The air in the chamber grew quieter as Delson Snow Sr. turned his attention to the next member of the Core Seven. Kira, the Ranger of Kindness, sat across from him, her eyes sharp and focused. Among the Seven, Kira had always been the most in tune with the world around her, possessing a deep connection with the land and nature. Her powers had always been rooted in guidance and protection, and now, after her evolution, that connection had become something far greater.
Delson gave a small nod in her direction. "Kira, tell us about your evolution. What new abilities do you possess?"
Kira leaned forward slightly, her gaze sweeping across the group before she spoke. Her voice, though calm, carried an undertone of strength. "My powers have always been about protecting the natural world and guiding others. But now… I've become something more than just a ranger. My evolution has deepened my connection to the land, to life itself."
She took a breath, her eyes gleaming with the quiet determination that defined her. "The first of my new abilities is called Nature's Vigil. It allows me to summon the forces of nature—trees, vines, even the earth itself—to create barriers, traps, and obstacles that protect our allies or block enemies. These barriers are alive, constantly growing and adapting to the situation."
The others nodded in approval. The ability to control the battlefield with living defenses was something that would give them a significant advantage in combat.
"It's more than just creating barriers," Kira continued. "I can use Nature's Vigil to detect enemies as well. The plants I summon are connected to me, and through them, I can sense movement, energy, and even intent. It's like having eyes and ears in every direction."
"That will help with strategy," Dmitri said, his voice thoughtful. "You'll be able to warn us of any threats before they reach us."
Kira nodded, her eyes sharp. "Exactly. We'll always know when danger is approaching."
She then shifted in her seat, her posture becoming more relaxed but still focused. "My second ability is called Spirit's Guidance. It allows me to communicate with the spirits of the natural world—animals, trees, even the wind. These spirits can guide us, provide us with information, and even fight alongside us in battle. They are drawn to kindness, to those who protect the balance of life."
"Spirits?" Cusi asked, intrigued. "You mean… actual spirits of the land?"
Kira smiled softly. "Yes. They're not ghosts or anything like that—they're the essence of nature itself. They help those who respect and protect the land. With their guidance, we'll always have allies, no matter where we are."
"That's incredible," Junna said with admiration. "You'll never be alone in battle."
Kira's smile widened slightly. "No, I won't be. But that's not all. I've also developed an ability called Wind's Embrace. It allows me to move with the speed and grace of the wind itself. I can travel faster than any enemy, striking from a distance and retreating before they can react. It's more than just speed—it's about becoming one with the wind, moving so fluidly that I can't be caught."
Delson's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly impressed. "That'll make you incredibly difficult to hit in combat. You can keep the enemy off balance while the rest of us attack."
Kira nodded. "That's the idea. I can distract, disorient, and lead enemies away, giving you all the time you need to strike. But I'm not just running from the fight—I can still attack."
She paused for a moment before continuing, her expression growing more serious. "My final ability is called Harmony's Arrow. It's a powerful attack that channels all the energy of the natural world into a single shot. When I release it, the arrow strikes with the force of nature itself, able to pierce even the strongest defenses. It's an ability I have to use carefully, though. It takes time to charge, and I can only use it when the situation truly calls for it."
There was a moment of silence as the others processed the full extent of Kira's abilities. She had always been their guide, the one who could read the land and lead them through the unknown. But now, her powers had evolved into something far greater. She was a protector of life, a force of nature itself.
Delson gave a slow nod of approval, his gaze steady. "Your powers are a perfect balance of offense and defense. You can control the battlefield, protect us from unseen threats, and strike with overwhelming force when needed."
Kira met his gaze, her expression calm but resolute. "That's the goal. I'll use these abilities to make sure we always have the upper hand. And when the time comes, I'll strike down Tel-Nu with the power of the land itself."
The group fell into a quiet reverence, understanding just how crucial Kira's abilities would be in the battles to come. She wasn't just a ranger anymore—she was a guardian of life, the bridge between the physical world and the spiritual forces of nature.
"With your powers," Delson said, his voice filled with confidence, "we'll be able to anticipate any threats before they reach us. You'll be our guide, Kira, just as you've always been."
Kira smiled softly, her eyes gleaming with a quiet strength. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect us. The land, the spirits, and I—we're all in this together."
With Kira's powers revealed, the Core Seven exchanged glances once more. The strength they had gained was undeniable, but more importantly, they were learning how their abilities could complement one another. Together, they were becoming a force that even Tel-Nu would struggle to stand against.
