Chapter 108 - The Fourth Scenario Begins!

Unlike the previous time when Adam had lost consciousness for an extended period due to the assimilation of his parasite, this time there were no such complications for any of the team members. The entire process had taken only a couple of hours, leaving them with the rest of the day—possibly even two more—before they would be summoned into the next scenario.

This meant they had ample time to practice, something they all knew was crucial. However, rather than diving into chaotic and unstructured training, they approached it with careful planning and organization. While they had access to the training arena, it wasn’t feasible for all of them to use it simultaneously, so they divided themselves into groups based on their needs and priorities.

Drake and Sebastian were the first to announce that they would be heading to their respective rooms to focus on personal projects for the time being. Drake intended to refine the pills he could create thanks to his class, while Sebastian was set on further developing the projects he and Falk had been planning for some time. Falk, however, made a specific request—he wanted Emir to join them, as their current project involved the containment cube that housed Lord Varek’s accumulated power.

As they prepared to leave, Adam turned to Sebastian, his expression serious.

“How long do you think it’ll take you to finish all this? Time is tight, and I don’t want you to miss out on team practice.”

Sebastian merely smiled, his usual confidence shining through.

“Don’t worry about me. If there’s one thing I have to thank that Machine God for—besides blessing me without asking—it’s that I feel like I can work at an unbelievable pace. I’ll be staying at it for at least the next twenty-four hours, but I won’t fall behind on training either.”

That assurance was enough for Adam, but before the three could fully depart, he stopped them once more. Under the watchful gaze of the entire team, the boy navigated the store’s menu and made a series of purchases—various types of food, water, sports drinks, and even practical supplies like towels and athletic wear.

It amounted to a total of 167 points, a hefty price for seemingly mundane items with no special properties. His reasoning was simple: he wanted to ensure that Sebastian, Emir, and Drake wouldn’t be left hungry or dehydrated while they worked. The rest of the supplies would be stockpiled for the rest of the team to use as they trained rigorously throughout the coming days.

It was a small yet significant gesture, one that reflected Adam’s understanding of how important physical and mental endurance was in their circumstances.

With that settled, the real training began. Throughout the entire day, Adam, Kazue, Katya, Gregor, Chloe, and even Li cycled in and out of the training arena. The first step was simply familiarizing themselves with any new abilities they had acquired, ensuring they fully understood their mechanics and limitations. Then came the sparring sessions—relentless, demanding, and utterly necessary.

The arena itself was an invaluable tool, as it prevented any lasting injuries. The moment a battle concluded or if it detected a fatal level of damage, it would automatically eject the participants and restore them to their original state before entering. This safeguard allowed them to push themselves to the absolute limit, unleashing every ability, strategy, and resource available without restraint.

Adam was genuinely astonished by how quickly his teammates adapted, not just individually but as a collective. Even on the very first day, they had devised numerous combinations and tactical maneuvers, many of which proved to be highly effective.

The level of synergy between Kazue and Chloe, Gregor, Li, and Katya increased significantly, to the point where their compatibility rates visibly improved. Of course, none came close to the overwhelming 95% synchronization she shared with Adam, something that did not go unnoticed. When that fact was brought up, Katya, in a fit of sheer frustration and jealousy, grabbed whatever was within reach and promptly broke it on the spot, much to the amusement and exasperation of those around her.

As night fell, or at least what seemed to be night in the lobby, the training session finally wound down, and the group took a much-needed break. The atmosphere was lively, a stark contrast to the usual tension they had been under. They sat together, sweaty and exhausted, yet completely immersed in conversation.

Bottles of water were passed around, energy bars were hastily unwrapped, and plates of food—simple yet satisfying—were shared among them. Strategies were discussed, suggestions were exchanged, and theories on potential battle scenarios were thrown around. Chloe animatedly gestured as she explained a particular sequence of techniques she wanted to refine, Gregor nodded thoughtfully as he listened to Kazue’s insights, and Katya, despite her earlier frustration, engaged in an in-depth conversation with Adam about refining team formations.

