《Covenant: Valhalla》


 Blood of Eryndor

    April 30, 2004


    Cowl Hospital, Ward 8


    The afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on 21-year-old Ethan¡¯s pale skin. Born out of wedlock, illness had always shadowed him, and it had stolen his ability to walk when he was only eleven.


    Now, fighting cancer, the doctors had given him little hope, leaving him to quietly wait for death. He lay alone, with only his orphanage director for company. The elderly woman, who herself was close to the end of her days, had stayed by his side.


    As the sunlight fell across his face, Ethan¡¯s eyes twitched and slowly opened. His dark eyes were lifeless, devoid of reflection, his skin as pale as snow, giving him an eerie look in the soft afternoon light.


    ¡°Aunt¡­¡± he whispered.


    Sitting in a chair by the door, the kind old woman looked up from her novel, squinting through her small rectangular glasses. She smiled gently and closed the book.


    ¡°I know. I told the nurse to prepare your meal and water for the night. I¡¯m heading back to the orphanage now.¡± She sighed, her gaze filled with pity as she looked at the boy, lying on the bed and gazing through the small gap in the window, looking so fragile and alone.


    She stood, walked over to him, and handed him the novel with a bookmark in place, gently patting his head before leaving.


    As the door closed behind her, the room grew colder and darker. Two shadows lingered in the air, flickering as the sun began to set.


    ¡°I... It¡¯s... time...¡±


    <hr>


    That night, just before midnight, the hospital experienced a power outage. A routine check by a nurse revealed Ethan lying lifeless, his skin pale as moonlight bathed his face. He still clutched a novel titled On the Shortness of Life.


    <hr>


    Somewhere in the cosmos.


    Twelve bodies of blinding light shone in the dark void, each one repelling yet drawing the others toward it. Together, they formed an ¡®¡Þ¡¯ symbol in the darkness. Occasionally, small white particles drifted in and out of the scene.


    ¡°Is this the last batch?¡± a faint voice asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± another replied.


    <hr>


    ¡°Line up! One by one, don¡¯t cut the line!¡± a blonde woman in armor shouted.


    ¡°Ugh... Where am I?¡± Ethan groaned, holding his head as he slowly opened his eyes.


    Having died, he subconsciously assumed he had reached hell, especially after seeing two shadowy figures hovering over him since the moment he was told he would die.


    He looked down at his feet¡ªhis legs, once immobile, were now functional. Then, his gaze wandered around. It was a strange terrain, made up of clouds, with twelve parade-like booths arranged around it. The loudest voice came from the blonde woman in armor, who looked like a modern-day Valkyrie.


    As he observed, it was finally his turn.


    ¡°Name,¡± the booth coordinator, a man in a slim coat and reading glasses, asked. His attire was sharp, but his face was aged and unattractive, with pointed ears.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± the boy replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look around, boy. There are many here who are better or worse than you. It¡¯s rude. Full name, please. Regulations are strict,¡± the old man grumbled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a surname. I¡¯m an orphan,¡± Ethan answered.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know your parents¡¯ surname? Your spirit says otherwise. Never mind. What was the name of the place you were raised in? Orphanages, I hear, are a thing now.¡±


    ¡°Uh... I grew up in the Sunshine Childcare Home,¡± Ethan said, scratching his head awkwardly.


    ¡°Do you want me to call you Ethan Sunshine? Or Ethan Sunshine Children¡¯s Home?¡± the old man asked seriously. Then he shook his head and extended his palm.


    Ethan hesitated before placing his palm in the old man¡¯s grasp. The old man¡¯s eyes closed as if sensing something beyond Ethan¡¯s physical form.


    ¡°Hm... fascinating. You¡¯re haunted by wraiths... pesky little things. Your bloodline is faint, but it connects to someone we have records of. Eryndor... You carry the blood of Eryndor. From now on, you will be called Ethan Eryndor.¡±


    The old man opened his eyes and began typing on an old-fashioned typewriter.


    ¡°Now, place your hand on this stone, boy,¡± he instructed, interrupting Ethan¡¯s thoughts.


    The stone was smooth and blue. Ethan cautiously extended his hand toward it, a habit formed after years of illness that had taught him patience and caution. He was used to waiting, steady in his movements.


    Just as his fingers neared the stone, the old man interrupted again.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s it. You¡¯re eligible. Sign here and go through the left door. The Valkyrie over there will explain the rest. Next!¡±


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t even touch the stone¡ª¡±


    ¡°NEXT!¡± the old man waved his hand, and an invisible force guided Ethan¡¯s fingers to sign on the paper. Before he could protest, he was shoved toward the left door.


    With a loud bang, the door closed behind him.


    The old man opened his eyes and looked at the paper Ethan had signed, then rolled it up and threw it toward the horizon, as if sending it to someone.


    ¡°The Lord will surely take a liking to him...¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Ethan Eryndor. Having awakened the ability to use Prana, you now have two choices. Become a Soldier or work for the realms for 1000 years and reincarnate. We suggest you become a Soldier as your latent talent is above average. The risks are high, but the rewards are great. You will gain strength quickly and be exposed to new experiences.¡± The Valkyrie said, her eyes glued to the monitor in front of her, displaying Ethan¡¯s basic data.


    ¡°Uh... What?¡± Ethan stammered, confused.


    The Valkyrie rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Hah... Hand me the paper you signed.¡±


    ¡°Um, the old man pushed me before I could even grab it. Haha...¡± Ethan laughed awkwardly, wishing he could disappear.


    ¡°FUCK! OLD MAN! YOU OLD BASTARD, CHARON!¡± the Valkyrie shouted in frustration.


    ¡°Ugh... You youngsters have no patience. I¡¯ve gotten old... senile,¡± a voice came from the door. A parchment flew in.


    The Valkyrie gritted her teeth and opened the parchment. Her expression flickered as she glanced at Ethan, who was still trying to smile his way through the awkwardness.


    ¡°Well, well, you¡¯re lucky, newcomer. A powerful god has noticed you. You no longer have a choice. For now, you¡¯ll be a rank 0 Soldier.¡±


    ¡°Uh... What¡¯s going on?¡± Ethan asked helplessly. His brain was overwhelmed by everything happening so fast.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Just think of this as the afterlife and a second chance. More will be explained later. Sandra, take him to the teleportation chamber and assign him to region 13.¡± The Valkyrie spoke into her headset.


    ¡°Mr. Ethan, please come this way,¡± said Sandra, another Valkyrie, leading him toward a gate.


    ¡°Beyond this gate is region 13, or as the locals call it, the land of Hellfire. Don¡¯t assume it¡¯s hot and gloomy from the name. It¡¯s actually a tourist spot in the realm. Once you pass through the door, you¡¯ll be sent to the rank 0 dorms. There, you¡¯ll find a guidebook that should answer most of your questions. For more complex ones, save them for higher-ranked individuals. Have a good journey.¡± Sandra explained before gently pushing Ethan through the door.


    ¡°You really do like pushing people through doors,¡± Ethan muttered, feeling helpless.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me,¡± Sandra smiled innocently.


    ¡°Let me ask you something,¡± the older Valkyrie said, turning to Sandra. ¡°How many times has this god blessed a soldier?¡±


    Sandra looked up, stunned, as she recognized the signature on the parchment.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it. He finally took notice of someone. It¡¯s been over 8,000 years since a non-servant received his blessing.¡± The older Valkyrie marveled.


    ¡°That old man, Charon, must have sensed something in this boy. No wonder he didn¡¯t hand the parchment to him directly.¡± Sandra said, eyeing the signature, which now glowed with the unmistakable aura of death. It could only belong to Pluto, the God of Death.

 Uniform? Is this Middle School?

    Ethan¡¯s eyes slowly blinked open. The ceiling above him was plain, painted a dull off-white. For a moment, he thought he was still in the hospital, but the light filtering through a window to his side wasn¡¯t artificial. It was warm and natural, soft enough to lull him back to sleep if not for the realization that this wasn¡¯t a hospital room.


    He sat up, his movements sluggish, and the first thing he noticed was the bed. It wasn¡¯t like the stiff hospital ones he had been used to. The mattress was firm but comfortable, and the blanket over him was neatly folded at the edges. His eyes shifted around the small room, taking in the details.


    A nightstand stood next to the bed, with a simple lamp on top of it. The wardrobe in the corner looked clean but was barely large enough to hold more than a week¡¯s worth of clothes. A door to his right led to what he assumed was a bathroom. Everything about the place screamed ¡°basic,¡± but it wasn¡¯t unpleasant. The faint scent of lavender lingered in the air.


    Ethan stretched his legs over the edge of the bed, pausing when his feet touched the floor. He wriggled his toes out of habit, marveling at the fact he could even feel them. The realization hit him again¡ªhe could move.


    Quietly, he stood up, testing his balance. His steps were steady as he walked toward the door leading out of the bedroom. His hand brushed the doorknob, and he hesitated for a second before turning it.


    The door opened into a living room that doubled as a kitchen. Ethan stopped, his dark eyes scanning every corner of the space.


    The living room was small, furnished with a two-seater sofa and a low coffee table. On the wall opposite the sofa was a television, slim and modern, mounted neatly. The kitchen area was minimal¡ªa countertop with two stools, a stove, and a fridge that hummed softly in the background. It looked like the kind of place you¡¯d expect a student or young bachelor to live in, nothing fancy but functional.


    There was a sliding glass door at the far end of the room, and sunlight poured through it, casting golden streaks across the floor. Ethan walked toward it almost on instinct, sliding it open and stepping out onto the balcony.


    The air outside was cool and crisp, filling his lungs in a way that felt cleaner than anything he¡¯d breathed before. The balcony wasn¡¯t big, just enough for a chair or two, but it gave him a view that made him stop and stare.


    Hellfire. That¡¯s what they had called this place. But standing here, all he could see was a landscape that felt alive.


    The sky was clear and blue, so vibrant it almost didn¡¯t seem real. Off in the distance, tall buildings formed a city skyline, their glassy surfaces reflecting the sunlight. Closer to the dorms, he could see greenery¡ªtrees, fields, and well-kept roads that wound through it all. The streets were dotted with people, and from this height, they looked relaxed, happy.


    Ethan leaned on the balcony railing, his fingers brushing the smooth metal. His lips pressed into a thin line as his mind raced.


    ¡°So this is Hellfire¡­¡± he muttered under his breath. There was no humor in his tone, only quiet disbelief.


    He stayed there for a few minutes, his eyes scanning the horizon. The name didn¡¯t fit the place. Hellfire sounded like it should¡¯ve been dark and oppressive, not¡­ this.


    Eventually, he sighed and turned back toward the living room. As he stepped inside, his gaze fell on the coffee table. A book was sitting there.


    Ethan walked over and picked it up. The cover immediately caught his attention. It wasn¡¯t what he expected¡ªa serious guidebook or manual of some kind. Instead, it had a cartoonish drawing on the front.


    It was a chibi-style figure of a god, grinning like an idiot and giving a thumbs-up. The exaggerated features made it look ridiculous, with its round head and silly smile. Ethan stared at it for a long moment before letting out a quiet scoff.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Really?¡± he said under his breath, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. Whoever designed this had a strange sense of humor.


    He flipped it open, his fingers brushing against the smooth, glossy pages. The first thing he saw was a bold title in bright, cheerful letters:


    ¡°Welcome to Region 13! Your New Life Starts Here!¡±


    Ethan stared at the words, his expression unreadable. His fingers hovered over the edge of the page, ready to turn it.


    But for the first time in what felt like forever, his thoughts were calm.


    Ethan turned the page, his eyes scanning the words. It didn¡¯t take long before a brief summary of the realm he was in appeared.


    Genesis.


    It was a realm created by the gods of ancient times, a place where heaven and hell existed as one. The gods, in their infinite wisdom, had crafted it as a balanced existence. Neither completely pure nor entirely corrupt, Genesis was a realm where everything coexisted¡ªlight and darkness, creation and destruction, good and evil¡ªall woven together into a unified whole.


    As Ethan read, the simplicity of it struck him. The gods had created Genesis to be a world of balance, yet one where everything had its place. Heaven and hell, it seemed, weren¡¯t as separate as the stories told. In Genesis, they were two sides of the same coin.


    Flipping further, Ethan found a section on Region 13. The words were familiar enough, but the place itself sounded a little too strange to be real.


    Region 13 was the home of the gods Pluto and Veles, two of the oldest and most powerful beings in Genesis. The gods had once been more active, their influence shaping the realm in ways only a few understood. Lately, however, both Pluto and Veles had remained in the shadows, leaving the world to carry on without their direct intervention.


    There was a mention of the 1000-year servants, more commonly known as the Knights. These were beings who had pledged to serve the gods for a millennium, dedicating their lives to missions that stretched across the ages. They weren¡¯t exactly soldiers in the conventional sense, but they were bound by duty and had the power to wield Prana.


    The text briefly explained that the majority of Genesis¡¯ inhabitants were unawakened beings, those who had chosen to live in the realm for a thousand years. They didn¡¯t have any special abilities but were granted the opportunity to experience the Genesis War¡ªa controlled, deadly civil war among the realm¡¯s soldiers. The goal? To reach the New Valhalla, a place that promised untold power and glory.


    The section on soldiers was vague at best. There was mention of their role in the Genesis War, their powers, and the rewards they could gain. But the specifics were buried in what the book referred to as controlled info, available only to those who became official soldiers.


    Ethan closed the guidebook with a small grunt.


    ¡°Well, that felt like it answered my questions, but also left me with more questions,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    He skimmed through the remaining pages, which showed a public map of Region 13 and some vague names of other regions. Nothing too detailed, just enough to give him an idea of where he was.


    Then, his eyes landed on a note on the coffee table.


    It was a simple piece of paper, neatly folded. He picked it up and read aloud:


    ¡°Recruit (Rank 0 soldiers) have their uniforms kept in the closet. Wear it and wait for the Squad Supervisor¡¯s call.¡±


    He raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Uniforms?¡± He mumbled, still a little puzzled by the whole situation.


    With the note in hand, he stood up and walked into the kitchen. He opened the fridge and glanced inside. The shelves were sparsely filled¡ªnothing too fancy, but enough to survive on.


    His stomach growled loudly. He grabbed a packet of something that looked like instant noodles, tossed it into a pot, and turned on the stove.


    ¡°I¡¯m fucking hungry after all that bullcrap I went through today,¡± he muttered, setting a timer for five minutes.


    While he waited, he paced around, his mind still turning over the strange new world he had found himself in.


    Five minutes later, he grabbed a hot glass of water from the counter, took a sip, and headed back to the bedroom. He opened the closet and found a set of clothes hanging neatly.


    They were simple, yet official-looking¡ªdark, fitted gear with insignia on the shoulder. Rank 0, he assumed.


    He glanced at the bathroom door and then back at the uniform.


    A quiet sigh escaped his lips as he shrugged off his current clothes.


    ¡°Well, here goes nothing.¡±


    He headed straight for the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him.


    And for the first time since he had woken up, Ethan felt like maybe, just maybe, things were about to get a whole lot more complicated.

 Herbie and the Gabriel

    As Ethan wiped his wet hair with a towel, a tune from Earth began to hum in his head. Before he could even stop himself, his lips parted, and he began singing in a low voice. His version of the song was oddly comforting, its beat easy to sway to. He couldn¡¯t help but make it his own, mixing a bit of an upbeat rhythm with his own slacker vibe.


    ¡°Today I feel like just staying in bed,


    Don¡¯t wanna think, just wanna rest my head,


    Don¡¯t wanna care about the day ahead,


    I¡¯m living like I¡¯m stuck inside my bed.¡±


    He danced clumsily, an awkward attempt at swaying his hips and throwing in a spin here and there. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough to feel the air in his lungs. Ethan¡¯s carefree movements continued until he stepped out of his room and into the living room, water in hand¡ªnow lukewarm after sitting for a while.


    He continued the chorus as his feet shuffled across the room, the words coming easily.


    ¡°I don''t feel like doing anything,


    I just wanna sit back and sip on this thing.¡±


    But before the second chorus could even begin, a loud knock echoed through the door.


    Ethan froze, mid-gesture, water splashing slightly.


    ¡°And the exact opposite happened,¡± he muttered, his voice flat, as he scratched his head in disbelief.


    He let out a breath, then got up, placing the glass on the counter before making his way to the door. He opened it with a slight grunt.


    In a flurry of awkwardness, Ethan snapped into a clumsy salute, knocking his elbow against the doorframe.


    ¡°Sir, yes Sir!¡± he shouted, his voice strained with sudden professionalism.


    To his surprise, standing there wasn¡¯t a superior, but a tall, chubby, and tanned-skinned young man who looked almost... like a mirror image of Ethan, except for the fact that he was sporting the same recruit uniform. His face looked earnest and almost amused, as if he hadn¡¯t expected Ethan to open the door at all.


    The chubby boy blinked in surprise, his eyebrows rising.


    ¡°Uh... what?¡±


    ¡°Uhh...haha.¡± Ethan immediately deflated, chuckling awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.


    The boy continued to stare, clearly puzzled by the whole exchange. Finally, after a long pause, he smiled sheepishly.


    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to confuse you. I¡¯m Hermes.¡± He rubbed the back of his neck with a shy grin.


    ¡°But you can just call me Herbie. I¡¯m your neighbor.¡±


    Ethan nodded, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Neighbor, huh?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± the boy continued, ¡°Looks like we¡¯re the only two on this floor... for now, at least. I tried knocking on the others, but no one answered.¡± He shifted slightly, then gave Ethan a polite wave.


    ¡°I was just going around introducing myself to people. Anyway, I¡¯ll let you get back to whatever you were doing.¡±


    Ethan nodded.


    ¡°Right... nice to meet you, Herbie.¡± He chuckled softly.


    Herbie¡¯s smile widened.


    ¡°See you around, then.¡± He gave a quick wave before turning and walking off down the hall.


    Ethan closed the door and wandered back into the living room, sighing as he flopped down onto the couch.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    He stared up at the ceiling, his mind drifting.


    ¡°Man... it would be awesome if there was anything to do around here,¡± he muttered. He glanced toward the wall. ¡°Even a TV with just one channel would be enough. I could at least learn more about this place.¡±


    Just as the thought settled, another knock came at the door.


    Ethan groaned. He rubbed his forehead, considering whether or not he should shout ¡®Sir, yes Sir¡¯ again.


    He sat in silence for a moment, the thought of another interruption making him cringe.


    But then, reality hit. Without hesitation, he jumped up from the couch and rushed toward the door.


    Ethan opened the door with a flurry of panic, but this time, he didn''t even think about what was happening. His body just reacted. His hands shot up to salute, his arms stiff and military as ever, but in his haste, his elbows slammed into the doorframe again¡ªthis time with much more force.


    The impact made him grimace, his face contorting in pain as the sharp pain spread across his arms.


    Before he could even adjust his posture, a light chuckle came from ahead of him, causing him to glance up, still rubbing his sore elbow.


    A tall, blonde man in a different uniform stood before him, a uniform that clearly marked him as someone of higher rank. It was a black and gold ensemble with a silver insignia on the chest, designed to reflect authority.


    The man smirked, clearly amused at the sight of Ethan¡¯s awkward attempt to salute. ¡°You have some enthusiasm, don¡¯t you?¡± He chuckled, his voice deep and confident, yet somehow carrying an air of authority.


    Ethan blinked, still a little stunned by the sudden appearance of his superior. He opened his mouth to apologize, but before he could, the man spoke first.


    ¡°Let me introduce myself. I am Gabriel, of the Celestial Guard,¡± the man said with a firm nod, giving Ethan a respectful glance. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you¡¯re already practicing discipline, even if the execution could use some work.¡± He gave Ethan a soft grin. ¡°You¡¯ll get the hang of it. No need to worry.¡±


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, still rubbing his elbow. "Uh... nice to meet you, sir." He shifted uncomfortably, not sure how to respond.


    Gabriel''s smile widened, but he quickly got to the matter at hand. "Now, let¡¯s get down to business, shall we? I¡¯m here to deliver your schedule for the next three months of training. You¡¯ll be going through rigorous training in the morning, and in the evenings, there will be additional lessons regarding the rules of the realm and your duties as a soldier.¡±


    Gabriel then handed Ethan a scroll, sealed with an ornate wax stamp that shimmered with divine energy. It unfurled as Ethan took it, revealing a detailed timetable for the upcoming months.


    ¡°Your training will start at 5 AM sharp, every day. There will be no exceptions. The schedule is designed to push your limits, but don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll get used to it. You¡¯ll be working with your squad every day. And you will be expected to be in top form at all times. Understand?¡± Gabriel¡¯s tone was firm, but there was a sense of humor behind his words.


    Ethan nodded, though he didn¡¯t particularly like the sound of it. Five in the morning? That was too early for someone like him.


    ¡°Now, just so you know, this will be the only time I¡¯ll come looking for you. From here on out, you¡¯ll be expected to find me if you need anything,¡± Gabriel added with a grin. ¡°Unless, of course, you break the rules. Then I¡¯ll come looking for you. And believe me, you don¡¯t want that. We do things differently here. You¡¯ll learn soon enough.¡±


    Ethan grimaced at the thought. He wasn¡¯t exactly thrilled about the idea of having someone chase him down, but it seemed like that was just the way things worked around here.


    Gabriel stood straight, looking down at Ethan. ¡°I¡¯ll let you get settled in, but remember, you¡¯re a soldier now. That means responsibility. We don¡¯t coddle you here. If you slack off, there will be consequences. If you follow the rules, you¡¯ll be fine. Got it?¡±


    Ethan, still rubbing his elbow, gave a half-hearted salute, though it was more out of habit than actual respect. "Got it, sir."


    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll see you around.¡± Gabriel gave him a final nod before turning and walking away, his footsteps echoing down the hall.


    Ethan closed the door, feeling both a little overwhelmed and frustrated.


    ¡°Training at 5 AM... Great,¡± he muttered under his breath. He made his way to the kitchen, still holding the schedule in his hand. The thought of being put through intense training for months on end didn¡¯t exactly excite him.


    As he reached for some bread, he couldn¡¯t help but let out a heavy sigh. ¡°I should¡¯ve asked about a TV... or maybe even a game console... something to kill time with.¡± His voice trailed off, no tears to follow, just the sound of his hunger taking over. He quickly grabbed some milk and downed a quick meal.


    Once he finished, he walked back into his bedroom. With the sun still high in the sky, he figured he might as well get some sleep. He would need all the rest he could get before the hellish schedule started tomorrow.


    Training. At 5 AM.


    Ethan threw himself onto the bed and stared at the ceiling, a few more sighs escaping his lips. This was definitely not what he had imagined.


    He closed his eyes, feeling the pull of sleep take over his body. Tomorrow would be the real start of this strange new life.


    And he had a feeling it wasn¡¯t going to be easy.

 Herbies real name

    The field was massive, about the size of a football stadium, and just a short seven-minute walk from the dorms. Ethan stood there, hands clasped behind his back, staring straight ahead like he was some disciplined soldier in a movie. The sky was still cloaked in pre-dawn darkness, but the faintest hints of sunlight were starting to streak the horizon. It wasn¡¯t quite 5 AM yet, but everything around him felt like it was already coming alive.


    Honestly, Ethan wasn¡¯t as miserable as he thought he¡¯d be. Sure, waking up at the crack of dawn wasn¡¯t exactly his dream scenario, but he hadn¡¯t slept much anyway. The night had been a restless jumble of excitement and nerves that left him wide-eyed, so by the time his alarm went off, he was already sitting on the edge of the bed. It was like the universe was saying, "Welcome to a brand-new chapter, kid," and he couldn¡¯t help but get swept up in it. He got ready faster than expected, headed out early, and soaked in the quiet stillness of the morning as he made his way to the field.


    The walk had been... nice, actually. A couple of old, shadowy buildings stood along the path, their outlines just barely visible in the dim light. The air was cool but not freezing, with a light breeze that carried the faint smell of earth. As he walked, the streetlights flickered off one by one, surrendering to the soft glow of the waking sun. It was peaceful, almost surreal, but that peace evaporated the second he stepped onto the field.


    Now, standing in formation, Ethan was a different person. Gone was the casual guy who¡¯d been cracking sarcastic comments in his dorm. Here, he looked sharper, more composed¡ªlike he was ready to face whatever insane challenges this place had lined up for him. Behind him, though, Herbie was being... well, Herbie.


    ¡°Man, you wouldn¡¯t believe how many people are crammed into those dorms!¡± Herbie¡¯s voice was full of energy, way too energetic for this ungodly hour. ¡°I was just walking around, saying hi, you know, being friendly¡ªand guess who I ran into? Gabriel! Yeah, the Gabriel!¡±


    Ethan didn¡¯t move a muscle. He just stared straight ahead, tuning out most of Herbie¡¯s chatter. But Herbie didn¡¯t need an audience. ¡°I swear, I walked right into him! And you know what he did? He gave me this big, fake smile. Like, the kind that says, ¡®If you annoy me one more time, I¡¯m gonna make you regret it.¡¯ Man, I still get chills thinking about it.¡±


    Ethan blinked slowly, suppressing a sigh. Herbie was one of those people who could hold an entire conversation with himself. Not a bad guy, but definitely someone who didn¡¯t know when to stop talking. Ethan just nodded faintly, letting Herbie¡¯s words flow around him like background noise.


    At exactly 5:10 AM, a deafening sonic boom erupted across the field, jolting everyone to attention. The ground trembled for a split second before a shimmering bluish barrier shot up around the field, stretching high into the sky. The recruits froze, whispering nervously and glancing around like cornered animals. Ethan squinted at the barrier, his mind racing. Was this some kind of protective field? A cage? A warning?


    Before anyone could voice their questions, a sharp, commanding voice sliced through the noise. ¡°QUIET!¡±


    The single word hit like a shockwave, silencing the entire field instantly. An invisible ripple of energy spread out, sending a faint chill down Ethan¡¯s spine. He straightened instinctively, his back stiff as a rod, and turned his attention to the stage at the far end of the field.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Gabriel stood there, radiating authority as he strode to the center of the stage. Seven other supervisors flanked him, each one carrying themselves with the same air of deadly competence. Gabriel raised his hand, his sharp gaze sweeping over the crowd. ¡°Those who aren¡¯t here yet,¡± he said, his tone cold and unforgiving, ¡°will spend the next month cleaning the cafeteria. On top of that, they¡¯ll lose their monthly allowance. We¡¯re being generous today. But starting tomorrow, if you¡¯re late, you can pack up and reincarnate. No second chances.¡±


    Ethan kept his face neutral, but inwardly, he was impressed. Gabriel wasn¡¯t messing around.


    ¡°Now,¡± Gabriel continued, ¡°let me introduce the rest of the supervisors.¡± He gestured to the seven figures behind him. One by one, they stepped forward, giving their names and roles. Each introduction was brief and to the point¡ªno fluff, no unnecessary details. Combat, strategy, field operations, logistics¡ªit seemed like each supervisor had their own specialty. And from the way they carried themselves, it was clear they weren¡¯t here to babysit anyone.


    Once the intros were done, Gabriel turned back to the recruits. ¡°We¡¯ll be calling your names now to assign you to your official supervisors. The people who showed you around yesterday? Forget them. From now on, these are the ones you report to. Understood?¡±


    A ripple of quiet nods spread through the crowd. The tension was palpable.


    The roll call began, names echoing across the field one by one. Ethan listened intently, his heart thudding a little faster with each passing second. He didn¡¯t know why he was nervous, but he was.


    Then, Herbie¡¯s full name boomed through the air: ¡°Hermes Evripidis Konstantinos Theodoropoulos.¡±


    Herbie visibly flinched, his face turning a shade darker as some recruits stifled laughs. He grimaced, muttering something under his breath as he stepped forward. Gabriel didn¡¯t even blink, simply assigning him to his team with a curt nod.


    Next came Ethan¡¯s turn. ¡°Ethan Eryndor.¡±


    Ethan took a step forward, his expression calm but his mind racing. Gabriel glanced at him briefly before saying, ¡°You¡¯re with me as well.¡±


    And just like that, Ethan was officially part of Gabriel¡¯s team. He glanced sideways at Herbie, whose nervous grin had faded into something closer to dread. It was clear that reality was sinking in for him.


    Gabriel continued, addressing the whole group. ¡°Each supervisor is responsible for multiple teams. A team consists of seven recruits. This batch has 119 recruits total, split across teams under various supervisors. Expect to spend most of your time training with your team. Rely on them. Trust them. Because if you don¡¯t, you won¡¯t make it far.¡±


    Herbie let out a quiet groan, already looking like he regretted signing up for this. Ethan, meanwhile, scanned the faces of his new teammates. Four girls and three boys, all looking just as nervous and uncertain as he felt. This was it. His squad.


    Gabriel gestured toward the group. ¡°Introduce yourselves. Starting now.¡±


    One by one, the recruits spoke up.


    ¡°I¡¯m Iris,¡± said the first girl, her confident tone making it clear she wasn¡¯t here to mess around.


    ¡°Zane,¡± the first boy added with a smirk that bordered on cockiness.


    The next girl stepped forward hesitantly. ¡°Elara¡±, her voice as delicate as her name.


    Then came the last girl, who carried herself with a calm, commanding presence. ¡°Yin Xue,¡± she said simply.


    Finally, the last figure stepped forward. A middle-aged woman who somehow exuded both warmth and mystery at the same time. Her introduction was simple. ¡°Yara.¡±

 Run

    In the heart of Region 13''s main city, where towering spires and bustling streets created a labyrinth of grandeur, a seemingly ordinary manor stood inconspicuously amidst the extravagance. The exterior was plain, almost deceptively so, blending into the mundane surroundings. Yet, inside, the air carried a weight of history, secrets, and an undeniable aura of power.


    Charon paced within a dimly lit hall, his hunched figure casting distorted shadows against the flickering firelight. His aged face, marked by wrinkles and a perpetual frown, twisted in mild irritation as he muttered to himself.


    ¡°This will be the first and last time I supervise a screening,¡± he grumbled, throwing his bony hands into the air in exasperation. ¡°And for what? A stupid flower.¡± His expression soured further as he rubbed his temple, sighing deeply. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought mother of all beings would care about such a pointless¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, a voice like a whisper from the abyss interrupted him. It was soft, yet chilling, as though it emerged from both the shadows and the air itself, wrapping around his ears.


    ¡°What¡¯s stupid, Charon?¡±


    Charon froze. His entire body went rigid, and a visible shiver ran down his crooked spine. Slowly, he turned, his face contorting into a strained smile that was both apologetic and utterly terrified.


    Standing before him, or perhaps emerging from the very darkness itself, was a figure cloaked entirely in swirling, shadowy veils. Her pale features peeked through the shifting mist, serene and haunting in equal measure. The shadows clung to her like an extension of her being, dancing in unnatural patterns.


