ã€ŠCosmic Bodybuilding [LitRPG, Xianxia, Progression, Neo-Noir]ã€‹


 Prologue: The Primordial Muscle

    Most do not know why or how the universe was created.

    Many believe it to be a stroke of fortune or a birth from chaos.

    But the universe was not born out of mere chance.

    Instead, it emerged from necessity, driven by an instinct for survival.

    Long before its creation, a strange green sphere hung in the void like a Christmas ornament. This sphere was a habitat for a peculiar form of existence, its surface teeming with life. Tiny plant-like creatures, known as Aetherroots, blanketed the sphere, their vines twisting and weaving into intricate patterns.

    Beneath this vibrant surface lay a mysterious pool of still time, shimmering faintly like water. Within the sphere, the time funneled outward from its center, where an otherworldly river replenished the pool with fresh time.

    This river was a small branch of a greater source. Far downstream, the colossal Past-Present River coursed through the vast void, carrying the waters of all past and present time as it flowed toward the Future Ocean.

    For eons, the Aetherroots, the time pool, and the Past-Present River coexisted in a delicate equilibrium. But when this balance broke, its collapse brought disaster.

    For reasons unknown, the Past-Present River began diverting more of its waters through the small branch that fed the Aetherroots'' habitat, overwhelming the sphere¡¯s once-still pool with chaotic currents.

    The Aetherroots faced a life-and-death crisis. Unable to withstand the disruptive flow of time, they began to starve. One by one, they withered and died, their vines breaking apart and falling away from the sphere.

    The cracks deepened until time erupted in a final surge, flinging fragments across the void like scattered seeds.

    With their habitat in ruins the Aetherroots were on the verge of extinction.

    The weakest died quickly, leaving only the strongest to adapt. However, the Past-Present River¡¯s continuously diverting flow made evolution impossible, as its currents outpaced the time required for adaptation.

    It seemed without a miracle they were certain to perish.

    Luckily their salvation had been with them all along.

    The sphere was covered in a strange, gray material formed from the remains of the Aetherroots'' ancestors.

    This material was called the Primordial Muscle.

    Hardened by eons of exposure to the void, it had the remarkable ability to interact with the turbulent streams of time. With care and use, it became a protective shield where the surviving Aetherroots could thrive.

    By flexing the Primordial Muscle, the Aetherroots learned to slow time¡¯s relentless flow and endure its pressure.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    The Muscle¡¯s purpose, however, went far beyond survival.

    It became the foundation for the creation of the universe itself.

    Acting as a vast canvas, the Muscle enabled reality to be "painted." When stimulated, it released bursts of energy that formed matter, colors, and shapes, which became the fundamental building blocks of the cosmos.

    The Aetherroots quickly mastered the Muscle¡¯s potential. By designing intricate "workouts" to stimulate and shape it, they learned to control the flow of time around themselves, using the Muscle to create mass and sustain their existence. Over millennia, their experimentation grew more sophisticated.

    After constructing their first rudimentary bodies, they realized the Muscle held even greater potential. Together, they began creating intricate celestial bodies, refining their techniques and expanding the universe outward.

    From these collaborative efforts, a new order emerged: the Olympians, beings of unparalleled power and mass, who would dominate the next age of existence.

    Their emergence marked the Golden Age of Bodybuilding, an era of unchecked expansion and unprecedented growth. Like pioneers staking claims in a vast, untamed frontier, the Golden Age Cosmic Bodybuilders incorporated the Primordial Muscle into their own forms, sculpting impossible physiques of unfathomable mass.

    Although the Muscle¡¯s expansion persisted, the supply of unclaimed Primordial Muscle rapidly dwindled.

    As the river of time was diverted from its natural path to the Future Ocean, the Cosmic Bodybuilders harnessed its flow like a hydroelectric dam, converting time¡¯s energy into heat. This heat, once abundant and seemingly infinite, grew scarce as the streams were increasingly hoarded. The weak bodybuilders grew cold, and their lifeless bodies drifted through space as grim reminders of their inability to endure.

    Seeking to reclaim lost opportunities, the Olympians divided the universe into ten rings. The innermost ring, closest to the Past-Present River¡¯s source, enjoyed the strongest flow of time, while the outermost ring, near the Future Ocean, received the weakest.

    To reignite growth, the Olympians erected an immense wall between the 6th and 7th layers, forcing time to thicken within the inner universe. This action temporarily revitalized the Golden Age within the inner universe, spurring a new wave of expansion.

    However, this solution came at a great cost...

    The beings in the 7th through 10th layers were devastated by these actions, cut off from the time flow and unable to generate enough heat to exercise the Primordial Muscle.

    Far downstream, the Future Ocean stirred. Deprived of the Past-Present River¡¯s flow, its waters evaporated, shrinking its surface and spawning rain clouds that reshaped the outer realm.

    These clouds rained Blue Water, which seeped deeply into the Primordial Muscle.

    Blue Water was both a blessing and a curse for the inhabitants of the outer universe. It had the unique ability to catalyze mass without requiring significant heat, allowing lower-realm beings to rejoin the pursuit of Cosmic Bodybuilding. However, its corrosive nature made it perilous. It eroded ancestral blueprints and genetic legacies, destabilizing the very essence of those who relied on it. Excessive use of Blue Water¡¯s power often led to madness, pushing entire civilizations to the brink as bodybuilders incorporated the substance into their routines.

    Despite these risks, many, desperate for change, willingly sacrificed themselves to seize this fleeting opportunity.

    The ancient Aetherroots, once sustained by stagnant waters and teetering on the edge of extinction, had transformed their peril into unprecedented opportunity during the heights of the Golden Age. Now, as the pace of ascension slowed, the next generation could no longer endure the torment of returning stagnation.

    A new age dawned, driven by beings yearning for transcendence. In this era, new heroes emerged, forged by necessity and tasked with reshaping a universe trapped in a self-created crisis. Bereft of the abundant opportunities of the past, these heroes lacked the luxuries their predecessors enjoyed. Instead, they relied on anything and everything at their disposal, carving a path forward through sheer will and determination.

 1. I Want Freedom

    Somewhere within the ninth ring of the universe, on the surface of a solitary blue planet, the ominous face of an incoming moon loomed, blotting out the cloudless sky. Dislodged from its original orbit, it hurtled toward the planet, as if intent on erasing all life in its path.

    For most civilizations, such an event would herald an apocalyptic end. Yet, for the planet''s inhabitants, it was little more than a shift in weather. Some glanced skyward with groaning indifference, retreating underground for protection. Others scrambled for a better view, eager to witness the event from prime vantage points.

    One such individual was an ambitious young man named Ged.

    Perched atop the peak of a dumbbell-shaped mountain, Ged stood tall, his silhouette evoking the image of a heroic barbarian. With broad shoulders and a muscular frame that exuded raw, primal strength, his eyes burned with the intensity of caged lions as they tracked the falling moon with deliberate focus.

    He spoke with detached curiosity. ¡°I wonder which Celestial Slave has come to settle their debts this time.¡±

    Far above, hidden within the clouds, stood an ordinary-sized man beside the moon¡¯s colossal mass. Though dwarfed by the celestial body, his rippling muscles radiated immense power. Dressed in a sleeveless shirt and athletic pants, he directed the moon¡¯s descent through a series of elaborate poses.

    When the moon reached a critical point in the atmosphere, the man flexed, striking a dramatic bodybuilder¡¯s pose. The sheer force of his movement caused the moon to shatter, fragments exploding outward and scattering across the planet¡¯s surface. With the precision of a master puppeteer, he controlled the fragments with another flex. Each piece seemed to take on a life of its own, hurtling toward predetermined destinations.

    One of these pieces of the moon barreled straight toward Ged.

    He sighed as he watched its fiery descent. ¡°Celestial iron again,¡± he muttered. ¡°Always the same material. How am I supposed to build a body with this low-tier scrap?¡± Shaking his head, he added, ¡°Well, at least I can trade it for something more useful...¡±

    A small distance away from Mount Dumbbell lay the circular city of Elpida. Home to hundreds of millions, its true nature was hidden from view. Most residents lived in underground bunkers, leaving the surface sparse and desolate. Only temporary wooden buildings and indestructible castle spires dotted the cityscape. Cracked stone roadways wove through the area like veins, connecting the disparate structures.

    At the heart of Elpida lay a vast abyssal pit, shrouded in dense fog. Known as one of Planet Blue Eagle¡¯s many "mouths," the pit was said to descend impossibly deep, rumored to reach the planet¡¯s core.

    As the asteroid descended, it splintered into thousands of flaming-hot pebbles. The sky turned crimson as these fragments hurtled toward the many abyssal mouths scattered across the planet. The ground quaked violently with each impact, fissures tearing across the surface as magma bubbled up from the planet¡¯s core, filling the cracks and expanding its surface area. The heat was unbearable. Volcanic eruptions transformed the landscape into a fiery, hellish wasteland, the nauseating stench of molten rock thick in the air.

    Even Ged, with his extraordinary physique, struggled against the suffocating atmosphere. Sweat poured from his body as he squinted through the oppressive heat, straining to keep his composure amid the pain of the transforming environment. A deep, guttural sound rumbled from the planet, a noise of unimaginable chewing. It reverberated through the air, sending tremors through the ground and setting Ged¡¯s teeth on edge.

    ¡°Fuck me,¡± Ged muttered, wiping his face of sweat. ¡°Why does it always have to be so loud?¡±

    He turned toward the abyssal mouth in front of him, his frustration boiling over. ¡°Can¡¯t this damn eagle chew quietly?¡±

    His voice rose in anger. ¡°What a shit life I have to endure. Fuck this stupid, fucking planet!¡±

    On his neck, a tattoo of a blue eagle glistened vibrantly, marking him as a slave. Sweat streamed from his skin as Ged scratched at the tattoo like it was an unbearable itch, his nails leaving raw, bloody streaks. Yet, no matter how much damage he inflicted, the eagle remained pristine, its vibrant luster undiminished by his efforts.

    Over time, the chewing subsided, ending with a grotesque, resonant swallow. The planet slowly returned to stillness. High above, Celestial Slaves began absorbing the excess heat radiating from the surface with the help of mysterious gym equipment within their possession. Gradually, the temperature cooled, and the planet returned to its usual bleak and desolate state.

    From within the abyssal mouths, a thunderous, eagle-like voice boomed, addressing the man who had brought the moon.

    ¡°Builder Koh, your meal is much appreciated.¡±

    ¡°For your great service, I have deducted six quintillion kilograms of mass from your debts.¡±

    ¡°You now require only 5,872,564,347,431,234,128,123,000,888,167 kilograms to repay in full.¡±

    With that, the planet lost interest in further conversation and returned to its dormant slumber. Koh, accustomed to such exchanges, simply nodded before resuming his orbit around the planet, diligently fulfilling his duties as a planetary guard.

    Ged looked at the retreating Koh with a solemn expression. ¡°Builder Koh still has so much more to go?¡± he muttered, shaking his head. ¡°He ascended to the skies such a long time ago, yet he still carries so much debt.¡±

    ¡°Does it ever end?¡± he whispered, his voice tinged with bitterness.

    A deep frown crept across his face as anger boiled within him, his stomach churning with frustration. ¡°I must secure my own freedom,¡± he growled, his fists clenching tightly. ¡°I can¡¯t live like this. Even if it kills me, I will find a way to escape this torture.¡±

    He glared at the sky lost in heavy thoughts, moments passed and his gaze turned towards the city structures and the abyssal pit, he remembered something important. ¡°Shit, I need to hurry.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t get down to the Abyssal Mouth soon, all the easy-to-grab celestial iron will be gone.¡±

    Centering his thoughts, Ged turned away from the lofty vantage point. He descended the mountain, navigating through a rocky field that separated its base from the slowly awakening city of Elpida.

    A hot blue glow illuminated his calf muscles as he activated his ability, ¡°Goat Walk.¡± He moved swiftly and nimbly in large bounding motions, reaching speeds that would make even the fastest animals envious.

    The terrain was uneven and treacherous, with large, jagged crags jutting from the ground. Yet, thanks to his ability, he never faltered. Ged constantly adjusted his pace, weaving effortlessly to navigate the challenging path. Occasionally, weed-like stalks of grass and strange flowers sprouted from cracks in the rocks, adding small bursts of life to the otherwise monotonous landscape of his several-kilometer journey.

    After traversing the long stretches of barren terrain, Ged¡¯s feet finally struck the smoother city streets. Slowing his pace, he transitioned from bounding strides to a brisk, purposeful walk. The streets buzzed with activity as businesses hurried to set up their stands again. After every planetary meal, the city would fill with crowds eager to return to normal life, and merchants scrambled to capitalize on the sudden influx of foot traffic.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    ¡°I''m selling rare earth metals! I¡¯ve got high-grade Turtle Stone; perfect for growing out your quads!¡± one stall owner called out, holding a sign high above his head indicating the merchant group he was selling for. The man¡¯s eyes scanned the crowd eagerly, searching for potential buyers, but when his gaze landed on Ged, he froze. Awkwardly, the merchant averted his gaze, pretending not to notice him.

    Ged recognized the man. ¡°That looks like Barry,¡± he thought, frowning slightly. ¡°It¡¯s been a few months since his last order, but the guy¡¯s a total drug fiend. I think he bought something like 100 grams of powdered frog tongue from me last time...¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s usually a bit more sociable than this,¡± Ged mused. ¡°Maybe he¡¯s found a new dealer. I¡¯ll need to ask him about it when I have time.¡±

    Ged continued down the strip, passing by other peddlers. ¡°Gym passes! Daily deals for locals or top-tier access to the Great Barbell Palace!¡± shouted another merchant, his eyes glinting strangely. He gave Ged an unnerving smile as he walked past.

    Ged returned the smile nonchalantly, pretending not to notice anything unusual. ¡°Looks like Trevor¡¯s out too,¡± Ged observed, noting his pale, jittery appearance. Inwardly, Ged clicked his tongue. ¡°Damn, he¡¯s not looking good. He must be rolling on some Beehive right now...

    ¡°Fuck me, there''s a time and place for this shit, don''t be out looking like this, it makes me look bad.¡± Ged shook his head.

    As Ged made his way through the bustling streets, he recognized more familiar faces. Some worked at stalls, others wandered the streets, but they all shared one thing in common¡ªthey were connections from his life as a small-time drug dealer.