Even Li, usually reserved, was not entirely withdrawn. While he didn’t contribute much verbally, his presence alone spoke volumes. He participated in the sparring sessions, put his abilities to the test, and quietly observed the ongoing discussions, his eyes sharp and analytical. It wasn’t that he was uninterested—on the contrary, he was absorbing everything in his own way, ensuring that when the time came, he would be fully prepared.

As the night stretched on, the camaraderie among them grew stronger. It was a rare moment of unity, a reminder that despite the trials ahead, they weren’t just a group of individuals thrown together by circumstance. They were a team—flawed, diverse, but undeniably bound by the same goal.

And as they finally called it a night, the unspoken understanding settled among them. Tomorrow, they would push even harder.

Adam could not sleep. It was not due to exhaustion or unease but simply because he was incapable of it. One of his racial traits had long since made sleep an unnecessary function, something that might have been a burden to others but was merely a fact of existence for him.

As the others slowly dispersed to their respective rooms to rest, he remained behind, the silence of the training area settling around him like a thick fog. He allowed himself a brief pause, sitting on the floor with his back against one of the cool, metallic walls. The exhaustion of the day was there, lingering, but it was not physical. It was the weight of information, the countless sparring sessions, the rapid adjustments to his skills, and the constant recalculations of strategy. He exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for just a moment, before standing up and heading to his room with a clear purpose.

When he emerged again, he was carrying a stack of books under one arm. They were the books he had bought during the first interlude between scenarios, valuable sources of information he had yet to truly dive into. Now, with time on his hands, there was no excuse not to.

He made his way to an open area, sitting down cross-legged with the books neatly stacked beside him. The dim, artificial lighting of the space cast long shadows around him, making the scene eerily quiet, but he paid it no mind. With practiced focus, he activated the power of his Soul Pact.

A shift in the air, a subtle pulling sensation in his chest, and then she was there.

A figure materialized before him, her form stabilizing as she kneeled gracefully in front of him. Abbess Xinhui had once been both an enemy and an ally, a force of opposition and later an invaluable asset. Now, she was something else entirely—a bound entity through the Soul Pact, summoned at his will, her existence tied to his command.

Despite that, she showed no sign of resistance or displeasure. Her deep crimson eyes, sharp and calculating, met his gaze with unwavering calm. Her ashen gray skin was flawless, the hue a stark contrast to the flowing black strands of her long hair, which cascaded over her shoulders in a silken wave.

Unlike before, when her attire had been far more revealing, she now wore a traditional Shaolin monk’s robe. The fabric was thick and modest, covering her body in structured folds, the orange and brown hues simple yet dignified. It was a stark departure from the battle garments she had once worn, but it suited her. There was still an undeniable elegance to her presence, the way she held herself exuding discipline and refined grace. She remained kneeling, her hands resting gently on her thighs, awaiting his command with the same composed serenity she had always carried.

“What do you require of me?”

Her voice was soft but firm, respectful without being overly submissive, acknowledging their new dynamic without losing the strength of her own will.

Adam exhaled slowly, reaching for the top book in his pile and flipping it open. His sharp gaze flickered toward her as he ran a hand across the pages, the rough texture under his fingertips a reminder of how long these had sat unread.

“If I remember correctly, you have experience studying the undead.”

Xinhui inclined her head slightly.

“That is correct.”

“Good.”

Adam said, turning the page with a quiet rustle.

“Then we have a lot to talk about.”

Several hours later, what could be considered the equivalent of the following morning, everyone awoke almost simultaneously and reconvened in the same place as before. This was something Adam had always appreciated. Even Kazue, who had repeatedly claimed she loved sleeping in and detested waking up early to do anything, was among the first to emerge.

It was clear that she was genuinely enjoying everything that was happening, and that had always been a mystery to Adam. He understood that each of them had their own reasons for putting in the effort—especially the overwhelming desire to survive—but sometimes, when he observed them, it seemed like they were actually having fun. That was... surreal to him.

