Nine weeks into their training, the hideout felt alive every morning with the sound of discipline.
Satoro moved through the courtyard with Mira, his body drenched in sweat, muscles trembling from constant drills.
"Again," Mira ordered.
Satoro gritted his teeth and swung.
Steel rang through the air.
He was becoming strong—too strong.
Cold. Sharp. Focused.
Exactly like Mira warned him he might become.
Across the room, Haruto sat cross-legged on a mat, trembling. His eyes flickered with dark red sparks.
Inside his mind, Arkhamis whispered:
"Give in… little host… give me control…"
Haruto fought it, sweat pouring down his face.
Lira and Nova watched from the side, sitting together on the floor.
Lira sighed softly.
"They're strong. Both of them."
Nova smirked.
"Strong, stupid, and completely unaware we're talking about them."
Lira giggled.
"You like Satoro… don't you?"
Nova blushed slightly, flicking Lira's forehead gently.
"Shut up. And you obviously like Haruto."
"O-Oh—" Lira looked away, face burning.
They both laughed—
Until Nova suddenly stopped.
Her face went pale.
She clutched her stomach—
And vomited violently onto the floor.
Panic
"Nova!" Lira screamed.
Satoro immediately dropped his sword.
Haruto snapped out of his trance.
They both rushed toward her—but Mira held out her arm, blocking them.
"STOP.
Don't touch her yet."
Nova wiped her mouth, trembling.
"What— what's wrong with me? Did someone poison me?"
Her breathing quickened.
Mira kneeled in front of her, lifting Nova's chin.
Her eyes sharpened.
And immediately—she knew.
"Everyone.
Out."
"What? Why—" Satoro tried to push past.
"OUT!" Mira snapped.
Haruto and Lira left reluctantly.
Satoro didn't move.
Mira glared.
"Satoro. Get out."
He froze.
He had never seen her look scared before.
He slowly backed out and shut the door…
But pressed his ear right up against it.
Inside the Room — Mira & Nova
Nova was crying now.
"Mira… seriously… what's happening to me? Am I dying?"
Mira placed a hand on her back.
"No.
You're fine. More than fine."
Nova vomited again and sobbed.
"Then what is this?!"
Mira smiled softly—genuinely.
"You little lovebird…
you're pregnant."
Nova's eyes widened.
"…preg— what?"
Mira smirked.
"Pregnant, sweetheart.
You're going to have a baby."
Nova stared at her in shock.
"I— I don't even remember if we— if me and Satoro…"
Mira laughed under her breath.
"Oh honey… trust me. It happened.
That morning when you two woke up naked?"
She winked.
"That wasn't an illusion."
Nova covered her face, blushing so hard her ears went red.
"No no no no— I can't— Satoro is going to freak out—"
"You need to tell him," Mira said softly.
Nova shook her head violently.
"I can't. Not yet. I'm scared."
"Nova—"
Suddenly—
BOOM BOOM BOOM
Satoro banged on the door.
"NOVA!! What's happening?! Tell me she's okay!"
Mira sighed.
"Time's up."
Satoro Enters
The door opened.
Satoro rushed inside immediately, grabbing Nova's shoulders.
"Are you alright? Did someone poison you? Are you hurt?"
Nova quickly wiped her tears and forced a shaky smile.
"N-No… I'm fine. Mira says I just ate something bad. I'll be okay. I promise."
Satoro cupped her cheeks.
"You scared the hell out of me."
She looked at him—eyes full of secrets.
"…I'm sorry."
Mira stepped past them.
"She needs rest.
No training today.
And don't push her."
Satoro nodded and helped Nova stand.
But Mira watched quietly, thinking:
The prophecy has begun.
The fifth ancient soul…
is already growing.