As Sam’s eyes slowly fluttered open, he was met with the soft glow of morning light filtering through the window. His head throbbed slightly, but the warmth of the bed beneath him was enough to dull the lingering ache. He blinked a few times, adjusting to his surroundings.
The first thing he noticed was Eislyn, slumped in a chair beside his bed, her arms crossed, her breathing slow and steady. She had clearly fallen asleep while watching over him.
Sam let out a low sigh before turning his head toward the window. What he saw made him pause.
Two massive twin suns hung in the distant sky, their golden light casting long shadows over the city below. The view was breathtaking—an endless stretch of skyline bathed in hues of amber and violet.
“Where… am I?” Sam murmured groggily.
At the sound of his voice, Eislyn stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she let out a small yawn before focusing on him.
“You’re finally awake,” she said, rubbing her eyes.
Sam’s mind was still catching up, but then, in a sudden flash, it all came rushing back—the dinner, the conversation, and then…
That bastard.
His eyes widened as he remembered what had happened. His fists clenched, and he immediately sat up, ignoring the soreness in his muscles.
“Where is he?” Sam asked, his voice carrying a sharp edge.
Eislyn sat up straighter, suddenly alert. “Wait a minute—what are you planning?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
Sam swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up. “I need to ask him something.”
Eislyn crossed her arms. “You’re not seriously thinking about fighting my dad again, are you?”
Sam shook his head. “No. I just need answers.”
Without waiting for a response, he strode toward the door. Eislyn sighed, running a hand through her hair before standing up and following him.
As they stepped into the hallway, they found Rock seated in the living room, flipping through the pages of a thick, leather-bound book. He didn’t look up immediately, but the moment Sam stepped into the room, Rock’s lips curled into a knowing smirk.
“So, you’re finally awake,” Rock said without looking up from his book.
Sam ignored the greeting, his focus locked onto the man. “How didn’t you flinch from my kick?” he demanded.
Rock finally shut his book and set it aside. He looked at Sam with mild amusement. “What do you mean?”
Sam took a step forward. “One of my abilities activates automatically when I fight—it lets me match my opponent’s flux energy and use it to enhance my attacks. No matter how strong they are, if I match their flux, I can hurt them.” His gaze hardened. “But with you… it was different. I matched your energy, but when I kicked you, it felt like I was hitting an immovable object. Why?”
Rock leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Ah, that.” He chuckled to himself before fixing Sam with a steady gaze.
“You see, I wasn’t just any Theon—I was the Theon of Will.”
Sam’s eyes narrowed. “The Theon of Will?”
Rock nodded. “It means my physical attributes were tied directly to my willpower. As long as I had the will to stand, my body wouldn’t falter. Even after I lost my title, that aspect of me remained.”
He smirked and leaned forward slightly. “To put it simply… my body still carries the weight of an entire universe.”
Sam stiffened. A universe?
Leona sighed beside him. “Yeah, my dad likes to be dramatic, but he’s not lying,” she muttered.
Sam clenched his fists, absorbing the information. The weight of a universe… No wonder his attack had done nothing.
Rock studied Sam’s expression and then chuckled. “Don’t look so frustrated. If anything, you should take it as a lesson.”
“Maybe next time, you don’t attack someone at dinner,” Leona said dryly, arms crossed as she shot a pointed look at Rock.
Rock stiffened slightly and averted his gaze, suddenly very interested in the floor.
Leona sighed before turning her attention back to Sam. “Oh yes, Sam, to make up for what happened yesterday,” she said, her tone light but firm, “we’re taking you out for breakfast. Eislyn also mentioned you need new clothes, so we’ll do some shopping while we’re out. How about we leave in ten minutes?”
Sam hesitated for a moment, still processing everything that had happened, but eventually shrugged. “...Yeah, sure.”
“Great.” Leona smiled before clapping her hands together. “Now, let’s get ready.”
Rock, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly perked up. “Oh, breakfast? That sounds great! I’m starving,” he said enthusiastically.
Leona didn’t even look at him. “You’re not coming.”
Rock froze. His face fell as if she had just told him his entire existence was meaningless. “Wait—what? Why not!?” he demanded.
“This is your punishment for what you did to Sam,” Leona said simply, offering him no room for argument.
Rock visibly deflated, shoulders slumping. “But… but I didn’t even hit him that hard…” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Leona shot him a sharp glare, and Rock’s protests died in his throat.
