Nikks stood before the closed door, his spine straight, his breath steady.
Still, his hand hesitated for a fraction of a second before knocking.
"Come in."
The voice from inside was calm, firm—unquestionably authoritative.
Nikks pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The office was spacious, clean, and dignified. The walls adorned with trophies—broken monster cores sealed in transparent cases, medals engraved with dates long past, and weapons retired after decades of service. Each item spoke of survival, not fear.
Major Adam sat behind a broad desk, his posture relaxed yet commanding. His sharp eyes studied Nikks briefly before he gestured to the chair opposite him.
"Sit."
Nikks obeyed.
The Major did not speak immediately. Instead, he folded his hands and looked past Nikks, as if gazing at something far beyond the walls of the camp.
"Earth is not at peace," he said at last. "Not now. Not for the last five centuries."
Nikks listened in silence.
"Humanity survives because warriors stand at the front," the Major continued. "Safe zones exist because blood is shed beyond their borders. Every year, monsters grow stronger, gates grow more unstable, and the margin for error shrinks."
His gaze returned to Nikks.
"To awaken is not a blessing alone. It is a responsibility."
Nikks felt the weight of those words settle onto his shoulders.
"You awakened early," the Major said.
"Place your hand on this crystal. This is a talent measuring crystal. The color of the crystal determines your affinity and its intensity determines your talent". Adam said.
Nikks placed his hands in the crystal and it glowed bright purple.
"As I thought high grade lightning affinity". Major said.
Nikks froze for a second and he turned estatic. The thought of awakening an elemental affinity had filled him with jiy now finding out he has a high grade talent even made him happier.
"You have a future, Cadet Simmons. One that can reach far."
The Major's tone sharpened.
"As such, there is no reason for you to remain in this camp. Cadets normally graduate at sixteen, awakened or not. You," he said plainly, "are undoubtedly a genius."
Nikks' heart pounded, but he remained silent.
The Major continued, "for your achievements you are entitled to choose a manual suited to you and a weapon of your preference."
Nikks' eyes widened—just slightly.
"In addition," the Major added, opening a sealed case beside his desk, "I will give you a defensive gear. For your protection."
The gear inside was sleek, compact, and unmistakably expensive.
"The manual and weapon will be finalized once you arrive at Eastern Headquarters," the Major said.
He paused, then spoke the words that changed everything.
"You have officially graduated from this training camp."
Nikks inhaled sharply.
"You are granted three days," the Major went on. "Say your goodbyes. Rest. Prepare yourself. After that, you will report to Eastern Headquarters."
The Major rose slightly from his seat.
"Do not waste this opportunity. It is a rare chance. Not anyone can train in the headquarters. So I dont want you to waste a single moment."
"Yes, sir," Nikks replied, his voice steady despite the storm inside him.
⸻
Elsewhere in the camp, Torrin clenched his fists.
His nails dug into his palms as he stared at the distant training grounds, his jaw tight with fury.
Nikks Simmons had awakened early.
He knew its implications.
And for Torrin, that made everything worse.
From the day Torrin entered the camp, he fell in love with Jane. Even when Nikks hadn't awakened there were rumors of them being in love now everything became worse.
Yet reality had been cruel.
Torrin exhaled slowly.
He would endure. He would train. He would grow stronger and make her realize that she chose the wrong guy.