The practice ground of the Astro Opera had fallen silent after the chaotic awakening of Clive's power. The storm of energy dissipated slowly, leaving only the faint scent of ozone and scorched metal lingering in the air. Students stood in awe, catching their breath, their eyes wide as they took in the aftermath. Smoke curled from the floor, and the glow of residual energy pulsed faintly, illuminating the scene like a shattered sunrise.
"My sir… Sir Kraiton…" Untras's voice trembled as he whispered, staring at Clive.
Seuph raised her hand slightly, stepping forward, her tone calm but firm. "It's not your sir… It's… it's—"
"Clive," Plus interrupted, his voice sharp, cutting through the tension.
Everything stilled. The air seemed to hold its breath. Students turned to Clive, observing the technological glow that coursed along his body, the pulsating storm of black, sky-blue, and yellow energy contained within his form.
"Impossible… how can he have Lightech?" Untras muttered, his eyes narrowing, disbelief evident.
Titus, still analyzing with his ocular lens and holographic display, responded methodically. "And his regeneration power… it's increased up to ×100,000."
Untras swallowed, voice quieter now. "Is he… Sir Kraiton's son?"
Titus shook his head slowly, almost unconsciously. "Impossible. He and his wife died long ago."
Untras's brow furrowed, the doubt still lingering. "I am his student… I know… but now… I have a suspicion. Perhaps he had a son long ago."
Clive's voice cut through the murmurs, curious and cautious. "What… what is this power?"
Untras looked at him, still in awe. "It's Lightech."
Clive frowned slightly, trying to understand. "Something… pure?"
Seuph shook her head, correcting him gently. "No… it's a fusion power. Light and technology."
Clive's eyes widened slightly, a spark of excitement in his expression. "That means… I've got an awesome power."
Titus nodded. "Yes… keep it safe."
"I will, sir," Clive said, his voice steady but filled with a quiet determination.
Seuph clapped her hands lightly. "So… everyone. You are tired. Go and get some rest."
The students slowly dispersed, the low hum of residual energy fading as they returned to their quarters. Clive stayed near Terrance, walking alongside him through the corridors of the spaceship.
"Terrance… I mean, captain… are you just three codes? You, Era, and Rote?" Clive asked, curiosity lining his tone.
Terrance shook his head, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Call me Terrance. No problem. And no… we are six codes here. We were juniors. Our seniors are fully trained and currently stationed on other ships. The other three codes are in the hospital. We fought an alien a few days ago—it was sudden—they were injured."
Delom's expression turned thoughtful. "I see… so aliens can attack us suddenly."
"Yes… but there are good aliens too," Terrance replied, his tone calm but firm, eyes scanning the corridors as if anticipating another ambush.
Naro tilted his head. "I see… so others… aliens use this power to save their planets too?"
Terrance nodded. "Exactly. Now… go to your rooms and rest. The day is over. Tomorrow, training continues."
The group dispersed toward their quarters. Clive's gaze wandered as he searched for Oragi, his roommate, but she was nowhere to be seen.
"Bye, Delom," Clive said softly.
"Bye…" Delom replied, his voice calm.
Clive entered his room and found Oragi lying on her bed, sleeping under a blanket. She seemed peaceful, untouched by the chaos of the day.
He approached quietly, a soft blush rising to his cheeks. "She looks so cute when she sleeps," he murmured to himself.
Clive lay down carefully on his own bed, releasing a long breath. "Huh… today was… mysterious. Now I have power. Now I can save the world," he whispered, the weight of his awakening sinking in.
Then, his eyes inadvertently caught sight of Oragi's chest—almost fully exposed under the blanket. His voice rose, flustered. "H-hey… you're not wearing clothes?"
Oragi stirred awake, lifting herself onto her elbows, her blanket still partially covering her. "No…" she said, sleepy but confident, her voice low. "After gaining this new power and lying down, I realized I can't sleep with clothes. I think… it's a side effect."
Clive's cheeks burned crimson. "So… you're comfortable with this?" he asked, still trying to process.
"Yes. I am. And I think I'm safe here too. So… yes, I'm comfortable," she replied, her voice softening.
Clive exhaled slowly, trying to compose himself. "Okay… what can I say… it's your choice," he murmured.
Oragi's eyes widened as she realized where she was and what she had just said. She quickly pulled the blanket fully around her, cheeks deep red. Her voice was barely audible. "Hey… hey… you don't know something… it's just a side effect. Is it irritating you?"
Clive rubbed his temple, confused. "Why are you acting so impudent the first moment and so careful the next… ah… you're confusing me," he muttered before lying down and closing his eyes.
Oragi, still blushing, whispered softly, "It's not like… I mean… give me some time to adjust with you."
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Untras had picked up a communication device, calling Hanaro.
"Why didn't you tell me there's Sir Kraiton's son?"
Untras asked, his voice sharp with surprise.
Hanaro's voice was calm over the line. "I investigated but never found anything special."
"You should have told me before…" Untras pressed.
"I'm sorry, sir," Hanaro replied quietly.
"I was sure he didn't have a son or daughter… but my doubt was real… he does," Untras muttered, almost to himself.
"Sir… it's not certain yet. You need to find more," Hanaro said.
"Yes… you're right. I'll find more," Untras replied, the determination clear in his tone.
The call ended. Untras turned to the side, muttering softly. "Sir Kraiton has a son…"
Seuph approached silently from behind, her voice quiet but firm. "The legend has a son… but nobody knows. Are you sure?"
"Yes… 99.99% sure," Untras said. "He was number one. He was the teacher. He was the crown of Earth's warriors."
Seuph's expression softened, disbelief etched across her features. "I can't believe that the number one Skyph warrior of Earth has a son… and nobody knew."
"If Clive is Sir Kraiton's son," Untras continued, his voice filled with conviction, "this era of Skyph will last longer, and our Earth will gain a great warrior."
Seuph nodded slowly. "But let this secret remain… if anyone finds out, Clive will be in danger," she warned, her eyes scanning the horizon of the practice ground.