A few quiet days had passed since that long night.
Moon and James were walking side by side, emerging from the training chamber located deep within the facility. The faint hum of energy from the training room still lingered in the air, like heat from a dying flame.
Moon had finally begun elemental control training, something he had been avoiding until recently. The spark of electricity still danced faintly across his fingertips as they walked, a quiet reminder of how far he still had to go.
Once they were outside the chamber, Moon turned toward Kai, who was leaning against the corridor wall, reading a worn-out digital screen filled with data.
"Kai," Moon asked casually, "when are we heading back into the Shifting Expanse? It's already been like… seven days."
Kai didn't look up. His voice was steady, almost rehearsed.
"I'm working on a plan," he said. "Unlike you, I'm not wasting my time reading comic books or fantasy novels. I've been studying survival guides—real ones. And training in elemental control every single day."
Moon gave him a sideways glance and scoffed.
"Right. The great strategist."
He turned around and started walking.
"Anyway, I'm off to shower."
James chuckled softly and followed suit, about to head to his own room when Kai suddenly reached out and grabbed his wrist.
"Wait a second," Kai said. "How's your training going?"
James paused, then smiled.
"Actually, pretty good. I've picked up boxing techniques fairly well. Planning to start Muay Thai in a few days."
Kai nodded thoughtfully.
"Good. You need to speed up your hand coordination. Without proper combat forms, you won't ever reach True Weapon Mastery."
James blinked, surprised at the sudden seriousness in Kai's tone.
"You sound like a real teacher now," he teased.
Kai didn't smile back.
"There's something I need from you," Kai said in a low voice. "I want you to find someone named Ruok. He's currently living somewhere in Base #12072008. I need everything—background, records, connections. Quietly."
James raised an eyebrow.
"What's he done? You sound like you're planning an execution."
Kai didn't respond directly. He simply said,
"Just don't let anyone know I asked. That's all."
James nodded slowly.
"Got it."
---
Later that evening, Moon sat on the edge of his bed, towel draped over his neck, droplets of water still clinging to his skin. His system panel hovered before him in the air, glowing faintly in the dim light.
---
○○○ SYSTEM INTERFACE ○○○
Name – Moon
Lineage – Alhuwalia Clan [Non-Awakened]
Race – Human
Body – Vajra Body [Partially Usable]
Combat Mastery – D
Power Level / Stage – Planetary / Rookie
Elemental Affinity –
1. Electro ⚡
2. Void 🌌[unable to use]
Form – Dragon Form [Unable to Activate]
Reason – Insufficient Energy
Essence Points –
Rookie: 5 / 150
Fighter: 5 / 150
Professional: 0 / 150
King: 0 / 150
Saints: 0 / 150
○○○ STAT PANEL ○○○
Strength – 64
Speed – 49
Agility – 51
Endurance – 60
Stamina – 60
Charm – 08
---
Moon stared at the screen in silence. His eyes narrowed as he noticed something strange.
The more he trained in electro-element control, the more he felt his Vajra Body begin to unlock—slowly but steadily. It wasn't just about power or speed; it was like something ancient inside him was responding, bit by bit.
Across the hall, Kai had noticed something similar. As his mastery over hydro deepened, his Asphaleios Body began to react—just as slowly, just as painfully.
There were no shortcuts here.
---
Later that night, the three of them gathered at the dinner table. The air was calmer now, with faint background music playing from the home's internal system.
Kai finished his food and looked up at the other two.
"There won't be any training tomorrow," he said.
Moon raised an eyebrow.
"Why not?"
James added, "Yeah, that's unusual for you."
Kai leaned back and folded his arms. His voice turned firm.
"Because the plan is ready. In a few days, we're heading out—on our first real journey."
Moon straightened.
"Wait. A journey? Where to?"
Kai tapped the table twice.
"We'll be moving through the jungle—Sunken Canopy. After that, heading north to reach the Ember Dunes."
James gave a half-laugh.
"The desert? Isn't that close to your base? We can just teleport there."
As soon as he mentioned the base, both Moon and James briefly tensed. The name Ruok flashed through both their minds like an old wound reopening.
James noticed their reaction but remained calm.
"There's a reason," he explained. "The Ember Dunes aren't just dangerous. They're borderline suicidal. Most people avoid them for a reason. The monster population there is beyond normal. When we go there with this stat , we wouldn't survive long."
"So…" he continued, "we go through Sunken Canopy first. It's not just a safer path—it gives us a chance to earn extra Essence Points along the way."
"Tomorrow morning," he added, "both of you need to be up by 5 A.M. We're doing a twelve-hour prep session. No excuses."
Moon groaned.
"Twelve hours? Seriously?"
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"Problem?"
Moon muttered something under his breath and looked away.
James cleared his throat.
"Um, Teacher," he said jokingly, "I heard that Sister Ruby and Sister Xiao also entered the Expanse a few weeks ago. Can we include them in our team?"
Moon frowned.
"Wait—they just entered? They're clan heirs. Shouldn't they have gone in earlier?"
James nodded.
"Normally, yes. But both of them were very focused on completing their academic studies first. They chose to delay their entry by choice."
Kai tilted his head.
"What's their current stage?"
"Still Rookie," James replied. "But don't underestimate them. I've seen both of them defeat multiple rookie-stage hunters—even before beginning cultivation. If anything, they're stronger than most Fighters."
Kai fell silent, considering.
He finally nodded slowly.
"You're not wrong. They're heirs of the Hale and Xiao Clans. Top-tier candidates. But I can't just include them on reputation alone."
James looked puzzled.
"Then how will you decide?"
Kai gave a slight smirk.
"A spar match," he said. "What else?"
James' eyes glowed by hearing that Kai is adding both of them to our team .
Kai said "Ask them tonight ,if yes then also ask them to come tomorrow 5 Aam."
To be continued…