She touched the burnt remains of the wood.
Her eyes widened—
Not with fear.
With the knowledge that something ancient and terrible lived inside her son.
"You've grown stronger again."
Her voice was low, conflicted.
"Stronger than even your grandfather expected."
I simply said:
"I've been practicing."
She crouched to my level.
"What will you do with such power, Damian?"
I didn't answer immediately.
Finally:
"I will decide when the world forces me to."
Her eyes softened—
but there was something else there:
Worry.
Fear.
Awed pride.
"You are not a normal child. You never will be. But… you are mine. And I will protect you even from your own power."
She pulled me into a brief embrace.
I let her.
Just for a moment.
Ra's al Ghul Sees the Result the Next Morning
He inspected the destroyed pillar with a grave expression.
"Fascinating."
No disbelief.
No confusion.
Only calculation.
"This level of power at six years old…
The League has never seen such growth."
His gaze locked onto me.
Cold.
Sharp.
Analytical.
"You will reshape this world."
I held my breath—
but only so he wouldn't sense the power behind it.
If Ra's discovered the Nichirin Sword—
a weapon that could annihilate supernatural threats instantly—
He would try to harness it.
Or take it.
Or chain me to his grand plan.
So I simply nodded.
"I will live up to your expectations, Grandfather."
That Night — Secret Sword Test
I returned to the courtyard when the fortress slept.
I summoned the Nichirin Blade again.
Light.
Heat.
Perfection.
I held the sword up.
It vibrated faintly—
as if anticipating battle.
I slashed lightly at a stone training block.
SHIIING—
The block sliced clean through.
Not broken.
Not cracked.
Clean.
Smooth.
Like paper.
The blade glowed brighter.
As if pleased.
I stared at the cut stone.
"If this sword can kill demons…"
I tightened my grip.
"…then it can kill anything."
I sheathed the blade and dismissed it.
For now.
My Private Vow at Age 6
Looking up at the moon, I whispered to myself:
"I will use this power my way.
Not Ra's way.
Not the League's way.
Not even Batman's way."
The night wind rustled quietly.
"I protect those I choose.
I destroy those who deserve it.
And I walk my own path."
Sun Breathing pulsed inside my chest.
Warm.
Alive.
I smiled faintly.
This was only 10%.
Only the beginning.
And the world was already starting to feel small.