    ¡°So many people are out working today,¡± Ged thought. ¡°Looks like I might have a busy few days ahead.

    ¡°I should stock up, just in case they¡¯re eager enough to buy again so soon.¡± He sneered inwardly.

    As Ged moved through the main streets, something caught his eye, bringing him to an abrupt stop. Near the abyssal pit, a crowd of protesters had gathered. They seemed to target only the bodybuilders in street clothes, while those who were finely dressed or in uniform passed by without interference. Waving picket signs and shouting venomous slogans, the protesters jeered and cursed at the approaching giants, their eyes burning with hatred.

    "Crack down on underground bodybuilding!" A group of protestors chanted. "Ban Blue Water!" Another group added.

    A hulking figure dressed in a white tank top walked through a group getting an earful from those within the crowd.

    ¡°You sick bastards!¡± a frazzled woman screamed, clutching a photo of her deceased son. Tears streamed down her face, and her voice cracked with anguish. ¡°My son died of an overdose from taking the drugs you sold! Is building your bodies worth the damage you do to ordinary people?¡±

    The hulking figure had never seen the women in his life. His life was far from the shores of underground bodybuilding. He looked at the lady with confused looks, regretting his decision on exiting his bunker in his drab outfit. But no amount of words could clear his innocence, for the protesters, retribution was all they sought, lashing out indiscriminately like a swarm of stinging wasps.

    "My daughter got victimized because of your crime sprees. She now spends her days paralyzed from the waist down. Have you no shame?" An elderly man screeched with pain in his voice.

    The man in the white tank top stood silently, his massive frame betraying the guilt in his eyes. He lacked the heart to push past the grieving individuals and instead tried to calm them with kind words, though his efforts hardly seemed in vain.

    Ged on the other hand was not as polite.

    When he arrived at the scene, his contempt was clear. Rolling his eyes, he muttered to himself as he surveyed the chaos. As one of the so-called ¡°underground bodybuilders¡± targeted by the crowd, Ged felt no need to justify himself. If anything, he was ready to meet their scorn with unshakable iron will.

    ¡°Why am I to blame for your drug-abusing family members?¡± he questioned someone blocking his path, clutching a photo of a deceased young boy, as he shoved them aside. ¡°He probably just wanted a temporary escape from his miserable life, like everyone else,¡± he muttered, pushing past a pair of teenage girls.

    He heard someone in front of him yell out a slogan. "Stop this idolization of the murderous Builder Plunk!"

    Ged wrinkled his brows at the man. ¡°For the first time in ten thousand years, a man achieved something many thought to be impossible since the Golden Era. How does that not inspire you?" He looked at the man with questioning daggers in his eyes.

    ¡°He¡­¡± The man was about to list off all his many terrible deeds, but Ged cut him off.

    ¡°So what if he was a criminal and used Blue Water to reach the stars? He achieved what no one else could. Pim let us dream while everyone else demanded we settle for less,¡± Ged said resolutely. ¡°What have you done in your life that gives you the right to be so critical of him?¡±

    He looked to the man for a response, but none came. Silently, the man stepped aside, no longer daring to block Ged¡¯s path.

    Now reaching closer to the lip of the abyssal mouth, the crowds of people grew thick, as the protestors bravely used their own bodies to stand in front of the lip of the mouth, trying to stop bodybuilders from entering.

    ¡°The journey from the ground to the sky is not easy, and without clouds in the sky to catch me if I fall, don¡¯t blame me for doing whatever it takes to make sure I succeed,¡± Ged whispered to himself, his gaze fixed purposefully on the group blocking his path.

    Without a trace of emotion, Ged began peeling the protesters away from the edge one by one, flinging them carelessly behind him with no regard for their safety.

    ¡°Stop it, you bastard!¡± a thin, angry man shouted from behind, his voice trembling with a mix of rage and fear. ¡°You think your strength gives you the right to trample over everyone else?¡±

    Ged turned, his expression impassive. ¡°Those people were deliberately blocking my path, so I moved them. It¡¯s nothing worth getting upset about,¡± he replied coldly.

    The thin man glared at him, fists clenched tightly. Around him, injured protesters nursed their wounds, their eyes filled with indignation. ¡°And that¡¯s exactly the problem,¡± the thin man said, his voice shaking with emotion. ¡°To you, we¡¯re just obstacles to shove aside. We want justice for the people you exploit, but all you care about is yourself.¡±

    ¡°Why must you be such an asshole?¡± another man shouted, clutching his injured arm. His outburst ignited a wave of angry voices as the crowd rallied, their furious cries rising in unison to berate Ged.

    Ged glanced around at the seething mob and let out a cold, mocking laugh, his apathy cutting through their outrage like a blade.

    Anger boiled over as some of the more enraged protesters began hurling rocks and sticks at Ged¡¯s superhuman frame. Their attacks rebounded harmlessly, as if striking an immovable steel wall. Ged¡¯s contempt only deepened.

    ¡°Does it make you feel superior to shelter the weak while blocking the path of the strong?¡± he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Or is that just your idea of fairness?¡± With a single, deliberate motion, he caught a flying stone midair and crushed it into dust in his palm.

    Without hesitation, Ged swung his arms out, knocking away the nearest protesters with no regard for injury. Blood spattered the ground as some of his blows left them writhing on the hard stone roads.

    ¡°Get back, all of you! Give me plenty of room!¡± he roared, his voice cutting through the chaos like thunder. ¡°If I see a single one of you step out of line, I¡¯ll toss you into the abyssal mouth.¡± The crowd fell silent, their complaints stifled as they froze in place, too afraid to move.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you,¡± Ged said icily, his cold gaze sweeping over the cowering protesters.

    A few moments of tense calm passed, and Ged exhaled, glancing at the bloodied and teary-eyed crowd. Regret flickered briefly in his expression.

    ¡°I went a little overboard,¡± he muttered, shaking his head. ¡°I need to control my temper. If I¡¯m not careful, I might attract the attention of the authorities. The last thing I need is less freedom.¡± He reminded himself.

    Scanning the area for any immediate threats, Ged confirmed the situation was under control before shifting his focus to the Abyssal Mouth ahead.

    Ged retrieved a grappling device from within his body. The contraption featured a spool of thin wire connected to a magnetic, ball-bearing hook. With a press of the handheld trigger, the line unwound rapidly, the hook vanishing into the foggy depths of the Abyssal Mouth.

    As the spool continued its work, Ged scanned his surroundings with a wary eye. On the far edge of the pit, a hairless bodybuilder stood, his forehead marked with puffy cloud tattoos where his eyebrows should have been. He held a similar grappling hook device, his focus locked intently on the pit below.

    ¡°Cumulus Gang,¡± Ged muttered, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Their turf is Oizys. What the hell is he doing here?¡±

    His gaze sharpened as he examined the other areas of the pit more closely, spotting similar figures scattered throughout.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Ged hissed, his voice low and seething. ¡°Have they all come here looking to steal scraps from our city¡¯s mouth?¡±

    His fists clenched tightly, the veins in his arms straining as his anger boiled over. ¡°This isn¡¯t just a turf dispute. This is a declaration of war.¡±

    ¡°I need to ask Resh about this. The Golden Sun won¡¯t just let this slide...¡± he thought grimly, his attention shifting to the swelling mob of protesters behind him. The crowd¡¯s numbers were surging, their collective fury crackling in the air like a storm on the verge of breaking.

    ¡°This protest is going to turn ugly,¡± Ged muttered, his voice taut with anticipation.

 2. The Equalizers

    The protest was dense with activity. In the distance, a group of men with golden sun tattoos, shaved just above their ears, entered the crowd. Spotting rival Cumulus gang members, they moved swiftly toward the Abyssal Mouth to intercept them.

    Ged flexed his entire body, his muscles radiating an eerie blue light. Gripping the fishing device tightly, he channeled bursts of energy into it, causing it to unwind at an accelerated pace. With each surge, the hook descended faster, vanishing into the depths of the fog below.

    Shrouded in the mist was a giant, beak-like mouth. Serrated teeth lined its grotesque jaw, with small deposits of glistening green iron lodged between them. Hundreds of magnetic ball bearings, suspended on strings, flossed the celestial iron from the beak¡¯s jagged teeth. Periodically, the mouth opened wide, unfurling its enormous tongue to expose hard-to-reach areas for the fishing bodybuilders.

    Ged glanced at the worsening scene above.

    Nearby, the Golden Sun gang members confronted the closest Cumulus gang member. The leader charged his fist with golden energy, fiery light coiling brightly around his hand. With a devastating blow, he struck the Cumulus member in the back, sending him tumbling toward the pit below.

    The Cumulus gang member furrowed his cloud-shaped tattooed eyebrows as he fell backward. Smoke blurred around his feet, slowing his descent. From his abdomen, he pulled out a thorny, vine-like lasso and cracked it at the legs of a Golden Sun member. The lasso wrapped tightly around its target, its thorns digging viciously into flesh, dragging the victim toward the pit. The two remaining Golden Sun gangsters reacted quickly, grabbing their ally¡¯s shoulders to support him. Tiny mountains erupted beneath their feet, anchoring them in place. A tense standoff ensued as the Golden Sun members struggled to untangle the vine, while the Cumulus gang member used the tension to climb back toward the lip of the mouth.

    The violent exchange was like a spark in a powder keg, igniting chaos between the protesters and bodybuilders. Weapons were drawn, fists flew, and blood spilled as the sprawling melee escalated. More Golden Sun members emerged from the crowd, engaging the rival Cumulus gang in a fiery clash over contested territory.

    The chaos grew so intense that even bystanders were caught in the fray. Fury and desperation boiled over, sending people crashing into one another like bumper cars.

    Ged¡¯s carefully cleared space quickly disappeared as protesters and fighters alike stumbled into him. A hard shove to his back almost threw him off balance, threatening to send him plummeting into the pit. Ged winced in frustration, his fishing device nowhere near the depths necessary to retrieve anything worthwhile.

    "I need to leave now!" Ged gritted his teeth. "But this loss¡­" A conflicted look flickered in his eyes as he gripped the rod tighter. He wasn¡¯t ready to give up.

    "I can¡¯t do it!" Ged¡¯s expression twisted with desperation. "I¡¯m already behind on materials to develop my physique. If I take one more loss, I¡¯ll fall too far behind to build a body capable of ascending." He scanned the rim of the Abyssal Mouth, his mind racing. "There must be another way¡­"

    Nearby, one of Ged¡¯s bodybuilding neighbors, a man in a red flannel shirt, was frantically reeling in his fishing hook. From the foggy depths, a large chunk of celestial iron glinted on the hook.

    Greed flashed in Ged¡¯s eyes. The prize was too good to pass up.

    Without hesitation, Ged moved swiftly. Hopping down, he activated Goat Walk once more, angling his feet to grip the pit wall. Using his sturdy frame and his glowing calf muscles, he took a few agile steps along the vertical slope.

    Not far away, the Cumulus gang member clung to his vine-like whip, his hands bloodied from the thorns. Gritting his teeth, he kicked up clouds to propel himself higher along the edge of the pit.

    Suddenly, his grip slipped as a powerful foot slammed into his face. The whip flew from his hands, and he tumbled into the Abyssal Mouth below. A hateful glare burned in his eyes, locked onto Ged¡¯s silhouette as he fell to his demise.

    Ged, using the Cumulus gang member as a springboard, vaulted upward toward the red-flannelled man, who was just about to reel in his haul.

    Like a black blur, Ged twisted mid-flight, adjusting his trajectory as he descended toward the red-flannelled man. He delivered a ruthless punch to the man¡¯s exposed jawline. The fishing rod fell from his grasp as he staggered, dazed and unable to process what had happened.

    Stealing the rod, Ged swiftly tangled the red-flannelled man in his unwound fishing line, leaving him encumbered as he escaped with his spoils.

    The red-flannelled man, groggy but furious, slashed through the fishing line with his fingers. His eyes locked on Ged¡¯s retreating form as the thief melted into the chaotic crowd.

    "Stop! You thief!" the man roared, stumbling forward in pursuit.

    Ged turned to glance over his shoulder, but his attention lingered on the man¡¯s discarded fishing rod.

    "Some people are just too wasteful," Ged muttered, shaking his head. Ducking and weaving through the brawling crowd, he pushed forward, occasionally enduring retaliatory strikes from enraged protesters.

    The man was already extremely disadvantaged, despite his frantic effort to catchup, he found himself further and further behind.

    Trapped behind a pair of fighting bodybuilders and Ged, he could no longer pursue any further, unsatisfied and brooding with rage he begrudgingly gave up his chase.

    "You won''t get away with this!" the man roared, his face flushed, veins bulging with rage. "Don¡¯t think you¡¯ve won! The Equalizers will hear of this injustice. Mark my words, I will return this enmity tenfold!"

    Ged didn¡¯t slow his pace, his frown deepening as the man¡¯s shouts echoed behind him. He pushed through the chaotic crowd with steady determination.

    "Another loser who can¡¯t handle a single setback in their life," Ged muttered under his breath, shaking his head. He sneered, "I don''t believe you have even seen my face. Do you really think the Equalizers are so omnipotent that they can honor every claim of injustice submitted to them?"

    "Delusional," he added with a cold chuckle, disappearing deeper into the crowd.

    The uproar of the crowd continued to escalate as reports of more deaths spread rapidly. Cries of anger and dissatisfaction filled the air. The bodybuilders, weary from the relentless attacks of the weak but persistent protesters, retaliated with brutal force. Protesters were shoved aside in waves, many trampled to death in the chaos. Without intervention, catastrophe was inevitable.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    Thunderous drums boomed across the city. Their deep, resonant beats swept over the masses, electrifying and commanding.

    A cold wave of clarity rippled through the crowd. Weapons were lowered, tempers cooled. Like a parent forcing quarreling children into uneasy compromise, the violence ebbed, replaced by tense, hostile stares.

    Even the rival gang members faltered. Moments earlier, they had unleashed their most vicious strikes, but now they hesitated, dropping their weapons. Some hastily covered their faces, retreating into defensive postures, as if sensing the impending storm.

    From beneath the city¡¯s stone roads, red and blue flying saucers emerged, their smooth, gleaming forms hovering ominously around the Abyssal Mouth.

