Lukas woke before dawn, the air still cool and heavy with the lingering moisture of the night. His body was sore, a dull ache settling into his muscles from the previous day's battle, but he welcomed the pain. It reminded him of his time in the military, the constant physical strain that had honed his body into a weapon. Now, more than ever, he needed to be strong—not just for himself, but for those who would follow him into the coming fights.
He sat up, rubbing his hands together as he let out a slow breath. The camp around him was quiet, save for the occasional snore or murmur from the soldiers still resting. He glanced over at Zane, who was sprawled out on his bedroll, snoring softly. Zane was a loyal companion, a constant presence at his side, but Lukas knew he couldn't afford to rely solely on him. If he was going to survive—and win—he had to keep improving.
The system, Lukas thought as he summoned the interface in his mind.
[System Alert: Locked Features Detected]
Shop: Unavailable
Inventory: Unavailable
To unlock these features, reach Ether Awakening Level 5 and accumulate sufficient Ether to access advanced system functions.
Lukas frowned as he read the message. The system had so much potential, but most of it was locked behind the same barrier—his Ether level. He was still in the early stages of Ether Awakening, barely beginning to grasp the true depths of its power, but the idea that there was more waiting for him—a shop, and even an inventory system—drove him. He had to reach level 5.
With a deep breath, he stood and began his morning routine—exercises that had been drilled into him during his time in the military. The discipline had stuck with him, and even here, in this new world, it gave him focus.
He dropped into a series of push-ups, his muscles straining with each repetition, but the burn was familiar. Comforting, even. Each movement was precise, deliberate. Then, squats, lunges, and eventually, sit-ups. Sweat beaded on his brow as his breathing deepened, his body settling into the familiar rhythm of exertion.
As the minutes passed, he noticed the first glimmers of dawn creeping over the horizon, casting long shadows across the camp. The quiet stillness began to break as soldiers stirred, rubbing sleep from their eyes and preparing for the day ahead.
Lukas continued, determined to push his limits. His military training had taught him that true strength wasn't just in the body, but in resilience. In the willingness to keep going, no matter how tired, no matter how much pain.
"You're up early again," a familiar voice called from behind him.
Lukas looked over his shoulder to see Zane, bleary-eyed but smirking as usual. "Couldn't sleep?" Zane asked, stretching lazily as he sauntered over.
Lukas smirked. "Just getting ready. You should join me."
Zane laughed, shaking his head. "Why? We just fought a battle yesterday. Aren't you sore?"
"I am. But that's why I'm doing this," Lukas said, straightening up. "I can't afford to get comfortable."
Zane hesitated, glancing around the camp as if hoping for an excuse not to join in. But after a moment, he sighed, dropping down beside Lukas. "Fine. But if I collapse from exhaustion, I'm blaming you."
As the two began their exercises together, some of the other soldiers passing by shot them curious glances. The sight of the young master and his retainer working out like common foot soldiers was unusual, especially after the battle they had just survived. But Lukas didn't care. In fact, he welcomed the stares.
"Why do you do it?" Zane asked after a few minutes, his breathing growing heavier as the exercises began to take their toll.
"Do what?" Lukas asked, though he knew what Zane was getting at.
"Push yourself like this. You've already got the system. You're getting stronger. Why not just let the Ether do the work for you?"
Lukas paused for a moment, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Because I'm not just relying on the system. Ether's important, sure. But strength isn't just about power. It's about discipline, resilience. In the military, we trained every day, no matter what. It made us stronger, mentally and physically. I can't afford to lose that."
Zane nodded, though he still looked skeptical. "Yeah, well, it's working for you, I guess. You were holding your own out there yesterday. Barely," he teased.
Lukas chuckled, though the weight of Zane's words hung over him. Barely. It was true. If Aurelia hadn't stepped in when she had, he would have been dead. And that was something Lukas wasn't going to let happen again. He needed to be stronger, faster, better prepared.
As they finished their exercises, the camp was beginning to wake fully. Soldiers gathered their gear, prepared their weapons, and ate their meager rations. The air was thick with anticipation, everyone knowing that the Drevyns were far from defeated.
Lukas sat back down on the log, his body now fully awake and buzzing with the aftereffects of the workout. He closed his eyes and focused inward, trying once again to feel the flow of Ether in his body.
He could sense it—just a faint hum beneath the surface. It was frustratingly weak, barely enough to fuel his abilities during battle. But he knew that if he kept pushing, and kept training, he would reach the higher levels. And once he hit level 5, the system would unlock the shop, giving him access to a world of possibilities.
But for now, he had to be patient.
As he was about to get up, a soft ping echoed in his mind.
[System Alert: New Quest Available]
Visit the Armory – Assess your gear and optimize your weapons for the next battle. Reward: Increased experience and battle readiness.
Lukas's eyes snapped open, a grin spreading across his face. The system had given him his next task, and it was one he was more than ready for.
---
Later that morning, Lukas and Zane made their way to the armory. The sun was higher in the sky now, casting warm rays over the camp as soldiers moved with purpose, sharpening weapons, mending armor, and preparing for the inevitable next clash with the Drevyns.
The armory was a large tent, filled with racks of swords, spears, bows, and shields. But what drew Lukas's attention was the possibility of further improving his equipment. The system had already helped him pick out his saber and armor, but now he wanted to see if there was something more—something that would give him an edge in the next battle.
As they entered the armory, Lukas focused on the system, activating its analysis function. He scanned the weapons lining the racks, watching as the familiar blue glow outlined each one.
[System Alert: Analyzing…]
Weapon Condition: Moderate
Compatible Enhancements: None detected.
Lukas frowned. The weapons were serviceable, but nothing special. He needed more. Something that would give him and Zane a real advantage.
Just as Lukas was about to turn away, another ping sounded in his mind.
[System Alert: Shop Feature Still Locked]
Progress to Ether Awakening Level 5 to unlock crafting recipes and enhancements.
Lukas clenched his fists. He was so close. Once he unlocked the shop and inventory, he would have access to the tools he needed to strengthen not just himself, but everyone under his command.
"You find something?" Zane asked, glancing at Lukas curiously.
"Not yet," Lukas replied, his voice laced with determination. "But I will."
---
As the day wore on, Lukas continued his preparations. He trained, assessed his gear, and pushed his body to its limits. Every moment was spent sharpening himself—his skills, his mind, and his connection to the system.
But even as he worked, there was a lingering sense of anticipation. He knew the next battle was coming, and it would be even more brutal than the last.
But this time, Lukas would be ready.
And next time, he wouldn't need anyone to save him.