Ji Bai picked up a brush from the rack, dipping it carefully into the inky black liquid. The brush tip grazed the rice paper softly, the stroke flowing smoothly like clouds drifting across a stormy sky.
He closed his eyes, sensing the thunderous power stirring inside him, a legacy long dormant now awakening in harmony with the ancient paintings surrounding him.
"I will start here," he whispered to himself.
As his brush danced across the paper, lines crackled with electric energy, dark and light intertwining like lightning splitting the night.
Ayaka watched silently, her eyes reflecting surprise and admiration. "Your strokes… they carry a spirit beyond what I imagined."
Ji Bai opened his eyes, steady and resolute. "This power comes not only from within me but also from the divine will embedded in these ancient artworks."
The air in the studio grew thick with a mysterious electricity, as if the very walls pulsed with the breath of the storm.
"Perhaps the Electro Archon herself is awakening through your brush," Ayaka murmured softly.
Ji Bai's voice was firm. "I will keep painting until this power is fully realized."
He lowered his brush, determination blazing in his eyes. "I must finish this."
Ayaka nodded, standing beside him like a beacon amid the gathering tempest.
Outside, thunder rumbled closer. Within the studio, the ancient painting began to shimmer faintly, as if waiting for that final stroke to break its seal.
Taking a deep breath, Ji Bai steadied his hand, feeling the weight of history settle upon his shoulders. The ink on his brush shimmered strangely as it touched the paper, and a surge of power shot through his body.
Every stroke was precise, weaving lightning and shadow, life and stillness. The painting responded, and the charged air buzzed with energy.
Ayaka stood quietly by, her presence calm but unwavering.
Time stretched until the last stroke was laid down. The painting glowed softly, the image vivid and almost alive.
A faint crackle sounded as the figure's eyes in the painting suddenly opened, glowing with purple lightning.
Ji Bai held his breath, feeling the ancient force awaken within him.
Outside, the thunder faded, leaving only solemn silence.
Ayaka smiled gently. "You have done what few can—you have breathed new life into legend."
Ji Bai set down his brush, his gaze fierce and clear. "This thunder belongs to me—and it is my destiny."
The distant thunder echoed again, a drumbeat heralding a new beginning.
From the shadowed corner of the room, Yae Kamiko emerged, her violet eyes glowing with ancient knowledge.
"There is an ancient god, not just of thunder, but of painting itself—Raidenkyo, the Mirror of Thunder and Lightning," she said solemnly.
" Through your art, the god's will flows again. But be mindful—with such power comes great responsibility."