The teleportation ended abruptly.
Ray instinctively steadied himself after the strange weightless drop—then his feet hit solid ground. The pressure in his chest faded, replaced by warm air and the distant sound of flowing water.
Warm air. Open space.
He looked around instinctively… and froze.
Tall palm trees lined the road. The distant hum of fountains. White stone walls rising behind iron gates etched with delicate gold patterns.
Home.
A smile spread across his face before he could stop it.
Cyrus straightened beside him, eyes scanning the area with practiced precision. "We've arrived," he said calmly. Then, glancing down at Ray, "Where is your house?"
Ray didn't hesitate. He lifted his hand and pointed.
"Uh… that one."
Cyrus followed the direction of Ray's finger.
And stopped.
In front of them stood a massive mansion — Wide marble steps, arched balconies, and gates that looked more royal than residential.
Cyrus blinked once.
Then again.
"…That," he said slowly, "is your house?"
Ray nodded, suddenly a little self-conscious. "Yeah."
Cyrus remained silent for a beat, clearly recalculating several assumptions at once.
"I was prepared for many revelations today," he muttered. "A multibillion—or at the very least, multimillion—estate was not one of them."
Ray grinned. "You should see the inside."
Cyrus exhaled through his nose. "Of course I should."
Ray walked up to the gate and pressed the doorbell.
A moment passed.
Then the door flew open.
Elena Vale didn't pause to question, or hesitate.
"Ray!"
She pulled him into a tight hug, arms wrapped around him like she was afraid he'd disappear again. Her hands trembled as she held his face, checking him over, eyes shining with unshed tears.
"Where were you?" she whispered. "Do you have any idea how worried we were?"
"I'm okay, Mom," Ray said softly. "I promise."
Only then did she notice Cyrus.
Her expression shifted — not fear, but curiosity mixed with instinctive caution.
She wiped her tears and asked gently, "Ray… who is this?"
Ray glanced at Cyrus. "This is Cyrus."
Cyrus gave a polite nod. "Ma'am."
Elena studied him for a moment, then stepped aside. "Please, both of you. Come inside."
The living room was warm and familiar — sunlight spilling through tall windows, shelves lined with books, family photos lining the walls.
Footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Aaron Vale entered — and stopped mid-step.
"Ray?"
Relief crossed his face instantly. He walked forward, placing a hand on Ray's shoulder. "Where have you been since yesterday? Your phone—"
Ray took a breath.
"Dad… Mom… there's something I need to tell you."
Cyrus stepped forward slightly, his tone shifting — calm, grounded, serious.
"Your son is no longer just human," he said.
Silence fell.
Aaron's brows furrowed. Elena's hand tightened around Ray's.
"What do you mean?" Aaron asked carefully.
Ray spoke before fear could stop him. "I'm a Nexan now. I had… something called a Nexal Reaction. And I have to attend the Nexan Academy."
Elena shook her head. "A what reaction?"
Cyrus met their eyes evenly.
"A Nexal Reaction," he said, "is when a human awakens into a Nexan. It changes the body, the mind… and the future."
The words hung heavy in the room.
Ray stood between them — excited, nervous, unaware of just how much his life had already shifted.
And for the first time, his parents understood something was truly different.
The conversation continued for a while.
Questions. Clarifications. Concern wrapped in careful words.
Cyrus answered them calmly — not in long explanations, but in firm, reassuring statements. He spoke of the academy without repeating details Ray already knew, focusing instead on structure, discipline, and safety.
Elena listened closely the entire time.
Then, finally, she asked the question only a mother would think to ask.
"Is it really safe there?" she said quietly. "For him?"
Cyrus met her gaze without hesitation. "Yes, ma'am. The Nexan Academy is one of the most secure places in the world."
Elena nodded slowly, though the worry didn't fully leave her eyes.
Aaron leaned back slightly, arms crossed. "So tell me something," he said. "Is this the only academy? Or is it… the only one of its kind?"
Cyrus considered his words. "There are many," he replied. "You can think of them like sports teams. Each state — sometimes each country — has its own Nexan Academy. Ours was simply the first."
"The first?" Aaron repeated.
"Yes," Cyrus said. "It was established by our director. Grace."
That seemed to settle something.
Ray, who had been quiet until now, shifted nervously. He looked from his mother to his father.
"Mom… Dad…" he said carefully. "Are you… okay with this? With me joining the academy?"
A long pause followed.
Aaron exchanged a glance with Elena.
Then Aaron spoke. "After everything that's happened since yesterday," he said, "we believe this is the best place for you. For your future."
