Arthur stepped out of the newly completed gravity chamber, the faint hum of the deactivated generator still resonating in his ears. Satisfied with the chamber’s functionality, he double-checked the system’s safety protocols and diagnostics one last time, using his technopathy to sweep through the intricate web of circuits and subsystems. Everything was in perfect order.

With a small nod of approval, he turned on his heel and headed back to his lab. The corridors of the station were quieter than usual at this hour, the dim lighting reflecting the transition to the station’s night cycle. As he walked, Arthur’s mind raced with thoughts of his next steps.

‘The chamber’s operational, but that’s just one part of the equation,’ he mused. ‘I need to order some equipment for training.’

When he entered his lab, the familiar sight of his workspace greeted him. Arthur moved to his central console and placed his hand on the interface. The lab's systems immediately responded, the holographic displays lighting up around him. He focused on his spatial orb, a device that had been pivotal in many of his recent endeavors.

Using his technopathy, Arthur delved into the orb’s systems. His mind swam through streams of data, parsing the device’s complex structure. Slowly, he began creating a blueprint of the orb’s design. The intricate energy matrices, spatial compression algorithms, and material compositions, the dark energy reactor at the center of the compressed space to stabilize it were all meticulously recorded.

But the orb itself was only one part of the equation. Arthur leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the monitors. The equipment needed to create the orb had been classified as one of UFE’s top technological secrets, locked away in secured facilities.

"I could fabricate some of it myself, but the time and resources…" He shook his head. "No, that’s inefficient. If I ever get the opportunity, I’ll need to access the blueprints for those systems too. Until then, I’ll work with what I have."

Arthur closed the orb’s schematic and shifted his attention to another task. Using the contact Admiral Thalberg had provided, he began drafting specifications for custom gym equipment tailored to his training regimen. The gravity chamber would push his physical limits, but standard weights and machines wouldn’t cut it anymore.

"I’ll need machines that can handle higher resistance, adjustable to match the chamber’s settings. The materials will need to be reinforced too. Maybe…" He paused, fingers hovering over the console. "using high grade alloys will do the job."

The thought excited him, and he added it to the material specifications. Once he was satisfied, he sent the order to the contact, attaching a note for expedited delivery.

With that task complete, Arthur stood and stretched. He walked over to a small, reinforced platform in the corner of the lab, a space he had reserved for practicing his energy absorption ability.

He extended his hand towards the terminals of the high yield battery, and a faint blue glow began to radiate from his palm. Arthur focused on the energy, drawing it inward. He felt the familiar surge, a warmth spreading through his veins as the energy became part of him.

‘This ability… It’s still so untapped,’ he thought, his brow furrowing in concentration. ‘I can absorb energy, but it's not efficient at the moment.’

For hours, Arthur experimented. He absorbed energy from various sources, stored plasma cells, and even small bursts from his plasma sword. He tested his limits, noting how his body responded to different types and intensities of energy.

As the station’s night cycle drew on, Arthur returned to his console. He reviewed the day’s progress, the gravity chamber, the orb’s blueprint, the custom equipment order, and his energy absorption practice.

He thought, a flicker of excitement lighting his eyes. ‘One step at a time.’’

With that resolve, Arthur powered down the lab’s systems, and returned to his quarter.

…

Arthur stepped into his quarters, the door hissing shut behind him. He was about to head to his room when he saw Leo coming out of his room.

Leo’s expression was serious, "Hey, Arthur," Leo greeted, leaning casually against the wall. "Got a minute?" He crossed his arms and looked Arthur squarely in the eye. "We’ve got a mission."

Arthur’s brows rose slightly. "Already? That was fast. What’s the situation?"

"It’s not immediate," Leo clarified. "We’ve got a week to prepare, but it’s a big one. Command just sent the briefing to the team leader, you were not present so he asked me to inform you. We’re heading to a resource planet near the edge of the galaxy this time."

Arthur tilted his head, his mind already racing. "A resource planet? Let me guess, strategically valuable minerals?"

Leo nodded. "Exactly. The planet’s rich in exotic metals and energy-dense minerals, stuff both humans and Chimerians would kill to control. And, well…" He hesitated, his expression darkening.

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Arthur leaned forward. "What is it?"

"The fighting’s been brutal," Leo admitted. "The Chimerians aren’t just sending foot soldiers anymore. Command suspects they’ve deployed advanced combat units, possibly even their elite forces. The human forces stationed there are barely holding the line."

Arthur’s gaze sharpened. "So, they’re sending us in to tip the balance?"

"Pretty much," Leo said with a grim smile. "We’re supposed to assess the situation, reinforce the troops, and, if possible, secure the mining planet before the Chimerians can get full control of it."

He sat down on the sofa, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "But there’s more to it. The planet has some kind of ancient ruins that appeared out of nowhere, pre-human. Command thinks there could be something there that’s worth fighting over."

