Following hours of intense training, the wielders triumphantly achieve their objectives, effortlessly maneuvering the osmium spheres over the ramps in a mere ten seconds, surpassing their one-minute goal. Satisfied with their success, the party collectively decides to rest, nestled cozily in a large interconnected sleeping bag. Despite the potential for an awkward scenario, sheer exhaustion swiftly lulls everyone into slumber. However, Kanji's dreamscape once more unveils an unexpected image— a pristine metal table housing a cryptic scroll amidst blurry text, flanked by scattered bloodstains along the table's surface.

Abruptly waking in a cold sweat, Kanji finds relief in the undisturbed rest of his friends.

Kanji "Whew. Again... Another fucking important dream... I'll just keep it to myself. No need to worry about it for now."

Kanji wiggles himself from the intertwined sleeping bag, executing a series of limbering stretches. Casting a glance back at the osmium spheres, he resolves to reattempt the triad of exercises. Time ticks by, and after several additional hours of determined effort, Kanji successfully maneuvers the objects through the pull, push, and carry exercises one after another, accomplishing the feat in under ten minutes.

Exhausted and cautious about his friends waking up soon, he urgently instructs Tally to summon one of his spare hydrogen generators. With a swift, forceful punch, Kanji ruptures the generator, siphoning its electrical energy, which rejuvenates him instantly.

Claire "K-Kaney? What are you doing?"

Kanji "Nothing just getting a bit of energy. Looks like everyone's up. How was your sleep?"

Dave "It was straight balling and by balling I mean like all black. Dark and shit. It was hella lame, bro."

Amelia "I too haven't received an additional dream which is splendid. One less thing to worry our noggin about."

Claire "I have a dream but not one of those strange and serious ones. I was exploring a candy land and was riding a boat along a chocolate river."

Sarah "Lol, you just dreamt of being in Willy Wonka. As for me... Nope. Nothing."

Noah "Me neither. Dreams are really weird. How do they even work? I mean like most of the time there's nothing but sometimes there's something."

Gwen "There are multiple answers to that question and scientists still argue to this day. Dreams are a way for our brains to process and work out the memories of the day or simply a way to process information or for the brain to work through unsolved conflicts, desires, and emotions. I find the latter very plausible and as for these 'specific' dreams... I theorize there is someone purposely messing with our heads while we sleep though Izzy has reported that changes occurred in our cranium during slumber."

Diana "Woah, that part of desire makes sense. I had a dream where there was this growing dumbbell that grew bigger and squashed me. It must be my desire to grow these guns!"

Adrian "I'm surprised you understood that overload of information."

Azan "You guys are looking way too deep into it. Dreams are dreams. They can't affect us."

Mina "You still don't believe that Claire and Adrian dreamt of meeting us."

Azan "... All I'm saying is that we should get going."

Mina "Huh, so you do wonder about it. I can see it in your face, Azzy-

Kanji "Relax everyone. Let's leave the topic of dreams for another time. Now, time for today's ultimate training! See that mountain!"

Dave "Yeah, man. Wait... are we gonna have to climb that?"

Mina "OMG! Mountain climbing! I'm definitely going to the top first!"

Kanji "Hold your horses! It won't be as easy as you think 'cause we're carrying those."

Azan "Oh you got to be kidding me!"

Sarah "Do we have to? I'm back almost broke my back during the last shit."

Diana "Everyone quit your whining. This is what I call a challenge! I can feel our muscles growing tenfold!"

Kanji "Let's start with a casual approach. I want everyone to use the full extent of their powers to get these spheres up there as fast as possible. So who's going first?"

Noah confidently steps up with his axe ready in hand.

Noah "Let me go first."

Sarah "Oh, what's this? Someone's brave and daring I see."

Noah "You know it." "Good job, Noah! You nailed that!"

Noah strides purposefully toward the base of the towering mountain, a weighty metal sphere in the grip of his arms. Memories resurface of moments past when his fear unwittingly caused objects to violently recoil over great distances. With a focused mind, he envisions a scenario akin to being pursued down a confined corridor, chased by the relentless advance of a sphere. A dark aura envelops his axe, and with a sweeping motion from below, he launches the osmium ball towards the mountain's apex, teetering on the brink of an imminent fall.

A surge of fear courses through his axe once more, prompting swift thinking. Instinctively, he leaps into the air, executing a powerful downward swing, propelling himself upwards. With a quick maneuver, he manages to reach the peak and secures the sphere, preventing its descent.

Inspired by Noah's attempt, Sarah steps up, drawing inspiration from his strategy. Transforming into a shadowy, ethereal figure, she wields her shovel with determination, launching the sphere skyward. However, the initial force proves insufficient. Undeterred, she unfurls her wings, twelve grey feathery wings spread, propelling her onwards. Despite the challenge, she persists, soaring upward until she finally reaches the summit.

Noah "Fuck. I should have used the wings."

Sarah "Nah, what you did was fucking sick? Now I feel like cheating just by using these."