“Fine…” he grumbled, dramatically turning away. “I guess I’ll just sit here… alone… hungry…” His voice trailed off into exaggerated, pitiful mumbling.
Sam watched the scene unfold, blinking in disbelief. This man—this supposedly terrifying former Theon—was sulking like a child over breakfast.
He let out a deep sigh. I refuse to believe this is what knocked me out.
As they stepped out of the building, Sam glanced up at the window and saw Rock staring down at them, his face pressed against the glass, fake tears streaming down his cheeks as he mouthed, Take me with you…
Sam sighed and quickly looked away, walking ahead with Leona and Eislyn.
They hopped into a hover-cart that lifted off the ground and cruised smoothly through the streets. Sam took in the towering structures, the bustling marketplace, and the vibrant energy of the city. The sight was unlike anything he had experienced before.
Turning his head, he noticed Eislyn speaking softly to her younger brother, who had fallen asleep in her lap. It was a different side of her—one he wasn’t used to seeing. She always seemed reserved and uncertain at the academy, but here, in her home, she looked… comfortable. Happy.
“So, Sam, what do you think of the city so far?” Leona asked, breaking the silence.
Sam turned back to her. “It’s great—well, aside from getting knocked out.” He shot a glance at Eislyn’s mother, who smirked. “But yeah, I like it here.”
Leona chuckled. “Ha! I guess that’s fair. But, Sam, I really do appreciate you being friends with Eislyn. She never really had any back at the academy… She was always picked on.”
Sam’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. “Yeah? She never told me that.”
“She wouldn’t,” Leona said, smiling fondly. “But trust me, it means a lot.”
Sam nodded. “Yeah, no problem.”
The cart came to a smooth stop, and the four of them hopped off.
“Man, I missed the food here,” Eislyn said, nearly bouncing in excitement.
Sam glanced at her, slightly surprised. She never acted like this back at the academy—usually nervous, quiet, or at most, sarcastic. Here, she was like a completely different person.
As they stepped into the diner, Sam took a moment to look around. Families filled the booths, the smell of sizzling breakfast food hanging in the air. It felt warm and inviting—until the hostess at the front desk gave Sam a pointed look.
“Table for four, please,” Leona requested.
The hostess hesitated, glancing at Sam. “I’m sorry, but he can’t eat here,” she said flatly.
There was a brief silence.
“Why not?” Leona’s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.
“It’s just… policy,” the hostess muttered, avoiding eye contact.
Sam exhaled, already used to this treatment. “It’s fine, Mrs. Leona. We can just eat somewhere else.”
“No,” Leona said firmly. “We’re eating here.”
“I’m sorry, but—”
Before the hostess could finish, her eyes flicked to the window.
Standing outside, clear as day, was Rock. He was cracking his knuckles slowly, his face wearing an easy-going smile—but there was something undeniably menacing about the way he was watching.
The hostess swallowed hard. “R-right this way,” she stammered, immediately grabbing menus and leading them to a table.
As they walked past, Sam gave Leona a side glance.
“Told you we could eat here,” she said with a smirk. “I guess you could say it was mother’s aura.”
Sam let out a short laugh as they sat down.
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As they settled at the table, Eislyn sat across from Sam, her little brother nestled beside her, his tiny fingers tapping at the holographic menu in excitement.
“What are you getting?” Eislyn asked, glancing up at Sam while helping her brother pick his meal.
Sam scanned the menu, his eyes landing on something interesting. “Uh… I’ll take the Starship Stew,” he finally decided.
Reese’s eyes lit up. “Big bro, I’ll get the same thing!” he declared.
Leona raised an eyebrow. “Can you handle that, Reese? That’s a lot of food.”
“I can do it!” Reese said confidently, puffing out his small chest.
Leona chuckled. “Alright, we’ll see.” She turned back to the menu. “I’ll have the Statern Rings.”
“Me too,” Eislyn added.
Leona tapped a button on the center of the table, and within seconds, their meals materialized before them, steaming and fresh. The delicious aroma filled the air as the four of them began eating.
Meanwhile, just outside the window, Rock sat on the curb, his face pressed against the glass like a sad, abandoned puppy.
“I wish I could be there,” he mumbled, wiping away a fake tear as he watched them eat.
