Life Gallery 2 - Echoes of Death

Scene: Hugo's Obsession

EXT. GENTOSHI FAMILY CEMETERY – MIDNIGHT

The moon casts a pale glow over the family graveyard. Hugo, dressed in dark robes, kneels before his parents' graves, his lone eye gleaming in the cold light. His fingers tremble as they trace the sigils he's drawn in the dirt. The black flames flicker at his fingertips, casting an eerie glow around the cemetery.

Hugo

(whispering to himself)

"I'll bring you back... I'll make everything right. You'll see. I'll make you love me."

The graves shift. Slowly, the soil begins to move, rising and falling like shallow breaths. Hugo's breath quickens as the corpses of his parents break through the earth, their forms preserved by dark magic. His heart pounds in his chest, an overwhelming mixture of hope and dread filling him.

He has known about it, heard about it. His purgatory flame is called Hell Blaze, the fire of hell is heavily tied to the tree of demons, the Tree of Qliphoth. In other words, he can position himself as deep as he wishes on the tree of hell and bring someone back… or at least, that is the theory.

He lifts his hand, the purgatory flame burning bright as it envelops the bodies, binding them to life once again.

Hugo

"Come back... please."

The corpses twitch, then slowly rise. His mother's eyes open, vacant yet fixed on him. His father's head tilts as if trying to recognize something long forgotten.

INT. HUGO'S APARTMENT

After being kicked out of the family estate by his own brother, life has not been easy. Andrea, the brother who loves him the most, works day and night just to rent this apartment. 

Hugo (suddenly sad at the thought) "Brother Andrea… I am sorry for being such a useless little brother…"

But just by looking at his newly revived parents, he became happy. Hugo sits at the head of the dining table. His parents sit across from him, their movements jerky, unnatural, but they are there. Plates of untouched food sit before them. The room feels cold, despite the fire roaring in the hearth.

Hugo (smiling, hopeful) "Father, Mother... I made your favorite. Just like you used to make when we were kids."

His father nods stiffly but says nothing. His mother's fingers twitch as she raises her fork, but the food slips from it. She stares blankly at the plate, unable to comprehend what she's supposed to do.

Hugo watches them, his smile faltering. For days, he has been trying to relive old memories, trying to pretend things are normal, but the silence from his parents, the emptiness in their eyes—it gnaws at him. Something is wrong.

INT. PARENTS' BEDROOM – NIGHT

Hugo watches them sleep. His mother's breath is shallow, almost mechanical. His father lies rigid beside her. Hugo moves closer, his fingers brushing against his mother's hand, cold to the touch.

Hugo (softly) "Mother?"

No response. He shakes her shoulder gently, panic rising in his chest.

Hugo "Please... say something."

Her eyes open, but they are lifeless, empty. A hollow groan escapes her lips, more animalistic than human.

MOTHER (in a rasp) "H-Hugo..."

For a moment, hope surges in him. But then she rises from the bed with a jerky motion, like a puppet pulled by strings. She turns toward him, her lips curling into a grotesque smile, teeth bared unnaturally. His father rises too, eyes glowing faintly, the movements equally twisted and wrong.

Hugo stumbles back, his heart pounding, the realization crashing over him. These are not his parents. Whatever they are... they are hollow imitations.

Hugo (shaking) "No... No, no, no!"

His voice breaks. The purgatory flame flickers dangerously at his fingertips as despair engulfs him.

INT. FAMILY HOME – BASEMENT – LATER

The basement is dimly lit by the eerie glow of Hugo's flames. His parents stand before him, silent, their bodies jerking with unnatural movements. Tears stream down Hugo's face as he stares at them, his heart heavy with crushing sorrow.

Hugo (voice trembling) "I thought... I thought I could bring you back. But you're not them. You're not my parents."

His mother's head tilts unnaturally, her eyes wide but devoid of recognition. His father steps forward, arms outstretched, but the gesture is hollow, robotic.

Hugo clenches his fists, the black flames flaring to life around him.

Hugo "I'm sorry... I have to let you go."

With a scream of anguish, Hugo unleashes the purgatory flames, engulfing his parents in their fiery embrace. They burn silently, their bodies turning to ash as the flames consume them.

Hugo falls to his knees, sobbing, the flames dimming around him. His hands are blackened, trembling as the last remnants of his parents crumble to dust before him.

