Chapter 30: Chapter 30
The shrine was quiet, the soft hum of morning life in the forest creating a peaceful backdrop. Leon sat on the stone altar, his gaze fixed on the offerings that the villagers had left for him.
Baskets brimming with fruits and flowers were arranged neatly around the altar, their vibrant colors brightening the ancient shrine. Intricately carved figurines stood in reverence at his feet, each one crafted with love and devotion.
Leon's eyes drifted across the offerings, lingering on a pair of ripe, red apples nestled together in a basket.
For some reason, the sight of the two apples sent a strange tingle through his mind. It wasn't hunger—he had already eaten earlier—but an odd compulsion, as though the apples were calling to him.
What is this feeling?
He hesitated, then reached out with both hands, picking up the apples. Their smooth, cool surfaces felt ordinary enough, yet the sensation in his mind grew stronger.
Why do I feel like I should… do something with these?
Leon stared at the apples for a long moment, turning them over in his hands. The compulsion grew more insistent, an inexplicable urge bubbling up from within him.
I don't understand… but I have to try.
Without fully understanding why, he brought the apples closer together. He closed his eyes, focusing on the strange sensation, letting it guide him.
His breathing slowed, and a faint warmth began to spread through his chest, radiating outward. The apples in his hands seemed to pulse in response, their surfaces growing warmer.
Then, as if by instinct, Leon poured his energy into the act, channeling his focus into the connection between the two fruits.
A soft light began to emanate from the apples, faint at first but quickly growing brighter. The warmth in Leon's chest flared, and he felt a sudden drain, as though something deep inside him was being pulled away.
The apples glowed brighter, their forms blurring and shifting.
Leon's hands trembled as the light intensified, and then, with a soft flash, the two apples merged into one.
He opened his eyes, his breath hitching.
In his hands rested a single apple, slightly larger than the originals. Its surface was marked with faint golden streaks that formed intricate patterns, almost like veins of light running through its skin.
Leon stared at the fused apple, his heart pounding.
What just happened? Did I… do that?
His hands shook slightly as he turned the apple over, inspecting it from every angle. It felt warm, almost alive, and the strange golden patterns seemed to glow faintly in the dim light.
He set the apple down on the altar, his thoughts racing.
How did I do that? What does it mean?
He glanced down at his hands, flexing his fingers. They looked the same as ever—normal, human. But he couldn't deny what he had just witnessed.
Leon's body sagged slightly, a wave of exhaustion washing over him. He hadn't realized it before, but the act of fusing the apples had drained him completely.
I feel… empty, he thought, rubbing his chest. It was as if every ounce of energy he had possessed was gone, leaving him hollow and weak.
He leaned back against the altar, his breathing shallow.
Is this… magic? he wondered. But I've never been good at magic. I could barely pass my lessons at the academy. So how did I…
He glanced at the fused apple again, its golden streaks catching the light. The sight filled him with a strange mix of awe and fear.
After resting for a while, Leon reached for another item among the offerings—a small clay figurine of himself, carved by one of the villagers. Beside it lay another figurine, depicting a wolf.
If I did it once… maybe I can do it again.
He placed the two figurines side by side, his hands trembling slightly as he picked them up.
Focus, he told himself, closing his eyes. Just like before.
He let the strange compulsion guide him, pouring his energy into the connection between the two objects. The warmth returned, spreading through his chest, and the figurines began to glow faintly in his hands.
But this time, the process was slower. The light flickered and wavered, and Leon's breathing grew labored.
With a sharp snap, the light vanished, and the figurines tumbled from his hands onto the altar.
Leon gasped, clutching his chest. The effort had drained him even further, leaving him dizzy and lightheaded.
I can't… I can't keep this up, he realized, leaning heavily against the altar. It's too much.
He looked down at the figurines. They were unchanged, their forms still separate and distinct. A pang of frustration surged through him, but it was quickly overshadowed by exhaustion.
Leon's thoughts swirled as he sat back, staring at the fused apple.
This power… it's not normal. It's not like any magic I've ever heard of. But if I can fuse things… what else can I do?
The possibilities were endless, yet terrifying. He couldn't even control the power properly, and the strain it put on his body was immense.
As the sunlight grew brighter, the fused apple caught the light, its golden streaks shimmering like liquid fire.
Leon picked it up again, holding it carefully. The warmth it radiated was soothing, almost comforting, and the sight of it filled him with a strange sense of pride.
I did this, he thought. Even if I don't understand how, I made this.
He set the apple down gently, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.
Just as Leon was lost in thought, he heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching. He turned his head and saw the same little girl from earlier, her wide eyes filled with curiosity as she looked at him.
She glanced at the fused apple, then back at Leon, a shy smile spreading across her face.
"Did you make that, great Relethis?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Leon hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Yes," he said simply.
The girl's smile widened, and she held out another flower—a delicate purple bloom. "This is for you," she said, placing it gently on the altar beside the apple.
Leon felt a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with his newfound power. "Thank you," he said, his voice soft.
The girl giggled and ran back to her mother, who stood watching from a distance.
Leon stared at the flower for a long moment, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Despite his confusion, his exhaustion, and the weight of everything he didn't understand, the girl's simple gesture filled him with a strange sense of hope.
Maybe I don't have to figure it all out right now, he thought. Maybe I can just… try.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Leon allowed himself to feel a glimmer of happiness.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone