The dim glow of dawn filtered through the broken clouds, bathing Zeke in an ethereal light as he stood in the clearing where the serial killer's life had ended. His aura pulsed with power, rippling around him like a storm barely contained. The leap to Level 2 Soul Manifestation had left him drunk with strength, the feeling almost intoxicating.
For a moment, Zeke basked in it, his body humming with newfound energy. Then came the voices.
"Zeke!" Celeste's sharp tone cut through the haze as she arrived with Alistair and Arlen in tow. Her keen eyes scanned the scene, lingering on Eric's slumped form and the twisted body of the killer. "What happened here?"
Zeke turned, his gaze steady but his mind still whirling from the rush. "The fight… It was brutal. Eric got hurt, but I handled it."
Alistair and Arlen moved quickly to Eric, checking his vitals. "He's alive," Alistair confirmed, relief in his voice. "But he's taken a serious hit."
Arlen glanced at Zeke, his eyes widening as he felt the immense power radiating off him. "Zeke… is this… Level 2 Soul Manifestation?"
Celeste stepped closer to zeke ,. "Zeke, when did you…"
Everybody was wondering that because Zeke was in the 11th stage of soul Awakening just a few months ago.
"I am sorry for keeping this a secret from you guys " Zeke said, his voice firm. "I actually advanced to soul manifestation about a month ago , I thought I would have a better chance to surprise you all."
For now Zeke had no choice but to lie.
Alistair gave Zeke a nod of respect. "as expected from you."
Arlen chimed in, his tone a mix of awe and unease. "Still, to jump to Level 2 like that… It's not normal. What are you made of, Lennox?"
Celeste placed a hand on Zeke's arm, her voice steady. "You did well, Zeke. But we need to get Eric back to the headquarters and report this."
---
At the headquarters, the group carefully carried Eric inside and handed him to a group of medics specialized in healing powers, their somber expressions drawing attention from the other Guardians. When they entered the examiner's chamber, the old man's piercing gaze immediately fell on them.
"You've returned." His voice was deep, commanding. Then his eyes shifted to the body they carried and widened slightly. "Is that…?"
Alistair stepped forward. "Yes, sir. We captured and eliminated the serial killer."
The examiner's expression shifted to shock, then to admiration. "A known killer… brought down by your group?" He looked at Zeke, a faint smile crossing his lips. "As expected from someone of the Lennox family."
Zeke's jaw tightened slightly. The praise rang hollow to him, the mention of his family more of a burden than a compliment. He merely nodded, hiding his displeasure.
"You've done exceptional work," the examiner continued. "I'll see to it that your entire group is recognized for this achievement."
---
Later that night, Zeke and the others went to where Eric was being treated. They found him awake, propped up in bed with a sheepish grin.
"Hey, guys," Eric said awkwardly. "Guess I got hit too hard, huh?"
Celeste folded her arms, a small smirk playing on her lips. "You scared the hell out of us. Don't do that again."
Alistair chuckled, his large frame looming over the bed. "Yeah, you're not allowed to get yourself killed. We need you to keep Zeke in check."
Eric laughed weakly, then winced. "Guess that's my job."
The group stayed for a while, but as the hour grew late, Alistair and Arlen volunteered to stay with Eric while the others returned home.
---
When Zeke arrived at his house, he found an unfamiliar man standing near the door—a doctor—and his neighbor, a kind older man.
"Zeke," the neighbor said, worry etched in his features. "One of my kids found your dad collapsed outside the house. I brought a doctor right away, take care of him." He patted Zeke's shoulder before departing.
Zeke turned to the doctor, his heart pounding. "What happened to him?"
The doctor offered a tired smile. "You must be his son. He's stable for now, but this looks like a soul-related issue. My expertise is limited in that field. I suggest you find a professional soon. For now, I've done what I can."
Zeke paid the man, thanking him before stepping inside. He found his father lying in bed, pale and frail. His breath came in shallow waves, his lips murmuring faint words.
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry… I'm just a pathetic loser…"
Zeke's chest tightened as he knelt by the bedside. He gently grasped his father's hand, feeling the coldness of his skin.
"Dad…" Zeke whispered, his voice breaking. "Please get better. We need you. I need you."