They planned to continue their training in the same manner as the previous day. However, after a few hours, Drake joined them, his arrival altered the flow of their training entirely. Up until then, the routine had been straightforward—sparring, testing out new skills, and refining teamwork. But the moment he stepped into the training area, casually rolling his shoulders and cracking his knuckles, everyone could feel the shift.

He carried himself with the relaxed confidence of someone who had pushed past a plateau, someone who had sharpened his edge far beyond what it had been the last time they had seen him fight properly.

With a grin, he held up a small pouch and gave it a light shake, the soft rattling of pills inside immediately drawing attention.

"I finally finished making a decent batch."

He announced, tossing the pouch into the air before catching it with one hand.

" ‘Ginseng Ki-filled Pills’. Not as absurdly effective as what Park Zheng gave us, but they'll boost natural recovery, help with stamina, and keep us from completely running dry in extended fights. They won’t pull anyone back from the brink of death, but taking one before combat should give us a decent edge."

Kazue’s eyes lit up.

“Wait, so they’re like pre-battle buffs?”

She asked eagerly, stepping forward to peek at the pouch. Drake nodded.

“Exactly. They work over time rather than instantly, but they’ll keep us from burning out too quickly.”

Adam watched closely, arms crossed, his analytical mind already running calculations on how they could integrate the pills into their strategies.

“How many do you have?”

Drake smirked.

“Enough to last us through the next scenario if we’re smart about it.”

He said, before making a show of absorbing the pouch into his watch.

“No need to waste them now, but it’s good to have them ready.”

That was when things really started to escalate. With Drake officially joining in, their training sessions took on an entirely new intensity. It wasn’t just that he had improved—he had completely transformed. His movements were sharper, faster, and heavier. His strikes carried a force behind them that hadn’t been present before, his control over his Imperial Ki noticeably refined.

Adam watched closely as Drake sparred first with Gregor, then with Katya, then against Kazue, adjusting and adapting each time. There was a natural flow to his combat style now, a balance of technique and raw power that made it clear how much he had gained from his time in Murim. He was no longer just a martial artist—he was a warrior forged through battle.

"He's on a completely different level."

Gregor muttered after taking a particularly hard hit that sent him skidding across the ground. He pushed himself up, shaking his arms out, and let out a breath.

"His energy flow is insane. I don't think I’ve seen Ki controlled this smoothly before besides Sung Ja-In.”

Chloe nodded, eyes still wide from watching Drake move.

“It's almost like he's fighting in a rhythm.”

Adam, meanwhile, was deep in thought. He had been considering his own weaknesses, planning his next moves, but something had caught his attention. He knew Drake had gotten stronger. That much was obvious. But something about the energy itself made his skin crawl. It was an almost instinctual reaction, a gut feeling that told him something was wrong.

It wasn’t until Drake turned to him, sweat dripping from his brow, that Adam finally voiced his concern.

"Drake, hit me."

He called, stepping forward. Drake blinked.

“What?”

“Use your Imperial Ki. Just a light hit.”

Drake hesitated, but the rest of the group immediately tensed. Kazue's expression darkened.

“Adam, that’s—”

“I need to know.”

Adam interrupted, his voice firm.

“We’re heading into a fight where we can’t afford to make mistakes. If there's something off about that energy, I need to figure it out now.”

Drake exhaled through his nose, rolling his shoulders before stepping closer.

“Alright, I'll just use a low-output strike.”

The blond said, lifting his hand. The moment his fist, coated in Imperial Ki, connected with Adam’s arm, a sharp, searing pain erupted through the boy’s entire being. It wasn’t just physical—it was something deeper, something that burned through his very existence. A raw, divine force that clashed violently against the undead properties within him. His vision flashed white, his veins igniting with pain, and he barely bit back a hiss.

“Shit—! What the hell was that!?”

Drake immediately pulled back, his expression filled with alarm. Adam stumbled back, gripping his arm, his breath heavy. The others rushed toward him, but he quickly held up a hand, stopping them. He needed a second to process what had just happened.

