Theo enthusiastically changed the topic, shifting the tense atmosphere. He leaned back on the sofa and said casually,
"Speaking of your power, I thought of something last night. Maybe you should try this trick."
Alvano turned to him, curious. "Trick?"
Theo nodded. "Yeah. I watched this animation about someone who could stretch his hands like rubber. But not physically — it's more about imagination and harmony of the heart. Just imagine your hand extending really far, and use your intent to reach that object."
"Like… pulling something without actually touching it?" Alvano raised an eyebrow.
"Pretty much," Theo replied. "The key is intent and visualization. Picture your hand extending, then grab the object as if you're really touching it."
Alvano thought for a moment, then nodded. "Worth a try."
Theo pulled a small metal coin from his pocket and tossed it a few meters away. "Start with that."
Without hesitation, Alvano stood up and focused on the coin. He took a slow breath, imagining his hand stretching through the air until it touched the coin. In his mind, it felt real.
Slowly, the coin trembled slightly — as if something invisible was pulling it.
Theo gasped softly. "Whoa… did it work?"
Alvano opened his eyes, slightly surprised. "I'm not sure… but I felt something."
Theo grinned. "That's a good start."
They tried the visualization technique several more times. The results improved — the coin, which initially only shook, now slowly slid toward Alvano. It wasn't perfect, but it was far more stable than his previous attempts, which often left him exhausted from mana surges.
"See?" Theo said proudly. "When you align your imagination with your body, the pressure isn't that heavy. You can handle it."
Alvano nodded slightly. "You're right… it feels lighter now."
"Good. But don't celebrate yet," Theo said, clapping his hands. "Now it's time to level up. Try controlling two objects at once."
"Two at once?" Alvano looked confused but intrigued.
Theo nodded confidently. "To train that, you'll need some physical exercise too — to get your body used to handling pressure from two directions."
He walked to his room, returning shortly with a small black device with metal grips on both sides.
"What's that?" Alvano asked.
"It's a handgrip," Theo said, handing it to him. "For training your hand and arm muscles. Hold it like this, and press until both sides meet."
Alvano tried squeezing it — it was tough. "Whoa… this is harder than I thought."
Theo chuckled. "Yeah. But if you train every day, your grip, endurance, and reflexes will improve. That means your mana control will too."
"So this is part of the training?"
"Of course. We need strength and a solid physical foundation. Especially when you start moving multiple objects at once — your body must handle the strain."
Alvano nodded enthusiastically. His training now wasn't just about mana, but endurance too. And somehow, everything felt easier with Theo guiding him.
Theo went on to demonstrate several exercises he found effective for full-body strength. Standing in the middle of the living room, he showed them one by one.
"Besides push-ups and sit-ups, try the plank," he said, lowering himself with elbows on the floor. "It's great for your core. Hold it for a minute every day and increase the duration gradually."
Alvano nodded, memorizing the position. Theo stood up and continued, "Then squats. They're great for your legs and hips. Lower your body like you're sitting, but don't let your knees go past your toes."
After a few squats, Theo added jumping jacks and mountain climbers — cardio moves that kept the body active and sweating.
Alvano followed along, though still a bit stiff. "Looks like tomorrow's workout will be fun."
Theo laughed. "Yeah, but don't overdo it or your muscles will complain. Start slow."
Alvano smiled. Though he came to Theo's house out of worry, now the mood had turned light and full of motivation.
Theo, secretly relieved, managed to divert Alvano's attention from what he wanted to hide — the blood from earlier. He knew he couldn't keep hiding it forever, but for now, at least Alvano's concern had eased.
He'd have to be more careful — no more suspicious signs. When Alvano worried, he became impossible to calm down.
Theo glanced at Alvano's face, now brighter than earlier that day. He smiled faintly, then looked toward the window. Deep down, he knew time was running out. The wound he'd hidden hadn't healed completely, and every movement still brought pain.
But to keep Alvano focused, he chose silence. Alvano didn't need to know — not yet.
"You sure you can wake up early?" Theo teased with a light yawn.
"Of course. I'll even show up earlier than usual," Alvano said eagerly.
Theo chuckled. "If you're late, prepare for extra punishment from your new coach."
Alvano scoffed but smiled anyway. Their bond grew stronger — though behind it, a secret remained untold. For Theo, as long as he could still stand and teach Alvano, that was enough.
As the evening approached, Theo got ready to take Alvano home. He grabbed his motorcycle keys and put on a thin jacket.
Seeing that, Alvano frowned. "You still don't look fit. I'll just go home on my own."
But Theo raised an eyebrow and said casually, "I can still ride. Besides, your house is pretty far to walk or take the bus again. Think of it as me returning the favor."
Alvano sighed. "Fine… but this is the only time I'll let you push yourself."
Theo smiled and patted his shoulder. "Deal. Let's call it getting some fresh air."
They went outside and got on the motorcycle. Theo started the engine, and Alvano sat behind him.
"Let's go before it gets dark," Theo murmured. "I don't like riding at night."
Alvano glanced at Theo's face, noticing a brief flash of tension — but said nothing. He just held onto Theo's jacket as they rode off, leaving the small house behind, swallowed once again by silence.