Jax sat in the command center, reviewing reports from his recent missions when a familiar sound echoed in his mind.
ding~
[You have received a new notification.]
He quickly opened the system interface to see the message, curiosity piqued. The notification flashed across his HUD.
[Mission: Mentor Espers] Status: Urgent
Details: Students from the Shadows Academy of Esper are arriving in Whitestone City. Their training and guidance are critical for the city's future defense. The council has suggested you assist in their mentorship to hone their skills and prepare them for the challenges ahead.
Reward:
Upgrade to all existing technology and weapon systems. One Roulette Ticket.
Jax blinked, the weight of the new mission sinking in. He glanced at Steelwolf, currently undergoing repairs in the hangar, thinking about what the upgrade could mean for his mecha's future combat capabilities. An upgrade to all his tech and a roulette ticket—this was not something he could afford to ignore. But before he could make any decisions, he needed more information.
As if on cue, the system chimed again.
ding~
[The council has requested your presence to discuss the arrival of the students and your involvement. It is advised to attend the meeting immediately.]
Jax rose from his seat, already in motion. He grabbed his commander pilot suit and helmet, ready for whatever lay ahead. Steelwolf's upgrades would come in handy, but he needed to get the lay of the land before proceeding.
Upon arriving at the council building, Jax was greeted by a flurry of activity. The members were already seated around the massive round table, their faces tense. Councilman Blake, seated at the head, gestured for him to sit down.
"Jax, thank you for coming on such short notice," Blake began. "We've received confirmation that the students from the Shadows Academy of Esper will arrive soon. They are vital to our defense strategy moving forward, and we believe you're the best candidate to oversee their training."
Jax nodded but remained silent, waiting for more details.
"We're well aware of your capabilities," Councilwoman Mira added. "The way you handled the horde king was remarkable, and it showed us that your experience and expertise in combat are invaluable. We think you could serve as a mentor, giving these students the knowledge and skills they'll need to fight the growing threat."
Councilman Varen leaned forward, hands steepled in thought. "The Espers are powerful, but they lack practical experience. You could fill that gap. We're willing to offer additional resources to support both you and the academy in this task."
Jax considered their words, his eyes narrowing. He'd fought his way up from nothing, and he wasn't exactly in the business of babysitting. But then again, training a new generation of fighters could bolster the city's defenses—and his forces—against future threats.
Before he could respond, the system interrupted again.
ding~
[New reward granted for considering the mission.]
Upgrade Applied: All current technology, including mecha, armor, and weaponry, have been enhanced.
Roulette Ticket earned! Use the system's shop for a chance at rare or unique rewards.
Jax's vision blurred momentarily as he felt a wave of energy pass over his body, signaling that the upgrades had taken effect. He checked his inventory quickly, confirming that his equipment had been enhanced. Steelwolf, his pilot suit, and even his weapons were all significantly more powerful.
The council was watching him closely, expecting an answer.
"Alright," Jax said, standing up from his seat. "I'll do it. I'll help train the Espers. But let's make one thing clear—this isn't going to be some classroom exercise. If they're going to learn from me, they'll have to be ready to face real danger."
Blake smiled, pleased with the answer. "That's exactly what we were hoping for, Jax. Thank you. We'll make the necessary preparations and inform the academy."
As Jax stood, Councilwoman Mira spoke up. "One more thing, Jax. The border posts you've secured have already proven invaluable, and with your new upgrades, we believe you'll be able to fortify our defenses even further."
Jax nodded, absorbing the information. With the upgrade to his tech and the new resources at his disposal, the Blackhand Military Police Corp was set to become a critical force in defending Whitestone.
"Now, if there's nothing else," Jax said, turning to leave, "I've got some preparations of my own to make."
The border posts were bustling with activity as the limousines carrying the students from Shadows Academy approached. Soldiers from the Blackhand Military Police stood tall, their armor sleek and intimidating under the bright sunlight. The recently installed turrets scanned the surroundings silently, adding to the feeling of heightened security around Whitestone City.