EXT. FAMILY CEMETERY – DAWN

Hugo stands before the fresh graves, his eye hollow, his heart heavy. He has buried them again, for the last time.

Hugo (whispering) "I'm sorry."

He turns, leaving the graves behind, the weight of his failure and loss pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket.

As the first light of dawn breaks through the trees, Hugo walks away, knowing that no matter how much power he possesses, there are some things he can never bring back.

Scene: A Brother's Burden

INT. HUGO'S APARTMENT – NIGHT

The small apartment is dimly lit, the shadows long and oppressive. The smell of burnt wood lingers in the air, a reminder of the black flames that Hugo unleashed just a day before. The apartment is eerily quiet, save for the faint ticking of a clock. Hugo sits on the couch, slouched, staring at the floor. His fingers twitch as remnants of the dark magic pulse faintly in his hands, flickers of black flame rising and falling.

He can still see the ashes—the remains of his parents—blown away by the wind in the cemetery. The weight of what he did sits heavy on his chest, crushing him.

The door opens quietly. Andrea steps inside, tired, his work clothes wrinkled and his face haggard from exhaustion. He drops a bag of groceries on the counter with a soft thud, rubbing his eyes before glancing at Hugo.

Andrea (quietly) "Hugo?"

Hugo doesn't move, his gaze still fixed on the floor, lost in the suffocating silence. Andrea watches him for a moment, sensing something heavier in the air. He walks over to the small kitchen table, noticing the untouched meal from the day before still sitting there, cold and forgotten.

Andrea (gentle concern) "You didn't eat again."

Hugo's fingers twitch, but he doesn't respond. Andrea sighs, grabbing the plate and setting it aside. The fatigue in his voice mixes with frustration, though he tries to mask it.

Andrea "You need to eat, Hugo. You'll get sick."

Hugo remains silent. The guilt gnaws at him, and it isn't just about his parents anymore. The words of his other siblings echo in his head—Lysander's vengeance, Angela's horror, and Alexei's cold indifference. They all blamed him, and maybe they were right.

Hugo "What's the point?"

Andrea pauses, hearing the heaviness in Hugo's voice. He sets the dishes aside and walks over, standing behind his brother, unsure of what to say.

Andrea "What's wrong?"

Hugo doesn't answer right away. His mind is flooded with the events of the night before—resurrecting their parents, seeing their hollow shells, and then burning them again. The guilt, the pain—it all feels too much. Finally, he whispers:

Hugo "I did something... something terrible."

Andrea's eyes widen slightly, but he stays calm, his tone soft.

Andrea "What… do you mean?"

Hugo takes a breath, the weight of his actions pressing down on him. He looks down at his hands, seeing the flames that brought him nothing but grief.

Hugo "I went to the cemetery... I tried to bring them back. Mother and Father."

Andrea's face tightens in shock.

Andrea "What? You... tried to resurrect them?"

Hugo nods, his voice breaking as he continues.

Hugo "Yeah. I thought I could fix things. I thought if I had enough control, I could undo everything... that maybe I'd be able to make things right with them. With everyone."

His voice shakes as he thinks of the others.

Hugo "But... it didn't work. They weren't really them. They were just... empty shells."

Andrea stares at Hugo, processing what his brother had done. There's no anger in his gaze, just a deep, quiet sadness. He sits down across from Hugo, trying to gather his thoughts.

Andrea "Hugo... this is dangerous. You know you can't bring people back, not like that."

Hugo closes his eyes, his fists clenching in frustration.

Hugo "I know. I know, big brother... But... after what happened, after what I did, I thought—" (pauses, then in a whisper) "I thought if I could bring them back, maybe Lysander wouldn't hate me so much. Maybe Angela would stop looking at me like I'm a monster. Maybe Alexei wouldn't... wouldn't be so cold."

Andrea watches his brother, his own heart aching as he sees the pain Hugo has been carrying. He sighs, leaning forward, speaking carefully.

Andrea "You can't undo what happened to them. No matter how much you want to. They're grieving too, just in their own way."

Hugo looks up, his expression tortured.

Hugo "They hate me, Andrea. Lysander kicked me out. Angela can barely look at me. Alexei... he didn't even say goodbye. They're all gone, and now it's just... you."

Andrea's heart sinks. He had always known Hugo felt abandoned, but hearing it like this brings a new weight to his own exhaustion.