    Bodybuilders descended from the saucers like otherworldly beings, suspended in bright yellow beams of light.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    "I figured the peacekeepers would show up eventually," Ged muttered flatly. "Good thing I got what I needed before they shut everything down." Relaxing his stance, he stopped pushing his way out and stood still, waiting to see how the situation would unfold.

    The yellow beams scanned the masses like searchlights. When they found a troublemaker, the beams froze them mid-air in a glowing halo, rendering them weightless. Flailing helplessly, the captured individuals spun slowly, as though adrift in space.

    Several gang members, too slow to hide or reckless enough to keep fighting, were quickly caught in the lights, their bodies dangling like marionettes.

    Suddenly, a new beam of light appeared at the crowd¡¯s center. Within it stood a towering male figure, as tall as a full-grown oak tree. Gasps and murmurs of awe rippled through the crowd.

    "The Abyssal Mouth is now closed to the public."

    "Prepare to be dispersed immediately."

    "City governor..." people whispered, pointing at the giant man in reverence.

    Ged remained unmoved, his expression flat.

    The oak-tree-sized figure reached into his body and pulled out a metallic faucet. Fixing it into his palm, he turned one of its knobs. A waterfall of shimmering, illusory water gushed forth, cascading onto the crowd below.

    Though intangible, the water moved with immense force. It swept protesters and bystanders alike in a raging, invisible current, scattering them far from the Abyssal Mouth. The peacekeepers skillfully directed the torrent, ensuring no one was pushed toward the pit.

    In seconds, the crowd had vanished, carried off by the unseen flood. Only those trapped in the yellow beams of light remained, suspended above the now-empty plaza.

    Ged was no exception. The current flung him away like a kite cut loose. He tumbled over uneven stone streets, gritting his teeth and flexing his body to soften the blows. After being carried nearly half a kilometer from the Mouth, he managed to use the city¡¯s many spires as brakes, finally crawling to a halt.

    The shouts and clamor of the protest were now a distant memory. Ged¡¯s shoulders relaxed slightly, and as he tested his bruised limbs, he found himself largely unscathed. Surveying the vacant streets and toppled spires, he noted other washed-away protesters in varying states of disrepair. Letting out a sigh of relief, he realized he¡¯d avoided any immediate danger.

    He scanned the area carefully, ensuring that none of his enemies or troublesome acquaintances were in sight. Only when he was certain there were no immediate threats did he fully relax and push himself to his feet.

    A wry smile tugged at his lips. ¡°Looks like I got lucky this time,¡± he said quietly, savoring a rare sense of relief.

    Reaching into his body, Ged felt around for the stolen goods he had just acquired. When his fingers brushed against them, a satisfied grin spread across his face.

    The fishing rod he had taken proved far superior to his old one. Its sleek black handle gleamed with a polished finish, and as he tested the mechanism, he noted it could release and retract at twice the speed of his previous rod.

    ¡°No wonder that rich idiot snagged celestial iron so easily. With a rod like this, anyone could,¡± he muttered, his tone touched by begrudging admiration.

    Ged examined the magnetic ball bearing that served as the hook, hefting the cluster of green celestial iron in his hands.

    ¡°Thirty kilograms!¡± he exclaimed, genuinely impressed.

    "Not bad,¡± he said, his grin widening. ¡°This should trade for a month¡¯s worth of vials."

    After brushing the dust from his clothes, Ged carefully navigated away from the stone spires. He scanned the quiet streets again, satisfied that no one hostile lingered nearby. With his valuable spoils secured, he was eager to leave the city behind.

    ¡°This looks like the Sixth Sector,¡± he mused, recognizing the repetitive pattern of the spires. ¡°For now, I¡¯ll head toward the outskirts of town and see if I can find any trace of the new hideout.¡±

    He traveled with fast steps as he left the city, many other protestors and bodybuilders were nursing wounds, crying out for medical treatment.

    As Ged traveled farther from the city center, the cries of the injured and desperate grew softer. He maintained a brisk pace, but as he approached the city¡¯s edge, his steps slowed, eyes narrowing at the sight before him.

    ¡°It seems the Equalizers are out on duty. Just my luck to run into that bastard Wattkinz right when I¡¯m on my way out,¡± Ged muttered, his tone heavy with displeasure as he spotted the man on the opposite side of the street.

    The Equalizers were a scattered but fervent group, claiming to uphold justice in a lawless universe. Acting as judge, jury, and executioner for anyone who dared to abuse the weak, they were funded by taxes collected from the city.

    Ged loathed their meddlesome ways. To him, they upheld nothing but mediocrity, ensuring no one was left behind while punishing those who sought to get ahead.

    Ged veered aside, hoping to avoid the troublesome group entirely.

    Ahead, three bodybuilders in trench coats and sunglasses pursued a bloodied fugitive. The wounded man staggered, his injuries sapping his strength.

    ¡°Stop right there, you bully!¡± one of the trench-coated men shouted.

    ¡°Your days of preying on the weak are over. The Equalizers have caught on to your degenerate behavior!¡± another yelled.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it!¡± the bloodied man pleaded, voice raw. ¡°Please, spare me!¡±

    The third Equalizer, a scarred figure puffing on a cigar, trailed behind at a leisurely pace. He seemed to savor the fugitive¡¯s desperation. But then his focus shifted. Turning his head, he spotted Ged heading toward the city¡¯s edge.

    With a sudden burst of speed, the scarred man slammed his heel down onto the fleeing bodybuilder¡¯s back. The man collapsed with a howl as the other Equalizers pinned him to the ground.

    Exhaling a plume of smoke, the scarred man, Wattkinz, grinned and waved at Ged.

    ¡°Little brother Ged,¡± Wattkinz called, his gravelly voice cutting through the air. ¡°Why are you ignoring me? Up to no good again, I assume?¡± He coughed softly, lips curving into a smirk.

    Ged halted, keeping his expression neutral. ¡°You¡¯re on duty. Why would I bother you?¡±

    ¡°Duty?¡± Wattkinz scoffed, grin widening. ¡°This? Hardly. I always have time for my beloved brother.¡±

    Reaching into his abdomen, Wattkinz retrieved a white capsule and dropped it beside the paralyzed criminal. It expanded with a hiss, unfolding into a sleek mechanical hatch. The other Equalizers lifted the man inside and sealed it shut.

    With this done, Wattkinz turned back to Ged, his gaze keen.

    ¡°I heard the protest at the Abyssal Mouth turned into a riot,¡± he said, tone mockingly curious. ¡°I hope you behaved and didn¡¯t stir up any trouble.¡±

    Ged shrugged. ¡°I did nothing.¡±

    ¡°Nothing?¡± Wattkinz laughed, his scar twisting with amusement. ¡°Maybe my delinquent brother is finally turning over a new leaf. Perhaps we should celebrate.¡±

    One of the Equalizers leaned in to whisper something to Wattkinz. He frowned, whispered back, then returned his attention to Ged.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to finish this another time. Apparently, I¡¯m needed elsewhere.¡± He began wheeling the capsule away, its metallic wheels clattering softly on the stone street.

    He paused, glancing back at Ged to lock eyes one final time.

    ¡°Not everyone can become a Celestial,¡± he said, his voice growing colder. ¡°Don¡¯t go climbing a mountain with no peak. Try to find at least one thing that brings you peace, even if it means settling for less.¡±

    As he moved on, the wheels clacking softly in his wake, he spoke a final line over his shoulder, his voice quieter now:

    ¡°It would be nice to actually see you happy...¡±

    As Wattkinz walked away, his broad back and sculpted muscles dominated Ged¡¯s vision, a silent display of authority and power that rankled him.

    Ged clenched his fists, allowing his glare to surface only when Wattkinz was safely distant.

    ¡°You want to see me happy?¡± His face grew solemn. ¡°I want to be happy too,¡± he said softly, looking up at the cloudless sky. ¡°But for me, the ground is suffering, and the sky is freedom. There¡¯s nothing in between. It¡¯s one or the other¡­¡±

    He knew better than anyone that his odds of becoming a Celestial were impossibly slim. Wattkinz¡¯s words were nothing new; Ged had heard them often, yet each time they stirred fresh despair in his heart.

    He wished he could settle for less, give up, and live a life free of desperation. But whenever he tried to rest, it felt like his skin was boiling, as though stillness itself was a form of torment.

    ¡°What can I do?¡± he lamented. ¡°There¡¯s no peace for me on the ground. My only choice is to keep striving upward and trust the stars to hold something better.¡±

    His teeth clenched as his resolve solidified once more.

    Turning his back on Wattkinz, Ged strode toward the city¡¯s outskirts, eager to leave the encounter behind.

    As he made his way through the outskirts of town, he frequently stopped to scan his surroundings. Periodically, at intersections between jagged rocks, he crouched down and pressed his hand to the ground, sending a vibrating pulse into the earth.

    Occasionally, a resonance would return, prompting him to adjust his path.

    After weaving through an irregular zigzag pattern, Ged finally arrived at an inconspicuous stone grotto.

    Having found what he was looking for, his traps lit up as he activated his ¡°Digging Hands¡± ability. Bending over, he scooped up dirt with hands that worked like a digging crane, burrowing into the grotto floor. The ground crumbled beneath his efforts, revealing a crystalline cave below that glowed with a hazy, red-tinged light.

    Carved into a nearby wall was what appeared to be a nightclub bar. Its entrance was flanked by two massive bodybuilder bouncers standing stoically behind a red velvet rope.

 3. The Hidden Olympian

    Not wasting any time, Ged approached the two doorman bouncers stationed outside the Hidden Olympian, each sporting Golden Sun tattoos above their ears.

    "Chim, I''m here for Resh," Ged said to the larger of the two doormen, his tone aloof and unhurried, as though this were a routine visit.

    Chim turned to the second doorman. "Bo, go ask if he''s able to see him."

    Bo spat in protest, but a sharp glare from Chim kept him in line. Begrudgingly, Bo turned and disappeared inside the bar.

    Inside, the Hidden Olympian was a den of pure degeneracy. Drug use, sex, and gambling dominated different corners of the space. The air hung heavy with the stench of cigarette smoke and other narcotics, while loud, droning electronic music reverberated off the cave-like walls of the underground bar.

    Seated alone in a private room was a bodybuilder. His sunken eyes glowed a vibrant blue as they stared vacantly ahead. His hands moved methodically, crushing peanuts one by one, the shells piling into a mound of dust before him. Beside the growing heap, a bowl of cigarette butts overflowed, and he chain-smoked relentlessly, exhaling plumes of smoke in rhythmic bursts, like an industrial smokestack.

    Lost in vivid hallucinations, Resh¡¯s senses were completely consumed by the vision of a vast, endless ocean. The sound of lapping waves filled his mind, and above the water¡¯s surface floated an indescribable orb. It twisted and distorted space around it, a presence so alien it seemed to defy existence itself. He reached for it, his hands trembling, yearning for connection.

    "Resh," Bo called cautiously. There was no response.

    "Sector Leader Resh," he tried again, louder this time. Still nothing. Frustration creeping into his voice, Bo moved closer, leaning over the table to place himself directly in Resh''s line of sight.

    Bo snapped his fingers sharply in front of Resh¡¯s unblinking gaze. ¡°Ged¡¯s at the door. Do you want to see him?¡±

    The snap shattered the vision. The ocean and the orb evaporated, leaving Resh adrift in the dim, smoke-filled room. His head tilted slightly as he tried to make sense of his surroundings, his glowing blue gaze snapping to Bo¡¯s hand with a sudden, unnerving intensity.

    Without warning, Resh¡¯s hand shot out with explosive ferocity, crushing Bo¡¯s arm in an iron grip. The sickening snap of bones echoed through the room.

    ¡°You idiot! Do you understand what you¡¯ve done?¡± Resh shouted, tears streaming down his face. ¡°The most beautiful creation¡ªgone! Right when it was within my grasp!¡±

    He clawed at the air, desperate to reclaim the vanished vision. His voice rose to a fever pitch, trembling with frustration. ¡°Unbounded and unrestrained, I saw the peak of all things bathed in the water of the absolute!¡±

    Bo gasped, clutching his mangled arm. He wanted to scream, but terror kept him silent. Resh¡¯s words grew darker, more erratic.

    ¡°Concepts, sensations, perspectives¡­¡± Resh¡¯s voice softened into a reverent whisper. ¡°They all knelt before it, powerless to describe its beauty. And it appeared before me, offering just a kernel of its truth.¡±

    His tone turned cold, laced with accusation. ¡°But you! With your jealous, earthly interruptions, shattered my connection to it. Have you no shame?¡±

    Bo¡¯s stomach churned with fear. ¡°This isn¡¯t right,¡± he thought, panic tightening in his chest.

    "Fuck, Resh must have taken too much Blue Water. He''s completely lost it," he screamed internally, his mind racing for a way to pull his superior back to reality.

    Steeling himself, he fought to keep his voice steady. ¡°You told us to let you know if someone was at the door,¡± he said, his words strained through clenched teeth. "Remember?"

    Resh¡¯s expression darkened further. His free hand curled into a fist as if to strike again, but he stopped himself, exhaling deeply.

    ¡°I did say that,¡± he muttered, shrugging with a detached air. ¡°But that was before I understood the true nature of everything. Things are different now, but I can¡¯t blame you for not knowing.¡±

    He paused, his voice softening slightly. ¡°Who¡¯s at the door again?¡±

    Bo steadied his trembling voice. ¡°Ged.¡±

    ¡°Ged?¡± A flicker of sanity returned to Resh¡¯s face as he mulled over the name. The glow in his blue eyes dimmed momentarily, replaced by a fleeting look of recognition.

    ¡°Ha! How bold my friend has become, seeking me out while I¡¯m preoccupied with so many important matters,¡± Resh said, rolling his eyes. ¡°I gave him a piece of our drug operation to oversee because I thought he had some swagger. Yet he still hasn¡¯t committed to joining me fully, despite all the benefits he¡¯s received.¡±

    He paused, his expression darkening as he lit another cigarette and inhaled the entire stick in one deep drag. Smoke curled from his lips as he muttered, almost to himself, ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ve been too soft on him lately¡­¡±

    With a raspy cough, the last of the smoke escaped his lungs. Resh finally croaked, ¡°Let him in, I should see him.¡± A predatory smile crept across his face as he began to consider how best to handle his unyielding friend.

    Bo hesitated, clutching his broken arm, his voice quivering with pain. ¡°Resh¡­ can you do something about my arm before I go?¡±

    Resh squinted at him, his eyes narrowing as he studied the injury with a detached curiosity. A strange glint appeared in his glowing gaze.

