Two hours after the desert's incident, tension simmered across every corner of the Japanese Army's special military base. General Kuto was summoned by one of the lead scientists. "What's the status report?" He asked. "Sir, the Nexus gem has successfully synced with the Tech helmet, pushing compatibility to 80%." A grin spread across General Kuto's face, "so now that the Helmet and the gem are synced. All we need now is a test subject. Tell me doctor, which military personnel on the data I sent you can we use?"
The scientist sighed, "Unfortunately, none of them are compatible. Forcing synchronization can lead to death." Kuto stroked his chin,"Ok, hmm. I know someone who can fit this weapon perfectly." He approached one of the I.T specialists and issued an order, "Search for the file I mentioned. Now!" "Sir, we found it!" "Okay forward it to him." He ordered.
In a few minutes the Doctor got the information. He was shocked with the stats report he's seeing, "Sir, who's this? He has his average durability to be 87 /100, speed 90 / 100, breathing control 90 /100 and emotional response:0 /100." General Kuto grinned with a monstrous glint in his eyes, "His name is Aota. He was what we called' A perfect Soldier.'"
" He lost all his loved ones in a tragic incident, went berserk and killed over 45 members of our special elite force. I wanted to use him for my own purposes, but unfortunately he was captured and declared as a national-level threat. So, the U.S government quarantined him in a classified location."
Just then, a young officer burst into the room holding a mini tablet, "Sir, sorry to interrupt, but this is urgent. Our satellite servers placed in the Desert of Doom, the suspected location of the legendary helmet, have picked up the same energy signals identical to those of the Nexus gem." Kuto's eyes lit up in disbelief, "That's what I call a lucky day, now quickly we're going to the Desert of the Doom!" General Kuto arranged helicopters and choppers for their quick expedition. The chopper flew at an incredible speed. Before they knew it, they had reached the desert.
General Kuto stepped out and barked orders, "Bring all the energy scanners and check it again." Officers scrambled back into the choppers and returned with high tech gadgets. They began analyzing the area, sweeping across the dunes. One by one the servers turned blue, and then shut down. "Sir," one of the technicians reported. "There's no signal coming from the satellite servers." General Kuto's face twisted in frustration.
He rushed to the screens himself. "What do you mean nothing's showing? then what was the report you showed me. Let me see the data." He studied the past readings. "Hmm.... interesting. The old data hasn't vanished. The energy source was either sealed off or cloaked. Possibly by archeologists. Don't worry we will find it soon enough. We're pulling out!"
Within minutes, the team regrouped and lifted off, leaving the desert behind. After Jake resurfaced from the tunnel, Zaki had cloaked the entire area in invisibility, making it impossible to be seen or sensed by anyone outside. Night had fallen, Nicolas had managed to start a fire using his survival gear. Yon was already awake, but Jake was still unconscious, caught in a vivid dream.
In the dream he saw Zaki once more. "Hello, Jake," Zaki said warmly. "Ahhh you again?!" Jake jumped. "I thought you lived in the helmet!" Zaki chuckled. "Sorry to surprise you. But our consciousness has become linked, so... whenever you dream I will be there." "Ugh, old man don't sneak up on me like that again,"
Jake groaned. "Last time you said I was your successor. I came to explore not to be a king or leader. What did you mean? Zaki nodded. "A fair question. You're a researcher, so I assume you love reading. Do you know about the war between the Japanese empire and the allied nations?" "Of course," Jake replied.
"Good. And who ended the war?" "You did." "Exactly, Now...what did they say about my death?" Jake hesitated. "They said....you were a coward." Zaki's expression darkened. "Nice to hear." He said bitterly. His tone turned serious. "No one knows the real reason I died, but I'm going to tell you and explain the reason for you being my next successor."
Jake sat quietly, listening. "Two years after the war ended, peace returned. But the power granted to me by the gods made many fearful bandits, from all nations including the Japanese empire, wanted my assassination."
"But that wasn't the worst part, I had a vision... one that came from the gods through the helmet. A future, where a single person starts a war that destroys Japan and spreads across nations." Jake's eyes widened. "I wanted to stop it," Zaki continued, "but I realized that no matter how long I lived, even for a hundred years. I would never catch up to that future. So I made a choice. I destroyed my physical body and sealed my powers and consciousness inside the helmet."
