Three days passed in intense training. Miguel awakened Sub-Level Two—the Shoulder Node—on the second day, and Sub-Level Three—the Palm Node—by nightfall. On the third morning, Lola Sabel guided him toward Sub-Levels Four and Five.
"Sub-Level Four: the Knee Node," she explained, as Miguel balanced on one leg while shifting between human and partial Aswang form. "It governs speed and agility. Sub-Level Five: the Chest Node—this connects your physical strength to your inner resolve."
"My body feels different," Miguel said, landing lightly after a leap that would have strained him days before. "Stronger, but also more… connected."
"That's the nodes working in harmony," Amihan said, tossing him a wooden staff. "Now, we'll practice combat forms—how to use your enhanced body without causing unnecessary harm."
As they sparred, Lila ran into the clearing, carrying a twisted piece of wood. "They left this at the last settlement—carved with their symbol." She held up the wood, showing a skull with wings made of thorns.
"Mga Uhaw sa Lakas—the Power-Hungry," Lola Sabel spat. "They consume other cultivators' nodes to grow stronger. It's a perversion of our ways."
"Can they really reach us here?" Miguel asked, blocking Amihan's strike.
"They've been hunting us for generations," she replied, pushing forward. "Sub-Level Five is almost awakened—feel the energy in your chest. Let it guide your movements."
Miguel focused, and the Chest Node blazed to life—his strikes becoming faster, more precise.