The war room hummed with the soft glow of holographic schematics, casting shifting blue patterns across Arthur's face as he sat across from Vanessa.
A steaming cup of tea sat untouched between them.
Vanessa traced a finger through the air, pulling up two distinct diagrams.
"Triggers aren't just powers," she began, "They're relationships. And like any relationship, they require understanding and will."
The first diagram exploded into a sprawling spiderweb, branching endlessly, "Let me start with Simple Triggers."
"Simple Triggers are given that name for three reasons: Their Triggers possess only one ability but give them creative freedom on how to develop their abilities, their abilities can be understood in both logical and simple terms, and finally, they are common amongst the population, with ninety-one percent of people being Simple users. But you should know, some Simple users don't have both requirements but are still considered that if they have just one," she explained.
Vanessa opened her right palm where a fireball appeared, "Me, Bruce, and Duke are Simple users since we fall underneath those conditions. During my earlier days, I used to create simple fireballs." Vanessa changed the shape of her fireball into a star, "Soon, when I wanted a change, my ability evolved into a way that represents myself. I was able to change the shape into something else and add new usage to it, like tracking body temperature."
After extinguishing the flame, she changed the diagram to the second one, which formed a straight, unwavering line.
"Now this is a Complex Trigger," she continued, "They are what we call abilities that have no concept of understanding. They don't give you the freedom to create new ways of using them but rather come predetermined, following a linear path. Evolving is difficult, but when it does happen, they usually become stronger than any Simple users. For example, Annie fits the requirements to be called a Complex user."
Arthur frowned, his eyes reflecting the holographic light, "I'm guessing that I'm a Complex Trigger user?"
Vanessa leaned forward, "Tell me about your abilities. Do you understand them?"
Arthur hesitated before averting his eyes, "I don't know, honestly. Absolute Authority was a name I came up with on the spot based on two skills I possess. For a long time, I wondered what else I can do with this power but never took the time to expand my skills."
Arthur recalled his fight with Biscuit and Donfather, "Galahad is changing," Arthur admitted, "The sword. The reflexes. The durability. None of that was possible before."
Vanessa's manicured nail tapped the table, "Because you've already started walking down this straight line. You allowed your will to get stronger and started understanding what your Trigger was capable of. Pretty soon, you will undergo your next evolution."
Vanessa took a sip of her tea, "But I should warn you, Complex users often become high on their own powers when they undergo rapid evolution in a set period of time. Think of it as a much more violent dopamine effect. So, to prevent any accidents from happening, I asked Hans to train you during the day starting tomorrow."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, "And at night?"
The elevator door slid open as Becky entered, her arms laden with thick manuals. She dropped them onto the table with a thud that shook the teacup.
"At night," Vanessa grinned, "you will be studying laws, math, different languages, and the Hero Association code of conduct."
The top manual's title gleamed in gold foil:
"ETHICS PROTOCOL & THE ART OF NOT EXPLODING THINGS: A HERO'S GUIDE."
Arthur stared blankly.
Becky patted his shoulder, "I expect full marks for my services."
For today's training day, Vanessa had to rent out a gym to avoid property damage.
The training gym was a cavernous space of reinforced steel and impact-absorbent mats.
Hans stood at the center, his usual chauffeur's uniform replaced with a sleeveless training shirt that revealed arms corded with muscle.
Hans performed a quick bow, "Morning, young master Arthur. Shall we begin?"
"Sure—" just before Arthur could finish his sentence, Hans suddenly appeared in front of him with his fist almost connecting with his face.
Galahad was able to catch it, reacting before Arthur could think.
Arthur only now noticed that not only was Hans releasing statics of electricity, but there were two of him.
"I see, you can also create summons who act independently," Hans smirked, "Tell me, has it ever crossed your mind that you are as weak as a normal person? If you don't harness your summon's abilities as your own."
Another Hans clone came and tried to punch him from behind, but Galahad stopped that attack. Only for another to appear out from Arthur's shadow and deliver an uppercut that sent him into the air.
Followed up with a diving kick that sent Arthur through a table.
Arthur groaned, "What the hell was that?" Surprised by how fast everything went and that Galahad couldn't prevent it like he usually could.
Hans shook his head, "You are nothing more than dead weight if you are relying on your current skills to keep you alive. As it stands, I determine that your summon's max reaction speed is above lightning. Meaning you're basically untouchable." He slowly stepped forward as his body started discharging electricity.
"But I will soon fix that! I will show you different ways on how you can lose in a fight, so you can properly know how to overcome those obstacles."
By sunset, when Becky arrived with her towering stack of textbooks, Arthur's arms trembled with exhaustion.
She set a mug of black coffee beside him, open to the first chapter:
"WHEN TO USE FORCE: THE MORAL CALCULUS OF HEROISM."
Arthur groaned, dropping his forehead to the table.
Vanessa's laughter echoed from the doorway, "Welcome to your new life, darling." A steely resolve hardened in Arthur's chest as he lifted his head, the sting of Hans' lesson and the weight of the manuals fueling a quiet fire. This wasn't just training—it was a forge, shaping him into something more than the Demon Child.