“It’s... different, that wasn’t just Ki. There’s something in it that directly counters me.”

Adam muttered, exhaling sharply. Drake frowned.

“Counter you?”

Gregor narrowed his eyes.

“Imperial Ki has divine properties, I confirmed it during our sparring match, it basically dissolved my transformation with ease. Adam, as far as I know, your entire existence is rooted in corruption, curses, and unnatural power. If that Ki is acting as a purifying force, then—”

“Then it makes me burn like hell.”

Adam finished, wiping sweat from his forehead. Li clicked his tongue.

“That means if we run into anyone using divine energy or even get between the crossfire in this collab, you’re screwed.”

Drake looked at his hands, flexing them, brows furrowed.

“I didn’t mean for that to happen. But now that we know…”

Adam shook his head.

“No, this is good. If we hadn't figured it out now, we would have found out the hard way.”

A beat of silence passed as Adam processed the implications of what had just happened. Then, a thought struck him.

“…But what if we use it?”

The words left his lips before he fully understood them, but the idea formed rapidly in his mind. He looked at Drake, an almost manic glint in his eyes.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“If Imperial Ki is divine in nature, and if my corruption is a force that directly clashes with it… what happens if we try to merge them?”

Drake’s eyes widened slightly.

“Are you suggesting—?”

“An experiment, I’ll activate my [Corrupted Existence] skill to the limit while you attack me with Imperial Ki, I want to know what happens if we try to corrupt divine energy.”

Adam confirmed while Kazue paled.

“That sounds like the worst idea you’ve ever had.”

Katya, still gripping the cloth she had been wringing in frustration earlier, let out a sharp breath.

“And somehow, I feel that that’s saying a lot.”

Drake, however, was already smirking.

“You know what? Let’s do it.”

What followed was an intense, grueling process of trial and error. They tested everything—direct applications, gradual exposure, controlled bursts. The training area became a battleground of colliding forces, corruption lashing out against divinity, neither one fully overtaking the other.

And then, after hours of pushing their limits, after failing again and again… It happened.

A final clash, a fusion of power that neither of them fully controlled, resulted in a blast that shook the entire foundation of the lobby. Dust and smoke filled the air, and when it finally cleared, Adam and Drake stood there, both panting, both staring at each other in wide-eyed shock.

Adam was the first to break the silence. He lifted his status window, scanning it quickly before asking, still breathless.

“Drake… check your skills. Did something new pop up?”

The blond, equally stunned, pulled up his own status window, eyes scanning rapidly. A slow grin spread across his face.

“Oh yeah.”

He confirmed, turning to Adam. A slow smirk formed on Adam’s lips as well. Without thinking, the two of them raised their hands at the same time and clapped their palms together in a solid, triumphant high-five. Whatever they had just created, was something that would help them a lot in their upcoming battles.

The rest of the day passed in much the same way—sparring, strategizing, refining techniques, and pushing their limits in preparation for what was to come. Conversations flowed freely between training sessions, each of them discussing their strengths and weaknesses, trying to find ways to complement one another. It was almost easy to forget that, soon, they would be facing opponents who might very well be far beyond them in strength.

Then, as the hours stretched on and fatigue finally started to settle in, a metallic hiss filled the air as the door to Sebastian’s room slid open.

All eyes turned toward the entrance.

Emerging from the chamber was Sebastian, followed closely by Emir and Falk. The old man’s expression was unmistakably pleased, his usual calm demeanor tinged with an almost boyish sense of accomplishment.

“Well, we finished it.”

He announced in a composed but unmistakably proud voice. Kazue, who had been stretching after a particularly grueling session in the training arena, perked up immediately. Her eyes practically sparkled as she dashed toward them.

“Finished it?! You mean the secret thing you and Falk were working on?! Come on, show us, show us!”

Emir grinned, his enthusiasm matching hers.

“It’s amazing!”

He declared with wide eyes. Sebastian chuckled softly at their excitement but didn’t immediately elaborate. Instead, he tilted his head slightly and asked.