One by one, the luxurious limousines came to a halt in front of the gates, and the doors slid open. The daughters of the five great families were the first to step out, each one more impressive than the last.
Emilia Graves, the eldest daughter of the Graves family, strode forward with quiet confidence. Her raven-black hair was tied into a high ponytail, and her piercing gaze scanned the scene ahead. She was known for her mastery over gravity, one of the strongest Esper abilities in the academy.
Following her was Lila Vandis, the tech genius of the Vandis family. She had short, sharp silver hair and a no-nonsense expression on her face. Lila's ability to manipulate and interface with technology was unmatched, giving her a tactical edge in almost any situation.
Seraphine Blake, the elegant daughter of Councilman Blake, gracefully exited next, her golden hair flowing in the breeze. With her powerful telekinesis, she quickly gained a reputation as one of the most formidable Espers in Shadows Academy.
Aria and Selena Nox, the twin daughters of the Nox family, stepped out together. Aria's fiery red hair was a stark contrast to her sister Selena's icy blue eyes. Their powers—control over fire and ice—reflected their opposing personalities but made them an unstoppable duo.
As the limousines continued to arrive, the young masters, heirs of other powerful families, followed behind. Gideon Valis, a notorious playboy and heir to the Valis fortune, strolled up to Emilia with his usual air of arrogance.
"Emilia, always looking sharp. I trust the ride wasn't too rough for someone of your caliber?" he asked, flashing a charming smile.
Emilia barely spared him a glance. "It was fine, Gideon," she replied curtly, her eyes already scanning the soldiers and the border posts.
Gideon's smile faltered, but he wasn't one to be deterred so easily. "Well, I'm sure with Jax Talon overseeing things, we'll be in good hands," he added, glancing at the soldiers.
Several of the other young masters gathered around, murmuring amongst themselves. They were visibly annoyed that Jax hadn't come out to greet them in person.
"You'd think someone like Jax would be here to welcome us himself," muttered Dorian Haleth, heir to the Haleth family. "I mean, we are the future of Whitestone, right?"
"I guess he's too busy playing hero," added Marik Thorne, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Couldn't be bothered with us."
As the group made their way toward the entrance, the soldiers at the post conducted their standard checks. Each student was required to present their ID and undergo a quick scan to verify their identity. The soldiers were professionals, their faces hidden behind their Blackhand helmets as they carried out their duties with precision.
Gideon Valis stepped up next, patting his pockets as he approached the checkpoint. His expression quickly shifted from confident to concerned as he realized he had forgotten his ID.
"Uh, looks like I left my ID in the limo," he said, trying to keep his tone casual. He glanced around, then leaned in closer to one of the soldiers. "Listen, it's not a big deal. We all know who I am. How about we skip the formalities, huh?"
The soldier stood motionless, his helmet obscuring his face. "No ID, no entry," he stated firmly.
Gideon's grin turned slightly desperate. "Come on now, I'm sure we can work something out." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small stack of credits, flashing it discreetly in front of the soldier. "A little something to make this easier for both of us."
The soldier's posture didn't shift an inch. "Commander Jax's orders are clear. No exceptions."
Gideon's expression soured, and he leaned in even closer, his voice low and threatening. "Do you know who my father is? I could make your life very difficult if you don't let me through."
Before the soldier could respond, Lila Vandis, who had been observing the exchange from nearby, raised an eyebrow and called over. "Gideon, bribing soldiers now? How very classy."
Gideon shot her a glare but quickly turned back to the soldier, forcing a smile. "Alright, fine. I'll go back and get my ID. But I'll remember this."
The soldier didn't respond, merely gesturing for the next student to step forward.
As Gideon walked back to his limo, fuming in silence, the daughters of the five great families, along with the other students, were led through the gates after their checks were completed. The young masters continued to murmur among themselves, their frustration at Jax's absence growing by the second.
"I don't see why we have to go through all this," Dorian grumbled. "We're not just anyone."
