The praise didn't sit well with Erik, who had returned empty-handed. His eyes burned with a mix of anger and resentment. Kai felt a twinge of satisfaction at the sight, but he knew this was no time to gloat. The mission had brought him and Annika closer, but the team was still fractured.
Over the next few days, the team faced new challenges with a renewed sense of urgency. The system's training was relentless, pushing Kai to his limits and beyond. Each night, as he lay in his bunk, his body aching, he could feel the power within him growing stronger, his mind clearer, more focused. The whispers grew more insistent, urging him to surpass the boundaries of his humanity.
