My brothers and I walked into the giant arena, and walked all the way to one corner off it, trying to keep our distance from our monstrous father, Rani and Polemus enter along. My gaze met Artin's lifeless face but his face lit up with a gentle smile as he spotted me. He patted me on the head, and I noticed something like metal strapped around his wrist on his wrists.
"Brother, what are those on your wrist?" I asked.
Artin's response was casual. "Oh, these? They're new. Do you like them?"
I sensed that Artin might be hiding something, but I didn't want to pry further. Just then, my father called out to me.
"Kaze, Step forward."
"Yes Father," I replied stepping forward as commanded. Before I knew it I found myself standing in the middle of the arena, face to face with my father, Hades. His eyes were cold and unyielding, I had no idea what lay ahead.
"I hear you still haven't awakened your powers," he said with his voice firm.
"Yes, Father," I replied, trying to keep my composure.
"But you've achieved the Ascension Stage of using GEN Energy, well done, But do you know what GEN is?" he asked, his interest piqued.
"It's said that the universe came into existence from it," I replied.
Hades nodded impressed. "That's right, Kaze. How did you know that?"
"I borrowed some books from Doctor Hana's office," I said, folding my sweaty hands.
Hades walked around tme, his walking stick thudding against the floor. "As you said, everything in the universe exists thanks to GEN Energy. It's everywhere, even here in the Underworld. I'm sure you can sense it too, Kaze."
"Yes Father." I replied, trying to keep up with his train of thought.
"Many are able to use GEN Energy, but there are more who can't. Do you know why?" he asked his eyes piercing.
"Because only those who have a reason to fight or those who want to change the world than anyone else are able to achieve it," I replied, drawing from my understanding of the world.
"Exactly, it's as if GEN Energy has a mind of its own, selecting only those who wish to change the world to be able to use it." Hades said his eyes gleaming with interest. "And you, my dear child have managed to achieve the third stage out of 5 of this incredible power."
Yes GEN Energy, the power that filled the universe has five stages. Stage 1 also known as the Awakening stage improves one physical abilities. Stage 2 also known as the Nexus stage gives one the power to connect and understand others and your surroundings on a psychic level. Stage 3 also known as the Ascension stage which allows users to project GEN Energy around their body and objects, it also allows one to gather, release and project GEN Energy from their surroundings. Stage 4 also known as the Manipulation Stage allows one to touch and manipulate GEN Energy.
Tharros's eyes narrowed, jealousy simmering beneath the surface as he watched our father focus his attention on me. But my reaction was subdued, far from the excitement one might expect.
"Usually, it takes a lifetime for a human to achieve stage 2, but you've reached stage 3 at just 10 years old," Hades continued, his pride evident. "That's impressive even for a son of a mighty god like myself."
Hades's expression turned serious, his voice taking on a critical tone. "But despite all this, you're still unable to awaken your death godlike powers. Each of my children inherits a fraction of my power, and I'm yet to find the one who will inherit my long-lost immortality. You, despite your achievements, remain a puzzle to me, Kaze."
Fear coursed through my veins as I gazed at my father, unsure of what he had planned for me next. "Since your powers have refused to awaken, I will force them out." he declared his voice cold and calculating. The professor looked like he wanted to intervene but one word from him would seal his fate.
"Spar with me, Kaze." Hades commanded, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. "Show me how strong you are."
Tharros's jealousy boiled over, and he spoke up, "Father, I am far stronger than Kaze, I will show—"
But Hades's warning was swift and merciless. "SILENCE, CHILD! Don't you dare to interrupt me again. " Hades Warned Tharros.
He turned his attention back to me, his smile returning. "Now, where were we? Ah yes, give me your best attacks, Kaze." I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized I had no choice but to face him in hand-to-hand combat. "Don't disappoint me, Kaze," he said, his smile growing wider.
I thought to myself, "I don't have much of a choice, do I?" Fear gripped my heart as I prepared to face my father's wrath.