Elena reached for Ray's hand and squeezed it. "We don't understand all of it yet," she said softly. "But we trust you."
Ray's face lit up.
Relief washed over him — clear, undeniable.
Cyrus allowed himself a small breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
"I'll go get my things," Ray said quickly, already standing.
He disappeared down the hallway, footsteps light with excitement.
Minutes later, he returned with a small bag slung over his shoulder.
Elena hugged him again — longer this time.
Aaron placed a steady hand on Ray's shoulder. "Power will change what you can do," he said quietly. "Don't let it change who you are."
"I won't," Ray promised.
Cyrus inclined his head. "Thank you," he said sincerely.
As they stepped outside, Cyrus glanced down at Ray. "Your parents," he said, "are… very sweet, you know."
Ray smiled.
Cyrus snapped his fingers.
The world folded.
In an instant, they stood once again inside the Nexan Academy — the familiar walls of Grace's office surrounding them exactly as before.
The door behind them stood closed.
Ray took a breath.
The office of the Nexan Academy was exactly as Ray remembered it — clean, expansive, faintly humming with restrained power. Tall windows let in soft light, casting long shadows across the polished floor.
Grace stood behind her desk.
She looked up.
Her eyes flicked from Ray… to Cyrus.
And narrowed.
"Cyrus."
He straightened instinctively.
"Yes, Director?"
"You teleported into my office," Grace said calmly, "without prior notice."
Cyrus opened his mouth.
Grace raised a finger.
"Which means," she continued, "you could have materialized here while I was in a high-level meeting, a sensitive briefing, or something far worse."
She leaned forward slightly.
"What if I had been in the middle of a classified briefing, idiot?"
Ray blinked.
Cyrus cleared his throat. "In my defence—"
Grace didn't blink. "That was rhetorical."
A beat.
Then her gaze shifted to Ray.
And softened.
She studied him — the relaxed shoulders, the faint smile he wasn't even trying to hide.
Grace tilted her head. "Well," she said, "judging by that expression… I'll assume everything went smoothly."
Ray nodded quickly. "Yes, ma'am. Everything went great."
Grace's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Good."
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Grace said.
Theo stepped inside, tablet tucked under his arm. His eyes landed on Ray first.
"Hey," he said. "So? How was the trip?"
Before Ray could answer, Cyrus spoke up.
"You won't believe it," he said. "This kid is ridiculously rich."
Grace raised an eyebrow. Theo blinked.
"…Excuse me?"
"I'm talking mansion-with-fountains rich," Cyrus added. "The kind that makes you question your life choices."
Theo snorted. Grace actually chuckled.
Theo looked at Ray. "Please tell me he didn't break anything at your place like he does here."
Ray shook his head. "No," he said honestly. "He was… surprisingly mature in front of my parents."
Silence.
Grace slowly turned her head toward Cyrus.
Theo did the same.
"…Mature?" Grace repeated.
Cyrus frowned. "I am perfectly capable of professionalism."
Theo leaned closer to Ray. "Blink twice if he threatened the furniture."
Ray laughed. "No threats. No sarcasm. He even explained things calmly."
Grace folded her arms, studying Cyrus like he'd just violated the laws of physics.
"Well," she said dryly, "this is new information."
Cyrus muttered, "I contain multitudes."
Ray smiled to himself.
For the first time since stepping into this world, he didn't feel like an outsider standing in a powerful room.
He felt like he belonged there.
Grace watched Ray for a moment longer, then spoke.
"Ready to get settled in the dorms?"
Ray nodded immediately. "Yeah."
Cyrus motioned with his head. "Come on, kid."
They moved through the academy corridors again — this time faster, more familiar. Ray looked around—not like a tourist, but like someone memorizing home.
They stopped in front of a wide door marked with the team insignia.
Cyrus pressed his palm to the panel.
The door slid open.
Ray stepped inside — and froze.
This wasn't a dorm.
It was an apartment.
Open living space. Clean, modern design. Four doors branching off from the central area. Tall windows overlooking a section of the academy that pulsed softly with energy.
Ray let out a breath. "This is… our dorm?"
"Team-based housing," Cyrus said. "Four rooms. One each."
Ray's eyes lit up. "This is basically a four-bedroom flat."
"Better," Cyrus replied. "Less paperwork."
A familiar voice spoke up.
"So?" Serena said, stepping out from her room with a smile. "Looks like everything went well."
Ray grinned. "Yeah. My parents took it better than I expected."
