After school, Liam and Levi decided to test how dangerous the hidden power within Liam truly was. They knew that staying idle was no longer an option. NEXARIS was getting closer, and time was running out.
"Levi, you've thought this through, right?" Liam asked seriously, staring at his friend with a heavy gaze. "I... I'm not sure I can control myself."
The surroundings were silent, the sky beginning to grow dark. The once bustling school was now empty and quiet, as if holding its breath.
Levi patted Liam's shoulder casually. "If I say it's because I'm curious about you, that won't make your guilt go away, will it?" he said lightly, then smiled faintly. "But don't worry, I know my limits, Li. We're not just messing around."
Liam nodded slowly. "Thanks…"
Without saying much, the two of them prepared to leave the school.
"You've already messaged Hiyana, right?" Levi asked while putting on his helmet.
"Yeah, just relax," Liam replied briefly, his voice calm but still alert.
Unlike the previous location, this time they chose a safer and more secluded spot. Riding Levi's motorcycle, they drove far from the city—toward the abandoned lake that hadn't been visited by anyone in ages. Tall trees stood silently, the lake's water was calm without a ripple, and only the sound of the wind accompanied their steps.
The perfect place… to face the monster within oneself.
A few minutes later, their motorcycle stopped at the edge of the lake, hidden behind a row of pine trees. The water was calm, the sky was turning red, and there was no one else there but them. Silence. Peace. As if this part of the world was separated from time.
Levi got off first, staring at the lake with a watchful gaze.
"This place is so beautiful... and quiet. Perfect for an experiment like this," he murmured.
Liam joined him in gazing at the water's surface, reflecting the orange glow of the sunset. His voice was soft but firm,
"Yeah... soon this beauty will be destroyed."
He took a few steps forward, ensuring no one was watching from afar. Then he raised his left hand, pointing it toward the center of the lake. Levi, sensing something was about to happen, stepped back a few meters to keep watch.
The symbol on Liam's shoulder began to glow—slowly but surely. Its pulsating light followed the rhythm of his heartbeat, which grew increasingly wild. The atmosphere around them suddenly changed. The air became heavy and dense, as if nature itself was holding its breath, awaiting something inevitable.
And then—without warning—an invisible wave of energy erupted from Liam's palm. The air shattered in silence, and the lake before them split apart violently. As if struck by divine power, a long, deep path formed on the water's surface.
The roar of the wind hit their faces. The air carried a strange, almost metallic heat. The ground shook, trees swayed wildly, and birds flew frantically from their nests.
The lake… was truly split apart.
Not a small crack, but a massive wound tearing through the face of nature. Its rumbling sound shook the air, disturbing the evening's silence.
Liam was pushed several steps backward, his eyes wide. His breath came in gasps, his chest rising and falling irregularly. His body trembled. Not at the world around him, but at himself.
The symbol on his shoulder continued to glow brightly… and within him, something stirred. Not just strength—but something wild, primal… and hungry.
Levi looked around frantically. His eyes were clearly anxious, hoping no one had witnessed this.
"Liam, we have to go! Before people come!" he said in a high-pitched voice. But Liam just stood frozen, staring at the destruction he had just created.
"LIAAAAMMM!!" Levi shouted, now pulling his friend's hand. "Let's find a safe place first!"
Startled by the shout, Liam turned slowly, then climbed onto the motorcycle without saying a word. Levi immediately sped off as fast as he could, cutting through the wind and the evening light. Behind him, Liam kept scanning his surroundings with watchful eyes—looking for signs that they might be... being watched.
Levi stopped the motorcycle in front of a convenience store. He turned around.
"Stay here," he said briefly before quickly going inside.
Liam just nodded. His face was still filled with shock; his mind hadn't recovered from what had just happened.
Inside the minimarket, Levi grabbed a bottle of mineral water, a pack of bread, and one crucial item—a pair of black gloves.
"Good thing they sell this here," he muttered to himself.
He glanced out the window to make sure Liam was still there, then hurried to the cashier.
"How much is it?" he asked.
"Thirty-six thousand, sir," the cashier replied with a friendly smile.
Levi handed over the money and said quickly, "Keep the change."
Once they arrived at the parking lot, Levi handed Liam a pair of black gloves.
