"BOOM!"
Michael instinctively dropped into a defensive stance before realizing the source of the disturbance. In the distance, two figures were engaged in intense combat, their movements nearly too fast for an ordinary human to follow.
One combatant was shrouded in brilliant yellow armor that appeared to be made of pure energy rather than physical material. In their hand gleamed a sword similarly wreathed in golden light. Even from this distance, Michael recognized Alfred's distinctive fighting style—aggressive yet calculated, always seeking the perfect opening.
His opponent was surrounded by an aura of vibrant blue energy that seemed to pulse with each breath she took. Her eyes glowed with the same cerulean light, and Michael could sense the tremendous power contained within her slender frame. This, he realized, must be the legendary Lisa Everheart.
The two stood approximately thirty meters apart, engaged in what appeared to be the culmination of an extended duel. Lisa's hands moved in intricate patterns, conjuring spheres of concentrated blue energy that she launched toward Alfred in rapid succession. Each projectile carried enough power to level a small building, yet Alfred met them with precise swings of his energy blade, cleaving through them with remarkable skill.
Growing impatient with the defensive approach, Alfred suddenly charged forward, his yellow-armored form becoming a golden blur as he closed the distance. His strategy seemed sound—get inside the range of her energy attacks and force close-quarter combat where his swordsmanship would give him the advantage.
Lisa, however, remained unfazed by his approach. She increased the tempo of her attacks, creating a veritable storm of energy projectiles that filled the air between them. Alfred weaved through the initial barrage with impressive agility, his blade flashing as he cut through those he couldn't avoid. Yet as he drew closer, the sheer volume of attacks became overwhelming. A sphere of blue energy slipped past his guard, detonating against his chest and sending him flying backward.
In a display of remarkable skill, Alfred twisted in midair and vanished, only to reappear behind Lisa in what seemed like instantaneous teleportation. His blade descended in a perfect arc toward her unprotected neck—a strike that would have been decisive against most opponents.
But Lisa Everheart had not earned her rank through conventional means. Without even turning to look, she reinforced her neck with a concentrated layer of blue energy that intercepted Alfred's blade mere millimeters from her skin. In the same fluid motion, she released a massive omnidirectional blast of energy from her entire body, the force throwing Alfred backward once again.
The pattern continued for several more exchanges, and it became increasingly clear that despite Alfred's considerable skill, Lisa held the upper hand. Her control over her energy was simply more refined, her tactics more versatile, her power more overwhelming.
Their combat came to an abrupt halt when Jeremiah raised his voice slightly—barely more than his normal speaking tone, yet it carried across the field with unmistakable authority.
"Enough, children. The subject of today's training has arrived."
Both combatants immediately ceased their attacks and turned toward Michael and Jeremiah. Alfred's energy armor dissipated as a broad smile spread across his face. With youthful enthusiasm that contrasted with the deadly skill he had just displayed, he sprinted toward Michael, calling his name joyfully.
"Michael! You're finally here!" Alfred exclaimed, throwing his arms around his childhood friend in a warm embrace that momentarily surprised Michael before he returned it with genuine affection.
Lisa followed at a more measured pace, her blue aura fading as she approached. Michael found himself unable to look away from her. The rumors of her beauty had not been exaggerated—if anything, they had failed to do her justice. Her golden blonde hair caught the morning sunlight, framing delicate features set in an expression of curious assessment. Her blue eyes, no longer glowing with power but still remarkably vivid, studied him with intelligent interest. Even her posture radiated elegant confidence that seemed as natural to her as breathing.
"Is that really him? The one who saved the world?" Michael overheard her murmur, though he suspected he wasn't meant to hear.
As Alfred finally released him from the enthusiastic greeting, Lisa stepped forward. Up close, Michael found her presence even more striking—a perfect balance of strength and grace that he had rarely encountered.
"You must be Michael Florescent," she said, her voice melodious and clear. "I am Lisa Everheart, Heptad Rank 3. It's a pleasure to meet you." She offered her hand in greeting, accompanied by a smile that seemed to brighten the morning around them.