Cyrus folded his arms. "Naturally. I handled it."
Serena gave him a look. "You didn't traumatize them?"
"Only a little."
Another door slid open.
Kai stepped out.
He looked at Ray.
Then at Cyrus.
"…We were worried," Kai said flatly, "because you were the one handling it."
Ray tried not to laugh.
Cyrus scoffed. "I brought him back in one piece."
Kai muttered, "Low bar."
Cyrus ignored him and turned to Ray. "Alright. Let's get you situated."
Before he could move, Serena pointed toward the door beside Kai's room.
"That one's yours," she said. "Right next to his."
Ray's face brightened. "Nice!"
Kai's jaw tightened.
Of course.
Right next to him.
Ray walked over and opened the door.
His room was clean, ready — bed made, desk set by the window, storage already arranged. Simple, but comfortable.
Ray stepped inside slowly.
"This is actually my room," he said quietly.
"Try not to overload the energy dampeners," Cyrus said. "They're sensitive."
Ray nodded seriously. "Got it."
Cyrus helped him unpack — quick, efficient. No ceremony.
Once they were back in the common area, Cyrus leaned against the counter.
"Alright," he said. "Academy stuff."
Ray straightened.
"I'll send you everything that's been covered so far. Every subject. Try to catch up within a week."
Ray nodded. "Okay."
He hesitated. "What time do we report tomorrow?"
"8 A.M.," Serena replied.
Ray blinked. "8?"
She nodded.
Ray thought for a second.
"Alright. I'll just cover everything tonight then."
Silence.
Cyrus turned slowly. "You'll… what?"
Serena stared at him. "Tonight?"
Ray shrugged. "Yeah. I don't wanna fall behind."
Serena looked impressed. Cyrus looked concerned.
Kai scoffed.
"Sure," Kai said dryly. "Let me know when you finish rewriting the curriculum too."
Ray looked at him. "I didn't say it'd be easy."
Kai crossed his arms. "Rookies always say that."
Cyrus raised a hand. "Enough."
He looked at Ray. "Do what you can. Don't burn yourself out."
Ray nodded. "I won't."
Kai turned toward his room. "We'll see."
His door slid shut.
Serena glanced at Ray. "Don't take it personally."
Ray smiled faintly. "I'm not."
Cyrus watched him for a second longer than necessary.
"Get some rest," he said. "Tomorrow starts early."
Ray looked around the dorm one more time.
Then nodded.
"I'm ready."
Morning light spilled into the dorm's living area, warm and quiet.
The smell of pancakes filled the space.
Cyrus stood at the stove, flipping one effortlessly, as if cooking and mentoring were equally natural skills. Serena sat at the table with a tablet in hand, skimming through schedules. Kai leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching the empty hallway.
Serena glanced toward Ray's door. "He still hasn't come out."
Kai scoffed. "Told you. He talked big and passed out the moment he opened the notes."
Cyrus slid a pancake onto a plate. "Or he's still studying."
Serena frowned. "All night? That's not good."
"If his condition looks bad," Cyrus said calmly, "he's not attending today."
"But it's his first day," Serena replied.
Cyrus turned slightly. "A first day is defined by when you attend, not the calendar. And we don't overwhelm teammates."
Kai shook his head. "Relax. He's human. Or was. Either way, he's not built for that."
The door to Ray's room slid open.
Ray stepped out.
Fully awake. Calm. Alert.
No exhaustion. No hesitation.
Silence fell instantly.
Kai narrowed his eyes. "Tell the truth, idiot. You slept."
Ray walked past him without reacting and placed a stack of notebooks on the table.
"Nope," he said casually. "Finished everything."
Serena blinked. "Everything… everything?"
Cyrus frowned and picked one notebook up. Kai grabbed another. Serena took a third.
They flipped through the pages.
Detailed notes. Diagrams. Clean structure. No gaps.
Completed.
Serena's eyes widened. "You actually did all of it…"
Cyrus looked at Ray. "All subjects?"
Ray nodded. "Yeah."
Kai stared. "Cyrus helped you."
All eyes turned to Cyrus.
Cyrus didn't even look offended. "I prioritize my sleep more than my life."
Kai clicked his tongue. "Figures."
Breakfast passed with lighter energy after that. Pancakes disappeared. Conversation eased. And soon enough, they headed to the academy.
Ray's first day was… ordinary.
Lectures. Theory. Nexan history. Control fundamentals.
He listened. Took notes. Spoke to a few classmates.
Nothing extraordinary happened.
