Chapter 36: Chapter 36: The Embrace

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The early morning air was crisp and cool as Lio jogged onto the field, the memories of his struggles with the Code swirling in his mind. The words of Selene's message, "The Code is a tool, not a master," echoed within him, a quiet mantra that both grounded and unsettled him. Each step he took seemed to carry new weight, a reminder of the immense power he was learning to wield—and the discipline it demanded.

Today was different. The intensity of yesterday's training lingered in his muscles, a dull ache that reminded him of both his progress and his limitations. And yet, there was a renewed focus in his mind. He knew he couldn't afford to keep slipping up; the tournament was looming closer, and his team was depending on him to master the abilities he'd been blessed—or cursed—with.

As he reached the training grounds, he spotted Mia and Kaito stretching and chatting. Mia waved him over, her warm smile reassuring in its familiarity.