    Without hesitation, Resh reached into his abdomen, his fingers sinking into his flesh, and pulled out a pulsating crystalline prism. A cryptic smile spread across his face, his gaze narrowing with eerie focus.

    He flexed his entire body, steam curling from the prism as heat flowed into it from his blue-marked skin. Within moments, the prism glowed red-hot, boiling and twisting like molten fire.

    With brutal precision, Resh tore the broken arm clean from Bo¡¯s shoulder. He screamed, his cries echoing through the room as blood poured from the stump.

    Before Bo could process the agony, Resh pressed the molten prism to his exposed shoulder. The crystal leapt onto the raw flesh like a living predator. It twisted and reshaped itself into a grotesque claw-like appendage, its crystalline surface hardening to a crustacean blue.

    Bo convulsed violently as the transformation overtook him. The process lasted only seconds, but to him, it felt like an eternity.

    Resh stepped back, admiring his work with a twisted sense of pride. ¡°I always thought you were built wrong,¡± he said with mock satisfaction. ¡°Consider this my gift. A small trace of my newfound enlightenment.¡±

    Bo lay panting on the floor, his grotesque claw twitching involuntarily. His hatred for Resh burned through his exhaustion as he glared at his grotesque new limb.

    Resh wasn¡¯t finished. His eyes gleamed with inspiration as he studied Bo¡¯s trembling form. ¡°No¡­ this is incomplete. It won¡¯t do.¡± He paused thoughtfully, then brightened with sudden excitement.

    ¡°Aha! A new start in bodybuilding demands a new name, one that transcends your old self.¡±

    He pointed dismissively. ¡°From now on, you will be known as Crab. Your old identity is gone. You have a long road ahead of you, and I¡¯ll be watching your progress with great interest.¡±

    Resh brushed the mound of peanut shells aside, revealing a dusty stack of napkins. Muttering to himself, he began scribbling furiously. ¡°Claw curls¡­ six to twelve reps¡­ perhaps paired with forearm rotations¡­¡±

    Crab stared at Resh, his anger simmering beneath the pain. But as Resh scribbled on, it was clear there would be no sympathy from his leader.

    After a moment, he finally pushed himself up from the ground, careful not to risk disturbing Resh any further. Silently cursing to himself, he made his way back to the entrance, his arm throbbing with each step. The humiliation of the ordeal weighed heavily on him, his solemn expression betraying his search for respite from both the pain and disgrace.

    Outside the Hidden Olympian, Ged sat on a jutting flat crystal, one hand propping up his cheek as boredom crept in. He had been waiting for a while now, his posture relaxed but his patience steady.

    Ged didn¡¯t think much of the delay, some things simply took time to wrap up. But when he saw Crab return, his arm grotesquely altered into something alien, Ged¡¯s brow furrowed. His eyes narrowed as unease settled in, his mind racing to piece together what might have transpired inside.

    ¡°Ged.¡± Crab spoke flatly, his voice devoid of emotion. Yet his eyes, shadowed by dark circles, betrayed the toll of the ordeal. ¡°Resh will see you now.¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°How is he?¡± Ged asked cautiously, his tone measured. Even Chim, typically stoic and unmoved, cast a curious glance at Crab¡¯s unnatural arm.

    ¡°Not good.¡± Crab¡¯s stoic fa?ade cracked, a faint trace of sorrow slipping through his voice. But as his grip tightened on his mutated arm, anger replaced the sorrow in his expression. ¡°He¡¯s completely gone mentally. I think we should report him to his Killswitch.¡±

    ¡°His Killswitch?¡± Ged¡¯s voice dropped, disbelief tinging his words. ¡°You think he¡¯s reached the final stages of Blue Water madness? How can you be sure?¡±

    A chill ran through Ged as he considered the implications. For underground bodybuilders, treading the fine line between enhancement and insanity was an accepted risk of the lifestyle. The potent drug Blue Water promised unparalleled power but carried the ever-present danger of irreparable mental collapse. To safeguard against such an outcome, those who delved too deep into madness relied on a trusted individual, designated as their Killswitch, to end their life if they strayed too far from reason.

    But madness was an ever-present specter in the underground, believed to simply be apart of the cost of achieving greatness.

    "I just saw him a few days ago. He seemed fine then. Are you sure this isn¡¯t just a bad dose?" Ged asked, his tone tinged with doubt.

    Ged¡¯s expression darkened as he continued. "Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re overstepping a little by deciding something like this on your own?"

    Crab¡¯s anger flared, and he thrust his grotesque arm forward. "Don''t you see my arm? I¡¯ve turned into a freak of nature!" He glared at Ged with undisguised hatred. "He¡¯s deranged. His ramblings have gotten worse, and now he attacked me just for waking him up from his glazed stupor. Resh is out of line. I plan to take this to the boss and let him make the final decision, and I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll agree with me."

    Crab spat venomously. "You think you¡¯re so much better than me, acting like you have all the answers. You¡¯re not even one of us, not a Golden Sun. People like you are the reason the Cumulus Gang dares to treat us like weak vermin, waiting to be exterminated. You¡¯re nothing but a parasite, feeding off our strength. When the time comes, you¡¯ll be the first to be cast aside."

    "Do you really believe this conversation with Resh will end well for you? Even in his madness, Resh sees the truth," he sneered.

    Crab finished with a sinister grin. "Your days are numbered."

    Ged didn¡¯t flinch. He wasn¡¯t someone who cared about the power of titles or group identities. To him, they were nothing more than tools designed to bind people and force them into conformity. Crab¡¯s words were a testament to this mindset, a reflection of the cage he had willingly stepped into. Ged saw him as a prisoner, confined to a life where his choices were dictated by the shadows cast by his superiors. His delusional rant was little more than a gish-gallop of baseless assertions, describing a reality that didn¡¯t exist. To Ged, such a pitiful figure wasn¡¯t worth taking seriously.

    "You may regret those words," Ged said, his voice cool and detached, a faint smile playing on his lips. "But hold on to your mistake if you must. I don¡¯t mind."

    "You¡¯ve spoken your piece. Now take me to Resh," he added, his tone growing sharp with impatience.

    Crab sneered but chose not to press the issue further, feeling as though he had won the exchange. Smugly, he led the way for Ged while Chim unhooked the velvet rope, granting him entry into the Hidden Olympian.

    They moved through the derelict scenery of the cave bar. Beyond the entrance, the space opened into a sprawling main area centered around a runway where female bodybuilders moved with calculated allure. At the end of the runway, one performer transitioned smoothly into a pole-dancing routine on the central stage, captivating the audience below.

    Surrounding the stage was a group of stoic, expressionless male bodybuilders. Though their faces betrayed no emotion, their gazes lingered on the performances. Periodically, they placed glittering, colorful stones at the edge of the stage. The dancers eagerly collected the stones and consumed them, triggering an immediate transformation. White steam billowed from their bodies, and multicolored lights radiated from them, merging with the vibrant stage lighting. Their movements grew more fluid and vigorous, drawing subtle but satisfied reactions from the paying bodybuilders.

    The space branched into several passageways, each leading to different areas of the Hidden Olympian. Some paths wound toward gambling centers, others to drug dens or private rooms where nearly anything was permissible.

    Crab guided Ged past the stage and into one of the dimly lit cave passageways. They passed a series of occupied underground rooms, muffled sounds and indistinct voices seeping through the thick rock walls.

    Finally, they arrived at the entrance to Resh¡¯s private space, marked by a faint, illusory black veil. Using his human hand, Crab peeled back the veil, the Golden Sun tattoo on his skin glowing faintly as he worked.

    Crab remained silent, his glare daring Ged to step inside. Unfazed, Ged returned a brief nod before ducking through the opening Crab had created for him.

    As Ged stepped into the private room, his vision was immediately clouded by the thick smog of cigarette smoke. The dimly lit, cluttered space slowly came into focus. In the corner, Resh sat slumped in his chair, his body listless and his eyes still glowing a bright blue. In front of him lay a scribbled-on napkin, presumably prepared for Crab.

    "He''s definitely a little quieter than the last time I saw him," Ged muttered with a smirk, surveying the scene.

    Striding purposefully toward Resh¡¯s vacant gaze, Ged received no response. Without hesitation, he walked up beside him and delivered a sharp strike to the back of Resh¡¯s head, sending him face-first onto the table mid-drag of his cigarette.

    "Resh, you look terrible," Ged said, shaking his head pitifully. "When was the last time you saw the sun? You really need to take better care of yourself."

    Resh roared in anger, barely regaining his senses. He lifted his head from the table, his face smeared with soot and peanut crumbs, as he began to shake off the fog clouding his mind.

    Spitting out the crushed cigarette, Resh glanced around the room, his face a mask of confusion and anger. "What the fuck?" he growled, his glowing eyes flickering with a volatile mix of rage and returning sanity. Finally, his gaze locked onto Ged, who stood smugly over him. "You¡¯ve got a lot of guts, Ged!"

    With the explosive force of a coiled spring, Resh launched himself out of his chair. Still groggy, his movements were unsteady as he swung heavy, clumsy fists at Ged.

    Ged reacted with practiced ease, relying on quick footwork to evade the wild strikes. He ducked and sidestepped, staying just out of reach of Resh''s furious swipes.

    "Resh, come on," Ged said, his tone calm but exasperated as he moved fluidly around the attacks. "You were completely out of it. It was just a tap to snap you back to reality. I¡¯d expect you to do the same for me."

    But Resh wasn¡¯t listening. As his focus sharpened, so did his anger. His swings became faster, more precise, the drunken haze in his movements giving way to the raw power of his size and fury.

    Ged quickly realized he was losing ground. Resh¡¯s sheer size and strength made it only a matter of time before one of the blows landed. With a calculated decision, Ged stopped dodging and braced himself, letting Resh¡¯s fist connect squarely with his jaw.

    The punch was devastating. Ged¡¯s body twisted under the force, his feet skidding as he caught himself with one hand before hitting the ground. He clutched his numb cheek, pain radiating from the impact. Slowly, he adjusted his jaw with a sickening pop, then spat a mouthful of blood onto the floor.

    Grinning darkly, his blood-streaked teeth bared, Ged let out a low chuckle. "Good hit," he said, his voice tinged with mocking admiration. "A strike for a strike. I let you have that one."

    Straightening himself, Ged¡¯s tone turned firm. "Now come on. I have things to discuss, and this suffocating room isn¡¯t the place. Let¡¯s take this outside."

    Resh hesitated, his movements slowing. Though one hit on Ged didn¡¯t fully satisfy him, it was enough to momentarily quell his anger. The burst of violence seemed to jolt him awake a little more.

    "Outside?" Resh repeated, his voice tinged with reluctance. "Ged, things are different now. The Cumulus Gang members are lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike. And I¡¯ve just begun to grasp my own enlightenment, my path forward in bodybuilding. There¡¯s still so much for me to process," he protested, his tone bellowing with resistance.

    "Cumulus Gang? Those bastards were swarming the Abyssal Mouth today," Ged said bluntly, ignoring his ramblings. "They¡¯ve already shown their true colors. There¡¯s nothing to hide from."

    "You saw them at the Abyssal Mouth?" Resh asked, his curiosity flickering through his grogginess. "Tell me more."

    Ged moved toward the doorway, ignoring Resh¡¯s question. "The sun is setting soon. We shouldn¡¯t delay any longer. It¡¯d be a shame to miss it."

    Resh remained rooted in place, his gaze fixed on the vacant chair he¡¯d just vacated. An inexplicable longing flickered in his eyes, as though he couldn¡¯t bring himself to leave the suffocating comfort of the room.

    Noticing Resh¡¯s hesitation, Ged leaned in with a sly smile. "I also scored some Celestial Iron for you," he said in a low, conspiratorial tone. "A massive piece. If you come along without any more fuss, I might even sell it to you at a discount."

    Resh shut his eyes, letting out a deep, resigned sigh. After a moment of contemplation, he reached into his body and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with practiced ease. Taking a long drag, he exhaled a plume of smoke before muttering, "Fine. Lead the way. I have things I need to say to you as well."

    Ged felt satisfied with his response and was about to leave when his eyes caught on the napkin where Resh had scrawled a workout plan for Crab. A curious gleam flickered in his eye.

    ¡°What kind of workout is this?¡± Ged asked, raising an eyebrow as he pointed at the notes. ¡°Claw curls? What kind of nonsense arm are you trying to build here?¡±

    Resh turned, grabbing the napkin. His mind buzzed as he recalled what he had written. ¡°Its not for me,¡± he muttered dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s a routine I was putting together for Crab.¡±

    ¡°Crab?¡± Ged echoed, a flicker of confusion crossing his face before understanding dawned. His expression shifted to sly amusement as he snatched the napkin back, examining it closely.

    A mischievous grin spread across Ged¡¯s face. ¡°Why only one arm? Aren¡¯t workouts supposed to be balanced? Or are you planning for him to be permanently lopsided?¡±

    Resh snatched the napkin from Ged¡¯s hand, rereading his notes with narrowed eyes. The meaning behind Ged¡¯s words began to sink in.

    ¡°I see what you¡¯re saying,¡± Resh murmured, stroking his chin thoughtfully. The glow in his blue eyes intensified, signaling a familiar rush of inspiration. ¡°You¡¯re right. His development could become uneven. That¡¯s no good.¡±

    Ged leaned casually against the doorway, feigning interest. ¡°I think you¡¯re onto something with this physique transformation. But if Crab¡¯s going to shine using these workouts, he might need¡­ another adjustment.¡±

    Resh nodded slowly, the gears in his mind turning as he stared at the napkin. ¡°Indeed, it''s a bit incomplete¡­ He¡¯s not finished yet.¡±

    Satisfied, Ged pushed away the veil of the doorway and made his way out of the room. Outside, Crab stood waiting near the doorway, his expression grim and his grotesque claw twitching slightly.

    Ged stopped beside him, a hidden smile curling at his lips.

    ¡°What?¡± Crab snapped, his voice sharp with irritation.

    Ged said nothing, his mysterious grin deepening. He lingered by the doorway until Resh emerged from the room, his glowing eyes fixed on Crab like a leopard locking onto its prey.

