"Even though we all failed, we gained a lot from it," Hong said, trying to reframe the experience in a more positive light. "Fighting so many powerful opponents helped us clearly see our own weaknesses."
Thor nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Especially after witnessing those top-tier geniuses, I finally understand how much room I still have to grow."
Luo Feng let out a quiet sigh. "Bolun's mastery of the Laws of Space… it was like watching art. If I could ever reach that level, my strength would undergo a fundamental transformation."
The four of them fell into silence for a moment, each processing the weight of their defeat. Disappointment lingered, but none of them were the type to give up easily.
"Since the challenge tournament is over, it's time we start preparing for our next goal," Hong said, breaking the silence.
"Our next goal?" Rowan asked.
"The Virtual Universe Company's core member selection," Thor explained. "Every so often, the company holds internal selections to recruit the most outstanding talents into its core tier. The resources and opportunities there far exceed anything offered in the genius training camp."
Luo Feng added, "And only by entering the core tier can we access higher-level techniques and treasures. Items like the ones you obtained, Rowan, might only be considered a starting point there."
That reignited Rowan's determination. Missing the tournament was a setback, but it was far from the end. Other opportunities still lay ahead.
"So when do we start preparing?" Rowan asked.
"We can start right now," Hong replied. "But before that, I suggest you focus on studying the treasures you obtained. Especially the Void Spirit Refinement Art. If you grasp its essence, your strength will increase dramatically."
Thor added, "And don't forget the Stellar Armor and the Soul Crystal. You should adapt to them as soon as possible. Their value might be even greater than we think."
Luo Feng smiled. "Honestly, Rowan, once you fully master those treasures, you might surpass all of us."
After the meeting, the four of them returned to their respective training rooms. Sitting alone, Rowan took out the three treasures he had obtained from the Giant Axe Arena, his emotions mixed.
Missing the tournament still stung, but what he gained from the arena far exceeded expectations.
"Sometimes losing something is the beginning of something better," he murmured to himself.
He began with the Void Spirit Refinement Art. The technique was incredibly profound, delving into the very nature of spiritual power and its applications. Even the first chapter alone left him deeply enlightened.
Next, he donned the Stellar Armor. It felt almost weightless, yet he could clearly sense the immense defensive power contained within it. With this armor, his survivability would increase dramatically.
Finally, he carefully picked up the Soul Crystal. It looked like a transparent gem, yet faint streams of mysterious light flowed within it. According to the instructions, by channeling spiritual power into it, one could gradually absorb its energy.
The moment Rowan's spiritual power touched the crystal, a cool, refreshing energy surged into his mind. His entire consciousness sharpened instantly. He could feel it clearly. His spiritual power was steadily, slowly increasing.
"It looks like I'll be going into seclusion for a while," he decided.
Time flew.
Three months later.
Virtual Universe Company, Genius Building, Level 37. Rowan's private training chamber.
The room was a sealed space constructed from special materials, completely isolating external interference. Gravity inside could be adjusted up to one hundred times that of Earth. In such an environment, even the smallest movement required immense effort, but it also maximized training efficiency.
Rowan sat cross-legged in the center of the room, wearing the Stellar Armor. His hands rested lightly on his knees as he entered deep meditation. Before him floated the faintly glowing Soul Crystal.
For three months, Rowan had barely left this chamber. Aside from basic necessities, he devoted all his time to studying the Void Spirit Refinement Art and absorbing the Soul Crystal. This almost ascetic training method had transformed his strength completely.
At that moment, his spiritual power surged like a rising tide into the crystal, while the crystal released streams of pure energy in return. Unlike ordinary force, this energy acted directly on the soul itself, steadily strengthening his spiritual power.
Suddenly, Rowan's eyes snapped open, a sharp glint flashing through them.
He could clearly feel it. His spiritual strength had reached an entirely new level.
If three months ago it had been a small stream, now it was a rushing river.
"I finally broke through," he exhaled.
His spiritual power had risen from Level 3 to Level 5 of the cosmic tier, a jump of two minor stages. While it sounded modest, at this level, each stage represented a massive gap.
More importantly, through mastering the Void Spirit Refinement Art, his control over spiritual power had reached unprecedented precision. He could now split it into countless fine threads, each independently controlled. The combat potential of such control was immeasurable.
"It's time to test the new evolution of my Starshard Void Blade," Rowan thought, anticipation rising.
The Starshard Void Blade was his self-created psychic weapon, formed from condensed spiritual power. It resembled a translucent blade, shimmering with starlight. Powerful and versatile, it was his signature technique.
