Chapter 10: Forging the Path Forward
The following morning, Leon woke to the faint glow of a new dawn spilling through the cracked windows of the inn. His body ached in ways he hadn't thought possible, every muscle screaming in protest as he sat up. The events of the previous day felt like a distant nightmare, but the faint warmth in his chest reminded him that it was all real.
Kaelina stood by the window, sharpening her blade with slow, deliberate strokes. The metallic scrape filled the silence of the room.
"You're awake," she said without turning around.
Leon rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the grogginess. "Barely. What time is it?"
"Early," Kaelina replied. "We don't have the luxury of sleeping in. If Axel and his group could find us here, others will too."
Leon swung his legs over the edge of the bed, groaning as he stood. "So, what now? Are we just going to keep running?"
Kaelina turned to face him, her eyes sharp. "Running isn't an option anymore. You've seen what the System is capable of, and more importantly, it's seen you. You're marked, Leon. That means we need to prepare."
Leon frowned. "Prepare for what?"
Kaelina sheathed her blade and crossed her arms. "For whatever comes next. The System doesn't just hand out power for free. There's always a price, and if you're not ready to pay it, you'll end up like so many others—dead or worse."
Leon felt the weight of her words settle over him like a heavy cloak. "Then teach me. Show me how to use this power."
Kaelina studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. But this won't be easy. The power the System gives isn't like magic or strength you're born with. It's volatile, unpredictable. It'll test you in ways you can't imagine."
"I don't care," Leon said, his voice firm. "If it means I can survive, I'll do whatever it takes."
Kaelina smirked. "Good. You'll need that attitude." She gestured toward the door. "Come on. We'll start outside. The last thing I need is you burning this place down by accident."
---
The training grounds Kaelina led Leon to were little more than a clearing surrounded by jagged rocks and sparse vegetation. The sky above was a muted gray, the sun struggling to break through the clouds.
"First lesson," Kaelina began, tossing him a wooden staff. "Control."
Leon caught the staff awkwardly, nearly dropping it. "Control?"
Kaelina nodded. "The System's power is tied to your emotions. Fear, anger, desperation—they fuel it. But if you let it control you, you'll lose yourself. You have to master it, or it'll consume you."
Leon gripped the staff tightly. "Alright. What do I do?"
Kaelina motioned for him to stand in the center of the clearing. "Focus on the warmth in your chest. Feel it, but don't let it overwhelm you. Try to bring it to the surface without letting it explode."
Leon closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. The warmth in his chest flared, a small ember waiting to ignite. He reached for it cautiously, trying to coax it into the open.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a faint glow surrounded his hands, the same fiery energy he'd unleashed in the fight against Axel's group. But it was unstable, flickering and pulsing erratically.
"Good," Kaelina said, circling him like a predator. "Now, keep it steady. Don't force it. Let it flow naturally."
Leon focused harder, trying to stabilize the glow. Sweat beaded on his forehead as the energy fought against him, wild and untamed.
Suddenly, the glow flared too brightly, and a burst of fire shot from his hands, scorching the ground a few feet away.
Kaelina raised an eyebrow. "Not bad. But you need to work on your aim."
Leon groaned, frustration bubbling to the surface. "This is impossible."
"Nothing worth learning is easy," Kaelina retorted. "You've already done more than most would in your position. The System chose you for a reason. Trust that, and keep pushing."
Leon nodded, determination reigniting. He would master this power, no matter how long it took.
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the clearing in shadows, Leon collapsed to the ground, exhausted but exhilarated. The day had been grueling, but he'd made progress.
Kaelina crouched beside him, a rare smile on her face. "Not bad, rookie. You're starting to get the hang of it."
Leon managed a weak laugh. "Starting? I feel like I've been hit by a carriage."
"You'll get used to it," Kaelina said, offering him a hand. "Come on. Let's head back. Tomorrow, we'll see what else the System has in store for you."
As they made their way back to the inn, Leon couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The System's power was a mystery, and with it came challenges he couldn't yet comprehend.
But for the first time, he felt ready to face them.