Andrea "It's not that simple, Hugo. They're not gone, not completely. They just don't know how to deal with all of this yet... and I know it feels like the whole world's against you, but you still have me."

Hugo stays quiet, the guilt and shame swirling inside him, but there's a flicker of something else—relief, maybe, that Andrea is still here, still trying.

Andrea leans back in his chair, his voice soft but firm.

Andrea "I'm not saying it'll be easy, but you can't let this destroy you. You've already lost control once. You can't keep going down that road."

Hugo's voice is barely a whisper.

Hugo "What else can I do?"

Andrea meets his gaze, tired but resolute.

Andrea "You keep going. For yourself. For me. For them, even if they don't see it right now. You stop trying to fix the past and start focusing on what's still here."

There's a long silence as Hugo absorbs his words. The weight of his grief still sits heavy on his chest, but there's a flicker of understanding in his eye. He knows Andrea is right, even if the road ahead feels impossible.

Hugo (softly) "I don't know if I can."

Andrea places a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently.

Andrea "Then I'll help you. Like I always have."

Hugo looks up, a faint trace of guilt still lingering, but for the first time in days, there's a sliver of hope in his expression.

Scene: The Unexpected Power

EXT. POWER RANKING FACILITY – MORNING

The sleek, modern building of the National Power Registry looms before Hugo and Andrea. The reflective glass facade catches the morning light, but Hugo's eyes remain fixed on the ground, avoiding the bustling crowds entering and leaving the facility. The tension in his body is palpable as Andrea places a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Andrea (gently) "Hey, it'll be alright. They'll help you get control."

Hugo shrugs off his brother's hand, his voice flat.

Hugo "Yeah, sure."

He can't shake the nagging thought that this won't work. His purgatory flames—those black, destructive fires—have only brought chaos. His mind flashes back to the memory of his purgatory flames surging out of control, burning his family. He nods slowly, resigned.

Control? He barely believes it's possible.

INT. RANKING FACILITY – EXAMINATION ROOM

Hugo sits on a metallic chair in a small, sterile room. The walls hum with soft mechanical sounds. Technicians move around, prepping instruments and monitoring screens, while Andrea stands at the back, arms crossed, watching intently.

A middle-aged Technician, with sharp eyes and a clipboard in hand, approaches Hugo, adjusting a few devices strapped to his arms. The Power Regulator hums softly as it monitors Hugo's energy levels.

Technician

"Alright, Hugo Gentoshi. We'll be assessing the level of instability in your abilities. If it's severe, we can start treatments right away."

Hugo nods, though his expression is unreadable. He clenches his fists slightly, feeling the faint burn of his flames flicker at his fingertips. Andrea watches closely, his worry hidden behind a facade of calm.

The Technician steps back, nodding toward the monitor.

Technician

"Let's start with a basic power assessment. Release your flames when you're ready."

Hugo exhales, closing his eye for a moment. His mind focuses on the purgatory flames—those black, cursed flames that had caused so much destruction. His fingers twitch, and the flames flicker to life, swirling in dark, twisting patterns.

The moment the flames emerge, the machines in the room start to beep rapidly. The energy monitor spikes. The flames coil around Hugo's hands, their intensity rising far beyond the Technician's expectations.

The Technicians freeze, their eyes widening in shock. The lead Technician's voice shakes slightly as he stares at the screen.

Technician

"These readings... this can't be right."

Andrea steps forward, alarmed.

Andrea

"What's wrong?"

The Technician scrambles to adjust the controls, his gaze darting between Hugo and the monitor.

Technician

"His power... it's off the charts. We came in thinking we were dealing with instability, but this—this is S-class level energy."

Andrea's eyes widen. He glances at Hugo, who is watching the black flames swirl around his fingers, a mix of confusion and fear on his face.

Andrea

"S-class? Are you sure?"

The Technician nods, still staring at the data flooding the screen.

Technician

"This is beyond what we expected. His power isn't just unstable—it's among the highest-ranked we've ever seen."

Hugo looks down at his hands, the flames still burning, but now he feels something different—control. The usual chaotic flicker is replaced by a steady, powerful flow.

Hugo (quietly)

"S-class?"

The room falls into a stunned silence as the Technicians scramble to adjust the machines. The lead Technician finally composes himself and turns to Andrea.

Technician

"We'll need to run additional tests, but based on this initial reading... your brother is more than capable of becoming a certified hunter."