“How did things go on your end?”

Adam and Kazue exchanged glances before launching into an energetic recap of their training results. The girl, ever animated, gestured wildly as she described her new techniques and the insane compatibility boost she had developed with different team members. Adam, more methodical, laid out what they had discovered about their individual abilities—particularly his newfound synergy with Drake and their dangerously powerful usage of Imperial Ki and its corruption.

Sebastian listened attentively, nodding occasionally in thought. Finally, after a brief pause, he spoke.

“In that case, I’ll need to test something myself. Adam. Drake. Come with me, please.”

He said, his voice taking on a sharper edge. Adam and Drake both turned toward him, brows furrowing.

“Both of us? Why?”

Adam questioned. Sebastian smiled slightly.

“Because, from what I’m hearing, you two are the strongest fighters we have right now.”

Drake blinked, looking between Sebastian and Adam before crossing his arms.

“Uh… I mean, thanks, I guess? But what does that have to do with—?”

Sebastian was already turning, making his way toward the training arena.

“You’ll understand soon enough. Just follow me.”

Adam and Drake exchanged another look, both equally perplexed.

“…Well, this is weird.”

Drake muttered under his breath.

“Dude, do you think we should, like… hold back? I mean, it’s Sebastian.”

Adam exhaled sharply.

“Let’s see what he has planned first.”

Despite their reservations, they followed Sebastian inside the training area, the rest of the team quickly gathering around the outer edge to observe. The moment they stepped into position, the old man took a few steps forward, rolling his shoulders before closing his eyes. Then, without a word, he reached out with his mind.

The ground beneath them trembled, and with a deep mechanical groan, an immense figure materialized behind Sebastian, its towering frame casting a shadow across the entire arena... His ‘Steamtread Goliath’ had arrived.

Even before fully activating, it was clear that something had changed. The mechanical titan stood as imposing as ever, its heavy armor glinting beneath the arena’s artificial lighting, but there were modifications—enhancements that hadn’t been there before. The plating was reinforced, its energy core pulsed with a different kind of power, and faint runic symbols glowed faintly along its massive limbs.

Seated comfortably in the cockpit, Sebastian’s voice echoed through the arena’s intercom.

“Please, don’t hold back, because I won’t.”

Drake let out a low whistle.

“Okay, that’s… new.”

Adam tensed slightly, his analytical mind already working overtime. Sebastian had always been the most reserved among them when it came to combat—he rarely participated in direct fights, preferring to play a support role. For him to step forward like this and outright challenge them? Something was different…

Several minutes had passed, yet the atmosphere remained heavy with an almost suffocating tension. The entire team stood at the edges of the training arena, their faces painted with disbelief as they stared at the scene before them.

In the middle of the field, Adam and Drake stood hunched over, their bodies trembling, breaths ragged, and clothes scorched and torn from the sheer force of multiple attacks. Despite the field’s automatic capabilities preventing fatal injuries, the exhaustion was very real, as if every fiber of their beings had been wrung dry.

It was obvious they had been pushed to the absolute brink of their endurance, their legs barely keeping them upright, their fingers twitching from overuse of their abilities. It wasn’t just physical exhaustion—this was mental, emotional, spiritual. They had fought with everything, left nothing behind, and yet the results were clear. They had lost.

Drake let out a shaky breath, rolling his shoulders as if trying to loosen the tension in his body but failing miserably. His face twisted with a mix of disbelief and frustration, his golden eyes flickering toward Adam as he struggled to process what had just happened.

"Adam..."

His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper, thick with exhaustion.

"What the hell just happened?"

Adam didn’t respond immediately. His entire body was still humming with residual cursed energy, his muscles aching, his mind racing through everything that had occurred in the fight. His breathing was shallow, but his grip on reality remained firm despite the storm in his head. He swallowed hard before finally speaking, his voice low and edged with something between awe and frustration.

"I don’t know, that power is absurd… But I do know one thing, if we don’t end this now, we’re done for."

