Chapter 4: Backyard Chemistry
I couldn't sleep. Not even a little. My brain was stuck on one thing: Quantum Precision. What does that even mean? And Eternal Subversion: Nexus? They didn't sound like magic abilities; they sounded like something straight out of a sci-fi thriller.
I mean, they're cool as hell, don't get me wrong. But they're also intimidating. Like, how do you even use something called Quantum Precision? Snap your fingers and accidentally blow up a mountain?
Yeah. Sleep wasn't happening.
---
When morning rolled around, it was back to the usual chaos. Mom—Sherlea, the epitome of grace and elegance—decided today was bath day. And guess what? She dragged me along.
That's right. My mom took a bath with me.
Now, don't get me wrong, toddler body or not, it's a surreal experience. On the one hand, that's my mom, Flynn. Behave yourself. On the other hand... well, let's just say my inner adult was very confused.
Once we were clean and dressed, breakfast came and went. Same old routine. Dad was already outside, yelling at a training dummy like it had personally insulted him. Mom hummed a tune while trimming flowers in the garden. Adrea—housemaid, babysitter, all-around lifesaver—was running around inside, balancing chores like a pro.
And me? I had a secret.
---
I snuck out to the backyard, my unofficial training ground. It wasn't much—just a patch of grass and dirt surrounded by trees—but it was quiet, and no one ever bothered me here. Perfect for experimenting.
For weeks, I'd been trying to figure out my magic. So far, I'd gotten nothing. No fireballs, no lightning strikes, not even a lame puff of smoke.
"Quantum this, Nexus that," I grumbled, waving my hands dramatically like I was in some anime. "Do something."
Nothing. Not even a spark.
Frustration bubbled up inside me. I clenched my fist, imagining what it'd feel like to punch the ground—just to let off some steam. And then—
CRACK.
The dirt shifted under my fist, leaving a small dent.
Wait. What?
I blinked at the mark, my heart racing. Did I just do that?
I moved my fingers again, this time focusing harder. The ground responded, denting slightly like it was obeying my thoughts.
"Oh my god." A grin spread across my face. "It works. Imagination magic works! I'm a freaking genius!"
Excitement surged through me. I held out my right hand, pretending to summon something epic.
"Stone," I whispered, then blew on my hand for dramatic effect.
A small stone materialized out of thin air, sitting perfectly in my palm.
"YES!" I yelled, jumping to my feet. "This is amazing!"
---
Okay, so let me break this down for you. Quantum Precision isn't your typical magic spell. It's more like... hyper-advanced physics meets magic.
Basically, every move I make—every word, every gesture—is calculated with insane accuracy. Like, I could flick my finger and accidentally trigger a chain reaction that creates a tornado. Or step on the ground at just the right angle to mess with gravity in a specific area.
It's not just powerful—it's terrifying.
And then there's Eternal Subversion: Nexus. I have no idea what it does yet, but if it's anything like Quantum Precision, I'm in for a wild ride.
---
I spent hours testing my magic. Summoning stones, shaping dirt, creating tiny bursts of light. It felt like playing with a new toy—except this toy could probably destroy a city if I wasn't careful.
"Flynn! It's dinner time!" Mom's voice snapped me out of my trance.
---
Dinner was the usual cozy affair. Dad was telling one of his ridiculous stories, complete with exaggerated hand gestures. Mom laughed at all the right moments, her voice like music. Adrea sat quietly, eating like she was invisible.
I was halfway through my second helping of stew when Dad suddenly turned to me.
"Flynn, what magic was that?"
I froze. My spoon hovered in mid-air.
"Uh... what magic?" I asked, playing dumb.
"The one you used in the backyard," he said, raising an eyebrow.
Crap. How did he know? Was he spying on me?
"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, shoving another spoonful into my mouth.
"Don't lie to me, Flynn," Dad said, switching to his infamous baby voice. "Or I'm gowwwnna cwy!"
I groaned. "Alright, fine. You win."
I set my spoon down and leaned back in my chair. "Yesterday, I found this book called Magic for Beginners in the storage room. I tried a fire spell, but it didn't work. So, I used the magic affinity detector in the book, and, well..."
I paused, glancing around the table. Mom and Dad were hanging on my every word. Even Adrea had stopped eating to listen.
"I have two affinities: Eternal Subversion: Nexus and Quantum Precision."
For a moment, no one said anything. The silence was deafening.
Then, like someone had flipped a switch, Mom and Dad erupted into cheers.
"OUR SON IS A PRODIGY!" Dad yelled, jumping out of his chair.
"THIS IS AMAZING!" Mom twirled around the room like a ballerina.
Adrea and I exchanged a look. She raised an eyebrow as if to say, Are they always like this?
I shrugged. Pretty much.
"Flynn!" Mom said, finally stopping her dance routine. "Could you show us your magic? Please?"
How could I say no to that?
"Alright," I said, standing up. I flicked my fingers, focusing on creating something simple but impressive.
Colorful sparkles filled the air, swirling like tiny fireworks. They danced around the room, casting a rainbow glow over everything.
"WOW!" Dad practically screamed. "FLYNN, THIS IS AMAZING!"
Mom clapped her hands together, her eyes shining with pride. "Our son is incredible!"
Adrea didn't say anything, but I caught the tiniest smile on her face.
As for me? I couldn't stop grinning.
Yeah. This life is going to be epic.