised to see an older man standing before him.
— N-no, sir. I'm looking for someone named… Cyrus.
The man observed him calmly.
— Cyrus, huh? By any chance… are you Kevin, from the Dinark family?
— Yes… but… how do you know my name? — Kevin stepped back, confused.
The man approached with heavy steps.
— Because they asked me to train you. I've been waiting for you.
Kevin blinked a few times.
— So… you're Cyrus?
— Exactly. — he replied, opening the door to the house. — Now get inside, boy. We can't waste any more time.
He shot him a sharp look.
— I heard your Essence is the Healer. Is that true?
Kevin nodded.
— Yes. The Healer.
— Good. — Cyrus gave a faint, enigmatic smile. — Then we have a lot of work to do.