As they finished their meal and paid, the group walked out of the diner and headed toward a clothing store nearby. Sam glanced around at the displays, feeling overwhelmed by the selection. "I don't even know what to pick," he thought to himself, the racks of clothes making him feel uncertain.
Leona noticed his hesitation and walked over to him with a smile. "Here, try this one on," she said, handing him a neatly folded set of clothes. The fabric was smooth, the colors vibrant. "It’ll suit you perfectly."
Sam took the clothes hesitantly, mumbling a quiet, “Uh, thanks.” He turned toward the changing rooms, but as he approached, a store attendant stopped him with a polite but firm voice.
"I'm sorry, sir, but you can't try them on," the man said, his tone cool and matter-of-fact.
Sam froze, holding the clothes in his hands as he turned toward Leona, who raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Why not?" she asked, the irritation in her voice obvious.
The attendant didn’t seem fazed by her tone. "He can try them on, but only after he buys them," he said, his gaze never leaving the small screen in his hand as he punched something in.
Leona’s expression darkened. “That’s ridiculous. Everyone else can try on clothes before buying. Why can’t he?”
The store clerk shifted uncomfortably but stood firm. “It’s just store policy, ma’am.”
Sam let out a quiet sigh, already used to this kind of treatment. “It’s fine, Mrs. Leona. I’ll just buy them and try them on later.”
Leona crossed her arms. “No. That’s not fine.” She turned to the clerk, her tone sharp. “Either he gets to try them on like everyone else, or we’re taking our money somewhere else.”
The clerk hesitated, his gaze flickering toward the window—where Rock, once again, stood outside, cracking his knuckles with an unamused expression.
“Actually,” the clerk coughed, suddenly flustered, “I-I think we can make an exception.”
Leona smirked. “That’s what I thought.”
She handed the clothes to Sam, who glanced outside and shook his head. “Ihow are tehy chaging ktheir mind that quickly,” he muttered under his breath before heading into the changing room.
As Sam stepped out of the changing room, he turned to the mirror, adjusting the new outfit slightly. The fabric felt different from what he was used to—lighter, more refined. He wasn’t sure if it suited him, but before he could dwell on it, Leona clapped her hands together.
“It looks so good on you, doesn’t it, Eislyn?” she said, a proud smile on her face.
Eislyn’s face turned a faint shade of pink as she quickly looked away, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her jacket. “Y-yeah… It looks nice,” she muttered, avoiding eye contact.
Sam raised an eyebrow at her reaction but chose not to question it.
After making their purchase, the three of them left the store, strolling through the bustling streets of the city. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the buildings. As they walked, Sam noticed people setting up decorations, hanging vibrant banners, and assembling tables along the sidewalks. The air buzzed with excitement, the scent of roasted food wafting through the streets.
“What’s going on?” Sam asked, glancing around at the lively preparations.
“We have a festival that lasts five days every year,” Eislyn explained, her eyes lighting up. “It’s one of the biggest celebrations here.”
“Sounds cool,” Sam said, taking in the sights and sounds around him.
As they continued walking, Sam spotted a familiar figure amidst the workers—Rock, carrying massive equipment effortlessly, as if they weighed nothing. He was surrounded by others who struggled under the weight of similar loads, but he moved with ease, his strength on full display.
Their eyes met.
Sam, almost instinctively, snapped his fingers quietly—a subtle motion. A silent challenge.
Rock’s lips curled into a grin, as if he understood exactly what Sam was thinking. He gave a small nod, accepting the unspoken message.
Sam smirked.
As Eislyn, Leona, Reese, and Rex returned to the apartment, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming festival. The faint hum of music from the streets below seeped through the windows, blending with the distant chatter of excited voices.
“I’m going to change into my outfit for the party,” Eislyn announced, heading toward her room without waiting for a response.
“You should change into the new clothes we bought,” Leona suggested, glancing at Sam.
“Yeah, I will,” Sam replied before making his way into the guest room.
The moment he shut the door behind him, he immediately dropped to the floor, stretching his arms and legs in preparation. His body still felt the remnants of Rock’s earlier attack—his muscles ached, but there was a fire in his chest. He needed to be ready.
Five minutes passed before the door creaked open, and Rock stepped inside. He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
“So… are you sure you want to go through with this?” Rock asked, his voice steady but laced with something close to amusement.
