Chapter 19

Luca stood on the mountain, gazing down at the village being rebuilt after the recent destruction. He turned to Psyros, seeking guidance.

"How much power can I use now?" Luca asked, his tone reflecting his frustration.

Psyros considered the question before replying, "Your body has become stronger, but it's still not at its full potential. When you were in your Symbiote state, you were much more powerful and durable. If you can tap into that state again and harness more of my power, you might see a significant improvement."

Luca sighed, "I've tried, but I just can't seem to reach that state again."

Psyros continued, "You accessed it instinctively before. If you can recall how you did it, you might be able to achieve it once more."

Luca nodded. "I understand. For now, I'm managing with telekinesis." He demonstrated by lifting a massive boulder and sending it soaring through the air.

He then jumped down the mountain, landing gracefully. "I'll figure it out eventually. And I don't think the Naxons will be coming back anytime soon."

As he approached the village, Aiko, busy repairing the damage, heard his footsteps with her superhearing. She looked up, her face filled with concern.

"Is everything okay?" she asked as he drew near.

Luca gave her a reassuring nod. "Everything's fine."

Aiko began inspecting him for injuries, visibly relieved to find him unscathed. "Thank goodness."

The village was bustling with activity. Soon, Lefn, the village's strongest Symbiote user, returned from a mission. The village chief had informed Lefn of Luca's heroic actions, leaving him astounded. A newcomer defeating a surface-dwelling Naxon and surviving was almost unbelievable.

Lefn found Luca standing nearby. "Are you Luca?" Lefn asked, disbelief evident in his voice.

"Yes, that's me," Luca replied.

Lefn was taken aback. "You're the one who defeated the surface dweller?"

as she approached Luca closer she felt an incredible amount of power withing him.

"Yes I did" luca said.

Lefn froze in the moment, and said with hesitation, " it's good that someone can protected the village while I was gone. "Keep fixing the village." she said.

As Lefn turned to leave, Luca grabbed his hand. Lefn, startled, tried to kick Luca, but his leg was stopped just inches from Luca's face. Luca used his powers to keep Lefn's leg in place.

"What do you want?" Lefn demanded, a mix of confusion and fear in his voice.

"I need to talk privately," Luca said. "Can we go somewhere?"

Though nervous, Lefn agreed. Luca swiftly lifted Lefn and jumped into the air, using sound wave barriers to maneuver smoothly. They landed on the mountain.

Lefn, slightly flustered, said, "You could have warned me before picking me up."

Luca smirked. "Sorry about that. Let's get to the point. Do you know why cave and dungeon monsters are weaker than surface ones?"

Lefn nodded. "Yes, I'm aware."

Luca continued, "Naxons are divided by race. I fought over a thousand Naxons, all similar, but then a different, stronger one appeared. I thought I killed it, but it escaped."

Lefn's eyes widened in shock. Her thoughts raced with questions. How is this newbie so powerful? How did he manage to defeat a surface dweller? I've never fought one myself.

Then Luca said." I have only told one person but here it goes, I can use 40% of my symbiote."

In her thoughts, Lefn worried, 40%? Is he even human?, If Luca can use 40% of his Symbiote power, what does that mean for the rest of us? How can I compare to that?

Luca noticed her discomfort. "Are you listening?"

Lefn snapped back to reality. "Yes, yes. 

Luca nodded. "Exactly. How much can you use?"

Lefn hesitated, her mind racing. I can't admit the truth. I can only use around 8%. If I tell him that, he'll see me as weak.

She forced a confident tone. "Yes, about 40%."

Luca said, "Good. I have a feeling there are beings even stronger than what I've faced. In the coming days, I'm going to explore, and I want you to come with me."

Lefn was initially hesitant but, feeling embarrassed and pressured, agreed. "Of course, I'll come."

As the day darkened, Lefn and Luca returned to the village. Aiko, noticing their return, asked, "What happened? What did you talk about?"

Luca placed a hand on Aiko's head and rubbed it gently. "Nothing much. Everything's okay."

Aiko puffed out a breath, "Fine, but next time, I'm coming too."

"Of course," Luca replied with a smile.

As Lefn prepared to leave, Luca called out, "Lefn!"

She turned around, and Luca said, "Thank you."

Lefn responded, "It's nothing," though her mind was filled with anxious thoughts. What if I don't survive out there? What if we encounter more Naxons?

As Lefn walked away, her thoughts lingered on the daunting journey ahead, filled with uncertainty and danger.