The morning sun barely pierced the smog of Elystria Prime, painting the city in muted gold and silver. Mitsui Tachaina awoke with a strange tingling sensation in her chest. The energy that protected the civilians yesterday lingered inside her, pulsing gently.
At the same time, Kiyoto walked beside her, teasing lightly:
> "You look like you haven't slept at all. Did the shadows haunt your dreams?"
Mitsui scowled, embarrassed.
> "I… I don't know. Something… felt like it moved inside me yesterday."
Kiyoto's expression shifted, serious now. His divine aura shimmered faintly as he analyzed her Soulflux signature.
> "You have raw potential. Stronger than most humans your age, maybe even Beastkin. But it's uncontrolled. That could be dangerous if someone like the Abyss Order finds out."
Mitsui frowned, frustrated but determined.
> "Then teach me… or show me how to control it."
Kiyoto chuckled, a hint of his childish nature peeking through:
> "Control is boring. Let's make it fun."
He demonstrated a simple energy manipulation technique, allowing Mitsui to feel and move her Soulflux for the first time consciously. Sparks of light danced between her hands as she concentrated, causing nearby leaves to flutter and hover.
But their training didn't go unnoticed. From a distant rooftop, an Abyss Order scout observed, reporting back to their master:
> "Target identified. Subject Mitsui Tachaina possesses unstable but powerful Soulflux. Recommend immediate retrieval before she fully awakens."
The chapter ends with Mitsui and Kiyoto laughing over her first successful attempt to control the energy—but both unaware that danger now circles closer than ever.
> Foreshadowing: Mitsui's awakening, Kiyoto's mentorship, Abyss Order's growing threat.
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