The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 46

Matsu stood in the presence of the elders, a group of wise individuals whose eyes held centuries of knowledge. Akira, the elder with a warm demeanor, stepped forward. "Matsu, it's been a while. What brings you to us today?"

Matsu explained the sudden appearance of the aura wings and his confusion about their nature. Yuuki, a serene elder with silver hair, nodded thoughtfully. "The aura wings, a manifestation of an ancient defense mechanism. It appears when one is in imminent danger or facing a situation where escape is the optimal choice."

Mei, known for her gentle guidance, added, "It's a rare occurrence, and to manifest it willingly is a skill few possess. You seem to have triggered it instinctively."

Solle, with her piercing gaze, continued, "This ability is deeply ingrained in our people's aura. Its purpose is survival, a last resort when all else fails."

Teir, a wise elder with a calming presence, spoke, "To willingly bring forth the aura wings, you must attune yourself to the essence of your aura. It requires understanding and connecting with your deepest instincts."

Hawthorne, known for his knowledge of ancient traditions, shared, "Our ancestors considered it a gift, a guardian of sorts. The manifestation is an expression of your aura's strength and connection to your inner self."

Said, the elder with a mysterious air, concluded, "Matsu, explore this connection with your aura. Embrace its ancient wisdom. You may find that in mastering this manifestation, you unlock greater potential within yourself."

Matsu, absorbing their words, felt a sense of clarity. "Thank you, elders. I'll delve into this, seek a deeper understanding of my aura, and hopefully, master this ability."

As Matsu left the Grand Hall, he checked his phone and noticed it was almost time to meet with Zephyr, so he began to head to the park. Then he arrived at the park and the three people who arrived at the same time were Zephyr and his adoptive parents.

In the tranquil park, Zephyr's cheerful laughter echoed as he sprinted towards Matsu, his small arms wrapping around Matsu in a tight embrace. "Father, it's been forever! I missed you!"

Matsu, a soft smile on his face, ruffled Zephyr's hair affectionately. "I missed you too, Zephyr. How have you been?"

Zephyr's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Great! Mom and Dad took me to the carnival last weekend, and we had so much fun!"

Matsu turned towards Zephyr's adoptive parents, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you both for taking such good care of him. I appreciate it more than words can express."

Zephyr's adoptive mother, a kind-hearted woman with a warm smile, spoke, "It's our pleasure, Matsu. Zephyr is a joy to have around. He's like a little ball of energy and happiness."

Zephyr's adoptive father, a sturdy man with a gentle demeanor, added, "He's brought so much light into our lives. We're grateful for the opportunity to be his parents."

Matsu nodded, a mixture of emotions welling up within him. "I can't thank you enough for providing him with a loving home. It means the world to me."

Zephyr tugged at Matsu's sleeve. "Can we play catch, father? I've been practicing my throws!"

Matsu chuckled, his heart warmed by Zephyr's enthusiasm. "Sure thing, champ. Let's make it an epic game!"

As they played catch, the park echoed with the laughter of a father and his son, the bond between them growing stronger with each joyful moment. In the midst of the game, Matsu couldn't help but feel grateful for the family he had, both with Zephyr and with his clones, cherishing the unique connections that defined his life.