The Stormbringer Angelica was all about control.

When you are able to completely control the divine lightning given by this power, only then will you have mastered this Angelica. Finn knew that from the book he read with Iris last night, but it was more difficult than he imagined.

"What's wrong?" Storm taunted. "If you can't even do this much, might as well give it up. I don't have time to waste on you."

'You say that… but you're nothing but a defective product, according to that Tempest person,' Finn thought in his head, but quickly pushed it aside to focus on himself.

Within his bloodstreams, he could feel the Stormbringer mana flowing chaotically, like electricity. He concentrated and pictured himself grabbing the electricity with his hands, reigning it into submission. The lightning shocked his hand in his mind, but he didn't let go and continued to hold onto it as tightly as possible.

Despite the burning and splintering sensation, Finn kept calm even as sweat began forming on his forehead. Storm watched this and couldn't help but be a bit surprised.

One wasn't supposed to just forcefully grasp the lightning like this. That required insane focus and resolve, which most people, even Ghost Hunters, didn't possess. The understanding and eventual control of the Stormbringer's lightning was a gradual process. One was supposed to start by observing it, comprehending it, then slowly familiarize themselves with it before actually attempting control.

Yet Finn… he went straight for it.

Furrowing his brows tightly, Finn felt the lightning in his blood flow more rapidly than before, striking and zapping along his veins. He couldn't tell, but from Storm's perspective, the blue sparks of electricity around his body grew brighter and clearer with every second that passed.

Finn's body began trembling, muscles bulging as blue energy ran beneath his tough skin that struggled to contain this chaotic power. Just when he bit his lip and thought he couldn't take it anymore, however, the lightning stopped.

It calmed down, slowly stabilizing in Finn's blood/manastream. The glow around his body didn't dim one bit, proving he had successfully controlled the lightning. Perhaps not completely yet, as he could feel that him and the lightning were still two separate entities. Eventually, however, they would merge together — and that would be when Finn truly masters this Angelica.

"… N-Not bad," Storm said, trying to not sound impressed. "With this, you can start learning actual Abilities now."

He didn't want to admit it, but Finn had far exceeded his expectations. What Archon said was not a lie. Storm himself had taken a full month to study the lightning in his body before actually attempting to control it, and even then, it took several failed attempts before finally succeeding. Hell, even Storm's brother, Tempest, who was renowned as a genius in the Stormbringer Angelica, took a full week between his awakening and control of the lightning.

And yet… Finn was able to first try it without any preparation beforehand. This was more than enough to show the difference between the two.

As much as Storm hated it, Finn was far superior to him. And deep down, he knew that. But his ego — his jealousy — just wouldn't let him show this on the surface. He was lying to himself — desperately telling himself that it wasn't true. That he was better than Finn. Feeding his own superiority complex.

Of course, with all this being said, Storm still had to continue with the lesson. So, clearing his throat, he walked over to the door and swung it open violently to unleash some of his pent-up frustration.

"… Come on. We can't practice in here, unless you want to destroy the mansion."

*****

When the two headed downstairs, preparing to head for the teleporter, they instead noticed everyone gathered in the living room. Archon had a grim look on his face, and Melvia was busy comforting the slightly immature Octane. Fanatic appeared to be deep in thought, and Iris shared an uncomfortable expression.

"… What's happening here?" Storm asked, raising an eyebrow and folding his arms.

"Finn…" Iris glanced at Finn, then Storm, then back at Finn again in worry.

"… Octane just let us know of some disturbing news," Archon said quietly, placing his elbows on the table and resting his chin atop his interlaced hands. "Apparently, while he and Finn were out in District X to train, they came across an Emperor-level Ghost."

"W-What?! An Emperor-level…?!" Storm nearly lost his balance in shock at this news. "W-Well, is Octane okay?"

"He's fine," Melvia reassured, stroking Octane's hair, who was currently sleeping peacefully. "Just a bit… traumatized, but otherwise fine."

"Traumatized…? Don't tell me…" Storm trailed off.

Since he didn't want to finish his sentence, Archon did it for him.

"… Yes. It wasn't just any Emperor-level Ghost they encountered. It was… an Eidolon."

'Eidolon… one of the five Ghost archetypes?' Finn thought in his head. This was the first time he's heard of one, apart from that time Iris explained everything about the Ghost Hunter world to him.

"According to the books, anyone who stares at an Eidolon's for too long will become traumatized. The more powerful the Eidolon is, the less time is needed," Iris explained to Finn. "You were safe since you couldn't see, but Octane…"

Storm clenched his fists from beside Finn. "Even though he was terrified to no end… he saved you… even if it meant triggering his asthma… HE SAVED YOU!"

Suddenly grabbing Finn's collar and pinning him against the wall, Storm roared in fury for his friend.

"Hey! Storm!" Archon immediately jumped out of his chair to try and stop him, but Iris was quicker.

In an instant, she had her revolver ready and pointed at Storm's temple. Her beautiful eyes may be different colored, but in that moment, they held the same coldness within them.

"Let him go."

Storm slowly turned his head around to look at Iris, hate in his eyes.

"Why… why do everyone protect him?!"

Iris narrowed her eyes dangerously, cocking the gun back coldly.

"… I won't say it again."