Beyond Mortals

Alex stood in the aftermath of his trial, the golden shield he had summoned now gone, yet he could still feel its presence deep within him. The energy of the Nexus pulsed through his veins, quieter now, but ever-present. He clenched his fist, testing the sensation. He was stronger than before, more in tune with the power. But what did that truly mean?

Leannah watched him carefully, her arms crossed. "You've passed the Heart's test, but raw power is meaningless if you don't know how to wield it."

Alex met her gaze, determination in his eyes. "Then let's put it to the test."

A small smirk played on Leannah's lips. "You've made the wrong request."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

She drew her twin blades from her green energy, the metallic hum of their energy slicing through the air. "If you want to prove yourself, you don't just ask for a spar—you earn the right to stand against me."

The Sparring Match

The moment Alex took his stance, Leannah attacked, her movements blindingly fast. He barely had time to react before she was upon him, forcing him to dodge and weave. Her strikes were precise, relentless.

At first, he struggled. The instincts were there, but his body still needed to catch up. Then something shifted. The energy of the Nexus flowed through him like a current, guiding his movements. He began to anticipate her attacks, countering with newfound precision.

Leannah's eyes narrowed in approval. "You're learning."

She struck high—he blocked. She swept low—he leaped. He wasn't just defending now; he was matching her pace. And then, in a moment of pure instinct, he raised his hand. The golden shield erupted into existence, shimmering with raw energy. Leannah's blade struck it, but instead of shattering, the shield absorbed the impact, sending a pulse of force outward.

For the first time, Leannah was pushed back.

Alex seized the opportunity. He lunged forward, his movements fluid, as if the Nexus itself was guiding him. He landed a decisive blow, knocking Leannah off balance. She hit the ground, rolling into a crouch, her expression unreadable.

Then, she laughed.

"Well done." She stood, brushing herself off. "You've finally beaten me."

A Warrior's Farewell

Leannah sheathed her blades, stepping closer. "You're growing stronger, Alex. But strength alone won't be enough. There will always be battles ahead, challenges greater than this."

Alex nodded, the weight of her words settling in his chest. "I know. And I'll be ready."

She regarded him for a long moment before placing a hand on his shoulder. "The Nexus has chosen you, but others will sense its power. Be careful who you trust."

A deep hum resonated through the air, the energy of the Nexus shifting. It was time. The portal back to Earth shimmered into existence before them.

Alex turned to Leannah. "Are you coming?"

She gave a small nod. "Yes. There's still more to do."

Returning to Earth

With a steadying breath, Alex and Leannah stepped into the portal together. In an instant, the world around them dissolved, light folding and shifting until—

They were home.

The transition was abrupt. The hum of the Nexus was gone, replaced by the quiet sounds of Alex's neighborhood. The distant sound of a car horn, the rustle of leaves in the wind. They were back on Earth.

But everything felt different.

Alex clenched his fist, feeling the lingering power inside him. He had changed. The question was—how long until the world noticed?