Lila rolled her eyes. "Maybe this is a good reminder that you're not above the law."
Once the students were inside, the daughters of the five families led the way through the post, observing the Blackhand soldiers stationed at their positions. Each post bore the Blackhand insignia, a symbol of the protection and strength Jax had brought to Whitestone City.
Seraphine Blake looked around, impressed by the efficiency of the operation. "I heard Jax was instrumental in setting all this up after the horde attack."
Emilia nodded. "From what I've heard, he's done more in a few weeks than most have in years."
As they moved deeper into the secured zone, Emilia, Lila, Seraphine, and the Nox twins exchanged glances. They knew why they were here: the council wanted them to train under Jax, and for good reason. His reputation as a rising figure in Whitestone was undeniable, even if some of the young masters were too proud to admit it.
Still, the whispers of discontent from the young masters persisted. They had expected a grand welcome from Jax himself, and his absence stung their fragile egos.
But for the daughters of the five families, it wasn't about the welcome. They were here to learn, and the presence of the Blackhand soldiers was enough to tell them that Jax Talon was a man who didn't waste time on empty gestures.
As they passed through the gates, Emilia glanced over her shoulder at the frustrated young masters. "If they can't handle a little security check, they're going to have a hard time dealing with what's coming."
Jax stepped through the fortified gates of the Blackhand military outpost, his boots thudding rhythmically against the ground. His gaze flickered across the bustling soldiers, and the upgraded turret systems, and finally rested on Steelwolf—now fully repaired and enhanced after its grueling battle with the Horde King. The towering mecha gleamed in the daylight, its metal plating reinforced, its weapon systems streamlined for quicker response, and its stance more imposing than ever.
Jax couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at the sight. Steelwolf had taken a beating, but now, thanks to his system upgrade, it looked stronger than ever before. He paused for a moment to examine the changes.
ding~
[Steelwolf Upgrades:
Reinforced Plating: Increases damage resistance by 20%.
Enhanced Armament: Shoulder-mounted auto-turret and smoke missiles reload 30% faster.
Strengthened Core: Boosts energy capacity for longer sustained combat.]
Jax opened his status screen for a quick review of his progress since the battle.
Status:
Name: Jax Talon
Age: 27
Level: 40
XP: 2379/4000
Health: 100
Strength: 24
Stamina: 18
Agility: 20
Wisdom: 26
Mana: 250/400
Endurance: 25
Stat Points: 0
Popularity: 10,647
Skills:
Brutal Fists (Level 1): Delivers powerful punches, each hit growing stronger.
Basic Fighting Skills (Level 6)
Affinity: Rage of the Primal Mech (???)
Shop: Unlocked
Inventory:
Advanced AR (Assault Rifle)Pistol with 30 Mags
Steelwolf
Commander Pilot Suit
Satisfied with what he saw, Jax turned his attention to the approaching students from Shadows Academy. The daughters of the five great families and the young masters all stood together, waiting for him, their expectations clear in their postures. As Jax approached, some of the young masters exchanged discontented glances. It was obvious they were miffed about not being greeted by him earlier.
Gideon Valis, who had been complaining nonstop, stepped forward with a smirk. "So, Jax Talon finally decides to grace us with his presence. Took you long enough, sir."
Jax's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing at first. Another young master, Dorian Haleth, muttered under his breath, "We're not just common soldiers. We deserve a bit more respect, sir."
Several of the other students nodded in agreement, clearly expecting an apology or special treatment.
Instead, Jax took a deep breath, his expression hardening. "Respect? Do you think respect is handed out? It's earned."
His voice, cold and unwavering, sent a chill through the students. Jax's imposing presence had an immediate effect on the crowd. Even the most arrogant among them quieted down as his words sank in.
"You're standing in a Blackhand military outpost," Jax continued. "Everything here, every soldier, every turret, is designed to keep you and this city safe. And you think you deserve special treatment just because of who your families are? Because you were born into privilege?"