Sam didn’t hesitate. He looked up, determination in his eyes. “Of course. We didn’t get to finish last time.”
Rock smirked, impressed by the unwavering resolve. “Fine. Then let’s get started.”
Sam stood up, rolling his shoulders. “Hold on,” he said, lifting a hand. “Let’s do this after the party. We don’t want to start a commotion before it even begins.”
Rock exhaled through his nose, a deep chuckle escaping him. “Fine by me,” he said. With a casual snap of his fingers, a portal materialized above Sam’s head, releasing a sudden downpour of cold water over him.
Sam flinched but quickly relaxed as the water drenched him, cooling him down. “Thanks,” he muttered, shaking his head to flick away the excess droplets.
Rock turned and walked toward the door, pausing only briefly. “Don’t keep me waiting,” he said before leaving the room.
Sam let out a small laugh, shaking his head as he grabbed the fresh set of clothes from the nearby chair. The festival was going to be interesting—but the fight waiting for him after? That was the real event.
As Sam stepped out of the room, he adjusted his new clothes, feeling a little different in the fresh outfit. The fabric was comfortable, fitting him better than he expected. However, his attention quickly shifted when he saw Eislyn.
She looked completely different from her usual self—her pink hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, and for once, she wasn’t wearing her glasses. The absence of them made her eyes stand out more, their color more striking under the soft glow of the festival lights filtering through the window. She noticed Sam staring and quickly looked away, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“Are you ready to go?” Leona asked, her tone warm but expectant.
“Yeah,” Sam said, shaking off his thoughts.
“Let’s get going, big bro!” Reese chimed in, his energy infectious as he grabbed onto Sam’s hand excitedly.
Sam couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, let’s go.”
As the four of them stepped outside, the festival was already in full swing. The streets were alive with laughter and music, colorful lanterns hanging from every post, casting a warm, golden glow over the crowds. Vendors lined the roads, selling all sorts of exotic foods and trinkets. Children ran past, waving sparklers, their giggles echoing through the night.
The air was rich with the scent of grilled meats and sweet pastries, mingling with the faint aroma of burning incense. Performers dazzled the crowds with gravity-defying acrobatics, and musicians played lively tunes on floating instruments.
Sam took it all in, his usual guarded demeanor softening as he let himself enjoy the moment. For the first time in a long while, he felt at peace.
As the festival continued, Sam found himself genuinely enjoying the lively atmosphere. Laughter filled the streets, children ran around with glowing festival trinkets, and the scent of sweet and savory foods lingered in the air. He had spent most of the evening with Eislyn, Leona, and Reese, sampling food, playing festival games, and even helping set up decorations. It was a rare moment of peace, and for once, he allowed himself to soak it in.
The rhythmic thrum of drums and stringed instruments suddenly took center stage, signaling a shift in the night’s festivities. The crowd naturally parted in the main square as dancers twirled and moved in perfect harmony with the music. Their feet tapped against the stone pavement in sync, and the air pulsed with energy.
Sam watched, intrigued. The way the dancers moved was both effortless and expressive, as if they were telling a story through every spin and step. He glanced at Eislyn, who stood beside him, her gaze fixed on the performers.
“You keep tapping your foot like that,” Sam teased, nudging her lightly, “and you’re going to wear out your shoe.”
Eislyn blinked and looked down, realizing she was unconsciously keeping time with the beat. “I can’t help it,” she admitted with a small laugh. “The music is really good.”
“Then why aren’t you dancing?”
She hesitated, shifting slightly. “I’m… not the best dancer.”
Sam smirked. “You literally float when you fight. How hard can dancing be?”
Eislyn rolled her eyes at him. “Are you saying I should dance?”
Sam extended a hand toward her. “I’m saying we should dance.”
Her eyes widened slightly, and she glanced at his outstretched hand. Around them, couples and friends were pairing off, moving into the open space. The music was inviting, urging her to join in.
With a deep breath, Eislyn placed her hand in his. “Fine. But if you step on my foot, I will use my gravity powers on you.”
Sam laughed. “Duly noted.”
As they moved into the center of the dance floor, the melody shifted, becoming livelier. At first, their steps were uncertain—Eislyn stiffly following Sam’s lead, and Sam trying not to overthink his movements. But as they got used to the rhythm, something clicked.
Eislyn spun under his arm, her pink ponytail shimmering in the glow of the lanterns. She laughed, the sound light and unguarded. Sam grinned, realizing how rare it was to see her so carefree.