Andrea, still processing the shock, stares at Hugo. His mind races—this wasn't the outcome he had anticipated. He had come here to fix Hugo's instability, but instead, they had discovered something much more profound.

INT. RANKING FACILITY – WAITING AREA – LATER

Hugo and Andrea sit in silence. The sterile environment of the ranking facility buzzes around them, but Hugo's thoughts are elsewhere. The words S-class repeat in his mind, but they feel hollow, like a label he doesn't deserve.

Andrea leans forward, glancing at his brother.

Andrea

"Hugo... do you understand what this means? You're ranked as one of the most powerful people in the country. You could... you could become a hunter."

Hugo tenses at the word.

Hugo

"A hunter?"

Andrea nods, his voice filling with hope.

Andrea

"Yeah. You could fight monsters, get scholarships, earn money. We wouldn't have to struggle so much anymore. You could finally use your power for something good."

But Hugo's doubts are louder than Andrea's optimism. Fight monsters? Use this power for good? He can't even imagine it. His flames had only brought pain, destruction. He thinks of Lysander, Angela, Alexei—their fear, their anger.

Hugo

"And what if I can't control it? What if it's just a fluke?"

Andrea shakes his head, refusing to accept Hugo's pessimism.

Andrea

"You did control it, Hugo. Look at what just happened back there. The flames didn't spiral out of control. You can do this."

Hugo's gaze drifts to the floor, doubt gnawing at him. He clenches his fists again, remembering the weight of his failures.

Hugo

"I don't know, big brother. I... I've messed up too many times. I don't want to make things worse."

Andrea watches him for a moment, then leans closer, his voice softer but firm.

Andrea

"Listen, I get it. You've been through hell, and yeah, things haven't been easy. But this—this is a chance, Hugo. A real chance to turn things around."

Hugo remains silent, the conflict in his mind clear. Part of him wants to believe his brother, wants to think he can use this power for something good. But the other part—the part filled with fear and guilt—holds him back.

Hugo (softly)

"I'll... try. But I don't know if I can."

Andrea smiles, relief washing over him.

Andrea

"That's all I'm asking for."

Scene: Preparing for the Hunter Examination

INT. ANDREA'S APARTMENT – EVENING

Hugo sat at the small kitchen table, his eyes scanning a stack of notes, while Andrea flipped through a thick manual on hunter exams. The tension in the air was palpable, but Andrea's calm demeanor helped keep things focused.

Andrea (pointing at the exam overview): "Alright, Hugo, let's keep it simple. The exam's broken down into three parts: Knowledge, Power Evaluation, and Combat Evaluation."

Hugo sighed, leaning back in his chair.

Hugo: "I know I'm ready for combat, but the knowledge test? I'm not great with memorizing all that stuff about races and magic."

Andrea smirked, flipping to a section in the manual.

Andrea: "Relax, the knowledge part is basic. Just stuff you learnt at school. It won't be too hard, definitely easier than you mid term test. Your school test is known to be hard after all."

He tapped a different section.

Andrea (explaining): "The Power Evaluation is where they'll measure how strong your flames are and if they're suitable for combat. Don't worry about perfection—they just want to see that you can control it and that it's powerful enough for hunter work."

Hugo clenched his fists, the memory of past losses flickering through his mind, but Andrea's voice brought him back.

Andrea (serious): "Finally, Combat Evaluation. You'll be facing a simulated opponent to see how well you handle yourself in real combat. That's where your instincts kick in."

Hugo nodded, the weight of the exam settling in. His doubts were still there, but now the path ahead seemed clearer.

Hugo (resolved): "Okay, I'm ready. Let's do this."

Scene: The Weight of Training

EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – NIGHT

The dimly lit warehouse loomed in the shadows, its rusted beams and cracked walls testament to years of neglect. This place, far from the city and near the river, was where Hugo would train. The river's proximity reassured him—if he lost control again, the water would be there to douse his flames. Andrea had pulled some strings with his boss to secure this place, knowing they needed somewhere isolated and safe.

Hugo stood at the center, his hands flickering with faint black flames, casting eerie shadows across the floor. His jaw was clenched in determination. Several makeshift targets, cobbled together from old crates and debris, stood in front of him, spaced out like soldiers awaiting orders. Across the room, Andrea leaned against a pillar, arms crossed, watching his brother with sharp, calculating eyes.