    Panic flashed across Crab¡¯s face. Instinctively, he hid his remaining human arm behind his back, as if shielding it might protect him from the unsettling thoughts brewing in Resh¡¯s mind. Cursing his luck, he held back his rage toward Resh and instead glared daggers at Ged, fearful of what was to come.

 4. The Fourteen Muscle Groups

    ¡°Argh!¡±

    Crab wailed, his voice echoing through the cavern as he writhed on the floor. Both his arms had turned a crustacean blue, their grotesque forms clicking involuntarily. Struggling to prop himself upright, he flopped like a fish out of water, his movements frantic but futile.

    Resh worked in silence, his hands moving with surgical precision, indifferent to Crab¡¯s screams. The transformation was over quickly, leaving Crab gasping and broken on the stone floor.

    Even Ged, hardened by years in the underground, couldn¡¯t fully suppress his discomfort. His expression tightened as he watched, a flicker of pity crossing his face.

    ¡°Here.¡± Resh extended the napkin bearing his scrawled workout plan. ¡°Follow these movements to strengthen your arms. Build them up as much as possible.¡±

    He set the napkin beside Crab, nodding with a calm smile. ¡°Report your progress.¡± Without waiting for a response, he turned and followed Ged, already moving toward the hallway.

    Crab lay motionless for a moment, his grotesque arms twitching involuntarily. Resentment burned in his eyes, but he could do nothing except stare at their retreating backs, left to grapple with his fate in solitude.

    Ged and Resh emerged into the bustling main hall of the Hidden Olympian, where the air buzzed with activity.

    Having spent several days locked away in his private room, Resh scanned the bustling room with a renewed intensity. His gaze swept over the seedy atmosphere of the Hidden Olympian, but when his eyes landed on the stage, his expression hardened.

    ¡°Ged...¡± Resh¡¯s voice cut through the noise, halting Ged mid-step. ¡°Wait a moment. I need to handle this.¡± He gestured toward the pole-dancing woman with a critical frown.

    Ged sighed, already anticipating what was coming.

    One of the female bodybuilders clung to the pole like a human flag, her arms and legs trembling under the strain. She swayed, her form faltering, while the crowd below shifted restlessly.

    ¡°Caroline!¡± Resh bellowed. ¡°How many times must I correct you? That form is a disaster. You¡¯re wasting mass and losing the audience!¡± He jabbed a finger at the dissatisfied customers below, some of whom had already turned their attention elsewhere, their interest waning.

    Caroline¡¯s face tightened as she struggled to maintain her position. A loud tearing sound followed, and she collapsed onto the stage, clutching her abdomen in pain.

    Resh watched in silence, his face a mask of cold disdain. Employees and bodybuilders rushed to the scene, scrambling to restore order, their frantic movements only adding to the chaos. Without Resh¡¯s leadership, the usual chain of command had crumbled.

    Finally, Resh stirred. ¡°What are you fools doing?¡± His voice cut through the commotion like a whip. ¡°Have you forgotten how to handle workout injuries?¡±

    A worker in a crisp white suit darted to Caroline¡¯s side, placing a glowing hand on her abdomen. Pulsing blue waves spread from his fingertips across her skin, massaging and reconnecting the torn muscle fibers with precision. Gradually, her color returned, and her pained grimace softened.

    Resh¡¯s expression remained unreadable as he observed. ¡°This is unacceptable,¡± he said coldly, his gaze sharp as a blade. ¡°If her injury had escalated to muscle necrosis and she needed to be replaced, it would have cost more than your life.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. It won¡¯t happen again,¡± the therapist stammered.

    Resh stepped forward, anger burning in his eyes. But before he could continue, Ged¡¯s firm hand landed on his shoulder.

    ¡°Come on, Resh,¡± Ged said evenly. ¡°Deal with it later.¡±

    Resh blinked, his fury momentarily tempered. After a grumble and a sharp glare at Ged, he relented. ¡°Caroline, rest and recover. We¡¯ll talk later. And you,¡± his gaze shifted back to the therapist, colder than ever, ¡°learn to be useful, or I¡¯ll send you to the Blue Crystal Mines to work it off.¡±

    Finally, Ged led the way out of the Hidden Olympian, Resh trailing behind with a solemn expression.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this far enough? Do we really have to go all the way to the surface? What good is there in seeing a little sunlight?¡± Resh asked impatiently, his gaze flickering with blue.

    Ged didn¡¯t answer, continuing to move forward. Without pause, he began drilling into the wall, creating an angled slope for them to climb. As they ascended, the stone walls behind them sealed shut, as if the earth itself were alive, leaving them in complete darkness.

    At last, they breached the surface. Sunlight poured over them, illuminating their forms and bathing the rocky terrain in a warm glow.

    Ged surveyed the surroundings with a genuine smile, breathing deeply of the fresh air. Nearby, the planet¡¯s rocky surface gleamed, casting long shadows around the jagged grotto that mouthed the mountain.

    Resh grimaced, shielding his eyes with one hand. ¡°Fuck, it¡¯s worse than I remembered,¡± he muttered, stumbling back toward the shade of the grotto¡¯s entrance.

    Before he could retreat fully, Ged¡¯s voice cut through the stillness. ¡°I spoke with Crab. He said you¡¯d gone completely mad. But it seems his concerns were... exaggerated.¡±

    Resh frowned, his expression darkening. ¡°People have called me all kinds of names behind my back for as long as I can remember. As long as they fall in line, their words are meaningless,¡± he said with indifference. ¡°You could stand to learn a thing or two from them.¡±

    Ged¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°Your men don¡¯t look like they¡¯re falling in line, Resh. Their loyalty is slipping. I saw it in their faces. They¡¯re uncertain of your leadership.¡±

    He hesitated. ¡°It¡¯s the drugs. You¡¯re not handling them well. What was your last cycle? Have you increased it since we last spoke?¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Resh harrumphed, crossing his arms. ¡°I¡¯m at six vials and handling it just fine. Compared to your entire stack, I¡¯m practically restrained. If anything, I¡¯ve thought about increasing it. I¡¯ve fallen behind in training recently.¡±

    Ged¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°Resh...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t start,¡± Resh interrupted, his tone softening slightly. ¡°I don¡¯t need you of all people to worry about me.¡±

    He paused, his voice dropping lower. ¡°I¡¯ve got too much going on. My enemies circle me every day, waiting for me to stumble. Even my brothers eye my seat like it¡¯s already theirs. If I show weakness now, I¡¯m as good as dead.¡±

    His eyes blazed with blue fire as he stared directly into the sun. The light burned his irises a charcoal black, drying his eyes. Despite the pain, he didn¡¯t flinch.

    ¡°I can¡¯t give up yet... I still have things I want to achieve,¡± he said, his voice quieter now. After a moment, he massaged his eyes, the blackened pupils slowly returning to a faint blue glow.

    Ged watched silently, his expression unreadable.

    ¡°I must transcend this life,¡± Resh declared, his voice trembling with intensity. His eyes continued to burn and heal as he stared into the sun.

    ¡°Transcend?¡± Ged looked at him, puzzled.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired of always being behind,¡± Resh said quietly. His voice grew sharper as his gaze remained fixed on the sun. ¡°This sun is not hot enough to blind me, yet it still dares to burn my eyes.¡±

    ¡°When I look at the sun, I want my gaze to be the one that burns it.¡± He balled his fist, raising it in defiance, his expression hardening with resolve. ¡°But the life I have is still too weak.¡±

    Turning to Ged, his face twisted into a crazed smile. ¡°The sky, the ground, the stars, they all trample over me like second-rate trash. They will never listen until I force their submission. With the entire universe underneath me, I will create a universal body, walking beyond this reality as a transcendent being, above all.¡±

    Ged felt a strange stirring within him. Though Resh¡¯s words were tinged with madness, they resonated deeply. ¡°I feel similar,¡± he said thoughtfully.

    ¡°I want my freedom from this world. Perhaps that too is a form of transcendence... unfettered by anyone¡¯s control, I want to live my life as I choose, unbound by others.¡±

    ¡°Freedom?¡± Resh laughed harshly, his eyes blazing once more as he turned back to the sun. ¡°That won¡¯t ever happen.¡±

    His voice dropped to a mocking growl. ¡°Even you will fall beneath my feet eventually.¡±

    Ged gave a sly smile, shaking his head. ¡°Why must it always be like this? Perhaps there¡¯s room for both our desires. Let me claim my freedom, and the rest of the universe is yours to conquer as you see fit.¡±

    Resh sneered. ¡°If you truly believe that, then prove it.¡± He crossed his arms, his voice taking on a commanding edge. ¡°Audacious words demand action. Show me your conviction.¡±

    ¡°I saw about twenty Cumulus Gang members at the Abyssal Mouth today,¡± Ged said, his tone shifting. ¡°Some high-ranking ones too. I got a good look at their physiques and an estimate of their total mass.¡±

    Resh¡¯s ears perked up, his focus sharpening. His expression darkened slightly when Ged stopped talking, a faintly teasing smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

    ¡°Not bad,¡± Resh said, his tone measured and his curiosity piqued. ¡°Tell me, what would it take to keep you talking?¡±

    ¡°How many vials do you have on you?¡± Ged asked quickly.

    Resh reached into his abdomen, rummaging through his storage. ¡°About two hundred.¡± He pulled out two rubber-banded stacks of ten Blue Water vials and handed them over. ¡°I got two stacks just for you.¡±

    Ged frowned, his disappointment clear. ¡°So low... Have the Blue Crystal Mines dried up? Why are you so stingy?¡±

    ¡°Nothing like that,¡± Resh said with a shrug. ¡°I just changed my supply chains, prioritizing more pressing needs. You¡¯re lucky I¡¯m even willing to give you these. They¡¯re from my personal stash.¡±

    Grimacing with regret, Ged reluctantly took the vials from Resh¡¯s hands. He began detailing the events at the Abyssal Mouth, describing the Cumulus Gang members and the physiques of some high-ranking individuals. Resh nodded, listening intently. Once Ged finished, Resh pulled out another stack and handed it over.

    ¡°Something feels off,¡± Resh said, stroking his chin in thought. ¡°I haven¡¯t heard about anyone swinging their weight in Ozys to challenge the Cumulus bastards. It doesn¡¯t make sense for them to be this bold.¡±

    He furrowed his brow deeply. ¡°Their motives are hidden. I¡¯ll need to think about this more, but for now, it doesn¡¯t change anything.¡±

    His voice grew serious, his gaze sharpening. ¡°War is coming.¡±

    The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. ¡°Whether it¡¯s this newfound threat with the Cumulus Gang or my own brothers, I need you to be ready when the time comes.¡±

    Resh¡¯s tone darkened as he continued. ¡°Look at this.¡± Flexing his biceps, he tore the sleeves off his shirt in one swift motion, revealing two massive peaks of muscle. Embedded within each bicep, floating beneath the skin like fetuses in a womb, were the incomplete shapes of semi-automatic pistols.

    ¡°From now on, all Golden Suns and their allies will cease normal routines and prepare for war.¡± Reaching into his abdomen, he pulled out a clay tablet engraved with golden letters and handed it to Ged. ¡°If I¡¯m going to survive this battle, I¡¯ll need you to build me some guns as well.¡±

    Ged frowned as he examined the clay tablet.

    Outlined on it was a bicep workout routine designed specifically to create removable firearms. It was an artifact workout, a category Ged had avoided in favor of strength-based training.

    Workouts in this world fell into three categories: strength, abilities, and artifacts.

    Strength routines focused on building muscle mass and definition, fueled by nutrients. Abilities routines shaped magical skills within muscles, offering combat advantages without contributing to physical growth. Artifact routines allowed bodybuilders to create tangible weapons or tools from their muscles, though this often came at the cost of overall mass, depending on nutrition and training balance.

    Of the fourteen muscle groups available for development, Ged focused almost entirely on muscle growth. The only abilities he had allocated were "Goat Walk," "Digging Hands," and "Storage," none of which were suited for offensive combat.

    Resh¡¯s personal request forced Ged to reconsider. While he currently enjoyed the advantages of being under Resh¡¯s authority, Ged knew that if Resh pushed too far, he might have to reevaluate their relationship.

    ¡°How many do you need built?¡± Ged finally asked, his voice tinged with indignation.

    ¡°Twenty, if you can manage,¡± Resh said flatly. ¡°Whether you do it yourself or find someone else, I don¡¯t care.¡± He handed Ged ten stacks of Blue Water vials. Then, almost as an afterthought, he pulled out three more clay tablets. ¡°These are offensive abilities. If you don¡¯t use the guns, at least make yourself useful when things go south.¡±

    Ged nodded. The request, though frustrating, was reasonable. He took the tablets from Resh and began discussing additional trades.

    Retrieving the Celestial Iron he had collected earlier from his abdomen, Ged offered it in exchange.

    Resh, pleased with its size, traded him a variety of drugs and other useful materials.

    Ged stored everything in his abs. With his haul secured, he bid Resh farewell, eager to return home and make use of his spoils.

    Resh lingered at the grotto¡¯s entrance, his gaze fixed on the setting sun. The madness that had gripped him seemed to fade with the waning light, leaving his eyes a near charcoal black, though faint wisps of blue still lingered, stubborn and unyielding.

    ¡°Good that you brought me here,¡± Resh muttered as Ged turned to leave. ¡°I expect you¡¯ll manage on your own.¡±

    He paused, his voice carrying an edge of warning. ¡°Remember, if I fall, your territory won¡¯t last. Use your time wisely.¡±

    Ged offered no reply, trekking away into the rocky terrain as shadows stretched across the horizon. Behind him, Resh stood motionless, his silhouette framed against the last vestiges of daylight.

    Ged''s Current Workout

    <ul>

    <li>Pectorals (chest) - strength</li>

    <li>Latissimus Dorsi (mid back) - strength</li>

    <li>Rhomboid (back) - strength</li>

    <li>Trapezius (traps) - "Digging Hands": Allows the user to burrow into the ground and create tunnels for easy traversal.</li>

    <li>Spinal Erector (lower back) - strength</li>

    <li>Biceps - strength</li>

    <li>Triceps (under arm) - strength</li>

    <li>Forearms - strength</li>

    <li>Deltoids (shoulders) - strength</li>

    <li>Abs - "Storage": Stores up to 50 kg of space and upgrades as the individual''s total mass increases.</li>

    <li>hamstrings - strength</li>

    <li>Glutes - strength</li>

    <li>Quads - strength</li>

    <li>calves - "Goat Walk": Allows one to traverse difficult terrain as if it were flat land."</li>

    </ul>

 5. Working Out Stress

    The road home was neither long nor short, and by the time Ged arrived at the rocky entrance to his bunker, the sun had completely set.

