**Chapter 3: [Impossible]**
Shen's breath hitched as he stared at the empty readings. His hands trembled, disbelief twisting his features.
*No, this can't be possible! I'll check one more time.*
He stepped forward, the wind howling around him as if mocking the void where his power should have been. The Commander's voice cut through the gale, cold and final.
**"No power detected."**
*No, this isn't happening!* Shen's mind screamed. Despair crashed over him, and before he could think, his legs moved on their own—he ran.
Kenya's shout echoed behind him. **"Where is he going?!"**
The Commander's reply was grim. **"You let him go alone."**
---
### **The Weight of Powerlessness**
Shen collapsed under the shadow of a gnarled tree, his fists clenched in his hair.
*I don't have power. Why? Why?!*
The truth was a knife in his chest. Without strength, how could he face the Arcanes? How could he fight the nightmares haunting him?
A rustle in the air made him freeze. His head snapped up—a winged Arcane materialized above, its jagged form blotting out the sky.
*No… a Flying Arcane?!*
Terror locked his muscles. He scrambled back, but the creature was faster. Another shape loomed behind him—a monstrous Arcane, cutting off his escape.
*They're surrounding me!*
A magic cannon hummed to life, its barrel glowing with lethal energy. Shen squeezed his eyes shut.
*This is it. My last day—*
**BOOM!**
A searing blast of fire obliterated the Arcane in an instant. Shen gasped, whirling around.
**"Who—?!"**
Kenya's voice rang out, laced with relief and irritation. **"He's coming."** Then, sharper, **"Shen, why the hell did you run here?"**
Eliza crossed her arms. **"Yeah, explain yourself."**
Ruke smirked. **"Let's go. Pretty sure he was just scared."**
---
### **Denial and Defiance**
Shen's face burned. **"I wasn't scared!"**
Ruke raised a brow. **"Oh? Could've fooled me."**
Eliza leaned in, her eyes sharp. **"Then why's there a tear in your eye?"**
Shen swiped at his face. **"That's—that's just rain!"**
Ruke glanced at the clear sky. **"Uh-huh. Sure."**
The Commander's voice cut through the tension. **"Enough chatter. Get in the car—more are coming!"**
The revulsor's engine roared to life, and they piled in. As the vehicle sped away, Shen managed a weak smile.
**"Sorry for making you worry about me again."**
Kenya snorted. **"Save the apologies. The Commander's gonna punish you tomorrow."**
Shen paled. **"Punishment? For what?!"**
**"For running off,"** Kenya said, grinning. **"Good luck."**
**"Nooo!"** Shen wailed as the others laughed.
---
**[Episode End.]**