    ¡°M-Mother,¡± Charon stammered, bowing so low it looked like his back might give out. His voice dripped with forced politeness. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting¡ªuh¡ªwhat a pleasant surprise! You grace us with your divine presence.¡±


    Nyx, primordial goddess of the night, regarded him with a gaze that pierced through to his very essence. Her expression betrayed nothing, but her aura spoke volumes: ancient, unyielding, and wholly uninterested in his flattery.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Charon asked hesitantly, still bent over.


    Nyx didn¡¯t bother answering. Instead, she made a sound somewhere between a grunt and a dismissive snort. Her hand, pale and claw-like, emerged from the darkness and gestured toward him. The shadows around her expanded like living tendrils, and before Charon could protest, they pushed him backward with surprising gentleness.


    ¡°You¡¯re in my way,¡± Nyx said flatly, turning toward the opposite hallway. ¡°I have business with Pluto.¡±


    Charon stumbled into a lavishly decorated room as the door behind him clicked shut. He barely had time to gather himself before his gaze landed on the room¡¯s sole occupant.


    Lounging casually on an extravagant leather sofa was a man of sharp, almost regal features. His slicked-back black hair gleamed under the dim chandelier, and his piercing eyes glinted with a mischievous edge. Despite his commanding aura, his posture was relaxed, even lazy. He was wholly absorbed in the flat screen before him, controller in hand, his fingers moving deftly as he leaned forward.


    Pluto, Roman god of the underworld and wealth, was engrossed in a game of Lario Cars.


    Charon blinked, momentarily dumbfounded by the sight, but quickly composed himself. Straightening his posture, he bowed deeply. ¡°Lord Pluto,¡± he greeted respectfully, his tone reverent.


    Pluto didn¡¯t even glance at him, his focus entirely on the game. ¡°Mhm,¡± he hummed absently, fingers mashing buttons with precision.


    Charon remained standing, awkward and unmoving, as the sound of virtual engines and explosions filled the air. Minutes passed, feeling like an eternity to Charon, as Pluto expertly maneuvered his character through the chaotic racetrack. Finally, with a triumphant cheer, Pluto crossed the finish line in first place.


    Setting the controller down, he leaned back with a satisfied smirk and finally turned his attention to Charon. ¡°Now then,¡± he said, stretching lazily, ¡°to what do I owe the pleasure of your¡­ persistent lurking?¡±


    Charon cleared his throat, stepping forward. ¡°I¡¯ve come to report on the screening,¡± he began, his tone serious. ¡°There are a few promising recruits¡ªpotential Seeds that could be cultivated into something significant.¡±


    Pluto raised an eyebrow, motioning for him to continue.


    Charon hesitated briefly before saying, ¡°One of them caught my attention¡­ Ethan Eryndor.¡±


    At the mention of the name, Pluto¡¯s expression shifted slightly, a knowing glint in his eye. ¡°Ah, that boy,¡± he said, leaning forward with mild interest. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since the blood of Eryndor found its way back to this realm.¡±


    Charon nodded. ¡°Yes, my lord. But there¡¯s more. The Wraiths around him¡ª¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Pluto interrupted, his tone contemplative. ¡°Those entities¡­ Wraiths, as we call them, have always been peculiar. They don¡¯t attach themselves to just anyone.¡± He leaned back, resting an arm over the back of the sofa. ¡°Keep an eye on the boy, Charon. I¡¯m intrigued, but let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves. Only if he survives the Hellfire Parade can he be taken seriously.¡±


    Charon flinched at the mention of the dreaded trial but nodded dutifully. ¡°Understood, my lord.¡±


    Pluto waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Good. Now, anything else?¡±


    Charon opened his mouth, hesitated, and then foolishly added, ¡°Perhaps you could tell me your secret to winning at Lario Cars?¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    The room fell silent. Pluto¡¯s eyes narrowed, his once relaxed expression darkening.


    ¡°Out,¡± he said, his voice low and menacing.


    Charon paled, his eyes wide. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡±


    ¡°OUT!¡± Pluto roared, snapping his fingers.


    In an instant, Charon was engulfed in a burst of golden light, and the next thing he knew, he was sprawled unceremoniously on the front steps of the manor.


    Grumbling under his breath, he got to his feet and dusted himself off. ¡°I just had to say something stupid,¡± he muttered, glaring at the closed door before trudging off into the city streets.


    Back in the open training field, an expansive stretch of land marked with tracks of dirt and lined with tall, flickering torches. The air buzzed with nervous energy as dozens of recruits milled about, unsure of what new torment awaited them.


    Standing at the front of a large group, Gabriel, with his arms crossed and an unrelenting gaze, began addressing the teams under his supervision. His voice, sharp and firm, carried effortlessly over the murmurs.


    ¡°You¡¯re probably wondering why we¡¯re doing this,¡± Gabriel started, his piercing golden eyes scanning the crowd. ¡°Why does someone like you¡ªa spirit now shackled to flesh¡ªneeds to understand the physical. You¡¯ve been given bodies, yes, but that doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re bound by the rules of mortals. Your stamina, your agility, even your limitations¡ªthey¡¯re all influenced by how you perceive them.¡±


    He paced as he spoke, his black boots crunching softly against the dirt. ¡°Physicality isn¡¯t just muscles and endurance¡ªit¡¯s will. It¡¯s how you shape your spirit to match the body you¡¯ve been given. The stronger the will, the more this borrowed form becomes an extension of you. Understand this: even if your legs falter, it¡¯s your spirit that carries you forward. If you¡¯re tired¡­¡± he paused dramatically, turning to face them directly, ¡°¡­you aren¡¯t tired at all. It¡¯s an illusion. One you need to break.¡±


    A few recruits exchanged skeptical glances, but none dared to interrupt.


    Gabriel¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°And the only way to break that illusion is to push yourselves. Ten laps around the field. No exceptions.¡±


    Groans erupted from the crowd. A few muttered curses under their breath, while others simply sighed in resignation. Gabriel raised an eyebrow and shouted over the noise, ¡°If you have enough energy to complain, you have enough energy to run. Move it!¡±


    Herbie, always the loudest, threw his hands into the air. ¡°TEN LAPS?! Are you trying to kill us, man?!¡±


    ¡°Then die running!¡± Gabriel shot back with a grin.


    Despite his outburst, Herbie was the first to bolt toward the starting line, his short legs pumping with surprising speed. The rest of the recruits followed, some reluctantly, others with grim determination.


    The group quickly divided itself into natural layers. Herbie was in the lead, his small frame a blur of motion as he sped ahead of everyone else. The other recruits found themselves in the middle, some pacing themselves, others struggling to keep up. At the very back was Ethan, panting heavily and stumbling over his own feet.


    Running, it turned out, was far harder than he¡¯d anticipated.


    Ethan¡¯s legs felt awkward, uncoordinated, as if they belonged to someone else. It wasn¡¯t that he lacked strength¡ªhis form, though unfamiliar, was functional enough. The problem lay in his control. Having spent most of his life unable to use his legs, he now had no memory of how to move with ease or fluidity. Each step was a gamble, his body jerking forward in uneven strides.


    A bitter taste filled his mouth as he watched Herbie race ahead with ease. Of course, Ethan thought grimly. Even Herbie¡¯s good at this.


    But there was no time to wallow. Gritting his teeth, Ethan focused on keeping his balance, his breaths shallow and ragged as he tried to find a rhythm.


    As he rounded his second lap, a voice called out beside him. ¡°Hey, Ethan!¡±


    He turned his head to see Iris jogging effortlessly beside him, her long ponytail swaying with each step. She was clearly holding back her speed to match his pace.


    ¡°You okay?¡± she asked, her tone light but tinged with concern.


    ¡°Define ¡®okay,¡¯¡± Ethan panted, wiping sweat from his brow.


    Iris chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re doing better than I expected, honestly. Thought you¡¯d trip over your own feet by now.¡±


    Ethan shot her a dry look. ¡°Thanks for the vote of confidence.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m just saying¡ªit¡¯s impressive, considering your, uh¡­¡± She hesitated, searching for the right words. ¡°¡­circumstances.¡±


    Ethan appreciated her attempt at tact, even if it didn¡¯t make the situation any less frustrating. ¡°Yeah, well, I¡¯ll take what I can get.¡±


    Before Iris could respond, Herbie¡¯s voice rang out from ahead. ¡°Keep up, slowpokes! We¡¯re not getting a medal for last place!¡±


    Iris groaned. ¡°Does he ever shut up?¡±


    ¡°Apparently not,¡± Ethan muttered, though a small, tired smile tugged at his lips.


    As they neared the halfway mark of their laps, Yin Xue appeared on Ethan¡¯s other side, her expression calm and unbothered despite the pace. She glanced at him briefly, her sharp, dark eyes assessing.


    ¡°You¡¯re dragging your feet too much,¡± she said matter-of-factly. ¡°Focus on lifting your knees higher.¡±


    Ethan glanced at her, his brow furrowing. ¡°Easier said than done.¡±


    Yin Xue shrugged. ¡°Figure it out. Or don¡¯t. Your choice.¡±


    ¡°Great pep talk,¡± Ethan muttered sarcastically.


    Yin Xue smirked faintly but said nothing more, picking up her pace and leaving him behind.


    The laps dragged on, each one feeling longer than the last. Ethan¡¯s legs burned, his chest heaved, and his vision blurred with sweat, but he refused to stop. He couldn¡¯t. Even as the others pulled further ahead, even as Herbie lapped him twice, he pushed himself forward, step by agonizing step.


    By the final lap, Ethan¡¯s mind was a haze of exhaustion, but he managed to cross the line with a staggering gait. Collapsing onto the ground, he rolled onto his back, staring up at the sky as his breaths came in labored gasps.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Iris said, standing over him with a hand on her hip. ¡°You didn¡¯t die. That¡¯s a win.¡±


    ¡°Barely,¡± Ethan muttered, closing his eyes.


    The recruits slowly gathered back around Gabriel, who stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Most of the group looked worse for wear, though a few¡ªlike Herbie and Yin Xue¡ªseemed relatively unfazed.


    As Gabriel scanned the recruits, his gaze lingered briefly on Ethan. Something about him caught his attention. While the others¡¯ shadows stretched long and singular across the dirt, Ethan¡¯s shadow seemed¡­ off.


    There were two.


    For a split second, Gabriel¡¯s golden eyes narrowed, a flicker of recognition passing through them. But he said nothing, turning his attention back to the group.


    ¡°Well done,¡± he said, his voice carrying a rare note of approval. ¡°For most of you, anyway. Get some rest while you can. Tomorrow¡¯s going to hurt worse.¡±


    Ethan didn¡¯t hear the warning, too focused on catching his breath. But as he lay there, he couldn¡¯t shake the strange feeling that something¡ªor someone¡ªwas watching him.

 D for Diary

    By the time evening rolled around, Ethan¡¯s mind felt like a sponge wrung dry. The endless talks about this realm¡¯s purpose, its history, and their roles as recruits had left him mentally exhausted. Still, he stayed quiet through it all, determined to soak in every detail. He wasn¡¯t just listening¡ªhe was planning.


    I need to start writing this down.


    The thought had hit him sometime during the afternoon. His memories of life before this place were fragmented and unreliable. He wasn¡¯t going to let the same thing happen here. When he got back to his room, he¡¯d find a notebook¡ªor even just some scraps of paper¡ªand start keeping track of everything. A diary, maybe. Not for feelings or personal reflections, but for facts. Names, places, rules. Anything that might be useful.


    As the sky turned to a soft, hazy orange, the recruits were finally dismissed for dinner.


    The cafeteria was massive, its layout practical and efficient. Long rows of polished tables stretched across the room, enough to seat hundreds. At the far end were serving counters, where supervisors and staff doled out portions of food with military precision. Despite the sheer number of recruits filing in, everything moved like clockwork.


    Ethan noticed a group of late recruits on their hands and knees, scrubbing the floors under the watchful eyes of a stern supervisor. Their faces were flushed with effort, and their eyes darted longingly toward the tables, where the rest of the recruits were already digging into their meals.


    Herbie, who was practically bouncing with excitement beside Ethan, whispered loudly, ¡°Man, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever been this hungry. Do you think they¡¯ll give us seconds? Or thirds? I mean, we¡¯re technically dead, right? Shouldn¡¯t that mean infinite food or something?¡±


    Ethan raised an eyebrow but said nothing, moving ahead in the line.


    Herbie continued, undeterred by Ethan¡¯s silence. ¡°Did you hear what that guy said earlier? About Valhalla and stuff? Wild. Like, I never thought I¡¯d end up in a place like this. I figured, y¡¯know, maybe just lights out or some kind of blank void. But this? Feels like a weird mix of military camp and mythology class.¡±


    Ethan gave a faint nod.


    The food wasn¡¯t fancy¡ªsome kind of stew, bread, and a few vegetables¡ªbut the smell alone was enough to make Ethan¡¯s stomach rumble. He took his tray and found a seat with his team. The cafeteria buzzed with chatter, recruits swapping stories about their first day, their theories about this realm, and even some laughs at Herbie¡¯s endless commentary.


    Then, the room went quiet.


    Ethan turned his head to see one of the recruits¡ªa tall, lanky guy¡ªgetting up from his seat. He held his tray lazily, about to toss the untouched remains of his food into a disposal bin.


    Before the tray even tipped, a heavy boot connected with his back, sending him stumbling forward. The entire room froze as the supervisor who had delivered the kick stepped forward, his expression a storm of anger.


    ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± the man roared. He was broad-shouldered and wore a badge with intricate designs¡ªone that Ethan vaguely recognized from the earlier introductions. The name clicked into place: Rudra.


    Rudra jabbed a finger at the now-cowering recruit. ¡°You think food just appears here out of nowhere? That you can waste it like some spoiled brat? This isn¡¯t your cushy little life anymore. In the military, every grain of rice, every bite you take, is earned. And if you think you¡¯re too good to finish your plate, then you can go clean the fields for a week and learn some respect!¡±


    The recruit stammered an apology, but Rudra waved him off with a snort of disgust. ¡°Sit down. Finish it. And don¡¯t let me see this again.¡±


    The silence in the room was suffocating. No one dared to speak until Rudra finally walked away.


    Herbie let out a low whistle. ¡°Guess we¡¯re finishing every last bite from now on, huh?¡±


    Ethan, without a word, turned back to his tray. He ate slowly, his thoughts lingering on the harsh reality of this place. There was no room for carelessness here. Every action, no matter how small, seemed to carry weight.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    After finishing his meal, he said a quiet goodbye to his team and made his way back to the dorm. Alone, as always.


    <hr>


    Ethan stepped into his room, shutting the door behind him with a soft click. The hum of distant activity outside faded, leaving him in peaceful solitude. Kicking off his boots, he stretched his arms over his head, his muscles aching slightly from the laps earlier. As he moved around, his voice drifted into song, low and thoughtful.


    "And the stars, they whisper in vain,


    Calling out a name I can¡¯t explain,


    Every shadow hides what¡¯s true,


    But the echoes¡­ they sound like you¡­"


    Ethan¡¯s voice carried the tune softly, half-absent as he sang. He didn¡¯t think about where he¡¯d first heard the song or why it lingered so stubbornly in his mind. The lyrics always struck something in him, though he¡¯d never admit it. He chuckled under his breath. ¡°Not like there was ever anyone special,¡± he muttered to himself. His smile faded for a moment before he picked up the tune again, louder this time.


    "Time will heal, or so they say,


    Yet I¡¯m haunted every single day,


    By a name, a face I never knew,


    But the echoes¡­ they sound like you¡­"


    As he wandered the room, singing softly, Ethan began opening drawers and rifling through the small, sparse furnishings. The search grew increasingly chaotic, with cushions tossed on the floor, the closet doors flung wide open, and a small stack of papers nearly sent tumbling from the desk.


    "Guess this is my life now," Ethan sighed, his voice fading. Just as he was about to give up, he noticed the bedside drawer. He opened it, feeling a twinge of embarrassment for not checking there first. Inside was a simple notebook, bound in leather with the letter ¡°D¡± embossed on the front. A pen was clipped neatly to the back cover.


    "Of course," Ethan said, shaking his head with a smile. He grabbed the diary, set it on the desk, and pulled out the chair. Flipping the book open, he stared at the first blank page. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he clicked the pen and began to speak aloud as he wrote.


    "Day One," he said, his voice steady. "I don¡¯t know if this will be a journal, a guide, or just a way to keep my thoughts straight. But if I don¡¯t start jotting things down, I¡¯ll probably forget half of what I learned today."


    He paused, tapping the pen against his chin. Then he continued.


    "This realm is unlike anything I could have imagined. They say it¡¯s built on the ruins of places like Valhalla and Elysium¡ªreal places that were destroyed thousands of years ago. This isn¡¯t heaven or hell, but something else entirely. A place for those who died too soon, unfairly, or¡­ just wrong. That¡¯s how they explained it, anyway."


    Ethan scratched the back of his head, messing up his already disheveled hair. He leaned over the diary again.


    "Gabriel said our bodies here are just a reflection of what we used to have, crafted from our spirits. It¡¯s why physical conditioning is still important, even though we don¡¯t technically have muscles or bones anymore. We have¡­ something else. Spirit matter, I think he called it. It reacts like a body but has its own rules. Apparently, that¡¯s what we¡¯re supposed to figure out during training."


    He tilted his head, humming a few bars of the song he¡¯d sung earlier before jotting down another thought.


    "They mentioned something about the old Valhalla being destroyed in a great war, which scattered the souls it housed. Some ended up here. They call this place Genesis, but nobody¡¯s explained why yet. Maybe it has to do with starting over. Or maybe they just liked the name."


    Ethan stopped writing for a moment, glancing around the room as if searching for inspiration. He hummed a few more notes before continuing.


    "The recruits here come from all sorts of backgrounds. Most were warriors or soldiers in their lives, but some, like me, weren¡¯t. The idea of a second chance is¡­ strange. I didn¡¯t do anything great when I was alive. Not even close. But I guess that doesn¡¯t matter here. Everyone starts from the same place, whether you were a king or a janitor."


    He leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms over his head. "Man, this is going to take some getting used to," he muttered.


    Ethan flipped back through the pages he¡¯d written, scanning the notes with a small smile. Then his eyes widened as a thought struck him.


    "Ah, crap!" he groaned, slapping his forehead. "I forgot to ask for a TV again!"


    The frustration lingered for a moment before he chuckled at his own absentmindedness. Closing the diary, he placed it neatly on the desk and glanced out the small window, where the faint glow of moonlight spilled across the horizon.


    "Guess I¡¯ll add that to tomorrow¡¯s list," he muttered before getting ready to wind down for the night.

 Crimson Hue that brightened the Abyss

    The darkness was absolute. Ethan couldn¡¯t see, couldn¡¯t feel, couldn¡¯t hear. He didn¡¯t even know if he was standing, floating, or simply suspended in a void. For all he could tell, he wasn¡¯t even breathing. It was an oppressive kind of nothingness, the kind that clawed at the edges of sanity and pulled every instinct to its breaking point.


    His heart pounded wildly in his chest, even though he couldn¡¯t feel his body. The sound of his own frantic heartbeat was the only anchor to his existence in this void. His breaths, shallow and panicked, echoed faintly as if they were being swallowed by the emptiness surrounding him.


    The fear was primal, rooted in a place so deep within him that it felt almost ancient. It wasn¡¯t just the absence of light; it was the absence of everything. The kind of silence and darkness that made a person feel like they¡¯d been erased. Every nerve in his body screamed for movement, for action¡ªanything to fight the feeling of helplessness¡ªbut he couldn¡¯t even tell where his limbs were. Was he even whole? Was he even real?


    His chest tightened as if the very air around him was pressing inward. The fear of the unknown, that innate, instinctive dread that lived in every human, surged to the surface. He wanted to scream but couldn¡¯t open his mouth. He wanted to run but had no legs to carry him.


    Just as he thought he would burst from the terror, his heart hammering in his ears, a faint crimson hue appeared in the distance. It was so faint that at first, he wasn¡¯t sure if it was even real or just his mind playing tricks. But it grew, pulsing gently, like a heartbeat. The light painted the darkness in shades of red, pushing it back ever so slightly. The hue was both mesmerizing and unsettling, its presence alien in the vast void.


    Ethan¡¯s chest heaved, and suddenly, the darkness broke.


    <hr>


    He woke up with a violent jolt, his body jerking upright as his lungs desperately sucked in air. His shirt was damp, clinging to his skin from the cold sweat that drenched him. His heart was still racing, and for a moment, he just sat there in bed, staring into the dimness of his room, trying to piece himself back together.


    "What... was that?" he whispered to himself, his voice trembling slightly.


    The dream, or nightmare¡ªwhatever it was¡ªlingered in his mind like a stubborn shadow. The suffocating darkness, the weightlessness, and that crimson hue... it all felt so vivid, too real to just be a simple dream. He rubbed his face with shaky hands, trying to shake off the lingering dread.


    After a few moments, he reached for the bedside drawer. The diary with the solitary "D" on the cover felt reassuring in his hands. Pulling out the pen attached to its back, he flipped it open and began scribbling, his handwriting slightly uneven from the residual tremors in his fingers.


    "Entry Two," he muttered under his breath, as if speaking the words would help cement them into reality. He continued, speaking aloud as he wrote:


    "I just woke up from a dream¡ªno, a nightmare. It was unlike anything I¡¯ve ever experienced before. I was... nowhere. Just surrounded by darkness. I couldn¡¯t move or see or feel anything, but I could feel the fear. It was consuming me. Like something ancient was watching, waiting. My heart wouldn¡¯t stop pounding, and it felt like I was going to explode from the pressure of it all.


    Then, out of nowhere, there was a red light. Crimson. Faint at first, but it grew. It wasn¡¯t comforting; it was strange, almost ominous. I don¡¯t know what it was or why it appeared, but it was the only thing that broke the darkness. The only thing that... made me wake up."


    He paused, tapping the pen against the page, trying to gather his thoughts.


    "What does it mean? Is it just my imagination? Or is it something more? I can¡¯t shake the feeling that it¡¯s connected to this place. This realm. Whatever it is, it¡¯s unsettling. I¡¯ll have to keep an eye out for any signs or patterns... or maybe I¡¯m just overthinking it."


    Closing the diary, he let out a long exhale, running a hand through his hair. The bedside clock caught his eye. 4:00 AM.


    "Great," he muttered. "Too early to wake up, but too late to go back to sleep."


    Deciding it was pointless to linger, Ethan swung his legs over the edge of the bed and began to dress. The dream still hovered in the back of his mind, but he pushed it aside. Dwelling on it wouldn¡¯t change anything. He grabbed his jacket, slipped on his boots, and stepped out into the hall.


    <hr>


    The corridors were quiet, the only sounds being the soft hum of distant lights. As he stepped outside, the crisp morning air hit him, cool and refreshing. The horizon was tinged with the faintest hint of orange, the promise of dawn creeping in. Streetlights lined the path, their glow casting long shadows that danced and stretched as Ethan walked.


    He glanced down, noticing his own shadow. For a moment, it seemed... odd. Not wrong, exactly, but strange. It flickered, almost as if it moved independently of him. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, but he shook it off. "It¡¯s just your mind playing tricks," he muttered, quickening his pace.


    As the training field came into view, Ethan felt a sense of calm wash over him. The dream, the shadows, the unease¡ªall of it faded into the background. Another day was beginning, and he would face it head-on, just like he always did.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    The days seemed to blend together for Ethan as the week marched on. Each morning began with grueling physical drills, followed by hours of theory classes and practical exercises under the watchful eyes of Gabriel and the other supervisors. For Ethan, it was a continuous cycle of effort and observation. He kept to himself mostly, listening, learning, and occasionally engaging in small conversations with his team members. Despite his introverted tendencies, he couldn¡¯t help but take note of everyone around him.


    One of the recruits who stood out was Zane, the only other boy in Ethan¡¯s team besides Herbie. Zane was wiry, with sharp features and an easy grin that masked a sharp mind. Unlike Herbie, whose enthusiasm often outpaced his sense of caution, Zane was calculated, always observing before acting. During one of their breaks, Ethan found himself sitting next to Zane, watching as the other boy deftly twirled a small pebble between his fingers.


    ¡°You¡¯re awfully quiet, Ethan,¡± Zane said without looking up. His voice was casual, but there was a weight to it, like he was testing the waters.


    Ethan shrugged. ¡°Just taking everything in. There¡¯s a lot to learn here.¡±


    Zane smirked. ¡°Smart. Most people try to prove themselves right off the bat. Not you, though. You¡¯re playing the long game.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a game,¡± Ethan replied, frowning slightly. ¡°I¡¯m just trying to survive.¡±


    At that, Zane finally looked at him, his dark eyes gleaming with interest. ¡°Survival, huh? Fair enough. But remember, sometimes to survive, you have to make moves. Staying still only works for so long.¡±


    Ethan didn¡¯t reply immediately, letting the words hang in the air. Zane¡¯s advice felt oddly profound, even if it was wrapped in his usual nonchalance. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± Ethan said finally.


    Zane grinned and tossed the pebble away. ¡°Good. I¡¯d hate to see someone like you get left behind.¡±


    The moment was interrupted by Herbie¡¯s loud laughter echoing across the field. The boy had somehow managed to trip over his own feet during a simple agility drill, earning a sharp reprimand from Gabriel.


    ¡°HERBIE!¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice boomed. ¡°Do you think this is a circus? Get back in line and focus, or I¡¯ll have you running laps until your legs fall off!¡±


    Herbie¡¯s face turned crimson as he scrambled to his feet, muttering apologies. The rest of the recruits tried to stifle their laughter, but Gabriel¡¯s glare silenced them immediately.


    Ethan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle under his breath. Herbie¡¯s antics, while sometimes frustrating, brought a bit of levity to an otherwise intense environment.


    <hr>


    As the week progressed, the training grew more demanding. Each day introduced new drills¡ªobstacle courses that tested their coordination, exercises to improve their endurance, and even sparring sessions where they were taught the basics of combat. The theory classes were equally challenging, covering topics like the nature of the realm they were in, its history, and the mysterious entities that inhabited it.


    Ethan diligently took notes during these sessions, his diary filling up quickly with observations and insights. He learned about the destroyed Valhalla, a place of glory and honor that had been reduced to ruins over 200,000 years ago, and the whispers of how this realm was its successor, though tainted and fractured. These lessons painted a picture of a world both fascinating and terrifying.


    By the end of the week, the recruits were exhausted but also sharper, their initial awkwardness giving way to a budding sense of discipline. On the last day of the week, Gabriel called for a multi-team meeting on the training field. The recruits gathered, their faces a mixture of curiosity and weariness.


    Gabriel stood at the front, his arms crossed as he surveyed the group. ¡°You¡¯ve made it through your first week,¡± he began, his tone neutral. ¡°Congratulations. But don¡¯t let it go to your heads. The real work begins next week. Combat training and meditation exercises will start, and trust me when I say this: if you thought this week was tough, you¡¯re in for a rude awakening.¡±


    A few recruits exchanged uneasy glances, while others straightened up, their determination evident.


    ¡°Tomorrow morning and afternoon,¡± Gabriel continued, ¡°you¡¯ll have some free time. Use it wisely. Rest, recover, do whatever you need to prepare yourselves. But remember, you¡¯re not allowed to leave the compound. In the evening, there will be a brief session to go over what¡¯s expected of you moving forward.¡±


    He paused, his eyes scanning the crowd before settling on Ethan. ¡°And as for the matter of... extracurricular requests,¡± Gabriel said, his lips twitching into a faint smirk, ¡°I¡¯ve heard some of you have been asking for televisions or other distractions.¡±


    A ripple of murmurs spread through the group, and Ethan felt his ears heat up. He had mentioned the TV request in passing, but apparently, it had reached Gabriel¡¯s ears.


    ¡°This is a military compound,¡± Gabriel said firmly. ¡°Not a vacation resort. You¡¯re here to train, to become stronger, and to prepare for whatever challenges lie ahead. Entertainment is a luxury, not a necessity. The only TV you¡¯ll find here is in the cafeteria, and it¡¯s there to broadcast news, not cartoons.¡±


    The recruits groaned quietly, but Gabriel¡¯s raised eyebrow silenced them. ¡°However,¡± he added, ¡°you are allowed to apply for a radio if you really want something to occupy your free time. Radios are small, portable, and, more importantly, they won¡¯t distract you from your training.¡±


    With that, he dismissed the teams, leaving the recruits to disperse. As Ethan walked back with his team, Herbie let out a loud sigh.


    ¡°A radio?¡± Herbie said, pouting. ¡°What are we, grandpas?¡±


    Zane smirked. ¡°Maybe you should focus more on staying upright during drills instead of worrying about entertainment.¡±


    Herbie stuck his tongue out at him, earning a laugh from Iris and the others. Ethan couldn¡¯t help but smile at their banter.


    As they reached the dorms, Gabriel¡¯s voice echoed in Ethan¡¯s mind. He glanced at his team, feeling a strange mix of camaraderie and determination. Tomorrow was a rare chance to rest, but he knew the real challenges were only just beginning.


    Just as he opened the door to his room, a loud crash echoed down the hall, followed by Herbie¡¯s panicked voice. ¡°Uh... guys? I think I broke something important!¡±


    Ethan sighed, shaking his head as a small grin tugged at his lips. ¡°Of course he did,¡± he muttered, stepping into his room and closing the door behind him. The week had ended, but it seemed the chaos was just getting started.

 Radio, Infernia

    The morning light filtered faintly through the curtains of Gabriel¡¯s office as Ethan stepped inside for the first time. The room was unexpectedly elegant, blending a military aesthetic with touches of biblical grandeur. The walls were adorned with framed sketches and paintings, one of which bore a striking resemblance to Michelangelo¡¯s ¡°Creation of Adam,¡± though in this version, the hands did not touch but instead hovered apart, separated by a sliver of glowing energy. Shelves lined the walls, filled with ancient tomes and artifacts¡ªa testament to Gabriel¡¯s divine heritage.


    The desk at the center of the room was simple yet commanding, its surface meticulously organized with neatly stacked papers, an inkstand, and a single feather quill that seemed more ornamental than practical. Behind the desk sat Gabriel, his piercing eyes focused on Ethan as he gestured for him to take a seat.