    The entrance, once a secure rectangular outline, now sagged grotesquely, warped by the heat from the planet¡¯s recent feeding. The misshapen doorway looked ready to collapse at any moment. On its side, a faded picture of a blue eagle could be seen.

    Ged gazed at the sight with some confusion. "Strange... I see they still haven¡¯t fixed the paint on the entrance. Usually they are pretty on top of things. Feeding was hours ago. What have my parents been doing?" He frowned, pulling at the melted door handle. It stuck fast, and with a grunt of effort, he eventually wrenched it free, the metal screeching as it came loose. With a loud clang, he tossed the door aside and peered into the dark stone steps leading to his bunker.

    ¡°Stu. Celia. I¡¯m home!¡± Ged called as he descended into the dim bunker.

    His brows furrowed with indignation as silence greeted him in response.

    The cramped interior was tidy but sparse. For someone of Ged¡¯s massive stature, the low ceilings and tight spaces felt suffocating. A small, empty kitchen and an equally bare living room met his gaze. He frowned. "Not here. Have they gone out?"

    On the kitchen island, a clay tablet caught his attention. As soon as he picked it up, a wave of heat spread through his body, triggering a vivid, pulsating hallucination. Images of two familiar figures appeared in his mind.

    Stu and Celia, the temporary guardians who had cared for him the past two years, materialized before him. Their voices echoed softly, speaking directly to him.

    ¡°Ged¡­ if you¡¯re hearing this, you¡¯ve probably noticed we¡¯re gone,¡± Stu began, regret lacing his tone.

    Celia¡¯s voice followed, warm yet strained. ¡°We have so many children to care for. As the world grows, so does our responsibility to ensure no child feels unloved.¡±

    ¡°We tried to find a permanent solution for you,¡± Stu continued, his voice heavy. ¡°But the truth is, our resources are stretched too thin. We spoke with our supervisor, but there¡¯s only so much we can do. A new assignment came, and it forced us to change our residence as well.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t hate us, Ged,¡± Celia added. ¡°We truly wish you the best. We know you¡¯ll achieve your dream of becoming a Celestial one day.¡±

    ¡°Hugs and kisses from both of us. Goodbye, Ged,¡± Stu concluded as the vision faded.

    Ged stood motionless, the tablet trembling in his hands. Then, with a sharp motion, he crushed it into dust. The message could have been replayed, but he didn¡¯t want to hear their excuses again.

    Stu and Celia had been good people, warm and kind. They showered him with love and support. But Ged never wanted just their love or support.

    He remembered his birthday years ago. For his present that year, Ged had asked for one thing: for them to remain with him as his permanent parents, to be there for him indefinitely. Seeing their faces in the hallucination, telling him they had no choice but to leave, left a burning lump in his throat.

    "Should¡¯ve known," he muttered bitterly. ¡°Every fucking one of them are liars.¡±

    "They say over a hundred years ago, before the blue rain fell, families were different. They were permanent, bound by blood, born from couples who loved their children unconditionally. But clearly, that is all fantasy." He spat.

    ¡°The Celestials lived through those days. They saw real families. And yet they don¡¯t care about preserving them at all. They spawn us children in their muscles like factories, creating us solely to suffer for their survival, all under the guise of ''necessity.''¡±

    His eyes burned with hatred as he cursed the world that had brought him into existence.

    "What¡¯s the point of preserving humanity, if I can¡¯t even have a sliver of it for myself?"

    Ged¡¯s voice faltered, but his rage burned on, filling the silence of the empty bunker.

    "I will never allow them to control me." He steeled himself.

    "Celia and Stu were just another band-aid I had to rip off eventually. With the house to myself now, I can operate more freely." Ged gave a wry smile, masking his pain as he approached the fridge in his small home.

    Inside was an arrangement of colored rocks, alongside a note from Celia and Stu apologizing for leaving so suddenly once again.

    Ged barely acknowledged the note, crumpling it and tossing it onto the floor. Reaching into his abs, he retrieved an assortment of stones from his trade with Resh. He took out two peculiar, oddly shaped stones left behind by Celia and Stu, each weighing about five kilograms. Splashing cold water on his face, he allowed the chill to momentarily ease his simmering frustration. Passing through the bunker¡¯s main area, he descended the creaking stairs into the earth¡¯s depths, his mind churned with the weight of unfinished tasks.

    The walls of the staircase bore a faded blue eagle, its paint struggling to hold back the regenerating force of the living planet. The earth pulsated against its restraints, as if eager to break free and consume the house. Every month, a fresh coat of paint was required to keep the bunker from being crushed by Planet Blue Eagle¡¯s relentless hunger.

    "I''m going to have to do another coat soon, before I lose my damn house to this planet again," Ged muttered, frowning hatefully.

    Once Ged reached a particular point in his descent, the staircase opened into a circular clearing. The floor was lined with pod-like chambers embedded in the ground, each marked with a small eagle etched into the surface.

    On the wall, a meticulously organized schedule outlined the days of the week, listing workouts, rep counts, and total weights. The precision in its writing reflected the relentless discipline of its owner.

    Ged scanned the room, his gaze settling on the open space before him. "At least I¡¯ve got chest and legs today," he muttered, attempting to lift his sour mood. It was one of the few routines he genuinely enjoyed.

    Reaching into his abs, he withdrew a stack of vials. Flexing his bicep, he cut off blood flow to his arm. With practiced precision, he pierced a swollen vein with his finger, then popped the cork from the first vial, letting the liquid flow in. One by one, he emptied all ten vials of Blue Water. As the substance coursed through him, the usual color of his arm deepened into an unnatural purple. He relaxed his bicep, massaging the area expertly to speed healing and ensure the Blue Water circulated fully. Veins lit up like a glowing river map, the blue light eventually suffusing his eyes as well.

    Ged grabbed the colored rocks, placing them in his mouth. The crunch echoed through the room as he chewed, his teeth grinding the stones down. With each bite, the Blue Water¡¯s effects intensified.

    His vision warped as hallucinatory raindrops began falling from the ceiling, shimmering and surreal. Before they could touch the ground, a dark shadow from his mind extended outward, swallowing the drops like a ravenous beast. The hallucinations never fully took hold, allowing him to maintain clarity.

    Ged swallowed the rocks with deliberate effort. A faint white steam rose from his body, billowing outward and signifying the loss of mass through a bodily reaction. He stood motionless, allowing the sensations to course through him. His body felt lighter and sharper, but the loss of precious mass left a bitter taste in his mouth. He knew that this resource would only become more critical as he pursued his goals.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Stepping into the pod, Ged activated it by channeling heat from his core. The surrounding earth adhered to his body as he descended, encasing his muscles in pressurized stone. Only his chest and arms were free, ready for action.

    He gripped two stone slabs, each weighing over 300 kilograms. As the ground above opened, he began a motion similar to dumbbell flies. The slabs clattered together at the top with a thunderous boom, vibrations rippling through the pod.

    "Bah!" Ged roared, his voice echoing off the chamber walls.

    The day¡¯s weight bore down on him: the loss of his foster parents, the jeers of protesters, and Resh¡¯s grim warnings of war. These thoughts swirled in his mind like a raging tornado, amplified by the surreal Blue Water rain. The storm within fueled his drive, warping his vision and pushing his body beyond its limits.

    One rep. Two. By the third, his arms trembled violently, on the verge of collapse. Refusing to give up, Ged summoned every ounce of strength for a fourth rep. The slabs met at the top with a faint tap before he lowered them with a resounding crash.

    "I¡¯m still too weak!" he growled, frustration dripping from every word. Adjusting the pod¡¯s heat levels, he reduced the slabs¡¯ weight to 260 kilograms and continued.

    Ged pushed through two more punishing sets, managing seven reps in the first and five in the second before his arms gave out completely. Emerging from the pod, he scribbled his totals on the wall. It was a personal best, but the achievement did little to ease his frustration.

    White steam still radiated from his body as he descended once more, this time for underground squats. With a resistance of 1200 kilograms, he started strong, completing 20 reps in his first set. By the final set, his legs shook uncontrollably, barely managing eight reps.

    As the workout concluded, the white steam had almost entirely dissipated, leaving only faint wisps in the air. Ged regarded them with a bitter smile.

    "What a waste. I couldn¡¯t use it all," he muttered, disappointment etched across his face. His chest and legs had reached their limits, and the last remnants of mass were absorbed uselessly into the surrounding walls.

    For most bodybuilders, measuring body mass was a routine necessity. Government regulations treated physiques like concealed weapons, enforcing strict weight limits through mandatory weekly checks. Without proper clearance and permits, no one could legally exceed a total mass of 1,000 kilograms.

    In the underground bodybuilding circuits, however, most far surpassed that limit. Those who did were forced to abandon legitimate work, relying on illegal activities to fund their growth and avoid the government¡¯s suffocating oversight. Outside society¡¯s boundaries, they pushed their bodies to unimaginable extremes.

    Ged flexed his chest, examining himself in the mirror with a frown.

    "It¡¯s starting to get noticeable. It won¡¯t be long before the municipal authorities flag me for a physique check. Soon, I¡¯ll have no choice but to stay underground, building my body in secret," he muttered. "How does Resh manage it? He¡¯s already sacrificed his sanity to chase his dream, shutting himself away in that dark room, cut off from the sun. And here I am, still hesitating to do the same."

    Ged¡¯s fists tightened at his sides, his frustration evident.

    "One day, like Resh, I¡¯ll be surrounded by enemies on all sides," he said through gritted teeth. "I should just commit and bulk up, but something keeps holding me back. I can¡¯t bring myself to hide away like he does."

    His voice softened as he looked away from his reflection, the weight of his thoughts hanging heavy in the room.

    Next to his workout chamber was a wooden door that led to a small sauna. Heated by magma from the earth, the space radiated an intense warmth, its smoldering atmosphere reinforcing Ged¡¯s dedication. The heavy door creaked shut behind him as he stepped inside.

    The room was sparse. A lone meditation mat lay at its center, surrounded by shimmering waves of heat. In the far corner, a tiny pool of magma bubbled softly, casting a faint orange glow over the walls.

    Ged reached into his abs and withdrew a bucket of water. Pouring it into the magma, the room filled with thick steam, the heat intensifying as smoke curled upward. He lowered himself onto the mat, crossing his legs in the lotus position.

    With slow, deliberate breaths, Ged began circulating the hot steam through his body. Deep in his lower abdomen, a small ball of light pulsed rhythmically. This was his heat core, the concentrated spark that powered his abilities and artifacts. It served as a vital anchor preventing his massive physique from collapsing under its own weight. Without it, his body would implode.

    As a bodybuilder¡¯s mass increased, so did the pressure on their core. A larger core stored greater amounts of heat, unlocking exponential power. Yet this growth was not linear. A molten core just one stage higher could grant its user overwhelming superiority, even against someone of similar mass.

    "I¡¯m still far from reaching asteroid mass," Ged muttered, frustration tinging his voice. "I¡¯m probably only at one and a half meteoroids."

    Ged had already reached the first major milestone in bodybuilding, Meteoroid Mass. At 1,000 kilograms of body mass, his core had transformed into a brilliant white orb, sparkling like a distant star. The next stage, Asteroid Mass, required an unfathomable leap, around 100,000 kilograms of mass. Achieving it unlocked immense power, causing the core to upgrade and the heat passageways to shift from white to a glowing purple hue.

    For users of Blue Water, like Ged, the process was slightly different. The drug altered the body¡¯s heat, turning passageways a distinctive blue. Ged¡¯s own passageways glowed with a whitish-blue hue, their efficiency unmatched. Blue Water acted like a superconductor, minimizing heat loss while enhancing the creation of muscle, abilities, and artifacts.

    Exhaling deeply, Ged let the steam flow through his passageways, the light blue glow of his core pulsing steadily.

    Once the steam had fully soaked into his body and enveloped all the heat passageways, he began his work.

    The light blue heat traveled from his lower abdomen into his calves, carving intricate pathways through the muscle. Manipulating the heat into swirling pools within the fibers, he etched a constellation-like pattern resembling a goat, its stars meticulously arranged to evoke the night sky.

    After thirty minutes of precise carving, Ged retracted the heat back into his core. He allowed the residual warmth of the steam room to circulate through his body, refocusing his energy as he poured another bucket of water into the magma, intensifying the room¡¯s heat for the next phase.

    Opening his eyes from his meditative state, he pulled out the gun artifact tablet that Resh had given him. His expression soured as he scanned its instructions.

    "No, I can¡¯t do it. I won¡¯t sacrifice my bicep training for this miserable workout," Ged muttered, shaking his head. Storing the tablet back in his abs, he retrieved the other three tablets Resh had provided.

    He frowned at two of the tablets as he studied their instructions. "These two work in pairs, but I don¡¯t have two free muscles to train them together right now." With a sigh, he set them aside and focused on the last one.

    "This one, I can manage," Ged said after a moment, scrutinizing the contents. He cast a critical glance at his bulging forearms. "They¡¯re big enough for now. I can afford to neglect them a little."

    The tablet described the ability workout "Stalactite Sword," which harnessed waste dripping from the forearms to form durable, icicle-like rock structures. Up to five stalactites could be stored in each wrist, ready to be used as pointed swords or broken in half as throwing knives.

    "The only issue is how long they take to form. But once I¡¯ve stored a few, I can shift back to strength training and adjust my routine," Ged said, smiling despite himself.

    Channeling the heat swirling through his body, he directed energy to his forearms, stimulating the muscle tissue in irregular patterns. As his body expelled tiny bits of mass, Ged skillfully utilized the waste to begin shaping the stalactites. Faint dripping sounds echoed as small nubs of rock began to emerge from the tops of his forearms.

    Ged smiled at his progress. Satisfied with his effort and unwilling to risk overtraining or injury, he put away his bucket of water and exited the steam room.

    Having spent over an hour in the hot room, he felt his mind clear and his body refreshed. The heavy workout and intense heat had washed away the stress of the day, leaving him with a renewed sense of focus.

    "I should message Trevor and see if he can meet me tomorrow," Ged muttered to himself. "Check if there are any updates with the clients. Something big feels like it¡¯s brewing, and I might need to recruit extra hands to keep things running smoothly."

