The training persisted — the trio engaged in rigorous combat drills to fortify their bodies, followed by meditation to sharpen their minds. That concluded the day's regimen — at least for Amelia and Garfield. Tristan, far more exhausted than the others, sat upon the ground, chest heaving as his companions waved farewell and departed. As he steadied his breathing and wiped the sweat from his brow, his gaze fell upon Ruben, seated calmly atop a nearby rock.
"What do I do now?" Tristan asked, his voice heavy with fatigue.
"Currently, you are capable of sensing Star Energy," Ruben replied, his tone casual. "But that is hardly an achievement — no offense."
Tristan frowned. "Offense taken."
Ruben smirked faintly. "Still, it is a simple matter to advance from sensing to seeing. Once you can perceive the flow of Star Energy, you'll be able to gauge a person's strength — and even foresee when they're about to strike."
He leapt gracefully from the rock and approached Tristan, resting a firm hand upon his shoulder, his ever-present smile curving across his face.
"Alright, let's begin. First, I want you to meditate once more. Close your eyes — focus solely on my energy."
Tristan obeyed. He crossed his legs, closed his eyes, and slowed his breathing until his heartbeat steadied. He could feel Ruben's energy pulsing faintly before him, yet nothing more.
"I can sense your energy," he murmured.
Ruben shook his head. "That isn't quite what we're aiming for. Focus deeper — what you need to see is an outline… or a radiant star."
Tristan inhaled deeply, silencing his thoughts as he searched for what eluded him. Minutes dragged into half an hour. Sweat gathered on his brow. But no matter how he concentrated, he saw nothing. Frustration welled within him, and his eyes flew open.
"I can't do it," he muttered bitterly.
Ruben arched a brow. "Do you do that often?"
"Do what?"
"Give up and doubt yourself," Ruben said as he returned to his perch upon the rock. "You tried something completely foreign to you and abandoned it after thirty minutes. That tells me you surrender easily when success doesn't come immediately."
Tristan's tone hardened. "And what's wrong with that?"
Ruben sighed, disappointment shadowing his features. "I can't help those who refuse to help themselves."
He turned away and began walking off. Tristan clenched his fists — irritation churned in his chest, mingled with a familiar ache. A memory surfaced — sharp and cruel.
A man's deep voice echoed in his mind: "You're not good at anything. Why bother trying when you know you'll fail? You'd only be wasting my time, your time — and worse, my money."
Tristan's shoulders slumped as he stared at the ground.
"It's hard not to give up," he whispered, "when that's all you've ever known."
Ruben paused, his expression softening. Regret and understanding flickered across his face as he turned back. He knelt before Tristan, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder.
"I don't know your past, nor can I claim to have lived it," Ruben said gently. "But giving up is rarely the right path. Sometimes, you must push forward — not just for yourself, but for the people you care about."
Tristan fell silent, his mind drifting to the reasons he had chosen this path — the man who had taken him in, the girl he had grown fond of, and the mother he never knew yet vowed to avenge. If he gave up now, what would that make of his purpose? Of them?
He chuckled softly, tears welling in his eyes.
'It's strange, he thought. I actually want to grow stronger… to protect others. Me, of all people — helping others. How laughable.'
"Are you alright?" Ruben asked, concern etched in his tone.
Tristan smiled faintly. "I am now."
Ruben stood and returned to his rock, his grin returning. "Good. Then let's continue."
Tristan said nothing, but the fire in his gaze spoke volumes.
He settled back into position, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. His breathing slowed; the world grew still. Every distraction faded as his focus sharpened. He could feel Ruben's energy — but now, he sought more. He sought to see the current that flowed through all life.
Time passed — fifteen minutes of unbroken silence. Then, suddenly, it appeared before him: a radiant sphere of light, pulsating like a living star.
"I can see it," Tristan breathed, awe and pride mingling in his voice.
He opened his eyes — and to his surprise, Amelia and Garfield stood before him, smiling proudly. Among them, Ruben's grin was the widest.
Garfield stepped forward, extending his arm. "Well done, brother."
Tristan smirked and clasped his hand firmly. "There was never any doubt I'd succeed in learning to perceive Star Energy."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Ruben interjected, striding toward them. "You merely saw a faint glow — that's something we usually master as children."
Amelia and Garfield chuckled, struggling to contain their laughter. Tristan smiled faintly. "Laugh all you want. I've just begun training my Star Vision and already reached the first stage. Give me a little time, and I'll stand on equal footing with both of you."
Their laughter ceased, replaced by silent realization. Tristan's words struck a chord — his ability to learn and adapt was extraordinary, far beyond the ordinary. To grasp even a fragment of Star Vision in less than a day was an exceptional feat, especially for someone who had only learned of Star Energy a month and a half prior.
Ruben clapped his hands, breaking the silence. "Alright then — everyone, wash up. Dinner awaits. You'll both be staying here for the rest of the week, so make yourselves at home."
Tristan and Garfield headed into the manor to clean up, while Amelia lingered behind, sensing the gravity in her brother's expression.
"I think it's confirmed now," Ruben said quietly. "Tristan is a Vermillion. That innate adaptability — the ability to master any technique in record time. I suspected it before, but now I'm certain."
Amelia turned her gaze aside, her face shadowed with unease. "But… you could still be wrong."
Ruben's eyes hardened with certainty. "No. I'm sure of it. And if it's true — if he truly bears the blood of the Vermillion line — then he's blessed by the God of War. Which means his life will never know peace. For him, there will only be battle… and with battle comes suffering. A great deal of suffering awaits that boy."