    Ethan hesitated for a moment before sitting down, feeling the weight of the atmosphere pressing on him. Gabriel leaned back in his chair, his hands steepled as he spoke. ¡°You¡¯ve requested a radio,¡± he said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°May I ask why?¡±


    Ethan straightened up, trying to sound as respectful as possible. ¡°I thought it might help me learn more about the realm, sir. News, culture¡­ anything that could give me an edge in understanding where I am.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s lips twitched in a faint smile. ¡°A practical answer. Good. But let me remind you, Ethan: distractions are a double-edged sword. While a radio may provide you with knowledge, it can just as easily pull your focus away from your training. Discipline is the foundation of survival here.¡±


    Ethan nodded quickly. ¡°I understand, sir. I¡¯ll make sure it doesn¡¯t interfere.¡±


    For a moment, Gabriel studied him in silence, then reached into a drawer and pulled out a stamped approval slip. ¡°Very well. Take this to the logistics unit. They¡¯ll issue you a standard-issue radio. Use it wisely.¡±


    Ethan took the slip with a small bow of gratitude. ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    As he turned to leave, Gabriel¡¯s voice stopped him. ¡°One more thing, Ethan. Don¡¯t forget why you¡¯re here. Knowledge is important, but survival takes precedence. Keep your priorities straight.¡±


    ¡°I will, sir,¡± Ethan replied, before stepping out of the office.


    <hr>


    The logistics unit was a bustling hub of activity, with recruits and staff moving in and out, collecting supplies and equipment. After handing over his approval slip, Ethan was directed to a counter where a gruff-looking quartermaster handed him a small, boxy radio. It was old-fashioned in design, with a dial for tuning and an antenna that could be extended or retracted.


    ¡°Take care of it,¡± the quartermaster grunted. ¡°These things are sturdy, but they¡¯re not indestructible.¡±


    Ethan nodded, thanking the man before heading back to his room. As he walked through the halls, he couldn¡¯t help but think about how much had changed in just a week.


    <hr>


    When Ethan entered his room, it felt markedly different from the barren space he had first arrived in. The bed was now neatly made, though the blanket was slightly askew, evidence of his rushed mornings. The once-empty desk was cluttered with newspapers, a toolkit, and three notebooks: one for vague observations, another for detailed notes from theory classes, and a third for sketches and miscellaneous thoughts. The diary with the ¡°D¡± on the cover lay on the bedside table, its pages partially filled with Ethan¡¯s scrawled handwriting.


    The faint smell of warm bread, paper, and ink lingered in the air, a comforting mixture that made the room feel more like a personal haven. The sofa had a small side table beside it, where a toolkit rested, filled with screwdrivers, pliers, and other basic tools he had borrowed from the logistics unit.


    Ethan placed the radio on the kitchen counter, carefully extending its antenna. After fiddling with the dial for a moment, he found a channel broadcasting soft instrumental music. Satisfied, he left it playing in the background as he opened the small pantry. The military provided basic rations: bread, eggs, fresh vegetables, and even a few packets of instant noodles¡ªa nod to the human cravings that even this realm seemed to acknowledge.


    As he prepared a light meal of scrambled eggs and toast, the radio shifted to a news broadcast. The announcer¡¯s voice was crisp and professional:


    ¡°In the main city of Region 13, Infernia, the Knights of Veles successfully apprehended a notorious criminal, who has been sentenced to either erasure or forced reincarnation as a lower creature. Meanwhile, a new line of enchanted tools has been released in the marketplace, promising increased efficiency for both combat and domestic use. Finally, the Council of Pluto has announced a temporary restriction on inter-regional travel due to rising tensions in Region 21.¡±


    Ethan listened intently, absorbing the information. ¡°Infernia,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°A city named after fire and the underworld. Fitting for a place governed by gods like Pluto and Veles.¡±


    As the announcer moved on to less relevant topics, Ethan turned his attention back to the radio itself. He adjusted the tuning dial slightly, testing its range. ¡°So this is the distance it can cover,¡± he murmured. ¡°Not bad, but if I want to learn more about this realm as a whole, I¡¯ll need something with a broader signal range. Maybe there¡¯s a way to modify it¡­¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    His thoughts trailed off as he continued tinkering, wondering if any of the channels broadcast music or programs beyond news and updates. ¡°I¡¯ll have to explore more later,¡± he said, making a mental note to revisit the idea when he had spare time.


    With his meal ready, Ethan sat down at the small dining table, the soft hum of the radio filling the room. Despite the challenges of the past week, this quiet moment of normalcy felt oddly comforting. As he ate, his mind wandered to the possibilities the radio could offer¡ªnot just as a source of information, but as a connection to the world around him.


    The evening air was filled with a low hum of anticipation as the recruits gathered in the multi-purpose hall, its wide expanse illuminated by soft, golden lights embedded into the high ceiling. The room was simple yet functional, with rows of chairs arranged in neat lines and a raised stage at the far end. Ethan stood with his team near the middle, his gaze distant as he absently rubbed his thumb against his palm, lost in thought.


    Meanwhile, the others were engaged in hushed conversations. Herbie, ever the chatterbox, leaned toward Iris, his expression animated. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, if they¡¯re making us stand here this long, it has to be something big. Maybe they¡¯re bringing out real weapons tonight.¡±


    Iris rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. ¡°Or maybe it¡¯s another lecture. Honestly, Herbie, you should save your energy for actual training.¡±


    ¡°Lecture or not,¡± Zane interjected, leaning casually against a nearby chair, ¡°it¡¯s better than running laps until our legs fall off. Besides, knowledge is power, right?¡± His tone was light, but his sharp gaze flicked to Yin Xue, who stood silently at the edge of their group, her hands clasped in front of her.


    Yin Xue¡¯s voice was soft but carried an edge of quiet authority. ¡°Power without discipline is useless. Whatever they¡¯re teaching us, it¡¯s meant to shape us into something more. You should listen.¡±


    Herbie groaned dramatically. ¡°Fine, fine. But if it¡¯s boring, don¡¯t blame me for nodding off.¡±


    The faint creak of the doors at the back of the hall interrupted their exchange. Heads turned as the room fell silent. Gabriel entered first, his posture as commanding as ever, followed closely by Rudra and several other supervisors. Their presence was enough to stifle any remaining whispers. Gabriel¡¯s piercing gaze swept across the room, ensuring that everyone¡¯s attention was focused.


    Rudra ascended the stage with a fluid grace, his robes billowing slightly as if moved by an unseen wind. He stepped to the center, clasping his hands behind his back. ¡°Good evening, recruits,¡± he began, his deep voice resonating through the hall. ¡°Tonight, we delve into the essence of what sustains this realm and the core of your potential: Prana.¡±


    As he spoke, the air above the stage shimmered, and a projection screen seemed to materialize out of thin air. It glowed faintly before displaying intricate diagrams and symbols. The first image depicted a flowing river of light, connecting various celestial bodies.


    ¡°Prana is the divine energy that drives everything in this realm,¡± Rudra explained, gesturing toward the screen. ¡°It is the force that fuels life, shapes reality, and binds the mortal to the divine. To exist here is to be intertwined with Prana. It permeates the air you breathe, the food you eat, and the very ground beneath your feet.¡±


    The screen shifted, now showing a human figure surrounded by an aura of light, streams of energy flowing into and out of it. ¡°For you, recruits, Prana is both a resource and a responsibility. Learning to channel it effectively will determine how far you can go in this realm. Misuse it, and it may consume you instead.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes sharpened, his daze giving way to focused curiosity. The concept of Prana intrigued him, its vast implications stirring something deep within.


    Rudra continued, his tone unwavering. ¡°By stepping into this realm, each of you has already undergone an initial awakening. This process, while rare in the mortal world, is a natural consequence of entering a divine plane. It grants you the ability to channel Prana, though not all awakenings are created equal.¡±


    The screen changed again, now displaying two distinct symbols: one resembling a glowing flame, the other a radiant star. ¡°There are two primary types of awakened,¡± Rudra explained. ¡°The first and most common is the Innately Awakened. This is what most of you are. Each Innately Awakened individual possesses a unique ability or skill. These abilities are as varied as the stars in the sky. Some may allow you to manipulate your form, wield elemental powers, or even summon creatures to aid you in battle. The potential is vast, but it is up to you to cultivate it.¡±


    Murmurs rippled through the crowd, recruits glancing at one another with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Ethan¡¯s hands clenched at his sides, his heart pounding as he imagined the possibilities.


    Rudra raised a hand, silencing the room once more. ¡°The second type is far rarer: the Blessed Awakened. To become one, you must not only excel in your abilities but also attract the attention of a god. A divine blessing is both a gift and a testament to your worth. Some gods have thousands of followers blessed in their name, while others have none. It all depends on the deity and their judgment.¡±


    The screen shifted to display an ethereal image of a golden harp surrounded by radiant light. ¡°Blessings granted by gods often manifest as buffs or enhancements. They may not be overtly combat-oriented, but they are invaluable on the battlefield. For example, a blessing from Aphrodite might grant you unparalleled charisma, allowing you to inspire allies and disarm foes with mere words. Such blessings are as versatile as they are powerful.¡±


    As Rudra spoke, Ethan felt a surge of excitement, his hands trembling slightly. The idea of becoming a Blessed Awakened, of gaining the recognition of a god, ignited a fire within him. His mind raced with questions and possibilities. Could he achieve such a feat? What would it take? And which god, if any, would deem him worthy?


    Rudra¡¯s voice softened, his gaze sweeping across the recruits. ¡°Remember, your journey has only just begun. Whether you are Innately Awakened or aspire to become Blessed, your growth depends on your determination and discipline. Prana is both a gift and a challenge. Embrace it, and you may find yourself capable of greatness beyond imagination.¡±


    The room was silent, every recruit lost in their thoughts. For Ethan, the silence was electric, charged with possibility. His clenched fists relaxed, but his eyes remained alight with determination. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time since arriving in this realm, he felt a glimmer of purpose.


    And he wasn¡¯t about to let it slip away.

 Sunshine and Prana

    As Rudra stepped off the stage, the air in the multi-purpose hall shifted. The recruits, still absorbing the weight of his words, turned their attention to a new figure climbing the steps to the platform. He was a slender man with sharp features, his jet-black hair tied into a neat bun at the back of his head. His robe, unlike Rudra¡¯s flowing garments, was a fitted black and red uniform, adorned with a single silver emblem of a sakura blossom.


    The man bowed slightly, his movements precise and deliberate. ¡°Good evening, recruits,¡± he began, his voice calm and smooth, carrying a faint accent that hinted at his Japanese heritage. ¡°I am Instructor Kiyoshi, and it is my honor to guide you further into understanding the basics of Prana manipulation.¡±


    With a clap of his hands, the atmosphere in the room seemed to hum with energy. A stack of small guidebooks materialized in mid-air, each one bound in dark leather with golden lettering on the cover that read: Prana Channeling: A Beginner¡¯s Guide. The books hovered for a moment before flying through the air, landing neatly in each recruit¡¯s hands.


    Ethan caught his guidebook with ease, running his fingers over the embossed cover. Around him, the recruits murmured in surprise and curiosity.


    ¡°This guidebook,¡± Kiyoshi continued, ¡°is a basic yet essential resource. It contains foundational knowledge on channeling Prana effectively. Study it well, but remember: this knowledge is not to be shared beyond this compound.¡± His sharp gaze scanned the room before a faint smirk curved his lips. ¡°Not that you can leave the compound, of course.¡±


    A ripple of nervous laughter spread through the room, easing some of the tension. Kiyoshi¡¯s tone shifted back to seriousness. ¡°Tonight, before you sleep, familiarize yourselves with the guide. Tomorrow, your training will begin in earnest. Be prepared.¡±


    He stepped back, giving a respectful nod as Gabriel took his place on the stage. The commanding presence of the archangel silenced the room once again. Gabriel¡¯s eyes swept over the recruits, his expression a mixture of sternness and purpose.


    ¡°Recruits,¡± he began, his voice deep and resonant. ¡°This week will be a crucible. You will be assessed in both weaponry and hand-to-hand combat. By the end of the week, we will determine your individual paths. Not everyone is suited for the same role, and it is our job to place you where you will excel.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s gaze lingered on a few recruits, including Ethan, as if weighing their potential. ¡°Remember, your performance this week will shape your future in this realm. Approach your training with discipline and resolve. That is all. You are dismissed.¡±


    The recruits began to file out of the hall, the weight of Gabriel¡¯s words pressing down on them. Ethan walked back to his room in silence, the guidebook tucked securely under his arm.


    <hr>


    Ethan¡¯s room was dimly lit by the warm glow of a small desk lamp. He had just stepped out of the bathroom, his damp hair clinging to his forehead. A faint scent of soap and clean linen filled the air. Dressed in casual sleepwear, he settled at the side table by his bed, placing the guidebook and a brand-new notebook in front of him.


    The guidebook was meticulously detailed, filled with diagrams of energy flows, breathing techniques, and step-by-step instructions on how to channel Prana. Ethan flipped through the pages, his brow furrowing as he read.


    ¡°Breathe deeply, focus on the center of your being, and visualize the flow of energy through your body,¡± he murmured, reading aloud. ¡°Sounds simple enough.¡±


    He picked up his pen, jotting down notes in the notebook. His handwriting was neat at first, but as he tried to analyze the text further, it became messier.


    Prana flows through defined channels? What channels? And how am I supposed to visualize something I can¡¯t even feel? His notes became a series of fragmented questions and doodles of the diagrams from the book.


    Ethan sighed, scratching his head in frustration. He pushed the notebook aside and leaned back in his chair, staring at the guidebook with narrowed eyes. ¡°Focus, breathe, visualize,¡± he repeated, his voice laced with sarcasm. ¡°Easier said than done.¡±


    Despite his skepticism, he decided to give it a try. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He tried to focus on his ¡°center¡± as the book instructed, but all he could feel was the growing ache in his back from sitting still for too long.


    After several minutes of futile effort, Ethan groaned and opened his eyes. ¡°This is ridiculous,¡± he muttered, standing up and brushing himself off. Out of spite, he snapped the guidebook shut and returned to the desk. He opened his diary instead, the familiar comfort of its worn pages calming his frustration.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Ethan¡¯s pen moved across the paper as he wrote about the day¡¯s events¡ªthe lecture, the guidebook, and his struggles with channeling Prana. He didn¡¯t hold back, pouring his thoughts onto the page.


    Maybe I¡¯m overthinking it. Or maybe I¡¯m just not cut out for this. Either way, tomorrow¡¯s training will be the real test.


    When he finished writing, he set the diary aside and glanced at the guidebook one last time. A part of him wanted to toss it across the room, but he resisted the urge. Instead, he climbed into bed, pulling the blanket over himself.


    The soft hum of the radio in the background and the faint glow of the desk lamp were the last things he registered before sleep claimed him. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he allowed himself the solace of rest.


    Morning sunlight filtered into the courtyard as the recruits gathered, their chatter filling the air with a mix of nervous excitement and curiosity. Gabriel stood at the forefront, his presence commanding but not overbearing. He looked like an ordinary, albeit strikingly handsome, middle-aged man, dressed in a fitted black military uniform. His sharp eyes swept over the group, silencing the murmurs without a single word.


    Ethan stood among the recruits, his arms crossed as he shifted on his feet. The group was split into small clusters. Iris and Yin Xue stood off to the side, their postures calm yet alert, while Herbie fidgeted nervously, clearly out of his depth. Zane leaned against a nearby wall, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp. Small talk bubbled among them, though Ethan himself remained quiet, lost in his own thoughts.


    Herbie leaned toward Yin Xue and whispered, "Do you think Gabriel is really... you know, the Gabriel? Like the archangel? Or maybe he¡¯s just a mortal who¡ª"


    He didn¡¯t finish. Gabriel¡¯s sharp gaze snapped to him, and the sheer weight of that look made Herbie straighten like a bolt, snapping his mouth shut. A soft, warning snort from Gabriel was enough to make the others stifle their laughter.


    Gabriel finally spoke, his voice low and resonant, carrying effortlessly through the space. "Today, we¡¯ll begin understanding what channels are, how Prana flows through them, and how to better visualize this process. This is foundational work¡ªif you can¡¯t feel the energy within you, you won¡¯t be able to use it."


    He began to pace, his measured steps echoing softly. "Prana flows through defined pathways in your body, like rivers carrying energy to vital points. These points, or nodes, act as centers for gathering and amplifying that energy."


    Gabriel gestured subtly, his hand drawing an invisible map in the air. "To feel Prana, you need to focus inward. Block out the world around you and visualize the flow of energy moving through your veins. For some, it¡¯ll come naturally. For others, it will take time and effort. Both paths are valid."


    Ethan nodded, though a faint flicker of confusion passed across his face. Gabriel¡¯s explanation made sense¡­ sort of. But how was he supposed to visualize something he¡¯d never seen or felt before?


    ¡°Sit,¡± Gabriel ordered.


    The recruits complied, settling into lotus positions on the ground. The cool stone beneath Ethan was rough against his palms as he adjusted himself, trying to get comfortable. He closed his eyes as instructed, the chatter of the group gradually fading as everyone focused.


    Ethan took a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs. He tried to follow Gabriel¡¯s instructions, mentally cutting off the voices and distractions around him. The effort didn¡¯t silence the world entirely, but it dulled the edges enough to help him concentrate.


    He visualized¡­ or at least tried to. Streams of energy coursing through his body, gathering at points he couldn¡¯t quite define. His imagination stumbled, unable to fully grasp the concept. All he could feel was the unbearable heat of the sun above, its rays beating down relentlessly.


    Why is it so hot? Ethan thought, cracking one eye open to glare at the cloudless sky.


    He was about to give up when he felt it. A faint chill. It wasn¡¯t much¡ªjust a subtle shift in temperature, like a breeze brushing against his skin. His breath hitched as his mind latched onto it. Slowly, a crimson hue began to seep into his closed-eyed vision, like ink spreading through water. It was faint, but it was there, pulsing softly with an almost hypnotic rhythm.


    His heart raced, excitement bubbling in his chest. He focused harder, trying to pull the hue closer, to make sense of it. But just as it began to spread, a firm hand landed on his shoulder.


    Ethan¡¯s eyes snapped open, and he found Gabriel standing behind him. The archangel¡¯s touch was steady, his expression unreadable. A wave of calm swept over Ethan, and suddenly, he felt it¡ªa foreign yet oddly familiar energy pooling in the center of his chest. It was warm and comforting, like a spark taking root in a hearth.


    ¡°Congratulations,¡± Gabriel said quietly, his voice meant only for Ethan. ¡°You¡¯ve made the first step. Don¡¯t lose it.¡±


    Ethan nodded slowly, still dazed. The energy in his chest pulsed softly, steady and reassuring. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was a start. The initial foundation of what Gabriel had called a "channeling warrior." Ethan didn¡¯t fully understand the implications yet, but he couldn¡¯t deny the thrill that coursed through him.


    Around him, the other recruits were in varying states of progress. Elara¡¯s brows were furrowed in concentration, her hands resting lightly on her knees. Iris, ever composed, looked serene, though her breathing was noticeably deeper. Yin Xue sat perfectly still, her expression unreadable, while Zane¡¯s eyes were half-open, his lips pressed into a thin line. Herbie, predictably, was fidgeting, his attempts at meditation interrupted by his own nervous energy.


    Gabriel¡¯s sharp voice cut through the air. ¡°Enough for now. Those of you who felt something, no matter how faint, hold onto it. For those who didn¡¯t, don¡¯t be discouraged. Mastery comes with time and persistence. Dismissed.¡±


    Ethan stood, his legs stiff from sitting too long. The recruits dispersed, their expressions a mix of relief, frustration, and determination. As he walked to the cafeteria, the faint pulse of Prana in his chest was a constant reminder of the path ahead.

 Himmel? The hero?

    Lunch in the dining hall buzzed with a mix of chatter and clinking cutlery as the recruits gathered around the long tables. The air was thick with the aromas of freshly baked bread, spiced vegetables, and roasted meats. Ethan found himself seated between Herbie, who was eagerly piling his plate with food, and Zane, who picked at his meal with a calculated disinterest. Across from them, Iris and Yin Xue ate in silence, their expressions calm but observant.


    ¡°I hope the combat training isn¡¯t as hard as the Prana stuff,¡± Herbie muttered, his mouth half-full. ¡°That meditation earlier? I think I fell asleep for half of it.¡±


    Zane smirked. ¡°You looked more like you were fighting off a mosquito swarm than meditating.¡±


    Iris¡¯s lips twitched into a faint smile, though she said nothing. Yin Xue, ever composed, simply raised an eyebrow at Herbie¡¯s antics before returning to her meal. Ethan stayed quiet, his mind still replaying the strange sensation of the energy he had felt earlier.


    ¡°What do you think they¡¯ll teach us first?¡± Ethan finally asked, looking up from his plate.


    Yin Xue¡¯s voice was soft but steady. ¡°Something fundamental. Likely grappling or basic techniques. They¡¯ll want to assess how we move before introducing weapons.¡±


    ¡°Weapons,¡± Herbie repeated with a dramatic sigh. ¡°Sounds fun, but I¡¯ll probably end up poking myself with a sword or something.¡±


    Ethan chuckled, though his mind was already drifting to the field ahead. The anticipation was electric, sparking in the air around them.


    <hr>


    The combat field stretched wide before them, a flat expanse of packed dirt surrounded by a low wooden fence. A few training dummies stood at one end, while racks of weapons lined the other. The recruits gathered in a loose semicircle, their eyes scanning the area with curiosity and nerves.


    A tall man with sun-kissed skin and sharp, angular features strode into view. His short-cropped brown hair gleamed in the sunlight, and his forest-green eyes carried a mix of authority and warmth. He wore a simple yet well-fitted training uniform and carried himself with the ease of someone who had mastered his craft.


    ¡°Welcome to the field,¡± the man began, his voice carrying easily over the murmurs. ¡°I am Himmel, your instructor for today.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s mind tripped over the name, a stray thought surfacing: Himmel the hero would do the same. He shook his head, dismissing the odd line, and refocused on the instructor¡¯s words.


    ¡°Today, we¡¯ll start with grappling. It¡¯s a fundamental skill for anyone on the battlefield, whether you wield a weapon or fight barehanded. Once we¡¯re done with that, you¡¯ll each choose a weapon to train with. You¡¯re not locked into your choice¡ªyou can switch if it doesn¡¯t feel right¡ªbut don¡¯t expect me to go easy on you regardless.¡±


    Himmel¡¯s eyes swept over the group, lingering briefly on each recruit. ¡°Pair up. One person will practice while the other observes and offers feedback. We¡¯ll rotate regularly. For now, I¡¯ll demonstrate.¡±


    He gestured for Herbie to step forward. The smaller boy¡¯s eyes widened in alarm, but he reluctantly shuffled to the center of the group.


    ¡°Relax,¡± Himmel said with a grin. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. Probably.¡±


    The recruits chuckled, though Herbie didn¡¯t seem reassured. Himmel positioned Herbie in front of him and began explaining the basic stances and techniques¡ªhow to maintain balance, how to break someone¡¯s hold, and how to execute a clean throw.


    ¡°Watch closely,¡± Himmel instructed, shifting into a low stance. ¡°The key to grappling is understanding leverage and momentum. Strength helps, but it¡¯s not everything.¡±


    With fluid precision, Himmel demonstrated a throw, sending Herbie tumbling to the ground with a loud thud. The recruits winced in unison.


    Herbie groaned but quickly scrambled to his feet. ¡°Got it,¡± he muttered, dusting himself off. Himmel clapped him on the shoulder, clearly impressed by his resilience.


    ¡°Good. Now, your turn to try.¡±


    Despite his initial awkwardness, Herbie proved to be a quick study. Within minutes, he was executing the basic techniques with surprising competence, much to the astonishment of the group.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°See?¡± Himmel said with a grin. ¡°Even the smallest recruit can take down a larger opponent with the right technique.¡±


    The recruits divided into pairs and began practicing. Ethan partnered with Zane, whose sharp reflexes and controlled movements made him a challenging but instructive opponent. They took turns attempting throws, their initial clumsiness giving way to gradual improvement.


    Nearby, Iris paired with Yin Xue, their movements graceful and efficient as they practiced. Yin Xue¡¯s calm instructions were met with Iris¡¯s quiet nods, the two working in near-perfect sync. Elara was paired with a boy from another group, her fiery determination evident in her precise but aggressive attempts.


    Herbie, meanwhile, was partnered with a taller girl who struggled to match his growing confidence. His earlier nerves seemed to have vanished, replaced by an eagerness that bordered on enthusiasm.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Zane admitted as Ethan successfully executed a throw, sending him to the ground. ¡°You¡¯re a fast learner.¡±


    Ethan offered a hand to help him up. ¡°Thanks. It¡¯s easier when you have a good teacher.¡±


    The practice session continued, the recruits exchanging techniques and tips as they worked to refine their skills. Himmel moved among them, offering corrections and encouragement. The sun climbed higher in the sky, the heat adding to the challenge, but the recruits pushed through, determined to prove themselves.


    As the session neared its end, the atmosphere was a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. The recruits gathered around Himmel once more, their faces flushed but their spirits high.


    ¡°Not bad for your first day,¡± Himmel said, his tone approving. ¡°Get some water, and we¡¯ll move on to weapons training.¡±


    The recruits dispersed, their conversations buzzing with energy as they prepared for the next challenge.


    The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the training field as the recruits regrouped after a brief water break. Himmel stood by the weapon racks, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. The wooden shelves were lined with an array of weapons: swords, spears, polearms, crossbows, pistols, and bows, each polished and gleaming in the sunlight.


    ¡°Alright, recruits,¡± Himmel called out, his voice cutting through the murmurs. ¡°This is the part you¡¯ve been waiting for. Each of you will step forward, pick a weapon, and test its weight and feel. You¡¯re not bound to your first choice. If it doesn¡¯t suit you, you can switch. For now, basic needs will be met by these standard weapons. Later, if you prove yourselves, you¡¯ll have access to custom gear.¡±


    Yara, the enigmatic woman with an air of mystery, stepped forward first. Her movements were poised and deliberate as she approached the racks. She selected a sword, a classic weapon with a blade that shimmered faintly under the light. Testing its weight, she performed a few precise swings before nodding in satisfaction. Then, her eyes landed on a sleek pistol. She picked it up, inspecting its craftsmanship before holstering it at her side. Without a word, she returned to the group, her choices radiating confidence and control.


    One by one, the recruits followed. Iris gravitated toward a bow, her delicate yet firm grip testing the tautness of its string. Elara chose a pair of daggers, their dual nature matching her fiery and aggressive spirit. Yin Xue, ever composed, selected a polearm, its long reach complementing her calm and measured demeanor. Zane picked a crossbow, his sharp, calculating eyes examining its mechanism with interest. Herbie, ever unpredictable, opted for a sturdy mace, its blunt force seemingly at odds with his smaller frame but fitting his growing determination.


    Finally, it was Ethan¡¯s turn. He stepped forward, his gaze scanning the array of weapons. A spear caught his eye first. The long shaft and pointed tip had a certain elegance and practicality that appealed to him. He picked it up, testing its balance with a few experimental thrusts. The weight felt right, as if it belonged in his hands. Next, his eyes moved to a bow. Memories of archery competitions he had watched on Earth surfaced, fueling his curiosity. He selected a bow and tested its draw, nodding to himself. With his choices made, he returned to the group.


    Himmel¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°Weapons are an extension of yourself. Some of you may stick with your choices; others may find they need something different. Either way, mastery takes time and effort.¡± He paused, then added with a smirk, ¡°And don¡¯t go thinking a shiny weapon will make you invincible.¡±


    As the recruits murmured their acknowledgments, Himmel clapped his hands together. A strange ripple spread through the air, and suddenly, multiple versions of Himmel appeared¡ªclones, each identical to the original.


    The recruits gasped, a mix of awe and confusion rippling through them. ¡°Relax,¡± the original Himmel said, his voice layered with amusement. ¡°They¡¯re me, but not me. Each of my clones will oversee a team. While I may not be a master of every weapon, I know enough to get you started. For more advanced techniques, consult your supervisors.¡±


    The clones dispersed, each guiding a small group of recruits. Ethan found himself in a group with Zane, Yara, and Herbie, their Himmel clone standing before them with a spear in hand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with the basics,¡± the clone said. ¡°Ethan, since you picked a spear, why don¡¯t you step forward?¡±


    Ethan hesitated for a moment before stepping into the center of the group. The clone handed him a training spear, its blunt tip ensuring safety during practice. ¡°We¡¯ll begin with a test spar,¡± the clone announced. ¡°Show me what you¡¯ve got. Let¡¯s see if the spear vibes with you.¡±


    Ethan nodded, gripping the spear tightly. He adjusted his stance, his heart pounding with anticipation. The clone mirrored his movements, holding its own spear with practiced ease. The other recruits stepped back, forming a loose circle around them.


    For a moment, there was only silence. Then, with a burst of determination, Ethan lunged forward, the tip of his spear aimed straight at the clone. The world seemed to hold its breath as the clash began.

 Authors Note

    What''s the story about anyway?


    - Straight up, war. Though it might not look like it. I suggest lets not get fooled by the cheery stuff that''s happening right now.


    Are you using AI? You sick fuck.


    - Yes. I had to. 4 years of MTL and google translated novels ruined my writing. I write the preliminary scenarios and the AI hones it.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Did you write anything before? or is this your first Webnovel?


    - Yes. I wrote a fanfic, way before the days of MTL, i had the ability to write better English by myself. I think it was about Soul Land but it was cringey and childish, though i am not embarrassed by it. Oh the fun days, I dropped it after around 55 chapters though. I got busy with something that rhymes with Bankai. (Gacha games wink wink)


    And thats it (The interviewer closes his notebook)


    - What? That''s it?

 Spar

    Ethan¡¯s hands gripped the smooth shaft of the spear, his palms slightly damp with sweat. Across from him, Himmel stood relaxed, the faintest of smirks tugging at the corners of his mouth. The sunlight glinted off the polished wood of the spear in Ethan¡¯s hands, its sharp tip catching the light as if daring him to take the first move. A stillness fell over the training field, broken only by the faint murmurs of the recruits watching from the sidelines.


    ¡°Whenever you¡¯re ready,¡± Himmel said, spinning his own spear with an effortless flourish before settling into a low, balanced stance.


    Ethan¡¯s muscles tensed, his heart pounding in his chest. He hadn¡¯t exactly planned to spar with the instructor on his first day with a weapon, but the opportunity had presented itself, and he wasn¡¯t about to back down now. Taking a deep breath, he lunged forward, aiming a thrust at Himmel¡¯s midsection. The attack was straightforward, unrefined¡ªand easily sidestepped.


    Himmel¡¯s movements were smooth, almost lazy, as he shifted his weight and let Ethan¡¯s spear pass harmlessly to the side. ¡°Not bad for a first try,¡± he remarked, his voice calm. ¡°But you¡¯re too stiff. Loosen up, or you¡¯ll tire yourself out before you even land a hit.¡±


    Ethan gritted his teeth and quickly readjusted, pulling the spear back and spinning it to regain his balance. He circled Himmel, watching for an opening, but the instructor stood firm, his posture unyielding. Deciding to test his luck, Ethan went for a sweeping attack aimed at Himmel¡¯s legs. The spear whistled through the air, but Himmel leaped effortlessly over it, landing lightly on the balls of his feet.