Arthur’s eyes narrowed. "Ancient ruins? That complicates things. If the Chimerians are interested, it’s not just about resources. There’s something there they want. Maybe technology or something tied to their plans."

Leo sighed. "You’re not wrong. That’s why they’re sending us, Arthur. We are the nearest ECHO unit. And, well…" He gave Arthur a pointed look. "You’re the wildcard they’re counting on."

Arthur let out a dry chuckle. "A wildcard, huh? No pressure."

Leo's tone turned serious. "But, this isn’t going to be easy. I have heard the Chimerian camp is guarded by a Red One."

Arthur recalled the information he had on them, among the elites of Chimerians there are those who act as the leaders, their strength were unknown as they were never seen taking action in the battlefield.

Arthur nodded, "Thanks for the heads-up."

As the door closed behind Leo as he entered his room, Arthur turned back to his room, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The upcoming mission was a challenge, but it was also an opportunity to test his new training, push his limits, and uncover whatever secrets the Chimerians were after.

…

The next morning, Arthur walked briskly towards his lab, his mind already busy with calculations and plans for the day. He was reviewing a formula in his head inside his lab when a soft ping interrupted his thoughts.

He turned to the door, eyebrows raised in mild surprise. “Who could it be?” he muttered to himself. Approaching the door, he pressed the control panel, and it slid open with a quiet hiss.

Before him stood a line of automated delivery robots, each one carrying massive crates stamped with the insignia of the station’s logistics division. Arthur’s eyes flicked over the labels, confirming the contents, custom gym equipment.

“They’re fast,” he murmured, nodding appreciatively.

The lead bot emitted a polite chirp and extended a mechanical arm, offering a data pad for Arthur to confirm receipt. After signing off, Arthur watched as the bots neatly deposited the crates just inside his lab before leaving as efficiently as they had arrived.

Arthur knelt beside one of the crates, prying it open. Inside were metallic barbells, dumbbells, and other equipment, their sheer size and weight impressive even at first glance. The labels made him smirk.

“Barbells weighing up to 2000 tons, dumbbells from 200 to 500 tons,” he said, running a hand over the polished surface of a barbell. “Guess it’s time to put all this to good use.”

Gathering the equipment into his spatial orb for easier transport, Arthur headed to the gravity chamber. The chamber was quiet, its control panel blinking in standby mode. He set the equipment down in designated spots.

After a few moments of setup, he approached the control panel and began configuring the settings. "Let’s start with five times Earth’s gravity," he said to himself, inputting the command.

The chamber hummed to life, its core glowing faintly as the gravity field activated. Arthur immediately felt the change. The air seemed denser, and his body felt heavier, not unmanageable, but noticeable.

“This subtle pressure,” he muttered, rolling his shoulders and flexing his fingers. “Just enough to remind me it’s there.”

He started with some light exercises: push-ups, jumping jacks, and stretches. Despite the increased gravity, his movements were fluid, his body adapting quickly. After thirty minutes, a thin sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead.

“Alright,” he said, stepping back to the control panel. “Let’s dial it up.”

He increased the gravity to six times Earth’s. The chamber’s hum deepened, and the pressure intensified. Returning to the center of the room, Arthur positioned himself under the 1000-ton barbell.

The barbell gleamed under the chamber's lights as he lifted it onto his shoulders. His muscles tensed, the weight sending a shockwave through his body.

“It’s so heavy,” he muttered through gritted teeth.

Arthur began squatting, his movements deliberate and controlled. Each repetition tested his strength and focus, the pressure of the increased gravity amplifying the challenge.

After completing several sets, he moved to the dumbbells, starting with the 200-ton pair. These were easier to manage, and he quickly progressed to the 500-ton set. His arms strained as he performed curls, sweat dripping from his brow and pooling on the chamber floor.

‘This… is what I need,’ Arthur thought, his breathing heavy but measured. ‘If I’m going to face the unknown red Chimerian, I can’t afford to plateau. I have to keep pushing, keep growing.’

Hours passed as Arthur cycled through various exercises. He tested his limits with squats, bench presses, and deadlifts, each lift demanding precision and endurance. By the time he reached nine times Earth’s gravity, his entire body screamed in protest, but he refused to stop.

“Just… one more rep,” he told himself repeatedly, his determination unwavering.

Finally, after four grueling hours, Arthur placed the 1000-ton barbell back onto its stand with a resounding clang. His chest heaved as he stood there, drenched in sweat, his muscles trembling from the effort. Although Arthur has regeneration which can instantly repair torn muscles but it can’t remove the lactic acid accumulated in his muscles.

“This will do for now,” he said, wiping his face with a towel he’d brought along.

Exiting the chamber, he headed to the small bathroom inside his lab. The cool water from the shower was a stark contrast to the heat radiating from his body, washing away the fatigue and grime.

Feeling rejuvenated, he left the lab and made his way to the mess hall. As he sat down with a plate of food, his mind was already turning to the next phase of his training.

***