Jake hesitated, "sorry to interrupt, but...I heard you had a wife. What happened to her?" Zaki smiled sadly. "Yes...her name was Himara. I told her about the vision and my decision. She cried all night. But she knew I had no choice." He paused, looking at Jake knowingly. "You have one of my clan's descendants."
Jake blinked, "how did you know that? Zaki laughed. "Silly, I'm a demi-god now. That's why I can speak your language and understand your thoughts. I couldn't protect Himara, Jake. But you must protect my bloodline for me." Jake nodded solemnly. "So, what now?" He asked, "Now it's time for you to train," Zaki said firmly.
"To wield the helmet's full power, you must grow stronger. When I briefly controlled your body, I only lasted for just 30 seconds. If you want to stop this war you need to surpass all your limits." Jake groaned. "So, how am I supposed to train?" " There's an old mountain still standing nearby. You will run 50km daily, climbing and descending. Do 100 diamond push-ups each morning. Tree jumping 50 everyday. And finally sky diving, you will leap from the mountains into the river below everyday for the next 100 days."
Jake placed his Hands on the back of his head, "What!, all that just to train?" Zaki smirked, "great power, comes great responsibility. Now I am done here. See you soon, Jake." With that, Zaki vanished. Jake jolted awake, panting. Yon and Nicolas rushed to his side with water. "You okay?" Yon asked.
Jake caught his breath, "We will talk when we get home." Nicolas frowned, "What home? We have been walking through for over two hours, and keep ending up in the same place." Jake looked up,"Why am I seeing that tower we crossed before we set our course to the desert far away."
Yon and Nicolas turned to where he was pointing and was surprised to see it. Early in the next morning, Yon's family was deeply worried. They hadn't heard from her since she left for the expedition. Miss Taiku hadn't slept all night, and the entire family had gathered anxiously in the living room. Breaking the heavy silence, Miss Taiku broke and asked, "Has anyone heard from them?" They all shook their heads. "What are we going to do now?" She muttered, sinking into a chair, her hope nearly gone.
Tanpopo tried to comfort her. "Don't worry Mum. Yon isn't a child, she knows how to find her way home." Miss Taiku wiped her tears off and snapped softly, "Your sister went on an expedition with foreigners, and they haven't returned. That's all you have to say? Wait till they come back, I will scold you properly for this."
Just then, a knock came at the door. "Is it the postman?" Tanpopo asked as she hurried to open it. To her shock, it was Yon standing at the doorstep with Nicolas and Jake. She screamed, "Mum! it's Yon!" The whole family rushed to the door. Yon and Nicolas looked exhausted, barely able to stand Jake even couldn't even walk. He had a large bag strapped to his back.
One of Yon's siblings tried to help by removing the bag but it dropped to the ground with a heavy thud. "How was he even carrying this?" She gasped. The three were quickly taken to the guest room for treatment. Yon and Nicolas weren't seriously injured, but Jake collapsed into deep sleep the moment he hit the bed. Later that afternoon, after taking baths and getting cleaned up, Yon and Nicolas were served with lunch. During their meal, Miss Taiku broke the tension, "What happened to you? she asked sternly "Why come back this morning, I told you if things got dangerous, leave the site. Why would you risk your lives?"
Both Yon and Nicolas remained silent for a moment. Then Nicolas spoke up. "Things got strange the moment we set foot in the desert. But the good news is...we found the helmet." The whole family froze in disbelief. "But" he added, glancing at the door to the guest room, "for some reason only Jake has the answers to everything that happened at the Desert of the Doom." "Talking about Jake, Tanpopo go check how he's doing," Miss Taiku instructed.
Tanpopo nodded and went to Jake's room carrying a bowl of cool spring water and a white towel. She gently placed her hand on Jake's forehead. "Thank goodness.....his high fever is dropping down." she said with relief.