Andrea: "Alright, Hugo. Last time, the flames got out of control. Tonight, we focus on precision. Small bursts, one target at a time."

Hugo nodded, clenching his fists as he felt the familiar heat rise through his veins. The flames around his hands grew more intense, swirling in erratic patterns. He breathed deeply, trying to center himself.

The first target stood just a few feet away, the closest one in the line. Hugo extended his arm, focusing all his energy on controlling the flames. A small burst of fire shot forward, but it veered off, missing the target entirely and scorching the far wall. He winced, his frustration evident.

Hugo (under his breath): "Come on…"

Andrea (calmly): "Don't rush. Take your time. Control the flame, don't let it control you."

Hugo closed his eyes briefly, steadying his breath. When he opened them again, the black flames danced more steadily, their wildness momentarily tamed. He raised his hand and fired again. This time, the flames shot forward in a more controlled burst, striking the target dead center. The wooden crate crackled as the fire engulfed it, but the flames didn't spread.

Andrea (smiling): "There you go. Now again, but slower this time."

Hugo wiped the sweat from his forehead and moved to the next target. The process was repeated, over and over, each attempt honing his control, building his confidence. Hours passed, and though fatigue began to set in, Hugo's accuracy improved. His movements became smoother, more deliberate, as if the flames were now an extension of his will rather than an uncontrollable force.

By the end of the night, every target had been scorched, but none of them had ignited in an uncontrollable blaze. Hugo stood in the center of the warehouse, breathing heavily, but with a sense of accomplishment settling over him.

Hugo (panting, glancing at the scorched targets): "I'm getting better, but... what if it happens again? What if I lose control in the middle of the exam?"

Andrea pushed off the pillar and walked over, placing a reassuring hand on Hugo's shoulder.

Andrea: "You won't. You've come a long way, Hugo. The flames are part of you now, not something separate. Trust yourself—you've got this."

Hugo met his brother's eyes and nodded, though doubt still lingered in the back of his mind. He had worked hard, but the fear of losing control never completely left him. Yet, as he stood there, surrounded by the charred remains of the targets, he felt something new: determination.

Hugo (resolved): "I'll be ready."

The exam was a month away, and every night from now until then, he would be here, training. Not just to pass the exam, but because he had made a promise to himself. He could never let his flames go out of control again. No one should ever suffer from his power, not like before.

But more than that, Hugo had a deeper purpose now. He wanted to protect people, his family included, using the strength he had fought so hard to control.

Scene: The Hunter Examination

INT. HUNTER EXAMINATION FACILITY – DAY

The examination facility buzzed with the quiet hum of tension and anticipation. The large hall was filled with candidates, each awaiting their turn to prove themselves. The walls were sleek, metallic, and lined with screens monitoring the various stages of the exam. Hugo stood among the other hopefuls, his fingers twitching slightly as he tried to stay calm. Andrea's words from last night echoed in his mind.

There was no turning back now.

Intercom: "Candidate Hugo Gentoshi, report for the Knowledge Test."

Hugo took a deep breath and stepped forward through the large metal doors that led to the first part of the exam.

Knowledge Test

The test room was stark and quiet, a single desk and terminal waiting for him. He sat down, the glow of the screen illuminating his face as a series of questions appeared. This was the part he had been most concerned about—less about raw power and more about how well he understood the world of hunters, sub-human races, and magic.

The first question popped up.

Screen: "Which race has the ability to manipulate nature?"

Hugo (thinking): "Elves."

He tapped the answer confidently. As the questions continued, they ranged from basic facts about sub-human races to more nuanced topics about magic theory, monster behavior, and power classifications. Thanks to Andrea's drilling and their late-night reviews, Hugo found that the answers came easier than expected.

Screen: "How do vampires reproduce?"

Hugo (typing): "Only noble vampires can turn others, lesser ones create ghouls."

Each correct answer boosted his confidence. He could feel himself settling into a rhythm, and before long, the test was complete.

Intercom: "Knowledge Test complete. Proceed to Power Evaluation."

Power Evaluation

Hugo entered the next chamber, a large open space with several glowing targets placed at varying distances. Unlike the knowledge test, this section wasn't about theory—it was about power and control. The targets shimmered faintly, some stationary, others moving in erratic patterns, testing both his precision and adaptability.

