The enclosed training grounds of the underground HQ hummed with activity, the air thick with the sounds of exertion and clashing force. The distant clang of metal against metal and grunts of effort reverberated through the space, punctuated by bursts of energy as Bo, Riggs, and Fon sparred in the center, each pushing their abilities to the limit.

Val stood at a distance, observing his team as they exchanged blows and honed their techniques. His gaze was steady, following every movement as they wove through drills with an intensity that showed just how much each of them had improved.

The faint scent of sweat mixed with the faint tang of stone and steel filled the air, grounding him in the present moment. Yet, a tension lingered, like a shadow creeping at the edges of his mind.

Bo's ice cracked against Riggs's wind shield, sending frosty shards scattering across the ground. The sharp sounds echoed through the chamber, a testament to their growing control and synergy. Fon maneuvered swiftly, shifting the ground beneath Riggs's feet, causing him to stumble, but not for long. Riggs righted himself quickly, retaliating with a gust of wind that sent Fon sliding backward, his laugh of surprise ringing out.

A faint smile ghosted over Val's face as he watched their banter, appreciating their camaraderie.

But then, without warning, a sharp, searing pain flared in his left eye, cutting through his thoughts like a blade.

Val's breath hitched, his hand instinctively reaching up to press against his eye. It wasn't the first time he had felt this pain, but each time it came, it left him on edge. A dark, creeping sensation twisted in his chest, a familiar chill that sent a warning through him.

He took a slow, measured breath, forcing himself to remain composed even as the pain pulsed in time with his heartbeat. This pain wasn't a mere nuisance; it was a reminder—a warning that the shadows were stirring again.

And in that darkness, Black Lotus was likely plotting something malicious, something he could almost sense.

The thought of their unseen movements made him sigh, his gaze hardening as he focused back on the training ground. But his mind kept wandering, searching for an answer that refused to reveal itself.

As if in response, a familiar presence settled around him, silent yet undeniable. Deleo's voice, deep and steady, resonated within his mind.

"Your instincts serve you well, Val. But rest assured, you're not alone in feeling it. Shadows are moving once more."

Val's eyes narrowed, his fingers tightening unconsciously. "So I'm right, then," he murmured inwardly, "Black Lotus… they're planning something again."

The faintest chuckle echoed in his mind, Deleo's tone carrying both a hint of amusement and a deeper concern. "Yes. Their ambitions grow, and with it, the malice that now coils in the depths of Clareo's borders."

Val's jaw clenched, his eyes following Bo as he landed a well-timed strike on Riggs, forcing him to yield momentarily. "I was hoping for a reprieve," he muttered under his breath, his gaze darkening.

"You knew as well as I did that there would be no rest, not with Black Lotus in the shadows." Deleo's voice softened, a strange sympathy laced into his tone. "They won't stop, not until they've seen their plans come to fruition."

Val exhaled, a resigned heaviness settling over him. "They're relentless," he replied quietly, feeling the weight of Deleo's words sink into him. "And their reach… it's becoming suffocating."

Deleo's presence seemed to shift, as though he were moving closer, his voice softening even further. "Their malice is not without consequence, Val. Every move they make leaves a ripple—a mark that I can sense as surely as you feel it. But don't let it consume you."

Val forced himself to focus, drawing strength from the steadiness of Deleo's words. "I know," he replied, his voice low but resolute. "But I can't just stand by, watching them weave their plans while we're here, bound by the shadows."

Deleo's chuckle returned, a faint warmth in his tone. "Patience, Val. Even the most cunning enemy can be undone by one who waits, watches, and strikes with precision."

Val nodded, his gaze drawn back to his team as they continued their sparring. Riggs was pressing Fon hard, his wind swirling in powerful bursts that Fon struggled to deflect, while Bo watched, strategizing his next move. The rhythmic clang of their strikes echoed through the chamber, grounding Val in the present even as Deleo's words reverberated within him.