He admitted, tilting his head slightly upward as if trying to make sense of it all. Drake exhaled sharply, running a hand through his sweat-drenched hair before looking up at their opponent.

"Damn it… I really don’t wanna admit it, but yeah."

He muttered under his breath, shaking his head in disbelief. Silence stretched between them for a moment, the weight of their situation sinking in. Then, Adam clenched his fists and straightened his posture with effort. His mind was made up. There was only one option left, one last gamble they could take. His gaze turned to Drake, sharp with conviction.

"We use the new skill."

Drake immediately stiffened, his expression darkening as he turned to face Adam fully.

"Are you serious?"

Adam gave a single, resolute nod.

"We don’t have a choice."

Drake hesitated, his instincts screaming at him that this was reckless, that they were already drained, that it could go horribly wrong. His fingers twitched at his sides, his body still aching from everything they had endured. But then he looked at Adam, saw the sheer determination burning in his eyes, and knew there was no turning back. He exhaled deeply, shaking his head before cracking a small, tired smirk.

"Fine. I guess the system wouldn’t let Sebastian die either way."

Adam let out a breath of his own, a ghost of a smirk flickering on his face. Without another word, they moved. Drake’s body tensed as he summoned every last ounce of Imperial Ki, golden energy crackling around him like a raging inferno. It coiled and expanded, growing denser, purer, almost divine in its presence. His veins pulsed with the sheer power of it, and for a brief moment, his aura became something truly overwhelming, something that transcended mortal limitations.

At the same time, Adam embraced his Cursed Energy, letting it surge through him like a tidal wave of malice and entropy. The air around him darkened, distorting as the raw corruption bled into the space itself. His own presence felt like a wound in reality, something unnatural, something that should not exist. And yet, despite its chaotic nature, it bent to his will, twisted into something tangible, something he could control.

Two opposite forces, neither meant to coexist… And then, without hesitation, they combined them, part of the Imperial Ki began to become corrupt but at the same time it began to purify the cursed energy, both boys tangled their arms filled with energy in a circle, forming an amalgamation that resembled the ying-yang symbol of Murim.

The reaction was immediate and violent. The moment the two forces merged, an unnatural pressure exploded outward, distorting the very fabric of the training arena. The air crackled, unstable, as waves of power lashed in every direction. The ground beneath them splintered, energy surging and colliding in an unholy fusion of divine supremacy and absolute corruption.

The impact alone was enough to force every single one of their teammates to instinctively take a step back, their eyes widening in shock as they struggled to comprehend what they were witnessing. The sheer magnitude of the combined energies was something beyond their understanding, something that should not have been possible.

The power built and built, growing to a crescendo, reaching its peak—until at last, it was unleashed in a single strike, a collision of pure devastation, and then…

*BOOM*

The entire arena erupted with a force unlike anything seen before. A deafening explosion shook the very foundation of the lobby, a blinding light engulfing the field, followed by an ear-splitting shockwave that sent a pulse of destruction outward. The impact was so immense that it distorted the very air itself, a blast of energy so violent that it momentarily swallowed the entire battlefield in chaos.

And then, as suddenly as it came, it was over. The dust settled and two bodies soared through the air.

Adam and Drake were launched backward with terrifying force and an extremely bloody slice in both their chests, their forms crashing into the invisible barrier of the training field before the system, detecting the severity of their injuries, immediately intervened.

In a flash, their bodies were expelled from the arena, landing unceremoniously outside, completely healed but utterly drained. Their chests rose and fell in heavy, labored breaths, their minds still struggling to process what had just transpired.

For a long, heavy moment, there was silence. Then, a single voice broke through.

“What the hell was that?! So cool!!!”

Kazue practically shrieked, her entire body vibrating with excitement as she rushed forward. Her eyes were wide, wild with exhilaration, her expression barely able to contain her sheer disbelief.

No one responded at first. Every single member of the team had seen what had happened, had witnessed something that defied logic, that went beyond mere strength or skill. And yet, none of them had an answer. Chloe slowly crossed her arms, her expression caught between fascination and concern.

