Power Gap

A blinding pain exploded through Free's nose, his vision blurring and his head aching as hot blood streamed down his face like a river.

The sandstone below Free took a crimson-red color as he lay motionless, belly-first, on the ground.

He was not motionless because of the pain...rather, Midas's palm remained on his head, holding him to the ground.

He's not even a Lunite or Eclipser...

Free was disappointed.

Nothing has even changed.

Of course, he didn't expect some sudden power-up, but for the difference in power between him and a trained adult...

How am I going to face the darkness beasts and other Eclipsers...?

"That's enough, child."

"No more chances."

"Hck—ptuh!"

A teaspoon of saliva flew out of Midas's path, free-falling straight down and landing atop Free's pitch-black hair.

What is this...? This feeling?

Humiliation?