Inside the AI POD, the simulated environment shifted once more, transforming from the jagged cliffs and rocky plains to a desolate wasteland filled with swirling sandstorms and shifting terrain. Dave stood at the center of it all, breathing heavily as sweat dripped down his face. He had lost track of how many times he had died and come back stronger, each experience pushing him closer to his limits.
He had fought and defeated countless clones of himself, experimented with his Matter Control and Teleportation abilities, and even practiced his Mind Control skills on AI-generated targets. Every moment was grueling, every battle a test of endurance and skill.
But now, after what felt like an eternity, he was finally on the brink of breaking through to a higher level.
"Alright, Dave, you've been fighting for days straight inside this simulation," Bella said, her voice tinged with pride. "You've reached the peak of Rank B and are ready to advance. With this final push, you'll break into Rank A."
"Rank A…" Dave murmured, his eyes narrowing with determination. He could feel the power coursing through his veins, the culmination of all his hard work. "I've been waiting for this."
"Let's make it count, then," Bella chirped. "Ready for one last test?"
A new clone of Dave appeared before him. This one radiated an aura far more intense than any he had faced before. Its eyes glowed with a fierce light, and the ground beneath its feet cracked under the sheer weight of its power. Dave clenched his fists, feeling his own energy surge in response.
"This one's different," he muttered.
"Yup! This is your final challenge, Dave," Bella explained. "This clone is at Rank A, fully capable of using every ability you have to its maximum potential. If you can defeat it, you'll reach Rank A as well. But be warned—it won't hold back, and if you falter, it will destroy you."
Dave nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "I won't falter. Let's do this!"
The clone moved first, a blur of motion that was almost too fast to follow. Dave barely managed to react in time, teleporting to the side just as the clone's fist smashed into the ground where he had been standing. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the earth, and massive chunks of debris flew into the air.
Dave responded with a wave of his hand, using his Matter Control to hurl the debris back at the clone. The clone effortlessly deflected the projectiles, its movements precise and fluid. It countered with a series of lightning-fast punches and kicks, each one carrying enough force to shatter bones.
Dave teleported again, reappearing behind the clone and sending a flurry of energy-enhanced strikes at its back. But the clone spun around in an instant, blocking every attack with ease. It lashed out with a powerful kick, and Dave felt a burst of pain as he was sent crashing through several jagged rocks.
"Agh!" he gasped, clutching his side. The pain was intense, but he forced himself to stand, gritting his teeth against the agony.
"Don't give up now, Dave!" Bella's voice urged him. "You're almost there! Keep pushing!"
Summoning every ounce of strength, Dave launched himself back into the fight. He combined his Teleportation with Matter Control, creating barriers of earth to block the clone's attacks while teleporting around to strike at vulnerable angles. The clone's defenses were formidable, but slowly—painstakingly—Dave began to wear it down.
The fight stretched on for what felt like hours, neither side willing to relent. Every time Dave thought he had gained the upper hand, the clone would adapt, countering with even greater ferocity. But Dave didn't back down. He poured everything he had into the battle, his body and mind pushed beyond their limits.
And then, in a final, desperate move, he gathered all his energy into a single, devastating punch. The power of the strike resonated through the air, and with a deafening crack, the clone was sent flying. It hit the ground hard, skidding across the dirt before finally coming to a stop.
For a moment, there was silence. Dave stood there, panting heavily, his body trembling from exhaustion. Then, slowly, the clone dissolved into a cloud of shimmering particles, its energy dissipating into the air.
"Congratulations, Dave," Bella said softly. "You did it. You've reached Rank A."
Dave let out a shaky breath, a smile spreading across his face. He could feel the surge of power within him, stronger than anything he had ever experienced before. He had broken through—he had surpassed his previous limits.
"Rank A…" he murmured. "It feels… incredible."
"Your hard work has paid off," Bella continued. "You're now among the top-tier superhumans in the world. But remember, this is just the beginning. There are still many stronger opponents out there."
Dave nodded slowly. He knew that Bella was right. This was just one step on his journey. He couldn't afford to become complacent. There was still so much more he needed to accomplish.
"Bella, how long has it been since I entered the POD?" he asked, suddenly aware that he had lost all sense of time during his training.
"Two months," Bella replied, her tone light and teasing. "You were so focused on training that you didn't even realize, did you?"
"Two months?" Dave repeated in shock. "It felt like years in here…"
"That's the beauty of the AI POD," Bella said cheerfully. "You get to train for extended periods without losing too much time in the real world. You've made incredible progress in just two months, Dave."
Dave rubbed his temples, trying to process the information. "What's been happening in the world while I've been in here? Any news related to me?"
Bella's screen lit up with a series of news headlines. "It's mostly about Infinex AI's success and the disruption it's causing in the tech industry. Several companies have already filed for bankruptcy, and governments around the world are scrambling to figure out how to deal with the sudden rise of your company. But there haven't been any direct threats against you yet."
Dave nodded, feeling a sense of satisfaction. His influence was growing, just as he had planned. But there was still more work to be done.
"Bella, give me the location of a Rank A superhuman," Dave said, his voice firm. "I need to test my new abilities against a real opponent. But make sure they're not just any Rank A—find me someone who's a known criminal, someone who deserves to be taken down."
Bella paused for a moment, scanning through her database. "I've found a target, Dave. A Rank A superhuman operating in a city called Draxoria. He's involved in human trafficking and multiple other crimes. His location is currently marked."
Dave's eyes hardened. "Perfect. It's time to see what I'm really capable of."
With that, he exited the AI POD, his resolve stronger than ever. He was ready to face the world again, and this time, no one would stand in his way.