The afternoon slowly drifted toward evening, and the sunlight over the Nozomi residence had begun to soften into a warm golden glow.
The backyard training ground had finally grown quiet after hours of practice, and the air felt calmer without the constant crackle of lightning or the sudden bursts of movement that had filled the yard earlier.
Kosoku sat on the wooden steps of the porch, resting his elbows on his knees while staring at the training field. His body still felt heavy from the long day of drills, but his mind remained active. The lessons Gabriel and Alisa had explained earlier kept replaying in his thoughts.
Lightning for speed and attack.
Water for control.
Wind for range.
He lifted his hand and watched a small spark flicker across his fingers. The electricity appeared for a moment before fading quietly.
Kosoku sighed.
"There are still so many things I need to learn," he murmured to himself.
Behind him, the door to the house opened softly.
Alisa stepped outside with a small tray holding two cups of tea. She placed one of the cups beside him before sitting down on the step as well.
"You trained very hard today," she said gently.
Kosoku picked up the cup and took a small sip before nodding.
"Dad's training is really intense."
Alisa smiled softly.
"He wants to make sure you can protect yourself."
Kosoku looked down at the tea in his hands.
"I know."
He hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
"Mom, do you think I will become a strong warrior someday?"
Alisa turned her head toward him and studied his expression carefully.
"You already have the potential," she replied calmly. "But strength does not come from power alone."
Kosoku looked curious.
"Then where does it come from?"
Alisa raised her hand and gently tapped his chest.
"It comes from understanding your own limits and learning how to surpass them."
Kosoku nodded slowly.
"I think I understand that now."
From the edge of the yard, Gabriel leaned against the wooden fence while listening to the conversation quietly. He rarely interrupted when Alisa spoke with Kosoku about these kinds of things because her perspective balanced his own harsher training methods.
However, Gabriel's attention suddenly shifted toward the far end of the street beyond the backyard fence.
A faint presence lingered there. It was subtle. But it was unmistakable. Someone was watching.
Gabriel did not move immediately. Instead, he continued leaning against the fence as if nothing had changed.
His eyes remained calm, but his senses had already focused on the distant presence beyond the property.
Across the street, partially hidden behind a parked car, a man stood quietly while observing the Nozomi residence through a pair of binoculars.
The man wore a simple jacket and carried a small communication device clipped to his belt.
He spoke quietly into the device.
"The subject has finished training for the day."
A voice responded through the communicator.
"Did you confirm the elements?"
The man nodded even though the person on the other end could not see him.
"Yes. Lightning is the primary element. Water and wind were also detected during the later stages of training."
There was a short pause.
Then the voice replied.
"Continue monitoring."
Inside the Warrior Association headquarters, Vice Director Helena Aragon listened carefully as the field agent delivered the report through the secure communication line.
Helena stood in her office near the large window overlooking the city while the evening sunlight reflected across the glass walls.
"Describe the child's condition after training," she said calmly.
The field agent answered immediately.
"Fatigued but stable. His mana control appears unusually refined for his age."
Helena folded her arms.
"Did Gabriel Nozomi notice your presence?"
The agent hesitated slightly.
"I maintained distance."
Helena remained silent for a moment.
Then she spoke quietly.
"Maintain observation, but do not approach the residence."
"Yes, Vice Director."
The communication ended.
Helena walked back toward her desk while reviewing the growing collection of reports related to Kosoku.
Each document described the same thing.
Rapid growth, stable control and multiple elements.
Helena leaned back in her chair.
"Interesting," she murmured.
Back at the Nozomi residence, the evening breeze began moving through the trees surrounding the backyard.
Kosoku finished his tea and stretched his arms above his head.
"I think I can still practice a little more before dinner."
Alisa laughed softly.
"You already trained all day."
Kosoku stood up and walked toward the center of the yard again.
"But I want to try something."
Gabriel finally pushed himself away from the fence and stepped closer.
"What do you want to test?"
Kosoku raised his hand and allowed lightning to flicker gently between his fingers.
"I want to combine movement with control again."
Gabriel nodded once.
"Then begin."
Kosoku focused carefully.
Lightning flowed through his legs again, reinforcing his muscles while keeping the energy calm and stable.
He dashed forward. The motion was smooth. Much smoother than earlier in the afternoon. Kosoku moved across the yard and stopped near one of the metal rods. He raised his hand and released a small controlled spark.
Crack Crack Crack.
The rod vibrated softly. Kosoku smiled.
"That felt easier."
Gabriel nodded.
"Because your body is learning the rhythm."
Kosoku turned back toward him with excitement.
"I think I can go even faster."
Gabriel raised a hand.
"Not today."
Kosoku blinked.
"But I still have energy."
Gabriel shook his head slightly.
"Training is not about exhausting yourself completely. It is about knowing when to stop."
Kosoku sighed but lowered his hand.
"Alright."
The evening light continued fading slowly as the sky shifted into deeper shades of orange and purple.
However, beyond the fence, the hidden observer remained in position.
The man lowered his binoculars and spoke quietly into his communicator again.
"The boy resumed training briefly."
Helena's voice returned through the device.
"Continue observing."
The man nodded silently.
Because even from a distance, it was clear to him that the child in that backyard was not ordinary.
And the Warrior Association intended to watch every step of his growth.
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Soon after, the smell of food drifted from the kitchen.
Kosoku's tired expression immediately brightened.
"Dinner?"
Alisa smiled from the doorway.
"Yes. Come inside."
Kosoku didn't need to be told twice. He hurried to the dining table and froze when he saw the dishes waiting there.
A pot of Bicol Express simmered with coconut milk and chili peppers. A plate of chop suey filled with vegetables sat beside it. And at the center of the table was a bowl of freshly sliced sweet mangoes.
Kosoku's eyes widened.
"That looks amazing."
Gabriel sat down calmly.
"You trained hard today."
Kosoku grabbed his spoon and quickly served himself rice and Bicol Express.
The spicy aroma filled the room.
"This is perfect."
Alisa laughed softly.
"You always say that when food is spicy."
Kosoku grinned.
"Because spicy food makes training better."
He took a bite and immediately nodded with satisfaction.
"Yep. Definitely worth today's training."
After finishing the meal, Kosoku reached for the bowl of mango slices.
He took a bite and smiled.
"Okay, this might actually be the best part."
Gabriel smirked slightly.
"Remember that tomorrow when training starts again."
Kosoku groaned dramatically.
"...I walked into that one."
Outside, night slowly settled over the quiet neighborhood.
But somewhere in the darkness beyond the Nozomi residence, watchful eyes were still observing.
And the Warrior Association's interest in the young boy with three elements had only just begun.