Chapter 2: The Flow Awakens
The morning sun cast a warm glow over the beachside house as Dante and Ronan continued their training under the watchful eyes of Ojjisan. They had practiced stances, strikes, and defensive movements, their sweat mixing with the salty sea breeze.
"Alright," Ojjisan clapped his hands, grabbing their attention. "We've warmed up enough. Now… let's move on to the main job."
Ronan tilted his head, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Main job? What do you mean?"
"Yeah," Dante echoed, his curiosity piqued. "What job are you talking about?"
Ojjisan's expression turned serious. He looked toward the ocean, his voice calm but heavy. "FLOW."
Both boys blinked.
"Flow?" Ronan repeated, puzzled.
Ojjisan nodded. "Flow is the fundamental energy that runs through everything in the universe. It's more than strength, more than magic—it's life itself. Every living being has Flow within them, but only a few ever awaken it."
"So…" Ronan raised an eyebrow. "You mean it's like superpowers?"
"Yes," Ojjisan said with a grin. "But far more complex. Flow is not just a power—it's your soul's resonance with the universe. If you learn to control it, you can do things beyond imagination. If it goes out of control, it can consume you."
Dante stepped forward. "So… how do we awaken it?"
Ojjisan turned, walking toward a set of ancient-looking doors on the side of the house. "That's what we're going to find out. Follow me."
As the doors creaked open, a wave of strange energy flowed out. The room beyond was circular, filled with glowing symbols and old scrolls. In the center stood a massive crystal, pulsing with soft light.
"This is a Flow Chamber," Ojjisan explained. "Step inside. If Flow exists within you, it will react. If not… well, let's hope that's not the case."
Ronan looked nervous. Dante took a deep breath and stepped forward.
This is it, he thought. If I really want to protect those I care about… I need power. Real power.
He placed his hand on the crystal.
The moment he did, the chamber exploded with light. Wind roared, and the floor trembled.
"WHAT'S HAPPENING?!" Ronan shouted.
Ojjisan's eyes widened. "This… this is not normal. His Flow—it's overwhelming the crystal!"
A massive surge of energy burst from the crystal, knocking both Ronan and Ojjisan back. Dante's eyes glowed faintly. A mark had appeared on the back of his hand—shaped like a swirling flame wrapped in a spiral.
Ojjisan stood slowly, stunned. "That… that mark… That's the Sign of Ruin."
Ronan looked at Dante in awe. "What the hell are you, man?"
Dante looked at his glowing hand, feeling a power he'd never known rise within him. "I don't know… but I think this is just the beginning."