The chamber smelled faintly of ozone and metal. Elijah stood on the smooth floor, eyes on a hovering panel meant to respond to his Faith Resonance. His hands twitched involuntarily—he could feel the energy thrumming beneath his skin, eager to erupt.
"You focus on intent," Maya instructed, voice calm but commanding. "Not strength. Not speed. Faith is alignment."
Elijah inhaled, picturing the night his sister vanished. The fear, the anger, the helplessness—it all poured into the energy. The panel shivered, lights flickering. Sparks flew, and the chamber shook slightly. Obinna jumped back. "Careful, man! You'll break the room!"
Elijah clenched his teeth. "I can control it… I have to."
He reached inward, forcing the golden pulse to stabilize. Slowly, the trembling stopped, and the panel glowed steadily. Lara's quiet voice cut through the hum: "Good. That's the first real control we've seen from you."
Elijah let out a long breath. For a moment, it felt like victory—but he knew it was only the beginning. Every time he used his power, there was a risk, a danger he couldn't fully measure. And yet… I have to keep going. I have to be ready.
Outside, Lagos continued in its chaotic rhythm, oblivious to the training chamber where faith itself bent under the hands of a boy determined to save what was lost.