Kanji swiftly encircles his sphere with his whirling chain, securing it tightly before gently setting it down. A surge of electrical energy envelops his body, illuminating him as he begins his ascent up the mountain with blinding speed. The summit approaches rapidly as he scales the terrain. Upon reaching the peak, he unfurls his wings, soaring into the air. Swiftly descending, he seizes the chain attached to the sphere. In a dazzling display of light, Kanji and the sphere are instantly transported back to the summit.

Diana raises the sphere aloft, a vibrant yellow energy gathering around both her feet. Recalling Kanji's elucidation on Newton's third law, she fixates on the aspect of reaction, envisioning it augmenting to repel her further. Summoning her resolve, she springs forth with tremendous force, embodying the Aspect of Law. However, the sheer magnitude of her leap overshoots the peak, leaving her feeling slightly sheepish. Regrouping with a touch of embarrassment, she tries again, applying a gentler force this time. With a more measured leap, she lands gracefully on the peak.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Claire sacrifices 10 bandages to transform and synthesize sections of an exosuit. Once assembled, Gwen aids in hoisting the osmium sphere onto the suit's rear, and Claire commences ascending the mountain at a notably brisk pace. Observing her won sphere, Gwen envisions a sporting event where athletes swing a hammer and hurl it. Izzy acknowledges Gwen's musings and fashions a fibrous sling around the sphere. With a gentle pull, the object glides akin to movement on lubricated surfaces, prompting a surprised smile from Gwen, who is astonished by the Impact of Kanji's rigorous training schedule. Effortlessly, she slings the sphere onto the mountain's peak before scaling alongside Claire. Both young ladies successfully reach the summit in a tie.

Dave wrenches his bat beneath the osmium ball, and its head expands, assuming the form of a catapult head. He then ascends until he reaches the spatial ceiling, then falls, both feet firmly striking the handle. The sphere is catapulted and luckily lands atop the summit. Meanwhile, Amelia scrutinizes her pan and, channeling all her might, strikes the sphere toward the peak. Astonishingly, the object succumbs to the impact of her weapon and also lands at the summit. With a couple of leaps, she unites with Dave at the top.

Azan gazes upon the rugged path winding towards the mountain's summit and expresses his disgust with a disapproving groan. His suitcases undergo a metamorphosis, morphing into a saber, and he initiates carving a trail. His muscles swell and he then pushes the sphere forward steadily, earning admiration and applause from his companions. Taking advantage of the makeshift ramp he's created, Mina follows suit, though at a slightly slower pace, mirroring his actions.

Kanji "Ummm... not what I expected but I understand that some of your powers wouldn't help much in this trial. Now time to do it again but without powers and no one gets to rest until we all complete it in under one minute."

The others groan but continue with the training nevertheless. Another day passes by without any incident on The Cephalostar.

___________________________________________________________________________

On Caverrin, the tides sway in favor of The Empire. The ceaseless horde of clones appears to momentarily halt, lifting the spirits of the imperial troops. They succeed in driving the rebel army out of Nobllis, albeit at the cost of significant property damage and casualties. Perched atop an ivory and blue tower resembling a rose, a general pace back and forth, eagerly awaiting an imminent report. The door emits a soft hiss as it opens, and with a swift motion, he snatches and scrutinizes the tablet held by the visitor.

GENERAL1 "Oh thank god! They are finally gone! Hold on... have any of you found the source of the clones?"

"N-No... Sir. Unfortunately, they managed to explode any evidence of the source."

GENERAL1 "Tio seriously thinks that she can get away without any casualties! Have the prototypes found their bases?!"

"Yes, they are hovering over them as we speak. Should I relay the command?"

GENERAL1 "DO IT!"

Across the region of Commonasa, ten bio-mechanical Castastrians loom, their legs comprised of engines and their arms wielding high-powered explosive energy weapons, targeting the bases sprawled beneath them. Hundreds of common Castastrians flee in terror, but their attempts are futile as the prototypes unleash their onslaught. Spiraling orbs of energy plummet, obliterating countless lives and erasing all evidence of the rebel bases. From a distance, Susuna pounds her fist into the ground in despair.

SUSUNA "AN! VOLTUM! JOSAI! ANYONE! ARE YOU STILL THERE?!"

AN "Relax, dude. I anticipated this and told Voltum and the others to gather inside the Grotto. We also transported all the teleporters."

SUSUNA "And the clone replicators?"

VOLTUM "Blown to a thousand bits... honestly, a fucking waste if I ask me."

JOSAI "Hey, you can make more. Look on the bright side, we finally moved into a base that will last more than a few days. Plus, with these teleports, we can get things right back on track."

ICO and ICA nod in approval.

SUSUNA "Just wait for me and Granny Tio. We need some time to rethink our plan."

The echoes of war fade into silence as both rebels and imperials tend to their wounds, anxiously anticipating the next skirmish. Meanwhile, nestled within a barricaded hollow of a tree amidst a vast expanse, Karnat is startled awake by an abrupt knocking. He swiftly grasps his flash gem and knife, aiming the blade towards the obstructed entrance.

KARNAT "Who's there?!"

The barrier shatters and a torrent of bones hurtles toward him, yet Karnat manages to duck just in time.

KARNAT "Oh! That is fucking it!!"

