Wavering.

The next morning, Nova awoke feeling an unusual heaviness in his limbs. The absorption of dark energy had taken its toll on him. Ignis, ever vigilant, sensed Nova's weakened state and expressed concern.

"Master, you seem fatigued. Should I fetch some energy crystals for you?" Ignis inquired with genuine worry.

"No, Ignis, it won't help. My equilibrium is disturbed, and I need to find a stable source of energy to restore it," Nova responded, the weariness evident in his voice.

As the day unfolded, Nova ventured into the heart of the Center of Commerce (COC). The planet buzzed with activity as beings from different realms engaged in diverse transactions.

The energy equilibrium within Nova's origin remained precarious, prompting him to explore the city in search of an energy wellspring that could replenish his depleted forces.

Nova roamed the vibrant streets, observing the bustling trade and exchanges. The COC was a melting pot of cosmic energies, a convergence point for entities with affiliations to light, dark, and chaos.

The chaos marketplaces intrigued Nova the most, each stall emanating chaotic brilliance that pulsed with an unpredictable rhythm.

As Ignis continued to scout for signs of Cynthia, Nova discreetly followed the known associates of the elusive ruler. The trail led them to a majestic mansion, a stronghold guarded with unparalleled precision. Its formidable defenses were a testament to the ruler's allegiance to Cynthia.

Frustration lingered in Nova's mind. The elusive nature of Cynthia and her dealings posed a formidable challenge. The planet's security thwarted any attempt to breach the guarded mansion, leaving Nova in a state of contemplation.

Days turned into nights, and Nova's resolve to unravel the mysteries of COC intensified. The disturbance in his energy equilibrium grew more pronounced, urging him to find a solution. In a moment of decision, Nova donned a mask once again, concealing his identity as he ventured into the darker alleys of the planet.

The mask shrouded Nova's features, allowing him to blend seamlessly with the mysterious underbelly of COC. Here, entities with darker affiliations conducted clandestine dealings, and Nova aimed to tap into this enigmatic network. Ignis, cloaked in chaotic brilliance, became an invisible guardian, surveying the surroundings for any signs of danger.

The night brought forth the shadows that concealed both secrets and dangers. Nova's footsteps echoed through dimly lit alleyways as he observed the covert interactions between the inhabitants of this realm. Dark energies swirled around him, tempting and taunting his weakened origin.

In his search for answers, Nova stumbled upon the COC jail. The list of prisoners displayed the names of those who had committed grievous crimes with an affinity for dark energy. Three individuals, on death row, caught Nova's attention. As the night deepened, Nova made a decision that would both replenish his energy and plunge him into the darker realms of morality.

Swift and silent, Nova infiltrated the guild dungeon. The ethereal sword he drew from the void extended its length, penetrating the energy origins of the three prisoners without leaving physical wounds. The sword absorbed the dark energies, resonating with the captive souls.

However, the process didn't escape the notice of a vigilant guard. Before the guard could raise an alarm, Nova intervened with a mere command. "Stop." The guard froze in place, the memory of Nova's actions erased from his consciousness.

The night's clandestine activity, though successful, left Nova visibly drained. The stolen dark energy had revitalized his origin but at a cost. The delicate balance within him wavered, and Nova knew that his actions had consequences.

Nova's steps were burdened with the weight of his actions. The stolen dark energy, once a source of rejuvenation, now pulsed within him like a discordant melody. Ignis, sensing Nova's fatigue, hovered close, his presence providing a silent reassurance.

Upon reaching their dwelling, Nova collapsed into a chair, the weariness settling deep into his bones. Ignis, concerned, spoke softly, "Master, you've pushed yourself too hard. Rest, and let the energies settle."

Nova nodded in agreement, acknowledging the toll his recent endeavors had taken on him. The room was dimly lit, casting shadows that danced in tandem with Nova's fluctuating energy. Ignis remained vigilant, his fiery form casting a gentle glow that permeated the room.

As Nova reclined, he delved into the complexities of his altered energy composition. The dark energy, a volatile force, resisted seamless integration with the light and chaos within his origin. Each surge of power he unleashed further strained his already weakened form.

n moments of solitude, Nova contemplated the consequences of his actions. The stolen energy, a double-edged sword, offered strength but it cost him more than that.

-That night-

As Nova immersed himself in the meditative state, the energies within him danced with newfound harmony. The light, chaos, and dark essences, once tumultuous, began to intertwine seamlessly. The meditative trance allowed Nova to explore the depths of his origin, seeking the equilibrium that had eluded him.

Returning to Nova's dwelling, Ignis presented the captives, bound and subdued. Nova, still in meditation, extended his awareness to evaluate the energy signatures of the prisoners. Satisfied with the selection, he instructed Ignis to transport them to a secluded space where their energies could be harnessed without consequence.

In the isolated void, Ignis confined the captives, ensuring they remained within the designated space. Nova, with his energy stabilized through meditation, emerged from the trance to confront the captives. His eyes, once burdened with weariness, now glowed with renewed vigor.

Nova's focus turned to the prisoners as he prepared to extract the essential energies. With calculated precision, he drew upon the light and dark energies within each captive, replenishing his own depleted essence. The captives, their energies intertwined with Nova's, experienced a transient connection to an unfamiliar force.

As the process unfolded, Nova felt the rejuvenating surge of energy coursing through his origin. The stolen essence, now supplemented by the captives' energies, merged seamlessly with his own. The struggle for equilibrium subsided, leaving Nova in a state of transient balance.

The captives, released from their confines, staggered in the void, disoriented by the energy exchange. Ignis, observing the proceedings, could sense the profound change in Nova's aura. The once destabilized energies now pulsed with newfound vitality.

As Ignis departed on his reconnaissance mission, Nova delved back into meditation, seeking further mastery over his origin energy. The meditative state became a sanctuary, a realm where the amalgamation of light, chaos, and dark energies converged in tranquil unison.