The training field was quiet, nestled deep within a massive valley surrounded by tall trees and jagged cliffs. The wind rustled softly across the open plains as Alex stood next to Rambo, his mentor/Grandpa. This was a week after the battle of domains.
"You ready?" Ranpo asked, crossing his arms.
Alex tilted his head. "For what?"
"I'm going to teach you how to control and suppress your energy."
Alex scratched his head, confused. "Suppress my energy? I don't think I really need that. I've gotten a good grip on my power already. And plus i need a whole ton of energy to go all out."
Ranpo let out a short sigh. "That's not the point. Suppressing your energy is essential—especially for someone like you."
Alex raised a brow. "Someone like me? Let me guess you're going to say something about me being a knuckle head and explain the whole shit i dont understand." Ranpo replied with a rather dumbfounded look on his face "Nope. You said thst yourself." "Don't give me that look." Alex exclaimed.
"You have an enormous amount of energy in your body, Alex," Ranpo said firmly. "But I'm not talking about your regular power level."
Alex blinked. "You mean my green energy? I know it's pretty high."
"That's one of them," Ranpo nodded. "But there's another energy inside you—something darker. Demonic energy."
Alex paused. "Demonic energy?"
Ranpo looked out over the valley as he spoke. "It activates in times of danger… when you're enraged, dying, or your energy is nearly depleted. It's different from your green energy—more volatile and violent. It also grows as strong as you are. Meaning the stronger you get, the more demonic power you draw out. Its like it has a will of its own."
Alex thought for a moment. "Wait… is it dark red?"
"Yeah, a dark and red violent power. You're almost in puberty," Ranpo said, turning to him. "So your demonic energy is bound to awaken more frequently when you feel intense emotions—especially rage."
"Huh…" Alex rubbed his chin. "I think I used it against Kirihai once. And also… that time in the Forest of Death. I fought a giant scorpion and kind of lost it."
Ranpo let out another sigh. "Exactly. That's what I mean. You need to control that power before it controls you.". Alex looked at his grandfather with a slight shocked look "Where did you get that? A light novel?" Ranpo replied in a slightly joking manner "Shut up and listen."
He stepped closer. "Take off your shirt."
"Huh? Why?" Alex blinked while crossing his chest. "It's too damn cold out here."
"Don't argue. Just do it." Ranpo said to his grandchild.
Alex reluctantly removed his shirt, revealing his lean torso. Rambo began chanting a low incantation, his hands glowing with ancient symbols. He then placed his palm firmly against Alex's chest.
A pitch-black magic circle suddenly appeared on Alex's chest, glowing ominously.
"Whoa," Alex gasped. "How did you do that?"
"This mark allows you to release as much of your demonic energy as your body can handle," Ranpo explained. "But be careful —your current age limits how much you can release. You're only twelve, you'll be thirteen soon this year. Your control isn't anywhere near mature. Plus the stronger you grow at base, the more demonic power you can draw out."
Alex looked uneasy. "So… what happens if I lose control?"
"We'll deal with it if it happens," Ranpo aid flatly. "Are you ready?"
"I don't feel great about this… but yeah," Alex nodded.
"Try to release as much as you can. Then suppress it."
As soon as he focused, dark red energy began pouring from Alex's body like a storm cloud. He groaned in pain as his body started to change.
"Suppress it, Alex! Stay calm!" Ranpo said firmly.
The energy surged even more violently. The trees around them were ripped from the ground by the sheer force of the demonic aura. Black-Red smoke-like energy crackled in the air.
Alex's fingernails grew sharp. His teeth elongated into fangs. Wings burst from his back. Dark markings etched themselves across his skin, and with a monstrous roar, he shook the entire valley.
Ranpo took a step back in disbelief. " He's already reached Stage One…? Wow, you must have pushed yourself stronger to get this far off the jump."
Suddenly, Alex began launching massive fireballs in rapid succession. Ranpo summoned his sword and deflected them one after another.
Then—without warning—Alex vanished and reappeared above him, his claws gleaming. He slashed downward, forcing Ranpo to leap aside as the impact shattered the ground, leaving a giant crater.
Alex's hands transformed into sharp blades, and his arms stretched unnaturally as he launched another attack at an extremely frightening speed.
"This was a bad idea," Ranpo muttered under his breath as he dodged skillfully while alex was tearing the place apart. "He's not ready for this…"
Alex's rampage continued. He gathered energy for one massive fireball, then flash-stepped behind Ranpo and released it at point-blank range.
"Damn—!" Ranpo was blasted through five hills, his body skidding across the dirt and rocks. Burn marks scorched the skin of his arm "Tch, I dropped my guard. Now look what's happened to my arm"
Alex descended, walking slowly toward the spot where Ranpo was falling with a huge burst of demonic energy. He let out a loud scream of anger which caused his energy to go crazy as the entire valley shook.
But what lay there… wasn't Ranpo.
It was a wooden doll.
Just then—snap!—glowing chains shot from the ground, binding Alex in place. A magic circle activated beneath him.
"Time to wake up, Alex," Ranpo's voice echoed behind him.
Alex roared in frustration, struggling against the restraints while his demonic energy blasted out of his body violently. His demonic power flared even more violently persecond
Ranpo quickly performed hand signs. A massive pillar of light erupted from the magic circle, engulfing Alex.
He screamed in agony as the beam pierced through his body. Slowly… his wings vanished. His claws retracted. The dark markings faded.
When the light finally disappeared, Alex collapsed—back to his normal self.
Ranpo caught him before he hit the ground. The boy was unconscious.
"…I shouldn't have pushed him this far. More over, what kind of training and missions have you been into to use much power?" Ranpo whispered, looking around at the ruined landscape. The valley was gone. Entire sections of the training area were scorched and torn apart.
He sighed and hoisted Alex onto his back.
"I hope you'll forgive me for this one, kid… But damn, you're really something else. Alex boy."
End of Episode