“You’re actually not bad,” she admitted, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Sam shrugged. “I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m just making it up as I go.”
Eislyn chuckled. “Same.”
The music carried them, their movements becoming more natural, more fluid. They stepped and spun, caught in the moment, forgetting the world beyond the festival. Around them, others joined in—friends, strangers, all moving together in celebration.
For the first time in a long while, there was no academy, no battles, no pressure. Just the music, the warm glow of lanterns, and the shared rhythm of two friends dancing beneath the stars.
After the dance Sam and eislyn took a break. “Here drink this,” eislyn said.
Sam took a sip and blinked. “It’s… fizzy and warm at the same time?”
Eislyn laughed. “Yeah, it’s a local specialty.”
As they ate, Rock approached, carrying a large crate like it weighed nothing. “Having fun, kid?” he asked with a smirk.
Sam smirked back. “More fun than getting punched through a wall.”
Rock let out a hearty laugh. “Fair enough.”
The night continued with games, performances, and endless laughter. Sam had never felt so accepted, so free. For the first time in a long while, he wasn’t just an outsider—he was part of something. And for tonight, that was more than enough.
As the night settled and the festival came to an end, the streets outside grew quiet, with only the distant hum of lingering celebrations fading into the background.
“Goodnight, everyone,” Eislyn said softly, carrying Reese, who was already fast asleep, into his room.
“Yeah, you too,” Leona responded, stretching as she and Rock retreated to their bedroom.
Meanwhile, Sam entered the guest room, tossing his jacket onto the chair before stripping down to his tank top and shorts. He took a deep breath, lowering himself onto the floor, stretching his arms and legs, loosening up his muscles. His mind wasn’t on rest—it was on the unfinished fight.
In the master bedroom, Rock lay beside Leona, who was engrossed in her hologram book.
“I’m going to the bathroom,” Rock said casually.
“Okay, honey,” she murmured, not looking up.
But Rock didn’t head for the bathroom. Instead, he silently made his way to the guest room and pushed open the door.
Sam, mid-stretch, turned his head toward the entrance. “Hey,” he greeted, as if expecting him.
“Hey,” Rock said, stepping inside and shutting the door behind him. “So… why are you so determined to do this?”
Sam stood up, rolling his shoulders. “Because I want to fight. No crowd, no distractions. I don’t know when I’ll see you again, so it has to be tonight.”
Rock smirked. “You’re really that eager to lose?”
Sam let out a small chuckle before stepping forward and planting his foot against Rock’s chest, applying pressure. Rock raised an eyebrow, caught off guard.
“You know how it works bitch,” Sam said. “First move decides everything.”
Rock’s smirk widened. “So, you’re saying we start right now?”
“Why wait?” Sam replied. “You’re not a real fighter if you need an audience.”
Rock’s expression darkened slightly. “You do realize you can’t win this, right?”
Sam’s eyes gleamed with confidence. “I only pick fights I can win.”
Before Rock could react, Sam moved like a flash, delivering a sharp kick straight to Rock’s face. The impact sent Rock stumbling back, his knees momentarily buckling. He touched his jaw in disbelief.
“That power…” Rock muttered.
Sam cracked his knuckles. “That was easy.”
Rock’s grin returned. “You really think you can beat me just because you think you can?”
Sam didn’t answer. Instead, he lunged forward, driving his knee into Rock’s neck before following up with a powerful kick to the face. Rock was sent flying backward, crashing into the wall with a deep thud.
“I know I can,” Sam said.
Rock wiped the blood from his lip and stood up, a new fire in his eyes. “I underestimated you. That won’t happen again.”
Sam charged, aiming to finish the fight—but Rock was ready this time.
In a blur of movement, Rock’s palm shot forward, striking Sam with immense force. The impact sent Sam hurtling backward like a comet, straight through the wall—into Eislyn’s room.
Sam crashed onto the floor, creating a small crater in the wooden panels.
“What the hell?!” Eislyn shrieked, clutching a blanket around her as she had been in the middle of changing. Her face burned red in embarrassment and fury.
Dust and debris settled as Rock stepped through the hole, rolling his shoulders. He looked down at Sam, who groaned as he pushed himself up.
“I guess I was wrong,” Rock said, cracking his knuckles. “The real fight starts now.”