He took a step closer, his gaze sharp as he looked each student in the eyes. "Out there, when you're facing a Horde King or worse, no one cares about your family name. No one cares about your wealth. What matters is your strength, your discipline, and your ability to survive."
Jax could see some of the students squirming under his intense gaze. He paused, then smirked slightly.
"Since you all seem to think you're above the rules, here's what's going to happen. Every single one of you will be doing a full set of military workouts under my command. And trust me, you won't be getting off easy."
The students, especially the young masters, looked shocked. Emilia Graves and the other daughters of the five great families remained calm, though they exchanged glances. They weren't happy, but they understood the lesson Jax was trying to impart.
Gideon, who had been the most vocal, gaped at Jax. "Workouts? We're not soldiers! We didn't come here for—"
Jax cut him off. "You came here to train, didn't you? To become stronger? Or are you here just to be pampered and coddled?"
Lila Vandis chuckled from the back of the group, clearly enjoying seeing Gideon put in his place. "I think the workouts are a great idea, sir."
Jax folded his arms. "Good to see someone understands."
Seraphine Blake stepped forward, her tone calm but firm. "We're here to learn, sir. But we're also here to represent our families. Surely, there's a middle ground we can meet?"
Jax raised an eyebrow. "Middle ground? Sure. You'll do the full workout with no complaints, and if you still think it's too much after, we'll talk."
The students collectively groaned but didn't dare argue further. Jax had made his decision, and it was clear that there would be no room for negotiation. Even the most stubborn young masters couldn't miss the fact that they were completely out of their depth when it came to challenging Jax Talon.
"All right, then," Jax said, clapping his hands. "Line up. We start with a 10-mile run around the perimeter."
As the students begrudgingly lined up and started the grueling exercise routine, Jax turned his attention back to Steelwolf, knowing it would be fully repaired soon. But even with the upgraded mech, he couldn't afford to let these students remain weak. They needed to understand the harsh reality of the world outside their walls.
A thought struck him, and he opened the system window once more.
ding~
[System notification: The students from Shadows Academy are now undergoing training. Would you like to assign them specific missions?]
Jax considered the option for a moment before deciding against it for now. The workouts were punishment enough. He closed the window and walked toward the base, knowing he had a lot more work ahead of him.
As Jax watched the students begin their grueling workout, his eyes narrowed in thought. The sweat dripping from the young masters and daughters of the great families was only the beginning. They would soon learn that strength wasn't inherited, it was earned through hard work and discipline.
Just as the students were completing their first lap around the perimeter, a familiar ding echoed in his mind.
[System notification: Roulette Ticket acquired. Would you like to use it now?]
Jax smirked. "Let's see what fortune has in store."
He mentally confirmed the system's prompt. As soon as he did, a spinning wheel materialized in his mind's eye, separated into colored segments ranging from dark gray to brilliant gold.
ding~
[Explanation of Rank System: All items, mecha, and summons are classified under the following ranks, from lowest to highest:
F-Rank: Basic level, minimal power.
E-Rank: Slightly stronger than F, but still below average.
D-Rank: Average, suitable for minor tasks.
C-Rank: Above average, competent in combat situations.
B-Rank: Strong and reliable in most engagements.
A-Rank: High-level abilities, elite in most areas.
S-Rank: Extremely rare, powerful in combat, and highly versatile.
SS-Rank: Legendary status, very few exist, nearly unmatched power.
SSS-Rank: The pinnacle of strength in most known systems, rare beyond belief.
Chaos Rank: Above all others, items, summons, or mechas classified under this rank defy normal laws of reality and can influence entire dimensions.]
Jax's heart raced as he watched the roulette wheel spin, each color representing a different rank. The sections moved in a blur—C, B, A, S—until finally, the wheel began to slow.
His breath caught when it ticked past the gold SSS-Rank section, then stuttered and stopped right on the gleaming gold.
ding~
[Congratulations! You have summoned an SSS-Rank General: Valkyrie.]
Jax blinked. "An SSS-Rank... General?"
