"The Storm represents the power of Disintegration, while the Sun embodies Activation."
"Some things you'll only understand once you feel them for yourself."
"Tione, hold out your hand. It's going to sting a little."
How bad could it be?
As an adventurer, Tione had experienced more than her share of pain. She doubted anything Tsuna could do would hurt that much.
Then the pain hit. Sharp and sudden. It tore through her palm, far worse than any claw strike she'd taken from a black Goliath or an Asterius.
She glanced down and saw a thin red cut across her palm, a line of blood burning with a crimson flame.
The fire wasn't hot, but it clung to her skin like venom, searing deep into her nerves.
"Ah—ow!"
It was only a small wound, barely a scratch, yet the pain made her wince and grit her teeth.
"Why does it hurt this much?" she asked, staring at him in confusion.
Tsuna's expression was calm. "That's one of the Dying Will Flame's properties—Disintegration."
As he spoke, he brushed a finger across her palm. The red flame vanished, replaced by a warm golden glow.
This time, there was no pain. Instead, a soothing warmth spread through her hand, and she watched in awe as the wound began to close.
"That's the other property you have—Activation."
"Disintegration is simple to understand. It amplifies the damage you deal, and it prevents wounds from healing easily. You just experienced that firsthand."
"The other, Activation, is its opposite. The flame stimulates your cells, accelerating regeneration. It doesn't just heal injuries—it strengthens your muscles and body tissue, letting you draw out more power for a short time."
"Disintegration… and Activation…"
Tsuna's explanation was clear enough that Tione immediately grasped what he meant. Both abilities would drastically enhance her fighting capability—one increasing offense, the other extending endurance.
A grin tugged at her lips. "You're saying I can actually use this power?"
Tsuna nodded slightly, turning her hand over and gesturing toward the two rings still burning on her fingers.
"Those two flames answer that question for you. As long as the rings resonate, it means you possess both Sun and Storm wavelengths. With the rings as catalysts, you can draw that power out."
"It'll take some practice to control, but with time, you'll master it completely."
He paused thoughtfully. "The only thing I don't know yet is whether this flame will register as your 'magic.'"
Tione's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait—this could become my magic?"
"My own did," Tsuna admitted. "But since I'm passing this power to someone else for the first time, I'm not sure if it'll manifest as magic for you. We'll have to wait for Miss Loki to update your Status to find out."
"Right… that makes sense."
Tione took a deep breath, trying to calm her excitement. If this really could become her magic, it would be a huge advantage. But even if it didn't, she was determined to master it regardless.
"You just came out of the Challenge Space," Tsuna reminded her. "You're not planning to go right back in, are you?"
At that, her expression twisted. Memories of yesterday's beating by the black Goliath flashed through her mind. Just thinking about it made her temples throb.
"Ugh, no thanks," she groaned. "I'll wait a week. Once I've got these two flames under control, then I'll go back and beat that thing properly."
A week to train and familiarize herself with the Dying Will Flames—that sounded perfect. She'd also need to talk to Loki and get her Status updated soon. If these flames did count as magic, the boost would be enormous.
Her thoughts circled back to Tsuna, and she looked at him a little sheepishly. "Tsuna… could I trouble you to help me train this week?"
"Of course."
"Thanks! Then I'm counting on you!"
Her relief turned into a bright smile as she grabbed his hand—then froze, realizing what she'd just done. She didn't let go, though.
Tsuna didn't seem to notice; he was still a thirteen-year-old boy, blissfully unaware of the flustered amazon holding his hand.
"Tione," he said after a moment, "since you're planning to train seriously this week, that means Tiona's joining in too."
After all, he hadn't come here just for one twin.
Tione followed his gaze toward the bed. Tiona was sprawled across it, sound asleep in a ridiculous position, snoring softly.
A vein popped on Tione's forehead. She took a deep breath, forcing a smile in front of Tsuna. "Tsuna, turn around for a second. I need to wake her up."
"Oh, sure."
He obediently turned his back.
The moment he did, Tione's gentle smile vanished. She cracked her knuckles, glared at her still-sleeping sister, and stomped over to the bed.
"Time to get up!!!"
THUD!
Her fist came down like a meteor.
The blow landed square on Tiona's head, snapping her awake instantly—with a groan and a splitting headache as a side effect.
"Tione! What the hell?!"
"You're awake now, idiot!" Tione barked, hands on her hips. "You dragged me into the Challenge Space yesterday and got me beaten half to death, and you're still sleeping this soundly?!"
Tiona wilted under her sister's fury, the fight draining right out of her.
"Now get dressed," Tione continued. "Tsuna's already here."
"Eh? Wait—what!?"
Tiona turned her head—and froze when she saw Tsuna standing in the room, his back politely facing her.
Her face went bright red. She yanked the blanket up to her shoulders, clutching it tight as embarrassment bloomed from deep inside.
Tione caught the whole thing.
She glanced at Tsuna, then at her blushing sister, and a knowing smirk crept onto her face.
Oh, I see how it is.
Delight flickered in her eyes.