"Yes, it is," I confirmed, a surge of pride swelling within me.
I pressed the button on the watch again, and the gun vanished, replaced by the sleek black timepiece.
Lenna and Hana stared at the watch, their eyes wide with a mix of wonder and apprehension.
"That's incredible, I've never seen an ability like that before."
"It's still new to me, I'm not even sure how I did it."
Hana floated closer, her spectral eyes fixed on the watch. "It's a powerful item, It amplifies your innate abilities, allowing you to manifest weapons from thin air."
"But why a gun? Isn't that a bit... dangerous?" Lenna asked, her voice laced with concern.
I shrugged. "I guess it's the first weapon that came to mind, maybe with practice, I'll be able to create other things."
"Or maybe, the gun is a reflection of your inner turmoil, your anger and frustration." Hana suggested, her voice a chilling whisper,
I looked at her, startled by her insight. Was she right? Was the gun a manifestation of my darker impulses?
A sudden wave of doubt washed over me. I had always considered myself a peaceful person, but the recent events had awakened a primal rage within me, a thirst for justice that threatened to consume me.
"Well, I think that's all I needed," I said, pushing myself up from the armchair. I hadn't even touched the water Lenna had brought me.
"Already, Senior?" she asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
I nodded. "I should get going. It's getting late."
"I see..." Lenna stood up, her expression unreadable.
I gave Hana a silent nod of farewell, then left Lenna's room and headed towards the front door. Lenna followed me, her footsteps soft and hesitant.
"Hana's story is so tragic..." Lenna murmured, her voice heavy with sorrow.
"I know," I replied, guilt gnawing at my conscience. "I could have saved her if I hadn't been so afraid."
"It's not your fault, Senior," Lenna said softly. "But you're really going to help her, aren't you?"
I nodded resolutely. "I promised her I would get justice for her."
We exited the house, the cool evening air a stark contrast to the warmth within. I slipped on my shoes, my mind still replaying Hana's story.
"... By the way, tomorrow is the school bazaar," Lenna reminded me as we walked towards my bike. "You'll see your face plastered everywhere."
"Oh, right," I said, momentarily forgetting about the upcoming event.
"Yeah, And the teachers said next week is going to be filled with exams."
"Exams..." I groaned, the prospect of tests looming over me like a dark cloud.
I nodded, already feeling the weight of the upcoming exams. "See you tomorrow, then," I said, trying to sound enthusiastic. "I'm not really looking forward to school, though."
"Don't say that, Senior! You have to go! Or else I'll be mad!" Lenna chided, her cheeks puffing out in a pout.
What is this, an attempt at cuteness? I thought, a smile tugging at my lips.
I held her gaze for a moment, then relented. "Okay, okay," I said, raising my hands in surrender.
"Yay! That's more like it!" Lenna cheered, her pout transforming into a bright smile.
I shook my head, amused by her antics. I hopped onto my bike, revving the engine. "See you tomorrow, Lenna," I called out as I pulled away.
"Bye, Senior!" she waved, her smile lingering even as I disappeared down the street.
The ride home was a blur of city lights and the rhythmic hum of the engine. I couldn't stop replaying the events of the day in my mind, the weight of my powers and responsibilities pressing down on me.
As I pulled into our driveway and parked the bike in the garage, I saw my mother tending to her plants in the front yard. She looked up, startled by the sound of the engine.
"Xian, is that you?" My mother's voice called out, filled with a mix of surprise and concern.
"Yes, Mom," I replied, still straddling the motorcycle.
"Whose bike is that?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Well... you know, Yolan gave it to me," I confessed, a sheepish grin on my face.
"Yolan..." My mother's brow furrowed. "Ah, your cousin. How could they just... well, I know they're wealthy, but..."
"Don't worry, Mom," I reassured her, climbing off the bike. "I was also at their company..."
She walked closer to the motorcycle, her eyes scanning its sleek lines and gleaming chrome.
"Hmm, at least they gave you a stylish one," my mother remarked, her fingers tracing the sleek lines of the bike. "Sleek black... this is nice. Let me try it!"
I was taken aback by her sudden request. "You want to ride it?"
"Of course! I'm still young at heart!" She gave me a playful nudge. "Come on, hop off!"
I chuckled and dismounted the bike, watching as she swung her leg over the seat.
She revved the engine, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Vroom! Vroom!
"Xian, grab my phone from inside and take a picture of me!" she called out as she backed the bike out of the driveway.
Geez, she's such a child at heart.
I shook my head, amused, and went inside to retrieve her phone. I found it lying on the coffee table in the living room, next to the TV.
I stepped outside, the cool evening air a welcome relief after the warmth of the workshop. I pulled out Mom's phone and aimed it at Dove, who was posing dramatically on the motorcycle.
"How do I look?" she called out, a playful grin on her face. "Beautiful?"
"Yeah, yeah..." I mumbled, snapping a few photos.
"Watch this, Xian!" she shouted, revving the engine.
Vroom! Vroom!
With a sudden burst of acceleration, she popped a wheelie, the front wheel lifting off the ground as the bike balanced precariously on its rear tire.
My jaw dropped, and I instinctively snapped a photo of the incredible feat.
She rode the bike back into the driveway, a wide grin on her face. "How was that?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I handed her the phone, still a bit dazed from the experience. "What kind of life did you have when you were young?" I asked, marveling at her daring stunt.
She chuckled, her cheeks flushed with a rosy glow. "Ask your father~" she teased.
I couldn't help but smile back. It was clear that my mother had always been a free spirit, even in her youth.
***
Night fell, and I glanced at my watch: 5:50 PM.
I stood in front of the gym, the familiar building now a symbol of my newfound path.
I stepped inside, the air filled with the clanging of weights and the rhythmic thump of treadmills. Dove was already there, waiting for me by the entrance.
"Well, well, Ready for another workout day?" she said, a playful smirk on her face.
I nodded, a determined glint in my eyes. "Another day, another workout," I replied.
< Chapter 047 > Fin.