    ¡°Better,¡± Himmel said, giving Ethan a nod. ¡°You¡¯re starting to get a feel for the range. But watch your footing.¡±


    As if to emphasize his point, Himmel darted forward, his spear a blur as it tapped against Ethan¡¯s ribs with precision. The strike wasn¡¯t hard, but it was enough to send Ethan stumbling back a few steps. He barely managed to stay upright, his grip tightening on his weapon.


    From the sidelines, Herbie¡¯s voice rang out, equal parts encouragement and teasing. ¡°Come on, Ethan! Don¡¯t let him dance circles around you!¡±


    ¡°Focus, Ethan,¡± Yin Xue added, her tone measured. ¡°He¡¯s testing you, not trying to beat you.¡±


    ¡°Easier said than done,¡± Ethan muttered under his breath, resetting his stance. This time, he tried to heed Himmel¡¯s advice, relaxing his grip and shifting his weight more evenly. He stepped forward with a feint, drawing a slight movement from Himmel before quickly pivoting and aiming a strike at his shoulder. The maneuver was quicker, more precise, and for a brief moment, Ethan thought he might actually connect.


    But Himmel¡¯s spear was already there, deflecting the attack with a sharp clang. The force of the parry sent a jolt up Ethan¡¯s arms, but he managed to recover, spinning his weapon to prepare for another strike.


    ¡°Getting better,¡± Himmel said, his tone approving. ¡°You¡¯ve got decent instincts, but you¡¯re overthinking. Let your body guide you.¡±


    ¡°Let my body guide me?¡± Ethan thought, exhaling sharply as he lunged again. This time, he aimed a rapid flurry of jabs at Himmel, each strike aimed at a different part of his opponent¡¯s body. Himmel¡¯s spear moved like a living thing, blocking and deflecting each attack with a precision that left Ethan both frustrated and awed.


    ¡°He¡¯s so fast,¡± Ethan thought, his arms beginning to burn from the exertion. But amidst the chaos of the exchange, he began to notice something. Each time Himmel parried, his movements created a slight opening¡ªbrief, almost imperceptible, but there nonetheless. Seizing the moment, Ethan feinted high and then swept low, aiming for Himmel¡¯s legs once more.


    This time, Himmel didn¡¯t dodge. Instead, he brought his spear down in a sharp arc, meeting Ethan¡¯s weapon with a resounding crack. The force of the collision reverberated through Ethan¡¯s arms, but he held firm, pushing back with all his strength.


    ¡°Good,¡± Himmel said, his voice tinged with genuine approval. ¡°Now you¡¯re starting to fight.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s confidence surged, and he pressed the attack, driving Himmel back a few steps. He could feel the weight of the spear in his hands, the way it moved through the air, the subtle balance of power and precision. For a moment, he felt like he was in control.


    And then Himmel¡¯s spear hooked around his, twisting it out of his grip with a deft motion. The weapon flew from Ethan¡¯s hands, spinning end over end before landing with a thud just inches from Herbie¡¯s feet. Herbie yelped and jumped back, nearly tripping over himself in the process.


    The field fell silent for a heartbeat before Himmel¡¯s laughter broke the tension. ¡°Not bad, Ethan,¡± he said, lowering his spear and stepping back. ¡°You¡¯ve got potential. But remember, a weapon is an extension of your body. If you lose it, you lose the fight.¡±


    Ethan stood there, panting and drenched in sweat, his hands hanging at his sides. Despite the loss, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a spark of satisfaction. For the first time, he had glimpsed what it meant to wield a weapon¡ªand he was determined to get better.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    The aftermath of Ethan¡¯s sparring match left a ripple of energy among the recruits. Himmel¡¯s sharp eyes swept over the group, and without missing a beat, he clapped his hands. ¡°Alright, everyone. Let¡¯s keep this momentum going.¡± He gestured towards the racks of weapons. ¡°Those of you with melee weapons, step forward. It¡¯s your turn to spar.¡±


    The recruits shifted uneasily, some glancing nervously at their weapons while others straightened with newfound determination. Yara was the first to step forward, her sword gleaming in the sunlight as she strode confidently into the sparring circle. Himmel raised an eyebrow at her but nodded approvingly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got,¡± he said, his voice steady but challenging.


    Yara¡¯s movements were fluid as she engaged with Himmel, her strikes precise and deliberate. While Himmel still held the upper hand, his parries and counters carrying an almost playful ease, Yara¡¯s composure and skill were evident. Her mysterious aura remained intact, even as she pressed forward with calculated aggression. The other recruits watched in silence, their expressions a mix of awe and curiosity.


    When the match ended, Yara stepped back, breathing lightly, and gave Himmel a small, enigmatic smile. ¡°Not bad for a warm-up,¡± she said, her tone light but confident.


    Himmel chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ve got a good head for combat. Keep refining those movements.¡±


    One by one, the recruits with melee weapons took their turn. Iris wielded her twin daggers with a dancer¡¯s grace, her strikes quick and unpredictable. Yin Xue, ever composed, opted for a slender longsword, her style elegant and efficient. Herbie¡¯s choice of a hefty mace drew some amused glances, but his sheer determination and surprising strength earned him a nod of approval from Himmel.


    Zane¡¯s sparring session with a borrowed short sword was brief but telling; his movements were precise, though his discomfort with the weapon was evident. Himmel made a mental note to revisit Zane¡¯s choice later.


    Finally, the melee training came to an end, and Himmel motioned for the recruits with ranged weapons to step forward. Yara, Zane, and Ethan exchanged glances before moving to the front.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Himmel said, crossing his arms. ¡°Ranged combat requires a different mindset. Precision, patience, and control are key. You won¡¯t be swinging wildly here. Let¡¯s see how you handle your weapons.¡±


    Yara was up first. She approached the designated shooting area, her pistol in hand. The weapon was sleek and compact, and Yara¡¯s confidence with it was evident. She took a steadying breath, aimed at the target¡ªa wooden dummy painted with a bright red bullseye¡ªand fired. The crack of the shot echoed across the field, and the recruits craned their necks to see the result.


    The bullet struck just shy of the center. Not perfect, but close. Yara adjusted her stance, narrowed her eyes, and fired again. This time, her shot landed dead center. She stepped back, a satisfied smile on her face, and Himmel gave her an approving nod.


    ¡°Good control,¡± he said. ¡°Your aim¡¯s solid, but don¡¯t get complacent. In a real fight, you¡¯ll need to account for movement, distance, and distractions.¡±


    Next was Zane. He picked up a crossbow, his movements deliberate as he loaded a bolt and took aim. His expression was calm, almost calculating, as he released the string. The bolt sailed through the air and embedded itself in the target, slightly off-center. Zane frowned but quickly adjusted, firing again and landing closer to the bullseye.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Himmel said, walking over to inspect the target. ¡°Your focus is good, but you¡¯re overthinking it. Trust your instincts more.¡±


    Finally, it was Ethan¡¯s turn. He stepped forward, his bow in hand, and stared at the target. Memories of archery videos he had watched on Earth flickered in his mind¡ªhow the archer¡¯s hands moved, how they drew the string, how they released. Taking a deep breath, he nocked an arrow and pulled back the string. The bow creaked under the tension, and Ethan¡¯s arms trembled slightly as he struggled to maintain stability.


    ¡°Relax your grip,¡± Himmel said, his voice cutting through the haze of Ethan¡¯s thoughts. ¡°You¡¯re not wrestling the bow. Let it flow with you.¡±


    Ethan adjusted his grip, his fingers relaxing slightly. He exhaled slowly, letting the tension in his shoulders ease. Then, with a sharp inhale, he released the string. The arrow flew, cutting through the air before embedding itself in the target. It wasn¡¯t a bullseye¡ªin fact, it was far from the center¡ªbut it hit the target, and that was enough to draw murmurs of approval from the other recruits.


    ¡°For a first shot, that¡¯s pretty good,¡± Himmel said, his tone encouraging. He picked up another bow and nocked an arrow with practiced ease. ¡°Watch closely.¡±


    Himmel drew the bowstring back in one fluid motion, his posture perfect. He released, and the arrow struck the bullseye dead center. ¡°It¡¯s all about alignment,¡± he said, turning back to Ethan. ¡°Your body, the bow, the arrow¡ªeverything needs to work together. Try again.¡±


    Ethan nodded and nocked another arrow. This time, he focused on what Himmel had said, aligning himself with the target. He drew the string back, his movements more fluid, and released. The arrow flew straighter this time, landing closer to the center. A small surge of pride welled up in him, and he turned to Himmel, who gave him an approving nod.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting there,¡± Himmel said. ¡°Keep practicing, and you¡¯ll find your rhythm.¡±


    The training session continued, with Himmel offering pointers and corrections as the recruits practiced. Ethan grew more comfortable with the bow, his shots gradually improving. By the end, he was hitting the target consistently, though he still had a long way to go before he could match Himmel¡¯s precision.


    As the recruits regrouped, Himmel turned to Zane. ¡°You did well with the crossbow, but you¡¯ll need a melee weapon, too. Long-range combat is useful, but it won¡¯t always be an option.¡±


    Zane hesitated for a moment before selecting a dagger from the weapon rack. He weighed it in his hand, testing the balance, and gave a small nod of approval.


    ¡°Good choice,¡± Himmel said. ¡°A dagger¡¯s versatile. It¡¯ll serve you well in close quarters.¡±


    With the training session complete, Himmel addressed the group. ¡°Most of you have chosen the right weapon for now. Keep practicing, and remember that these are just tools. Your skill and mindset are what make them effective. Dismissed.¡±


    The recruits let out a collective sigh of relief, their exhaustion evident.

 End of the Week Bout

    The days that followed were a whirlwind of activity for Ethan and the other recruits. Though only five days had passed since their arrival, the sheer intensity of their training made it feel much longer. Each day was packed with drills, sparring sessions, and lectures on the fundamentals of prana channeling. The recruits were beginning to grow accustomed to the routines, and the initial awkwardness of handling their weapons was slowly giving way to familiarity.


    Ethan spent much of his time not only practicing but also observing the others. He had come to admire Yara''s poise and skill with her sword and pistol; her movements were precise and calculated, as if she had been born for combat. Iris, with her twin daggers, seemed to flow like water in battle, her agility a stark contrast to Yin Xue''s measured, almost regal approach with her longsword. Herbie¡ªever the underdog¡ªhad become somewhat of a crowd favorite, wielding his mace with surprising efficiency despite his earlier struggles. Zane, now equipped with both a crossbow and a dagger, moved with a quiet intensity, his sharp eyes always scanning his surroundings.


    In the evenings, the recruits would often gather in the common areas to compare notes and share stories about their training. Despite the grueling schedule, moments of camaraderie began to emerge. Herbie¡¯s quick wit and self-deprecating humor often had the group in stitches, while Iris and Yara¡¯s playful banter lightened the mood. Even Yin Xue, usually reserved, would occasionally offer a wry comment that left everyone laughing.


    But Ethan¡¯s evenings were different. While the others bonded, he often found himself retreating to the compound¡¯s modest library. The room was small but well-stocked, with shelves lined with dusty tomes and scrolls detailing the history of the realm, the intricacies of prana channeling, and strategies for battle. Ethan would spend hours poring over these texts, his curiosity driving him to absorb as much information as possible. The more he read, the more he realized how vast and complex this new world was.


    When he wasn¡¯t buried in books, Ethan was tinkering with a radio he had obtained from the logistics unit. Though it was functional, its range was limited, and Ethan had taken it upon himself to improve it. Using scraps of metal and wiring he had scavenged from the training grounds, he experimented with different configurations, often losing track of time as he worked. The repetitive process of adjusting, testing, and readjusting was oddly soothing, a small reminder of the life he had left behind.


    Despite the progress he was making, there was one thing that continued to haunt Ethan: the crimson-hued dreams. Every night, without fail, he would find himself in the same vision. The dream always began the same way¡ªa vast, desolate landscape bathed in a crimson light. The air was thick with tension, and Ethan could feel his chest tighten as he stood there, unable to move. In the distance, a massive, indistinct figure loomed, its presence both terrifying and magnetic. The dream would end just as the figure began to stir, and Ethan would wake up drenched in sweat, his heart racing.


    The dreams left him shaken but also strangely energized. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they meant something, though what that was, he couldn¡¯t say. He chose not to share them with the others, keeping the visions to himself as he tried to make sense of them.


    On the fifth day of training, the recruits were given a rare moment of respite during lunch. The atmosphere in the dining hall was livelier than usual, with the recruits swapping stories about their experiences. Ethan listened quietly, a small smile on his face as Herbie recounted an especially dramatic fall during a sparring session.


    ¡°I swear, I nearly took out three people on my way down,¡± Herbie said, his expression deadpan. The table erupted into laughter, and even Ethan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    As the meal ended and the recruits made their way to the training grounds, Ethan felt a strange sense of contentment. Though the days had been hard, there was a rhythm to the training that was beginning to feel almost natural.


    Their prana channeling exercises had also become more intuitive. Under Gabriel¡¯s guidance, the recruits had learned to visualize their channels as rivers and their nodes as reservoirs, allowing prana to flow freely through their bodies. Ethan had struggled at first, his mind often wandering during the meditative exercises, but he was slowly starting to grasp the basics. The fleeting moments when he could feel the faint stirrings of prana within him were exhilarating, even if they were still inconsistent.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon on the fifth day, Ethan sat on his bed, the radio¡¯s latest configuration spread out before him. He adjusted a small dial, his brow furrowed in concentration, and held his breath as he flipped the switch. A faint crackle of static filled the air, followed by a faint, unfamiliar voice. Ethan¡¯s eyes widened, a thrill coursing through him. The range had improved.


    Satisfied with his progress, he set the radio aside and reached for his notebook. Flipping to a fresh page, he began jotting down everything he had learned about prana channeling, cross-referencing it with notes from the library. His handwriting grew messier as the page filled, his mind racing with possibilities. But as he wrote, a familiar unease crept over him. The crimson hue from his dreams lingered at the edges of his thoughts, a constant reminder of the unknown forces at play.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Ethan closed the notebook with a sigh and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. Despite his progress, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was on the brink of something far larger than he could comprehend. And as the end of the week approached, he knew that the challenges ahead would only grow more demanding.


    The final day of the week arrived with an air of anticipation hanging over the training grounds. It was the day of reckoning¡ªthe culmination of five intense days of training and the beginning of the next phase in their journey. Himmel stood at the center of the sparring field, his hands on his hips as the recruits formed a loose semicircle around him. The usually lighthearted instructor now carried an air of seriousness, his eyes scanning the group with a keen intensity.


    ¡°Today, we¡¯ll evaluate your progress,¡± Himmel began, his voice carrying easily over the murmurs of the recruits. ¡°This isn¡¯t just about how well you¡¯ve learned to wield your weapons or channel prana. It¡¯s about how you¡¯ve adapted, how you¡¯ve grown. And by the end of the day, you¡¯ll know where you stand.¡±


    A ripple of tension passed through the group. Himmel let the silence linger before continuing. ¡°We¡¯ll start with sparring matches. You¡¯ll be paired off, and I want to see everything you¡¯ve got. Hold nothing back. After that, we¡¯ll move to the recruit ranking exchange. But for now, focus on the task at hand.¡±


    The recruits were divided into pairs, each duo stepping into the sparring circle under Himmel¡¯s watchful eye. The first match featured a tall, wiry recruit named Alec and a stocky young woman named Mei. Alec wielded a longsword with surprising grace, his movements fluid and deliberate. Mei, on the other hand, relied on sheer strength, her mace crashing down with enough force to make the ground tremble. Their bout was a clash of styles, with Alec narrowly claiming victory after a deft sidestep and counterstrike.


    Next up were two more recruits: a brash, red-haired boy named Liam and a quiet girl named Hana. Liam charged in with twin axes, his reckless aggression almost overwhelming Hana, who wielded a staff. But Hana¡¯s calm demeanor and precise strikes eventually turned the tide, and she managed to sweep Liam off his feet with a well-timed spin.


    The matches continued, each one showcasing the recruits¡¯ unique approaches to combat. There were cheers, groans, and moments of stunned silence as unexpected outcomes unfolded. Herbie¡¯s match against a lean, sharp-eyed recruit named Darius was particularly entertaining; despite being knocked down multiple times, Herbie¡¯s resilience and unorthodox tactics earned him a draw, much to the crowd¡¯s delight.


    Finally, it was Ethan¡¯s turn. His opponent: Zane. The two stepped into the circle, their weapons at the ready. Ethan tightened his grip on his spear, its weight familiar yet still slightly awkward in his hands. Zane, holding his dagger in a reverse grip, gave a small nod of acknowledgment.


    Himmel raised his hand. ¡°Begin!¡±


    Zane moved first, darting forward with startling speed. Ethan swung his spear in a wide arc, forcing Zane to back off. The range of the spear gave Ethan an advantage, but Zane¡¯s agility was equally formidable. The first exchange set the tone for what would be a relentless back-and-forth battle.


    Ethan tried to keep Zane at bay, using the spear¡¯s reach to his advantage. He thrust, jabbed, and swung, but Zane¡¯s movements were almost impossible to predict. The dagger flashed in the sunlight as Zane closed the distance, forcing Ethan to retreat. Despite his clumsiness, Ethan¡¯s instincts were improving. He began to anticipate Zane¡¯s movements, countering with quicker strikes.


    The two exchanged over fifty moves, the intensity of their spar drawing the attention of the other recruits. ¡°Come on, Ethan! Don¡¯t let him get inside your guard!¡± Herbie shouted, his voice tinged with both encouragement and worry.


    But Zane was relentless. In a sudden burst of speed, he feinted to the left before diving to the right, slipping past Ethan¡¯s defenses. Ethan tried to recover, spinning his spear to block, but Zane was already inside his range. With a swift strike, Zane knocked the spear from Ethan¡¯s hands. It flew through the air and landed with a dull thud just inches from Herbie, who yelped and scrambled backward.


    The circle erupted in applause as Himmel stepped forward, clapping his hands. ¡°Well done, both of you. Zane, your agility is impressive. Ethan, you¡¯re starting to find your rhythm with that spear. Keep working on it.¡±


    Ethan retrieved his weapon, his cheeks burning with both exertion and embarrassment. Zane gave him a small smile, offering a hand. ¡°Good match.¡±


    Ethan shook it, his grip firm. ¡°Thanks. You¡¯re fast.¡±


    The next phase of the assessment involved ranged weapons. Himmel called Zane and Ethan to the range. Zane equipped his crossbow and Ethan notched an arrow to his bow.


    ¡°Accuracy is the name of the game here,¡± Himmel said. ¡°You¡¯ll each get three shots. Make them count.¡±


    Zane went first, his crossbow¡¯s bolts hitting their marks with precision. Though one veered slightly off-center, the other two were dead-on. ¡°Solid,¡± Himmel said with a nod.


    Finally, it was Ethan¡¯s turn. He took a deep breath, recalling the basics Himmel had taught him earlier in the week. Drawing the bowstring felt more natural now, though his arm still quivered slightly from the strain. He aimed at the target 10 meters away and released. The first arrow hit the outer ring, the second landed closer to the center, and the third¡ªto his surprise¡ªwas a near bullseye.


    ¡°Well, well,¡± Himmel said, a faint smile playing on his lips. ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve got a knack for this.¡±


    Ethan couldn¡¯t help but grin, a small swell of pride in his chest. The recruits returned to their seats, and Himmel addressed the group. ¡°Most of you have chosen the right weapons for yourselves, which is a good start.¡±


    Himmel clapped his hands. ¡°Now, listen up. Today¡¯s assessments are just the beginning. Next month, we move into the recruit ranking exchange. It¡¯ll be your first real test, an all-out battle to determine your ranks. Higher rankings mean better resources, better training, and yes, better treatment. So bring your A-game.¡±

 New Instructors

    Saturday evening arrived, and the atmosphere in the multipurpose hall was electric with anticipation. Rows of recruits, including Ethan and his team, sat on neatly arranged benches, their expressions ranging from nervousness to excitement. The hall itself, with its high ceilings and polished stone floors, seemed to amplify the energy of the crowd. At the front of the room stood Gabriel, flanked by Himmel and a handful of rank 2 soldiers who looked every bit as formidable as one might expect.


    Gabriel raised a hand, and the murmurs in the hall died down instantly. His commanding presence needed no amplification. "Recruits," he began, his voice steady and clear, "you have made it through your first week. It was a grueling start, but this is only the beginning. Starting tomorrow, you will enter a month of specialized training. By the end of it, you will not only know your strengths but also how to wield them effectively in combat."


    Ethan leaned forward slightly, his curiosity piqued. His fingers unconsciously drummed against his knee as he listened intently.


    Gabriel gestured to the rank 2 soldiers standing beside him. "These soldiers are among the best in their respective disciplines. Each of you will be assigned to one of them based on your aptitude and weapon of choice. They will train you in weapon techniques, combat strategies, and prana channeling. Learn from them, respect them, and push yourselves to your limits."


    A tall, broad-shouldered man with a battle-worn spear slung across his back stepped forward. His eyes were sharp, scanning the recruits like a predator sizing up its prey. "Name¡¯s Dren," he said, his voice a low rumble. "If you¡¯ve chosen a spear or polearm, you¡¯ll be under me. Don¡¯t expect any hand-holding. You¡¯ll either keep up, or you¡¯ll break. Simple as that."


    Ethan felt a small shiver run down his spine. Guess that¡¯s who I¡¯ll be stuck with, he thought, glancing at the spear resting against the bench beside him.


    Next, a lean woman with cropped silver hair and a longbow strapped to her back stepped forward. Her posture was impeccable, and her piercing gaze made her seem taller than she actually was. "I¡¯m Kael," she said curtly. "Archers, you¡¯re with me. Precision, patience, and discipline are what I expect. If you¡¯re looking for shortcuts, don¡¯t bother showing up."


    Ethan exchanged a quick glance with Zane, who had chosen a crossbow. Kael didn¡¯t look like she tolerated nonsense, and Zane¡¯s easygoing attitude might clash with her strict demeanor.


    The introductions continued. A wiry man with a pair of twin daggers hanging from his belt, introduced himself as Rylis, the instructor for close-combat and dagger users. A hulking woman named Briga, armed with a massive warhammer, was assigned to train heavy weapon users. And finally, a calm-looking man with a single pistol at his side, named Varen, would oversee those who had opted for firearms.


    Gabriel stepped forward again once the introductions were done. "The next month will be the most intense training you¡¯ve ever experienced. You will wake before dawn, train until your bodies scream, and then train some more. There will be no excuses and no exceptions. You will be taught to channel prana more efficiently, to integrate it into your combat, and to push beyond your limits. By the end of this month, you¡¯ll either rise to meet the expectations or be left behind."


    The recruits shifted uneasily, the weight of his words sinking in. Ethan¡¯s stomach tightened, but he clenched his fists, resolving to give it his all. No way am I getting left behind, he thought.


    Himmel stepped forward with a grin, breaking the tension. "Of course, we¡¯re not complete monsters. You¡¯ll get one rest day per week, but don¡¯t expect it to be a picnic. That¡¯s for recovery, not slacking off."


    A few chuckles rippled through the crowd, but they were short-lived as Dren cleared his throat. "One more thing," the spear instructor said, his tone serious. "This isn¡¯t just about individual strength. You¡¯re not training to be lone wolves. You¡¯re soldiers. Learn to rely on your team, to fight as one. Because out there, it¡¯s not about glory. It¡¯s about survival."


    Gabriel nodded approvingly. "Well said. And that¡¯s why, at the end of this training period, there will be another recruit ranking exchange. This time, it will not just determine your rank but also the resources allocated to you moving forward. Higher ranks mean better equipment, better assignments, and better opportunities. Keep that in mind."


    The hall fell silent, the weight of the upcoming month pressing down on every recruit. Himmel clapped his hands together, breaking the tension. "Alright, that¡¯s enough doom and gloom for one evening. Go get some rest. Tomorrow, we start bright and early."


    As the recruits began to disperse, Ethan lingered for a moment, his mind racing with thoughts of the days ahead. He glanced at his team¡ªYara was chatting animatedly with Iris, her mysterious aura momentarily replaced by a rare moment of openness. Zane was leaning against a pillar, his usual smirk firmly in place, while Herbie looked like he wanted to sink into the floor from the sheer intensity of the briefing.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Guess we¡¯ve got our work cut out for us," Ethan muttered to himself.


    A hand clapped down on his shoulder, making him jump. He turned to see Himmel grinning at him. "Don¡¯t look so grim, Ethan. You¡¯ve got potential. Just don¡¯t let that spear of yours go flying again, eh?"


    Ethan managed a sheepish smile. "I¡¯ll try."


    "Good. Now get some sleep. Tomorrow¡¯s going to be a long day," Himmel said before moving off to talk to another group of recruits.


    The dorms were unusually quiet that evening, the kind of stillness that came when everyone was lost in their thoughts. Ethan sat at the small wooden desk in his corner of the room, the faint glow of the radio¡¯s dials casting soft light on his face. The faint hum of static filled the air as he adjusted the knobs, his fingers moving with practiced precision. A steaming mug of hot milk rested on the desk beside him, wisps of vapor curling into the cool air.


    The radio crackled before a voice broke through, faint but clear enough to make out. ¡°This is the Regional News Channel, broadcasting updates from Regions 14 and 12. As always, life continues in peace. Agricultural outputs remain steady, and trade routes are functioning without disruption.¡±


    Ethan jotted down notes in a small leather-bound notebook, his handwriting neat and deliberate. ¡°Region 14¡­ stable,¡± he murmured to himself. ¡°Region 12¡­ no disturbances.¡± He underlined the word ¡°peace¡± with a faint smirk. ¡°False peace, more like.¡±


    He leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his milk as the radio continued its monotonous update. The words washed over him, but his mind was elsewhere. It wasn¡¯t just the information that mattered to him¡ªit was what wasn¡¯t being said. No mention of growing tensions. No whispers of cracks in the foundation. Just a careful narrative of calm and order.


    Beside the main radio, another, smaller device sat half-disassembled. Ethan reached over and picked up a screwdriver, examining the innards of the broken radio. He¡¯d come across it earlier that week, abandoned by a recruit who had been too afraid to return it to the logistics unit after accidentally damaging it. Ethan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the memory. The poor guy had practically shoved it into his hands, muttering something about not wanting to deal with Himmel¡¯s wrath.


    ¡°You¡¯re a lucky find,¡± Ethan said to the radio as if it could hear him. ¡°Let¡¯s see if we can¡¯t get you working again.¡±


    He set to work, carefully reconnecting wires and replacing a few small components. The process was methodical, almost meditative, and for a while, he lost himself in the task. The repetitive motions, the quiet hum of the functioning radio beside him, the warmth of the milk¡ªit all created a bubble of calm in an otherwise chaotic week.


    Occasionally, he¡¯d glance at his notebook, flipping back through the pages. It was filled with observations, not just from the radio but also from his own experiences. Notes on prana channeling, sketches of the spear techniques Dren had demonstrated, even little diagrams of the multipurpose hall¡¯s layout. Information was power, and Ethan had always been a collector of it.


    As he tightened the last screw on the smaller radio, he felt a small spark of satisfaction. He turned the dial, and after a moment of static, a faint signal came through. It was weak, barely audible, but it was there. Ethan grinned.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± he said, setting it aside. ¡°Still needs some tweaking, but it¡¯ll do for now.¡±


    He leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head. The room around him was dim, the only light coming from his desk lamp and the faint glow of the radios. His team was scattered throughout the dorms, some already asleep, others quietly chatting or going over their gear. The air was thick with the unspoken anticipation of the week ahead.


    Ethan¡¯s gaze drifted to the small window above his desk. The sky outside was a deep indigo, stars scattered like shards of glass. For a moment, he let himself get lost in the view, his mind wandering back to Earth. Back to a life that felt more like a dream with each passing day. The familiar ache of homesickness crept in, but he pushed it aside. There was no room for it here, not now.


    He picked up his notebook again, flipping to a fresh page. At the top, he wrote, ¡°Observations: Week 1.¡± Below it, he began to list everything he¡¯d learned. Techniques, names, strategies. Even little things, like Himmel¡¯s habit of cracking jokes to ease tension or the way Yara always seemed to know what to say to lighten the mood.


    He paused, tapping his pen against the edge of the desk. There was one thing he hadn¡¯t written down, something that had been gnawing at him all week. The dreams. Every night since the first time he¡¯d channeled prana, the crimson hue had returned, vivid and unrelenting. It was always the same. The endless red, the suffocating weight, the feeling of being watched. And always, that same overwhelming sense of dread.


    Ethan frowned, his grip tightening on the pen. He didn¡¯t understand it, and that frustrated him. Was it a side effect of channeling prana? A warning? Or something else entirely? He shook his head, setting the pen down. ¡°No use overthinking it,¡± he muttered, though the unease lingered.


    Draining the last of his milk, he pushed the chair back and stood. The day had been long, and his body ached from hours of training. The soft comfort of his cot called to him, and he didn¡¯t have the energy to resist.


    He slipped under the thin blanket, the faint hum of the radio still playing in the background. The room was quiet now, the conversations and movements of his teammates reduced to soft murmurs and the occasional creak of a bedframe. Ethan closed his eyes, willing himself to relax.


    But as sleep took hold, the crimson hue returned. It crept into the edges of his vision, spreading like a stain. The weight pressed down on him again, and the sense of being watched grew stronger. He wanted to move, to fight it, but his body refused to obey. The red consumed everything, and the familiar dread clawed at his chest.

 Training starts

    Just as he felt the suffocating pressure was about to wake him again, something changed. A wave of heat washed over him, radiating from nowhere and everywhere at once. His body remained frozen, but the sensation was undeniable. He could almost feel beads of sweat trailing down his skin, even though he was sure his physical body wasn¡¯t really here. It was a strange, almost maddening contrast¡ªtrapped in a motionless void yet overwhelmed by sensations.


    Then, in the middle of the crimson-hued void, an ashen white object appeared. At first, it was no larger than a marble, a faint speck against the overwhelming red. But it began to grow, expanding steadily until it was roughly the size of a van. Its surface was smooth and featureless, but it radiated an unnatural energy that made Ethan¡¯s stomach churn. He wanted to look away, but his eyes refused to close. The oppressive heat intensified, and for a moment, he was certain something was about to emerge from the sphere.


    Suddenly, he jolted awake with a gasp, his chest heaving as though he¡¯d been holding his breath the entire time. His room was dark except for the faint glow of his table lamp, but he immediately noticed the dampness. His bedsheets were soaked with sweat, clinging uncomfortably to his skin. The air in the room felt heavy, and for a moment, he just sat there, trying to catch his breath and process what had just happened.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± he muttered to himself, running a hand through his damp hair. The feeling of dread still lingered, a shadow refusing to fade even though he was awake.


