Divine Observation

Terra's gaze intensified, her power swirling around her like a palpable aura. "Show me," she commanded. "Summon the spear again."

Kurt hesitated, feeling a mix of trepidation and a strange sense of obligation. He nodded slowly. He extended his hand, focusing his will, and the energy spear materialized once more, shimmering and potent.

Terra watched, her expression shifting from astonishment to something bordering on awe. A low, almost disbelieving sound escaped her lips. "Kurt," she said, her voice a low rumble, "you are truly testing my composure. How are you able to wield the full power of my Astra weapon?"

She stepped closer, her eyes glowing with an unearthly light. "Humans," she explained, her voice filled with ancient wonder and a hint of unease, "are only meant to channel a fraction of the power we gods imbue within these weapons. A small, manageable conduit. But you... you wield it as if you were one of us."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over him, taking in his small stature, his determined expression, the raw power that radiated from him. "You really are something else, Kurt. A true anomaly."

A strange smile played on her lips, a smile that was both enigmatic and slightly unsettling. "This... situation... warrants further observation. I am going to keep an eye on you, mortal. Your path is... intertwined with forces far greater than you yet realize."

With a final, lingering look, Terra's form began to shimmer and fade. "For now," she said, her voice echoing in the silent throne room, "I am going. But know this, young one: I will be watching."

And then, with a final surge of power, she vanished, leaving Kurt alone with the weight of her words and the unsettling knowledge of her continued scrutiny.

Exhausted and emotionally drained, Kurt finally made his way back home. He braced himself for a confrontation, for Thomas's anger and fear, for the inevitable questions and recriminations. After the spectacle at the tournament, the revelation of his non-noble status, and the appearance of a goddess, he expected his quiet life to be shattered. He anticipated a ruckus.

But when he arrived, everything seemed… normal. Martha greeted him with a warm smile and a hearty meal, and Thomas sat by the fire, his expression calm and thoughtful. It was almost unsettling.

As they ate, Kurt couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. He looked at Thomas, his voice hesitant. "Father," he began, "do you… do you know what happened today?"

Thomas nodded slowly, his gaze steady. "Yeah, I know, Kurt."

Kurt's heart pounded in his chest. "And… and you're not angry? You're not… afraid?"

Thomas smiled, a small, proud smile. "I am proud of you, Kurt. You showed courage, skill, and… a power I never imagined you possessed. You defended yourself, and you won."

He paused, his expression turning serious. "But," he added, his voice firm, "never attempt a stunt like that again. Do you understand? You put yourself in incredible danger." kurt with a smile "yes Father"