"That wasn’t just an improvement, that was… I don’t know what to say."

Gregor exhaled sharply, his arms crossed, his gaze unreadable.

"...We’re going to need to rethink our entire approach if this is the standard we’re supposed to reach."

Emir, meanwhile, was grinning from ear to ear.

"Did you see that?! That was the coolest thing ever, and I helped!"

And then, Sebastian stepped out. He emerged from the arena, his movements measured, deliberate. Unlike Adam and Drake, he hadn’t been expelled. His posture was relaxed, though there was an unmistakable weight to the way he moved, a quiet satisfaction in his expression.

There was no arrogance, no smugness—just the undeniable presence of someone who knew exactly what he had done. Kazue spun on her heel and pointed straight at him.

“You better start explaining, right now. How the hell did you manage to do it?!”

Sebastian simply smiled. A small, knowing smile.

“That’s a long story, but I’m glad it ended up working.”

He said, his voice as composed as ever. Not long after that, when moment Adam and Drake caught their breath, it became clear that despite the overwhelming battle they had just endured, their determination remained unshaken. Their bodies had been fully restored by the training field’s safety mechanisms, leaving only the residual exhaustion and the weight of what they had just experienced. But rather than dissuading them, it only fueled their excitement. Adam wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes still glimmering with the aftershock of what had transpired, and without missing a beat, he turned to Sebastian with an eager grin.

"Alright, that was insane, but I think we need another round."

Adam exhaled, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the fatigue. At the exact same moment, Drake clapped his hands together, cracking his knuckles with enthusiasm.

"Alright, that was insane, but I think we need another round!"

The two of them paused, blinking at each other in realization before simultaneously turning toward the rest of the group. There was a brief silence. And then, as if perfectly synchronized, everyone else let out an exasperated sigh.

"Seriously?!"

Katya groaned, crossing her arms while shaking her head in disbelief.

"You two are ridiculous."

Kazue, however, was already grinning ear to ear.

"Hell yeah! That was awesome to watch—no way we're stopping now!"

She turned toward Sebastian with sparkling eyes.

"Sebastian! Let’s do it again! You can't just show off something like that and not expect a rematch!"

Gregor, ever the stoic one, simply exhaled through his nose and cracked his knuckles.

"*Tch*. If they're going again, I might as well join."

Even Li, who had been watching quietly from the sidelines, adjusted his hat before stepping forward. He didn’t say anything, but his intent was clear. If there was an opportunity to sharpen his skills, he wouldn’t waste it.

Chloe, on the other hand, let out a deep sigh and raised her hands in surrender.

"Yeah, you guys have fun with that. I’m sitting this one out."

Emir, who had been standing beside her, nodded quickly.

"Y-Yeah, I think I’ll watch too."

With that, everyone else eagerly dove back into the fray. The arena buzzed with energy as they resumed their sparring, exchanging blows, testing their techniques, and pushing themselves to their limits once again. The sight was exhilarating—each of them growing stronger, adapting, learning from every exchange. But while the rest engaged in combat, Chloe and Emir found themselves standing off to the side, watching the chaos unfold.

Emir kicked his feet a little before looking up at Chloe.

"So… uh, what do we do now?"

Chloe chuckled at his awkwardness, nodding as she made her way to a nearby bench at the edge of the arena.

"Well, I guess we hang out. Feels like we’ve been too busy to just sit and have a conversation."

She patted the spot next to her, and the kid quickly hopped up, his legs too short to touch the ground as they swung slightly beneath him.

For a while, they simply watched the others, the echoes of battle ringing through the training field. Then, Chloe glanced down at Emir, tilting her head slightly.

"So, how’s it been? Your new abilities, I mean. You getting used to them?"

Emir lowered his gaze to his hands, flexing his fingers as wisps of inky darkness curled around them before dissipating.

"It's… weird. Void Ki was already kinda tricky, but now with the Darkness Fruit, it’s like trying to use a tool I’ve never seen before, but no one tells me what it’s for or how it works. I just have to keep trying things until something makes sense."

