Chapter 5: The Truth About Flow
"Oh kids, I forgot to mention," Ojisan said, brushing the dust off an old scroll on the table. "There are many types of Flow."
"Types?" Dante leaned forward, his eyes narrowing.
"Yeah," Ojisan nodded. "Six in total. Each with its own nature and use."
Ronan looked puzzled. "So… we can use every element?"
Ojisan chuckled. "No, no. Each person usually gets only one element—sometimes two, but only if Flow chooses you. You can't just pick and train for them like sports. It's a bond. A divine connection."
Dante furrowed his brows. "Wait. You mean this Flow is... alive?"
Ojisan nodded slowly. "Yes. Most of us believe Flow isn't just energy—it's a living force. Each type of Flow holds its own divine soul, a piece of something sacred. Flow is ancient. It watches. It chooses."
"Divine souls?" Ronan asked, confused.
"Yeah," Ojisan said. "You see, Flow doesn't give its power based on talent alone. It's about your heart. How kind you are. How true. The souls of Flow are never evil—though some might be silly, mischievous, or even proud."
"So… Flow has many souls?" Dante's voice held a mix of awe and disbelief.
"Yes," Ojisan said, looking out the rain-flecked window. "Many. Each soul finds its wielder."
Dante looked down at his hand, curling his fingers slowly. A god… huh.
"Don't daydream, bodybuilder," Ronan snorted. "You're not a god yet."
"Oh, you heard that," Dante muttered, scratching his head.
Ojisan cleared his throat. "Let me break it down. The first type of Flow users are Ascenders. They control natural elements—fire, lightning, wind, and the like. They're powerful, flashy, but only get one, unless… the Flow truly loves them."
Ronan's eyes lit up. "I wanna be an Ascender! I'll shoot fire everywhere!"
Ojisan laughed. "Not so fast. I believe you're aligned with Ice Flow, actually."
"Ice?!" Ronan's face dropped. "That's weak against fire!"
Dante smirked. "Weakling."
"Shut up," Ronan growled.
Ojisan continued, "The second type is Transcenders—those who enhance the physical body. Bone Flow, for example, lets you weaponize and reinforce your bones. There's also Rubber Flow—you stretch like gum."
"Whoa, like a human rubber band?" Ronan grinned. "That's sick!"
Dante was visibly excited. "So this is real. Real powers… I can't wait."
"The third type is Vanguards," Ojisan explained. "They're mental-based. Illusion users, telepaths, mindwalkers… They manipulate perception, not just power."
Ronan asked eagerly, "What am I, Ojisan? Am I an Ascender for sure?"
"With your Flow output, yeah. Ice-based Ascender."
Ronan muttered, "Figures… Ice sounds cool, but fire's cooler."
"The fourth is Mobilizers," Ojisan went on. "Summoners. They can call creatures from the Flow. The monsters are never evil—they're aligned with your Flow soul. Some are small, like elementals. Some... huge."
Dante blinked. "Monsters? That's... not wrong?"
"No. Flow never gives evil. Only balance. Only potential," Ojisan said. "These creatures are guides as much as weapons."
Dante looked at his hands again, the faint mark of the Ruin Sign glowing slightly. If Flow is alive… and it chose me… who am I really?
Outside, the rain whispered against the windows. In the distance, a storm brewed.