    A stone transmitter hung on the wall. Ged picked it up and checked for any incoming messages. Finding none, he gripped the device firmly, channeling heat into it with precise, Morse-code-like patterns.

    Pressing the transmitter against the wall, the message transferred into the earth as vibrations, traveling toward Trevor.

    "Knowing him, he¡¯s probably already conked out from rolling on Beehive earlier," Ged muttered, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I doubt I¡¯ll hear back anytime soon."

    After placing the transmitter back in its slot, he ascended the stairs to his small home, navigating the cramped hallways to his tiny room. Collapsing onto his bed, Ged let out a contented sigh, momentarily setting aside the lingering challenges he knew he would inevitably face. For now, he was ready for a long, well-deserved sleep.

 6. The Weight of the World

    Morning arrived swiftly. Ged rose from his bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as sunlight spilled into his home. Glass tubes lined the ceilings, channeling bright morning rays from outside into the dim interior, bathing the shadowy corners in soft, golden light.

    As he wandered through his modest home, his eyes fell on the entrance. The doorway, warped and sagging from the planet¡¯s recent feeding, looked worse than ever. The edges had crumbled further, threatening complete collapse. A faint breeze slipped through the cracks, stirring dust into lazy spirals.

    Ged furrowed his brow, muttering under his breath. ¡°What a nuisance. I left the damn door wide open all night.¡±

    He moved quickly, inspecting his home with sharp, deliberate motions. His first stop was the fridge. Pulling it open, he meticulously counted every piece of mass he had brought home the day before. Only after confirming everything was intact did he let out a relieved sigh.

    ¡°I can¡¯t afford to be this careless,¡± he muttered, shaking his head. His gaze drifted back to the ruined doorway. ¡°As much as I hate it, I¡¯ll have to make a trip to the shops and buy more Eagle Paint to fix this mess.¡±

    Descending to the workout area, Ged checked the stone transmitter for any messages from Trevor. The device remained silent. His frown deepened, frustration simmering just below the surface.

    ¡°Lazy bastard,¡± he muttered. ¡°Trevor still owes me some mass. I was hoping to avoid dipping into my own supply, but¡­¡± He exhaled sharply, his irritation evident. ¡°It is what it is. When he finally decides to stir, he¡¯s going to get an earful.¡±

    Not wanting to waste time, Ged moved to prepare for the day. He changed into a clean set of clothes and returned to the fridge, retrieving fifty kilograms of mass. The smooth, dense rocks felt reassuringly solid in his hands. He packed them carefully into his abdomen, ensuring it was filled to capacity.

    Before leaving, Ged¡¯s gaze lingered on the fishing rod, a trophy from the red-flannelled man. It stood propped neatly in the corner of his room. Deciding it wasn¡¯t worth bringing along, he turned his focus to the day ahead.

    The Elpida Strip awaited him. It was a bustling hub of merchants and shoppers, the same chaotic marketplace he had passed through on his way to the Abyssal Mouth. With his bunker door still in disrepair, Ged propped the warped metal against the entrance. It wasn¡¯t much, but it might dissuade an opportunist from ransacking his home.

    On Planet Blue Eagle, few people owned their homes. Instead, most rented dilapidated spaces, held together by the tenuous bond of Eagle Paint. The planet itself acted like a cruel slumlord, dictating tenancy and rent with impunity. Its inhabitants were trapped in an endless cycle of maintenance and compliance, their lives shaped by the whims of its demands.

    After a brisk ten-kilometer journey, Ged arrived at the Elpida Strip. The cacophony of traders and bustling buyers greeted him. The market was teeming with life as it always was, its chaotic energy a stark contrast to the heavy silence of his bunker.

    Ged scanned the bustling market with sharp attention, his focus unwavering as he searched for deals that might prove useful.

    Mass came in various grades and categories, each suited to specific muscle groups. While any mass could be used to build muscle, specialized stones offered the most efficient conversion. Stones, however, were the lowest quality of mass, and higher-grade materials were often hard to come by.

    Ged was no longer focusing on strengthening his forearms and now had a surplus of forearm stones. He intended to trade them for mass better suited to his priority muscles, particularly his lats and rhomboids.

    As Ged moved through the throng of merchants, his gaze landed on a familiar figure. The man sat cross-legged on a threadbare carpet, surrounded by an assortment of dirty, recently unearthed goods. His once-mighty frame had withered, sagging muscles a testament to years of neglect. Bald, with a long handlebar mustache, his aged features carried the unmistakable look of a bodybuilder long past his prime.

    ¡°Gore?¡± Ged called his voice a mix of surprise and caution.

    The man¡¯s tired eyes lifted, meeting Ged¡¯s. Recognition flickered in his gaze, but it was shadowed by something heavier, a quiet weariness etched into his face.

    They had not seen each other in a year. Once close, their reunion now carried an unspoken tension that lingered in the air.

    Gore had been more than an acquaintance; he was a mentor, the one who had introduced Ged to the underground bodybuilding world. In a landscape where most were content with mediocrity, Gore had dared to dream of more. Like Ged, he had never fully joined the Golden Suns, preferring to work on the fringes of the organization, taking odd jobs and charting his own path.

    His ambition had inspired Ged and shaped his journey. But then, without warning, Gore had vanished. His absence left a void that Ged had been forced to fill, stepping into a position of authority at just 17 years old. Rumors about Gore¡¯s fate spread like wildfire. Some claimed he was dead; others whispered of imprisonment in the underground.

    Seeing Gore now, diminished and broken, left Ged grappling with a storm of emotions. Admiration clashed with disappointment, and beneath it all, a faint flicker of pity lingered. Gore was someone Ged had rooted for, a man he had genuinely wanted to succeed. Seeing him reduced to this was like a bucket of cold water.

    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Ged asked quietly. There had been a time when he held great respect for the man in front of him. Gore, once a gargantuan figure with arms like ripe fruit, now looked as if his muscles had dried into shriveled husks after a year of neglect.

    ¡°Nothing much,¡± Gore replied, brushing off the question with feigned confidence. ¡°I decided to stop working for those cowardly Golden Suns. It felt like the right time to try something different with my life.¡±

    He smiled slightly and added, ¡°What about you? You seem to be flourishing in my absence. Shouldn¡¯t you be thanking me for leaving when I did?¡±

    Gore, once a towering mountain in Ged¡¯s life, now seemed like little more than an anthill. Hearing him speak as if nothing had changed, as though their old relationship was untouched, brought a wave of melancholic amusement to Ged. He chuckled dryly.

    ¡°I thought you were dead,¡± Ged said, his tone heavy. ¡°But now you¡¯re telling me you¡¯ve just been hiding away all this time, and you didn¡¯t even reach out? I find that hard to believe.¡±

    Gore smirked. ¡°It¡¯s the truth. Those Equalizer bastards came to my door and forcefully downsized my physique until I barely had any muscle left. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of starting over. I¡¯m too old to make big breakthroughs anymore. My path as an underground bodybuilder is over. Rather than rebuild myself, I decided to live a new life.¡± His gaze was steady, filled with a quiet but resolute acceptance.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Ged frowned, his voice heavy with frustration. ¡°The Gore I knew wouldn¡¯t give up so easily. You told me you¡¯d stop at nothing to ascend to the sky as a Celestial. You claimed to be a student of Celestial Plunk, willing to sacrifice anything to reach your goals. And now, you¡¯re telling me you¡¯ve thrown it all away after one minor setback?¡± His words were sharp, biting.

    ¡°Everyone knows rebuilding your physique is easier than starting from scratch. Did you even try?¡± Ged¡¯s voice rose, tinged with anger and disbelief.

    Gore¡¯s expression darkened, his brows drawing together as he crossed his arms. ¡°You don¡¯t understand anything,¡± he said, his voice low but firm. ¡°When Plunk ascended to the stars, he didn¡¯t just leave this planet behind.¡±

    He leaned forward, his voice bursting with fury. ¡°He tore it apart! When he left, he took trillions of kilograms of mass with him, destabilizing the economy and breaking the delicate flow of mass that sustains this world. Prices skyrocketed, famine swept the land, and millions died. Planet Blue Eagle clamped down hard, raising rents and tightening control while the rest of us were left to suffer.¡±

    He paused, his voice trembling with bitterness. ¡°I was na?ve to think Plunk was a beacon of hope. His actions shook the ones pulling the strings, and now they¡¯ve made damn sure no one like him will ever rise again.¡±

    Ged¡¯s frown deepened, but his tone grew cold. ¡°If Plunk¡¯s path is closed, then we carve a new one. Since when did you care about the economy or the suffering of others, Gore?¡±

    Gore¡¯s eyes flashed with anger, his voice rough and strained. ¡°Ged, do you really think the underground is a safe haven? That you can grow your physique unchecked just because you¡¯re not playing by their rules?¡±

    He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. ¡°You¡¯ve lost the plot entirely. They¡¯re already onto you. They control the Blue Crystal Mines, Blue Water, and every gang on this planet. You think you¡¯re beyond their reach? Their grip runs deeper than you could ever imagine.¡±

    Gore¡¯s tone softened, growing pained and weary. ¡°I didn¡¯t give up because I was weak. I gave up because I realized too late that my efforts were meaningless. Everything I believed in was a lie,¡± he said, his eyes gleaming with a cold, distant light. ¡°A cruel illusion of freedom, as if someone like me ever had a chance to ascend.¡±

    He laughed bitterly, the sound hollow and empty. ¡°But enough of that. It¡¯s good to see you again, Ged.¡± His voice wavered, and he shifted his gaze, as if trying to hide the weight of his words.

    Ged¡¯s frown deepened, but he found no words to refute Gore¡¯s claims. He was too young, too new to the weight of the world that had crushed his mentor. Unlike Gore, Ged had only begun to feel its oppressive force. His gaze shimmered with denial, but no argument came to his lips.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find out for myself,¡± he said finally, his voice steady but uncertain. He didn¡¯t want to believe Gore¡¯s words, but he couldn¡¯t shake the sense of truth lurking within them.

    Shifting his focus, Ged¡¯s eyes scanned the scattered items laid out before Gore. ¡°What¡¯s this you¡¯re selling?¡± he asked, picking up a muddy stone and turning it over in his hand.

    ¡°Scraps from an abandoned house I raided nearby,¡± Gore replied. ¡°I¡¯ve been scavenging. After laying low and doing odd jobs, I figured out a method for detecting fading Eagle Paint in collapsed homes. I break in, dredge up whatever hasn¡¯t been absorbed by the earth yet, and sell it off. Not glamorous, but it keeps me afloat.¡±

    He gestured toward the stone in Ged¡¯s hand. ¡°That¡¯s part of a delt stone. You¡¯ve got three there. I¡¯d trade all of them for two stones of mass.¡±

    Ged considered the stone for a moment before looking up. ¡°Would you like some work? I need a trustworthy bodybuilder, and it seems like our interests might align.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going back to the underground,¡± Gore said firmly, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯ve no desire to return to that madness.¡±

    Ged reached into his abdomen and pulled out a clay tablet along with two forearm stones, handing them to Gore.

    Gore pocketed the stones and glanced over the tablet. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he asked, skepticism lacing his tone.

    Retrieving the three fractional delt stones, Ged replied, ¡°A workout routine for building guns. No ties to the underground, no Blue Water required. Follow the tablet¡¯s instructions, and you¡¯ll get paid. It¡¯s a personal request coming from me.¡± He offered a faint smile, attempting reassurance.

    Gore¡¯s frown deepened as he read the tablet. ¡°You want me to build guns? Ged¡­¡± His voice lowered, sharp with suspicion. ¡°This reeks of Golden Suns business. Are you messing with me?¡±

    Ged¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°They asked me to do it, but I refused. I have my own plans for my biceps. You said you needed work, and I¡¯m offering you some. I¡¯m not a Golden Suns member, and without a bodybuilding license, what better options do you have? At least I¡¯m not Resh asking for this favor.¡±

    Gore sighed heavily, the weight of his words settling between them. ¡°I see how it is.¡±

    He glanced around the busy streets, his eyes scanning for eavesdroppers. Satisfied they weren¡¯t being overheard, he leaned in closer. ¡°I¡¯m looking for someone trustworthy too. If I build your guns, you¡¯ll have to promise to help me when I call for you.¡±

    Reaching into his abdomen, Gore retrieved a stone transmitter. With a swift motion, he smashed his fist into the stone ground, breaking off a small rock. He recorded the frequency of his transmitter into the fragment and handed it to Ged.

    ¡°Store this in your personal transmitter,¡± Gore said softly. ¡°When I contact you, I want to limit who can view my message.¡±

    Ged nodded, taking the stone and storing it in his abdomen. In return, he produced five bicep stones and handed them to Gore.

    ¡°This is all I have for now,¡± Ged said. ¡°I¡¯ll get more later. In total, I need ten guns made. As for your request, as long as it¡¯s reasonable, I¡¯ll do my best to help an old friend.¡± His tone was sincere.

    Gore¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Don¡¯t pull one over on me, Ged. I don¡¯t have ties to the underground anymore, and if things go bad, I won¡¯t hesitate to report you to the Equalizers. Understand?¡±

    Ged shrugged off the warning, satisfied that the exchange had gone well. He bid Gore goodbye and turned to finish his errand.

    Navigating the rest of the bustling market, Ged soon arrived at the Apricot Warehouse, an obsidian spire standing starkly among the surrounding stone structures. Its automatic sliding doors and a flashy sign that read ¡°Apricot Warehouse¡± drew the attention of passersby.

    Inside, the store buzzed with activity. Shoppers browsed the aisles, eager to spend their mass on goods displayed by the Apricot Warehouse¡¯s top bodybuilders. A cool breeze greeted Ged as he stepped inside, the temperature-controlled air brushing against his skin.

    The aisles were filled with appliances, gadgets, snacks, and various higher-quality mass types for trade. Ged ignored the temptations, his purposeful strides taking him straight to the back of the store where Eagle Paint was sold.

    A line of people snaked toward the counter, each waiting to purchase the vital paint. Ged joined the queue, his patience wearing thin as the minutes dragged on. When he finally reached the teller, his frown deepened at the price. A thumbful of Eagle Paint cost a painful 35 kilograms of mass.

