Both Wanda and Pietro let out a deep sigh at the same time, only then realizing just how tightly they had been holding their breath. The tension that had wrapped itself around their chests finally loosened, leaving behind a strange mix of relief and lingering fear.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
They had both genuinely believed that if anything went wrong, this would be the end. Death had felt close enough to touch, hovering just beyond the edge of certainty.
They sat down quietly, following Elric's instructions without question.
Elric moved next, settling behind them with the same calm, unhurried demeanor he always carried. He placed one hand against each of their backs, his posture relaxed, as if this were nothing more than a routine task.
Wanda tensed the instant she felt his hand touch her bare skin.
It was cold—unnaturally so—especially in the chilly air. A flicker of discomfort passed through her, but before she could react, the sensation changed.
Warmth spread from Elric's palm.
At first it was gentle, almost soothing, like heat slowly seeping into her muscles after standing in the cold for too long. Then it deepened, flowing through her spine and into her limbs. Her body temperature rose steadily, her heartbeat quickening as something unfamiliar stirred within her.
The warmth intensified rapidly.
For a split second, Wanda feared it might spiral out of control.
Then it stopped.
Abruptly, precisely, as though someone had carefully measured the limit and refused to cross it. The heat settled inside her, no longer overwhelming—just present, quiet and stable.
"It's finished," Elric said calmly. "You can get up now."
Wanda opened her eyes.
She blinked once, then again, disbelief washing over her.
That was it?
No pain.
No violent reaction.
No collapse.
She had expected suffering. She had expected danger.
She remembered Leo—how impossibly fast he was, how casually destructive his strength could be. Even without exerting himself fully, he could move faster than bullets and shatter massive stone with a careless swing. Power like that should not have been so easily granted.
And yet—
Elric had done it as casually as pouring tea.
It felt unreal.
But how could she deny it when she was standing there completely unharmed?
Pietro's voice broke her thoughts.
"Boss… is something wrong with me?" he asked, his voice tight with worry. "I don't feel anything at all."
Wanda instinctively turned inward, checking herself.
Surprisingly, she didn't feel much different either. No surge. No obvious change.
Elric sighed, clearly unimpressed.
"Don't be ridiculous," he said flatly. "Didn't I already tell you? Chakra isn't something you're given. You have to create it yourself."
He continued without emotion, "I was born with it. Leo is an exception. Don't compare yourselves to us."
"Chakra is formed by combining your physical energy and your mental energy. Nothing more."
With a casual motion, he tossed a notebook toward each of them.
Pietro caught his and stared down at the pages. His expression twisted almost immediately.
"…Boss," he complained, "this handwriting looks like a heart monitor having a breakdown. How am I supposed to learn anything from this?"
Elric didn't even look at him.
"You complain too much," he said. "It's annoying."
Then he added calmly, "Whoever refines chakra last will bathe Leo."
Pietro stiffened.
"…That's unfair."
"That's motivation."
"Boss, that's—"
"Shut up, you stupid bastard. You're making it worse."
Pietro stopped talking instantly.
Wanda didn't even look at him. Her glare alone was enough.
She lowered her gaze to the notebook.
The handwriting was terrible—almost painful to look at—but the content itself was shockingly simple. There were no complicated formulas or obscure theories. Just clear, straightforward guidance.
Feel your mental energy.
Guide it through your body.
That was all.
She followed the instructions.
Once.
Nothing.
Twice.
Something stirred.
A faint sensation, scattered and unstable, moved through her body like a weak current. It wasn't strong, and it was difficult to control, but it was unmistakably real.
"Is this… chakra?" Wanda asked quietly.
Elric turned toward her.
Then froze.
A small swirl of wind was forming in Wanda's palm, barely visible but undeniably there.
"…What the hell," he muttered.
She had only tried twice.
As Wanda repeated the process, the flow became smoother. The scattered energy began to gather, responding more easily each time she guided it. Control followed naturally, as if her body had been waiting for this all along.
Elric felt genuine amazement.
She truly was heaven-chosen.
Pietro watched the scene in stunned silence. At first, irritation flickered across his face—because it now seemed certain he would be the one bathing Leo. But that annoyance quickly gave way to excitement.
If Wanda could do it…
Then so could he.
Real power was finally within reach.
"Wanda," Elric said honestly, "you have incredible talent."
She looked at him, slightly puzzled.
"Really? I thought it was easy."
Elric's mouth twitched.
She had already started showing off.
"As promised," he said, regaining his composure, "you can ask for anything."
Wanda thought for a moment.
Then she smiled.
"Can we watch the sunrise on a California beach?"
Elric paused briefly, clearly surprised by the request.
Then he nodded.
"Fine," he said without hesitation.
He glanced at his watch.
"Three hours," he added. "Get ready."
Outside, the night remained calm and indifferent, unaware that something fundamental had just changed.
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