Chloe nodded in understanding.

"Yeah, that actually makes sense. My new fighting style is kind of the same way. It’s not just about learning moves—it’s about experimenting, and seeing what works and what doesn’t. Like with my pins, I know they can do a lot more than I’ve figured out, but it’s up to me to get creative with them."

Emir perked up at that.

"Oh, so you have to make stuff up as you go too?"

"Exactly, it’s like trying to solve a puzzle without knowing what the picture is supposed to look like."

Chloe said with a smirk. Emir laughed, the sound boyish and genuine.

"That sounds kinda fun when you put it like that."

"It is, it can be frustrating sometimes, but also kinda exciting. Feels like we’re making our own rules instead of just following what everyone else does."

Chloe agreed. Emir nodded enthusiastically, his earlier shyness replaced with a quiet excitement.

"Yeah! That’s exactly it! Like, I bet there’s a ton of ways I can use my powers that no one's ever thought of before!"

He clenched his fist, his dark energy flickering for a moment before fading.

"I just gotta figure them out."

They continued talking, bouncing ideas back and forth about their abilities, coming up with different ways they might be able to use them. Despite not having spent much time together before, there was an easy understanding between them—both of them were learning how to shape their own strengths, not by following a set path, but by discovering what worked for them. And in a place where survival often meant adapting faster than everyone else, that mindset might just be what kept them ahead.

Meanwhile, as the sparring matches continued, time slipped away unnoticed. It wasn’t until much later that the group finally decided to call it for the day.

Gathering once again in the main area of the lobby, they went over everything they had learned, trading observations, refining strategies, and making plans for how they would continue pushing themselves forward. The excitement was palpable—every single one of them could feel the difference in their growth.

Yet, as much as they were eager to continue, exhaustion had begun to set in. Adam, ever the one to keep things in order, clapped his hands together to draw everyone's attention.

"Alright, that's enough for today. Get as much rest as you can, because if my guess is right, we’re getting pulled into the next scenario tomorrow."

There was a murmur of agreement, though some were reluctant to stop. But they knew Adam was right. There was no telling what awaited them next, and they needed to be in top condition for whatever was coming.

And sure enough, the moment morning arrived, the familiar, mechanical chime of the system rang through the air. A massive blue screen materialized before them, hovering high in the air, its glow casting an eerie light over the entire lobby. The voice of the system, robotic and distinctly female, began to read out the information displayed.

image [https://i.imgur.com/rfpwjha.png]

The entire group fell silent as they listened, their eyes fixed on the screen. The words scrolled past in precise, calculated movements, detailing the world they would be stepping into next.

Adam’s mind immediately began working, piecing together the fragments of information. From what it sounded like, the first team had already been in this world for a week before them. That meant the enemy had an entire week’s worth of an advantage. Worse still, the third team would be arriving a week after them, which meant that by the time all three groups were present, the power dynamics would already be shifting in unpredictable ways.

Kazue suddenly spoke up, frowning at the screen.

"Wait, I don’t get it. From what I’m reading, the humans in this world have everything under control. So… what’s the problem?"

It was a fair question. Looking at the information alone, there was no immediate crisis, no imminent disaster. But that only made it all the more suspicious. There had to be something lurking beneath the surface, something they weren’t seeing yet.

Adam narrowed his eyes, his mind racing through possible scenarios. The scenario wouldn’t exist if there wasn’t a conflict. And while their top priority was dealing with the other two teams, they still had an objective to fulfill. If they could unravel the mystery of this world while also gathering intelligence on their competitors, they’d be in a far better position.

As the system’s voice came to a halt, the screen flickered for a brief moment before vanishing entirely. The countdown had begun. They had seconds left.

And then, just as the light began to envelop them, Kazue’s eyes widened as she suddenly remembered something.

"Wait, did we even pick a team name?!"

Silence… Everyone exchanged glances, realization dawning on them far too late.

But before anyone could answer, the world around them vanished in a burst of white light.