STONE-COLD:LONESOME ROAD

Two Months Off

The early evening sun cast long shadows across the Aspen family home as Milo sat at the kitchen table, his mind still buzzing from the confrontation with Cage earlier that day. Mashiro and Hana, having sensed their son's fatigue and unease, had insisted on discussing the artifact's powers and their implications.

"Milo, we need to understand what Two Months Off really does," Mashiro said, his tone serious but gentle. "It's not just about fighting. We need to know its full potential and risks."

Hana nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with concern. "Artifacts are powerful, and their true abilities can be complex. You need to be prepared for whatever comes next."

Milo took a deep breath and nodded. "I agree. I had some idea of what it could do, but I need to understand it better."

Mashiro pulled out a few of his old research notes and placed them on the table. "I've been going through our old records and documentation. There's something about your artifact that we haven't fully explored."

Milo watched as his father spread out the documents. Most were faded and worn, but the notes and sketches seemed to describe various artifacts and their functions. The information about Two Months Off was sparse, and Mashiro's notes reflected that.

"We know that your artifact can concentrate light into powerful beams and enhance your combat skills," Mashiro began. "But there's something else we need to explore. I think there's a deeper level to its abilities."

Hana glanced at Milo. "We should start by observing how Two Months Off interacts with its environment. We've seen that it enhances your abilities, but we need to test its full range."

Milo nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "What do you suggest we do?"

Mashiro looked thoughtful. "Let's start by experimenting with the light concentration. See if there are any variations in its effects under different conditions."

They decided to use the backyard for their tests. It was a spacious area with enough room to safely explore the artifact's abilities. As the sun began to set, they prepared for their experiment.

Milo stood in the center of the yard, holding Two Months Off. The artifact glowed softly in his hand, its energy pulsating with a rhythmic cadence. Mashiro and Hana watched closely, ready to assist if needed.

"Try focusing the light in different directions," Mashiro instructed. "See if you can manipulate its intensity or shape."

Milo concentrated, raising the artifact and directing the light toward a set of targets they had set up: a series of wooden planks and metal cans. The rainbow-colored beam shot out, cutting through the planks with ease and creating deep scorch marks on the metal.

"Good. Now try altering the light's shape," Mashiro suggested.

Milo focused harder, trying to shape the beam into a more precise form. To his surprise, the light obeyed his commands, forming into a narrow, laser-like line that sliced through the remaining targets with surgical precision.

"This is incredible," Milo said, his voice filled with awe. "But there's more to it, isn't there?"

Mashiro nodded. "Yes, we need to explore how it affects your surroundings and if there are any additional effects."

They decided to test the artifact's influence on objects and materials around them. Milo aimed the light at different surfaces: rocks, soil, and even a small pool of water. Each time, the artifact's effects were consistent, but Milo began to notice a pattern.

As he focused on the light, Milo felt a strange sensation—a connection to the environment. It was as if the artifact was not just manipulating light but also drawing energy from the surroundings. The more he concentrated, the stronger the beam became.

"This connection to the environment..." Milo said, his brow furrowing. "It feels like it's affecting more than just what I'm targeting."

Mashiro looked intrigued. "That's an interesting observation. The artifact might be drawing on ambient energy to enhance its powers."

Hana joined the discussion, her eyes thoughtful. "We should test this further. Try using Two Months Off in different locations and conditions. See if the artifact's power changes."

Milo agreed, and they spent the next few hours experimenting with the artifact in various settings. They moved to a nearby forest, tested it in a dimly lit room, and even tried it near a body of water. Each time, Two Months Off displayed remarkable adaptability, adjusting its power based on the environment.

After several hours of testing, they gathered in the living room, exhausted but excited. Milo's understanding of the artifact had deepened, and he felt more confident about its potential.

"I think we're getting close to understanding its full range," Milo said, taking a sip of water. "But there's still a lot we don't know."

Mashiro nodded. "We've made significant progress, but we should continue to explore and test. The more we understand, the better prepared you'll be."

Hana added, "And remember, Milo, you're not alone in this. We'll support you every step of the way."

Milo smiled, feeling a sense of reassurance. "Thanks, Mom, Dad. I'm ready to face whatever comes next."

As they concluded their research for the night, Milo felt a renewed sense of purpose. Two Months Off had shown him its incredible power, but it was clear that there were still many mysteries to unravel. With his family's support and guidance, he was prepared to face the challenges ahead and uncover the full potential of his artifact.

Little did he know, his journey was only just beginning. The secrets of Two Months Off and the dangers that lay ahead would test his resolve in ways he could never have anticipated. As he headed to bed, Milo's mind raced with anticipation for the adventures that awaited him in the days to come.