    After a few moments, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, his movements sluggish. He flicked on the table lamp, the soft yellow light illuminating his desk and the clutter of notebooks, tools, and the now-functional smaller radio he¡¯d fixed earlier. Ethan grabbed a fresh towel from a nearby chair and wiped his face and neck before sitting down at the desk.


    Opening a plain black diary¡ªone he¡¯d been using to document his dreams and odd experiences since arriving in this world¡ªhe flipped to a fresh page. His handwriting was steady despite the slight tremble in his hands as he wrote:


    Dream Log: Saturday night/Sunday early morning


    The crimson hue returned as always. The weight and sense of being watched were the same, but this time there was heat. I felt like I was sweating, though I wasn¡¯t sure if it was real. Then, the ashen white object appeared¡ªspherical, featureless, and growing. It stopped at the size of a van. The energy it gave off felt... wrong. Unnatural. I thought something might happen, but I woke up before anything did.


    He paused, tapping the pen against the desk as he considered what else to write. After a moment, he added:


    Thoughts:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The object is new. Could it be connected to prana as well?</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Why the heat this time? Is it related to the sphere? Need to monitor future dreams for changes.</li>


    </ul>


    Satisfied for the moment, Ethan closed the diary and leaned back in his chair. He stared at the ceiling for a while, the events of the dream replaying in his mind. Finally, exhaustion won out, and he crawled back into bed. This time, sleep came without interruptions.


    <hr>


    The next morning marked the official start of individualized training. Ethan stood in the training field, spear in hand, as Dren approached him. The man¡¯s sharp eyes and confident demeanor radiated experience, and Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement.


    ¡°Ready to get to work?¡± Dren asked, spinning his own spear effortlessly in one hand. ¡°We¡¯ve got a lot to cover, and I¡¯m not going easy on you.¡±


    Ethan nodded. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±


    ¡°Good. First, let¡¯s see your stance.¡±


    The morning passed in a blur of drills and corrections. Dren was a tough but fair instructor, pointing out Ethan¡¯s mistakes with a bluntness that stung but also motivated him to improve. By the time they finished, Ethan¡¯s arms felt like jelly, and his shirt was drenched with sweat. Despite the exhaustion, he felt a small spark of pride. He was getting the hang of it¡ªslowly but surely.


    After a quick lunch, Ethan found himself with a rare block of free time in the afternoon. He decided to head back to his dorm to tinker with the smaller radio. It still wasn¡¯t picking up signals as clearly as he¡¯d like, and he was determined to improve its range.


    As he worked, the familiar rhythm of soldering wires and adjusting components brought a sense of calm. He played some faint music on the larger radio, humming along absentmindedly as he focused on his task. Occasionally, he¡¯d jot down notes in his notebook, brainstorming ways to boost the device¡¯s performance.


    By the time evening rolled around, it was time for archery training with Kael. The older man greeted Ethan with a nod, his no-nonsense attitude a stark contrast to Dren¡¯s energetic demeanor.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got potential,¡± Kael said as he handed Ethan a bow. ¡°But potential means nothing if you don¡¯t put in the work. Let¡¯s see how much you remember from last week.¡±


    Ethan spent the next couple of hours practicing his draw and aim under Kael¡¯s watchful eye. The instructor offered precise, often critical feedback, but by the end of the session, Ethan could feel himself improving. His shots were more consistent, and his form felt less awkward.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    After the session, Ethan was heading back to his dorm when he ran into Elara. She was leaning against a railing near the training field, her usual confident smile in place.


    ¡°Hey, Ethan,¡± she called out. ¡°How¡¯s the training going?¡±


    ¡°Exhausting,¡± he admitted with a chuckle. ¡°But I think I¡¯m getting better.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good. You¡¯ll need every bit of it when the recruit ranking exchange happens. Don¡¯t let Zane show you up again.¡±


    Ethan winced at the reminder of his spar with Zane but managed a grin. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll try not to.¡±


    They talked for a while longer, the conversation flowing easily. Elara¡¯s upbeat attitude was infectious, and Ethan found himself relaxing despite the long day.


    The days that followed were a relentless cycle of combat training and prana channeling sessions. The dorm grounds buzzed with activity as recruits pushed themselves to their limits, their focus sharpened by the promise of the upcoming recruit ranking exchange. Every morning, Ethan found himself back on the training field, spear in hand, with Dren standing across from him.


    ¡°You¡¯re improving,¡± Dren admitted one day, after Ethan managed to parry a particularly tricky feint. Sweat dripped down Ethan¡¯s brow, his arms trembling from exertion, but the rare compliment brought a small smile to his face.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± he said, catching his breath. ¡°But I still have a long way to go.¡±


    Dren nodded, his expression serious. ¡°True. But at least you¡¯re starting to move like a fighter instead of a farmer with a stick.¡±


    The comment earned a laugh from Zane, who was practicing nearby. ¡°Careful, Ethan. Dren might actually start liking you if you keep this up.¡±


    Ethan shot Zane a mock glare before returning to his drills. The banter between teammates lightened the otherwise grueling sessions, and it wasn¡¯t uncommon for the recruits to tease and encourage each other as they trained.


    By the afternoon, the focus shifted to prana channeling. Himmel led these sessions, guiding the recruits through increasingly complex exercises designed to refine their control and endurance. Ethan struggled at first, his body resisting the unfamiliar flow of energy, but with each passing day, he felt the process becoming a little more natural.


    ¡°Focus on your breathing,¡± Himmel reminded him during one session. ¡°Prana flows best when you¡¯re calm. If you let your emotions get the better of you, it¡¯ll spiral out of control.¡±


    Ethan nodded, closing his eyes as he concentrated. The warm, tingling sensation of prana coursing through his body was both exhilarating and exhausting, but he knew it was essential to master it if he wanted to stand a chance in the ranking exchange.


    Evenings brought archery training with Kael, who had a markedly different teaching style compared to Dren. Where Dren¡¯s approach was disciplined and straightforward, Kael was more laid-back, encouraging Ethan to experiment and find his own rhythm with the bow.


    ¡°Archery isn¡¯t just about hitting the target,¡± Kael explained one evening, adjusting Ethan¡¯s stance. ¡°It¡¯s about patience and precision. Let the bow become an extension of yourself.¡±


    Ethan appreciated Kael¡¯s guidance, though his initial attempts were less than stellar. His arrows often flew wide of the mark, and his arms ached from drawing the bowstring repeatedly. Still, with each session, he felt himself improving, the movements becoming less forced and more instinctive.


    The evenings often brought duels and sparring matches, both formal and informal. One evening, Ethan found himself squaring off against Dren in a practice duel. The crowd of recruits that had gathered to watch cheered and jeered, their excitement palpable.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back,¡± Dren said, spinning his spear with a practiced ease that made Ethan¡¯s grip feel clumsy by comparison. ¡°I want to see what you¡¯ve learned.¡±


    Ethan took a deep breath, steadying his stance. The first exchange was over in seconds, with Dren disarming him effortlessly. But instead of frustration, Ethan felt determination.


    ¡°Again,¡± he said, picking up his spear.


    Dren¡¯s grin was almost predatory. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡±


    The second round lasted longer. Ethan managed to anticipate Dren¡¯s movements, dodging and countering with a speed that surprised even himself. Though he ultimately lost, the experience was invaluable, and the applause from his teammates felt like a victory in its own right.


    Outside of training, the dorm grounds were a hub of gossip and camaraderie. Rumors spread like wildfire, from tales of Himmel¡¯s supposed exploits to whispers about the mysterious origins of some recruits. One particularly persistent rumor involved a recruit who had allegedly defeated a rank-two soldier in a sparring match. Ethan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at some of the more outlandish stories.


    ¡°Did you hear the one about Himmel wrestling a bear with his bare hands?¡± Zane asked one evening, lounging on a bench outside the dorms.


    Iris rolled her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s nothing. Someone told me he once climbed a mountain just to punch an eagle out of the sky.¡±


    Ethan smirked, shaking his head. ¡°Pretty sure Himmel starts these rumors himself.¡±


    The laughter and lighthearted moments were a welcome reprieve from the intensity of training. Despite the grueling schedule, there was a growing sense of camaraderie among the recruits. They weren¡¯t just teammates anymore; they were starting to feel like a family.


    As the week went on, Ethan began to notice subtle improvements in his teammates. Iris¡¯s agility and precision with the short sword were becoming razor-sharp, while Zane¡¯s brute strength with the hammer was tempered by an increasing awareness of technique. Even Yara, who often masked her progress with playful banter, was growing more confident in her abilities.


    One afternoon, Ethan found himself sparring with Yin Xue. Her movements were graceful and deliberate, each strike and parry executed with an almost effortless elegance. Ethan struggled to keep up, his own movements feeling clumsy by comparison.


    ¡°You¡¯re hesitating,¡± Yin Xue said, her tone calm but firm. ¡°Commit to your attacks, or you¡¯ll always be at a disadvantage.¡±


    Ethan nodded, adjusting his grip on the spear. Their sparring continued, and though he still couldn¡¯t land a hit on her, he felt himself learning with every exchange.


    By the end of the week, exhaustion hung heavy over the recruits, but so did a sense of accomplishment. They had survived their first week of intensive training, and while there was still a long way to go, the progress they¡¯d made was undeniable.


    As Ethan lay in bed that night, his muscles aching and his mind racing with everything he¡¯d learned, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of excitement.

 Second Awakening

    For Ethan, the days blended together into a routine of sweat, bruises, and slow, steady progress. By the end of the second week since he first managed to channel prana, something changed. During one of Himmel¡¯s afternoon sessions, the moment he had been striving for finally happened.


    ¡°Good, Ethan. Now stabilize it,¡± Himmel instructed, his sharp eyes watching every twitch of Ethan¡¯s muscles.


    Ethan gritted his teeth, his hands glowing faintly as the prana flowed through his body. It was different this time. The energy that had once felt like a wild river now coursed through him like a steady stream. He could feel it, control it, guide it. For the first time, he wasn¡¯t just reacting to the prana; he was commanding it.


    The faint glow subsided, and Ethan exhaled, a shaky grin on his face. ¡°I think I did it.¡±


    Himmel gave a curt nod. ¡°You did. You¡¯ve stabilized it. Congratulations, Ethan, you¡¯re eligible for the Second Awakening.¡±


    The term struck a chord among the other recruits nearby, who had been eavesdropping while working on their own exercises. Ethan turned to see Zane, Yin Xue, and Iris¡ªhis closest teammates¡ªexchanging glances. It wasn¡¯t long before the rest of the recruits were murmuring amongst themselves.


    That evening in the dorm lounge, the topic was the only thing anyone could talk about.


    ¡°Two weeks,¡± Zane said, plopping onto one of the couches. ¡°Can you believe that? Two weeks and we¡¯re already here.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just you, Ethan,¡± Yin Xue added, her expression calm but her voice tinged with excitement. ¡°Most of us are ready for the Second Awakening. Himmel said so earlier.¡±


    Yara, sprawled on the floor with her back against the wall, let out a dramatic sigh. ¡°I¡¯m dying to know what my innate ability is. But I¡¯m also nervous. What if it¡¯s something lame?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as a lame innate ability,¡± Iris said firmly, shooting Yara a pointed look. ¡°Even a so-called ¡®small¡¯ ability can change the tide of a fight. It¡¯s all about how you use it.¡±


    Herbie, sitting cross-legged on the table¡¯s edge, fidgeted with his hands. ¡°Still¡­ what if it¡¯s something I can¡¯t use properly? What if it¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop overthinking it,¡± Zane cut in, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯ll make yourself crazy. Just let it happen. Besides, we¡¯re all in the same boat here. Even I¡¯m¡­ curious, I guess.¡±


    Ethan stayed quiet, listening to his friends while absently twirling a pen between his fingers. He wouldn¡¯t admit it out loud, but he shared their feelings. The idea of uncovering something hidden within himself, something unique, was thrilling. But it was also terrifying. What if it wasn¡¯t enough? What if, after everything, he couldn¡¯t measure up?


    When Thursday morning arrived, the recruits gathered on the training field, the sun rising lazily over the horizon. The usual clamor of warm-ups and drills was absent, replaced by a hushed tension. Himmel and Gabriel stood in front of the group, their presence commanding attention. Behind them was a large, shimmering crystal, easily the size of a small boulder, radiating a faint light.


    Gabriel¡¯s grin was as relaxed as ever. ¡°Now, before any of you start getting ideas,¡± he began, gesturing toward the crystal, ¡°no, this isn¡¯t some mystical, all-seeing artifact. It¡¯s not going to tell you your destiny or anything dramatic like that. This is just a reflection crystal. All it does is show you what¡¯s inside¡­ to you and only you.¡±


    The recruits exchanged curious glances.


    Gabriel continued, his tone casual but informative. ¡°When you look into it, you¡¯ll see your inner body. Don¡¯t freak out; it¡¯s not as creepy as it sounds. Focus your prana while looking at the crystal, and you¡¯ll be able to guide it toward your innate ability¡ªthe thing that¡¯s been slumbering inside you since your First Awakening.¡±


    ¡°And what kind of abilities are we talking about here?¡± someone in the back asked.


    This time, Rudra stepped forward, his serious demeanor contrasting with Gabriel¡¯s lightheartedness. ¡°Innate abilities can fall into several broad categories,¡± he explained. ¡°Elemental manipulation, summoning, physical enhancement, healing, support, and even rare hybrids that combine traits of multiple categories. But don¡¯t get too caught up in comparisons. What matters is how you develop your ability. Even the rarest skill is useless without practice.¡±


    The recruits murmured among themselves, a mix of excitement and apprehension in their voices. Ethan caught snippets of their conversations¡ªspeculations about who might awaken what, jokes about someone getting a useless ability, and quiet reassurances exchanged between friends.


    Gabriel clapped his hands, drawing their attention back. ¡°Alright, enough chit-chat. Let¡¯s get this show on the road. Herbie, you¡¯re up first.¡±


    The group fell silent as Herbie stepped forward, his usual nervous energy now tempered by determination. Ethan watched as his friend approached the crystal, the faint glow reflecting off his wide-eyed expression. Herbie took a deep breath and placed his hands on the surface.


    Herbie stood in the center of the field, his small frame looking almost comical amidst the tension hanging in the air. He closed his eyes, his expression one of nervous concentration. The recruits watched in silence, anticipation thick as fog. Then, without warning, a golden light erupted from Herbie¡¯s body, bright and overwhelming. Gasps filled the air, and many shielded their eyes from the sudden brilliance.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Gabriel, standing nearby with his arms crossed, chuckled lightly. ¡°Well, it seems our little Herbie has quite the spark in him. Silly as he might be, the boy¡¯s got some serious capability.¡± He turned to one of his colleagues, an older man with sharp eyes and a swift gait. With a single nod, Gabriel sent him running toward the staff building.


    Back on the field, Herbie¡¯s golden aura continued to surge, though its intensity began to wane after a few moments. The momentum slowed, the light dimming to a soft glow around him. As the golden sheen faded completely, Herbie¡¯s eyes fluttered open. He clenched his fist experimentally, his cheeks noticeably red.


    Just as Herbie opened his mouth to say something, Gabriel raised a hand, cutting him off. ¡°Ah, before we move on, there¡¯s one important detail I might have forgotten to mention,¡± he began, a sly grin tugging at his lips. ¡°Innate abilities are unique to each individual. There¡¯s only one of its kind in existence, and if it¡¯s gone, it¡¯s gone for good.¡±


    The recruits exchanged uneasy glances, their excitement tempered by the weight of Gabriel¡¯s words.


    ¡°Now, here¡¯s the fun part,¡± Gabriel continued, his tone turning playful. ¡°The crystal¡ªthis big beauty here¡ªit names your ability for you. We could stop it from doing so, but Loki, in all his wisdom, decided it¡¯d be hilarious to give it that feature. Of course, the other big names approved it unanimously, and Loki still boasts about it to this day.¡±


    The recruits groaned, some laughing nervously.


    Gabriel smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The crystal doesn¡¯t record what your ability actually does, just gives it a name. So, Herbie, what¡¯s the name of your shiny new ability? You don¡¯t have to share what it does if you don¡¯t want to. Keep it a secret if you¡¯d like.¡±


    Herbie¡¯s face turned beet red, his embarrassment palpable. He shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck before mumbling under his breath.


    ¡°Drama Queen¡¯s Favor,¡± he muttered, barely audible.


    The field went silent for a beat before laughter erupted. Even Gabriel and Rudra¡¯s mouths twitched, though they valiantly tried to maintain composure.


    Gabriel coughed into his hand, his voice strained as he spoke. ¡°Ahem, well, Herbie, step forward and place your palm on this smaller crystal. Let¡¯s see what we¡¯re working with.¡±


    The older colleague had returned, holding a palm-sized crystal that shimmered faintly in the sunlight.


    Gabriel gestured to it. ¡°This little guy was crafted by Daedalus, Hephaestus, Vishwakarma, and Ptah. It¡¯s designed to detect the potential of the awakened skill and determine if it¡¯s fixed or evolving. Go ahead, Herbie.¡±


    Herbie hesitated for a moment before stepping forward and placing his hand on the crystal. It glowed briefly with a bluish hue before fading.


    Gabriel glanced at the crystal and read aloud, ¡°Potential: B+, Type: Evolving.¡± He nodded in approval. ¡°Not bad, Herbie. Evolving skills are rare and unique, though your potential does limit its growth slightly.¡±


    Herbie¡¯s embarrassment faded, replaced by a wide grin. He stepped back into the crowd, looking genuinely pleased.


    The ceremony continued as recruit after recruit stepped forward to awaken their abilities. Some were met with awe-inspiring displays of light and power, while others were subtler but no less significant. Then came Zane¡¯s turn.


    A greenish-gold aura exploded from Zane the moment he touched the crystal, swirling around him in mesmerizing patterns. The recruits watched in awe as the light pulsed with a rhythm that seemed almost alive. When it finally settled, Zane opened his eyes, a triumphant smirk on his face.


    ¡°Name?¡± Gabriel prompted.


    ¡°Thorned Benediction,¡± Zane said, his voice brimming with pride.


    Gabriel nodded approvingly. ¡°Sounds impressive. Step forward for the potential assessment.¡±


    Zane placed his hand on the smaller crystal, which glowed with the same greenish-gold hue as his aura. Gabriel read out the results: ¡°Potential: B+, Type: Fixed.¡±


    Though his skill wasn¡¯t evolving, Zane seemed content, his grin never faltering as he rejoined the crowd.


    The ceremony moved on, the recruits¡¯ excitement growing with each awakening. Elara was called shortly after, her movements deliberate as she approached the crystal. She placed her palm on it, and a fiery red aura erupted, flickering like flames dancing in the wind. The intensity of the light was almost overwhelming.


    When the light faded, she spoke, her voice steady. ¡°Infernal Waltz.¡±


    Gabriel raised an eyebrow. ¡°Fiery name. Let¡¯s see what¡¯s under the hood.¡±


    Elara¡¯s potential assessment revealed: ¡°Potential: A-, Type: Fixed.¡± She returned to the crowd with a satisfied expression.


    Iris was called immediately after. Her aura was a brilliant bluish flame, ethereal and haunting in its beauty.


    ¡°Lament of the Horizon,¡± she said, her voice soft but clear.


    Gabriel¡¯s expression softened slightly. ¡°A fitting name for such an aura. Step forward.¡±


    Her potential: ¡°Potential: A, Type: Fixed.¡± Iris¡¯s calm demeanor didn¡¯t falter as she returned to the group, though there was a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes.


    About ten minutes later, Yin Xue¡¯s name was called. She approached the crystal with a calm grace, her movements almost serene. When she placed her hand on the crystal, a greenish-blue aura enveloped her, exuding a sense of calm and balance.


    ¡°Stillwater Requiem,¡± she said, her voice as steady as her aura.


    Gabriel nodded approvingly. ¡°Potential: A, Type: Evolving.¡± The murmurs in the crowd grew louder; an evolving skill with A potential was a rare combination. Yin Xue returned to the group, her expression unreadable but her presence commanding.


    Finally, Yara¡¯s name was called. She stepped forward confidently, her hand brushing against the crystal. A soothing green aura seeped out, spreading across the field like a gentle breeze. The recruits fell silent, mesmerized by the aura¡¯s calming effect.


    Yara opened her eyes and smiled. ¡°Veil of Verdance.¡±


    Gabriel glanced at the smaller crystal after Yara¡¯s assessment. ¡°Potential: A+, Type: Evolving.¡± A collective gasp went through the recruits. She had the highest potential among them so far. Yara¡¯s confidence only grew as she rejoined the group, her aura lingering like a soft whisper.


    And then it was Ethan¡¯s turn. He placed his palm on the massive crystal, its surface cool against his skin.

 TBD

    The moment Ethan placed his hand on the massive crystal and closed his eyes, the atmosphere around him shifted. A tense stillness blanketed the field, as if the very air was holding its breath. Ethan found himself back in the crimson-hued world, the oppressive heat and thick atmosphere weighing heavily on him. His gaze was drawn upward, where the ashen white object loomed ominously, now the size of a two-story house. Cracks webbed its surface, thin at first but slowly growing more pronounced, as if something inside was struggling to break free.


    In the real world, an intense wave of heat burst out of Ethan. The recruits closest to him instinctively stepped back, shielding their faces as ash-like particles and crimson droplets began to materialize and drift in the air around him. The heat was suffocating, causing the crowd to murmur in alarm. Even Gabriel, usually calm and collected, narrowed his eyes, watching the phenomenon unfold with a keen focus.


    Just as the recruits and supervisors began exchanging worried glances, the oppressive heat abruptly vanished. In its place, a new aura seeped out of Ethan¡ªcool, crackling with energy. Lightning danced in small arcs around him, accompanied by tiny metallic particles that floated and shimmered in the light. This aura was chilling, carrying a sense of quiet strength and precision. The crowd was stunned into silence, save for a few hushed whispers. The supervisors exchanged solemn glances, their eyes flickering with an emotion that was hard to read. Gabriel caught their looks and gave a single nod, prompting the others to nod back, though their expressions remained tense.


    Inside the crimson space, Ethan¡¯s focus was locked on the ashen white object. The cracks on its surface widened, and a faint, pulsing light escaped through the fractures. It felt like something monumental was on the verge of occurring, a revelation just out of reach. Ethan¡¯s heart raced as he unconsciously opened his eyes within the space, staring directly at the crystal before him.


    Then, out of nowhere, a voice echoed in the vast emptiness¡ªold, raspy, and faintly amused. ¡°Convergence.¡± The single word seemed to reverberate through the crimson world, resonating deep within Ethan¡¯s chest. He blinked, startled, and before he could process what had happened, he felt himself being pulled back to reality.


    Ethan¡¯s eyes snapped open, meeting the curious and concerned gazes of the crowd. Still disoriented, he turned to Gabriel, then to the sea of faces. Slowly, he repeated the word that had been spoken to him. ¡°Convergence.¡±


    The murmurs among the recruits rose into a dull roar as they discussed what had just happened. Most of them were still buzzing about the twin auras Ethan had released moments earlier. Zane, standing near the back, had a thoughtful expression, his eyes flickering with something unreadable.


    Gabriel stepped forward, clapping a hand on Ethan¡¯s shoulder with a reassuring firmness. ¡°Alright, Ethan,¡± he said, his voice steady but tinged with an undertone of curiosity. ¡°Place your palm on the smaller crystal.¡±


    A staff member had returned with the palm-sized crystal, holding it carefully as if it were made of fragile glass. Gabriel took it and held it out to Ethan, who hesitated for only a moment before pressing his hand to its smooth surface. The crowd leaned forward in anticipation, their chatter dying down as they waited for the crystal to reveal its verdict.


    At first, nothing happened. Then, a faint glow emanated from the crystal, its light shifting and swirling like a restless storm. The glow intensified, but instead of stabilizing into a clear color, it remained erratic, refusing to settle. Words began to form on the crystal¡¯s surface, and Gabriel read them aloud:


    ¡°Potential: TBD. Type: TBD.¡±


    A collective gasp rippled through the recruits, followed by a flurry of confused and excited whispers. Ethan¡¯s brows furrowed as he looked at Gabriel, who was studying him with sparkling eyes, his expression unreadable but intrigued.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Ethan asked, his voice low but steady despite his inner turmoil.


    Gabriel didn¡¯t immediately respond. Instead, he clapped his hands together, the sharp sound echoing across the field and silencing the crowd. His gaze swept over the recruits before he turned to Rudra, who gave him a brief nod. Finally, Gabriel addressed everyone.


    ¡°Listen up,¡± he began, his voice carrying a weight that demanded attention. ¡°What happened here is rare, but it¡¯s not unheard of. There are instances when an individual hasn¡¯t completely awakened their innate skill. In such cases, the crystal is unable to determine their potential or type because the awakening process is incomplete. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and while it¡¯s surprising, it¡¯s nothing to be alarmed about.¡±


    He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. ¡°Now, let¡¯s not dwell on this. We have many more awakenings to get through, and the ceremony must go on.¡±


    With that, he gently guided the still-dazed Ethan toward the edge of the field. ¡°Come with me,¡± he said quietly. Ethan followed, glancing back at the recruits, who were still buzzing with speculation. Gabriel¡¯s grip on his shoulder was firm but not harsh, a silent reassurance that everything would be explained in time.


    As Gabriel and Ethan disappeared into the distance, Rudra stepped forward to regain the crowd¡¯s attention. His voice was calm but commanding as he addressed the recruits. ¡°Settle down,¡± he said, waiting for the chatter to die down. ¡°What you witnessed may be unusual, but it¡¯s not unprecedented. Sometimes, an incomplete awakening indicates the presence of multiple innate abilities or other unique circumstances. Regardless, it¡¯s no cause for concern.¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Rudra¡¯s words managed to calm most of the recruits, though a few remained skeptical. Among them were Ethan¡¯s teammates, who exchanged meaningful glances. Zane, in particular, seemed deep in thought.


    ¡°I heard about this once,¡± Zane muttered under his breath, his voice low enough that only those nearest to him could hear. ¡°When someone¡¯s awakening is incomplete, it usually means one of two things. Either they have no innate skill at all, or they¡¯re hiding more than one ability. In Ethan¡¯s case¡­¡± He trailed off, his gaze distant.


    The others turned to look at him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. ¡°How do you even know that?¡± Iris asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Zane shrugged, not meeting their eyes. ¡°Just something I heard.¡±


    Only Yara remained quiet, her thoughtful expression betraying that she was lost in her own musings. Despite the questions lingering in their minds, the group¡¯s focus shifted back to the ceremony as the next recruit was called forward. For now, the mystery of Ethan¡¯s awakening would have to wait.


    Ethan sat in Gabriel''s office, his mind still swimming with confusion and fragments of the strange vision he had experienced during his awakening. The room was surprisingly simple, furnished with a large oak desk, shelves lined with books and artifacts, and a single glowing orb in the corner that softly illuminated the space. Gabriel leaned back in his chair, studying Ethan with an intensity that made him feel as though the man could peer directly into his soul.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Gabriel finally asked, breaking the silence.


    Ethan shifted in his seat, unsure of how to answer. ¡°I¡­ I feel fine, I guess. Just¡­ a bit overwhelmed.¡±


    Gabriel nodded, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°That¡¯s understandable. What happened during your awakening was¡­ unique, to say the least. Did you experience anything unusual?¡±


    Ethan hesitated, his thoughts racing. He wasn¡¯t sure how much to reveal. The crimson hue, the ashen white object, the cracking surface¡ªit all felt deeply personal, almost sacred. And then there was the strange voice that had whispered ¡°Convergence.¡± He decided to tread carefully.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Ethan began, his voice faltering slightly. ¡°I¡¯ve been having these dreams. It¡¯s like I¡¯m in this crimson-colored space, and there¡¯s something there. Something¡­ big. But it¡¯s hard to describe.¡±


    Gabriel raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°It was there again during the awakening,¡± Ethan continued, choosing his words carefully. ¡°But this time, it was different. The¡­ thing, whatever it is, seemed closer. Bigger. And there was this¡­ cracking sound, like it was breaking apart.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s expression remained unreadable, but Ethan caught the faintest flicker of something in his eyes¡ªinterest, perhaps, or concern. ¡°I see. And the two auras? Did you sense them?¡±


    Ethan nodded slowly. ¡°Yeah. The first one felt¡­ hot, almost suffocating. And the second was calmer, like¡­ lightning and metal.¡±


    Gabriel leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers thoughtfully against the armrest. ¡°Ethan, what happened today is rare, but not unheard of. Most people awaken a single innate ability, but occasionally, someone awakens two. It¡¯s extremely rare, but it does happen.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Two abilities?¡±


    Gabriel nodded. ¡°Yes. And while it¡¯s rare, it¡¯s not unprecedented. There¡¯s even a being who has awakened nine abilities, someone who¡¯ll be participating in the upcoming Battlefield of the Gods.¡±


    ¡°Battlefield of the Gods?¡± Ethan repeated, frowning. The name stirred something in him, a mix of curiosity and unease.


    Gabriel waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Not something you need to concern yourself with¡­ for now. Let¡¯s focus on you. The two auras that leaked out of you indicate that your abilities might be powerful. But there¡¯s a lot we still don¡¯t know. For now, your status remains TBD¡ªto be determined. That¡¯s not a bad thing. It just means you haven¡¯t fully awakened yet.¡±


    Ethan nodded slowly, trying to process everything. ¡°So¡­ what happens now?¡±


    Gabriel offered him a reassuring smile. ¡°You train. You focus. And when the time comes, you¡¯ll find the answers you¡¯re looking for. But for now, take it one step at a time.¡±


    The two talked a little longer, their conversation shifting to lighter topics. Gabriel shared a few anecdotes about past recruits who had faced similar challenges, and Ethan found himself relaxing slightly. But there was still a lingering tension in the air, an unspoken weight that neither of them addressed.


    Finally, Gabriel dismissed him. ¡°Get some rest, Ethan. You¡¯ve had a long day.¡±


    As Ethan left the room, Gabriel watched him go, his expression unreadable. Once the door closed behind him, Gabriel reached into a drawer and pulled out a sleek, futuristic device. It looked like a smartphone, but its surface shimmered with an otherworldly glow. He tapped a few buttons and brought it to his ear.


    ¡°This is Gabriel,¡± he said, his voice low and serious. ¡°We have a situation. Code TBD. Yes, I¡¯m certain. Two distinct auras, and the second one¡­ it¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve seen before. Keep this off the records for now. I¡¯ll handle it on my end.¡±


    Unbeknownst to him, a shadow flitted past the window. Outside, perched on a nearby branch, an owl with piercingly familiar eyes watched him intently. The moment Ethan had left the office, the owl took flight, disappearing into the night.


