Chapter 14: Aryan Alavkin
Orion was discharged from medical care, his body still recovering from the strain. The halls of the facility were quiet as he stepped out, his mind weighed down by everything that had happened.
Meanwhile, Varun and Valeria convened in her private study, a dimly lit chamber lined with interactive data panels and holographic archives.
"So," she murmured, her voice smooth but edged with curiosity, "you're worried about Aryan."
Varun exhaled sharply through his nose. "Concerned," he corrected. "I'm concerned about Orion."
A slight smirk played across Valeria's lips as she tilted her head. "You think Aryan will break him?" she asked, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.
"He will." Varun finally turned from the window, his eyes gleaming. "And Orion needs it," he said, his voice firm with conviction.
Valeria regarded him for a moment before leaning forward, resting her chin lightly on the back of her hand. "The Alavkin Triplets..." she mused, her gaze flicking to the holographic display hovering beside her. "Aryan, Asrian, Avetik. They've always been outliers."
Varun's mouth tightened. "His gravity manipulation doesn't just control weight. It controls the battlefield itself."
Valeria inclined her head, her gaze thoughtful. "Orion will have to learn—quickly—that raw strength isn't enough," she said, her tone measured. "He's talented, but he's still linear in his thinking. Aryan will expose that."
Varun's jaw twitched, his expression tightening. "Aryan's mastery is beyond anything Orion has encountered," he said, his voice low and firm. "If the boy ever thought training alone could make him powerful, Aryan will shatter that illusion."
The smirk faded from Valeria's face, replaced by something more contemplative. "The Triplets are legends, but Aryan—" She exhaled, shaking her head slightly. "He's different from his brothers. Less disciplined, but more... insightful."