Hurling his flash gem against the entrance's outline, Karnat dashes forward, brandishing his knife in charge. Amidst the chaos, faint giggles echo past him, propelling him to swing faster. However, upon opening his eyes, he is confronted with a chilling sight— his neck poised at the tip of a spear. Recognizing the weapon, he attempts to maintain composure and drops his knife. The former general gazes back, attempting to peer beneath the hoods of the two figures before him. Yet, to his dismay, he discovers that both are adorned with blank wooden masks.

KARNAT "Hold on! I come in peace!"

?? "Truth at first sight. An excellent choice."

?? "Or perhaps luck. Let's test him a little more."

?? "Alright. Let's see if he is just a wanderer or a threat. Who are you?"

KARNAT "I'm Karnat Karlac. I'm... Err... a former general of the Empire but was sentenced to death for my actions so I escaped and was recommended to seek refuge in this place."

?? ".... Huh? You're completely honest! Wow! This is a first! Then again... you're someone who has nothing to lose. A bit of a loser. A incompetent-

KARNAT "Okay, stop!"

?? "Good to see some of your pride remains as well as your fighting spirit. If you want shelter then follow us."

?? "Psst. Come here for a bit."

?? "Okay. Karnat. You stay put."

Despite the opportunity to flee, Karnat chooses to remain motionless, captivated by their presence. The identities of these mysterious figures pique his curiosity, compelling him to stay.

?? "Why are you bringing an outsider with us?!"

?? "First of all, there hasn't been an outsider to these woods in ages, and is good to see something new. Second of all, there isn't a rule for not allowing outsiders at least... according to the stuff the elders told us as kids. Lastly, I pity him and find him a bit cute."

?? "Seriously?"

?? "Just kidding! There is something strange about him though. Like... there is a spot in his soul that my eyes can't see through."

?? "That's impossible! There is no way that is true unless... you think that maybe-

?? "That guy is somehow related to them... yeah. Let's take our chances and if he tries anything. You know what to do."

?? "But sis... he hasn't even said a lie yet."

?? "Couldn't you use that scythe of yours, idiot? Stop lying out your power."

?? "Alright. Alright. Hey, follow us!"

KARNAT "No... I don't trust you guys. At least, tell me your names. Are you also... Castastrians?

?? "Yeah of course we are! By the way, my name is Meytaz Fulgrim."

?? "My name is Verto Fulgrim."

KARNAT "So you guys are siblings."

As Karnat watches them remove their blank wooden masks, he recoils at the numerous anomalies exhibited by the pair before him. Both share an unusual scalp formation, sporting kerahairs forming 12 bangs cascading down to their cheeks, while the remaining strands fold into a spiky fern-like pattern. Verto boasts a chiseled facial outline, with his right side painted in a vivid purple dye, while Meytaz's left side is adorned with a striking yellow hue. However, the most peculiar features lie within their eyes, unlike any other Castastrian. Meytaz's pupils resemble two suns orbiting each other, encircled by a mesmerizing glow. Verto's eyes, on the other hand, comprise a series of moon cycles arranged in a ring, only revealing the upper half at the moment.

KARNAT "What the hell are up with those eyes?"

MEYTAZ "A gift for being chosen as The Seer."

VERTO "And I'm The Judge."

KARNAT "I... I don't get it."

Meytaz "You must have a lot of questions. We'll answer them while we head to the village."

They set out and walk along the stony path.

KARNAT "There is a whole village here! Damn, more people must have escaped the Empire than I thought!"

VERTO "Sorry but we aren't escapees. Our people have lived here for centuries from all the way back to the age of the tyrant Emperor. Our ancestors flee his evil reign and preserve what spec of belief there was in Castastrian history."

KARNAT "Tyrant king. That doesn't ring a bell for me."

MEYTAZ "Yeah, you guys aren't all that big on recording history. Just create and invent more and more. Try to relax."

KARNAT "..."

MEYTAZ "... Oh, sorry for reminding you, Karnat."

KARNAT "It's okay... how are you doing that? Do you have a mind-reading skill?"

MEYTAZ "Heck no! It's way cooler but I can't tell you much unless I get permission from The Elders. Any more questions?"

KARNAT "What's with those raggedy cloaks?"

VERTO "These raggedy cloaks are keeping our asses safe. They give off the scent of the big guy we fought yesterday!"

KARNAT "You guys were impressive and by "you guys" I meant her."

VERTO "Hey! I can fight too you know! I was just... Err... tired."

MEYTAZ "Don't believe him. He only relies on his powers rather than having any actual fight experience."

KARNAT "Ha... one final question. You mention something about belief. That is something we, Castastrians, never do. At least, from what I know."

MEYTAZ "Cause all the ones that do moved here! We would like to tell you about our 11 Lords but I'm afraid it would distract us off track. Oh and if you are wondering how we are speaking English. That is also a part of our Lords' gift."

KARNAT "Please... please ask me before looking into my head next time."

VERTO "Trust me, man. You'll get used to it."

Karnat spent the night walking in peace along the stony road with Verto and Meytaz. The day passes by without conflict... a welcome sight.