Kael sat by the train tracks, tears drying on his face. His body hurt, but his heart hurt worse.
*I should just end it...* he thought. But fear froze him. He wasn't brave enough. He wiped his face and stood. "I'll go home," he whispered, though home scared him now.
Kael walked slowly toward his street. He turned the corner—and froze.
**Flashing red and blue lights!** Police cars surrounded his house! Neighbors pointed and whispered.
*They know!* Panic exploded in Kael. An officer saw him.
"Stop!" the officer yelled.
Kael ran. His heart beat like thunder. *Run!*
Footsteps chased him. "Stop, kid!"
Kael's legs burned. A police car raced toward him!
*It's over,* he thought. He stopped, shaking.
**BLINDING LIGHTS!**
A huge truck turned the corner!
*NO!*
CRUNCH!
Kael flew. Everything went black.
Voices above him:
"Alive?"
"...barely..."
Kael felt nothing. A dark shadow smiled—cold and scary.
*Take me... please...*
Kael woke up on cold stone.
He opened his eyes.
A dark cave. Blue glowing rocks lit the walls.
*Dead?*
He sat up—**no pain!** His body felt light and strong. He touched his face—smooth skin, sharp bones. *New?*
A shiny rock wall showed his reflection:
- Handsome face
- Bright eyes
- Strong arms
"Is this me?" Kael whispered. He smiled. Then frowned. *How?*
A calm voice spoke **in his head**:
**[Hello, Kael. I am Anis. I help you.]**
Kael jumped. *Who?*
**[You are stronger now. I show your power screen.]**
**[Close your eyes. See it.]**
Kael closed his eyes. Glowing words appeared:
KAEL JONES
POINTS: 10
STRONG: 5
FAST:5
SMART: 5
TOUGH: 5
SKILLS:
- Mirror Self: Make one copy (Uses 3 Points)
**[Use POINTS to grow STRONGER, FASTER, SMARTER, or TOUGHER. Think where to add them.]**
*Add points?* Kael asked.
**[Yes. Think: ADD POINTS TO STRONG.]**
Kael thought hard: *Add 1 point to STRONG.*
The screen changed:
STRONG: 5 → 6
POINTS:10 → 9
Kael's muscles buzzed! He felt power surge through his arms.
*Wow!*
He tried again: *Add 2 points to FAST.*
FAST: 5 → 7
POINTS: 9 → 7
Kael's legs tingled. He felt lightning-quick!
*Who are you, Anis?*
**[I live in your mind. I help you become powerful.]**
Kael breathed deep. This was real. *I can change myself!*
He looked into the dark tunnels. *Scary... but I have powers now.*
Anis spoke:
**[First job: Explore cave. Use MIRROR SELF if danger comes. But careful—bad things hide here.]**
Kael clenched his new strong fists.
*This is my second chance,* he thought, stepping into the dark. *I'll make myself stronger.*
(Chapter 3 Fin)