Chapter 95(2)
Upgrading training equipment to advanced tier. Cost: 2,000 System Points. New specifications: Vest increases to 100 kilograms. Limb weights increase to 50 kilograms each. Breathing mask upgrades to include advanced Ki filtration and variable resistance settings.]
[System Points: 2,200 → 200]
[Advanced Training Equipment stored in inventory. The Little King is advised to use caution when training with this equipment, as the physical demands have increased significantly.]
Elijah dismissed the remaining screens and stared through the window as the final light of sunset faded into twilight.
He had spent nearly every System Point he possessed.
The investment was worth it.
His inner circle now had access to a stronger breathing technique, his wider gang would benefit from improved Dark Amber Breathing, and his own training equipment had been upgraded enough to push his physical limits even further.
The upcoming battle would not simply be a test of strength.
Elijah intended to make certain that everything and everyone under his command was stronger when Daniel Blackwater finally stepped into the ring.
He reached for his phone and sent a message to each of the Vice Leaders, instructing them to come to the office as soon as possible.
Kai arrived first, his blue eyes curious as his dark purple aura flickered around him, and the other's followed.
Elijah distributed the upgraded Inner Breathing techniques among them, explaining the improvements, benefits, and expectations that accompanied such a valuable gift.
Jack accepted his copy without comment. He quickly scanned the first few pages before folding the papers and slipping them into his pocket.
"This is generous, but you already know I do not need one," Jack said calmly.
Elijah shook his head.
"Yeah, I know."
One by one, the Vice Leaders left the office, each carrying a copy of the upgraded Inner Breathing technique.
Elijah had barely returned his attention to his desk when another knock sounded against the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, revealing Mai.
Her purple hair hung loosely around her shoulders, and her dark purple eyes remained fixed on Elijah with an expression he found difficult to read.
"I heard you were giving out breathing techniques," Mai said, closing the door behind her. "Upgraded ones that are supposed to be even better than the ones you gave us before."
Elijah nodded.
"That is right. The Vice Leaders just left with their copies."
Mai crossed her arms and studied him with an intensity that made him shift slightly in his chair.
"I have changed my mind. I want the breathing technique for myself."
Before Elijah could answer, the door opened again.
Rena stepped inside with a notebook tucked beneath her arm. Her expression remained calm and composed, although her eyes immediately moved toward her daughter before settling on Elijah.
"Mai told me what she was planning," Rena said. "I want to add my voice to hers."
She walked farther into the office and placed the notebook on the edge of the desk.
"I have managed the finances for this gang since the beginning, Elijah. I have worked alongside Kai, Henry, and everyone else, and I have never asked for special treatment or recognition. However, I am asking now. Give me the breathing technique and give me the opportunity to become something more than the woman who counts the money. I want to become strong enough to protect myself and my daughter."
Elijah looked between the two women.
Mai's determination was obvious, while Rena's expression carried a quieter resolve.
He had not expected either of them to ask for the technique, especially after they had refused it the first time.
"Mai, why now?" Elijah asked. "You refused before. What changed?"
Mai held his gaze.
"I want to become stronger so that I can protect myself when there is no one around to save me. I have been sitting behind the bar, pouring drinks and counting money while the people I care about are risking their lives. I do not want to remain useless anymore, Elijah. I do not want to be the person who always has to be protected."
Her words were sincere, but they did not reveal the whole truth.
Mai's desire for strength was not only about protecting herself.
A deeper reason had taken root in her heart.
She wanted to become strong enough to stand beside Elijah.
After what had happened between them that morning, her feelings for him had only become more difficult to ignore. She did not want to spend the rest of her life watching him walk into danger while she remained behind, unable to do anything but worry.
Elijah remained silent for a moment, allowing her words to settle in his mind.
He then looked toward Rena and recognized the same determination in her eyes.
Neither woman had made this decision casually.
"I will make copies for both of you," Elijah said as he reached for the folder containing the master copy of the Inner Breathing technique.
"However, I want you to understand what you are asking for. This technique is powerful, and it will change your bodies in ways you may not expect. You will become stronger, faster, and more durable. Your senses will sharpen, your Ki will become denser, and you will eventually be capable of things you once considered impossible."
His expression became more serious.
"However, there is a cost. The stronger you become, the more will be expected from you. You may be placed in dangerous situations, and there may come a time when strength alone will not be enough to keep you safe."
Mai did not hesitate.
"I understand, and I am willing to accept the cost."
Rena nodded calmly.
"I have spent weeks watching the people in this gang risk their lives. I am the one who counts the costs, tracks the expenses, and makes sure everyone gets paid and no one is forgotten. It is time for me to do more than watch. I want to become strong enough to protect my daughter."
Elijah studied them for another moment before finally agreeing.
He made two copies of the technique and handed one to each woman.