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Chapter 7: Lessons in Control

Jun studied him for a moment, his expression contemplative. "It's okay to feel that way. We all have emotions that we struggle to process. The key is to acknowledge them, to not let them control you. Let's try again, but this time, I want you to visualize your emotions as colors. Can you do that?"

Mori took a deep breath, allowing Jun's words to settle within him. He closed his eyes, picturing the swirling emotions inside him—an angry red, a frightened blue, a hopeful yellow. "Okay," he said, feeling a bit steadier.

"Now, focus on the color that represents your frustration," Jun instructed. "Instead of trying to suppress it, let it flow through you. Then try to guide that energy toward the object you're trying to manipulate."

Mori nodded, opening his eyes. He focused on the red energy of frustration, envisioning it swirling around him, merging with the other colors. He allowed himself to feel it, acknowledging its presence without letting it overpower him.

"Now, direct that energy toward the cup," Jun encouraged.

Mori concentrated once more, allowing the colors to swirl together, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over him. He extended his hand, envisioning the cup, and for a fleeting moment, he felt a connection.

To his astonishment, the cup quivered and then slid across the table, gliding toward him. A rush of exhilaration surged through him, and a wide grin spread across his face. "I did it!" he exclaimed, hardly able to believe his eyes.

Jun chuckled, the warmth of his approval igniting Mori's confidence. "That's it! You're starting to understand how to channel your emotions into your abilities. Every small victory counts, Mori."

As the training continued, Mori experienced a rollercoaster of emotions—frustration, joy, and moments of profound self-doubt. But with each exercise, he learned to navigate the storm within him, slowly finding his footing.

Over the next few weeks, the training sessions with Jun became a refuge for Mori. They grew more challenging, introducing him to various techniques for emotional regulation, visualization, and even physical movement that complemented his powers. And with each session, he forged connections with others in the community, bonding over shared experiences and the struggle to harness their abilities.

One evening, after a particularly grueling training session, Mori sat with a few fellow trainees around a small fire pit in the communal area. They had gathered to unwind, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames.

"I didn't think I'd ever be able to move that rock," said Aiko, a girl with vibrant green hair who had a knack for manipulating plants. She leaned back against a wooden log, a smile on her face. "But I did it! I really did it!"

Mori laughed, feeling a sense of camaraderie wash over him. "I know what you mean. It feels incredible when it finally clicks."

"Just wait until you try to manipulate something bigger," Aiko continued, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "The first time I tried to lift a tree branch, I was terrified, but it was so empowering."

Mori felt a twinge of envy mixed with admiration. He had only just started to feel comfortable with small objects. Could he ever be as confident as Aiko?

"Do you think we'll ever get the hang of it?" he asked, his voice more tentative than he intended.

"Absolutely," chimed in Ryota, a tall guy with a rugged appearance and the ability to manipulate fire. "It's all about practice. And Jun is a great teacher. He believes in us."

Mori nodded, feeling the warmth of their encouragement envelop him. Maybe I can do this. The thought lingered, providing a sense of hope he hadn't felt in a long time.

As the fire crackled, the group shared stories, laughter echoing through the night. Mori felt himself relaxing, the warmth of the flames mirroring the growing connections he was forging.

But even amidst the joy, the remnants of anxiety still lingered at the edges of his mind. What if the Architects were still watching? The thought would occasionally creep back in, a reminder of the shadows that loomed over him.

Yet, here, in this moment, surrounded by people who understood him, he felt a flicker of belonging. Perhaps he wasn't as alone as he had always believed.

As the night wore on, Mori found himself sharing his own story, his struggles with reality glitches and the emotional turmoil that accompanied them. The vulnerability felt both liberating and terrifying, yet his friends listened without judgment, their empathy a balm for his anxious heart.

"Thank you for sharing that," Aiko said softly when he finished. "It's brave to talk about what you're going through. We're all here for each other."

Mori smiled, a warmth blooming in his chest. "I feel like I'm finally finding my place."

As the fire began to die down, Mori looked around at his friends, feeling a sense of gratitude swell within him. This was more than just a community; it was a family of sorts, bound by shared experiences and struggles.

"Let's keep pushing each other," Ryota suggested, his voice firm with conviction. "We're stronger together, and I believe we can all master our abilities."

Mori nodded, determination igniting within him. He would continue to face the challenges ahead, knowing that he wasn't alone. He had found allies in his journey, and together, they could forge a new path.

That night, as Mori lay in his small room, the weight of the day pressed against him, yet he felt lighter than he had in a long time. He could finally see a glimmer of hope on the horizon—a chance to embrace who he was and to control the abilities that had once frightened him.

I am not just a victim of my powers. He thought as sleep began to pull him under. I am a participant in my own story.

With that realization, Mori drifted into a peaceful slumber, dreams filled with possibilities and the promise of a brighter future. The journey was far from over, but he was ready to awaken the strength within him, one small victory at a time.