After training diligently throughout the night, Ethan finally succeeded in manifesting his powers just as the first rays of sunlight broke through the horizon. Shadow observed him with a mix of pride and seriousness, his gaze intense. "Now listen, whenever you want to activate your abilities, imagine them flowing out of you and into your hand. Picture the direction you want them to go, and they will strike your opponent. However, be warned: this part can be quite tricky. It's rare for anyone to hit their target on the first attempt."
Ethan absorbed Shadow's words, feeling a surge of determination wash over him. The challenge didn't deter him; instead, it ignited a fierce resolve within him. He continued practicing, lost in the rhythm of his movements until the blaring alarm clock jolted him awake. Blinking against the morning light, he noticed Shadow and Oliver watching him intently from the edge of the bed, their eyes filled with unspoken encouragement.
"It's time," he declared, rising to his feet. With a tender touch, he lovingly ruffled the heads of his kittens for comfort, their soft purring echoing in his heart as he headed to the shower.
Meanwhile, at the breakfast table, Jinwoo Lee sat with his family, savoring their morning meal. His son, Seojin, couldn't contain his frustration. "Dad, why did you make that offer to Ethan? It feels so unfair to him!"
Jinwoo wiped his mouth with a napkin, choosing his words with care as he contemplated the weight of his decision. "Because it's crucial to determine if he has what it takes to navigate this world," he replied, his voice steady. He took a deep breath, locking eyes with his son, hoping to convey the seriousness of the situation. "You know better than anyone how this world operates. Soon, you'll be entering the academy, and I won't always be able to shield you. Ethan helped you, even without knowing you, so if he proves himself trustworthy and passes the test, I expect you to befriend him."
Seojin inhaled deeply, indignation bubbling beneath the surface. "But that's impossible! He's not ready for this!" His voice was tinged with concern for his friend, a mix of loyalty and frustration.
Jinwoo sighed, reflecting on his son's arrogance. What I asked of Ethan is indeed difficult, he thought, but then a familiar face crossed his mind, bringing a smile to his lips. But it's not impossible. Seojin, still fuming, turned to his mother for support, seeking validation for his feelings. Just then, Yuna, their 15-year-old daughter, piped up, "Dad, I want to join the academy too!"
Yuna was a striking combination of her parents, inheriting her mother's gentle features while boasting her father's long, flowing red hair. Her youthful enthusiasm radiated from her as she spoke.
Jinwoo gently placed a hand on her head, gazing at her fondly. "Yuna, you'll have to wait a few months. You're not old enough yet." The disappointment was palpable in her eyes.
"But my sister is already in the academy!" Yuna protested, her brow furrowing.
Jinwoo chuckled at her persistence, turning to his wife, Hae-rin, with a playful grin. "Poor guy who marries this girl. She's already comparing herself to Jin-seo, who's 17 and thriving in the academy." The room erupted in laughter, and even Yuna couldn't help but giggle. Jinwoo's playful tone masked the deep love he held for each of his children; he would do anything for them, always striving to ensure they felt supported and cherished.
As they shared a light-hearted moment, the butler entered the room with an air of formality, breaking the warmth of their banter. "Sir, Mr. Ethan has arrived. I've escorted him to the training court beneath the house, as you instructed."
A grin spread across Jinwoo's face at this news, excitement bubbling within him. "Let's go meet him," he said, glancing at Seojin, who looked both excited and anxious, the tension in his body evident.
Yuna's ears perked up at the mention of Ethan's name, her curiosity overtaking her. "Dad, can I go watch the fight?"
Jinwoo paused, contemplating her request, weighing the rules of their society. "Yuna, you know that awakened individuals of different genders aren't allowed to see each other in person before they turn 16."
Undeterred, Yuna responded eagerly, "But I can watch from the invisible room! He wouldn't even know I was there." Her eyes sparkled with excitement, envisioning the secretive thrill of witnessing the event without being seen.
Jinwoo pondered this; the invisible room was aptly named, allowing those inside to see everything happening outside, while those outside could see nothing within. After mulling it over for a moment, he sighed in approval. "Alright, you can go."
Yuna's face lit up with joy, a bright smile spreading across her features as she quickly dashed after her father and brother.
Little did Ethan know, as he prepared for the challenge ahead, that this day would mark the beginning of a monumental change in his life. With the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders and newfound powers coursing through him, he was about to embark on an adventure that would redefine his destiny. As he took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever lay ahead, the thrill of the unknown ignited a fire within him, blending excitement and anxiety into one potent force, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.