The wind was colder than before. As Jay vanished into thin air once more, Luz stood alone on the mountain.
His thoughts wandered back—"You're not special." "Help me on the farm." "You'll never be anything."
Those words still echoed.
Luz lowered his head. I… I don't want to go back there.
He clenched his fists, turned around, and walked back down the mountain toward the city's outer guard post.
"Can I stay here tonight?" Luz asked the guard quietly, soaked from the night air.
The guard looked him over—tired, bruised, empty hands. With a sigh, he nodded. "Yeah. Come in. But just for the night."
"Thanks…"
---
The Next Morning
Luz woke up hungry. His stomach growled like a beast. He hadn't eaten in two days, not since sneaking out.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet.
Only a few coins.
"Enough for two small breads…" he muttered.
Dragging his feet, he walked to the nearby bakery, the smell of warm pastries teasing his hunger.
As he looked at the prices, he sighed. This won't be enough.
Then, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Oh—Luz! It's you!"
Luz turned to see Den, cheerful as ever, walking into the bakery with hands in his pockets.
"You here to buy bread too?" Den smiled, then glanced at the coins in Luz's wallet. His smile faded slightly, eyes softening with a hint of sadness.
"You know what, Luz…" Den said, already pulling out his own pouch. "I'll treat you today."
Luz looked at him in surprise. "R-Really?"
"Of course." Den smiled, patting him on the back. "And here—" He secretly dropped a few more coins into Luz's bread bag while handing it over. "That's in case you need something later."
Luz smiled back. "Thanks, Den…"
"So, what's your plan today?" Den asked as they stepped outside.
"I'm… training," Luz said. "With a student of the Fifth Light Descendant."
Den stopped, his eyes lighting up. "Wait, seriously?! That's… that's amazing, Luz. That kind of training could change everything for you."
He grinned wide. "You've got something going now. Keep it up."
Den checked the time and stood upright. "I have to head to the army base now. Be safe, Luz. See you around."
"Yeah… see you."
---
Luz walked toward the mountain again, the warm bread in his hand and hope warming his heart. When he arrived, he sat and waited.
And waited.
And waited.
The sun was high above now, and Luz's patience wore thin.
"Where's that old man…?"
Finally, Jay emerged from the woods, looking casual and unbothered.
"You're late!" Luz snapped. "I've been sitting here for hours!"
Jay yawned. "Time flows differently when you're old."
"Can we start now?"
Jay eyed him. "Do you really think your body is ready for this kind of training?"
Luz stood tall. "I'm sure. I'm ready."
Jay cracked his knuckles. "Alright then. First test…"
Without warning, Jay's hand glowed with light aura—and BOOM! he struck Luz in the chest.
Luz flew backward, crashing into the dirt with a heavy thud.
"W-What was that for!?" Luz groaned.
Jay said nothing. He raised a single finger—and from it, a beam of concentrated light shot forward, slicing through a thick tree, clean and loud.
"That," he said, "is the power you'll learn."
He vanished again—leaving Luz alone to figure it out.
---
Luz stood up and placed both hands forward.
"Alright… I can do this…"
He focused, breathed in, imagined the energy flowing through him.
Nothing.
Again.
Still nothing.
Hours passed.
He shouted, gritted his teeth, stomped, focused harder than ever—but not a single spark came out.
His hands trembled. His legs weakened. His breath slowed.
"I… I'm done…" He collapsed on the ground, too tired to move.
From high above, hidden in a tree, Jay watched silently. The old man nodded slightly and raised his hand.
A gentle light shield surrounded Luz, lowering him safely to the ground like a cradle.
Jay exhaled. "I told you, kid… this won't be easy."
---
Meanwhile...
Inside a large Light Army base, Bin—one of the powerful current Light Descendants—stood before a group of soldiers.
He paced quietly, watching his men prepare for battle.
"It's time," he declared. "We strike first. We invade the Dark Army's base near Argos City."
"Who will lead, sir?" one of the commanders asked.
Bin looked toward the edge of the room.
"Den. You choose your team."
Den nodded. "Yes, sir. I only need ten soldiers."
"And bring a medical unit."
"Of course."
Den turned to gather his squad—carefully selecting skilled warriors, quick scouts, and a dedicated healer. As he prepped them for departure, another officer approached Bin.
"Sir… are you sure that boy from the Lastimo family can handle this?"
Bin turned, a calm certainty in his eyes.
"I believe in Den," he said. "His instincts, his leadership… he might even surpass his father Jojo—and me."
Bin stared at the horizon.
"He may very well become my successor someday."
As Den and his team set off, determination burning in their steps, Luz trained in solitude—pushing, failing, falling, and trying again.
Two paths had begun to rise, side by side.
One already leading.
The other still learning.
But both destined for something greater.