He watched his father's sleeping face, memories of better days flashing through his mind. The weight of his family's struggles pressed down on him once more.
"It must be his soul," Zeke thought bitterly, his mind returning to the injury his father had sustained years ago. His failed attempt to advance after Mom's death had left him broken, his power regressing to Level 4 Soul Awakening. The guilt and despair had eaten away at him ever since.
For a long moment, Zeke sat silently by his father's side, gripping his hand as the moonlight streamed through the window. The silence was heavy, but Zeke vowed to find a way to heal him—no matter what it took.
Zeke's night was restless as he kept watch over his father. The faint sound of his father's breathing was a constant reminder of the fragility of the man who had once been a source of quiet strength. Despite his exhaustion, Zeke stayed by his side, head nodding as sleep overtook him in the chair.
In the early morning hours, the sound of a knock startled him awake. He rubbed his eyes and hurried to the door, only to find his grandmother standing there, her small frame illuminated by the pale morning light.
Hazel, his grandmother, had a presence that filled the air with warmth. Her plump face wore a bright, kind smile, and she spread her arms wide as soon as Zeke opened the door.
"My baby!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug. "I missed you so much. How have you been doing?"
Zeke smiled softly, her embrace comforting him in a way he hadn't felt in years. "Grandma, you came at the perfect time. Please, come in. There's something I need to tell you."
Zeke didn't ask her why she was late a few days because there was no time
Once inside, Hazel listened as Zeke recounted everything that had happened with his father, her expression growing increasingly grave. Her hands trembled as she held her clothes tightly, tears welling in her eyes.
"I can't believe this is happening to my boy," Hazel whispered, her voice breaking. "He's been through so much—losing his rank, losing his wife, his powers, and now this?"
Zeke reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Grandma, can you help him?"
Ellen wiped her tears, determination hardening her features. "If it's as you say, I might be able to help. But I need to see him first."
---
Ellen followed Zeke to the bedroom, her warm presence a stark contrast to the heavy air inside. She knelt by her son's bed, placing a hand gently on his chest. Her body began to glow with a soothing white light, her soul power manifesting in its purest form. Zeke stood in awe, watching her work.
"She's a Level 8 Soul Manifestation," Zeke thought, marveling at her skill. He recalled what he knew about soul power at that stage: once someone reached Level 6, their soul power could manifest in unique forms—fire, ice, wood, or pure energy. Fighters often had elemental manifestations and different kinds of manifestations, but those with pure soul energy were ideal healers. His grandmother had dedicated her life to mastering the art of healing.
The light grew brighter,but there was a split second that the light stopped. Zeke didn't think much of it because he didn't know how healing worked. In that split second there was a dark flicker in her eyes that quickly disappeared. Hazel's voice was calm but firm. "The damage is severe, but he's going to be fine. The healing process will take time, and I can't be interrupted. You should leave and come back after four hours."
Zeke's heart swelled with relief. "Thank you, Grandma. You're the best healer in the kingdom!"
Ellen chuckled softly, patting his arm. "You bet I am."
Zeke hesitated, then smiled. "I've joined the Guardians, Grandma. Today's my first day on the job. It's just introductions and a tour of the place, but when I come back, I'll expect good news."
Her smile widened. "I'm so proud of you, Zeke. Go. Your father is in good hands."
---
The morning sun was high as Zeke walked through the bustling streets of the city, his usual calm expression unable to hide the excitement bubbling within him. The weight he'd carried for so long felt a little lighter, his grandmother's reassuring words giving him hope.
At the Guardians' headquarters, the towering building loomed before him, and he felt a surge of pride as he approached. Inside, he saw familiar faces gathered in the main hall, all buzzing with energy.
"Zeke!" Celeste's voice called out, and he turned to see her striding toward him. "You look like you've already heard the good news!"
Zeke tilted his head in confusion. "What good news?"
Celeste grinned. "Because of your and Eric's achievements, both of you are now officially Guardians! No more training."
Zeke's eyes widened. "But… that usually takes six months to a year!"
Zeke felt that it was kind of weird how this worked out.
Celeste laughed. "Well, you've set a new precedent."
Zeke's heart swelled with joy, but he quickly noticed that not everyone shared his enthusiasm. Several of his colleagues stood nearby, their expressions less than friendly.