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"They're stronger now," Val noted, watching as Fon maneuvered swiftly, sidestepping a particularly powerful gust from Riggs.

"Yes," Deleo agreed, his tone almost contemplative. "They have grown, as have you. But remember, it's not just strength that will face Black Lotus. It's resilience. The ability to hold steady, even when the darkness threatens to consume."

Val's lips curved into a slight smile, his gaze steady. "They're resilient, all right," he murmured, watching as Bo formed a wall of ice to deflect Riggs's wind attack. "But the shadows… they grow thicker every day."

Deleo's tone turned grave. "Indeed. And the deeper you delve, the more dangerous the path becomes. But remember this, Val: shadows cannot exist without light. Use it. Balance it. And you will find your way through."

Val closed his eyes briefly, absorbing Deleo's words, feeling a renewed sense of purpose settle within him.

The pain in his left eye faded to a dull throb, a reminder of the darkness lurking just beyond his reach. But now, with Deleo's guidance and the sight of his team's unwavering determination before him, he felt a spark reignite.

Just then, Riggs's shout brought him back to the moment. "Hey, Val! You're just gonna stand there watching all day, or are you planning to jump in?"

Val opened his eyes, a faint smirk playing at his lips. "Are you sure you're ready for that?"

Bo chuckled, his expression one of mock challenge. "Bring it, Val. We're tougher than we look."

Fon, catching his breath, grinned, adding, "Yeah, just because you're our commander doesn't mean we're scared of you. Right, Riggs?"

Riggs rolled his shoulders, giving Val a nod of invitation. "Show us what you've got, Val."

Val shook his head, crossing his arms, a glint of amusement in his eyes as he regarded his team. "One day," he promised, his voice carrying a note of warning. "But for now, I think you've got enough to handle."

As they resumed their sparring, Val leaned back, feeling the familiar warmth of Deleo's presence, an unspoken promise that he wasn't alone. The shadows of Black Lotus may be gathering, but Val had his own strength—and he had his team.

As Val watched his team spar, Deleo's presence in his mind has been hovering something amusing which he felt.

Val sighed, knowing all too well that this encounter was unlikely to be about their earlier conversations. "Alright, Deleo, what's on your mind?"

Deleo's voice held a playful edge, a tone that Val had come to associate with a particularly mischievous mood. "Oh, Val, don't play coy. When are you going to let me meet your team? Specifically, that amusing little one."

Val's brow twitched. "You mean Fon?"

"Of course," Deleo replied, an unmistakable hint of laughter in his voice. "The boy has quite the imagination. He's endearing in his…let's say, unintentional hilarity."

Val crossed his arms, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You want to meet him because he called what you do 'possession,' don't you?"

Deleo chuckled, the sound echoing warmly. "Oh, absolutely! I nearly split in half at the absurdity. Such innocence paired with that wild imagination—it's refreshing. He's like the team's source of accidental entertainment."

Val shook his head, half-amused, half-exasperated. "Deleo, he's only eleven. Everything's new to him, and it doesn't help that our world makes little sense."

Deleo's expression softened, though he retained a hint of mirth. "Perhaps, but it's rare to see someone who brings such…let's say, comedic relief. You need someone who doesn't just push you but makes you pause, even if it's out of pure bewilderment."

Val leaned back, giving Deleo a skeptical look. "So, you want to meet him just for the entertainment?"

"Oh, don't act so scandalized, Val," Deleo retorted, feigning innocence. "Is it so wrong to be curious about the young 'clown' in your otherwise serious ensemble?"

Val snorted. "Clown? You're impossible. And just for the record, Fon is more than just comic relief."

Deleo's expression softened further. "I know, Val. But sometimes, humor and innocence are exactly what someone like you needs. And maybe, just maybe, I could use a bit of it too. I think he'd surprise us both."

Val sighed, shaking his head with a faint smile. "Alright, Deleo. We'll see. But if he starts asking questions, I'm leaving you to answer them."

Deleo chuckled, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Consider it a deal, Val. I'm looking forward to it."