Nola was in the playground, but this time my mother was with her. My mother, Samantha, and my father were at home; both had noticed the situation before I did.
"Arthur, dear, you're back. As far as I know, we agreed that you'd watch over Nola," my mother said.
The moment she spoke, sweat began to drip from my cheek.
"Mom, there was an emergency, so I had to leave Nola alone," I replied.
My mother laughed, teasingly, "Or have you decided to bring me a bride?"
A wave of panic swept over me.
"No, Mom, it's not like that!"
My father interjected, "Samantha, he must have just gone out for some fresh air. Don't worry so much. If he has a girlfriend, he'll introduce her to us in the future," and he winked at me.
My mother spoke again, "I prepared a special package and wrote a letter for Ren at the academy. Do you want to add anything?"
At that moment, I remembered the package prepared for Ren. I looked inside for the book but couldn't find it.
"No, Mom, but I'll write him a separate letter and send it," I said.
"That's good. Don't neglect your brother," my mother said.
"Okay, Mom, I would never neglect him," I replied.
At that moment, Nola came up to me.
"Brother, you promised to play with me. Now you have to take me to the park," she said.
I picked her up and said, "Of course, Nola. Your brother will do whatever you want. I'll definitely take you to the park."
Later in the day, I took Nola to the park.
In the park, Nola ran joyfully, her laughter filling the air. I watched her with a faint smile on my face, but the unease inside me hadn't yet subsided. The awakening of my memory and power both excited and unsettled me.
"Brother, let's go down the slide!" Nola said, grabbing my hand excitedly.
I took a deep breath. "Alright, Nola, let's go together," I said.
When we reached the top of the slide, I paused for a moment. I felt a slight vibration inside me; it was like a small echo of the lightning mana I had experienced in the forest.
"This… is still there?" I murmured to myself.
Without noticing, Nola held my hand tightly and sat on the slide, smiling. I held her safely in my lap, and we slid down together. As we descended, my eyes glimmered for a moment; it was as if a tiny spark was coursing through my body.
"Arthur, why are you looking like that? Did something happen?" Nola asked curiously.
I just smiled and nodded. "Nothing, Nola, I'm just a little excited," I said.
At that moment, a light wind blew between the trees at the edge of the park. The leaves trembled, and a faint electric hum echoed through the air. Noticing this, I thought to myself: "I need to learn to control my power… I can't show this around Nola."
But there was an energy inside me ready to erupt. I took a deep breath to suppress the wave of energy I felt and focused on the spear. Even in the first stage, I remembered the trees I had destroyed in the forest; now, in the city and near Nola, I had to be careful.
"Alright, Arthur," I said to myself, "control is up to you. This power has been entrusted to you, but you can still act like a human."
Holding Nola's hand, I continued walking through the park. The power inside me was still present, but I was learning to suppress it. I began to slowly harmonize my mind with the energy.
As I walked in the park, I noticed small sparks of electricity at the tip of my spear. Nola was still busy playing, completely unaware. I took a deep breath and aligned my mind with the power. I slowly raised my hands; a small wave of light danced in the air at the spear's tip.
"Alright… just a small test," I murmured.
I took a step and lightly tapped the ground with my spear. A small electric burst sent grass and a few leaves flying. When Nola turned to look, she was surprised but laughing excitedly:
"Brother! Do it again! Do it again!"
I smiled and took a deep breath. This time, I tried a bit more; the energy from the spear tip grew strong enough to shake a few small trees in a corner of the park. Leaves flew, and the ground lifted slightly. Still, I hadn't fully unleashed my power; I was testing my control.
At that moment, a faint echo occurred in my mind. God's voice resonated in my ears:"Control is up to you. This power will protect you, but it also carries responsibility. Do not rush; every step is a test."
I closed my eyes, balanced my breath, and harmonized the energy fully with my body. My spear glowed like a small lightning storm, but this time consciously. With every step, electricity spread lightly, remaining safe for both the park and Nola.
Nola ran excitedly, spinning around me. "Brother! Now do something bigger!"
I paused for a moment and thought: "I'm not ready yet. But I have to keep Nola safe. I know the limits of my power; I mustn't let it touch her now."
Then I lightly waved the spear; a small electric burst spread only across the ground and empty space. This was my first controlled maneuver, testing both my ability and limits.
Within the silence of the forest and the calm of the park, the energy inside me symbolized an awakening and the first step of training. The power was now a part of me, but I had to learn how to use it.
My eyes shone as I played small lightning games with my spear, while in my mind, I planned the next step: During my time at Ren Academy, I had to fully control my power and never forget my responsibilities.