Chapter 12: Echoes of Power

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  [Scene 1: Perspective of Charlotte]

  The room was in dim light. Charlotte was sitting in an elegant wooden armchair, lost in her thoughts. A book rested on his lap, but he couldn't concentrate on reading.

  Suddenly, a strange feeling ran through his body. It was as if a chill went up from the base of his spine to the back of his neck.

  Charlotte (hispering):

  "What is this...?"

  His breathing was agitated. His skin, usually cold, began to burn.

  Charlotte (with a trembling smile):

  "Juan... what did you do this time?"

  The feeling of power was so intense that it confused her. Her body trembled slightly and, to her surprise, a mixture of fear and something else... desire invaded her.

  Charlotte (biting her lip):

  "No... it can't be...

  As much as she tried to calm down, that echo of power had deeply altered her.

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  [Scene 2: Elizabeth's Perspective]

  In the clearing of the forest, Elizabeth trained with her sword. His movements were fluid, precise. His reflexes were more refined than ever.

  Elizabeth (for herself):

  "Come on... one more."

  She charged hard and turned the sword in the air, ready to impact the trunk in front of her... but then something happened.

  A flash came out of nowhere. It was like lightning that lit up the whole forest. The light was so intense that Elizabeth stopped short.

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  The sword fell from his hands.

  Elizabeth (paralyzed):

  "What was that...?"

  For a moment, he felt that something immense had awakened... something that was far beyond what he could understand.

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  [Scene 3: Lightning Perspective]

  On an open plain, Lightning was training. Unlike other times, he wasn't just running... he was focusing on his weak points: control, precision, focus.

  Lightning (in a low voice):

  "Come on... control the energy...

  He closed his eyes, focusing on his speed. In his mind, every step had to be perfect.

  Lightning (preparing to run):

  "Now..."

  He threw himself forward, but just at that moment, a magical burst exploded around him.

  The power was so overwhelming that he lost his balance and ended up rolling on the floor.

  Lightning (circling the floor):

  "What the hell was that?!"

  He stared at the sky, breathing agitated.

  Lightning (with a smile):

  "Juan... what the hell did you do now?"

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  [Scene 4: Valtherion Perspective]

  In a lonely cave, Valtherion was kneeling in meditation. His sword rested on his legs, and his mind was immersed in absolute calm.

  Silence reigned in the place... until a violent gust of wind ran through the cave.

  Valtherion's eyes opened suddenly. He stood up quickly, his hand firmly on the grip of his sword.

  Valtherion (with a frown):

  "What was that...?"

  Then, his armor began to emit a slight golden glow. It was so fleeting that he could barely see it... but he felt it.

  Valtherion (on his knees):

  "My lord...

  For the first time in a long time... Valtherion smiled.

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  [Scene 5: The reunion — Present]

  Juan remained sitting in his house, while his friends surrounded him.

  Juan (surprised):

  "Wow... I didn't know it had been so much."

  Charlotte (crossing her arms):

  "How can it not be much?" It was... it was something colossal.

  Elizabeth (nodding):

  "I saw a ray light up the sky... it wasn't normal."

  Lightning (smoking, but with some fear):

  "I felt like the wind was going to rip my head off."

  Valtherion (with deep voice):

  "What happened was not natural... it was something superior." Something... divine.

  Juan looked at all his friends.

  Juan (trying to calm the situation):

  "But in the end I'm fine... that's what matters."

  Charlotte (serious):

  "What if you weren't?"

  Silence fell on the group.

  Finally, Lightning broke the awkward moment with a smile.

  Lightning (with relaxed tone):

  "Well, leader... what do we do now?"

  Juan (confused):

  "Leader?" Me?

  Elizabeth (with a slight smile):

  "Who else brought us all together?"

  Juan (thoughtful):

  —...I never thought it would be me.

  Valtherion (firmly):

  "But you are... and we are with you."

  Juan looked at his friends one by one. Then, he put his hand in his pocket and took out the multiversal device that La Madre had given him.

  Juan (with a confident smile):

  "If they really want to follow me...

  He looked at the button for a moment...

  Juan (looking up):

  "Then we're going to have an adventure."

  Charlotte, Elizabeth, Lightning and Valtherion nodded, with a mixture of emotion and determination on their faces.

  Juan (smiling):

  "Ready?"

  Juan pressed the button...

  The screen goes black.