The bus ride home was a blur of excitement and anticipation. Aki and Ika chattered about everything and nothing, their boundless energy filling the small space. Kai, however, was lost in thought, his mind buzzing with ideas and strategies.
The immediate challenge wasn't just training, but the limited space in their cramped apartment. He needed a place where Aki and Ika could train without disturbing the neighbors, a space that offered privacy and the freedom to explore their developing powers. He dreamed of a small house in Matina Shrine, a quiet neighborhood known for its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to nature. He'd seen a few listings online – cozy houses with decent-sized yards, perfect for their needs. But those houses cost around 100 million pesos.
The reality of his savings quickly dampened his enthusiasm.
"Alright, Sage," he said, his voice low, careful not to be overheard. "What's our first move? How do we turn my savings into enough money for a house in Matina Shrine?"
"I have analyzed your current financial situation. You have approximately ₱55,789.50 in savings. Given the current market conditions, I recommend investing in a combination of low-risk and high-growth assets. Specifically, I suggest allocating 70% of your funds to a stable index fund and 30% to a promising, yet volatile, tech startup."
Kai frowned. "Index fund? Tech startup? I don't even know what those are."
"I can provide you with detailed explanations and relevant information. An index fund is a diversified portfolio that tracks a specific market index, such as the Philippine Stock Exchange index. It offers a relatively stable return with minimal risk. A tech startup, on the other hand, is a high-risk, high-reward investment. It carries a greater potential for significant gains, but also a higher risk of failure."
Sage then provided him with a stream of information about the stock market, investment strategies, and specific companies that fit her criteria. Kai felt overwhelmed, but he trusted Sage's judgment.
"Okay," he said, his voice hesitant. "I trust you. But can you walk me through the process?"
"I can provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to open a brokerage account and execute trades online. I can also monitor the market in real-time and alert you to any significant fluctuations or opportunities."
Kai swallowed, the sheer scale of the task ahead dawning on him. 100 million pesos… it seemed impossible. But he couldn't afford to be discouraged. He had to try. For Aki and Ika's sake, he had to try.
Over the next few days, Kai transformed into a student of the market. After his part-time job at the local convenience store, he would dedicate every spare moment to learning about stocks, bonds, and investment strategies. Sage patiently guided him, explaining complex concepts in simple terms and answering his endless questions. He learned about the Philippine Stock Exchange, local brokerage firms, and the risks and rewards of investing in various sectors.
He opened a brokerage account with a local online platform, feeling a thrill of excitement and a pang of anxiety as he transferred his hard-earned savings. Following Sage's instructions, he carefully allocated 70% of his funds to an index fund that tracked the PSEi, ensuring a stable base for his investment. The remaining 30% went to a small, up-and-coming tech startup focused on renewable energy solutions, a sector Sage believed had significant growth potential.
It was a nerve-wracking experience, watching the market fluctuate and seeing his money rise and fall with the daily tides. But Kai remained disciplined, trusting Sage's analysis and resisting the urge to panic sell or make rash decisions. He knew it would take time, patience, and a bit of luck to reach his goal.
His dream of a house in Matina Shrine, with a spacious backyard for his sisters to train, fueled his determination. He envisioned them honing their skills, growing stronger, and becoming the heroes they were destined to be.
And he, Kai Alonzo, would do everything in his power to make that dream a reality.
The weeks turned into months. Kai diligently continued his part-time job, contributing a portion of his earnings to his investment account each month. Sage meticulously monitored the market, providing him with timely updates and adjusting his investment strategy as needed.
The index fund provided steady, albeit modest, returns. The tech startup, however, proved to be a rollercoaster. Some days, its stock soared, adding a significant boost to his portfolio. Other days, it plummeted, causing Kai's stomach to churn with anxiety.
He learned to manage his emotions, to remain calm in the face of volatility, and to trust in Sage's expertise. He also realized that investing was not a get-rich-quick scheme. It was a long-term game, requiring patience, discipline, and a bit of faith.
Meanwhile, Aki and Ika were growing restless in their cramped apartment. The limited space made it difficult for them to practice their skills effectively. Aki's spatial awareness was manifesting as an uncanny ability to navigate tight spaces and anticipate movements, but she needed a larger area to truly explore her potential. Ika's elemental affinity was slowly developing, allowing her to manipulate small amounts of water, but she yearned for a place where she could experiment without fear of damaging their belongings.
