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Chapter 4 - THE FIRST STEP

Renn arrived home safely, reflecting on his earlier conversation with Leo. He felt a mix of fear and excitement about the changes happening within him, eager to learn more about his powers. He couldn't wait to meet Leo again to discover what his abilities might be.

As he stepped inside, he saw his sister, Amber, sitting on the sofa, waiting for him. When Amber saw Renn, she instantly got up and walked toward him. "Big bro, you promised to play with me after school, remember?" she said eagerly. Renn smiled and nodded, taking her hand.

"Yeah, I will play with you, and we'll go to the park in the evening, okay?" Renn replied. Amber jumped with excitement. "Awesome! You know you're the best brother!" she exclaimed. Renn smiled and tousled her hair affectionately.

In the kitchen, Mrs. Amber watched her children with a warm heart but felt a lingering concern for Renn. She sensed he was hiding something from her, yet she tried to push that feeling aside for now.

After playing with Amber for a while, Renn noticed their dad returning from work; it was almost evening. He asked Amber for their mother's permission, and together they headed to the city park, which was not far from their home.

"So, when will your friends arrive?" Renn asked Amber. With a soft voice, she replied, "They'll be here soon, big bro." Renn nodded and motioned towards a nearby bench, asking, "Do you want to play, or just sit here and wait like me?"

"I'll just sit with you," Amber said, settling beside him.

"Are you going to meet someone?" Amber inquired.

"Yeah, just someone, kind of like my teacher," Renn smiled.

After waiting a little while, they spotted Amber's friends arriving one by one with their parents. Renn took Amber over to greet them and asked the parents to look after her for a while. He gently patted Amber's back and said, "Go ahead and play with your friends now. Just be careful, okay? I'll meet my teacher and will come back soon. Listen to the adults, okay?"

Amber nodded as Renn walked away to meet Leo. After looking for Leo for a bit, he suddenly spotted him standing behind him.

"Please don't scare me like that!" Renn exclaimed.

Leo laughed. "Sorry, but I just love how scared you get every time!"

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Renn replied.

"So, are you ready to learn about your powers?" Leo asked with a smile.

Renn felt a surge of excitement at the mention of his powers. "Yes, but what if people see us?" he wondered.

"Don't worry, Renn. There's a place near the park where we can go without being disturbed. But first, you need to be ready. Taking this first step will change your life completely, and I can assure you it might be more dangerous than fun," Leo said seriously.

After a moment of thought, Renn replied with determination, "Sir, I'm serious about this. I am ready to learn."

Smiling, Leo said, "Okay, then let's go. I'll make sure to teach you everything properly." Leo led Renn to an empty area beside the park, a vast space surrounded by large, old trees and featuring a big pentagon-shaped ground in the centre.

Renn marvelled at the space. "Wow, sir, this is so huge! I've never seen a place like this, especially so close to the park!"

Leo smiled. "Of course, you've never seen it; it's surrounded by an invisible energy shield that makes it unnoticeable and soundproof."

"Sir? This is the perfect place to learn about my powers and train!" Renn exclaimed.

"Yes, but be very careful now. Listen attentively; I will explain some basics," Leo instructed.

Renn nods and listens intently as Leo begins explaining, "Well, you have already seen how I made the weapon that time," Leo says, a purple star forming in his hand and taking the shape of a sword.

Renn observes the purple aura as it transforms into a sword, amazed by it. Leo continues, "This energy you see in the form of a purple aura is called spirit energy, and it is present in every living creature in the world. You also possess this spirit energy, which can be used to create weapons and many other unimaginable things."

Renn listens attentively as Leo elaborates, "While everyone has spirit energy, only those with the mark can control it. They have more and stronger spirit energy than a normal human. So, these are the basics, and you first need to learn how to use your spirit energy."

Renn nods, his eyes curious. "How can I use this spirit energy, sir?"

Leo explains, "First, close your eyes and try to feel the spirit energy inside you. Concentrate properly."

Renn nods, sits down, and closes his eyes, trying to focus on feeling the spirit energy. However, his mind struggles to remain still. Noticing this, Leo gently taps Renn on the head with a stick infused with his purple aura, saying, "Concentrate more, Renn. Make your mind still. It's like meditation; it can be difficult at first, but you have to keep trying."

After multiple attempts, Renn finally feels a little spark of warmth inside him. He opens his eyes, jumps in excitement, and exclaims, "Sir, I feel something inside me—it's kind of warm!"

Leo laughs, "I love your enthusiasm! It's a good start. I didn't expect you to learn so quickly, but you still have a long way to go. Good job, Renn, and remember that feeling."

Renn nods, asking, "What should I do next, sir?"

Leo replies, "Try to feel the energy even more and have it flow through your whole body. Then focus entirely on your hand."

Renn concentrates again, following Leo's instructions. After many failed attempts, he manages to feel and flow the spirit energy, but struggles to concentrate it in one place. Finally, he becomes exhausted from trying.

Seeing Renn's fatigue, Leo says, "I think that's enough for now. You should rest for a bit."

Renn nods, admitting, "This is difficult, sir. I never expected it to be so exhausting."

Leo smiles, "Yes, it's your first time using spirit energy, so it will be tiring. Don't worry too much; I believe you will become strong soon."

Renn smiles back, saying, "Sir, I will try harder next time. I won't disappoint you again." He then adds, "I'm curious about what else you can do with spirit energy besides forming a weapon."

Leo grins, "Want to see?"

Renn, filled with excitement, responds, "Yes, sir! Please show me!"

Leo walks over to a large rock nearby and forms a fist with his right hand. A thin layer of purple aura surrounds his fist. He strikes the big rock, shattering it into thousands of small pieces. Renn's eyes widen in amazement at what he has just witnessed.

Leo approaches Renn and says, "This is what you can do with spirit energy, of course, if you train enough. You have a long way to go for now, so focus on controlling your spirit energy first."

Renn nods, still in shock from the event that just transpired. He glances at his watch and says, "Sir, it's time to go back. My sister must be waiting for me. I'll see you tomorrow, sir."

Leo nods and bids farewell to Renn as he walks away. Once Renn is gone, Leo calls out, "You can come out now, Allen."

A dark figure emerges from behind the trees, cloaked in a black coat that covers his entire body and face. He floats toward Leo.

Allen speaks in a playful voice, "So, you noticed me, as expected from the vice captain."

Leo sighs, "Don't call me vice captain anymore. Why are you here?"

Allen, still floating, replies, "Just observing your teaching. Are you sure about this? You know whose child he is, right?"

Leo responds confidently, "Yes, I'm sure, and I know whose child he is. That makes it even more important for him to learn."

Allen shrugs, "Well, if that's what you believe, Leo." After saying this, he vanishes into the air. Leo then heads back as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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