A Family’s Silent Watch

Testing Inferno Fang

Roy took a deep breath, feeling the power coursing through his veins. He focused on the training dummy before him, his fingers curling into claws. Flames flickered around his hands as he activated Inferno Fang.

With a sharp, explosive motion, he slashed forward.

A blazing arc of fire erupted from his fingertips, cutting through the dummy in an instant. The metal frame melted at the edges as the flames consumed it, leaving nothing but charred remains.

Roy stared at the aftermath, his heart pounding with exhilaration. "That… was insane."

"Pi Pi! User is much stronger now!" Mimi chirped excitedly. "Inferno Fang is a very good technique! Fast, destructive, and stylish! User is like a mighty lion!"

Roy smirked. "Not bad, right? And I haven't even used Lion's Blaze with it yet."

Curious to see the difference, he took his stance again. This time, he activated Lion's Blaze alongside Inferno Fang. The flames around his arms burned even hotter, turning a deep crimson as he launched another claw attack.

The second dummy didn't just get cut—it exploded into pieces, flames scattering across the reinforced walls before the room's energy barriers contained them.

Roy took a step back, breathing heavily. The power was overwhelming. "With my mech on, this would be even deadlier."

"Pi Pi! User is very terrifying! Any normal Level 2 beast would stand no chance!" Mimi declared proudly.

Roy clenched his fists, his excitement rising. "I need to master this technique before I head out to train. If I can refine it further, I'll be unstoppable against most beasts near the shelter."

A Watchful Family

What Roy didn't know was that his entire family was watching him through the security cameras in the training room.

Sharvani sighed, crossing her arms. "He's growing too fast."

Ravindra nodded. "But that's a good thing. We won't always be here to protect him."

Siddharth, leaning against the wall, smirked. "He's got potential, but he still has a long way to go." His expression turned serious. "The real danger isn't here yet. We still have time."

Sharvani looked at her husband. "How long before it begins?"

"Ten to fifteen years, at most," Ravindra replied. "That's why we have to prepare. Roy can enjoy life for now, but in five or six years, we'll need to start training him seriously."

Siddharth's eyes stayed on the screen, watching Roy ignite his claws again. "He'll be strong enough by then. And if we do our part…" He exhaled. "He'll have a fighting chance when the real threat arrives."

For now, Roy was just a young warrior, growing stronger day by day.

And that was exactly what they needed.

A Family Dinner

That night, the entire family gathered around the dinner table. Plates were filled with hot food, the warm aroma of spices filling the room. Despite the casual atmosphere, there was an unspoken understanding among them—this was the last meal they'd share before Roy left for his solo training.

Roy, still feeling the effects of his intense training, ate without saying much. His focus was on regaining energy for the next day.

Siddharth, however, had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he took a bite of his food. Then, casually, he smirked at Roy.

"So, little brother," he began, his voice light but teasing, "I heard you played hero today. Saved a girl and all. Tell me, do you have a crush on her, or was it just your noble heart at work?"

Roy, mid-bite, nearly choked on his food. He coughed before glaring at his brother. "What? No! I just happened to be there when she was in danger."

Sharvani raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So she was in danger, and you rushed in to save her?"

"That's not—" Roy started but was cut off by Siddharth, who grinned. "Sounds like a classic love story to me."

Roy groaned, rubbing his forehead. "It's nothing like that. I barely even spoke to her."

Ravindra chuckled. "Leave him be, Siddharth. He has more important things to focus on."

Siddharth shrugged. "True, but I'm just saying—it wouldn't be bad to have some motivation while training, right?"

Roy sighed. "I swear, it's not like that."

His mother smiled, watching the playful exchange. "Alright, enough teasing. Let him eat." Then, after a brief pause, she added, "Roy, are you sure you're ready for this training? You'll be on your own."

Roy nodded firmly. "I need this, Mom. I need to get stronger."

Ravindra placed his cup down, his expression turning serious. "Then be careful. Don't let your confidence turn into recklessness."

Sharvani sighed. "We all want you to become strong, but more than that, we want you to come back safe."

Siddharth leaned back in his chair, his teasing gone. "Do your best."

Roy looked at each of them and felt a warmth in his chest. They all cared for him, and he wouldn't let them down.

"I will," he promised.

The conversation moved to lighter topics after that, but by the end of dinner, one thing was clear—tomorrow marked the start of a new challenge for Roy. And no matter how much they teased him, his family would always be there, supporting him from behind.

The Hidden Strength of the Family

That night, Roy's wounds fully healed, and he was completely prepared for his departure the next morning. His bag was packed, his weapons were checked, and his mind was focused. The training ahead would be tough, but he was ready.

After Roy went to bed, Sharvani turned to Ravindra, concern evident in her eyes.

"He'll be safe out there, right?" she asked softly.

Ravindra placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. The mech has a tracking system. If he encounters a life-threatening situation, the emergency defense will activate automatically. No one below Level 9 can harm him."

Sharvani sighed in relief, but a hint of worry still lingered. "We've kept our true strength hidden for so long… Sometimes, I wonder if we should tell him."

Ravindra shook his head. "Not yet. Right now, Roy needs to grow at his own pace. If he knew we were both at Level 8 and that Siddharth was already at Level 7, it might change how he sees his own progress. He needs to push himself without thinking he has a safety net."

Sharvani nodded. "I know… I just wish things were simpler."

Ravindra's eyes darkened slightly. "They won't be. The danger is still years away, but it's coming. We need to be ready."

Sharvani looked out the window, where the night stretched endlessly. "Then we'll prepare—just like we planned."

Roy's Departure

The next morning, Roy stood at the entrance of their home, his gear secured. His family gathered to see him off.

"I'll be gone for about 10 to 15 days," he told them. "I have everything I need."

"You know the rules," Ravindra said. "Stay within your limits, don't take unnecessary risks, and always have an escape plan."

Roy nodded. "Got it."

Sharvani handed him a small pack. "I put some extra supplies in here. Just in case."

Siddharth smirked. "Don't get too comfortable out there. If you slack off, I'll surpass you before you even realize it."

Roy grinned. "Not happening."

His mother placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Take care of yourself."

"I will," he assured them before turning and heading toward the wilderness.

As he disappeared from sight, Ravindra and Sharvani watched in silence.

Siddharth crossed his arms. "He'll be fine."

Sharvani exhaled. "I know… but I still worry."

Ravindra's eyes remained steady. "This is just the beginning."