Michael felt an unexpected warmth rise to his face as he carefully took her outstretched hand. "N-nice to meet you too, Ms. Everheart," he replied, inwardly surprised at his own momentary stammer. Her hand felt warm in his, and he experienced an unusual sense of tranquility at the contact—as if for a brief moment, all was right with the world.
When they finally separated, Michael found himself reluctant to break the connection. "What a calming presence," he thought to himself. "I felt as though I was in a peaceful haven."
Jeremiah cleared his throat subtly, drawing everyone's attention back to the purpose of their gathering. "Now that introductions have been made," he said, "it's time to begin your training, Michael. But first, may I pose a question?"
"Of course, Master," Michael responded, refocusing his thoughts.
"Have you been able to access your metal manipulation abilities since your confrontation with Trevor?" Jeremiah inquired, his expression revealing nothing of his expectations.
Michael shook his head. "No, I've been meaning to discuss this with you. Despite my efforts, I haven't been able to manifest those abilities again."
Jeremiah nodded thoughtfully, as if this confirmed a theory he had been considering. "I suspected as much. It seems we won't be conducting physical training today, but rather mental conditioning."
"Mental conditioning?" Michael repeated, his brow furrowing slightly. "What exactly does that entail?"
"No more questions for now," Jeremiah stated firmly. "Simply follow us to the appropriate location."
Michael complied without further inquiry, falling into step behind Jeremiah as Alfred and Lisa flanked him. They traversed a winding path through a dense forest, eventually emerging into a secluded valley where the sound of rushing water grew increasingly prominent. A magnificent waterfall dominated the scene, its crystal-clear waters plunging at least fifty meters into a deep pool below.
"Michael," Jeremiah began, his tone solemn, "behind that waterfall lies a cave. You must enter it alone. Once inside, you are to lie down and take this." He produced a small pill from a pouch at his belt. "This will induce a specific type of sleep that will allow you to access the deeper recesses of your consciousness."
Michael accepted the pill, studying it with cautious curiosity. "With respect, Master, could you explain the purpose of this exercise more thoroughly?"
Jeremiah regarded him for a long moment before responding. "This is a form of training reserved for three specific situations: those who have actual demons residing within them, those who have lost control of their innate powers, and those who have lost access to their abilities entirely. You, Michael Florescent, fall into that third category."
Michael nodded, understanding dawning in his crimson eyes. "I see. Then I shall proceed immediately."
As he turned toward the waterfall, Alfred called out to him, his typically cheerful face unusually serious. "GOOD LUCK, MICHAEL! AND PLEASE... DO NOT DIE!"
The ominous warning gave Michael pause. "What does he mean, 'don't die'?" he wondered silently. Nevertheless, he continued forward, his determination unwavering. This was why he had come to the Uppercity—to understand and master the power he had inherited, to ensure he never became the threat his father had been.
The roar of the waterfall grew deafening as he approached. Without hesitation, Michael plunged through the curtain of water, the cold shock momentarily stealing his breath before he emerged into the relative darkness of the cave beyond. As his eyes adjusted, he found the cavern to be surprisingly comfortable—dry save for a fine mist from the waterfall, with a smooth stone surface that seemed almost designed for his purpose.
Michael settled himself on the cave floor, lying flat on his back as instructed. He placed the pill on his tongue, noting its bitter taste before swallowing it dry. Almost immediately, a wave of drowsiness washed over him, his eyelids growing heavy as consciousness began to slip away.
The transition was unlike normal sleep. Rather than gradually fading into darkness, Michael found himself suddenly standing in a vast, empty void. Unlike other dreams or visions he had experienced, he retained full awareness and control of his movements. The void extended in all directions, without horizon or reference point, yet he could stand and walk as if on solid ground.
"Is this perhaps a dream?" Michael asked aloud, his voice neither echoing nor being absorbed by the strange environment.
"No, my son," came a response that sent a chill down Michael's spine. "This is the spirit realm inside your head. If you die here, you die in real life."
Michael whirled around, his body instinctively dropping into a combat stance. Standing before him, exactly as he remembered from their final confrontation in the Undercity, was the imposing figure of the man known as Steel—his father.