Delson glanced toward the next member of the group, ready to continue learning about their new powers. "Cormac, it's your turn."
As the group turned their attention to Cormac, the Monk of Temperance, there was an air of quiet reflection. Cormac had always been the most introspective of the Core Seven, his power rooted in balance and control. His evolution had amplified these traits, turning him into a force that not only commanded self-discipline but also wielded a tempered strength unlike anything he had possessed before.
Cormac's expression was calm, his eyes focused as he prepared to share the abilities that had awakened within him. He clasped his hands together, his demeanor as peaceful as always, though there was a newfound intensity beneath the surface.
"I've always believed in balance," Cormac began, his voice steady and measured. "The balance between strength and restraint, between power and humility. My evolution has enhanced that belief and given me the ability to embody it in ways I never thought possible."
The others watched him closely, their interest piqued as Cormac prepared to explain the powers he now possessed.
"My first ability is called Aura of Serenity," Cormac said, his voice calm. "It allows me to project an aura of calmness and peace in the midst of chaos. This aura extends to everyone around me, reducing fear, anger, and anxiety. It's especially useful in battle—it can prevent our enemies from succumbing to rage or fear, making them easier to defeat, while also helping to keep us focused and centered."
Junna nodded, her golden eyes filled with understanding. "That will help us keep a clear mind in the heat of battle. It's easy to lose control when things get intense."
Cormac smiled gently. "Exactly. The aura doesn't just affect emotions—it also slows the pace of combat, giving us more time to react and think. Everything seems to move more slowly when you're within the Aura of Serenity."
He paused for a moment, letting his explanation sink in before continuing. "My second ability is called Fists of Temperance. It allows me to channel pure energy through my hands, striking with incredible force. But it's not just about raw power—it's about precision. Every strike is measured, every blow designed to do exactly as much damage as needed, no more and no less. I can weaken opponents without killing them if necessary, or deliver a fatal blow if the situation calls for it."
"Controlled power," Dmitri remarked, his voice filled with approval. "That kind of precision is rare."
Cormac gave a small nod. "It's about finding the balance in every situation, knowing when to hold back and when to strike. But there's more."
He shifted slightly, his tone growing more serious. "I've also developed an ability called Barrier of Temperance. It allows me to create a shield around myself or others, but unlike most barriers, this one reacts to the force of the attack. The more force an enemy uses against it, the stronger the barrier becomes. It absorbs their aggression and turns it into strength."
Kira raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "So, the harder they try to break through, the more they're fueling your defense?"
Cormac nodded. "Exactly. It's a form of balance. Aggression is met with resistance, and the more they push, the stronger we become."
Delson leaned back slightly, his eyes gleaming with approval. "That's an incredibly useful defense. It means we can withstand powerful enemies without worrying about being overwhelmed."
"There's one more ability," Cormac said, his voice taking on a deeper, more contemplative tone. "It's called Equilibrium's Embrace. This ability allows me to harmonize the energy of my allies. I can take any imbalance—whether it's physical, mental, or emotional—and bring it back to equilibrium. If someone is exhausted, I can restore their energy. If someone is overwhelmed, I can clear their mind. It's about restoring balance to those who are struggling, giving them the strength to keep going."
The room fell into a respectful silence as the others absorbed the full extent of Cormac's abilities. His powers were not just about fighting—they were about control, balance, and ensuring that no one in the group faltered under the weight of battle.
"You've always been the one to keep us grounded," Cusi said softly, his eyes filled with admiration. "Now you can literally do that."
Cormac smiled, though there was a hint of humility in his expression. "I've always believed that strength comes from within, but also from the balance between all things. My evolution has given me the tools to make sure we stay centered, no matter how intense things get."
Delson gave a thoughtful nod, his expression serious. "Your powers will be essential in keeping us in control during the fight against Tel-Nu. We can't afford to lose our focus, and with your abilities, we'll have the balance we need to keep moving forward."
Cormac bowed his head slightly, his demeanor calm but resolute. "I'll do everything in my power to ensure we remain strong, focused, and in harmony. Together, we'll face whatever comes."
The Core Seven exchanged looks once again, the full picture of their combined strength becoming clearer with each revelation. Cormac's ability to balance and control the energy around him would be a crucial asset in maintaining their focus and resilience during the coming battles.
With Cormac's abilities now revealed, Delson turned to the next member of the group, ready to continue their exploration of powers. "Dmitri, it's time to hear about your evolution."