    <hr>


    Thousands of miles away, in the heart of Inferinia, a grand manor loomed against the crimson sky. Inside, Pluto sat in his lavish study, a glass of dark wine in hand. He read through the report that had just arrived, his golden eyes glinting with interest.


    ¡°Interesting,¡± he murmured, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He set the report aside and leaned back in his chair, his mind already racing with possibilities.


    Meanwhile, in the outskirts of Region 13, a quaint manor stood nestled within a dense forest. In one of its dimly lit rooms, a shadowy figure sat by the window, the curves of her silhouette hinting at a sensual, feminine form. She held a similar report in her hands, her red lips curling into a sly smile.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± she mused, her voice low and melodic. Her eyes scanned the page, lingering on a particular name. Ethan.


    <hr>


    Far to the north, in Region 3, a massive floating island drifted high above the clouds. At its center stood a sprawling palace, its architecture a blend of ancient and futuristic designs. Inside, a middle-aged man sat at a large desk, stacks of reports and documents spread out before him. His left sleeve bore the symbol of a pagoda, and his sharp eyes flicked across the papers with practiced efficiency.


    ¡°This could be¡­ problematic,¡± he muttered to himself, before moving on to the next report. The page with Ethan¡¯s name lay discarded on the edge of the desk.

 The white body that peered through the hole

    Ethan paced around his dorm room, the events of the day replaying in his mind like a broken record. His small desk lamp illuminated the scattered papers and his open diary, where half-finished sentences awaited his thoughts. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a mix of exhaustion and unease.


    He stopped at the edge of his bed and flexed his fingers, staring at them as though they might reveal the secrets of his awakening. Closing his eyes, he exhaled slowly and let himself feel for that energy again. The faint buzz of prana stirred within him, responding to his call.


    ¡°Focus,¡± he murmured to himself.


    As he guided the prana outward, a chill filled the room. Metallic particles flickered into existence, glinting in the lamplight, and faint arcs of lightning danced along his fingertips. It was the same aura that had surfaced during the awakening ceremony¡ªcalm, crackling with subdued energy, yet undeniably powerful.


    He opened his eyes and watched the aura dissipate, fading into nothingness. ¡°Just the second one,¡± he whispered, frowning. ¡°Why not the first?¡±


    The fiery, ash-laden aura that had erupted from him initially seemed completely absent. No matter how hard he tried to summon it, the crimson hue eluded him, leaving only this calm, electrified presence in its wake.


    Ethan sat down at his desk and stared at the blank page in his diary. He began to jot down his observations:


    "The second aura feels¡­ steady. Like metal and lightning combined. It¡¯s sharp and cold, yet controlled. Could this be an elemental ability? It seems logical given what we¡¯ve learned so far. But the first aura¡­ It was chaotic, hot, and overwhelming. If that¡¯s part of my innate ability too, why can¡¯t I feel it now?"


    He tapped his pen against the paper, frustration mounting. The term ¡®Convergence¡¯ echoed in his mind. Was it a clue to understanding his abilities? Or just a cryptic label that meant nothing?


    "Gabriel said it¡¯s rare but not unheard of to have two abilities. Could they conflict with each other? Or complement each other?"


    He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. ¡°Too many questions,¡± he muttered. ¡°And no answers.¡±


    Eventually, exhaustion won out. He closed the diary, placing it neatly on the desk, and crawled into bed. His mind churned with theories and doubts as he drifted into a restless sleep.


    <hr>


    The next day dawned crisp and clear. Ethan stood on the training field alongside his teammates, their breaths visible in the cool morning air. Zane leaned on his dagger, a sly grin on his face as he glanced at Herbie.


    ¡°Drama Queen¡¯s Favor, huh?¡± Zane teased, earning a groan from Herbie.


    ¡°Can we not bring that up again?¡± Herbie grumbled, his cheeks tinged pink. ¡°I swear Loki did this on purpose.¡±


    Iris smirked. ¡°You have to admit, it¡¯s fitting.¡±


    Before Herbie could retort, Yara cut in, her tone amused. ¡°Let¡¯s not forget Zane¡¯s ¡®Thorned Benediction.¡¯ Sounds more like a garden spell than a combat ability.¡±


    Zane chuckled. ¡°At least it¡¯s not as dramatic as ¡®Infernal Waltz,¡¯ Elara. What¡¯re you gonna do, dance the enemies to death?¡±


    Elara crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Careful, Zane. You don¡¯t want to find out firsthand.¡±


    The playful banter filled the air until a familiar voice cut through it. ¡°Alright, settle down.¡±


    Gabriel strode onto the field, his presence commanding immediate attention. In his arms were seven thick books, each bound in dark leather with golden lettering embossed on the cover. He approached the group, distributing the books one by one.


    Ethan took his with a raised eyebrow, reading the title: "An Advanced Guide to Awakening and Its Types."


    Gabriel waited until everyone had their copy before addressing them. ¡°These books are highly confidential. They contain detailed information about awakening types and the best practices to develop your abilities. As you¡¯ve all signed the non-disclosure agreements upon joining the program, you¡¯re bound by contract not to share this knowledge with anyone outside this circle. Understood?¡±


    The group nodded, though Zane couldn¡¯t resist a muttered, ¡°Like anyone would believe us anyway.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s lips twitched in a faint smile. ¡°True. Now, let¡¯s talk about dual and multi-awakenings.¡±


    He stepped back, pacing as he spoke. ¡°Dual awakening, as the name suggests, involves the presence of two distinct abilities within a single individual. Multi-awakening expands on this, with some rare cases having up to nine abilities. These individuals are exceedingly rare, often playing pivotal roles in the realms they inhabit.¡±


    Gabriel paused, his gaze sweeping over the group. ¡°The abilities may complement each other or operate independently. But there¡¯s one critical point you all need to understand: having multiple abilities doesn¡¯t guarantee success. Without proper mastery, it can be more of a burden than a blessing.¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    He gestured to the books. ¡°You¡¯ll find examples of dual and multi-awakened individuals in here, along with strategies for managing complex abilities. Study these carefully. Your abilities will define your place in the battlefield of the gods.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s ears perked up at the mention of the battlefield again, but he kept his questions to himself, for now. He glanced at his teammates and noticed their varying reactions. Elara seemed intrigued, while Iris looked determined. Yara appeared thoughtful, her gaze distant, as though piecing together a puzzle in her mind.


    Gabriel clapped his hands. ¡°That¡¯s enough talk for now. Use this morning to familiarize yourselves with the book. Training resumes this afternoon. Dismissed.¡±


    As the group dispersed, Ethan lingered, flipping through the pages of his book. Each section was filled with intricate diagrams and detailed descriptions of abilities. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what category his own abilities would fall under. The words of the old voice from his awakening echoed in his mind once more: Convergence.


    Ethan slumped into the plush sofa in his dorm, the soft glow of the kitchen light casting a homely warmth over the room. The tantalizing aroma of simmering egg curry wafted through the air, accompanied by the faint hiss of rice cooking on the stove. It was comforting, a slice of normalcy after the whirlwind of revelations.


    He rested his guidebook, An Advanced Guide to Awakening and Its Types, on the coffee table, flipping through the pages with an intensity that rivaled his focus during training. Beside it, his notebook was already littered with crossed-out lines and hastily scribbled notes. Every few moments, he paused to underline a phrase in the guide or add a question mark in the margins of his own notes.


    ¡°I guessed it right,¡± Ethan muttered under his breath, leaning back and tapping the pen against his chin. He stared at his most recent note: Elemental abilities¡­ second aura fits the description.


    Glancing at his palm, he closed his eyes and began channeling prana. The energy flowed effortlessly now, responding to his call like an old friend. As he focused, a small vortex formed above his outstretched palm. Metallic particles danced in the air, glinting as they reflected the light from the kitchen. Arcs of lightning crackled through the vortex, interspersed with bursts of cold air that sent shivers down his spine.


    Ethan tilted his head, observing the display with a mix of awe and curiosity. ¡°Metal, lightning, and ice¡­ three elements, all rare types.¡± He clenched his fist, extinguishing the vortex, and muttered, ¡°What does it mean? How can they coexist?¡±


    The soft bubbling from the kitchen snapped him out of his thoughts. Ethan stood and walked over, lifting the lid off the pot to check the curry. Satisfied, he switched off the stove and served himself a hearty meal: a large bowl of egg curry, a plate of rice, and a side of chili-soaked cucumber that glistened in a tangy soy sauce marinade. Balancing the dishes, he returned to the sofa, placing the plates on the table beside his notebook and guide.


    He sank back into the cushions, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as the celestial version of F¨¹r Elise played softly from his speaker. Picking up a spoon, he dug into the meal, savoring each bite. The spiciness of the curry paired perfectly with the cool crunch of the cucumber, grounding him in the moment despite his swirling thoughts.


    As he ate, his mind wandered to a fantastical daydream. He imagined himself standing atop a battlefield, cloaked in power, his hands crackling with lightning and metal shards swirling around him. In his mind¡¯s eye, he wore a comical parody of Superman¡¯s costume, complete with a flowing crimson cape and a giant ¡°E¡± emblazoned on his chest.


    ¡°Behold,¡± he declared dramatically in his imagination, raising his hands as thunder roared and lightning struck behind him. ¡°The Master of Elements!¡±


    The thought made him chuckle between bites. But before he could savor the humor, he found himself abruptly standing, his arm raised, and shouting aloud, ¡°Voidstrike Voltage!¡±


    Reality came crashing back as a sudden surge of prana erupted from his body. The air in the room shifted violently, a raging aura bursting forth and crackling with thunderous energy. Lightning, black with streaks of silver, appeared fractured and unstable, sparking erratically as though barely contained. The hum of suppressed power resonated in the air, vibrating through the walls.


    Ethan froze, wide-eyed, as the crackling energy condensed into a singularity in his outstretched palm. It pulsed dangerously, the lightning compressing into a small, dense point. Before he could think to stop it, his fingers flicked instinctively, releasing the energy in a concentrated beam.


    The beam shot forward, piercing through the dorm wall with a deafening crack. The air smelled of ozone and burnt wood as the hole, the size of a basketball, revealed a clear view into the adjacent room.


    Ethan¡¯s heart sank as he realized where the beam had gone. Standing in the center of the neighboring dorm room, stark naked, was Herbie. His round, pudgy form was turned away, his bare back illuminated by the faint light from his bedside lamp.


    Both boys froze, their expressions mirroring a mix of horror and disbelief. Herbie¡¯s face slowly turned, his mouth hanging open as he processed the intrusion. Ethan¡¯s lips twitched as he struggled to form an apology.


    Herbie finally broke the silence. ¡°Dude¡­ seriously?¡±


    Ethan¡¯s face flushed a deep red as he stammered, ¡°I-I didn¡¯t mean to! It was an accident!¡±


    Herbie pointed at the hole. ¡°That¡¯s not an accident. That¡¯s a warning shot!¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a warning shot!¡± Ethan groaned, running a hand through his hair. He gestured helplessly at the residual lightning flickering in his palm. ¡°I was¡­ testing something.¡±


    Herbie¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Testing what? The structural integrity of our walls?¡±


    Ethan opened his mouth to respond but stopped when he noticed Herbie¡¯s expression shift. His roommate¡¯s face broke into a grin, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.


    ¡°You¡­ you should¡¯ve seen your face,¡± Herbie managed between chuckles. ¡°It¡¯s like you didn¡¯t even know what you were doing!¡±


    Ethan sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. ¡°Because I didn¡¯t. It just happened.¡±


    Herbie finally doubled over, laughing uncontrollably. ¡°Man, you¡¯ve gotta warn me next time you¡¯re gonna blow up the dorm!¡±


    But why is your room so dark in the early morning? And why are you naked?


    Ethan thought and couldn¡¯t help but laugh along. As Herbie grabbed a towel and muttered something about ¡°installing a warning sign,¡± Ethan sat back down on the sofa, staring at the flickering sparks in his palm.

 Divine Irony

    The hole in Ethan¡¯s dorm room wall, now the size of a basketball, had been hastily covered by a rather ridiculous poster of the God Janus, who was depicted in a dramatic pose with his two faces looking in opposite directions, one smiling serenely while the other frowned ominously. The poster didn¡¯t quite align with the aesthetics of the room, but it was better than leaving the gaping hole open. Herbie had taped it up after muttering something about ¡°divine irony¡± while glaring at Ethan.


    Ethan stood by his desk, his training attire neatly laid out. The events of the previous day lingered in his mind, especially the accident with his newfound ability. Shaking his head, he grabbed his gear and headed out, the cool evening air greeting him as he stepped into the twilight. The field awaited him, bustling with recruits preparing for their weapon practice.


    Recruits of all levels practiced their forms, sparred in designated rings, or meditated to enhance their control over prana. The faint hum of prana in the air mingled with the clang of weapons, creating a symphony of focus and determination.


    Himmel stood at the edge of the field, his imposing figure silhouetted against the fading light. His sharp eyes scanned the recruits, his presence as commanding as ever. As Ethan approached, he noticed his teammates had already gathered, their weapons in hand.


    Before the sparring began, Himmel raised a hand to gather everyone¡¯s attention. His voice carried easily over the noise. ¡°Listen up! Now that most of you have awakened, it¡¯s time to discuss prana¡¯s role in combat. Yes, prana allows you to unleash your skills, but that¡¯s not all it¡¯s good for. In physical combat, prana has two main uses: enhancing your body and enhancing your weapon. That¡¯s it.¡±


    He began pacing in front of them, gesturing with his hands. ¡°Buffing yourself with prana improves your speed, strength, and endurance. You¡¯ll move faster, hit harder, and last longer in a fight. Buffing your weapon, on the other hand, increases its durability and sharpens its effectiveness. Depending on your awakened abilities, the buff may carry some trace of your skill¡¯s nature, but don¡¯t expect it to work like magic.¡±


    Himmel paused, letting his words sink in. ¡°Mastering these fundamentals is crucial. A recruit who can wield prana properly in combat will always have the edge over someone who relies solely on flashy skills. Now, let¡¯s see how you fare. Pair up and prepare to spar.¡±


    Ethan joined his team, glancing around at their weapons. Yara checked the balance of her pistol and sword, their polished surfaces gleaming under the field lights. Elara twirled her dual daggers with practiced ease, their curved edges catching the light. Zane tested the draw of his crossbow, a dagger sheathed at his hip for close encounters. Yin Xue leaned against her polearm, its blade sharp and gleaming, while Iris adjusted the string on her bow with a focused expression. Herbie, meanwhile, hefted an enormous axe, his usual grin plastered across his face.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Yara said, cocking her pistol with a smirk. ¡°Who¡¯s ready to lose?¡±


    Elara rolled her eyes. ¡°Keep that confidence. I¡¯ll enjoy cutting it down.¡±


    Ethan chuckled, his polearm in one hand and his bow slung across his back. ¡°Let¡¯s see if all that talk holds up when the match starts.¡±


    The first round of sparring began with Ethan paired against Iris. She nocked an arrow, her bow glowing faintly as prana flowed into it. Ethan took a defensive stance with his polearm, his grip firm as he channeled his prana into the weapon. A faint, cold aura surrounded the polearm, the air around it shimmering with metallic particles and crackling energy.


    Iris loosed an arrow, its trajectory swift and precise. Ethan moved instinctively, spinning his polearm to deflect it. The collision of the prana-infused weapons sent a faint shockwave through the air. He lunged forward, closing the distance, but Iris was quick to retreat, firing another arrow mid-step.


    ¡°Nice shot,¡± Ethan said, sidestepping the arrow and closing in. He swept his polearm low, aiming to trip her, but she leaped gracefully over it, landing with the fluidity of a dancer.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she replied, drawing back another arrow. ¡°But you¡¯re too predictable.¡±


    Ethan grinned. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±


    Their bout continued for several minutes, each testing the other¡¯s reflexes and strategy. Eventually, Himmel called for them to switch partners.


    Ethan¡¯s next opponent was Zane. The match was far more chaotic, Zane alternating between firing bolts from his crossbow and darting in with his dagger. Ethan had to stay on his toes, using his polearm to deflect bolts and maintain distance.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got good instincts,¡± Zane said, his crossbow glowing faintly as he loaded another bolt. ¡°But can you handle this?¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    He fired a rapid volley of bolts, forcing Ethan to spin his polearm in a defensive arc. The weapon hummed with energy, the prana reinforcing its structure as it deflected each projectile. When Zane darted in with his dagger, Ethan switched to offense, sweeping his polearm in wide arcs to keep him at bay.


    By the end of the session, Ethan¡¯s muscles burned from exertion, but his mind buzzed with excitement. The addition of prana to their combat training had transformed the experience entirely. Every movement felt sharper, every clash more intense.


    As the session wound down, Himmel gathered them once more. ¡°Good work today. Remember, it¡¯s not about who wins or loses these matches. It¡¯s about understanding your strengths and weaknesses. Keep pushing yourselves, and you¡¯ll be ready for anything.¡±


    Ethan nodded, his mind replaying the battles as he returned to his dorm. His body ached, but it was a satisfying ache¡ªthe kind that came from knowing he was improving. After a quick shower, he collapsed onto his bed, finally dozing off.


    Ethan found himself once again in the crimson land, the familiar yet unnerving realm that seemed to exist just for him. The sky was an endless shade of deep scarlet, a swirling sea of crimson clouds blotting out any hint of a sun or stars. The two-story house-sized spherical substance floated ominously in the distance, its ashen white surface cracked cleanly down the middle. The sight of it sent a shiver through Ethan¡¯s core.


    He floated closer, his movements no longer hindered by the strange paralysis that had plagued him on his previous visits. This time, he could move freely, and that alone filled him with a sense of control he hadn¡¯t felt before.


    ¡°So this is it,¡± he muttered, his voice echoing eerily in the stillness. The massive sphere radiated a quiet energy, as though it were alive but dormant, waiting.


    Iris¡¯s words from the weapon training field came back to him: *"An extremely hot aura came from you." *


    Was this sphere connected to his first skill? The thought gnawed at him as he approached the cracks, his hand instinctively reaching out. The jagged lines snaked across the surface like lightning frozen in time. Gently, he stroked the cracks, feeling a strange warmth seep into his fingertips. For a moment, the warmth intensified, spreading through his body as though something inside the sphere was awakening in response to his touch.


    Suddenly, the crimson world began to collapse around him. The sphere vibrated violently, its cracks glowing with a searing white light. Just as something seemed poised to emerge, a powerful force yanked him backward, tearing him from the dreamlike realm.


    <hr>


    Ethan jolted awake, his heart pounding as sunlight streamed into his dorm room. Morning had come far too quickly, and his brief time in the crimson land left him more questions than answers. He groaned, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. There was no time to dwell on it; his schedule was packed, and the recruit ranking exchange loomed less than three weeks away.


    <hr>


    The days blurred together as the recruits dove headfirst into their rigorous training. Ethan¡¯s team¡ªnow recognized as the first batch of second awakeners¡ªquickly became known for their exceptional progress. With their newfound abilities, they advanced through the early stages of prana-based cultivation at a startling pace. Himmel¡¯s grueling drills pushed them to their limits, honing their physical combat skills and mastery of prana. Each of them had begun to stand out in their own way.


    By the second week, they had earned the title of pseudo rank-one soldiers. The rank came with respect and high expectations, as well as the promise of greater challenges. Their next milestone was clear: attaining the rank of Sigil. The Sigil rank was symbolic, representing their mastery over prana and their status as true soldiers of magical power.


    Ethan¡¯s daily routine became a whirlwind of weapon practice, sparring, meditation, and studying the guide on awakenings. The guide proved invaluable, shedding light on the intricacies of prana control and offering glimpses into the possibilities of multi-awakened skills. Ethan¡¯s teammates showed remarkable growth as well. Yara¡¯s precision with her pistol and sword grew sharper by the day, while Elara¡¯s dual daggers became a blur of lethal efficiency. Zane¡¯s crossbow and dagger combination proved versatile in both close and ranged combat, and Yin Xue¡¯s polearm mastery gave her an almost ethereal presence on the field. Iris¡¯s skill with the bow and her tactical mind made her a formidable force, and even Herbie¡¯s clumsy yet powerful axe swings began to show improvement.


    <hr>


    Three weeks passed in the blink of an eye. The recruits had transformed, their growth evident not only in their combat abilities but also in their confidence and camaraderie. The training camp buzzed with anticipation as the recruit ranking exchange drew nearer.


    On the morning three days before the exchange, the recruits gathered in the central courtyard. Gabriel stood before them, his commanding presence silencing the murmurs of excitement. Behind him, Himmel watched silently, his arms crossed.


    Gabriel¡¯s voice carried across the courtyard. ¡°Today, we celebrate the final batch of second awakeners who have joined your ranks. Their awakening marks the completion of this training camp¡¯s most critical phase.¡±


    The recruits erupted into applause as a small group of individuals stepped forward, their expressions a mix of pride and nervousness. Gabriel raised a hand to quiet the crowd before continuing.


    ¡°Each of you has undergone incredible trials to reach this point. You¡¯ve discovered abilities that set you apart, abilities that make you dangerous and valuable. But awakening is only the beginning. Your true journey lies ahead, and it will be far more demanding than anything you¡¯ve faced here.¡±


    He gestured toward the recruits, his gaze sharp. ¡°To those of you who have already begun your path toward the Sigil rank, know that this is not just a title. It¡¯s a symbol of your mastery over prana and your readiness to step onto the battlefield of the gods. Use these next three days wisely. Train, strategize, and prepare yourselves. Because once the ranking exchange begins, there will be no room for hesitation.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s words hung heavy in the air, the weight of their meaning sinking into each recruit. He offered a rare smile. ¡°Congratulations to all of you. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed.¡±

 Star Rail!?

    ¡°Before we end for today, I want to talk to you about the Recruit Ranking Exchange,¡± he began, pausing to let his words settle. The recruits straightened, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten. ¡°This event is your first step outside the safety of these dorm grounds. Tomorrow evening, we¡¯ll gather here, and for the first time, you¡¯ll step into the real world beyond these walls.¡±


    Excited whispers rippled through the crowd. Many recruits exchanged glances, their thoughts already leaping ahead to the legendary city of Infernia, ruled by Pluto and Veles themself. Some even dared to imagine catching a glimpse of the divine figure they had only heard about in stories.


    Gabriel¡¯s sharp eyes swept over the recruits, and he smirked knowingly. He raised a hand, silencing the chatter. ¡°Don¡¯t get ahead of yourselves. You¡¯re not heading to Infernia, nor are you going anywhere near the city. Instead, we¡¯re taking you to the outskirts of Region 13, to a grassy plain that serves as a battleground. There, you¡¯ll face the prairie¡¯s corrupted creatures.¡±


    The mood shifted instantly. The excitement drained from many faces, replaced by furrowed brows and uneasy glances. Someone in the back muttered, ¡°Corrupted creatures?¡±


    Gabriel nodded, his tone grave. ¡°Corrupted creatures are beasts that were once blessed by the grace of various animal gods. During the Civil War over a million years ago, many of those gods fell into madness, and their creations followed suit. These creatures lost their divine purpose and turned into abominations. They¡¯re savage, relentless, and driven by an insatiable urge to reproduce. While they aren¡¯t the most dangerous foes you¡¯ll face in your careers, they¡¯re perfect for honing the skills of semi-trained recruits like yourselves.¡±


    A wave of murmurs spread again, but this time, it was tinged with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Gabriel allowed it for a moment before continuing.


    ¡°Here¡¯s how it will work,¡± he said, pacing across the stage. ¡°The Recruit Ranking Exchange will last for fifteen days. Each of you will receive a watch-like device.¡± He held up his wrist, revealing a sleek, futuristic band. Its metallic surface glinted in the fading light, and its face displayed a faint, pulsing glow. ¡°This device will record your kills. To register a kill, you¡¯ll need to scan the blood of the corrupted creature you slay. Simply place your weapon¡¯s bloodied edge against the scanner, and it will log the details automatically.¡±


    Gabriel pressed a button on the device, and a small compartment slid open, revealing a circular scanner. ¡°You¡¯ll need to confirm every kill this way. The system is precise and leaves no room for error or cheating. Each type of corrupted creature is worth a different number of points, depending on its size and difficulty. At the end of the fifteen days, the recruit with the highest score will be declared the winner of the exchange.¡±


    A recruit raised their hand. ¡°What¡¯s the point of the ranking exchange? Are we just hunting for points?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s gaze locked onto the recruit, and the intensity of his stare made the questioner visibly gulp. ¡°The purpose of this exchange is twofold,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°First, it¡¯s to give you real-world experience. No simulation, no controlled environment, just you, your teammates, and the unknown dangers of the field. Second, it¡¯s a measure of your potential and adaptability. Your performance here will determine your placement in future missions and training groups. This is not a game; this is a test of your survival and combat skills.¡±


    The recruits absorbed this, their earlier enthusiasm now tempered by the weight of Gabriel¡¯s words. Even the most confident among them seemed to grow more serious.


    ¡°You¡¯ll work in teams,¡± Gabriel continued, ¡°but your points will be calculated individually. This means that while cooperation is encouraged for survival, your rank will depend solely on your own efforts. Keep this in mind as you strategize.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s team exchanged glances. Yara whispered to Elara, ¡°Looks like it¡¯s every recruit for themselves.¡± Elara shrugged, her expression unreadable, while Zane tightened his grip on the crossbow slung across his back.


    Gabriel¡¯s voice snapped them back to attention. ¡°Each day, you¡¯ll patrol designated zones. These zones have been mapped to ensure that no recruit wanders too far from their group. Your devices will alert you if you stray outside the boundaries. Stay within them. The prairie is vast, and if you get lost, you¡¯re on your own.¡±


    The recruits shifted uncomfortably at the ominous warning. Gabriel¡¯s tone left no room for doubt: this was no ordinary exercise.


    ¡°Now,¡± Gabriel said, stepping down from the stage and approaching the front row of recruits, ¡°I¡¯ll demonstrate how to use these devices. Each of you will receive one tomorrow morning, along with your final briefing. Until then, rest up. The next fifteen days will test you in ways you can¡¯t yet imagine.¡±


    He held up the device again, showing its sleek design. ¡°This watch will be your lifeline. It tracks your location, records your kills, and even monitors your vital signs. Treat it as an extension of yourself. Lose it, and you¡¯ll lose your chance to rank.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes swept over the recruits one last time. ¡°Dismissed. Prepare yourselves for tomorrow.¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    The next afternoon.


    The cafeteria was abuzz with chatter as Ethan and his team gathered at their usual table. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread mingled in the air, and the faint clatter of plates added to the lively atmosphere. It was their last meal together before the Recruit Ranking Exchange, and the weight of what lay ahead hung over them like a cloud.


    Yara leaned back in her chair, a pistol holstered at her side and a plate of food half-finished in front of her. ¡°Alright, team,¡± she began, tapping a finger on the table. ¡°This is our last chance to strategize. Let¡¯s get serious for a minute. Who¡¯s taking what positions?¡±


    Elara, who was meticulously cutting her steak into precise pieces, glanced up. ¡°I¡¯m best suited for close-range combat. My daggers are quick and silent, so I¡¯ll handle anything that gets too close.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Zane added, twirling his dagger before setting it down beside his crossbow. ¡°But I can cover mid-range, too, thanks to this beauty.¡± He patted the crossbow with a confident smirk.


    Iris, seated quietly at the edge of the table, spoke up next. ¡°I¡¯ll stay at a distance. My bow¡¯s range is unmatched, and with my control over prana, I can provide support from afar.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Ethan said, nodding. ¡°I¡¯ll switch between mid-range and melee, depending on what we¡¯re facing. My polearm¡¯s reach gives me flexibility, and I can use my bow if we need extra firepower.¡±


    Yin Xue, who had been sipping tea with an air of calm detachment, finally spoke. ¡°My polearm will anchor the frontline. I¡¯ll keep enemies at bay and provide an opening for the rest of you to attack.¡± Her tone was cool, but the determination in her eyes was unmistakable.


    ¡°And what about you, Herbie?¡± Yara asked, turning to the team¡¯s wildcard.


    Herbie grinned, his massive axe resting against the table beside him. ¡°I¡¯ll smash whatever gets in our way. Simple as that.¡±


    Yara rolled her eyes but couldn¡¯t help smiling. ¡°Alright, then. It sounds like we¡¯ve got a solid formation. But remember, we¡¯re being ranked individually, too. While teamwork¡¯s important, don¡¯t forget to rack up points for yourselves. We all need a decent rank to move forward.¡±


    The table fell into a thoughtful silence as they mulled over her words. Ethan took a bite of his meal, his mind racing with scenarios they might face in the prairie.


    ¡°How confident are we in controlling our skills?¡± he asked, breaking the silence. ¡°The corrupted creatures might not be the toughest enemies out there, but we can¡¯t afford to lose control of our prana.¡±


    Elara nodded, her gaze serious. ¡°I¡¯ve been practicing nonstop since my awakening. My control¡¯s solid, but I won¡¯t underestimate the stress of real combat.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Zane said. ¡°The crossbow¡¯s a bit tricky with prana infusion, but I think I¡¯ve got it down.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been focusing on precision,¡± Iris added. ¡°If I miss even one shot, it could cost us.¡±


    Yin Xue¡¯s voice was steady. ¡°Prana control is a matter of discipline. Stay calm, and it won¡¯t betray you.¡±


    Ethan nodded, taking their words to heart. ¡°Then let¡¯s make sure we keep our heads out there. The last thing we need is panic throwing us off balance.¡±


    Yara clapped her hands together. ¡°Alright, team, this is it. Eat up, rest well, and pack smart. Tomorrow¡¯s the big day.¡±


    The team dispersed after finishing their meal, each heading back to their rooms to prepare. Ethan returned to his dorm, where his greenish-black duffel bag lay open on his bed. He began packing methodically, double-checking each item before placing it inside. Spare clothes went in first, followed by essential cooking supplies: butter, salt, sugar, and chili powder. Next came dried and canned foods for emergencies, along with a small kit of ointments made from prana-mutated plants and herbs.


    Finally, Ethan picked up a leather-bound diary with the letter ¡°D¡± embossed on the cover. He hesitated for a moment, running his fingers over the worn surface, before slipping it into a side pocket. The diary was a reminder of his past and a testament to how far he¡¯d come.


    As he tidied up his room, his gaze landed on the ridiculous Janus poster that Herbie had put up. The god¡¯s dramatic pose and overly enthusiastic grin never failed to make him shake his head. ¡°Well, Janus,¡± Ethan muttered, ¡°I finally don¡¯t need actual arrows. Producing prana-made arrows saves me space and effort. Guess I owe you a thanks for that, indirectly.¡±


    With his bag packed and his room in order, Ethan slung the duffel over his shoulder and headed out. Herbie was waiting for him in the hallway, his usual grin in place. ¡°Ready, partner?¡± Herbie asked, hefting his axe onto his shoulder.