The exam supervisor, standing on a platform above, adjusted the settings on a control panel. His voice rang out over the intercom, direct and no-nonsense.

Exam Supervisor: "Hugo Gentoshi. The Power Evaluation is designed to test your ability to use your power in combat situations. Your task is to hit each target with controlled bursts. The targets will change speed and direction randomly. Begin when ready."

Hugo took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he stared at the targets. This was where all his training with Andrea would come into play. The flicker of black flames sparked to life in his hands, more controlled now than ever before. He couldn't afford mistakes here—every shot needed to be precise.

He locked onto the first stationary target, raised his hand, and released a small burst of fire. The flames surged forward, striking the target dead-on, its surface sizzling under the heat.

Exam Supervisor (monitoring): "Good. Now, moving targets."

Several targets began to shift, gliding across the room at different speeds. Hugo quickly adjusted, narrowing his focus as the next target zipped past. He fired again, but the flames veered off, missing by inches. He bit his lip, frustration bubbling up, but Andrea's voice from their training echoed in his mind: "Stay calm. Control the flame, don't let it control you."

Hugo steadied his breathing and locked onto another moving target. He tracked its path carefully before firing. This time, the black flames hit their mark, wrapping around the target with precision.

As the test continued, the targets sped up, moving in unpredictable patterns. Hugo's heart raced, but with each shot, he found himself growing more confident. His strikes became more controlled, more accurate. He felt the flames responding to his will, bending to his command.

One of the final targets zipped forward and then teleported, reappearing in the air. Without hesitation, Hugo pivoted and launched a focused burst of fire. The flames hit the teleporting target mid-air, disintegrating it in an instant.

The room went silent as the last target fell, the faint smell of smoke hanging in the air. Hugo stood there, chest heaving, his hands still glowing with the remnants of his power.

The exam supervisor studied the monitor, his face unreadable as he reviewed the results. After a moment, he nodded and spoke over the intercom.

Exam Supervisor: "Power Evaluation complete. Strong output, excellent control. Proceed to Combat Evaluation."

Hugo exhaled deeply, relief flooding through him. He had done it. The hours spent in that abandoned warehouse, the relentless focus on precision—it had all been worth it.

Combat Evaluation

The doors to the combat arena slid open, revealing a vast space with high, reinforced walls, designed to contain even the most dangerous of powers. This was the final stage of the exam—where everything Hugo had trained for would be put to the test. His hands tingled with the familiar heat of his black flames, but he knew he had to keep them in check.

As he stepped into the arena, his opponent stepped forward from the shadows: a goblin. Small, squat, with green skin that glistened under the artificial light. It held a jagged knife in one hand, its red eyes locked on Hugo with a malevolent gleam. The creature may have been small, but it was fast—goblins were notorious for their speed and unpredictable movements.

Intercom: "Combat Evaluation: Hugo Gentoshi versus Goblin-class creature. Begin."

The goblin hissed, and in the blink of an eye, it was moving—darting toward Hugo with incredible speed, knife raised high. Hugo's instincts screamed at him to unleash the purgatory flame in a wide burst, to incinerate the entire area in one devastating strike, but he clenched his fists, holding back.

Hugo (thinking): "Not too much… I can't lose control."

He sidestepped the goblin's initial lunge, barely dodging its blade. The creature snarled, spinning around and charging again. It was fast—too fast for Hugo to hit with his usual area-of-effect fire. If he let his flames loose, he'd destroy the entire arena.

Hugo (gritting his teeth): "I need to focus… keep it contained."

The goblin zigzagged toward him, a blur of green and steel. Hugo raised his hand, summoning a small, controlled burst of flame, but the goblin dodged it with ease, slipping around him and swiping its knife at his legs. Hugo jumped back just in time, his heart racing.

Hugo (frustrated): "It's too fast!"

The urge to release a massive blast of flame surged inside him, but Hugo fought it down. If he let the purgatory flame out completely, the entire arena would go up in flames—and worse, he'd lose control like before. He had to do this right. He had to control it.

The goblin lunged again, but this time, Hugo was ready. He flicked his wrist, sending a thin, precise stream of black flame toward the creature's legs. The flame scorched the ground in front of the goblin, forcing it to jump back, momentarily throwing off its rhythm.

Hugo (thinking): "That's it. I just need to slow it down."

