The training room smelled faintly of metal and sweat as Elijah faced the first real exercise with the other Anchors. Maya and Obinna were already there, stretching and muttering to themselves.
"Focus," Maya said, her eyes sharp. "This isn't just about power. It's about sensing each other."
Elijah nodded, heart racing. He had no idea how to "sense energy," but he tried anyway. A small orb of golden light hovered in front of him, reacting slightly to his heartbeat.
Obinna scoffed. "Move it faster, slowpoke."
Elijah ignored him and concentrated. Thoughts of his sister, his guilt, and his determination poured into the orb. Slowly, it steadied, hovering solidly between his hands. Maya raised her eyebrows.
"Good," she said softly. "Now, work with us."
Together, they ran a coordination exercise. Elijah had to synchronize his Resonance with Maya's, moving the orb through a narrow channel. His first attempt sent sparks flying into the wall, and a panel buzzed in protest.
"Careful!" Obinna shouted, narrowly dodging a shockwave.
Elijah's face burned with embarrassment, but he tried again. Focusing on trust, not fear, he guided the energy smoothly. The orb glided steadily, the channel lighting up as it passed.
Maya smiled faintly. "You're learning faster than I expected. Your faith reacts… but it listens."
Elijah exhaled, tension leaving his shoulders. Maybe I can do this. Maybe I really can save her.
As the exercise ended, he felt something shift inside—subtle but undeniable. His Resonance wasn't just raw energy anymore. It was responding to intent, to trust, to connection. And for the first time, he understood: faith alone wasn't enough. He needed alignment… and allies.