Kaelion leaned forward, voice low.
Kaelion – But… what exactly is this "Level 100 Buff" the system just mentioned?
The air fell into a tense silence. System panels across the group glowed ominously, flickering like distant stars in a void, as if something buried deep within each of them was beginning to stir.
System – Level 100 buff named below.
"Mugen Tenshou"
Lyraen – Mugen Tenshou?
Nyra – Correct. Mugen Tenshou.
Celestra – Huh… but what does it mean? How will it help us? And how is it a buff?
Nyra – It's not exactly a buff.
Drevyn – Not a buff? Then… what is it?
Nyra – Well… it is a buff, but not in the way you think. It's more than stats—your power, durability, reflexes… they'll all increase. But it won't be automatic. Each of you will wield it differently. The system can guide you partially, but you must understand it yourself.
Kaelion – Even you can't help us? Every one of us has a different version?
Nyra – Yes. Think of it as a transformation. A surge of power that boosts you beyond your limits, but only temporarily. With practice, you can extend the duration—eventually, mastering it might allow you to sustain it indefinitely.
Elira – So… you've unlocked this too? Mugen Tenshou?
Nyra – I have. And now, it's your turn. I've begun practicing, and it's time you start as well.
Kaelion's hand hovered over his system panel, hesitating for just a heartbeat before he clicked "Acquire."
CLING
A blinding aura of bright yellow and dark energy enveloped him, flickering like molten gold and lightning across his skin. Nyra's gaze hardened, watching him closely, almost like a predator analyzing prey.
*Nyra glares at Kaelion, watches his aura, thinking something.
Renzo – Whoa! That looks insane! My turn!
CLING
A rich, deep purple energy spiraled from his body, writhing like living shadows.
Drevyn – …Wait. That looks amazing.
CLING
Reddish-orange flames surged around Drevyn, crackling and licking the air like wild serpents of fire.
Celestra – So the glow matches our elements… I'll do it too!
CLING
A dark-blue mechanical and water-like aura engulfed her, shimmering with metallic pulses as droplets of water danced in the air, frozen mid-motion.
Nyra – Your mechanical control is strong, Celestra. And your water manipulation… impressive.
Celestra – Machinery or mechanical… it's basically the same, right?
Nyra – Whatever you want to call it.
Lyraen – Then it's my turn!
CLING
A mix of soft pink and vivid green energy wrapped around him, twisting in floral, almost hypnotic patterns, dancing over her arms and chest.
Elira – Finally… mine should be ice, I guess.
CLING
Light blue energy crackled around her body, mist forming and freezing mid-air like crystalline feathers.
Elira – So… we've all acquired our Mu, what is it called again?
Nyra – Mugen Tenshou.
Elira – Right. Whatever. Let's start training?
Nyra – Yes. And don't forget… Vaelis is counting on us.
Renzo – Before we jump into that…
Nyra – Yes, Renzo?
Renzo – Why don't we have some tea first?
Kaelion – This guy… never serious.
Drevyn – Who cares? I love my Cele—I mean… tea.
Lyraen's eyes sparkled as she leaned toward Celestra, whispering: "I'm definitely sure he likes you."
Celestra – No way!
Renzo jogged to the kitchen, muttering cheerfully, "Just a few minutes!"
Kaelion – Hey! I want coffee, not tea!
Nyra – Drevyn, I think…
Drevyn – You think what?
Nyra – You're a coward. You hide what you like… what you love.
Drevyn's *mind raced - Wait, how does she know? What is happening, I've been keeping it all secret, what the hell!
Nyra – I think… you like someone.
A surge of relief washed over him. "Oh… that's not what I expected…"
Drevyn – N-no! I don't… I mean… I don't like anyone!
Nyra *giggles - No need to lie. Your face says it all.
Kaelion smirked sideways. Kaelion – Why don't you just tell her?
Drevyn – Shut up!
Renzo returned, balancing a tray of tea cups. Everyone grabbed one.
Kaelion – Wait… no coffee for me? That's rude.
Renzo – Sorry! We don't have coffee at home.
Elira – I can bring it.
Kaelion – You'll make it for me?
Elira *giggles - I never said that, I won't make it for you, its Renzo's house, obviously he will… I'll check my ninja speed too!
Renzo - Am I some kind of maid you think?
Nyra – Hey, Kaelion!
Kaelion – Huh!?
Nyra *giggles – Nothing.
*FLASHH
Kaelion - She just disappeared like that? She's fast.
Nyra - This is nothing, I saw her fighting with fracturites, I'm glad you weren't there.
Kaelion - Glad? Why? What would happen if I was there.
Nyra - Blush.
Kaelion - Wh.. what? Don't you think you say without even th...thinking once?
Lyraen – She just… vanished? Hey, Kaelion… something's off with you.
Kaelion – N-no…nothing, you just focus on Vaelis.
Lyraen – WHAT??
Kaelion – I... I...meant focus on rescuing Vaelis.
Drevyn, staring at his tea, muttered quietly, Drevyn – Sometimes… I think that things will not be the same as it was.
Kaelion – What do you mean?
Renzo – Alright! Enough distractions! Let's focus on leveling to 200 and mastering Mugen Tenshou.
---
Episode 30 Ends
To Be Continued…