The goblin growled, its movements more erratic now as it tried to find an opening. It darted forward again, slashing at Hugo with its knife. Hugo dodged, feeling the blade graze his arm, the sting reminding him how dangerous this small creature was.

Hugo (focused): "Okay… time to end this."

Summoning the flames again, he let the purgatory fire swirl around him, forming a controlled vortex. The goblin hesitated, sensing the rising power, but it was too late. Hugo released the flames, not in a wide, destructive burst, but in a contained wave, sweeping the area directly in front of him. The goblin screamed as the flames engulfed it, its body consumed in seconds.

But the flames didn't spread. They stayed contained, just as Hugo had intended.

The goblin's charred remains collapsed to the ground, reduced to ash in moments. The arena, though singed, remained intact—no wild firestorms, no loss of control. Hugo stood there, his chest heaving, his hands still glowing faintly with the remnants of his power. He had done it.

The intercom buzzed to life, breaking the silence.

Intercom: "Combat Evaluation: Passed."

Hugo exhaled, the tension in his body finally releasing. He had controlled the flames, fought with precision, and won. As he turned toward the observation deck, he saw Andrea standing there, a wide smile on his face.

Andrea (grinning): "I knew you could do it."

Hugo allowed himself a rare smile. For the first time in what felt like forever, he believed it too.

Scene: Artificial Superpower

INT. LYANDRA SCIENCE INSTITUTE – RESEARCH OFFICE – DAY

Some time ago, scientists discovered mana, a form of energy that can be converted from life force. This energy is widely used to perform superpower or magic. Apparently, it was widely known to other races but not humans due to their fear of human's advanced technology. Only when the gates opened and monsters invaded the world that knowledge of superpower along with magic was known to mankind.

Humans, from birth lack mana or rather they lack the power to convert life force to mana. Thus, most of them don't have superpower nor can perform magic. They can still use a medium like their blood, flesh or pieces of their DNA to perform some ritual that does not require internal mana but those rituals require lots of preparation. Thus, there exists a need for human superpower to compete with other sub-human species and to drive back the monsters.

And the human made it. Just like all of their scientific advancements. They have created artificial superpowers that can be used by all humans so long as certain procedures are allowed to grant them the superpower. In concept, it is the application of mana to perform a process through the use of scientific knowledge. Thus, Artificial superpowers require extensive scientific knowledge and fast mathematical calculations to apply the power correctly. In turn, the procedure to get artificial superpower is costly, and the results are not always ideal.

Lysander "We have already heard of those, aunty Anya."

Angela "Yes, aren't those just common knowledge by now?"

Anya, in her lab coat, stands in front of the four. She has laid out a series of holographic reports and diagrams on the table, displaying various artificial superpowers with detailed explanations. Each file includes the power's scientific foundation and the repetitive calculations necessary for activation.

Anya (gesturing to the display) "I've prepared a list of artificial powers that have been thoroughly researched. You'll each need to think carefully about the kind of power that suits you best, but remember—every power requires intense calculation. This isn't just raw strength, it's science in action."

Anya taps a few buttons, and the holographic screen flashes to life, showing diagrams of energy manipulation, telekinesis, electromagnetism, and more. The room buzzes with the weight of their impending decision.

Anya (serious but gentle) "You understand the stakes. Once you choose, these powers will be integrated into your neural system. You'll need to learn the scientific principles behind them—master the formulas that control each ability."

She slides the holographic display toward them, allowing them to explore the options. Diagrams of complex equations accompany each power, illustrating the calculations they'll need to perform.

Anya: "Each power comes with its own scientific challenge. You'll be running formulas in your head constantly, recalculating variables every time you activate your ability. This isn't just brute force. It's science."

She clicks on a power, and Telekinesis appears, showing a diagram of how it works.

Anya: "Take telekinesis, for example. To lift an object, you'll need to calculate mass, acceleration, and the force required to keep it in motion. You'll also need to adjust for gravitational pull and friction in real time."

Lysander (frowning, leaning in) "Yue's ability… powerful but a bit basic."

Angela (frowning) "Too basic."

Well, it's obvious the twin would see the power basic. The mathematical formula for telekinesis is just their middle school physics test.

Anya: "Please do not underestimate it. Although it is easy to use telekinesis, it is among the most versatile as applying pressure force at the right angle can create lots of effects. Hasn't Yue demonstrated his energy-charging beams with shear pressure control?"

The twin froze with a chill running through their spine. Yue once demolished an entire army of monsters with that energy beam.

