The air in the central chamber was thick with anticipation as the Core Seven gathered around a large stone table that had once served as their war room during the apocalypse. The chamber, now illuminated by the glow of the energy radiating from each of them, felt less like the dusty bunker of their past and more like a temple to the power they had all grown into.
Delson Snow Sr. stood at the head of the table, his eyes moving from one of his comrades to the next. This was the moment they had all been waiting for—the chance to share the abilities they had developed during their intense individual training sessions. They had each evolved into something far greater than human, and now, they would have to understand each other's powers if they were to fight as a cohesive unit.
He gestured for them to sit, and as they settled into their seats, Delson turned his gaze toward Junna, his expression firm yet encouraging. "Let's start with you, Junna," he said. "Tell us what you've learned. What new powers do you possess?"
Junna, seated to Delson's right, offered a confident smile, her golden eyes gleaming with the radiance of her newfound abilities. As the Paladin of Purity, she had always been a figure of strength, her powers rooted in the ideals of protection and righteousness. But now, after her evolution, she had become so much more.
She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "My evolution has granted me several new abilities," she began, her voice steady but filled with pride. "I am no longer just a protector—I am now a force of purification. My power is drawn from the essence of purity itself."
The others listened intently, their eyes focused on Junna as she explained her abilities.
"My first ability is called Aegis of Light," Junna continued. "I can summon an impenetrable shield of pure light, capable of blocking any physical or magical attack. It's stronger than anything I've ever summoned before, and it can expand to protect multiple allies at once." She glanced at her comrades. "When we fight, you'll have my shield to protect you."
Delson nodded, clearly impressed. "That will be invaluable. And what else?"
Junna's smile widened slightly. "The second ability I've gained is called Radiant Cleansing. It allows me to channel purifying energy through my sword, striking down enemies with a force that not only harms them but also cleanses any corruption or darkness within them. It's powerful against enemies who rely on dark or corrupt magic—like Tel-Nu."
"That sounds like it will come in handy," Kira said with a nod. "Especially against something like Tel-Nu."
Junna nodded, her eyes gleaming. "There's more. I also have the ability to summon Wings of Purity." As she spoke, a faint glow began to shimmer around her back, and ethereal wings of pure light unfolded from behind her. "These wings grant me flight and increased agility, making me much faster in battle. I can outmaneuver opponents and strike from above."
The others watched, clearly impressed as Junna retracted the wings, the light fading back into her form.
"And lastly," Junna said, her tone becoming more serious, "I've developed an ability called Sanctified Healing. I can heal allies with a touch, restoring them completely from physical wounds and even magical ailments. But it goes beyond just healing—it purifies the soul. Any trace of corruption or darkness is completely erased."
Delson leaned forward slightly, his expression thoughtful. "So, your powers are focused on protection, purification, and healing. You're stronger than ever before, Junna."
She nodded, her golden eyes gleaming with determination. "I've trained hard to harness these abilities. I'll do whatever it takes to protect all of you and the world from Tel-Nu."
The room fell silent for a moment as the rest of the Core Seven processed the extent of Junna's new powers. Her abilities were rooted in the very essence of light and purity—powers that would no doubt be crucial in their fight against Tel-Nu's darkness.
Delson gave a nod of approval. "Good. Your abilities will be vital in keeping us alive and in dealing with Tel-Nu's corruption. I'm glad to see you've embraced your evolution so fully."
Junna smiled once more, the light of her new abilities shining brightly within her. "Thank you, Delson. I'm ready for whatever comes next."
With Junna's powers now revealed, Delson turned to the next member of the group, ready to hear what new strengths the others had developed. Their fight against Tel-Nu would demand everything they had, but with abilities like Junna's, their chances of success had just risen significantly.
As Junna finished her explanation and settled back into her seat, all eyes turned toward Cusi. The Cleric of Charity, known for his calming presence and ability to heal, now exuded a much deeper aura of power. His evolution had made him more than just a healer—he was a force of restoration, support, and subtle strength.
