The morning sun washed over Rua City. Nova yawned, stretched, and stepped outside into the golden light. The scent of ash and healing lingered in the air. Shops were rebuilding. Children laughed again.
"Yo, Nova! You're up!" Ronan called from down the street.
"Yeah," Nova replied, rubbing his eyes. "Where's Muscle?"
"Juice shop. He's playing some game with the old man."
Nova headed over. Inside, Muscle slammed his fist on a wooden board. "Ahh! Too good at this!"
"Shit, you won again!" the old man groaned, laughing.
Muscle grinned when he saw Nova. "Hey, you wanna join?"
"Nah, I'll pass," Nova chuckled.
Outside, people were starting to rebuild their lives. A woman bowed deeply. "Thank you... for everything." Nova just smiled. A little girl tugged his cloak and whispered, "You're my hero."
He found Ronan again by the square. "Hey, how far is Sylvaris from here?"
"A few kilometers," Ronan said. "But we'll need an airship to get there."
"That sounds expensive."
"Very. We could try to... 'borrow' one, but security's tight."
Nova nodded, then asked, "Hey... back to Kai. What really is it?"
"As I said, it's life energy. It's in every living thing. Some are born with a lot. Others... can train it."
"Then anyone can learn it?"
"Yeah. My dad taught me," Ronan said, his voice softer now.
"Where is he?"
"He works for the Virtues."
"Virtues?"
"A group that researches Kai. They're the best of the best."
Nova's eyes lit up. "Then we have to meet him."
Ronan grinned. "Someday. But first, Sylvaris."
They turned to go. Townspeople gathered again, clapping and cheering.
"You're heroes!"
"Come back and eat with us someday!"
"You better win again, Muscle!" the old man shouted.
Muscle waved, "You bet I will!"
Ronan hugged his mother and little sister goodbye. Nova bowed slightly to the crowd. Then, together, the trio walked down the road off to their next adventure.
"Hey Muscle," Ronan asked, "why are you even called Muscle?"
"Dunno," he smirked. "Guess I was born a warrior."
Nova laughed, "Nah, more like born a wannabe!"
"Hey!" Muscle shouted, chasing them playfully.
Their laughter echoed down the path.
But far away...
In a dark, twisted chamber, a monstrous figure with green skin stood atop a ruined pillar. His glowing eyes narrowed.
"Open the rift," he growled.
"Yes, sir," said the kneeling beast behind him.
The monster clenched his massive fist.
"Their journey begins. And so will their end."