"Put these on."
He also handed him a bottle of mineral water.
"Let's find a safe place first. Then we'll discuss everything."
Liam quickly put on the gloves. He realized—his hands could be dangerous at any moment. They got back on the motorcycle and continued their journey in silence, accompanied by the orange evening sky that was slowly fading.
After some time, they found an old, neglected park that was fairly quiet. Levi parked the motorcycle in a shaded corner, while Liam walked slowly around the area looking for a place to sit.
Finally, they sat on a cracked concrete bench, surrounded by wild grass. Levi opened the bread wrapper and handed it to him.
"You must be exhausted," he said.
Liam took the bread with a blank expression.
"What... should I just run away?" he said softly. His voice was weary, as if he had given up on everything.
Levi sighed deeply.
"Now? Run away where? Your family must be worried too."
His tone tried to stay calm, though deep down he was unsure how to respond.
"Sooner or later… our school will be visited by NEXARIS," Liam continued, full of frustration.
"I'm not an ordinary person, Levi. I'm even afraid of myself."
Levi stared at his friend intently. He knew Liam was at the most vulnerable point in his life.
"In my opinion, you should be honest with your family. Then convince them to move to a city that's already been inspected by NEXARIS."
He spoke calmly, with careful consideration.
"They won't be that thorough. At least it can buy us some time."
Liam remained silent. He stared at his hands, now hidden beneath black gloves.
"What if… my family doesn't accept it?"
His voice broke. His eyes were vacant.
Levi gently patted his shoulder.
"If you suddenly run away, it'll hurt them even more. This isn't your fault, Li. It's a tragedy. And I'm sure your family will accept it, no matter how hard the truth is."
They said nothing more after that. Dusk had turned into night. They stood up and decided to go home. Liam took a deep breath, trying to calm his mind. Then he nodded slowly, though still hesitant.
"Alright... I'll try. But if everything fails, I'll ask you to help me run away."
Levi smiled faintly, looking at his friend seriously.
"I'll help you, whatever you choose."
They said nothing more after that. Dusk had turned into night. They got up and decided to go home.
Upon arriving home, the atmosphere felt different—dark and quiet. The lights were off, and there was no sound to greet him. Liam was confused. His steps slowed as he entered the living room, which was only lit by the twilight from the window.
Suddenly, from the darkness, a small light appeared. The flame of a candle on top of a cake slowly approached, cutting through the darkness with a warm, soft glow.
"Happy 16th birthday, Liam!" his father and mother exclaimed in unison, emerging from the kitchen with wide smiles, each holding a gift.
"Happy birthday, big brother!" Hiyana followed, her hands holding a small gift wrapped in light blue paper adorned with a tiny ribbon.
Liam fell silent. His heart felt as though it had been pulled back from the abyss of fear into the embrace he had longed for.
"Thank you… Dad, Mom, Hiyana… I even forgot today was my birthday," he said softly, interspersed with a small laugh. He wiped the corner of his eye, feeling the weight on his shoulders lift for a moment.
He blew out the candles slowly. In an instant, the room brightened. The lights came on, and the warmth of their home filled the air—with warm hugs, the scent of homemade food, and laughter breaking the silence.
For a moment, the outside world no longer mattered. Threats, fears, and haunting questions… all vanished, swallowed by a simple moment filled with love.
They had dinner together, enjoying Liam's favorite dish made by his mother. Laughter erupted repeatedly as they shared stories: about annoying teachers, strange friends, and childhood nostalgia that made them laugh until their stomachs hurt.
That night became one of the most beautiful nights for Liam. And for that reason, he chose to remain silent. He didn't want to ruin this happy atmosphere with the dark reality he had just realized.
"I'll tell you tomorrow…" he murmured to himself.
His eyes scanned the faces of his family one by one.
"If today is the beginning of the end, then let this night be the last complete memory."
"How about we all sleep together in the living room tonight while watching a horror movie?" Dad suggested cheerfully.
"Absolutely! Hiyana has a long list of horror movies!" Hiyana replied enthusiastically, her face glowing.
Finally, they spent the night in the living room, curled up on the sofa, accompanied by popcorn, a warm blanket, and the television screen that stayed on until they all fell asleep together.