"Oh, I thought it was the same day before the event," said Aria.

"Yeah, it's supposed to be, but they gave me more time to let the powers generate and awaken," Lucenio explained.

His parents seemed skeptical but chose not to delve deeper into the matter because of the reflex of 

Eden, understanding the tension, changed the subject by enthusiastically suggesting, "Dad, I want to 

show you something. Also, you, Mom, let's go out to the garden."

"Of course, son, but is it something important?" Alexander inquired. 

"Don't worry, just follow me," Eden reassured.

Alexander, Lucenio, and Aria, with Carmella in her arms, followed Eden to the garden. Sensing the need to focus, Eden declared, "Okay, I know Father deep inside wants me to use my powers in an effective way and by meaning affective I mean in battle, but I always felt that my powers can be used to make something memorable and artistic, and I reached a conclusion why not combine both? I came to this conclusion especially after watching big bro and father train every day and I just draw some unmeaningful drawings that are not helping me improve so I trained in secret, and I want to show you what I came up with and dad can you spear with me? And please do not underestimate me and use your full defense. Surprised by his son's bold declaration, Alexander replied, "Of course, son. I'll do that. Show me what you've got."

Assuming a stance as if preparing to attack, Eden prompted Carmella to exclaim, "Eden is copying Big Bro's style!"

Aria, surprised, asked, "How did you know that?"

"I watch Big Bro training every day, me and Eden we try to copy him," explained Carmella.

Lucenio was shocked, he watched closely Eden’s positioning, and he noticed the resemblance between his and his brother’s stand.

Eden began explaining his artistic approach, "I will show you my favorite masterpiece."

He positioned himself as if drawing a sword with both hands, saying, "An artwork needs its subject, and I will be that subject. “Smoke!" A cloud of smoke enveloped the garden, skillfully manipulated by him, the father marveled, "Is that all you've got, son? Nice trick!" However, his amusement turned to surprise when he noticed a glowing shape within the smoke that resembled his son. Intrigued, he moved towards it, thinking it was part of the game, until it suddenly exploded, with flames catching him. Burning him but 

before it could do any true damage, he swiftly extinguished the flames, bewildered, "What was that?” Before he could even process this another surprise occurred the cloak of smoke was absorbed, revealing Alexander surrounded by three fiery duplicates of Eden, and the original son had vanished. The three clones simultaneously screamed, "Attack!" Yet, the lack of mastery over the cloak of fire caused it to dissipate, exposing the true scene. The other two duplicates vanished, leaving only the boy, who seemed to require more stamina and control.

The father, overcome with joy, exclaimed, "My son, my prodigy! You did it! What a fantastic display HAHAHAHA You are truly my son! That attack has potential to be a dangerous attack it even left a mark But why did you keep it a secret?

“I want it to be a surprise, that is why I disappeared most of the day and said I was drawing.”

"And that's also the reason you came sometimes with injuries and burned clothes," said Lucenio in a disbelieving look, looking at the ground trying to process all what he saw.

"You noticed my injuries?" replied Eden.

"Yes, but for some reason, they healed in a fast way," replied his father. "Yes, son, this is the pure power of fire. I'm happy, my cub, from now on we will work on your abilities, and we will train all day if necessary HAHAHAH I’m so happy my strong boy my pride.

The last words echoed in Lucenio's head. After dedicating countless years to training, he felt abruptly cast aside in mere seconds. The entirety of his commitment to protecting his brother and being the best son dissipated with a single effortless move from his younger brother, who hadn't even undergone five percent of the training he had endured.

A torrent of thoughts surged within him, his heart raced, its rhythm accelerating with each passing moment. The events of the day swirled in a chaotic whirlwind, comprehension eluding him. It wasn't until a gentle pat on the head from his mother interrupted the tumult, drawing him back to the tangible realm. Her simple smile, as if she could decipher the intricate web of his thoughts, met his gaze.

A vacant expression lingered on his face as he continued to navigate the labyrinth of doubts that whispered, he was useless, feeble, and unworthy.

