Chereads / STAGE ZERO / Chapter 22 - CHAPTER 22: Secrets

Chapter 22 - CHAPTER 22: Secrets

Asher lay wide awake in the hotel room, Bran and his parents fast asleep nearby. The soft sounds of their breathing provided a strange comfort, but they couldn't drown out the weight of Captain Keal's words echoing in his mind.

"Remember, kid, this is something you can't even tell your friends. From the looks of things, I'm sure your parents know, but still, don't tell anyone. It will get you into serious trouble…"

The memory of Keal's serious tone sent shivers down Asher's spine. He shifted slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position, but his thoughts wouldn't relent. What was he supposed to do with the knowledge that he was a forest-level threat? A powerful force that could unleash devastation at any moment?

He thought about the seal—the six-gate divine seal that Liora had struggled to repair. The fact that it had cracked showed that his power was no small matter. Asher rubbed his temples, trying to ease the tension.

"So, what do I do about it?" he had asked Keal, feeling both anxious and bewildered.

"For now, just keep calm and concentrate on the exam," Keal had replied, his expression a mix of concern and encouragement.

Asher looked at the ceiling, thoughts racing. What would happen if he failed? The pressure of expectation was almost unbearable. He wanted to prove himself, not just to Captain Keal, but to his friends and family as well.

He glanced over at Bran, who lay soundly asleep, blissfully unaware of the turmoil swirling in Asher's mind. What would Bran think if he knew? Asher couldn't bring himself to share this burden with anyone, not even his closest friends. As he picked up is phone his saw a message for Mika I says "Asher I'm so glad we found you don't don't about me yeah I no my mom wasn't so happy with me leaving the house in the middle of the night but then Asher remember we have been friend is pre school Asher and I know if I was me miss you'll stop at nothing to rescue me that what make you a true friend Asher " Mika message was able to at least put Asher at ease

As the minutes ticked by, he felt a mixture of frustration and determination building within him. If he was truly capable of so much power, he needed to learn how to control it. He wanted to harness his abilities, not as a threat, but as a protector.

Taking a deep breath, Asher resolved to make the most of the exam. He would train hard and prove that he could be a force for good. With that thought, he finally closed his eyes, allowing the quiet hum of the hotel room to lull him into a restless sleep.