Chapter 16: Unleashing the Sigil

Ithan stepped into the training hall, a grand cavern deep below the Network’s headquarters, where powerful relics and artifacts lined the walls. The air was charged with energy, and his Sigil pulsed in sync with the ancient magic surrounding him.

Lyra stood nearby, watching him with a serious expression. “The Sigil is a piece of a forgotten power, Ithan. You’ve been wielding it, but you haven’t yet unlocked its true potential. That starts today.”

Ithan tightened his grip, feeling the weight of her words. “Then show me. I’m ready.”

Lyra approached him, holding an orb radiating with a faint silver light. “This is a conduit. It’ll allow you to channel the Sigil’s power without harming yourself. But it will only work if you control your emotions.”

They began the training, Lyra pushing him through drills that tested his endurance, focus, and resilience. He was forced to face illusions of his greatest fears—visions of his family in peril, shadows of the Hollow King closing in on him.

As each vision faded, Lyra instructed him to focus, channeling his energy through the Sigil and into the orb. Ithan gritted his teeth, determined to push through the pain, learning to balance his power without being overtaken by it.

Hours later, exhausted but victorious, he managed to control the Sigil’s energy without losing control. He looked at Lyra, a spark of gratitude in his eyes. “Thank you. I’m starting to see what this power can really do.”

Lyra nodded, a rare smile crossing her face. “You’re getting there, Ithan. And I’ll be here every step of the way.”