Until a hug from his younger brother, whose eyes gleamed with innocence and mirrored the adoration. Lucenio often bestowed upon their father. "So, are you proud? I hope you're not upset that I borrowed your stand?" The question hung in the air, and Lucenio, enveloping his brother in an embrace, responded, "I'm proud, little brother. You truly are our father's son." With those words, he left for his room, seeking solace and rest.

Eden contemplated following his elder brother, but before he could make a move, Alexander called him over for a conversation. "Now that we are alone Why didn't you tell us? And how did you train?"

Alexander inquired earnestly. Eden hesitated, revealing, "Honestly, I was afraid that if I trained with you, I would put pressure on my big brother and I might take away the one thing that brings him joy. Alexander surprised asked “how is training with me will take joy of your big brother?

“I know my brother’s problem and his insecurity related to his lack of powers and he found his place training with you and looking up to you if I steal that he will have nothing and might even lose everything and surrender to the voices.

Perplexed, Alexander questioned, "Voices?" Eden, despite sensing he had stumbled into a delicate subject, pushed himself to explain, "Big bro has been haunted by nightmares, filled with darkness, shadows, and voices screaming at him. It's been going on for a while, and he wore the same haunted expression when Delion was here today. I didn't want to subject him to that again."

Concern etched across Alexander's face, he reassured Eden, "Don't worry, son. I'll take care of it. But how did you learn all of this?" Eden opened-up "I read your books, Dad everything about fire. Mom helped me understand them, explaining what I needed to learn. Both of you are incredible, you know that and when did you grow that much." Realizing the need to address his elder son, Alexander concluded, "Now, I need to go talk to your brother. You did great today son but don’t slack off now and give it your all.”

Eden affirmed, "Of course, Dad. Don't worry about it."

Alexander trailed Lucenio into the room, where he emerged from the bathroom with a haunted pallor, reminiscent of a brooding storm above. With a genuine concern in his voice, Alexander asked, "How are you feeling?”

“About what “

“Everything, especially now that your brother has embraced his powers?"

Lucenio's response was cold was a hollow whisper, tinged with the weight of unspoken struggles, "Fine. 

I've always said he's the one meant to lead."

An awkward silence lingered, and Alexander attempted to bridge the emotional gap, "Yes, but now, you must push yourself harder."

A bitter frustration spilled from Lucenio, "What's the use? My powers have been dormant since birth. I have a minuscule amount, and I can't even identify its type. I can sense it, but it's useless."

Alexander, a seasoned general, found himself at a loss for words, grappling with the helplessness of watching his son wrestle with his own capabilities and not knowing how to face these feelings that he had never gone through.

Lucenio's bitterness escalated, "Everything I do feels pointless. Training, fighting – it's all in vain. The gap between me and you, Delion, and even Eden widens every day."

In an attempt to uplift, Alexander asserted, "Believe in yourself. Your abilities can rival those of seasoned soldiers. Forge your own path." Lucenio, tried to absorb these words as a balm against the onslaught of negative thoughts and voices, but he did not feel these words this time he took them as just word that his father learned to say without any meaning.

Lucenio left to sit alone on the rooftop as he pondered his hands, marked by relentless training since his earliest days, an overwhelming sorrow enveloped Lucenio. The inner turmoil intensified, voices echoing, 

"Not good enough. Wake up." Amid this internal storm, a sudden nosebleed diverted his attention. Wiping it away, Lucenio discovered a dark substance, instead of blood staining his hand.

Before he could dwell on it, the comforting voice of his mother reached him, providing a temporary sanctuary from the tempest within. The evening air wrapped around them as Lucenio and his mother sat on a secluded spot, a place he sought solace in when emotions ran wild. She observed him with a knowing gaze, her voice gentle as she spoke, "You always come here when you're worried, sad, or angry. It's your self-place, isn't it?" Lucenio sighed, appreciating the familiarity of the sky above. "Yes, Mom. I like looking at the sky, watching the stars, and seeing what shapes I can find." A delicate inquiry followed, "And do you have a preferred star?" His eyes focused on a distant glimmer. "Yes, Dromos. When I see her, I know that I will find my way eventually." Concern etched on her face, she asked, "Did you find your way now?" His response carried a weight of uncertainty, "I don't know. It's not helping this time, Mom.”

