"Hearts Across Dimensions"

Chapter 9: Bonds Forged in Fire

The morning sun rose over the scorched battlefield, casting its golden light upon the worn-out warriors. Smoke still curled from the ground, and the stench of ash lingered in the air. Yet, amidst the devastation, there was calm. A brief moment of peace.

Deku stood at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the vast terrain beyond. His green eyes scanned the horizon, filled with both determination and uncertainty. The power he'd tapped into — Ethereal Surge — had grown unstable. He could feel something stirring within him, clawing to be released. Something deeper.

Behind him, Saber approached, her armored boots crunching softly against the rubble.

"You didn't sleep again, did you?" she asked gently.

Deku shook his head. "Couldn't. That last fight... I felt something change. My power's evolving, but it's like it's trying to tell me something. Or someone is."

Saber stood beside him, her gaze focused on the same distant mountains. "Then listen closely. Sometimes, power doesn't just come from within. It's a response... to protect what matters most."

He turned toward her, meeting her sincere blue eyes. "Is that what gives you strength, too?"

"Always," Saber replied, her voice soft. "And maybe now, I find myself wanting to protect more than just my ideals."

Before Deku could respond, Mikasa approached, arms crossed, eyes unwavering. "We need to train. Nihil isn't going to wait for you to figure things out."

Saber smirked slightly. "Always the vigilant one."

Mikasa glanced between them. "Some of us don't have the luxury of getting distracted."

There was a tense pause, but Deku smiled awkwardly. "Then let's train together. I could use both of your help."

Training Grounds: Heat and Sparks

Later that afternoon, the makeshift training ground roared with energy. Kirito clashed with Goku in the background, blades and energy flying. Gilgamesh watched with a raised brow from a distance, unimpressed as always.

Deku, however, was in the middle of a new training technique. One he didn't fully understand yet.

He concentrated, his hands glowing faintly. The familiar aura of Ethereal Surge intensified, but then — something else shimmered over it. A radiant energy, violet and gold, swirling with raw potential.

"What is this...?" Deku muttered, panting.

"You're forming something new," Saber said, stepping closer. "That energy... it's divine. Almost regal."

Mikasa narrowed her eyes. "It's powerful. But dangerous."

As the power surged, the energy exploded outward — knocking the three of them off their feet. Saber landed in a graceful roll. Mikasa shielded her face. Deku, in the middle of it all, hovered momentarily in a glowing cocoon.

When the light dimmed, Deku descended slowly to the ground. His clothes shimmered with an ethereal layer, and a glowing crest pulsed over his heart.

"A new ability..." Deku gasped. "Divine Core: Astraflame."

Saber's eyes widened. "That's not from this world... It's sacred. A blessing born of love, will, and sacrifice."

Mikasa walked up, frowning but intrigued. "You could barely control it. If you lose control again—"

"Then I'll need both of you to keep me grounded," Deku interrupted, eyes pleading. "I can't do this alone."

The two women shared a look. Saber reached for his hand. Mikasa took his other.