Second Ability: Origin Part II

---Flashback---

Val looked directly at the shadow, his voice steady. "So, what does the purple fire have to do with my brothers being unconscious?"

The shadow floated thoughtfully, finally answering, "Your ability, the Void, is complex. It exists everywhere and nowhere, giving you the power to erase anything. But once erased, it's gone forever. Only those with the purple fire can hold such power without harm, and its origins are… ancient."

It continued circling Val, speaking as if recalling a distant memory.

"The Primordials created the purple fire as a judgment—a fire that burns not bodies, but souls. At first, they meant to use it to end humanity, but one of them opposed the idea. Instead, they chose to give this fire to a human, someone who could wield it wisely. However, an accident happened during the transfer. Along with the purple fire, the Primordial passed on a fragment of the Void. They couldn't remove it, as it had fused with the purple fire."

Val's frown deepened as he asked, "So what's the danger in that?"

"A double-edged one," the shadow replied. "This power carries an Ancient Oath, stronger than the Mana Oath. If it's violated, the wielder's body and soul will be erased from existence entirely. No memories. No trace."

Val's eyes widened, horror creeping in. "So...no one would remember them?"

"Exactly. Not a single memory would remain." The shadow's voice softened slightly. "The Primordials passed this down with conditions. If a successor was chosen, they had to burn a part of their own soul, choosing only one heir who could inherit both powers. If anyone threatens the chosen one with malicious intent, the Void will react to protect them. Otherwise, allies who come in contact with the Void risk falling unconscious."

Val nodded, now understanding why his brothers had been affected. As he processed the implications, he asked, "Has anyone ever given the purple fire to someone outside their bloodline? And… why is there a seal on my eye?"

The shadow sighed, replying slowly. "The seal is necessary. It keeps the Void and purple fire from clashing until you gain full control. It's a safeguard."

The shadow hovered before him. "Now, let me ask you this: what did you think of when you first saw the black sphere?"

Val tilted his head, thinking. The shadow urged him, "Try creating a black sphere the same size and step inside it."

Val hesitated. "Will I... disappear?"

The shadow snorted. "Just do it."

With some reluctance, Val raised his hand, forming a small black sphere that gradually expanded until it floated before him.

Cautiously, he reached out, surprised when his hand passed through its surface. He entered, and the shadow's voice faded into silence. Inside, he couldn't see, hear, or feel anything.

After a few moments, he emerged and turned to the shadow. "I felt... nothing. No sound, no sensation."

"That's the Void," the shadow said. "The Void messes with one's senses. Each of your eye's seals protects one sense. The first Bellator spent his life creating layers of seals to protect his senses, but he could never manage them all."

---End Flashback---

As Val walked with Dr. Lewis toward the laboratory, the shadow's voice resonated in his mind. "You know, we can talk like this—no need for meditation poses."

Surprised, Val glanced at the doctor, who hadn't noticed anything unusual. He replied inwardly, "You could've mentioned that sooner!"

The shadow shrugged. "You didn't ask."

They reached the lab, and the door slid open. Exeo and Ember looked up from their beds, attempting to sit up but wincing as they did. Dr. Lewis interjected, "Stay lying down, both of you. Val's here to explain what happened."

Val took a deep breath, then seated himself across from his brothers. "When you touched me, I was deep into manifesting my second ability."

With a concentrated look, Val closed his eyes, then reopened them, revealing a faintly glowing seal on his left eye. Though no blood leaked, Exeo and Ember's jaws dropped in astonishment. They started to rise again, but Val lifted a hand. "Don't. This is a magic seal. It controls the Void. If it were removed, the Void would overpower me, causing what's called a Mana Overload."

Exeo spoke first, voice steady but serious. "How do you know all this?"

Val hesitated, recalling the shadow's advice. "A series of images and words appeared to me when I activated the ability. It's like the Void itself communicated its purpose."

Exeo processed this information, nodding thoughtfully. Ember then asked, "What exactly is this second ability, Val?"

Val didn't answer immediately. He looked around, spotting a water bottle on a bedside table, picked it up, and held it before them. With a subtle motion, he summoned a black sphere that swallowed the bottle in an instant, vanishing it completely.

The doctor stepped forward, looking between Val and the now-empty space. "Where did it go?"

Val shrugged. "I don't know. Once I erase something, it's gone."

Ember's expression turned grim as realization struck. "You mean… that's how a Void ability?"

Val nodded, hearing the shadow chuckle approvingly in his mind. "Yes."

Dr. Lewis exhaled heavily, adding, "We've been researching abilities and found that the only abilities like this one existed in the Primordial Era. Val, your Void ability isn't just rare—it's ancient."

The doctor sighed, then added, "This ability could be incredibly dangerous or beneficial. It depends on how you choose to wield it."

Val nodded solemnly. "That's why this power has to stay a secret."

Dr. Lewis turned to Exeo and Ember. "What will you do now?"

Exeo rubbed his temples. "Val will receive an Aurum ranking, like us, but I'll inform the higher-ups about the purple and black mana involved. Only a select few can know. Ember, you'll join me in that meeting."

Ember groaned, lying back but nodded. "Sure thing."

Dr. Lewis stood to leave. "Rest well, everyone. I'll finalize the reports and the ranking."

Once alone, Val looked at his brothers, a mixture of guilt and relief in his eyes. "I'm sorry about earlier… I didn't know it would affect you like that."

Exeo waved his hand dismissively, but Ember beckoned Val over, spreading his arms. "Come here, you big sap," he said, and Val immediately stepped forward to embrace him. Exeo chuckled and joined in, the three Bellators feeling the weight of their family bond in silence.

Finally, Val stepped back, smiling slightly. "Thanks, brothers… Get well soon."

He turned and left, closing the door softly behind him. As he walked away, Ember turned to Exeo. "Think he'll accept the team proposal?"

Exeo sighed, rubbing his temples again. "Sooner or later. But we'll take it one step at a time."