Henrik was staring at the burned monster laying on the table, then at the ten-year-old boy who claimed to have killed it.
"So... how did you kill it, again?"
"Machete, fire, and a tree."
"So... you're saying you killed it with a machete, fire... and a tree?"
"Oh yeah, there was another thing I totally forgot."
"What?"
"A pig."
Henrik rubbed his temples. He knew all too well where that strength came from.
"Boy, do you know what your mother's name was before marriage?"
"Uh... no, I guess."
"Lighthart. Her name was Aurelia Lighthart."
"Yeah, I know that—wait! If her name was Lighthart... then my father..."
"Yes, you're right on the hunch. Your father took that name after their marriage. His original name was Kian Heinrich."
Kite gulped. His breathing became heavy.
So many lies... so many truths hidden from me... and I'm hearing this from a stranger.
He felt betrayed. He didn't know who to trust anymore.
"Heinrich was a warrior bloodline, not a noble one like Lighthart. They were loyal servants to the Ashvale family—trusted, disciplined, and special. In dire situations, they awaken, enhancing their physical strength, speed, and agility. When their awakened power activates, they can access the accumulated battle experience of their ancestors—making quick, effective combat decisions. They also gain insight into what to do next."
Kite remained silent.
"Tell me, while fighting that thing, did you feel like your body was moving on its own? Doing crazy stuff that didn't make sense before? Cutting off an arm like it was nothing?"
Still silent. Numb.
"I'll take that as a yes."
Henrik looked from the charred monster to the boy.
"Anyways, you should start packing. The journey is going to be a long one."
"Wh—why?"
"Because you proved yourself, that's why. Oh—almost forgot. This is for you."
Henrik nodded to the official standing behind him. She quickly understood and placed a suitcase on the table near the sofas, opening it.
"It's yours now, Kite."
Inside was a flask filled with blue liquid. The official carefully took it out and opened it with a soft pop.
"Drink it," she said, her voice emotionless.
Kite looked back at Henrik. After a nod from him, he hesitantly brought the flask to his lips.
The taste was... strange. Not good or bad. Just unfamiliar.
Midway through, dizziness and nausea hit him like a wave.
"Do not stop. Drink it whole. If you stop for even a second, you'll die," Henrik warned.
Couldn't you have told me that earlier, you maniac?!
Still, Kite didn't stop. He downed the rest.
Henrik nodded. "Good. Let's test it."
"What did I just drink?!"
"A poison. Blue scarlet berry. It would kill anyone without Lighthart blood. I was skeptical since you're only half, but you survived. What a bummer."
This guy is joking... right?
Kite glared at him but said nothing.
"Follow me."
They stepped outside into the forest. Henrik glanced around, thoughtful.
"Now what?"
"We test it."
"Are you going to try killing me again?!"
"No. Just stick your index finger out and point at that tree."
Reluctantly, Kite obeyed.
"Now, feel the energy inside your body. Visualize it."
Kite closed his eyes. He could sense it—like rippling white water within him.
"Channel that energy to your fingertip. Store it. Visualize it leaving you."
The energy pooled in his fingertip. It grew hot. He opened his eyes—white light shimmered on his finger.
He imagined releasing it.
A beam of light burst from his fingertip. Neither of them could see it move—it traveled faster than light.
A massive section of the forest was left scorched and devastated.
It's just like... a flash of light... I'll call it Flashlight.
"Kid..."
Kite turned to Henrik.
"Your... finger..."
Kite looked down. His index finger was charred black. A red vein now glowed in a cross across the burned flesh.
Kite...
Kite...
A soft voice called to him—a woman's voice.
"Kite... wake up..."