Nova

A year had passed since Ethan had departed from the bustling streets of New York City, seeking solace and healing amidst the majestic Himalayan mountains. The frigid heights of Ice Mountain now stood as a testament to his determination and resilience.

In his quest to regain control over his fractured aura, Ethan had embarked on a relentless search for fellow practitioners. Yet, the elusive nature of their community made it difficult to find a way in. His parents, who could have offered guidance, had left him no connections to lean on. Undeterred, Ethan delved into every possible avenue until a peculiar novel came into his possession.

Within the pages of this enigmatic book, the tale of a protagonist named Nova unfolded. The similarities between Nova's magical abilities and Ethan's own aura were uncanny. From the progression of aura capacity to the concept of awakening, the parallels were impossible to ignore. The story led Nova to the Himalayas, a place where he sought strength and enlightenment, citing it as the dwelling of true gods.

Though uncertain if this was the exact location his father had mentioned, Ethan, desperate for any glimmer of hope, decided to put his faith in the words of an unknown author. With resolute determination, he began the arduous ascent, leaving even Alice behind. The solitude of his journey served as a reminder that not only physical healing but also a spiritual restoration awaited him.

Weeks turned into months as Ethan battled the treacherous terrain, pushing himself to the limits. At long last, he reached the summit, the pinnacle of his solitude. Unencumbered by distractions, he focused on harnessing his aura's potential. Days melded into nights as he practiced tirelessly, enduring the searing pain that accompanied his every attempt.

Finally, a breakthrough emerged from the depths of his unwavering perseverance. Ethan discovered that his aura had undergone a transformation when he had tapped into natural energy during his awakening. Now, interwoven within his own aura, resided a fragment of that potent force. Yet, his body initially rejected this change, causing immense turmoil within him.

Fortuitously, the harsh Himalayan climate provided an opportunity for Ethan to establish harmony with the natural energy surrounding him. Embracing the pain as a catalyst for growth, he immersed himself in rigorous training, nurturing the delicate balance between his aura and the newfound power coursing through him.

Time passed, and with each passing day, the agony began to subside. Ethan's body gradually adapted to the fusion of his aura and natural energy. The arduous trials and tribulations bore fruit as he witnessed the rekindling of his abilities. Once again, the essence of his aura flowed through him, interwoven with the elements that had been dormant for so long.

Ethan had not merely reclaimed his former strength; he had surpassed it. With unwavering resolve and newfound power coursing through his veins, the Black Lotus had returned from the depths of his personal crucible.

High atop the snow-capped peaks, Ethan stood tall, the chill wind embracing him like a familiar friend. His eyes gleamed with the fiery determination of one reborn, ready to face whatever awaited him upon his return to the world he had left behind. The echoes of his training whispered promises of untapped potential and the indomitable spirit that resided within him.

The saga of the Black Lotus was far from over, for Ethan had emerged from the crucible of the Himalayas with an unwavering resolve to protect and avenge. As he descended from the lofty heights, his steps were marked by the echoes of a new era, where the strength of his aura merged seamlessly with the power of nature itself. The world would soon bear witness to the resurgence of a hero, whose resolve had been tested in the crucible of his own self-discovery and whose path would be paved with the echoes of his newfound strength.

______________________

After two years of relentless effort, Ethan had finally completed his arduous journey of recovery. The tranquil solitude of the Himalayas had become his sanctuary, where he had honed his skills and rediscovered his inner strength. But now, as he stood at the mountaintop, overlooking the majestic vista that had nurtured his spirit, he felt a bittersweet farewell weighing upon his heart.

With a profound sense of gratitude and longing, Ethan took a final, lingering gaze at the awe-inspiring landscape that had embraced him. The mountain peaks reached toward the heavens, as if whispering secrets of ancient wisdom and hidden power. Yet, he knew his time here had come to an end. There were obligations to fulfill, destinies to be woven, and a world waiting to be saved.

As he prepared to depart, a mysterious letter appeared, seemingly out of thin air. Its sender, marked simply as "Nova," left Ethan perplexed and on high alert. He cautiously examined the message, his eyes scanning the contents. It was a map, carefully inscribed with a single location—a place he had vowed to avoid at all costs.

The New York city.