Which somehow made it heavier than if it had.
By the time they returned to the dorms, Ray was quieter than usual.
Elsewhere, inside Grace's office, Theo paced.
"So," he said, "are we actually telling him today?"
Grace leaned back in her chair. "Not everything."
Cyrus stood by the window, arms folded. "I'll handle it."
Theo stopped pacing. "You have a plan?"
Cyrus smirked slightly. "Relax."
Grace sighed. "Just don't break him."
"No promises."
That evening, after a short rest—
Cyrus snapped his fingers.
The world folded.
Ray, Kai, and Serena found themselves back inside Grace's office.
Ray barely noticed the transition.
His eyes were already on Cyrus.
"Did my reports come back?" he asked eagerly.
"What are my powers?"
"What can I do?"
Theo raised his hands. "Easy, kid."
Grace smiled faintly. "His excitement makes sense."
Cyrus stepped forward, holding a thin digital file.
"So," he said casually, "you're a Nexan with high physicality."
Ray blinked. "What does that mean?"
"Enhanced strength," Cyrus said.
"Speed. Reflexes. Healing factor."
Serena smiled. Theo nodded. Grace looked satisfied.
Kai crossed his arms. "Good. We needed a heavy hitter. Looks like the rookie fills the gap."
Ray didn't respond.
Theo noticed immediately. "Hey. You okay?"
Ray nodded slowly. "Yeah. It's good."
But his voice lacked excitement.
Cyrus studied him. "What's wrong?"
Ray hesitated.
Then spoke.
"Before this," he said quietly, "I was just a normal human. When I became a Nexan… I thought I'd finally be special. Like you. Or Serena. Or Kai."
He looked down.
"But I'm just… average again. Just stronger."
Grace stood up.
"Ray," she said calmly, "I'm a physicality Nexan too."
Ray looked up, surprised. "You are?"
"Yes," she replied. "High strength."
Cyrus muttered, "Debatable usefulness."
Grace didn't hesitate.
She punched him.
Cyrus slammed into the wall.
For half a second, the room froze.
Then Serena covered her mouth, failing to hide a small laugh. Even Theo had to look away.
Cyrus stood back up immediately, rubbing his jaw.
"Wow. Violent leadership."
Grace continued, unfazed.
"Power doesn't make a Nexan special. The user does."
Theo added, "You're basically a compact bundle of extreme physical potential."
Serena smiled gently. "That's not a bad thing at all."
Ray hesitated. "Then why don't I feel it? I don't feel faster. Or stronger."
Cyrus's expression sharpened.
"Because power depends on the body," he said. "You have to learn how to channel it."
Ray's eyes widened. "You mean… I have to bring it out?"
Cyrus smiled.
"Exactly."
Ray stood there, quiet again.
But this time—
Not disappointed.
Thinking.
The room lingered in silence after Cyrus's explanation.
Ray was still thinking — not disappointed, not confused — just processing.
Grace noticed it immediately.
She straightened, her tone shifting from director to guardian.
"You've had a long day," she said calmly, looking at Ray, then Serena and Kai. "First lectures, first assessments, first revelations. That's more than enough for one evening."
Ray nodded without arguing.
Grace continued, softer now, "Head back to the dorms. Eat something. Rest. Study a little if you want… or don't. Talk. Get comfortable."
Her eyes stayed on Ray for half a second longer.
"This place becomes home faster if you let it."
Ray smiled faintly. "Yes, ma'am."
Serena gave a small nod. Kai turned without comment.
The three of them stepped out together.
The door slid shut behind them.
Only then did the atmosphere change.
Theo was the first to break the silence.
"You lied," he said flatly.
Cyrus didn't turn around.
Grace closed her eyes for a brief moment, then opened them again. "Theo—"
"No," Theo said. "I'm not saying it like an accusation. I'm saying it like a fact."
He looked at Cyrus. "You told him half the truth. And you did it deliberately."
Cyrus faced the window, hands in his pockets.
"Yes."
Grace's voice was calm, but tight. "You could've told us first."
"I didn't need permission," Cyrus replied. "I needed time."
Theo stepped closer. "Time for what? For him to get attached before the floor drops out from under him?"
Cyrus finally turned.
His eyes were sharp now.
"If he knows what he really is," Cyrus said, "he stops being a student and starts being a target."
The words landed hard.
Grace didn't argue. She absorbed them.
Theo frowned. "So the plan is… what? Lie until it's convenient?"
"The plan," Cyrus said evenly, "is to let him grow without fear shaping every decision he makes."