Just as she turned to leave, she noticed his eyelids twitching. His eyes began to shift beneath them. She gasped and screamed in Japanese:"おばあちゃん!起きてるよ!"(Grandmother!, he is waking up! ) She rushed back inside and Miss Taiku joined her quickly. Jake was slowly trying to open his eyes. Miss Taiku's mother took his hand checking his pulse and heartbeat. After a moment, she smiled brightly and said,"彼は大丈夫です.彼が食べられるように食事を用意してあげてください" ("He's alright, get his food ready so he can eat.")
The entire family was overjoyed to hear such wonderful news. Meanwhile, Jake was slowly gaining consciousness. "Ahhh....where am I?" He groaned. Yon hurried to his side, "Jake, we're home," she said gently. He tried sitting up. Yon helped him up on the bed. "Go take a bath and join us in the dining room," she said with a warm smile. Jake nodded and headed to the bathroom.
A few minutes later, freshly changed and looking more alive, he joined the family at the dining table. Jake devours the bowl of rice, eyes lighting up at each bite. Miss Taiku chuckled, "Jake, there's more food for you. Please take your time." Jake smiled, his eyes full of gratitude. "Ma'am, your food is delicious. Every bite makes my soul scream with joy!"
Everyone burst into laughter. "Actually," Miss Taiku added with a teasing tone, "The one who cooked the food was Yon."
Yon's face turned bright embarrassed, she quickly buried her face in her arms. "Thanks Yon," Jake said softly. "I never thought you'd cook for me." Nicolas interrupted, "Sorry to cut into this happy moments but Jake, you know you have some explaining to do?" Jake paused mid-bite and looked at Nicolas." I suppose you're right." Jake began to recount everything that had happened in the Desert of Doom.
A curious young girl, around 14 years old, raised her hand and asked a question, "Mister, Did you say our great ancestor lives in the helmet?" "Yes," Jake replied. "So, where's the helmet? " Miss Taiku asked. Jake stood up, headed to his room, and returned carrying a bag. Gently he pulled out the helmet and placed it in front of them. Miss Taiku's mother stepped forward, touching the surface of the helmet and began to tear up. She bowed deeply before it.
One by one, the rest of the family joined her, lowering their heads in reverence. Jake continued," There's a war coming." The room fell silent. Everyone looked at him. "What did you say?" Miss Taiku asked. "Yes, that's what old man Zaki told me. A war that could destroy the whole of humanity caused by one person. He chose me to be the next successor to the power inside this helmet."
Nicolas groaned slightly. "But Jake we're just archaeologists. You can't fight. We all know you've got zero muscle." "You're right Nicolas, that's why the old man gave me a training plan. For the next 100 days, I will be training in the mountains." "Honestly I could have walked away from all this....but something inside me says I've come too far I have to see it through." Nicolas signed. "If that's what you want, then I will support your plan." Tanpopo, eyes sparkling, asked, "Mr. Jake, can you wear the helmet for us to see?"
Jake laughed awkwardly, "Unfortunately, at my current level, if I try to wear it....I might blew up into pieces. " Miss Taiku's mother spoke in Japanese,"ザキの魂が私たち全員を守ってくれますように"("May the spirit of Zaki help you and protect us all.") Early in the morning, Jake gathered all his tools he would need for training in the mountains. Nicolas and Yon were ready to accompany him on his journey.
Miss Taiku said to them," I don't want anything to happen to you three, so come back before sunset. Okay?" They all nodded in agreement. For this trip, they took a taxi to the mountain destination. "It looks beautiful out here," Yon said. With her face lightening up. "Haven't you been here before?" Nicolas asked. "Well...I visited with my dad when I was a kid, but I can't remember much. It's changed a lot since then."
"Okay Jake, what should you be doing now?" Nicolas asked. Jake pulled a small diary from his backpack.
He flipped through the pages and he paused. "Let me see...Ah-ah! So I need to run 50km from the top of the mountain and back down." Yon and Nicolas looked at him shocked. "What?!" "Yep. That was the first training Zaki gave me."
Nicolas shrugged awkwardly, "if that's what it says, then drop your bag down, get your stop clock ready and go!" Jake chuckled, dropped his bag and started running.
After about an hour, he completed roughly 40 laps, close to 30 km. He paused, panting heavily." I think I am done with the daily run. Let's continue with the next." Nicolas checked the diary. "Next up : 100 diamond push-ups." Jake frowned. "I don't even know how to do that kind of push-ups?" Nicolas showed him a quick tutorial video. Jake watched, nodded, and began. He barely managed 30 before collapsing.Yon cheered him on.
