Chapter 13: The awakening

As the news of the Opherosian fleet's nightmarish encounter spread across borders, it quickly became a global sensation. The ambitions of nations planning to harness the 'gifted' to conquer Baridmeth were abruptly quashed. The middle continent of Baridmeth had transformed, enveloped by an ominous shroud of thick black fog, rendering its inherent dangers nearly invisible. Myths now came to life as monstrous creatures roamed freely across the island, some even possessed the ability to take flight, leaving the confines of the island and venturing elsewhere.

In response to the mounting crisis, governments worldwide took action. A new branch of governance was established in every country, known as the 'gifted association.' Their primary purpose was to monitor and manage the 'gifted.' Groups of the 'gifted' started forming, these are called guilds. These specially formed guilds were granted territorial jurisdiction within each nation, poised to safeguard and protect against any unforeseen attacks.

These transformative events unfolded over the course of several months, and, at the same time, Runo returned to college while his mother regained her health and capacity to work. Valen Petrol Station had been rebuilt, and Runo resumed his duties there after completing his college hours.

Two months later, at Runo's home.

The comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal filled the air as Runo walked through the front door. His mother, intent on preparing dinner, was conjuring a feast of juicy steak, crispy chips, tender peas, and golden onion rings.

Upon seeing her son return, she paused her culinary efforts and enveloped him in a warm embrace. This time, Runo experienced a peculiar sensation during their hug. It was as if his weariness from the day's work melted away, and he could distinctly sense the life coursing through his veins.

"Mum, please let go. You'll squeeze me to death!" Runo jested, attributing this strange sensation to his mother's tight hug.

His mother chuckled and released her grip. As she continued her cooking, she extended her hand towards the freezer, expecting the frozen chips to float into her grasp. However, much to her bewilderment, the chips remained firmly inside the freezer.

"That's weird," she mumbled under her breath, perplexed by the malfunction.

"What's weird?" Runo inquired.

"My powers are not working on the freezer," she responded, scratching her head in confusion.

"Maybe it's just jammed," Runo suggested, pointing at the freezer, just as it swung open of its own accord.

"I didn't do that!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.

Suddenly, the chairs, the entire refrigerator, and every cooking utensil began to levitate, hanging suspended in the air. It was an overwhelming display of power, one that exceeded her capabilities by far.

Runo's mother turned her gaze toward him, her expression twisting into an odd amalgamation of confusion and horror. As if the stitches holding her heart together had unraveled, her core revealed its rotten and darkened essence.

"YOU... WHAT DID YOU DO!" she screamed, her voice filled with panic.

In Runo's eyes, his mother's once-familiar face distorted into something alien and malevolent. It was as though a malevolent force had tainted her, and she was now consumed by it.

"WHY, WHY DO YOU HAVE MY POWER!" she wailed, tears streaming down her cheeks. Runo was left in stunned silence, overwhelmed by the maelstrom of emotions that had unraveled before him. All he could do was stand there, watching in shock as his mother, once his protector, had become a terrifying and unrecognisable entity.