Grace folded her arms. "And what if his power manifests unintentionally?"
Theo's eyes narrowed. "Exactly. And you know how fast a Nexan's body can catch up once the growth starts."
Cyrus was silent for a second. Then he rolled up his sleeve.
Both of them froze.
Around his wrist was a sleek, dark metallic band — smooth, unmarked, humming faintly with restrained energy.
Grace's gaze sharpened. Theo's eyes flicked to the band — familiar, dangerous, purposeful.
"That's the suppressor," Theo said quietly.
Cyrus nodded. "Yes. A suppressor… or a dampener — whatever you call it, same function. Grace made it years ago."
Theo exhaled slowly. "Even with that on… you're still the strongest active Nexan. Easily one of the strongest, if not the strongest."
Grace added under her breath, worry and awe mixing. "It doesn't even seem real."
Cyrus didn't deny it.
Theo glanced between them. "So you want to put one on a thirteen-year-old?"
"No," Cyrus said. "I want to give him a choice before he needs one."
Grace's jaw tightened. "And until then?"
Cyrus met her eyes. Firm. Final.
"Until his body is ready. Until it can survive the full load of his powers. Until then… I watch him."
Silence.
Grace looked away first. Not in defeat — in worry.
"You're asking me to trust you with a child's future," she said quietly.
Cyrus nodded once. "I know."
Theo ran a hand through his hair. "And if you're wrong?"
Cyrus didn't hesitate.
"Then I'll take responsibility."
Grace turned back toward him. For a long moment, she said nothing. Then, finally—
"Start designing the bracelet," she said. "Not to restrain him. To protect him."
Cyrus inclined his head.
Theo sighed. "I hate that this makes sense."
Cyrus smirked faintly. "You'll hate it more when it saves his life."
Somewhere across the academy, Ray laughed — faint, distant — settling into a dorm that still felt new.
And none of them told him how close he already was to the truth.
Morning arrived quietly at the dorm.
Ray joined the others at the table as breakfast was served, the usual chatter filling the space.
"No academic classes today," Serena said casually. "It's the weekend."
Kai welcomed the break with obvious relief.
Cyrus listened in silence.
When the plates were nearly empty, he finally spoke.
"Weekend or not," he said calmly, "we train today."
The group moved through the corridors toward the academy's central training hall. The sunlight from the large windows glinted off polished floors, and the distant sounds of the fountain and flowing water accompanied their steps.
At the entrance, Grace and Theo awaited them. Grace smiled warmly at Ray. "Morning. I have something for you."
She handed him a sleek bracelet, sliding it onto his wrist with a casual flick. "A little accessory," she said lightly, "thought you might like it."
Ray glanced down, curious. "Thanks. But… just me?"
Kai arched an eyebrow. "Yeah, why only him?"
Grace faltered for a fraction of a second, caught off-guard. "Uh… it's… just for helping him settle in," she said softly.
Theo stepped closer, intercepting the question smoothly. "It'll help him stay in control—especially while he's still adjusting."
Kai frowned. "So…Why don't Serena and I get one?"
Cyrus's voice cut in, calm and measured. "You already channel your powers reliably. Ray hasn't mastered his yet — this is for guidance, not limitation."
Ray flexed his wrist subtly, feeling the Bracelet against his skin. It was light, smooth, and unassuming — nothing about it screamed 'restrainer' to him.
With the brief hand-off done, Cyrus led the group into the training arena. The central hall was vast, sunlight spilling through enormous glass panels. Energy hummed faintly in the air — the subtle signature of Nexan powers waiting to be tested.
Kai and Serena squared off at the centre of the arena.
The air hummed faintly, sunlight glinting off the polished floor as energy gathered around them. Kai rolled his shoulders, a faint grin tugging at his lips. Serena stood still, calm and balanced, her posture loose but ready — like she'd already calculated his first move.
Kai struck without warning.
Wind exploded outward, a sudden gust tearing across the arena and forcing Serena a step back. Lightning crackled along Kai's fingers, snapping forward in sharp, jagged arcs aimed to overwhelm rather than wound.
Serena reacted instantly.
She lifted her hands and the space around her shimmered. The lightning bent midair, redirected cleanly into the floor with a sharp hiss. Stone groaned as chunks of rock tore free from the arena walls, spinning around her in a controlled orbit — not defensive, Ray noticed, but prepared.
Kai adjusted on instinct.
The ground beneath him split as jagged slabs of earth surged upward, forming barriers as he launched himself skyward on a burst of wind. A boulder ripped toward him — Serena's control precise, deliberate — but he twisted midair, wind shearing him sideways just in time.