After nearly 7 hours of intense training, Jake's whole body ached in pain. They decided to call it a day and headed back home. Jake's training included skydiving. A special training designed to teach him how to fly when wearing the helmet. The air distance from the top of the mountain to the river below was about 25 miles. At first, Jake's average descent speed was 25 miles per 2 hours, one of the slowest speeds.
But with time he improved drastically, cutting that time to 25 miles in just 25 minutes. Thanks to this progress, Jake soon was leaping between treetops with ease, another core part of his training.
On the 60th day of his training, he had a reconnaissance with Zaki. "Hello Jake," the old man greeted warmly. "Hello there, old man. I never thought I'd meet you again." Jake chuckled. "You little rascal. Now you have got muscles, you think you can talk to me however you want." He said with a playful smile.
"I'm grateful to you. If it weren't for you, none of these physiques would've been possible". "You're right," Zaki nodded. "But today I have a different task for you." Jake leaned forward intrigued. "With your current level, you're a little above 30%. Before you can use nearly all the abilities within the helmet's power, you need to reach 50%. Now today you want to be doing your regular exercise but, you will be training on how to use the helmet's power."
Jake's eyes filled with excitement. "Really?" "Yes," Zaki said. "but be careful. Now that you have built your body I want be possessing you anymore. Don't force the energy, let it flows naturally through you. I will teach you some few lessons once you begin Goodbye for now." Zaki disappeared and Jake woke up. Jake was bursting with excitement. It was the day he was finally going to train with the helmet.
After breakfast, he, Nicolas and Yon headed back to the mountains. On the way, Yon noticed Jake grinning nonstop since morning. She thought of asking why but she decided to wait what's going on but decided to wait.
Once they arrived at the training spot, Nicolas, too, looked puzzled. "Jake, what's up with you today? " He asked. Yon added. "Yeah, you've been smiling and laughing for no reason, what's going on?"
Jake chuckled awkwardly, "sorry guys. I didn't mean to make you worry. The thing is.... no regular exercise today!" Nicolas raised a brow. "Then why are we here today?" Jake grin widened. "Because today, I will start training with the helmet! Their eyes widened in understanding. "So, how do you plan to use its power?" Yon asked. Jake answered, "We will soon find out."
He pulled the helmet from his backpack. "Zaki told me, he'll teach me everything I need to know." Nicolas looked concerned. "Jake, isn't it dangerous to wear it now?"
"He said, he will guide me so no problem. Now it's Show Time!" Jake put on the helmet. Nicolas and Yon quickly duck under a rock, remembering the last time Jake awakening had got wild.
Suddenly, a calm voice echoed in Jake's mind, "Recite this incarnation to call the energy. But remember, let the energy flow through you. The voice continued: "Say this: The gods of the Kawasaki clan grant me the power to slay my enemies."
Jake repeated the incarnation. Nothing happened. Frustrated, he said it again, louder, more forcefully. Then BOOM! A blue energy surged through the helmet. But instead of activating, it scorched his hair, turning it from white to black. Yon and Nicolas rushed out and pulled the helmet off, tossing it aside. Jake collapsed, confused and defeated. Without a word, he bolted into the mountains, lost in shame. That night, he couldn't sleep. His mind swirled with doubt and guilt.
Suddenly, Zaki appeared again in a vision. "What are you doing here?" Jake asked, his voice sharp. Zaki smiled playfully." I see your hair's got some flair now."
Jake frowned. "Zaki, I'm angry. Why couldn't I activate the power?" Zaki's tone turned serious. "I told you not to force it. Power like that doesn't respond to anger or ego. When I awakened mine, I was blinded by rage, trying to save my people...but I became a monster. I chose you because you have a kind soul. That's your strength."
Jake listened quietly. "If you want to succeed, stop thinking about the power. Think about your family both here and overseas. Think about becoming the hero who saves them, not the one who destroys them. Until your 100 days of training are complete, don't try to activate the helmet again." With that, Zaki vanished. Jake sat alone with his thoughts, unsure....but now determined to do it right.
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