As if in response to his surprise, the system continued:
[Valkarye: The Sky Conqueror]
Title: SSS-Rank General
Mech: "Aetherwing" – A specialized flying mecha with unmatched aerial combat capabilities. Aetherwing's wings can manipulate the atmosphere, allowing Valkarye to disrupt enemy flight systems, deliver devastating airstrikes, and provide support to ground forces from above.
Skills:
Aether Manipulation: Controls the air around her mech, generating storms, increasing agility, and manipulating wind currents.
Skyfall Barrage: A devastating attack from above that bombards enemies with concentrated energy strikes.
Winds of Dominion: Increases the mobility of allied forces while restricting the movement of enemies within her airspace.
Jax's eyes widened at the detailed breakdown. Valkyrie was not just a general—she was a force of nature in her own right, dominating the battlefield from the skies. And her mech, Aetherwing, sounded like the ultimate tool for both offense and defense.
As the students continued their grueling exercises, their sweat-soaked faces betraying their frustration, the roar of Aetherwing landing nearby drew everyone's attention. The massive, sleek, flying mecha radiated power as it hovered effortlessly in the air, its wings folding gracefully as Valkarye disembarked. Her imposing, armored figure exuded authority, and the students couldn't help but stare in awe.
The sight of an SSS-Rank General stepping out of her high-tech aerial combat machine silenced even the most vocal among the group. That is, until Gideon Valis—ever the overconfident young master—stepped forward, wiping sweat from his brow with a cocky grin on his face.
"Well, well," Gideon smirked, eyeing Valkarye up and down. "I didn't think I'd get to meet someone as beautiful as you in this hellhole. Maybe after this whole military nonsense, you and I could grab a drink. What do you say, my General?" He gave her a wink as if convinced his charm would win her over.
Jax's eyebrow twitched, but he stayed silent, observing the scene.
Valkarye, her face obscured by her sleek helmet, didn't even flinch. Her eyes—visible only through the narrow visor—were cold as she regarded Gideon for a moment.
Then, her voice came out as sharp as a blade. "You're out of line, soldier."
Gideon blinked, taken aback by the firm rejection. "Come on, now, I was just—"
Before he could finish, Jax's voice cut through the air, ice-cold and authoritative. "Gideon."
The young master froze, feeling the weight of Jax's stare. The entire group turned to look at their commander, who was now stepping forward, his expression unreadable.
"You think flirting with my General—someone who could wipe out entire battalions—is appropriate behavior?" Jax's voice was calm but laced with menace. "You've misunderstood where you are and what you're doing."
Gideon swallowed hard, but his bravado hadn't entirely faded. "I was just—"
"Enough," Jax interrupted, raising a hand. "Double the exercise for you. No complaints. You'll be doing double sets of everything for the rest of the day."
Gideon's face paled, and a murmur rippled through the other students as they exchanged glances. None of them wanted to suffer the same fate.
"But sir—" Gideon tried to protest, but Jax silenced him with a withering look.
"I don't care what your family name is or what privilege you've enjoyed until now. Here, you follow orders, or you pay the price." Jax's voice was like steel. "If you don't want to do the exercises, you can leave and go back home. Otherwise, get back in line."
Gideon clenched his jaw, his face flushed with both embarrassment and anger. But he didn't dare argue further. With a nod, he fell back into the group, knowing he had no choice but to accept his punishment.
As the students resumed their training, many of them cast cautious glances at Valkyrie, who remained silent and composed, standing tall by her hovering mecha.
Jax gave a small nod of approval. "Let that be a lesson for all of you. Respect isn't optional—it's mandatory here." He glanced at Valkyrie, who inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment.
Satisfied, Jax turned his attention back to the group. "Now, continue your workout. And Gideon, don't even think about slacking off. You've got double the work ahead of you."
Gideon groaned inwardly, but he knew better than to argue again. As he trudged forward, he glanced back at Valkarye one last time, though this time he wisely kept his mouth shut.