    ¡°Ready,¡± Ethan replied, and together they made their way to the field.


    The sight that greeted them took Ethan¡¯s breath away. A massive train hovered just above the ground, its sleek, black carriages stretching as far as the eye could see. The train¡¯s design was both futuristic and regal, with glowing blue runes etched along its sides. Each of its eleven carriages seemed large enough to house an entire squad comfortably.


    The recruits gathered around the train, their awe evident. Whispers of amazement spread through the crowd.


    ¡°It¡¯s hovering!¡± one recruit exclaimed.


    ¡°Look at those runes. They¡¯re powered by prana,¡± another added.


    Ethan couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the sheer scale of the transport. He¡¯d heard of such trains but had never seen one in person. The hum of its engines and the faint glow of its runes made it feel almost alive.


    At the front of the train stood Rudra, his imposing figure cutting a sharp silhouette against the afternoon sun. His voice boomed across the field, silencing the crowd. ¡°Recruits! Form up by teams. I will call out your names. When your team is called, board the train in an orderly fashion. No pushing, no shoving.¡±


    He began reading out names, his deep voice resonating with authority. Teams stepped forward one by one, boarding the train with a mix of excitement and trepidation.


    Finally, Rudra called Ethan and his team.


    Ethan and his teammates exchanged glances, a shared determination passing between them. As one, they stepped forward, their boots crunching against the gravel path. The train¡¯s door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a spacious, well-lit interior.


    Without a word, they entered the train.

 Outpost

    The recruits sat in their assigned seats, the hum of the hovering train vibrating faintly beneath them. With a hiss of pressurized air, the doors closed, and the train jolted softly as it began to rise into the sky. Ethan sat by the window, watching as the dormitory grounds disappeared beneath them, replaced by sprawling fields and distant mountain ranges. The sight was both awe-inspiring and disorienting. He hadn¡¯t left the training grounds since arriving months ago, and now, he was headed to the outskirts of Hellfire, Region 13¡¯s expansive territory.


    A low murmur filled the air as the recruits settled in. The train¡¯s sleek interior was lined with softly glowing blue runes that pulsed in rhythm with the train¡¯s energy. Each team had been given their own section of a carriage, divided into boys¡¯ and girls¡¯ quarters by a retractable curtain. Ethan¡¯s team had chosen the middle seats, giving them a bit of privacy while still being close to the central walkway.


    Yara leaned against the window frame on her side of the carriage, her pistol holstered at her hip and her sword resting against the seat. She glanced over at Zane, who was fiddling with the bolts of his crossbow. ¡°You sure you¡¯re not going to break that thing before we even get there?¡± she teased.


    ¡°This?¡± Zane grinned, holding up the crossbow. ¡°It¡¯s solid. Besides, I¡¯m just tweaking it. You¡¯ll thank me when I¡¯m sniping corrupted creatures off your back.¡±


    Elara, sitting beside Yara, smirked. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope you don¡¯t accidentally shoot one of us instead.¡±


    ¡°Hey, that was one time!¡± Zane protested, earning a round of chuckles from the group.


    Meanwhile, Herbie was sprawled across two seats, snoring softly. A small pile of crumbs littered his chest from the snacks he¡¯d devoured earlier. Iris, seated across from him, shook her head with a mix of amusement and exasperation. ¡°How does he sleep so easily? We¡¯re about to head into a life-or-death situation, and he¡¯s over there drooling.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a talent,¡± Ethan said with a grin. ¡°But he¡¯ll be ready when it counts. He always is.¡±


    Yin Xue, sitting calmly at the far end of the carriage, sipped from a cup of tea she¡¯d brought along. She seemed unfazed by the lively atmosphere, her serene presence grounding the team. ¡°Nerves manifest differently for everyone. For Herbie, it¡¯s sleep. For others, it¡¯s endless chatter,¡± she said, her gaze briefly flicking to Zane.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m just keeping things light,¡± Zane replied defensively. ¡°We¡¯re about to spend 13 hours on this train. Might as well enjoy the ride.¡±


    As the train picked up speed, Ethan turned his attention to the window. The landscape blurred into a mix of green and brown as they left the heart of Region 13. Occasionally, they passed small villages or outposts, their lights twinkling like stars against the vast expanse of grasslands. In the distance, the towering spires of Infernia¡ªthe capital of Hellfire¡ªglimmered faintly before vanishing from view.


    ¡°Hard to believe we¡¯re finally leaving the dorm grounds,¡± Ethan mused. ¡°Feels like we¡¯ve been training forever.¡±


    ¡°And now we¡¯re being thrown into the deep end,¡± Iris said, her tone thoughtful. ¡°It¡¯s exciting, but it¡¯s also a bit¡­ daunting.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine,¡± Yara said confidently. ¡°We¡¯ve trained harder than anyone. Those prairie monsters won¡¯t know what hit them.¡±


    As the hours stretched on, the recruits found ways to pass the time. Herbie eventually woke up and was immediately subjected to Zane¡¯s relentless teasing about his snoring. Yara, true to form, disappeared for long stretches, reappearing with random items she¡¯d ¡°borrowed¡± from other carriages, including a colorful scarf that she dramatically draped around her shoulders.


    ¡°Where do you even find this stuff?¡± Elara asked, half-amused, half-annoyed.


    Yara winked. ¡°A magician never reveals her secrets.¡±


    Ethan, meanwhile, spent much of his time observing the team dynamics. It was comforting to see them in good spirits, despite the uncertainty of what lay ahead. He also took note of the other recruits in the neighboring carriages, some of whom looked tense and others who were laughing and joking like they were on a school trip.


    At one point, a supervisor came by to distribute boxed meals. The food was simple but satisfying: grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, and a small loaf of bread. Ethan ate in silence, savoring the meal as he gazed out the window. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting long shadows across the landscape.


    ¡°Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± Iris said, sitting beside him.


    Ethan nodded. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s hard to imagine we¡¯ll be fighting for our lives in less than a day.¡±


    Iris smiled faintly. ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯ve trained so hard. We¡¯re ready for this.¡±


    As night fell, the train¡¯s interior lights dimmed, creating a cozy ambiance. The team settled into their respective corners, some chatting quietly while others began to doze off. Ethan, feeling the pull of exhaustion, leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    When he opened them again, he was back in the crimson dreamscape. The ashen-white sphere hovered before him, its surface marred by deep cracks. This time, he found he could move freely, his body responding to his will. He drifted closer to the sphere, reaching out a tentative hand to touch it. The cracks seemed to pulse under his fingers, radiating a faint warmth.


    Just as he felt something shift, a sudden jolt pulled him back to reality. He woke with a start to find Herbie shaking him. ¡°Wake up, Ethan. We¡¯re here.¡±


    Blinking the sleep from his eyes, Ethan looked out the window. The train had come to a stop at a small outpost surrounded by grassy plains. The faint glow of lanterns illuminated the area, and the hum of the train¡¯s engines began to fade.


    ¡°This is it,¡± Ethan thought, a mix of excitement and apprehension coursing through him. Gathering his belongings, he followed Herbie and the rest of the team as they prepared to disembark.


    The moment Ethan and his team stepped off the train, they were greeted by a cool breeze carrying the earthy scent of grasslands. The outpost stretched before them, a modest yet functional setup built to withstand both nature and the occasional corrupted creature. Rows of wooden and stone barracks surrounded a central plaza, where a flag bearing the emblem of Region 13¡ªa fiery inferno encased in a silver shield¡ªflapped in the wind. Soldiers moved about in an orderly fashion, their armor glinting under the lanterns hanging from poles that dotted the area.


    As the recruits began to gather, a group of veteran soldiers approached, their expressions stern yet slightly amused. One of them, a tall man with a bald head that gleamed under the moonlight and a jagged scar running across his cheek, stepped forward. He carried an air of authority, his weathered armor clinking softly with each step. Without preamble, he gestured at the recruits¡¯ weapons. ¡°Hand ¡®em over,¡± he said gruffly.


    Ethan¡¯s team exchanged confused glances. Yara frowned, her hand instinctively moving to the hilt of her sword. ¡°Wait, what?¡± she asked, her tone incredulous. ¡°Why?¡±


    The bald man smirked, his scar pulling at the corner of his mouth. ¡°These training weapons of yours? Useless out here. They¡¯re fine for sparring in the dorm grounds, but against the real thing? They¡¯ll snap like twigs. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll get proper, environment-suited weapons tomorrow. If you still feel nostalgic, you can take your toys back after training.¡±


    Zane looked skeptical, holding his crossbow a little tighter. ¡°And what makes you think those weapons are better?¡±


    A veteran woman with short-cropped hair and a muscular build stepped up beside the man, her eyes glinting with amusement. ¡°Because we¡¯ve been out here long enough to know what works and what doesn¡¯t,¡± she said. ¡°Now stop whining and hand them over. Unless, of course, you¡¯d rather take your chances with a broken blade or a bowstring that snaps mid-battle?¡±


    Grumbling under their breaths, the recruits began to relinquish their weapons. Ethan hesitated for a moment, his hand lingering on his polearm before finally handing it over. The veteran woman took it with a nod, her expression softening slightly. ¡°Good choice. Now, follow me. I¡¯ll show you to your barracks.¡±


    As they followed her through the outpost, Ethan took in his surroundings. The barracks were arranged in neat rows, each one marked with a number. Beyond them, he could see a tall watchtower, its silhouette stark against the night sky. Soldiers patrolled the perimeter, their movements precise and disciplined. The entire outpost radiated a sense of order and readiness.


    ¡°Where are our mentors?¡± Iris asked, her voice breaking the quiet. She walked beside the veteran woman, her bow no longer slung over her shoulder.


    ¡°They¡¯re meeting with the commander,¡± the woman replied. ¡°Going over the schedule for the next fifteen days. You¡¯ll see them soon enough.¡±


    Herbie, walking a few steps behind, chuckled nervously. ¡°You know, in the novels I¡¯ve read, these kinds of competitions always have something go wrong. Sabotage, betrayals, maybe even a secret plot by some shadowy organization.¡± He gulped and forced a laugh. ¡°Good thing that¡¯s just fiction, right?¡±


    The veteran woman let out a hearty laugh, the sound echoing in the cool night air. ¡°Relax, kid. The evil gods don¡¯t care about recruits like you. They¡¯re too busy worrying about the nine-skill awakeners to bother with us mortals.¡±


    Herbie didn¡¯t look entirely reassured, but he managed a weak smile. Ethan shook his head with a small grin, amused by his friend¡¯s overactive imagination.


    When they reached the barracks, the woman stopped in front of two buildings. ¡°Girls in this one,¡± she said, pointing to the left. ¡°Boys in the one next door. Twelve recruits to a barrack. Get some rest; you¡¯ll need it. Tomorrow¡¯s going to be a long day.¡±


    The team exchanged brief goodnights as the girls headed into their barrack. Ethan followed Herbie, Zane, and the other boys into theirs. Inside, the barrack was simple but functional, with six bunk beds lined up against the walls and a central table surrounded by wooden stools. Nine other boys were already there, their chatter filling the room.


    One of the boys, a tall recruit with dark hair and sharp features, looked up as they entered. ¡°New arrivals,¡± he said, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°Welcome to the madhouse.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Ethan replied, offering a small smile. ¡°I¡¯m Ethan. This is Herbie, Zane, and Yin Xue.¡±


    The boy nodded. ¡°I¡¯m Marcus. That¡¯s Finn, Rohan, and the rest of the gang,¡± he said, gesturing to the other boys. ¡°Hope you don¡¯t snore too loud. We¡¯ve already got a symphony going on in here.¡±


    Herbie laughed. ¡°No promises.¡±


    As the group settled in, the veteran woman gave them a final nod before leaving. Ethan chose a bottom bunk near the corner and began tidying up his space. He stowed his duffel bag under the bed and smoothed out the blanket, his movements methodical. Herbie, meanwhile, threw himself onto a top bunk with a dramatic sigh. ¡°Finally, a bed that¡¯s not in a moving train.¡±


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. But as he sat on his bunk and glanced around the room, his thoughts began to drift. The excitement of the journey, the odd encounter with the veterans, and the looming challenge of the recruit exchange all swirled in his mind.


    Lost in his thoughts, he barely noticed when the chatter in the room began to die down, the recruits settling into their beds. The quiet hum of the outpost¡¯s activity outside was the only sound as Ethan leaned back against the wall, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.

 New Weapons

    The barracks were alive with the low murmur of voices. Ethan and the other recruits, though tired from the long journey and the startling events of their arrival, were still wide awake, discussing their expectations and sharing jokes. Ethan himself was sitting on the edge of his bunk, listening to Herbie and Zane bicker about who would outshine the other during the exchange. Yara¡¯s voice echoed faintly from the girls¡¯ barrack next door, her laughter cutting through the night.


    Just as Ethan was about to lean back on his bed, a sharp whistle pierced the air, cutting through the conversations like a blade. Instinctively, every recruit in the room froze, their instincts honed by months of training. Without a word, they scrambled to their feet and hurried out of the barrack, the sound still ringing in their ears. The girls emerged from their barrack at the same time, Yara in the lead with her jacket half-on, followed closely by Iris and Elara.


    ¡°What now?¡± Zane muttered, pulling his boots on as he jogged.


    Ethan shrugged but kept his pace steady as they all headed toward the source of the sound. It came from a clearing near the center of the outpost, where several supervisors, mentors, and other unfamiliar faces stood waiting. Torches cast flickering light across the scene, and the recruits slowed as they took in the gathering.


    Ethan¡¯s eyes widened as he spotted one particular figure among the group. An old man with a hunched posture and a face as wrinkled as dried parchment. Charon. The man who had ¡°recruited¡± him into the realm, dragging him from the mortal world into this new reality. Charon¡¯s thin lips stretched into a grin, his yellowed teeth catching the torchlight. He gave Ethan a knowing nod before turning his attention back to Gabriel, who stood at the center of the gathering.


    Gabriel, ever calm and composed, raised a hand to silence the murmurs of the recruits as they arrived. He was dressed simply, his sharp, middle-aged features illuminated by the firelight. Despite his lack of wings or any outward signs of his angelic status, his presence commanded attention.


    ¡°Good morning, recruits,¡± he began, his voice firm but not unkind. ¡°Welcome to the Hellfire Outpost, your staging ground for the exchange. I¡¯m sure many of you are wondering what¡¯s next. Allow me to explain.¡±


    Gabriel gestured to the forest beyond the outpost¡¯s perimeter. ¡°Your hunting grounds lie beyond this outpost. The competition will take place over the next fifteen days, during which you will face a variety of challenges. Your primary objective is to gather as many points as possible by eliminating corrupted creatures, completing assigned tasks, and, most importantly, surviving.¡±


    He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. ¡°Now, while the death rate for this exchange is close to zero, it is not zero. There is a real, albeit small, danger to your lives. Take every precaution. If you find yourselves in a life-threatening situation, activate the emergency runes embedded in your uniforms. A rescue team will be dispatched immediately, but using those runes will result in disqualification. Consider them your absolute last resort.¡±


    The recruits nodded, some glancing nervously at one another. Herbie shifted uncomfortably, muttering something under his breath that Ethan couldn¡¯t quite catch.


    Gabriel continued, ¡°Each team will be provided with a basic supply kit: food rations, water purifiers, medical supplies, and a map of the hunting grounds. These supplies are limited, so use them wisely. Additional resources are hidden throughout the competition area. Finding them will require skill and a keen eye. Keep in mind, you¡¯re not the only team out there. Others will be searching for the same resources.¡±


    At this, a ripple of murmurs spread through the recruits. Zane leaned toward Ethan. ¡°Great. So it¡¯s a treasure hunt with monsters,¡± he whispered.


    Before Ethan could reply, a booming voice interrupted the murmurs. ¡°And now, a proper welcome!¡±


    The bald-headed veteran from earlier stepped forward, his scarred face splitting into a grin. ¡°Listen up, recruits. My name¡¯s Sergeant Gorran. You¡¯ll be seeing a lot of me over the next two weeks, so get used to it. You¡¯ve already handed over your training weapons. Tomorrow, after lunch, you¡¯ll head to the logistics unit to claim your new, field-tested gear. Trust me, these weapons are built for this environment. You¡¯ll thank us later.¡±


    Gorran¡¯s grin widened as he continued, ¡°Now, about those hidden supplies. We¡¯ve stashed them in places that¡¯ll test your wits and teamwork. Some are easy to find, others¡­ not so much. Keep your eyes peeled, and don¡¯t get too greedy. If you hoard everything, you¡¯ll just paint a target on your backs.¡±


    Herbie raised his hand tentatively. ¡°Uh, Sergeant, what happens if we run out of supplies?¡±


    Gorran let out a hearty laugh. ¡°Then you¡¯d better hope you¡¯re good at hunting or trading. This isn¡¯t a picnic, kid. Resourcefulness is part of the test.¡±


    The recruits exchanged uneasy glances. Gabriel stepped in again, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Gorran¡¯s boisterousness. ¡°Remember, this is a team effort. Individual rankings are important, yes, but survival and success depend on how well you work together. Trust your team, and trust your training.¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    With that, Gabriel stepped back, allowing the recruits a moment to process everything. Ethan¡¯s eyes drifted back to Charon, who was watching him intently, his expression unreadable. The old man¡¯s presence stirred something uneasy in Ethan, but he pushed the feeling aside. There were more immediate concerns to focus on.


    ¡°That¡¯s all for now,¡± Gorran announced. ¡°You¡¯ve got the morning to settle in. After lunch, report to the logistics unit for your weapons. Until then, make yourselves useful. Dismissed!¡±


    The mess hall was abuzz with chatter as recruits from different training grounds gathered for lunch. Long wooden tables filled the spacious hall, with steaming trays of food laid out at the far end. Ethan and his team found a spot near the middle, surrounded by other recruits, some familiar and others strangers. The scent of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air, mingling with the hum of voices and the clatter of utensils.


    Ethan took a seat beside Herbie, who was already piling his plate with food. Across from them sat Yara, Iris, and Zane. Elara lingered at the end of the table, her plate modestly filled as she carefully observed the room.


    ¡°So,¡± Herbie began, his mouth half-full of bread, ¡°what do you think these new weapons will be like? Better than the ones we¡¯ve been using, or just different?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯d better be better,¡± Yara replied, spearing a piece of meat with her fork. ¡°That bald guy made such a big deal about them. If they turn out to be just shinier versions of what we had, I¡¯m going to be seriously disappointed.¡±


    Zane shrugged, chewing thoughtfully. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, weapons made from earth iron are no joke. Even if it¡¯s the lowest grade, it¡¯s still leagues above what we had back at the training grounds.¡±


    Iris nodded, her tone measured. ¡°And they¡¯re probably tailored for the environment here. The mentors wouldn¡¯t risk us going out there with subpar equipment.¡±


    ¡°Still,¡± Elara added softly, ¡°no weapon can compensate for poor skill. We¡¯ll need to adapt quickly if we want to stay ahead.¡±


    Ethan listened quietly, his mind replaying Sergeant Gorran¡¯s words from earlier. The mention of ¡°environment-suited¡± weapons had piqued his curiosity. He glanced at the other tables, where similar conversations seemed to be unfolding. Recruits speculated, argued, and laughed, the tension of the upcoming challenges momentarily forgotten in the warm atmosphere of the mess hall.


    After finishing their meals, the team made their way to the logistics unit, a large building on the eastern side of the outpost. The air was thick with anticipation as they approached, the murmur of voices growing louder. Recruits from all five training grounds in Region 13 were gathered there, forming a long, winding line that snaked out the door and into the courtyard.


    Inside, the scene was chaotic. Tables piled high with weapons and gear lined the walls, while logistics officers and veterans moved briskly, calling out names and issuing equipment. Arguments broke out in pockets of the room as recruits from different companies jostled for position or questioned the quality of their assigned gear.


    ¡°This place is a madhouse,¡± Zane muttered, craning his neck to see over the crowd.


    ¡°Stay close,¡± Iris advised. ¡°The last thing we need is to get separated in this mess.¡±


    As they edged closer to the front, Ethan spotted a heated exchange between two groups of recruits. One of them, a tall boy with a shaved head, was pointing angrily at a set of daggers on the table.


    ¡°These are scratched!¡± he shouted. ¡°You expect us to use defective weapons?¡±


    The logistics officer, a grizzled man with a scar across his jaw, didn¡¯t even blink. ¡°Scratched, not defective. If you¡¯re worried about looks, maybe you¡¯re in the wrong place, kid.¡±


    Herbie snickered, nudging Ethan. ¡°Looks like some people need a reality check.¡±


    Finally, it was their turn. The officer behind the table looked up, his sharp eyes scanning their group. ¡°Names?¡±


    ¡°Ethan, Iris, Herbie, Yara, Zane, and Elara,¡± Ethan replied.


    The officer nodded and began pulling out items from the stacks behind him. First came a longbow for Iris, its dark wood inscribed with faint, glowing runes. ¡°Ancient spells,¡± the officer explained. ¡°Increases penetration and reduces strain. Don¡¯t break it.¡±


    Next was a pair of daggers for Yara, their blades gleaming with a faint, silvery sheen. Zane received a crossbow, equally inscribed with runes, along with a quiver of bolts that shimmered faintly under the light. Herbie¡¯s new weapon was a heavy war hammer, its head crafted from solid earth iron and etched with intricate patterns.


    When it was Ethan¡¯s turn, the officer handed him a spear. The shaft was smooth and sturdy, made from reinforced wood, while the blade¡ªforged from earth iron¡ªhad a faint, almost imperceptible glow. Ethan gripped it tightly, feeling the weight and balance. It was heavier than his old polearm but somehow felt more natural in his hands.


    ¡°Earth iron,¡± the officer said, his tone matter-of-fact. ¡°Lowest grade, but more than enough to handle lower-rank monsters. Take care of it, and it¡¯ll take care of you.¡±


    Ethan nodded, his gaze fixed on the weapon. The others examined their gear as well, testing grips, aiming sights, and exchanging comments.


    ¡°These are amazing,¡± Zane said, his voice filled with awe as he loaded a bolt into his crossbow.


    ¡°No excuses now,¡± Yara teased, spinning one of her daggers expertly. ¡°If we screw up, it¡¯s on us, not the weapons.¡±


    Elara, who had received a lightweight rapier, twirled it experimentally. ¡°They¡¯ve thought of everything,¡± she said. ¡°Even the balance is perfect.¡±


    As the group stepped out of the logistics unit, the noise and chaos faded behind them. Ethan held his spear firmly, his mind racing with thoughts of the days ahead. The weight of the weapon in his hand was reassuring, a reminder of the training and effort that had brought him to this point.


    He clenched the spear tightly, a determined look in his eyes.

 Sinister Plan

    The room was dimly lit, the faint glow of a dozen black candles casting eerie, flickering shadows across the walls. The space seemed to stretch endlessly, though its boundaries were hidden behind dense, swirling mist. At the center of the chamber stood a massive, ancient round table carved from obsidian, its surface etched with strange, arcane symbols that seemed to shimmer faintly, pulsing like a heartbeat.


    Around the table, figures cloaked in dark robes sat in complete silence. Their hoods obscured their faces entirely, leaving only an impression of shadowy voids where features should have been. Some leaned forward slightly, hands clasped as if in contemplation, while others sat back, their stillness unnerving. The air was thick with tension, a suffocating blend of malice and purpose.


    One of the figures finally broke the silence, their voice low and guttural, as if it crawled up from the depths of a deep cavern. "...Redemption," they hissed, their words lingering in the air like smoke. The others nodded slowly, the gesture almost imperceptible but unanimous.


    Another figure, seated to the right of the first, spoke next. Their voice was sharp and biting, like steel scraping against stone. "...Revenge. For the millennia of humiliation, for the chains they forced upon us."


    A third figure slammed a hand down onto the table, the impact resonating through the chamber like a drumbeat. Their voice was distorted, metallic, and unearthly. "...Born for this. This is the moment we¡¯ve waited for."


    The room fell silent once more, the weight of their collective resolve pressing down like a heavy shroud. The mist around the edges of the chamber swirled faster, as if agitated by the intensity of their gathering.


    Finally, a figure seated at the head of the table leaned forward. Their presence seemed different from the others, more commanding, more sinister. When they spoke, their voice was clearly forged, a deliberate amalgamation of tones¡ªlow, resonant, and chilling. It was a voice designed to instill fear and obedience.


    "Our target," the figure began, "is the Region 13 Recruit Exchange."


    The words hung in the air like a thunderclap, sending a ripple of movement through the assembled figures. Some shifted in their seats, while others clenched their hands into fists. It was clear that this announcement had stirred something deep within them.


    The leader continued, their tone deliberate and dripping with menace. "The gods have grown complacent, their plans predictable. They believe their precious recruits are untouchable, hidden away in their training grounds and protected by their so-called mentors. They are wrong."


    Another figure spoke up, their voice thin and reedy but laced with venom. "We will crush their hopes. The recruits are the seeds of their future, their weapons against us. If we destroy them now, we cut the gods at their roots."


    "Indeed," the leader said, their voice cutting through the room like a blade. "This is not merely an act of destruction. It is a message. We will remind the gods and their loyal pawns that we are not defeated. That we will never be defeated."


    A figure to the left of the leader leaned forward, their hands steepled beneath their hood. "The Region 13 recruits are heavily guarded. Their mentors, the soldiers stationed at the outpost, and even the field supervisors will be formidable obstacles."


    The leader chuckled darkly, the sound echoing unnaturally. "Formidable, yes. But not invincible. We have prepared for this. The corrupted beasts that roam the prairie are... useful, but limited. They lack the intelligence to be anything more than cannon fodder."


    Another figure interjected, their voice gravelly and impatient. "Then what is the plan?"


    The leader raised a hand, and the room fell silent once more. "We will unleash our own."


    A collective murmur swept through the chamber. One figure¡ªtheir voice trembling with a mix of excitement and fear¡ªwhispered, "You mean¡­the Aberrations?"


    "Yes," the leader confirmed. "Our creations. Perfected over centuries of experimentation. They are stronger, faster, and far more intelligent than any corrupted beast. They will not simply attack. They will hunt."


    Another figure¡¯s voice, cold and calculating, cut in. "Deploying the Aberrations will risk exposing our hand too soon. The gods will know we¡¯re behind this."


    The leader¡¯s tone remained calm but firm. "Let them know. Let them see what their hubris has wrought. This is not about secrecy. This is about dominance."


    One of the figures¡ªtheir voice soft and almost serpentine¡ªadded, "And the recruits themselves? What of their awakening powers?"


    "They are untested," the leader replied dismissively. "Raw potential without refinement. Against the Aberrations, they will be nothing more than lambs to the slaughter."This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    A low, malicious chuckle spread around the table, growing louder as more of the figures joined in. It was a sound devoid of joy, filled only with malice and the anticipation of carnage.


    The leader raised their hand again, silencing the laughter instantly. "We have waited for this moment for centuries. The gods will learn the cost of their arrogance. The recruits will die, their hope will shatter, and Region 13 will burn."


    One final figure, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. Their voice was deep and resonant, carrying an air of finality. "The preparations are complete. The Aberrations are ready. All that remains is your command."


    The leader nodded slowly, their hooded head casting a long shadow over the table. "Then it is decided. At dawn, the hunt begins."


    The figures rose in unison, their movements eerily synchronized. The mist around the chamber thickened, obscuring their forms as they began to chant in a guttural, ancient tongue. The symbols on the obsidian table flared to life, glowing a deep, malevolent red. The room pulsed with an ominous energy, the very air vibrating with the intensity of their ritual.


    As the chant reached its crescendo, the mist consumed the chamber entirely, leaving nothing but darkness and the faint, echoing promise of destruction.


    The atmosphere in the chamber was thick with anticipation as the hooded figures began to rise from their seats, the shadows cast by their cloaks shifting against the flickering light of the central brazier. The echo of their chairs scraping against the stone floor reverberated through the room, signaling the conclusion of their grim meeting.


    Just as the last figure began to turn toward the exit, a hesitant voice cut through the tension.


    ¡°Um... excuse me, everyone?¡±


    The voice was high-pitched and strained, as if its owner had forced themselves to speak up at the last possible moment. All movement ceased. Every figure in the room turned slowly to face the source of the interruption: one of the shorter cloaked individuals, sitting near the far end of the table. They had awkwardly raised a gloved hand, their posture visibly nervous even beneath the heavy folds of their robe.


    ¡°Yes?¡± the deep-voiced leader at the head of the table inquired, a faint edge of irritation creeping into their tone.


    The shorter figure shifted uncomfortably, their hood dipping as if they were glancing down at a piece of paper or notes tucked away within their robe.


    ¡°I think... uh, I think there¡¯s been a slight mistake,¡± the shorter figure stammered.


    The room fell deathly silent. The flames in the brazier flickered unnaturally, casting the cloaked figures¡¯ faces into deeper shadow.


    ¡°A mistake?¡± the leader repeated, their voice low and measured, yet carrying an unmistakable weight of menace.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the shorter figure replied, their words tumbling out in a rush. ¡°The¡­ the target isn¡¯t Region 13. It¡¯s¡­ Region 7.¡±


    The silence that followed was so profound that even the faint crackling of the brazier seemed muted. The shorter figure¡¯s hand lowered slowly, as if realizing too late that they had just dropped a verbal grenade into the middle of the council. One by one, the hooded figures turned to look at one another, their cowls shifting subtly as their heads moved. No one spoke. No one breathed. The weight of the collective embarrassment was almost tangible.


    Finally, one of the figures let out a soft chuckle. Then another. Within moments, suppressed laughter began to ripple around the table, awkward and forced, as if none of them wanted to admit the sheer absurdity of the situation.


    ¡°Well,¡± someone murmured, ¡°I guess that explains why¡­¡± but their voice trailed off as the awkwardness deepened.


    No one knew how to continue. The room was frozen in a tableau of discomfort. A few figures shifted in their seats, their hands fidgeting with their robes or resting awkwardly on the table¡¯s surface. Someone coughed, the sound echoing far louder than it should have. The laughter had stopped, replaced by an even heavier silence.


    After what felt like an eternity, the shorter figure slowly stood up, their movements exaggeratedly careful, as though afraid of drawing further attention to themselves. They raised a hand again, this time not in hesitation but with deliberate intent.


    ¡°I¡­ uh¡­ I¡¯ll see myself out,¡± they said, their tone apologetic yet resolute.


    Then, with a sharp snap of their fingers, they vanished. The sound of their disappearance¡ªa faint pop, like air rushing into the space they had just occupied¡ªset off a chain reaction.


    ¡°Wait¡­ they can just leave like that?¡± one figure muttered, breaking the silence.


    ¡°I thought we were supposed to leave together,¡± another added, their voice tinged with frustration.


