Morning light filtered through the massive windows of the Ardentis estate. The air smelled faintly of ozone, lingering from the residual sparks clinging to my hands.
"Brother," I said, following Richa into the training yard. "I… I need to learn how to control this power. If I can't, I might hurt you—or worse, myself."
Richa's golden eyes softened, but there was a spark of pride there too. "I expected as much. I'll help you, Caelum. But… you need discipline. Lightning isn't something you can just summon and hope for the best. It obeys its master—or it kills you."
I nodded, fists clenched. The system thrummed in my mind, buzzing like a storm gathering on the horizon.
[Training Mode Activated: Bolt Manifestation]Objective: Control divine lightning without harm to self or surroundings.Reward: Experience +50, Bronze Progress +5%
I closed my eyes, letting the hum inside me grow. A small spark danced along my fingertips. I extended my hand, trying to shape it, hold it steady.
The first attempt backfired. Lightning arced across the yard, striking the far wall and leaving a scorched mark. My legs buckled as the shock traveled through my body.
"Control it, Caelum!" Richa shouted, rushing to steady me.
I gasped, tasting blood at the corner of my mouth, but I clenched my teeth. My will burned hotter than the storm itself. Slowly, tentatively, the lightning shrank, coiling around my palm like a living serpent, trembling—but obedient.
[Trial Update: Bolt Manifestation – Partial Control Achieved]Experience +25Bronze Progress +2%
I breathed heavily. Sweat and static clung to me. "I… I think I got it."
Richa's lips curved into a proud smile. "Good. But that's only the beginning. You need to be able to summon it anywhere, in any amount, without risking your life."
A shadow moved at the edge of the estate's training ground. I froze. My lightning flared involuntarily, the small spark leaping toward it.
Two young nobles, descendants of minor gods, had come to watch. Their eyes widened at the sight of my glow. Whispers spread immediately.
"Is that…?"
"That kid? From the Ardentis family? He's glowing!"
A pang of pride and unease surged in me. I was still Rust-tier in body and Bronze in spirit—but even the nobles could feel the spark of something greater inside me.
Richa grabbed my shoulder again, whispering, "Don't let them see fear. Only control, or they'll try to challenge you before you're ready."
I nodded. Lightning hummed faintly along my fingers, as if acknowledging me. My journey had only just begun—but even in these first sparks, I could feel the weight of the path ahead.
Rust → Bronze.Bolt Manifestation unlocked.The path to godhood begins.