With a surge of his mind, the air rippled. Soon, a one-meter-long translucent blade formed before him. Compared to before, it was denser, brighter, more refined.
But that wasn't the real change.
With a thought, the blade split into two smaller ones. Then four. Eight. Sixteen.
Finally, thirty-two blades floated before him, each glimmering with starlight as they slowly rotated.
This was his new technique, Starshard Division.
"Thirty-two blades. That's my current limit," Rowan said with satisfaction.
Though each blade was weaker after splitting, their sheer number allowed for multi-directional attacks or coordinated assaults. It made the technique far more flexible in combat.
More importantly, he could adjust the degree of division at will. Four powerful blades, or sixteen balanced ones. Everything could be tailored to the situation.
Just as he was testing his new ability, a knock sounded at the door.
"Rowan, it's me, Hong."
Rowan dismissed the blades and walked to the entrance. As the heavy door opened, Hong, Thor, and Luo Feng stood outside, concern on their faces.
"All three of you?" Rowan asked, surprised.
"It's been three months. You've been in seclusion the whole time. We were worried," Thor said bluntly. "Today we sensed strong energy fluctuations, so we came to check."
Luo Feng studied him closely, eyes widening slightly. "Your aura… it's much stronger. Looks like your training paid off."
Hong nodded. "Indeed. You feel completely different now. How much have you improved?"
Rowan answered honestly. "My spiritual power went from Level 3 to Level 5. And I developed a new variation of the Starshard Void Blade."
"Level 5?" all three exclaimed.
Thor stared in disbelief. "Two levels in three months? That's insane."
Luo Feng shook his head. "I've been training hard too, but I barely improved by one level. You're progressing like a rocket."
Hong thought for a moment. "That Soul Crystal is more powerful than we expected. But Rowan, don't forget to balance work and rest. Training is important, but so is your health."
"Don't worry, I know my limits," Rowan said with a smile. "In fact, I feel better than ever. How about we sit down somewhere and talk about our next steps?"
The four of them moved to the rooftop terrace of the Genius Building. From there, they could overlook the entire headquarters of the Virtual Universe Company. Night had fallen, and countless lights stretched out like a sea of stars, blending into the vast cosmos above.
They sat in floating chairs arranged in a circle. A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers through the air.
"Let's talk about our current situation," Hong began. "With the tournament over, we've lost the fastest path to advancement. The company won't neglect us, but if we want higher-level resources, we'll need to find another way."
Thor nodded. "I've been gathering information these past three months. There are three main paths."
"What are they?" Luo Feng asked.
"First, stay in the training camp and wait for the next internal selection. That cycle is long, about two years."
He raised a second finger. "Second, take on special missions to earn merit points and exchange them for privileges."
Then a third. "Third, apply to become official employees of the Virtual Universe Company."
"Employees?" Rowan's interest was piqued.
Hong explained, "The company isn't just a training institution. It's a massive interstellar enterprise. There are countless departments that need capable people. Becoming an employee gives you stable resources and access to core operations."
Luo Feng frowned slightly. "Wouldn't that limit our freedom?"
Thor shook his head. "Not really. The system is flexible, especially for talents like us. In fact, being an employee gives access to resources outsiders can't touch."
Hong added, "Most importantly, we'd be directly involved in real projects. Those often come with opportunities you'd never find by waiting in the training camp."
The group fell into thought.
Thor spoke first. "I'm choosing the second path. Special missions suit me. I like action, and I have enough combat experience."
Luo Feng considered for a moment. "I'll wait. After seeing those top geniuses, I realize I need more time to improve."
Hong's expression was firm. "I'll apply to become an employee. The fastest way to grow is to integrate into the system and understand how the strongest force in the universe operates."
All eyes turned to Rowan.
He was silent for a moment before speaking.
"I'll apply to become an employee as well."
"Really?" Hong smiled. "Then we can work together."
Rowan nodded. "Exactly. Instead of waiting for opportunities, I'd rather create them."
He looked out at the vast starry sky, determination burning in his eyes.
"I want to see how big this universe truly is. And how extraordinary it can be. Becoming part of the Virtual Universe Company is the perfect way to do that."
Thor frowned slightly. "But the competition among employees is fierce. With our current strength, standing out won't be easy."
Hong smiled confidently. "That just means it's worth it. And we're not weak. Especially Rowan. After these three months, his growth is extraordinary."
Luo Feng nodded. "Even if I'm not joining you right away, I support your decision. If this path works, it might open even more opportunities for all of us."
Under the endless stars, their paths began to diverge. But each of them was moving forward, toward a future filled with unknown challenges and limitless possibility.
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