Ray leaned forward slightly.
They weren't just throwing power at each other.
They were reading each other.
Serena's eyes narrowed. With a sharp thrust of her hands, the spinning rocks shot forward — not straight, but curving, cutting off escape paths. Kai hissed under his breath and answered with lightning, splitting it into multiple arcs to force her attention.
That was when Serena closed the distance.
A faint shimmer snapped into existence around them — her nullification zone. The crackle of lightning dulled. The wind faltered. Kai hit the ground harder than intended, teeth clenched as his elements resisted him.
Ray's breath caught.
So that's control.
Serena didn't let up. She moved in, strikes clean and efficient, each blow enhanced subtly by telekinesis. Kai staggered back, then slammed his foot down, earth surging upward as a reinforced wall snapped into place between them.
He vaulted over it, wind bursting beneath him, forcing space.
Dust hung in the air, energy crackling in uneven pulses as both of them recalibrated.
Not exhaustion — restraint.
Around them, fractured stone and scorched floor marked the ground where power had already been tested… and measured.
Kai smirked, rolling his shoulders.
"Don't tell me that's all it took to slow you down."
Serena flexed her fingers, knuckles cracking softly as her focus sharpened.
"Slow?" she said calmly. "I'm just getting started."
Ray exhaled without realizing he'd been holding his breath.
It wasn't the power that stunned him.
It was the discipline.
Ray watched from the sidelines, eyes wide. Every flick of Serena's wrist, every surge of Kai's power was a lesson in precision, creativity, and restraint. The power they wielded wasn't just raw strength — it was strategy, instinct, and adaptation.
For a moment, the world seemed to pause around Ray. He could see what control looked like, what it meant to master one's abilities. And in that pause, a spark of determination ignited in him.
The clash of wind, lightning, earth, and telekinesis continued, energy filling the air, but the outcome remained uncertain. The match was still open — a perfect demonstration of potential and growth.
And from his vantage point, Ray understood one thing clearly: he wanted to reach that level.
Meanwhile, Cyrus, Theo, and Grace stepped slightly aside, turning their focus to Ray. Theo's eyes were analytical, observing subtle shifts in posture and breathing. Grace's attention was on his form and potential, worry and trust intertwined. Cyrus stood firm, his expression minimal yet authoritative.
"Ready, kid?" Cyrus finally asked, voice low and even. "Let's see what you can do."
Ray nodded, anticipation brimming. He stepped forward, glancing once more at Kai and Serena as they continued their friendly duel. Their energy, their creativity, their mastery of powers — it all felt like a spark, an example of what was possible.
Cyrus snapped his fingers. The air around them shimmered briefly. "We'll use a controlled space for training. Nothing dangerous, but enough to push limits."
Ray's eyes widened. He had never seen Cyrus create such a space before. The ground shifted slightly, obstacles forming, walls and terrain appearing and vanishing as if obeying an invisible hand.
"The techniques you'll train," Cyrus explained, his voice steady and clear, "are for control, channelling, and adaptation. You'll learn to use strength, speed, reflex, and regeneration effectively — even if you can't yet feel the limits of your power."
Grace leaned slightly toward Ray. "Kai, Serena — be careful. We'll be gone in the space with him, but don't overdo it here."
Cyrus gestured once more, snapping his fingers. The Four of them — Cyrus, Grace, Theo, and Ray — were now inside the pocket dimension, the controlled environment humming faintly with latent energy.
Ray glanced around, awe and curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Cyrus… your powers… what are they, really?"
Cyrus's lips curved faintly. "Let's keep it simple." He motioned to the shifting terrain. "I manipulate space," Cyrus added calmly. "Movement. Distance. Containment."
The air folded, and he was suddenly standing three steps away. "Teleportation."
Ray swallowed, eyes scanning the shifting terrain. "So this place…"
"Is under control," Cyrus said, cutting in calmly. "Completely. Nothing happens here unless I allow it."
He let the words settle. "That's why we can train here."
Theo nodded from the side, analysing Ray's posture. "You'll need discipline to adapt. Your high physicality is impressive, but without control…"
Grace added softly, "This is safe. But even safe, mistakes can hurt. Focus."
Ray exhaled, steadying himself. "I… I think I'm ready."
Cyrus inclined his head, his expression firm. "Good. Then let's begin."
Grace's voice echoed from the entrance of the dimension, authoritative yet encouraging: "Okay then… the training of Ray begins!"