She pressed gently, "Honey, I know the date of the test is still the same. So why did you lie?" His words spilled out, carrying the burden of hidden truths, "Because, Mom, there's no need to go anymore. What will happen differently than the first time? Nothing. But the only hope you guys have will be lost. Don't you get it? I'm a lost cause. No matter what I do, no matter how much I train or the intensity of the training, I will always be last in everyone's eyes – even in yours and Dad's."

He continued, a mixture of envy and despair in his voice, "Eden has great potential. He surpassed what I did just by reading books, and Reya is showing the potential to be another Extender. After that, what will happen? You and Father will focus on them, and I will be lost in the depths of failure – alone and forgotten." With a raw honesty that cut through the evening air, Lucenio confessed, "I wish I was never born. I wish I died before you gave me birth. It would be much better than being a disgrace." The weight of his words hung heavy between them, the night absorbing the echoes of his pain. Softly, she spoke, " Lucenio, my love, I hear your pain. It's okay to feel lost, to question, to be scared. But you are not alone, and you are certainly not a disgrace. Your worth is not determined by a single test or comparison to others. You are unique, and your journey is yours to navigate."

She continued, "I see your struggle, and it breaks my heart. But remember, the stars in the sky don't compete; they shine in their own time and way. You have your own brilliance, your own path, and your own constellation to create. Eden and Reya are finding their way, but it doesn't diminish your light."

With a tender smile, she added, "We don't love you because of your achievements or perceived success. We love you for who you are, for the strength that lies within you, and for the journey that is still unfolding. It's never too late to find your way, my dear. Let's face this test together, and no matter the outcome, you will never be lost to us. And do not forget your birth was the most special, you are the one that made me a mother and Alexander a father." The mother added with a trembling voice:” I know you might think these words are just to soothe you, but I need you to understand – every word is sincere. Your pain breaks my heart, and it reveals a truth I couldn’t see. That I am the failure here that I did some things that made you think that that I missed something or I should’ve done things differently but instead of caring for my kids more I was blind by how perfect my family is I am married to most strong carrying capable man and I have three unique children that filled my life but now I see how I failed my most important person I never wanted you to feel this much pain.

Lucenio, tears streaming down his face, clung to his mother as if trying to anchor himself in a storm. His voice, a mixture of desperation and anguish, echoed through the place. "I can't, Mom. Why me? Why do I think like this? Why did it choose me? I can't enjoy any moment, can't even celebrate my brothers' achievements. Please, don't leave my side, Mom. I'm weak, I'm broken. I just want to sleep without nightmares." Aria, holding her son tighter, offered comforting words amidst his cries. "That's okay, honey. Cry it out, get it out of your system. You can handle it, my young warrior."

After a moment of vulnerability where Lucenio cried with all his might and tears going down aria’s eyes they slowly began to calm down. Just then, Alexander appeared with a somber yet determined expression on his face.

 "Son, can your friend take us to a place tomorrow?

" Lucenio, confused, answered: "Nolan? Yes, I think so. But why? What's happening?

Alexander with an ordering tone “tomorrow go to my armory and choose one weapon that you find suitable also I prepared 3 armor sets for you to choose. And Aria don't wait for us for any meal; we don't know when we'll be back."

Lucenio asked “But, Dad, is something wrong?

“And will you guys return before the wedding?” asked Aria.

"You'll know at the right time. As for the wedding, I don't know what will happen. You go with Eden and Reya and we'll see what unfolds. Now, enough. I'll go rest."

Alexander left, leaving Lucenio in a state of confusion and his mother with a worried expression.

That night turned out to be the only one Lucenio didn't dream of nightmares, perhaps due to sheer exhaustion or that he took it all out of his system or the hidden anticipation of what awaited them the next day.