Kai saw their frustration, their yearning for a better training environment. It only strengthened his resolve to reach his financial goals and provide them with the space they needed.
However, the lack of space wasn't the only thing on Kai's mind. The incident at the hospital had made him realize that he couldn't protect his sisters alone. He needed help, someone he could trust implicitly. That's when he made the decision to introduce them to Dark, the shadow being he had inadvertently formed a bond with.
One evening, as they were squeezed together in their tiny living room, Aki turned to Kai with a hopeful look in her eyes.
"Kuya," she said, using the Tagalog word for older brother. "When will we get our own house? I want to learn how to teleport, but there's not enough room here!"
Ika nodded in agreement. "I want to practice making waves, but I'm afraid of flooding the apartment!"
Kai smiled and ruffled their hair. "Soon, mga kapatid," he said, using the Tagalog word for siblings. "We're working on it. Just be patient a little longer." He paused, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Actually, I have someone I want you to meet. Someone who's going to help us train and protect us."
Aki and Ika exchanged curious glances. "Who is it, Kuya?" Aki asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
Kai closed his eyes for a moment, focusing his mind and reaching out to the shadow entity that resided within him. "Dark," he whispered, "come on out."
A ripple of darkness spread across the room, and from the shadows coalesced a humanoid figure. It was made entirely of swirling darkness, with glowing red eyes that seemed to pierce through the very soul. Aki and Ika gasped, taking a step back in surprise.
"This is Dark," Kai announced, his voice calm and reassuring. "He's… well, he's kind of like my servant. He's bound to me and will protect us with his life."
Aki and Ika stared at Dark in awe. The shadow being bowed slightly, its red eyes fixed on Kai.
"He's… cool!" Aki exclaimed, her initial fear quickly replaced by excitement. "Can he fight? Can he do magic?"
Ika, ever the pragmatist, asked, "Is he safe? Will he hurt us?"
Kai chuckled. "He's incredibly strong, and he can do things you wouldn't believe. And yes, he's completely safe. He won't hurt you. He's bound by my will, and I would never let him harm you."
He turned to Dark and nodded. The shadow being understood immediately. It shifted its form, becoming less menacing and more… playful. It stretched out a shadowy hand and gently poked Aki's cheek, causing her to giggle. Then, it created a small, shimmering orb of darkness and floated it towards Ika, who reached out and tentatively touched it. The orb dissolved into a shower of harmless sparks, bringing a smile to Ika's face.
"See?" Kai said, beaming. "He's friendly. He just needs a little getting used to."
Aki and Ika were instantly won over. They peppered Dark with questions, eager to learn more about his abilities and his origins. Kai patiently answered their questions, explaining as best he could the strange circumstances that led to his bond with the shadow entity.
Dark, despite being a being of darkness, seemed to enjoy the attention. He responded to their questions with gestures and movements, conveying his thoughts and feelings through his actions. He was surprisingly expressive, conveying a sense of loyalty and protectiveness towards Kai and his sisters.
The introduction of Dark marked a new chapter in their lives. With a powerful protector by their side, Kai felt a sense of relief wash over him. He no longer had to shoulder the burden of their safety alone.
He also knew that Dark could be a valuable asset in their training. He possessed a unique understanding of darkness and shadows, which could be incredibly useful in honing Aki's spatial awareness and Ika's elemental affinity.
That night, as they lay in their cramped beds, Kai couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. He was one step closer to achieving his goals, one step closer to providing his sisters with a better future.
He glanced over at Aki and Ika, who were fast asleep, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the city lights. Dark stood silently in the corner of the room, a watchful guardian, ensuring their safety.
Kai closed his eyes, a sense of gratitude washing over him. He had Sage, the intelligent and resourceful guide, and Dark, the loyal and powerful protector. And he had Aki and Ika, his beloved sisters, who inspired him to overcome any obstacle and achieve the impossible.
He knew the road ahead would be long and arduous. The dream of a house in Matina Shrine seemed distant and unattainable. But he was no longer alone. He had a team, a family, and a purpose. And with their combined strength and determination, he knew they could conquer any challenge that lay before them.
And as he drifted off to sleep, he dreamt of a bright future, a future where his sisters could train freely, where they could explore their potential, and where they could live in peace and security.
(End of Chapter 7)