"SS Chaos Class monster, Copy-Cat," Isakawa mused, maintaining a calm demeanor as he contemplated.
Riko furrowed his brow in confusion. "Isakawa, what is that? If I may ask?"
Isakawa leaned back, explaining calmly, "That's the monster core they used to grant children Abilities. Copy-Cat had the ability to replicate the powers of anyone it fought. It even copied abilities from another world before it arrived here through a rift." As he spoke, an image of a large cat with brown and white stripes and three scorpion tails materialized, then dissipated into smoke as Isakawa waved a hand.
Riko looked concerned. "But Isakawa, wouldn't it be difficult for the Heroes to defeat such a monster? Why haven't I heard much about it?"
"The Heroes' Organization kept it a secret to prevent mass panic. The creature was drawn to fear," Isakawa explained, his gaze sharpening. "Now, imagine the chaos if people knew there was a monster that could steal or copy their Abilities."
Riko fell silent, pondering the implications. Isakawa seemed to catch a glimmer of confusion in his eyes and continued with a hint of amusement.
"To some, it would be a blessing; to others, a curse. In a society where Abilities dictate power, news like that would cause widespread panic."
Despite the explanation, Riko's frown deepened. He wasn't sure how this connected to the Subaru. "So, how did the Subaru get the core?" he asked.
Isakawa answered swiftly, almost as if anticipating the question. "The Subaru devised a plan to subjugate the monster. It succeeded, with minimal casualties. As a reward, the Heroes' Organization gifted them the core. And, if suspicions are correct, they used it to bestow Abilities upon the Subaru children."
"Now, they're exploring other ways to create artificial Ability Users, as the core's power has been depleted," Isakawa explained, observing Riko's stunned expression. "Such a potent core was bound to have side effects."
"Your daughter, Sheila, is a pyromancer, and Krumi is an electro mage. Am I right?"
Riko's eyes widened, his nervousness palpable. "They are... How did you know that?" He glanced at Isakawa, uneasy with the extent of his knowledge. It was as if Isakawa knew everything.
"Most people with an Ability System can do that," Isakawa replied, matter-of-factly.
Riko laughed loudly, a mix of relief and excitement in his voice. "Isakawa, you never fail to impress me!"
Tael, however, was less amused. "Can't you simply take her to a healer?" he suggested, his frustration evident. To him, it seemed like an obvious solution.
Riko's demeanor shifted, his voice deepening with a cold edge. "Well, who would you go to first if your daughter couldn't see, boy?" His eyes flashed with hostility, the first sign of it that day. Tael visibly recoiled, feeling an unsettling aura from Riko.
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"The healers couldn't do anything," Riko continued, his tone tinged with sadness. "Even the most powerful ones we've met. Apart from the SSS class heroes, they all said they couldn't fix Sheila's eyes. We've tried." He sighed heavily, despair creeping into his voice.
Isakawa studied him thoughtfully. "A pyromancer's greatest ability is fire. There might be a way for your daughter to see again."
Riko's eyes widened with a mixture of hope and skepticism. "For real, Isakawa? Don't trick me."
Isakawa smirked slightly, raising an eyebrow tauntingly. "Should I tell you or not?"
Riko hesitated, the temptation clear. If there was even a chance for Sheila to regain her sight, he had to know. "Please do. And rest assured, I would return the favor."
"Good! Good!" Isakawa nodded. "There is a method I can suggest. It won't heal her eyes completely, but it will protect her."
Sana and Riko exchanged puzzled looks. If it wouldn't heal her eyes, what could it possibly do?
Isakawa continued, "She won't see like a normal human, but her fighting prowess and reflexes will improve. She'll be able to protect herself."
Riko leaned forward, intrigued. "What is this method?"
"She must acquire the skill of Radiation Eyes," Isakawa revealed.
"Radiation Eyes?" Riko repeated, puzzled. "What skill is that? I've never heard of it before."
"That's because it's rare," Isakawa explained. "And Sheila's class is well-suited for this Ability."
Isakawa gestured for them to calm down, sensing their rising curiosity. "In times past, there was a unique swordsman who wielded fire. He fought many battles against rogues and sought to use his powers for good. On the battlefield, he was known by many names—some called him a monster, others a human blessed by the sun."
As Isakawa spoke, a hush fell over the group. His voice sounded calm, drawing them into the story, and no one dared to interrupt.
"There was a king who had heard great legends of this swordsman and ordered his best warriors to invite the swordsman to his palace. The king expected the swordsman to refuse, but to his surprise, the swordsman accepted and came. The king had imagined an arrogant, middle-aged warrior, but the swordsman was humble, kind, and spoke with great wisdom. The king asked him many questions, to which the swordsman responded with insightful answers. Eventually, the king gathered the courage to ask the swordsman how he had become so powerful."
Riko's mind raced, a thought occurring to him, 'So that means... Abilities existed long before people knew about them?'
"The swordsman explained that it was an Ability he had possessed since childhood. As they dined together late into the evening, the king noticed something peculiar. The swordsman struggled to see his cup but could easily locate hot dishes. When the swordsman tried to sit down, he often missed the chair and needed assistance. The king couldn't believe that such a formidable fighter could be blind.
"Overcome by curiosity, the king finally asked, 'Can you see?' The swordsman smiled and replied that he could not. The king was stunned and asked how the swordsman could detect anything that emitted heat. The swordsman explained that he had the Ability called Radiation Eyes, which allowed him to see anything that emitted heat as a bright red aura. Each object emitted a different type of heat, enabling him to distinguish between food, humans, and other living beings. He could even sense the intentions of those around him, distinguishing between hostility and friendliness. So, you see, there is a way for your daughter to 'see."
Isakawa concluded, leaving the car in silence.
Riko looked at him, intrigued but confused. "Isakawa, the story is fascinating, but how do we get Sheila this skill?" He glanced at his daughter, uncertainty etched on his face.
Isakawa's eyes glinted with a knowing smile. "She already has it."
Riko's confusion deepened. "What? That's impossible. There's no skill book or skill stone," he protested, frowning in disbelief.