    Sighing, Ged reached into his abdomen and handed over the payment. The transaction left his total reserves at just ten kilograms, a dangerously low amount. The teller passed him a pitiful plastic baggie of blue Eagle Paint, its meager contents barely justifying the steep cost. Ged slipped it into his abdomen, his jaw tight with frustration.

    As he exited the store, a prickling sensation ran down his spine. Someone was watching him. A browsing shopper had begun trailing him, their movements too deliberate to be coincidental.

    Ged quickened his pace as he left the Apricot Warehouse and made his way toward home, his thoughts racing. The follower stayed close, matching his stride with unsettling precision.

    When Ged crossed the city¡¯s boundaries, he stopped abruptly. Turning on his heel, he faced the pursuer, his eyes narrowing into a glare. The man didn¡¯t flinch, standing calmly under Ged¡¯s scrutiny, making no effort to hide his intentions.

    The stillness between them was heavy. Ged¡¯s voice cut through it, cold and commanding.

    ¡°Barry. Why are you following me?¡±

 7. Drug Operation

    Barry stood in front of Ged, his messy brown hair damp with sweat and held back by a white headband. He looked like he was about to embark on a long jog, but something about his demeanor didn¡¯t sit right with Ged. Barry had been acting strangely lately, and Ged couldn¡¯t shake the suspicion that he might have moved on to a different dealer. Still, their past dealings meant Ged couldn¡¯t dismiss him outright. Even so, the thought of all the mass he¡¯d wasted on errands gnawed at him. He wanted to return to work and had little patience for distractions.

    At Ged¡¯s sharp question, Barry hesitated, his expression briefly sheepish. He glanced to the side, fidgeting with the edge of his headband, before straightening up and forcing a casual tone.

    "I was just out for a jog," Barry said deliberately, as if rehearsed. "Burning off some mass, you know? I saw you headed this way, and I wasn¡¯t trying to be weird or nothing. I just so happened to be following behind you."

    "I see..." Ged tilted his head, his expression unreadable. He wasn¡¯t buying it. The route he¡¯d taken was deliberately out of the way, meant to avoid attention, yet Barry had managed to tail him at every turn. Coincidence didn¡¯t explain it.

    "Is that all?" Ged asked, his voice sharp with impatience. "I¡¯ve got places to be. We can talk later."

    "Actually..." Barry blurted out, his head scanning the area suspiciously. "I was hoping you¡¯d help me out with something."

    Ged¡¯s eyes narrowed. "In what way?"

    "I¡¯ve got a big party coming up," Barry said, his voice brightening. "And I need to score some party favors to make sure the atmosphere is right for it." He leaned in pretending to nudge. "You know how it is."

    "You want some stuff?" Ged frowned, folding his arms. "Just order it through your transmitter. Why are you telling me this in person?"

    Barry¡¯s face soured. "Actually, a few months ago I had some issues with my orders... After dropping off the mass, I went to pick up my goods, but they weren¡¯t there. I was totally stiffed! That¡¯s why I haven¡¯t been ordering much through you guys lately."

    "I never heard anything about this." Ged raised an eyebrow. "I don¡¯t think I can be of much help here, Barry. Did you report this to your contact?"

    Barry¡¯s tone turned sharp, the forced smile vanishing. "Ged, come on. We both know you¡¯ve got the real pull around here. Those contacts are all unhelpful puppets. Can¡¯t you just handle this for me? Just this once? His voice wavered as if he were on the verge of tears.

    Swinging his backpack around, Barry unzipped it to reveal 50kg of various stones. He placed it on the ground between them like an offering. His voice softened, almost pleading. "Give me your word you¡¯ll personally oversee my next order. That¡¯s all I need."

    Barry¡¯s desperation deepened. "This party¡¯s everything to me, Ged. If it falls apart... I don¡¯t even want to think about what¡¯ll happen to me."

    Not paying much mind to Barry''s current well being and strange undertones of his desperation.

    Ged¡¯s gaze lingered on the bag, his mind weighing the risk of accepting his offer. It was tempting, sure, but trust was a luxury he couldn¡¯t afford in this world. Bribes always came with strings, and desperate men often brought trouble. Still to get ahead in life, one cannot only take the path of least resistance. His hand tightened on the bag¡¯s strap as he zipped it up and slung it over his shoulder.

    "Fair enough," Ged said, his voice low. "Barry, I''ll help you out."

    Not wanting to linger, he turned to leave. "Don''t make me regret this," he added, his tone clipped.

    "Ged, you¡¯re invited too," Barry called after him, his voice louder. "The party. I hope you make time for it."

    Ged raised a hand in acknowledgment but didn¡¯t look back. Barry remained motionless, watching Ged disappear into the distance. Under his breath, he muttered strange words, as if speaking to his own shadow. Once Ged was out of sight, Barry¡¯s gaze flicked to a nearby spire, lingering on the empty space behind it. He shook his head in disappointment before eventually jogging off into the distance.

    Ged arrived at the entrance to his home. The makeshift door he had propped up earlier was still in place, and he gave a subtle nod of approval. Unwrapping the thumb-sized bag of paint, he smeared the contents over the Eagle Drawing etched into the doorway. The blue paint spread smoothly, filling every groove of the design.

    The eagle, now vibrant and bright, seemed to come alive. Its wings stretched with graceful precision, and though silent, it radiated an air of majesty. Channeling heat into the drawing, Ged reshaped the doorway. The edges sharpened into crisp lines, and the walls shifted, reforming themselves into sturdy hinges. The metal door clicked securely into place. The faint blue glow that followed signified the house was now locked.

    Turning the knob, the Eagle Tattoo on his neck flared to life. Its energy rippled outward, dispelling the blue hue that kept the doorway rigid, and granting him entry.

    Inside, Ged scanned the room to ensure everything was as he had left it. Satisfied, he stored the mass he¡¯d brought back from the shops in the fridge, alongside the 50kg he¡¯d taken from Barry. He carefully arranged the plants and animal parts from Resh in their designated spots before heading downstairs.

    As he descended to the lower levels, a soft vibration drew his attention. His stone transmitter pulsed with a white light, its faint hum echoing off the walls. A message had come through.

    Narrowing his eyes, Ged muttered, ¡°About damn time.¡±

    He picked up the transmitter, and an image of Trevor formed in his mind. Trevor looked disheveled, his eyelids heavy, his face pale. He winced slightly, clearly nursing the hangover from the previous night.

    ¡°Fuck, sorry, Ged!¡± Trevor began, his voice slurred with exhaustion. ¡°I just woke up. I haven¡¯t had a chance to check the transmitters or do the pick-up with the Golden Suns.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Ged¡¯s jaw tightened as Trevor continued, ¡°A cave opened up in my home last night, and the noises were unbearable. I couldn¡¯t sleep at all. I messaged Fitch, so he knows. Just go ahead and get the day¡¯s tasks started without me. I¡¯ll be out shortly.¡±

    The transmission cut off abruptly, leaving Ged seething. He placed the transmitter back into the wall, his mind racing. Trevor wasn¡¯t the ideal employee, but he was competent enough to keep things running when he bothered to show up.

    Ged exhaled sharply, his anger subsiding into a familiar feeling of powerlessness. Drug dealing wasn¡¯t exactly a desirable profession, and finding reliable workers was nearly impossible. For now, Trevor was indispensable, no matter how much Ged wished otherwise.

    Grimacing, Ged turned back to the tasks at hand. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with,¡± he muttered, his voice heavy with resignation. Trevor¡¯s mention of the cave stuck with him. ¡®Today¡¯s a good day for spelunking,¡¯ he muttered. ¡®Maybe I¡¯ll find a cave to clear.¡¯

    He smiled faintly, his thoughts drifting to the caves.

    On Planet Eagle, caves were far more than just tunnels of rock. They were the single greatest lifeline for all living creatures on the planet.

    The planet hosted two kinds of caves: man-made ones constructed with Eagle Paint and natural formations like the Hidden Olympian. These natural caves were unique, drifting through the living planet like subterranean submarines with unpredictable movements.

    For the people of Planet Eagle, survival depended on these caves.

    The planet¡¯s mass was highly toxic and lethal if consumed. However, the mass found in natural caves was different. These caves acted like cancerous tumors within the planet¡¯s body, rebelling against its toxic nature. To protect itself, the planet neutralized the poisonous properties of its mass inside these caves, making the matter safe for consumption.

    Like antibodies, bodybuilders flocked to these cancerous caves, clearing them out to relieve the planet¡¯s ailments while strengthening their physiques and trading the remains to the markets for a decent profit.

    This phenomenon made spelunking more than a pastime. It was essential for survival and, for many, a way of life. After a planetary feeding, natural cave formations became more frequent, driving residents to explore and harvest their resources.

    Dreaming of the potential windfall from spelunking, Ged entered the details of Gore¡¯s transmitter into his home¡¯s direct line.

    Without lingering, Ged set off in great haste to attend to the daily tasks of his drug operation.

    Passing Mount Dumbell, he reached a distant ring of mountains. Using a stone pyramid as a landmark, he identified an unassuming patch of land and activated his Digging Hands ability, drilling into the stony floor. He unearthed a buried box secured with an eagle tattoo. Placing his own tattoo against the seal, he unlocked it to reveal a stone transmitter.

    Ged checked the device for orders, logged a pickup time and location, and sent a transmission to Fitch, the on-duty pharmacologist, who would prepare the drop-off. Reburying the transmitter, he moved on.

    Ged visited a total of six transmitters, each buried in remote, hidden locations to avoid scavengers and the eyes of the authorities.

    Only one order had been logged making it an unusually quiet morning.

    Reburying the final transmitter, he focused on the subtle vibrations in the ground, searching for a specific pattern that led to his pharmaceutical facility within an abandoned cave system.

    Following the trail for a third of a kilometer, Ged arrived at an unassuming clearing. Drilling downward once more, he descended into a dark and dreary cave.

    The path Ged drilled open sealed itself behind him, leaving him in near-total darkness. In the distance, a single candle-like light flickered faintly, offering the only guidance. Following the cave¡¯s winding pathway, he eventually reached Fitch.

    Fitch, a bodybuilder half Ged¡¯s size but still broad enough to fill out his lab coat and gloves, was busy at a cluttered workbench. The surface was strewn with chemicals, plants, and powdered stone. He worked methodically, though with an air of inexperience, unaware of Ged¡¯s silent presence.

    Ged observed him like a specter, watching closely without a word. Fitch was a new employee, only a few months into the job, and Ged wanted to ensure his techniques were correct. He continued to watch in silence, scrutinizing Fitch¡¯s every move.

    Fitch cut into plants with furry stems, dropping the pieces into a bowl filled with Blue Water. The stems dissolved into a mushy pulp. He transferred the mixture into a second bowl, then boiled it using the heat from his hands. Steam collected in a separating tray as Fitch worked carefully to isolate the drug.

    Once the liquid was ready, he added it to a rolling tray of powdered mass. Using a pestle-like tool, he mixed the liquid with the powder, triggering a small reaction. Plumes of steam rose from the tray, swirling upward as the mixture thickened.

    The sight of the rising steam made Ged click his tongue in dissatisfaction. The sound startled Fitch, who nearly lost the precious powder he had painstakingly prepared.

    "I''m afraid that Bear Weed Powder you made is of too low quality, the efficacy has already gone to shit, look at all that rising steam." Ged spoke shaking his head, "Start over, we will mix what you made with the next batch.

    His voice stern. "I will have to reteach you the extraction method, also your handling of the extraction to the buffer tray needs to be sped up several fold, you still haven''t improved at all since I last saw you." He critiqued.

    "Yeah, I get it," Fitch muttered, his tone laced with frustration. "I¡¯m shit. I¡¯m trying, alright? You don¡¯t have to remind me every single day how much I suck."

    Ged stared at him, his expression utterly devoid of sympathy.

    "What more do you want from me?" Fitch stammered. "I¡¯ll do better. But that was the last Bear Weed stalk, and we¡¯re out. We¡¯ll just have to make do with the batch as it is," he said, his head hanging in a half-hearted apology.

    Ged¡¯s face darkened further. "Out of Bear Weed? When was the last time either of you went to the depots to pick up?" he asked, his tone dripping with derision.

    "Trevor went last week. Did you happen to grab any?" Fitch asked, his voice tinged with hope.

    Ged rummaged through the pouch embedded in his abdomen, pulling out various plants and unique vegetation. None had the furry stems of Bear Weed. His scowl deepened as he realized he didn¡¯t have any on hand. His temper flared.

    "Fucking idiots. Every last one of you is useless," Ged snapped, his voice rising.

    Seeing Ged¡¯s anger boil over, Fitch raised his hands in a calming gesture. "Wait, don¡¯t panic. I¡¯ve got another batch ready. We can mix it with that. It shouldn¡¯t make much of a difference if it¡¯s a little weaker."

    "Shouldn¡¯t make a difference?" Ged¡¯s brow furrowed, his voice sharp and cutting. "How the fuck would you know?"

    "You don¡¯t care about anything," Ged continued, his tone rising with frustration. "So how could you possibly understand this business?"

    Ged stepped forward, forcing Fitch to step aside. "Get out of the way. Stand there and watch. Try to learn even a fraction of what I¡¯m about to do."

    "We¡¯re cutting your batch with something stronger," Ged said coldly, reaching into the pouch embedded in his abdomen. He pulled out a pitch-black flower that seemed to pulse with an eerie energy, its glow casting a ghastly light across the room.

    "Death Lotus," Fitch muttered, instinctively stepping back. His voice trembled as he added, "What are you doing? Are you trying to kill them?"

    Ged didn¡¯t respond. With a calculated precision, he began extracting the Death Lotus. His hands moved like lightning as he cut out a small portion of the plant, working with the ease of years of practice. He processed the material quickly, separating its essence with the deftness of a master craftsman.

    In the final step, Ged collected a single droplet of the dark black liquid and poured it into a tray containing a small amount of stone powder. A faint wisp rose as the powder turned charcoal black.

    Ged sprinkled half of the processed Death Lotus onto the Bear Weed and handed the tray to Fitch. "Go run some orders," he said curtly. "I¡¯ll handle the rest of things here at the lab."

    Fitch took the tray but didn¡¯t move, his eyes fixed on the mixture with a conflicted expression. Death Lotus was infamous, a highly addictive drug capable of leaving lives desolate and ruined. Mixing it into something as common as Bear Weed felt like crossing an unspoken line. Yet, under Ged¡¯s piercing gaze, Fitch found himself unable to protest.