The courtyard of Hoshikawa was quiet now, save for the faint hum of circuits lingering in the air. The four children—Asar, Mitsuki, Nax, and Rei—stood in a loose circle before me, their newly awakened powers pulsating faintly around them. I folded my arms, letting the soft golden sunlight glint off the faint edges of energy lingering from their previous exercises.
"Listen carefully," I began, my voice calm but carrying the weight of authority that only experience could command. "Power alone means nothing if you cannot control it. You may be strong, but that strength is useless if it brings chaos, destruction, or pain to those who do not deserve it."
They watched me intently, eyes wide. Even Nax, usually quick to smile or joke, looked unusually serious.
"You are not soldiers, and you are not executioners," I continued. "Your circuits are gifts, yes—but gifts without restraint are curses. You will not attack unless attacked. If a bandit threatens you, if someone tries to rob or harm you, stop them. Subdue them. Make them regret their choices—but do not kill. Kill only when there is no other way. And never, ever use your powers in the presence of civilians unless absolutely necessary. Understand?"
Asar's fists clenched slightly, his flames flickering with faint impatience, but he nodded. Mitsuki, always precise, straightened her posture. Nax smirked faintly but gave a sharp nod, and Rei, small and soft-spoken, whispered, "Yes."
"Good," I said. "Restraint, concealment, and judgment—these are your first lessons in being more than just powerful. The world does not forgive those who act without thought, no matter how strong they are."
I stepped closer to them, letting my presence settle over the courtyard like a warm, controlling shadow. "Your circuits are your tools, but your mind is your greatest weapon. Train it. Observe. Plan. React. And above all… never let arrogance cloud your judgment."
A pause. They all absorbed my words, the weight of responsibility settling onto their young shoulders.
"Now," I said, allowing the lesson to transition, "enough talking. You will practice these principles in everything you do, every day, starting now. I will leave briefly. Rei, you come with me."
Rei blinked, surprised, but nodded. Together, we left Hoshikawa and headed toward the bustling marketplace. The streets of Kael'Ar were alive with vendors shouting their wares, the scent of fresh vegetables and spices filling the air. I kept my senses alert—not for threats, not yet—but for the subtle hum of circuits around me. I let Rei carry the small basket, watching her movements and how she carried herself.
As we walked, I explained quietly, "Every action you take is observed. Not just by those around you, but by the world. Keep your aura subtle, your circuits hidden. If you attract attention for the wrong reasons, even a small error could escalate."
She nodded again, silent but attentive, and I allowed myself a small, rare smile. She was quick to understand, as were the others, and that gave me a measure of satisfaction.
The marketplace was lively, merchants and customers bustling past. I selected vegetables with casual precision, making it seem as though we were just two ordinary citizens buying our daily food. But as I turned to speak to Rei, my attention was suddenly drawn to a distortion in the air.
A ripple, subtle but unmistakable—a tear in the fabric of reality itself. My golden eyes narrowed. The hum in the air shifted, strange, unfamiliar. Something was coming through.
I didn't move yet. I only observed.
A portal shimmered into existence above a nearby cliff, light bending unnaturally around its edges. From it, a figure began to emerge. The energy was… alien. Different from anything I had sensed before, even from the circuits, demons, or hellish anomalies I had faced.
Rei glanced at me, startled. I put a hand gently on her shoulder. "Stay calm," I instructed, voice firm. "This is not a moment for fear. Observe."
The figure fully materialized—a man, tall, cloaked, his eyes glowing faintly as though they were windows into another dimension. Even from this distance, I could feel the raw aura radiating from him. His circuits—or whatever powers sustained him—were unlike anything I had encountered in Kael'Ar.
He looked down at the city, then up at us. His expression was cold, calculating, and for a brief moment, I allowed a small smirk to tug at my lips.
"Well," I murmured under my breath, "it seems Kael'Ar is about to have visitors from… elsewhere."
The portal behind him shimmered violently, then snapped shut, leaving a palpable tension hanging over the cliff and the surrounding city.
Rei clutched my arm slightly, whispering, "Who… who is that?"
I did not answer immediately. I only observed the figure, analyzing, assessing.
"You will learn soon enough," I said finally, voice calm, laced with authority. "And you will be ready. Always."
A chill wind swept over the marketplace, ruffling clothing, scattering leaves and debris. The figure's gaze swept over the city as if it belonged to him already.
And at that moment, I knew—this was not a simple visitor. This was the beginning of something far larger, far more dangerous. Something that would test everything I, and the children, had learned so far.
The world of Kael'Ar had just become infinitely more complicated.
And I… I was ready.