Arc 3: A Time of Growth Chapter 16: Secrets and Strength

Eli sat quietly in the passenger seat of the car as his father rambled on about complex chemical formulas and "artificial band gaps." His father's voice, usually so calming, was now starting to give Eli a headache. Eli tried to focus, but the technical jargon was making his mind spin.

He had planned to visit his father's workplace today, but his mother had called, already sensing her husband's focused, near-obsessive state. When he got like this, he wouldn't stop until the work was done, and Eli's mother knew that meant he wouldn't be finishing anytime soon. So, instead of heading to the hospital as usual, Eli was being dropped off at Miss Macall's house.

"Alright, sport," his father said as they pulled up to the house. "Your mom will pick you up later."

Eli waved goodbye as his father sped off, already lost in his work. Miss Macall stood at the door, ushering him inside with a warm smile.

"Come on in, Eli. It's just you and me for now. Scott's not home from school yet," she said. The house was quiet, filled with framed photos of Scott, Miss Macall, and another man Eli didn't recognize.

Miss Macall gestured to the TV remote. "Make yourself at home. Just don't make a mess," she said with a wink.

Eli grinned and began to explore the house, curious about this new environment. This was his first time here, but it certainly wouldn't be his last.

Several years passed, and Eli had grown comfortable. Now twelve years old, he had become good friends with Scott and Stiles, spending much of his free time with them after they had finish school. Today, they were sitting in Miss Macall's kitchen, huddled around the table. In front of them was a small beaker, filled with a strange liquid.

Stiles looked skeptical. "You're sure this works?" he asked, eyeing the beaker with suspicion.

Eli scoffed playfully. "Of course it works. My dad quit his job a few years ago because of this stuff. We're basically swimming in money now."

Scott frowned, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. "I don't even want to take this stupid test. I wish I could be homeschooled like you."

Eli smirked, leaning back. "Just drink it before you start the test. It'll help you focus. Besides, it's not forever. I'll be going to high school with you guys soon enough."

Despite his powers taking a toll on his body over the years, Eli had grown into a healthy boy, thanks to his mother's careful monitoring and the regular nutrients he received during his episodes. In fact, he was in better shape than both Scott and Stiles.

On his hand, Eli wore the black ring—no longer fragile like it once was. The ring had grown stronger with each upgrade over the years, but Eli hadn't dared push it beyond level 8. He didn't want his first creation to crumble into dust.

Item: Black Ring

Level: 8

Defense: 110/255

Attack: 200/500

Description: A black ring that grants significant strength when attacking and great defense when being attacked. Warning: Any further attempt to upgrade this item past level 8 has a chance of completely disintegrating the item.

Eli had spent years perfecting his powers, carefully upgrading items and experimenting with poisons, as he liked to call them—mixtures he had discovered that could enhance or affect different aspects of a person's mind or body. He had even created a personal tome, filled with all the recipes he had uncovered.

As the conversation shifted, Stiles suddenly blurted out, "Hey, do you think this would work on my dad? He's always complaining about money."

Eli laughed. "Remember, you can't tell anyone about this. It's a secret, Stiles."

Stiles rolled his eyes. "Whatever."

Eli leaned forward, smirking. "Besides, I know you have a crush on Lydia. I'll expose you if you're rude."

Stiles recoiled, his face turning red. "I—no, I don't! That's... that's not true!"

Scott chuckled. Eli was pretty sure Lydia already knew, though. She was channeling something, just like he was, but she didn't seem aware of it.

Before they could continue teasing Stiles, a car horn honked outside. Eli stood up. "That's me. See you guys later!"

Eli waved goodbye to his friends as he left Miss Macall's house.

Scott's mother had been working more at nights lately, and since Scott lived nearby, they had decided it was a good idea for him to spend time at Miss Macall's, where he could socialize with other kids.

The ride home with Eli's mother was quiet, as it often was. His mother wasn't much of a talker, but Eli enjoyed these peaceful moments with her. There was something comforting about the silence—an unspoken connection between them.

Eli glanced out the window, the rhythmic hum of the car lulling him into a calm state. His mother wasn't as worried about his sickness anymore. She knew what was happening to him, and every time he had an episode, he could fix it by simply hooking himself up to an IV.

It gave her some peace of mind, but as a doctor, she knew better than to assume everything was under control. Illnesses could flare up without warning, and though she tried not to show it, she was still concerned.

When they finally pulled into the driveway, Eli turned to his mother, offering her a small smile. "Thanks, Mom."

She smiled back, patting his hand gently before they stepped out of the car.

That night, as Eli lay in bed, he stared at the black ring on his finger, the soft glow from his bedside lamp casting shadows across the room. The ring had come a long way since he first melted the toy into it all those years ago.

He had slowly raised its level, but he hadn't dared push it past level 8. There was a risk—one that could cause the ring to disintegrate completely if he tried upgrading it further. And Eli wasn't ready to lose it.