When dawn broke, Melton was sitting on the rooftop of an empty building, his hair being tousled by the wind. His body throbbed with a newfound energy, stronger than any feeling he had ever felt before. Intense energy filled the atmosphere around him, causing Nexus to become eerily silent as it absorbed the impactful upgrade.
"All upgrades have been successfully implemented, Master," Nexus announced, its voice now with a deeper and more resonant tone. "Optimization of all systems is now complete. You are currently functioning at SSS level."
Melton stretched out his fingers, sensing the strength flowing through his blood vessels. His muscles became stronger, and he noticed his mind becoming clearer. All the noises of the city, the far-off sounds of cars, and the gentle breeze felt more intense to him.
"What's different?" Melton asked, his voice low but tinged with excitement.
**"I now have advanced combat prediction, granting the ability to read enemy movements up to five seconds before they act. You will also notice improved physical abilities—strength, speed, reflexes, and endurance have all increased exponentially. Additionally, I've unlocked new skills that were previously inaccessible at lower ranks."**
Melton's eyes narrowed with intrigue. "New skills?"
**"Yes, Master. You now have access to 'Phantom Step,' a teleportation ability that allows you to blink short distances in combat, giving you an advantage in both offense and defense. You've also unlocked 'Void Burst,' a devastating energy blast that can obliterate enemies within a ten-meter radius. Finally, your sensory perception has been heightened to the point where you can detect threats from over a mile away."**
Melton rose to his feet, experiencing a surge of excitement. Clenching his fists, he caused the air surrounding him to distort momentarily, as if reality was contorting to his command. "Phantom Step, eh? Sounds like it could come in handy."
He grinned and scanned the rooftop. In an instant, he triggered the ability with a single thought. His body sparkled and suddenly he materialized ten feet from his original position, now standing on the brink of the building's ledge. The pace at which he moved was incredibly quick and smooth, almost like he had vanished and then appeared again.
Jemmy gazed up at him in amazement, her mouth slightly agape. The change in his strength was palpable to her; simply being close to him was almost too much to handle. Ever since the EXP share contract connected her to Melton, she also noticed an increase in her strength. However, this was a completely different situation.
She called up to him. "Hey! Careful, will you? You're starting to freak me out with that disappearing act."
Melton chuckled softly. "Just testing out the new tricks."
Jemmy climbed up the fire escape to join him on the roof. As she reached him, she looked him over carefully. "You… feel different. More intense, even for you."
Melton nodded, a shadow of seriousness passing over his face. "Nexus has undergone a serious upgrade. SSS rank. I've got new abilities now—things that could give us the edge against Erebus."
Jemmy raised an eyebrow. "New abilities? Like what?"
He stepped closer to her, eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and caution. "For one, I can blink in and out of combat with 'Phantom Step.' It's more like teleportation, but on a smaller scale, not very sweet but it's okay. I can also blast entire groups of enemies away with 'Void Burst.'"
Jemmy whistled, impressed. "So basically, you're a walking apocalypse now."
Melton shrugged, though a small smile played on his lips. "Something like that."
She then looked at him with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "How does it feel? Having all that power?"
Melton's gaze turned distant for a moment. "It feels… like a responsibility. I'm not just stronger or faster. I'm more aware of everything. The city, the threats, even the way people move around me. But it's dangerous, too. Having this kind of power means I'll be a bigger target."
Jemmy nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "Well, I guess that's why you've got me. I'm leveling up too, remember?"
Melton smirked. "Yeah, I've noticed. You've been pulling your weight out there."
She punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Don't sound so surprised. I've always had it in me. You just brought it out."
They both chuckled, the tension between them easing just a little. But Melton's mind was already racing, thinking of the battles to come. Nexus spoke again, drawing his attention.
**"Master, I've also detected a subtle shift in the energy signatures of Erebus' forces. They are becoming more erratic, suggesting that they are mobilizing in response to your recent actions."**
Melton's expression darkened. "So, they're preparing to come after us harder."
**"Correct. I recommend we take the initiative and strike first before they have the chance to regroup."**
Jemmy frowned, stepping closer to him. "Are you really ready to take them on now? I mean, this is Erebus we're talking about. They've been planning all this for years."
Melton's eyes gleamed with determination. "I'm more than ready. We've weakened them, and I'm stronger than ever. If we hit them now, we can cut the head off the snake before it strikes back."
Jemmy crossed her arms, her expression skeptical but determined. "And what's the plan? Walk in there and blow them away with your new tricks?"
Melton shook his head. "No. We're going to be smart about this. We've got their key players mapped out, their weak points exposed. We hit them where they're vulnerable. One operation at a time until there's nothing left."
Jemmy studied his face for a long moment before nodding. "Alright. You know I'm with you. But you have to remember, we're in this together. Don't shut me out."
Melton met her gaze, his voice softer now. "I won't. I promise."
She smiled, her confidence returning. "Good. Now, let's go knock Erebus off their throne."
As they prepared to leave, Melton flexed his hand, feeling the raw power pulsing through his body. Nexus had upgraded not only his system but also his resolve. The battles ahead would be fierce, but he was ready for whatever Erebus threw his way.
Because now, with his new abilities and the trust he was rebuilding with Jemmy, there was nothing that could stand in his way.
This war was his to win.