Dawn breaks gently over the forest. The first rays of light pierce through the gray clouds, bathing the cave in a soft, diffused glow. The campfire has long since died out, leaving only a faint morning chill lingering in the air. Veil is already seated in front of the puddle of water, cross-legged, his gaze fixed on the surface. He wastes no time today. His hand hovers above the water, his eyes wide open this time. Alynia (observing from a distance, arms crossed): "In a rush today, Cub? Don't forget—patience is your most valuable weapon." Veil (focused on the water): "I know. But I can do it." Silence descends. His breathing slows, becoming controlled. He closes his eyes briefly to center himself. The tingling sensation comes almost instantly. The shiver he sought so desperately over the past two days now feels familiar. He doesn't tense. His breathing stabilizes, and the thread connects almost naturally. His hand hovers a few centimeters above the water. Ripples form on the surface—slow, fluid, perfect circles radiating from the center. The water trembles beneath his hand. Veil (internal thought): Stay calm… Slowly… Attract it, don't force it. Droplets begin to rise from the surface. Not one, but three. They float gently, trembling in the air like liquid stars. The droplets oscillate, ready to fall at any moment. Veil (smiling): "That's it… more… higher!" His gaze sharpens, and he raises his hand slightly, attempting to gather the droplets. But the shiver in his spine shifts. His breath quickens. Alynia (with a steady gaze, a slight frown): "Easy, Veil. Control yourself." Veil (internal thought): No, I can do better! Higher! Bigger! He forces it. His fingers tighten, his teeth clench, and the flow becomes chaotic. The droplets vibrate more violently, and instead of rising, they are flung into the air. A sudden gust of wind sweeps through the cave. The remaining flames extinguish instantly. Embers scatter, and ash swirls in the air. The puddle of water bursts into dozens of droplets, which spray in all directions. Veil (startled, eyes wide): "What?!" The wind intensifies. A swirling gust emerges from his left hand. The air pressure scatters the dust and ashes, and a cold draft courses through the cave, making Alynia's fur stand on end. A small whirlwind springs from his palm. Alynia (eyes widening): "Impossible..." The whirlwind expands abruptly before dissipating as quickly as it appeared. The wind dies with a sharp stillness, leaving only the pounding of Veil's heart. Veil (panting): "What… was that?" He stares at his hand, his gaze unfocused, his breath shallow. His fingers tremble. Alynia (serious): "That was wind." Veil (slightly shocked): "Wind?" Silence. Alynia steps forward, her sharp eyes fixed on him. She analyzes him, her ears upright, her gaze intense. Alynia (low, serious tone): "The mana of water and wind sometimes respond to each other… but you did more than respond. You called it." Veil clenches his left hand, his gaze drifting into the void for a moment. A thought begins to form deep within him. Veil (internal thought): The wind… Was that me? Alynia steps back. Her gaze lingers on him for a few seconds before turning toward the cave entrance. Alynia (distant voice): "You did something even I don't do. Think about what that means, Cub." A cold wind blows through the cave's entrance. End of the day The daylight dims. Twilight casts a deep orange hue across the cave. Veil remains seated, his hand hovering above the puddle. This time, he is calm. His breathing is smooth, his expression resolute. Droplets of water levitate above his hand. Not one, but several. They gather slowly, very slowly, forming a small, unstable sphere. The water shifts in tiny jerks, as if struggling to break free from his control. Veil (smiling faintly): "Stabilize it… gently…" The sphere continues to vibrate, but it doesn't break. Alynia observes silently. Alynia (internal thought): It seems the wind woke something in him.