The metallic hum of the memory scanner filled the chamber. Old Gin's chains rattled as his body convulsed, veins pulsing faintly beneath pale skin. General Viktor Dragunov observed, cold and unyielding, his multi-faceted eyes analyzing every flicker of energy.
"Hold him steady," Dragunov commanded, voice sharp as steel. "We need answers."
The machine hummed louder, a high-pitched whine cutting through the silence. Gin's head jerked violently, memories flashing across the interface: the Abandoned District, the cavern, Jiro's pulse, the egg, and the raw surge of Aetherion energy.
A thin trickle of blood ran from Gin's lips. "I… won't…" he rasped.
Dragunov's expression didn't change. "Memory or nothing, old man."
In an instant, the scanner overloaded. Sparks erupted, and Gin's body twitched violently before going limp. The chains clattered against the floor. Dragunov knelt, inspecting the data. His claws tapped the console rhythmically.
"So… this is where he is," he murmured, eyes narrowing. "Ash Lane District. An Awakened human of unprecedented energy. Prepare the Obsidian Order for deployment — trackers, soldiers. I will find him."
•••••
The Obsidian Order soldiers moved silently through the alleys, carefully scanning the Ashlane district. They entered rein workshop where Jiro had trained, moving methodically — but the room was empty, dust and rust the only witnesses.
"Nothing here," one soldier reported.
As they left, Han, Lei, and their companion lingered in the shadows, watching. Curiosity and fear painted their young faces. Dragunov's soldiers noticed them and moved to intercept, cutting off any escape.
"Where is the Awakened?" Dragunov demanded, stepping forward, his presence a storm of cold authority.
Han swallowed hard, eyes darting. "W-we… we haven't seen him directly, sir. But… we know he moves in the northern alleyways. That's all we swear."
"Useless," Dragunov hissed. He raised his hand, signaling the soldiers. "Eliminate them all."
Steel and ether surged. Lei and the third boy fell instantly, their screams swallowed by the shadows. Han's legs gave out, his body trembling. But when Dragunov stepped forward, he noticed something different.
The boy's gaze was sharp — not just fear, but a spark of insight. He analyzed Dragunov's movements with instinctive precision, noting patterns, openings, even subtle weaknesses in the soldier's stance. Something valuable flickered in his eyes — a tactical mind, potential beyond the ordinary.
Dragunov paused, cocking his head. "Interesting," he muttered. "Leave him alive. For now." He signaled the soldiers to stand down.
Han fell to his knees, relief flooding his body. "I… I won't forget this."
Dragunov's claws flexed. "Survive. Learn. Perhaps you will be useful later."
Meanwhile, morning light broke over ironveil District as Jiro Tensai adjusted the straps on his pack. Rein appeared beside him, mechanical arm glinting faintly under the sun.
"Today, we begin proper combat training," Rein said. "Fire and water separately. You cannot dual-cast yet. Your life energy and genetic evolution will support the elements, but mastery starts with control."
Jiro nodded, determination flaring in his eyes.
The first session began in the abandoned training yard. Jiro's feet pressed into cracked concrete, sweat trickling down his back as he focused. Fire ignited at his fingertips, sputtering like a newborn spark.
"Focus," Rein instructed. "Your Essentia core feeds the flames, Vitanova strengthens your body to endure heat. Channel life energy. Do not let instinct control you yet."
Hours passed. Heat burned his skin, muscles screamed, but each successful maneuver brought mastery a step closer. The egg at his waist thrummed softly, absorbing stray energy, guiding instinctive movements.
Next came water control. Streams responded to subtle gestures, forming arcs and shields. Rein watched, silent, as Jiro combined precision, life energy, and physical endurance.
By the day's end, Jiro's movements were fluid, controlled, and instinctive. Flames and water obeyed him separately, his body attuned to his cores, preparing him for the challenges ahead.
Rein's mechanical arm tapped his chin. "Tomorrow, we continue. You will test these abilities in combat scenarios, integrate life energy, and feel the evolution of your body. Control first, then power."
Jiro nodded, muscles aching but mind sharp. "I won't fail."
And far above the district, Dragunov's fleet approached, tracking the Awakened. Han's survival had not gone unnoticed — the general's sharp eyes saw potential where others saw fear.
******