Anya: "Next is electromagnetism. Electromagnetism is about manipulating electric and magnetic fields. You'll need a solid understanding of Lorentz forces, electric potential, and vector fields. You'd be calculating electric currents and magnetic flux densities whenever you use your power."

Alexei (laughing) "Bruh, so the user of this ability is either a mobile electric generator or a mobile magnet? Lol"

The four laugh at Alexei's joke.

Anya: "Alright, alright. No laughing."

Lysander (surprise) "Huh? What is this? Asport?"

Lysander was the first to stop laughing upon stumbling upon a weird ability's name.

Anya: "It is a form of teleportation. Teleportation is one of the hardest abilities to learn and harder to even master. Teleporting objects isn't just a matter of space; it involves calculating vectors and navigating the 11th-dimensional field. The challenge is in relocating objects through dimensions, with you as the origin point."

Lysander stares at the screen, frowning as he processes the gravity of the task.

Anya (continuing) "You'll need to calculate the mass and 11 dimensional coordinates in real time with you as the original point. In combat, teleporting objects through targets is possible, but extremely precise. And changing the origin point—teleporting yourself—will be even harder."

The more Lysander stared at the diagram, the more he saw himself slipping between enemies unnoticed, shifting objects at will. No blood, no drawn-out fights—just precision. Clean.

Alexei (jokingly) "Sounds like a headage."

Lysander (excited) "But extremely powerful… and meaningful."

Anya (smiling) "It is a good choice. There is almost no teleportation user in nature so you can have some of the rarest abilities out there. Not only is it a super strategic ability, it also ignores most forms of defense, allowing you to one shot enemies or safely escape from them."

Lysander (surprise) "The potential is endless."

Alexei (jokingly) "Bruh, it's practically your game hit & run tactics."

Anya (gentle) "What about the rest of you? I can give you time to think. This is not something you should decide in a rush and there won't be any changes in your superpower as the human brain can barely contain enough space to calculate one power."

Alexei (suddenly got back from his joking stage) "Can you give me some suggestions based on my personality test? How about something that doesn't involve too much math? I'm not a fan of these long, hard formulas."

Anya (smiling) "How about a form of self hypnosis? Self-Suggestion allows you to control your own body by convincing your mind. You can practically become anything you want with such power. Super strength, super speed, super mana exporting, super regenerative ability that makes even the vampires blush in shame. Since it's a form of hypnosis, you can even further strengthen your calculating power through the use of it, making a snowball effect."

Alexei (grinning wider) "So, like a superhero without the science headache? I'm in."

Anya "It's not completely without effort. You'll still need focus and discipline to push yourself, but it won't require too much constant calculations. Your mind will do the work."

Floria, standing quietly off to the side, speaks up softly. 

Floria "Can I have some form of plants manipulation?"

Alexei (surprised, his hand ran through Floria's shoulder) "Huh? Babe, Never figured you for the gardening type."

Floria (blush) "Kinda… I always want to be able to control life. Especially since my life is full of hardship. Ah, but I also want some form of healing ability to help you too.."

Anya opens the file for Plant DNA Manipulation, showing diagrams of DNA conversion and plant growth 

Anya "I have the perfect power for you. You can convert your DNA to that of plants. Just use those you carry around as medium for your transformation. It is complex. You'll be dealing with cellular biology and the intricate balance between human and plant DNA. But it also offers immense possibilities for control and healing."

Floria nods, feeling a connection to the idea of growing life rather than destroying it.

Anya "What about you, Angela? Do you have any desired ability in mind?"

Angela, the one most concerned with appearance and charm, is scrolling through the list when her eyes light up at a specific power.

Angela (smiling, intrigued) "What about something that can alter how people see me? I want something that goes beyond just looks—something that affects how people feel."

She pauses on Shape of Sympathy, a power that uses pheromones, colors, and movements to control perception.

Anya (smiling knowingly) "Shape of Sympathy. It's based on the science of perception, pheromones, color theory, movement—all designed to alter how others see and feel about you. With it, you could influence their thoughts and emotions."

Angela (brightening with excitement) "That's it. I could charm anyone, make them see me exactly how I want them to."

Anya "You'll need to understand how humans process sensory input, but once you do, this power will give you more control than you can imagine."

Angela (grinning confidently) "Perfect. That's exactly what I need."