    Before long, the room descended into chaos. Figures began snapping their fingers or muttering incantations, their forms disappearing one by one in hurried bursts of magical energy. The room, once filled with dark and menacing presences, was now a flurry of cloaks and shuffling feet as everyone scrambled to leave.


    ¡°Watch it!¡± someone barked as two figures nearly collided in their haste to teleport out.


    ¡°Who even invited that idiot?¡± another grumbled before disappearing in a swirl of shadow.


    In less than a minute, the grand and imposing chamber was empty, save for one lone figure still seated at the table. They sat motionless, their hooded head resting on one gloved hand as they tapped their fingers rhythmically against the polished wood.


    A heavy sigh escaped them, echoing through the now-empty room. Slowly, they stood, the folds of their robe rustling softly as they adjusted it. They turned toward the large double doors at the far end of the chamber, their footsteps echoing in the vast emptiness.


    As they reached the doors, they paused, glancing back at the now-deserted table and the still-flickering brazier at its center.


    ¡°Why do I even bother?¡± they muttered under their breath before pushing the doors open and stepping into the shadows beyond.


    The chamber¡¯s doors creaked shut behind them, the sound reverberating through the stone hallways. The brazier flickered one last time, casting long, eerie shadows against the walls, before the flames extinguished themselves, plunging the room into darkness.

 Start

    The morning sun bathed the Hellfire Outpost in a golden hue, casting long, flickering shadows as torches were extinguished one by one. The recruits gathered near the central clearing, their murmurs and small talk blending with the distant sounds of birds and rustling leaves from the Great Forest. Ethan stood among his team, adjusting the straps of his greenish-black duffel bag as Herbie stood beside him, stifling a yawn.


    ¡°Well, here we are,¡± Zane said, stretching his arms and cracking his knuckles. ¡°The big day. The start of our glorious adventure.¡±


    Yara, her messy braid half-tucked into her jacket collar, smirked. ¡°Glorious? You make it sound like we¡¯re off to slay dragons.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you never know,¡± Herbie chimed in. ¡°I mean, they could throw some mutated lizard god at us. You¡¯d love that, wouldn¡¯t you, Zane?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not,¡± Zane replied with mock seriousness. ¡°I¡¯d like to keep all my limbs intact, thanks.¡±


    Ethan chuckled softly, though his eyes remained fixed on the horizon, where the forest loomed like a dark sentinel. Iris noticed his distant expression and nudged him lightly.


    ¡°Nervous?¡± she asked, her tone softer than usual.


    He hesitated before shaking his head. ¡°Not nervous. Just¡­ focused.¡±


    Before Iris could reply, a loud horn sounded from the clearing, silencing the conversations. The recruits turned their attention to the makeshift stage that had been set up overnight. Standing atop it were Gabriel, Charon, Sergeant Gorran, and a few other higher-ranking officers. The crowd of recruits straightened instinctively as Gabriel stepped forward, his presence as commanding as ever.


    ¡°Recruits of Region 13,¡± Gabriel began, his voice carrying effortlessly over the gathered crowd, ¡°Today marks the beginning of your recruit exchange. This is not merely a competition. It is a test¡ªof your strength, your teamwork, and your ability to rise to the challenges that await you in the wilds.¡±


    His piercing gaze swept over the sea of faces. ¡°You have trained for months. You have honed your skills. Now, it is time to prove that you are worthy of the title of soldier. But remember, this is not just about individual glory. Your actions reflect on your teams, your mentors, and this entire outpost. Carry that responsibility with pride.¡±


    Sergeant Gorran stepped forward next, his booming voice filled with energy. ¡°Alright, listen up! You¡¯ve got your maps, your supplies, and your shiny new weapons. Use them well. Stick to your team, don¡¯t get cocky, and for the love of the gods, don¡¯t wander off alone. The prairie might seem tame compared to the Great Forest, but it¡¯s still got plenty of ways to chew you up and spit you out.¡±


    The recruits murmured among themselves, some nodding, others glancing nervously at their teammates. Gorran grinned. ¡°But hey, no pressure. Just remember¡­ if you screw up, it¡¯s a long walk back to the outpost. Now, let¡¯s get this show on the road!¡±


    With that, the higher-ups stepped back, signaling the start of the ceremony. The recruits broke into scattered applause before the crowd began to disperse, each team checking their gear one final time before departure. Ethan knelt beside his duffel bag, unzipping it to double-check its contents. Spare clothes, food rations, medical supplies, and his trusty spear, now upgraded with a reinforced prana-inscribed tip.


    ¡°You good?¡± Herbie asked, peering over his shoulder.


    Ethan nodded. ¡°Yeah. Just making sure I didn¡¯t forget anything.¡±


    Iris joined them, her expression calm but determined. ¡°We¡¯re all set. Let¡¯s move before the other teams start clogging up the path.¡±


    The team regrouped, their footsteps steady but unhurried as they joined the flow of recruits heading toward the horizon. The path led them toward the Great Forest, its towering trees casting long shadows over the trail. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and solemnity, the recruits¡¯ chatter subdued as they approached the first leg of their journey.


    Ethan¡¯s team walked in silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts. Zane eventually broke the quiet, his voice light but tinged with seriousness. ¡°So, anyone else feel like this is the calm before the storm?¡±


    ¡°Always the poet,¡± Yara teased, though her smile didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. ¡°But yeah, I get what you mean. It¡¯s¡­ unsettling, how peaceful it is right now.¡±


    Herbie laughed nervously. ¡°Let¡¯s hope it stays that way. I¡¯m not in the mood for any surprises.¡±


    As they continued, Ethan¡¯s attention was drawn to the ground. The morning sun cast long shadows behind them, but something about his own shadow made him pause. It seemed¡­ off. The edges blurred and shifted unnaturally, almost as if there were two figures moving in perfect synchrony. He blinked, shaking his head to dispel the thought, but the image lingered in his mind.


    Iris noticed his distraction and fell into step beside him. ¡°Something wrong?¡±Stolen novel; please report.


    Ethan hesitated before shaking his head. ¡°No. Just¡­ shadows playing tricks on me.¡±


    She raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t press further. Instead, she adjusted the straps of her own bag and kept her gaze forward. ¡°Let¡¯s stay focused. The forest isn¡¯t dangerous this close to the outpost, but we shouldn¡¯t let our guard down.¡±


    The team fell into a steady rhythm, their boots crunching softly against the forest floor. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the ground. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth. As they walked, the faint sounds of other teams echoed through the trees, a reminder that they were not alone in this journey.


    Eventually, the forest began to thin, and the horizon stretched out before them. Rolling plains of golden grass swayed gently in the breeze, the vast expanse broken only by the occasional cluster of trees or rocky outcrop. The recruits paused, taking in the sight of their destination.


    ¡°Well,¡± Zane said, letting out a low whistle. ¡°There it is. Our battlefield.¡±


    Yara crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. ¡°Looks peaceful enough. Let¡¯s hope it stays that way.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s gaze lingered on the horizon, his mind once again drifting to the strange shifting of his shadow. As the team moved forward, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was watching them, lurking just beyond the edge of perception. But he pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the journey ahead.


    The prairie stretched endlessly before them, a sea of golden grass rippling under the soft touch of the wind. The vastness of the landscape was both awe-inspiring and unnerving, a reminder of just how small they were in the grand scheme of things. Ethan and his team trudged forward, the weight of their gear and the silence of the prairie pressing down on them.


    Herbie, walking a few paces ahead, pulled out his map and unfurled it with a practiced flick. "Guys, have you looked at this map?" he asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and unease. "This prairie is massive. Like, it¡¯s ridiculously huge."


    Zane glanced over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "How massive are we talking?"


    "Big enough that it makes no sense," Herbie replied, tracing his finger along the faint lines on the map. "I mean, why are there only low-level monsters here? This is prime territory for something much stronger to take over. It¡¯s like... it was designed this way."


    Yara snorted. "Designed? You make it sound like the gods themselves planned this place out."


    Herbie shrugged, folding the map back up. "Maybe they did. Who knows? All I¡¯m saying is, don¡¯t let your guard down. Just because we¡¯re not in the forest doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re safe."


    Ethan nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "At least we don¡¯t have to worry about running into other teams as often. There¡¯s enough space here for everyone to spread out."


    "Thank the gods for that," Iris muttered. "The last thing we need is to deal with rival recruits on top of everything else."


    As they continued, the terrain began to shift. The flat expanse of the prairie gave way to a slightly raised hill, dotted with sparse shrubs and rocks. It wasn¡¯t much, but it offered some semblance of elevation¡ªa vantage point that could be useful.


    "There," Elara said, pointing toward the hill. "That¡¯s our spot. It¡¯s sheltered enough to block some of the wind, and the height gives us a decent lookout."


    Zane smirked. "Perfect for a picnic."


    "Or a camp," Elara shot back, rolling her eyes. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small, cube-like device. Its metallic surface gleamed faintly in the sunlight, etched with intricate runes. "This will mark our territory. Everyone, infuse it with a bit of your prana."


    One by one, the team members placed their hands on the device, channeling a small portion of their energy into it. As the last of them finished, the runes began to glow softly, and a faint barrier shimmered around the hill before fading into invisibility.


    "This should keep unwanted visitors out," Elara explained. "Unless they¡¯re stupid enough to try and force their way in. But doing that would cost them a lot of energy, so it¡¯s unlikely."


    "Smart," Herbie said, nodding appreciatively. "Alright, let¡¯s set up camp. We¡¯ve got a few hours before the sun starts setting."


    They worked quickly and efficiently, setting up their tents and organizing their supplies. The hilltop soon transformed into a makeshift campsite, with a small circle of stones in the center serving as a fire pit. Zane gathered dry grass and twigs from the surrounding area, while Yara struck a flint to ignite the fire. The flames flickered to life, casting a warm glow that contrasted with the cool breeze sweeping across the prairie.


    As the team settled around the fire, Herbie pulled out a leather-bound guidebook, its pages filled with handwritten notes and sketches. "Alright, let¡¯s talk food. According to this, there are a few monsters around here that are both edible and relatively easy to hunt."


    "Relatively easy?" Iris repeated, raising an eyebrow. "That doesn¡¯t sound very reassuring."


    Herbie grinned sheepishly. "Hey, it¡¯s better than nothing. Anyway, we¡¯re looking at things like prairie hares and horned grazers. Both are common around here and not too aggressive."


    "What about the taste?" Zane asked. "If I¡¯m risking my life to hunt something, it better be worth it."


    "Prairie hares are apparently pretty good if you cook them right," Herbie replied. "Horned grazers... not so much. But they¡¯re bigger, so there¡¯s that."


    Yara sighed. "Great. Rabbit stew it is. Let¡¯s split up and get this over with."


    The team quickly divided themselves into two groups: the hunters and the stay-behinds. Ethan, Yara, and Zane volunteered to go hunting, while Iris, Yin Xue, Elara, and Herbie stayed behind to guard the camp and prepare for their return.


    "Don¡¯t go too far," Elara warned, her tone firm. "We¡¯re not looking for heroics. Just bring back enough to get us through tonight."


    "Got it," Ethan said, gripping his spear. "We¡¯ll be back before you know it."


    With that, the hunters descended the hill, their figures disappearing into the tall grass. The sun hung low in the sky, its golden light painting the prairie in warm hues as the day slowly gave way to evening. Back at the camp, the remaining team members busied themselves with preparations, their focus unwavering despite the growing shadows around them.


    The first night of their journey was fast approaching, and with it, the unknown challenges that the prairie held. But for now, they were ready.

 Initial Hunt

    Yara crouched low to the ground, her pistol holstered but her sword drawn, its blade reflecting the waning sunlight. Beside her, Zane held his crossbow steady, the sharp edge of his dagger glinting at his side. Both of them were laser-focused on the creature grazing a short distance away: a prairie hare, though calling it a hare seemed laughable. The beast was enormous, about the size of an ox calf, with thick, sinewy legs and a single curved horn protruding from its forehead. Its fur shimmered faintly in the golden light, and every twitch of its ears exuded raw power.


    ¡°That thing looks like it could feed an army,¡± Yara whispered, her eyes narrowing.


    ¡°If we can actually kill it,¡± Zane murmured back, adjusting his grip on the crossbow. ¡°One wrong move, and it¡¯ll bolt.¡±


    A few meters away, Ethan pressed himself against the trunk of a dry prairie tree, bow in hand. He drew a deep breath, his fingers poised on the string as a shimmering arrow of prana materialized, glowing faintly blue. He could feel the tension in the air, his heart pounding in sync with the subtle hum of energy in his weapon.


    ¡°On my mark,¡± Yara said, her voice barely audible. ¡°Ethan, aim for the flank. Zane, distract it with a bolt to the ground near its front legs. I¡¯ll move in if it charges.¡±


    Ethan gave a small nod, focusing his aim. His hands were steady, but a strange warmth began to creep through his body, and a fleeting, sharp pain pulsed at the back of his skull. He winced slightly but pushed through it, locking his gaze on the hare.


    ¡°Now,¡± Yara commanded.


    Zane fired first, the crossbow bolt whistling through the air and striking the ground just inches from the hare¡¯s forelegs. The creature reared up, its horn gleaming ominously as it let out a guttural, bone-shaking cry. Ethan released his prana arrow in the same moment, the energy-infused projectile streaking toward its flank with a faint whine. The arrow struck true, embedding itself in the beast¡¯s side and dispersing a burst of crackling light on impact.


    The hare staggered but didn¡¯t fall. Instead, it lowered its head, its horn pointed directly at Yara, and charged. She sidestepped with practiced ease, slashing at its side as it barreled past her. The blade left a deep gash, but the hare¡¯s momentum carried it forward, and it twisted around for another attack.


    Ethan conjured another prana arrow, his vision blurring for a split second as the heat in his body intensified. He shook it off, exhaling sharply as he released the arrow. This time, the projectile struck the hare¡¯s leg, causing it to stumble. Zane seized the opportunity, rushing in with his dagger to deliver a quick, precise cut to its throat. The hare¡¯s cries turned to gurgles as it collapsed to the ground, its massive body heaving once before going still.


    The three of them stood there for a moment, catching their breath. Ethan leaned against the tree, wiping sweat from his brow. His face was pale, and his chest rose and fell heavily.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Zane asked, noticing Ethan¡¯s condition.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ethan replied, his voice quieter than usual. ¡°Just...a little lightheaded. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Yara sheathed her sword and walked over, inspecting the hare. ¡°This thing put up more of a fight than I expected,¡± she said, poking at its horn. ¡°But look at all this meat. We¡¯re eating well tonight.¡±


    Ethan forced a smile. ¡°Let¡¯s just divide it and get back to camp before something bigger shows up.¡±


    Zane nodded. ¡°Good call. The smell of blood isn¡¯t exactly subtle.¡±


    The three of them worked quickly, though their inexperience showed in the uneven cuts and clumsy handling of the hare¡¯s massive carcass. They managed to divide it into three portions, each wrapped tightly in spare cloth to minimize the scent. Yara took the horn as well, tucking it into her bag as a trophy.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Yara said, slinging her share over her shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±


    The journey back to camp was uneventful but tense. Ethan stayed silent for most of the walk, his mind drifting back to the strange heat and pain he¡¯d felt during the fight. It wasn¡¯t the first time something like that had happened, but it was getting harder to ignore. He glanced down at his hands, flexing his fingers as if to reassure himself that he was still in control.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Yara said, breaking the silence. ¡°You sure you¡¯re good? You¡¯ve been quiet.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Ethan looked up, meeting her concerned gaze. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just tired, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Tired, my ass,¡± Zane muttered. ¡°You¡¯re pale as a ghost. If something¡¯s wrong, you need to tell us.¡±


    Ethan forced another smile, though it didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Let¡¯s just focus on getting back.¡±


    Yara and Zane exchanged a glance but didn¡¯t press further. They knew better than to push Ethan when he was like this.


    By the time they reached the camp, the sun was dipping low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the prairie. The fire pit was already glowing with warmth, and the rest of the team looked up as the hunters approached.


    ¡°That was quick,¡± Herbie said, his eyes lighting up as he saw the meat. ¡°And successful, by the looks of it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Yara said, dropping her bundle near the fire. ¡°Now let¡¯s eat before something decides to sniff us out.¡±


    The sun had dipped lower on the horizon, painting the prairie in hues of amber and crimson. The team gathered around their small campfire, the flames crackling softly, casting flickering shadows on their faces. Despite the warmth of the fire, the atmosphere remained cautious, their gazes periodically scanning the surrounding grasslands for any signs of movement. Years of simulation training had ingrained this habit¡ªconstant vigilance, even during moments of rest.


    Ethan crouched near the fire, carefully sprinkling his prized collection of spices over the freshly cut rabbit meat. ¡°A little of this,¡± he murmured, his voice low but tinged with a rare hint of enthusiasm. ¡°And a bit of this¡­ should make it just right.¡± He skewered the meat on sticks and propped them over the fire, the aroma already making Zane¡¯s stomach growl audibly.


    ¡°You and your spices,¡± Zane muttered, shaking his head as he sharpened his dagger absentmindedly. ¡°We¡¯re out in the wild, and you¡¯re treating this like some gourmet picnic.¡±


    Ethan smirked but didn¡¯t look up. ¡°We¡¯re eating it, aren¡¯t we? Might as well make it good.¡±


    Meanwhile, Yara and Iris worked together to prepare a makeshift stew. Using a pot they¡¯d packed, they mixed chunks of rabbit meat with wild herbs Herbie had identified earlier as safe. The bubbling stew filled the air with an earthy, hearty scent. Yin Xue stood silently nearby, her spear leaning against a rock as she methodically smoothed the edges of the skillet stone. Her movements were precise, almost meditative.


    ¡°How¡¯s that bread coming along?¡± Elara asked, glancing over at Yin Xue.


    ¡°It¡¯ll do,¡± Yin Xue replied in her calm, almost detached tone. She placed the flat stone near the edge of the fire, letting it heat evenly. ¡°Just don¡¯t expect bakery quality.¡±


    Yara chuckled softly. ¡°I¡¯ll take whatever I can get as long as it¡¯s not raw.¡±


    Their voices remained low, their conversation muted by the unspoken tension in the air. Though they appeared relaxed, their bodies were subtly poised, ready to spring into action at the slightest sign of danger. Months of rigorous training had drilled this state of readiness into them, but they all knew¡ªdeep down¡ªthat simulated danger couldn¡¯t compare to the real thing.


    Zane broke the silence. ¡°Anyone else feel like this is a bit too quiet?¡±


    ¡°Always is, until it isn¡¯t,¡± Iris replied, not looking up from her bow as she checked its string. ¡°Best not to jinx it.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Yin Xue added, her voice steady. ¡°Complacency kills.¡±


    ¡°Comforting,¡± Zane muttered, though he gave a small nod, acknowledging the truth of her words.


    As the sun sank lower, their preparations neared completion. Ethan¡¯s barbequed meat sizzled over the fire, its golden-brown surface glistening with juices. The stew was thick and fragrant, and Yin Xue expertly flipped flat rounds of dough on the heated stone, their edges crisping perfectly.


    Finally, they gathered around the campfire, each holding their portion of the meal. The solemn atmosphere persisted, but there was an unspoken camaraderie in the way they sat close, forming a protective circle around the fire. The prairie¡¯s vastness seemed less intimidating with their shared presence.


    Inside the single tent they had set up, the interior was a stark contrast to its humble exterior. Space-prana engravers had transformed it into a spacious haven. Eight neatly arranged beds lined the walls, and though there was no kitchen, two compact toilets were tucked into the corners. The tent¡¯s enchanted interior offered a brief respite from the harsh reality outside.


    Back by the fire, Ethan held his plate, his mouth watering as he prepared to take his first bite of barbequed rabbit. The others were already eating quietly, their eyes still occasionally darting to the darkening horizon. Just as Ethan brought the food closer, a strange sensation washed over him. The plate felt heavier in his hand, and the warmth of the fire seemed to fade.


    His vision blurred for a moment, and when it cleared, he wasn¡¯t by the campfire anymore. He was back in that crimson-hued void.


    The eerie silence pressed against his ears, and the air felt dense, almost suffocating. In front of him, the massive ashen-white object he¡¯d seen in his previous dream had changed. Now, it was split into two distinct spherical forms. One was ashen and lifeless, its surface cracked and scarred. The other was white but tinged with streaks of crimson, pulsing faintly as if alive.


    Ethan¡¯s grip on his spoon tightened, his knuckles whitening as he stared at the spheres. His heart pounded in his chest, the sound reverberating in the oppressive stillness. The faint hum he¡¯d heard before returned, growing louder, more insistent. It seemed to come from the crimson-tinged sphere, its glow intensifying with each pulse.


    Instinctively, Ethan reached out, though he wasn¡¯t sure why. His fingers hovered just inches from the spheres when the hum reached a deafening crescendo. The world seemed to tilt, and for a brief, disorienting moment, Ethan felt as if he were falling.


    And then, everything went black.

 Official Hunt

    The air around Ethan seemed to shift. A voice, deep, ancient, and eerily hollow, echoed in his ears. The words were unintelligible, yet they carried a weight that made his very bones tremble. It was as though the voice was not just speaking to him but through him, reverberating in every corner of his mind. He clutched his head, trying to block out the sound, but it only grew louder, more insistent.


    Then, another voice joined in. It was similar to the first, but softer, less eerie. Still, it carried the same incomprehensible tone, as though it spoke a language that had been forgotten by time itself. Ethan¡¯s ears throbbed with pain, and his heart raced as the two voices intertwined, their overlapping tones creating an unbearable cacophony.


    Just as he felt the pressure might crush him, Ethan¡¯s body jerked violently, and his eyes snapped open. He was staring up at the ceiling of the tent, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his hands trembled slightly as he pushed himself up. The world around him felt disjointed, as if it had been torn apart and hastily stitched back together.


    ¡°Ethan?¡±


    Yin Xue¡¯s voice cut through the haze, steady but laced with concern. He turned to see her sitting nearby, her sharp, observant eyes fixed on him. In the dim light of the tent, her usually composed demeanor was softened by a hint of worry.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± she asked, her voice quieter now.


    Ethan blinked, his pale face giving away his discomfort. He tried to steady his breathing, forcing a weak smile. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine. Just a¡­ bad dream, I guess.¡±


    Yin Xue didn¡¯t look convinced. Before she could press further, the flap of the tent opened, and Zane poked his head inside. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s going on in here? You look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost, Ethan.¡±


    The others were close behind. Yara, Iris, Elara, and Herbie gathered around, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been acting weird since the hunt,¡± Yara said bluntly, crossing her arms. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay? You¡¯re pale as a sheet.¡±


    Ethan waved them off with a forced laugh. ¡°I¡¯m fine, really. Probably just the exhaustion catching up to me. That rabbit put up more of a fight than I expected.¡±


    ¡°Exhaustion doesn¡¯t make you look like you¡¯ve seen the void,¡± Iris murmured, her gaze sharp. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to¡­ talk about it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ethan repeated firmly, though his smile didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. He grabbed his plate from where it rested beside his bedroll and stood. ¡°I¡¯m just going to eat and turn in early. Probably shouldn¡¯t take night watch tonight, though. Sorry.¡±


    The group exchanged glances, but no one argued. Ethan had always been dependable, and if he said he needed rest, they were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Elara said finally. ¡°But if you feel worse, let us know. We¡¯re a team. Got it?¡±


    Ethan nodded, offering her a small, grateful smile before stepping out of the tent. The cool night air greeted him, carrying with it the faint smell of burning wood from the campfire. He settled down near the fire, eating his meal quietly as the others stayed in the tent.


    Inside, the remaining members of the team sat in a loose circle, their voices hushed.


    ¡°What do you think¡¯s wrong with him?¡± Zane asked, glancing toward the tent flap as though expecting Ethan to walk back in.


    ¡°Could just be stress,¡± Herbie suggested, though he didn¡¯t sound entirely convinced. ¡°This is our first real mission outside the simulations. Maybe it¡¯s hitting him harder than he thought it would.¡±


    Yara shook her head. ¡°Ethan¡¯s not the type to crack under pressure. He¡¯s hiding something.¡±


    ¡°Hiding something or not,¡± Yin Xue interjected, her voice calm but firm, ¡°he needs space. Pushing him won¡¯t help. Let him rest.¡±


    The group fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts. After a moment, Elara sighed. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s just keep an eye on him. If he¡¯s not better by morning, we¡¯ll figure something out.¡±


    Back outside, Ethan sat on his bedroll, staring at the faint glow of the fire. His plate was empty, but he barely remembered eating. His mind was elsewhere, still caught in the crimson haze of his dreams. Slowly, he reached into his pack and pulled out a small, leather-bound journal. The letter ¡®D¡¯ was embossed on the cover in gold, the edges worn from frequent use.


    He opened it to a blank page, picking up a pencil and hesitating for a moment before writing.


    The voices were louder this time. I couldn¡¯t make out the words, but they felt¡­ old. Powerful. And that pull¡­ it¡¯s like something is calling to me. I don¡¯t know what it wants, but it feels important. Dangerous, but important.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    He paused, tapping the pencil against the page before continuing.


    The others are worried. I can see it in their eyes. I don¡¯t want to burden them with this, but¡­ how much longer can I keep pretending everything is fine?


    Ethan¡¯s hand stilled as he reread his words. A faint smile tugged at his lips, though it was tinged with sadness. He closed the journal and tucked it back into his pack, letting out a slow breath. For now, he would keep his secrets. But the weight of them was growing heavier by the day.


    He lay back on his bedroll, staring up at the tent¡¯s fabric ceiling. The fire outside crackled softly, its warmth a faint comfort against the chill creeping into his bones. With a final, weary sigh, Ethan closed his eyes, the echoes of the ancient voices still lingering in his mind.


    The sun rose lazily over the horizon, its golden rays casting a warm glow over the vast expanse of the prairie. The team was already awake, their movements efficient as they packed up the camp. The barrier¡ªan invisible dome of prana energy¡ªhad kept their camp safe through the night, but now it shimmered faintly as Herbie deactivated it with a swipe of his hand.


    Ethan knelt by the remains of the fire, carefully packing his spices into a small pouch. His face was still pale, and there was a tiredness in his movements, but he carried on without complaint. Nearby, Yin Xue rolled up her bedroll with methodical precision, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon every few moments. Zane and Elara worked together to dismantle the tent, their practiced hands folding the fabric neatly before storing it in a compact satchel. Thanks to the space-prana engravings, the tent could hold their belongings, making it easier to transport.


    ¡°All set?¡± Yara asked, adjusting the strap of her holster. Her pistol gleamed in the morning light, the blade of her sword peeking out from its scabbard.


    ¡°Almost,¡± Iris replied, securing her quiver over her shoulder. Her bow was already strung, ready for use at a moment¡¯s notice.


    Yin Xue gave a curt nod. ¡°We¡¯re clear. Let¡¯s move.¡±


    The group set off, their steps light but purposeful. The prairie stretched endlessly before them, tall golden grass swaying gently in the breeze. Though the scenery was serene, there was an underlying tension in the air. Each member of the team was alert, their eyes and ears attuned to their surroundings.


    After an hour of walking, Zane raised a hand, signaling for the group to stop. ¡°There,¡± he said, pointing ahead.


    In the distance, a small herd of mutated bison grazed near a cluster of withered trees. These were no ordinary bison. Their massive frames were covered in thick, matted fur, and their horns were jagged and twisted, almost like jagged blades. Their eyes glowed faintly red, a sign of the corruption that had stripped them of reason and left them as dangerous, primal beasts.


    ¡°Four of them,¡± Yara murmured, her voice low. ¡°They¡¯re massive.¡±


    ¡°And dangerous,¡± Iris added, gripping her bow tightly. ¡°We¡¯ll need to be careful.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve handled worse,¡± Zane said, though his hand rested on the hilt of his dagger. His tone was confident, but there was a flicker of unease in his eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not get cocky,¡± Yin Xue interjected. ¡°We take them down systematically. No unnecessary risks.¡±


    Ethan nodded, his bow already in hand. He reached into his quiver, his fingers brushing against the prana-crafted arrows he had conjured earlier. They shimmered faintly, the energy within them pulsing in sync with his heartbeat.


    The team spread out, moving into positions that gave them the best vantage points. Ethan crouched behind a cluster of tall grass, his bow drawn and ready. Yin Xue and Yara flanked the herd from opposite sides, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. Zane and Elara moved silently through the grass, their footsteps barely audible as they closed in on the nearest bison. Iris stayed behind with Ethan, her arrow nocked and her eyes sharp.


    The first bison let out a low, guttural snort, its ears twitching as if sensing the danger. Ethan took a slow, steady breath, his gaze fixed on the beast. He released his arrow, the prana-crafted projectile slicing through the air with a faint hum. It struck the bison¡¯s flank with precision, the energy exploding on impact and staggering the creature.


    The bison let out a roar, its massive body swaying before it regained its balance. The other three bison snapped their heads up, their glowing red eyes locking onto the team. With a thunderous bellow, they charged.


    ¡°Here they come!¡± Yara shouted, firing her pistol. The sharp crack of the gunshot echoed across the prairie, and one of the charging bison stumbled as the bullet struck its shoulder.


    Yin Xue stepped forward, her spear a blur as she drove it into the nearest bison¡¯s side. The beast let out an enraged bellow, its horns swinging wildly as it tried to gore her. She sidestepped with fluid grace, her movements precise and controlled.


    Zane darted in, his dagger flashing as he struck at another bison. His movements were quick and calculated, each strike aimed at vulnerable spots. Elara was right behind him, her dual daggers slicing through the beast¡¯s thick hide with deadly efficiency.


    Ethan nocked another arrow, his hands steady despite the chaos. He aimed for the bison Yin Xue was battling, releasing the arrow just as the creature reared back. The prana-crafted projectile struck its chest, and the beast let out a strangled roar before collapsing to the ground.


    ¡°One down!¡± Iris called out, her own arrow finding its mark in the leg of another bison. The beast stumbled but didn¡¯t fall, its rage propelling it forward.


    The remaining three bison regrouped, their red eyes glowing brighter as they prepared to charge again. Their massive hooves pounded the ground, the sound like distant thunder. The team tightened their formation, their weapons at the ready.


    Ethan¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to stay calm. He could feel the faint pull of his prana, the energy coursing through him as he prepared another arrow. The sun glinted off the tip as he drew the bowstring back, his gaze locked on the charging beasts.


    And then, with a roar, the bison surged forward, their immense bodies bearing down on the team like a tidal wave of muscle and fury.


    The first bison fell, its massive form crashing to the ground with a resounding thud as Ethan¡¯s arrow struck true. But there was no time to celebrate. The remaining three bison let out deafening bellows, their movements synchronized as they launched their attack.


    The fight was far from over.