Ayan looked at Kane with a doubtful expression. "This agreement says the organization isn't responsible for deaths due to unknown reasons. These terms are unclear. It feels like I'm putting my life in their hands if I sign this."
Listening to Ayan's sharp analysis, Kane gave a nod of approval. "You're right to be cautious. But if you look at the clauses in the next few pages, you'll find that the organization has strict protocols. Anyone found guilty of tampering with the methods or intentionally causing another participant's death will face severe punishment—up to the death penalty."
Kane sighed. "Till now, the organization has been known for its impartial judgment and fair treatment. But, who knows, there are always greater risks, especially with things involving abilities and unpredictable human hearts. You'll have to take the risk if you want to participate."
Ayan turned the pages and showed another point. "It also states participants have no right to withdraw at any time. What'll happen if someone gets injured or they can't continue due to some reasons?"
Kane smiled, already anticipating the question. "In case of injury or other complications, the organization provides world-class medical treatment, as outlined in another clause. The recovery process will also be included as part of the program. It's like once you enter the program, you're stuck inside unless you complete it."
He paused for a moment, then added, "And once you've completed the program, you'll be placed under an employee contract with the organization, as stated in the last clause. So, you still have chances to become an official ranger even if you fail the exam later on."
Ayan inquired, "Will I have access to the world beyond if I become an official ranger?"
Kane sighed. "That's possible, but it's not easy. Even among the official rangers, the competition for a spot to the outside world is very fierce. You'll have to complete a lot of missions and make some significant contributions to the organization. And frankly, the connections are more important than skill if you want to have a chance at it."
Kane looked at him with a serious look. "So, will you sign the contract agreement or not?"
Ayan thought for a moment and spoke. "I want to look at the contract for employees before that."
"Sure," Kane said as he took out another file and gave it to Ayan.
This contract was like any other employee contract with fewer restrictions. It stated about the terms of service: Ayan would have to do a few missions for the organization in a year and he would get a generous monthly salary—on par with international government agents.
Ayan's memory stirred as he remembered his helplessness at the mercy of rangers and mafia fighters like Brone and Tang. He stood up with determination in his eyes as he signed the contract agreement. 'There's no turning back now.'
-------
Having nothing specific to do, Ayan remembered the practices the old hermit had taught him. Feeling guilty that he missed doing them due to the injury and all the fights. He restarted doing these simple practices as much as he could.
After doing these practices regularly for two months, Ayan felt much better as if some tension in his body had been relieved. He felt calmer throughout the day and he could think much faster than before. He felt much lighter and the flexibility of his body had also improved a lot.
One day, Jace came to his room to inform him about the training. "Your six-month intensive program will start in 10 days so get ready, we'll move tomorrow to a secret facility of the organization. Also, fetch some warmer clothes for yourself."
Ayan nodded, his eyes full of excitement.
Jace lingered for a minute, studying Ayan with a curious look as if noticing something different before leaving without any word.
He went straight to Kane and spoke. "Kay, have you noticed anything unusual about this kid these past two months?"
Kane nodded and spoke in a low voice. "I also had this feeling that something about this boy was changing every day. I went and checked on him a few times."
"What did you find?" Jace asked.
Kane replied, "He seems to be practicing a breathing technique and a few basic exercises like stretching. It almost felt as if he was cultivating but I didn't notice any movement of qi in the surroundings. Also, considering the miniscule amount of etheric content in this world, I thought I was just imagining things."
Jace frowned. "But if we both felt that way then there might be more to this than meets the eye."
"Did you notice any changes in his physical speed or strength?" Jace inquired.
Kane thought for a moment and responded. "I'm not too sure. I don't think he's changed much physically but it still felt like he's experiencing some fundamental changes."
"What else have you noticed about him, Jay?"
Jace replied in a serious tone. "Though I couldn't pinpoint it, he's definitely exuding more vitality than two months ago. I think he's using a mystical technique that has a small effect on the physical body but works on some fundamental level building over time."
"Let's ask him on the way tomorrow if he can teach us this technique," Kane said with a glint in his eyes.
----------
All three of them Black boarded a private jet from the nearest airport. Mid-flight, Kane turned to Ayan and asked, "I was curious about the exercises and breathing techniques you were practicing in these two months. Would you mind telling us about it?"
Ayan thought for a moment and replied, "Those were the few practices an old hermit taught me."
Kane and Jace looked at each other before Jace inquired, "Can you tell us more about this old hermit?"
Ayan hesitated before he explained about the hermit meditating in a cave in the Himalayas who healed his incurable disease. He excluded the parts about his bloodline and some mystical parts as he didn't have full trust in these men.
Hearing his story, Jace mumbled, "A mystic..." Both of their eyes gleamed.
Kane requested Ayan with a serious tone, "Can you teach us the techniques taught by the old hermit?"
Despite feeling reluctant, Ayan replied in a mysterious tone, "I can teach you the practices but I cannot impart them to you."
Seeing them confused by his words, he explained about initiation and transmission of techniques.
Kane responded in understanding, "It's fine if you can teach us the practices without the initiation."
----
After six long hours, the jet plane finally landed in the middle of a cold island somewhere in the north. Ayan looked around to find surroundings full of snowy hills and a large number of modern buildings buried under the cold terrain in front of him.
They were received by security guards armed with standard weapons. They were thoroughly checked as security protocol and they had to deposit their mobile and other communication device before gaining entry into the facility.
The temperature inside the facility was comfortable as if the outside snow had no effect here. Jace introduced him to living quarters, storage rooms, and high-tech laboratories which were off-limits to Ayan. After giving a small tour of the place, they dragged Ayan into a living quarter.
Inside, Ayan taught them the practices taught by the hermit and the three men spent a few hours practicing them.
Initially, they felt excited when they felt that these simple techniques could help improve their energy system despite being in this world where one cannot cultivate. But their enthusiasm faded after they realized that the progress was so slow—too slow to have an immediate effect.
Feeling the changes in Ayan, Kane whispered, "Maybe because we've cultivated our energy before so this technique isn't helping us much. Ayan hasn't started cultivation so it's working effectively for him."
Jace nodded in agreement. "He's so lucky he got blessed by a mystic with a technique to work upon his energies in this world even if it's low-leveled and works very slowly. It'll definitely help him if he ever goes outside and cultivates."
"But, it's still unknown if he's able to get access to the world beyond," Kane murmured shaking his head in doubt. "I hope he'll awaken his bloodline soon."
-----
The next morning, Ayan was summoned by the research team.
A tall, lean man with clean spectacles wearing a white gown outside a white shirt, and white pants welcomed him. "Good morning, Mr. Ayan. I'm Dorian, commonly known as Dr. Frostwind," he said with an amiable smile. "We'd like to ask a few questions about your bloodline and take some of your measurements and blood samples. Is that alright?"
Ayan nodded cautiously.
"Could you tell us more about your bloodline so we can help you better?" he added, pressing his falling spectacles on his nose.
"I only know that my mother had some darkness-related bloodline," Ayan replied. "I don't know anything about my father."
"Could you tell us about your abilities?" Dr. Frostwind pressed further.
Ayan explained about his abnormal strength, speed, and academic skills. The researcher asked him several other questions related to his health condition and took a few blood samples and measurements before allowing him to leave.