---
He zipped around John, flicking his tail of sparks. "Again! But this time, moving target."
Fizz darted to a fallen branch and nudged it with his paw until it rolled across the grass. "Hit it before it stops."
John inhaled and summoned another orb. His control was sharper now. The sphere formed instantly, silent and perfect. He willed it forward, tracing the movement of the rolling branch. The orb drifted, then accelerated, finally colliding with the branch.
The branch disappeared in two clean bites, one chunk after the other, leaving the remaining piece to thump onto the grass.
Fizz cheered again. "Perfect! That branch is now food of void. You are officially a danger to wood."
John exhaled, letting the sphere fade. His heart pounded with effort, but there was also a spark of pride. Each attempt felt easier, more natural, as if the black hole had always been a part of him, waiting for him to learn its rhythm.
"Not bad for day two," he murmured.