Cusi, always soft-spoken yet wise, gave a brief nod to acknowledge the attention now focused on him. He cleared his throat, his eyes briefly scanning the group before he spoke.
"My powers have also shifted," he began, his voice calm but filled with quiet confidence. "I've always been able to heal, to aid those in need. But now, my abilities have deepened, expanded. I've become more than a healer—I am a force of rejuvenation and preservation."
He paused for a moment before continuing, letting his words sink in.
"The first of my new abilities is called Gift of Abundance," Cusi explained. "It allows me to create a wellspring of healing energy that affects everyone within a large radius. It's like an invisible aura that flows from me, constantly healing minor wounds and alleviating exhaustion. In battle, I can sustain all of you for long periods, keeping us strong and able to fight without wearing down."
The others exchanged impressed glances. A constant flow of healing energy during a battle was something that could make a significant difference.
"That's impressive, Cusi," Dmitri said with a grunt of approval. "It'll keep us in the fight longer."
Cusi smiled, though there was a somberness in his eyes. "It's more than just that," he continued. "I've also gained the ability called Charitable Restoration. With this, I can focus my energy on a single individual and not just heal them, but also transfer part of my life force to strengthen them. I can make someone stronger, faster, or more durable temporarily, though it takes a toll on me."
"You can sacrifice your strength to boost ours?" Kira asked, leaning forward in curiosity.
Cusi nodded. "Yes, but I have to be careful with it. If I push too hard, I could weaken myself. But in desperate moments, it could turn the tide of battle."
Delson raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Cusi's sacrifice-based power. "That's a powerful ability, Cusi. We'll have to make sure you don't overextend yourself."
Cusi gave a small smile. "I've trained myself to handle it, but I'll be cautious. Still, it's a tool we can use in critical moments."
He then shifted in his seat, his voice growing more serious. "Another ability I've developed is called Shield of Compassion. It allows me to create barriers around allies, but it's different from Junna's shield. Mine isn't impenetrable, but the more someone is hurt, the stronger the shield becomes. It's meant to protect those who are on the verge of death, giving them a chance to recover."
Delson's expression softened with admiration. "Your powers are all about giving others the strength to keep going. You've always been the heart of our group, Cusi, and now you've taken that even further."
Cusi smiled, though there was still more to say. "Lastly, I have an ability called Rebirth's Embrace. It's the most powerful thing I can do, but also the most dangerous. I can bring someone back from the brink of death—completely restore them. However, doing so drains me immensely. It's something I can only use in the most extreme situations, but if one of you falls… I can bring you back."
The room fell into a contemplative silence. The ability to bring someone back from death was not something to be taken lightly. It was a gift, but also a responsibility that weighed heavily on Cusi's shoulders.
"You truly embody the essence of Charity," Junna said softly, her golden eyes filled with respect. "You give everything of yourself for others."
Cusi bowed his head humbly. "It's what I've always been meant to do. And now, I have the power to fulfill that purpose more than ever before."
Delson nodded thoughtfully, taking in the full scope of Cusi's abilities. His power to sustain, shield, and even bring someone back from the brink of death was something that would be crucial in the battles ahead. But more than that, Cusi's powers represented the true heart of the Core Seven—their will to protect and uplift one another, even at great personal cost.
"Your abilities will be our lifeline, Cusi," Delson said with a firm nod. "With your power, we can keep fighting, no matter how dire things get."
Cusi smiled softly, though there was a weight to his expression. "I'll do whatever it takes to ensure we all make it through. That's my promise."
With Cusi's powers now revealed, the group exchanged glances, each of them growing more aware of the strength they had gained not just individually, but as a team. The Core Seven was becoming more than just a collection of powerful individuals—they were a unified force.
Delson glanced toward the next member of the group, ready to continue their discussion of powers. "Let's move on. Kira, you're up next."