Ezra sat cross-legged in the center of his room, the soft glow of the grimoire hovering before him, casting shadows on the walls. His mind was racing with thoughts of his recent experience with Hinata and the dungeon. It had been a revelation—a glimpse into what true power looked like. He hadn't realized it then, but working with someone as strong as Hinata had shown him a new perspective.
**"You can't go at this alone,"** he thought, a sigh escaping his lips. **"You need allies… and training."**
For the past few days, Ezra had been feeling restless. The dungeon had stirred something in him, a hunger for more—more strength, more knowledge. He was no longer content to stay hidden in the shadows. The world was dangerous, and he needed power to survive it.
After much contemplation, he made up his mind. **China. Kael.** The Unbound of Asia was there, and if Ezra was going to truly unlock his potential, he needed to train under someone who wielded such immense power. He stood up, glancing at the grimoire.
"It's time," he muttered, walking out of his room and heading toward the living room where his family was gathered.
His parents looked up as he entered. His mother's face was etched with concern, while his father remained stoic. Ezra had already told them of his plan to travel to China, but they had been hesitant.
"I've made up my mind," Ezra said firmly. "I'm going to join the Kael Army."
His mother's eyes widened. "But Ezra—China is dangerous. The military... the Unbound... it's not something to take lightly."
His father nodded. "We didn't raise you to be reckless. Do you even understand what you're getting into?"
"I do," Ezra replied. "I've seen what the world is like. If I stay here, I'll never grow strong enough to protect myself—or anyone else. This is the path I've chosen."
His father remained silent for a moment before nodding. "If this is truly what you want, then go. But be careful."
His mother sighed but gave him a small, reluctant smile. "Just promise us you'll come back safe."
Ezra smiled back. "I will."
---
Two days later, Ezra was on a plane bound for China. The soft hum of the engines filled the cabin as he stared out of the window, watching the clouds drift by. He could feel the grimoire's presence faintly in the back of his mind, its power always there, always watching. **"What will the Kael Army be like?"** he wondered. He had heard rumors about the recruits, the trials, and the power bestowed by the Unbound, but no one truly knew how the process worked. The thought made him uneasy, but also excited.
Several hours later, the plane touched down in Beijing. The sprawling city stretched out before him, a mixture of ancient history and cutting-edge technology. Ezra couldn't help but marvel at the scale of it.
His destination was the Kael Army's headquarters, a place notorious for training the most elite soldiers in Asia. As he stepped off the plane and made his way to the massive fortress-like building on the outskirts of the city, he felt a sense of anticipation building within him. The headquarters stood as a massive construct of steel and stone, its design imposing and yet refined—an architectural masterpiece that blended ancient Chinese elements with modern engineering. Towers spiraled up into the sky, interconnected by bridges, with vast courtyards spread below. Red banners adorned with symbols of Kael's power fluttered in the wind.
Ezra approached the towering gates, where guards in sleek, modern armor stood watch. They scrutinized him for a moment before allowing him entry. Inside, the atmosphere was tense but controlled. Soldiers marched in perfect formation, while others trained rigorously in the nearby arenas. Ezra's eyes widened as he took it all in.
He was directed toward the recruitment area, a large hall where new soldiers were gathered. Recruits from various nations were there, all hoping to gain power from Kael, one of the six Unbound. A grizzled soldier eyed Ezra as he entered, his armor gleaming under the artificial lights.
"You here for the tests?" the soldier asked.
Ezra nodded.
"Good luck, kid. You'll need it," the man said with a chuckle. "If you pass, maybe you'll even get a potion from the Unbound himself."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "A potion?"
The soldier smirked. "Yeah, that's how it works around here. Kael brews these potions that grant a portion of his power. Only the best recruits are given the privilege to drink them. But trust me, it's no cakewalk. You've got to have the physical and mental strength to handle it, or you'll lose your mind."
Ezra processed the information, intrigued. **"So, this is how they gain power…"** he thought. It was different from the way his grimoire functioned, but he couldn't deny the allure of growing stronger.
Before he had time to dwell on it, the tests began. Physical trials designed to push recruits to their limits. Ezra found himself facing obstacle courses, combat simulations, and endurance challenges. But to his surprise, his body handled it all with ease. The months of training with the grimoire had enhanced his abilities, and he moved through each test with precision and speed. His agility allowed him to outmaneuver his opponents, and his intelligence helped him spot weaknesses in the trials.
By the time the tests were over, Ezra stood among the few who had passed. The soldier from earlier gave him a nod of approval. "Not bad, rookie. You passed with flying colors."
Ezra felt a surge of pride, but the real challenge was yet to come. The chosen recruits were gathered in a chamber where Kael himself would grant them their potions.
The room was silent as Kael entered. He was a tall man with an aura of power that radiated from him. His eyes glowed faintly, and there was an intensity in his presence that made even the most hardened soldiers straighten up. Behind him stood his lieutenant, Mira, a mage of immense power, and the thirteen captains of his army. Among them was Hinata, though Ezra only noticed her out of the corner of his eye.
Kael addressed the recruits in a deep, resonant voice. "You have passed the trials. But strength alone is not enough. The potion you are about to receive will grant you power, but it will also test your limits. Only those with the will to control this power will rise. The rest will fall."
One by one, the recruits stepped forward to receive their potion. When it was Ezra's turn, Kael handed him a small vial filled with a shimmering liquid. Ezra hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should drink it. **"I already have my own power,"** he thought. **"Do I really need this?"**
But before he could decide, the grimoire's text appeared before him, glowing faintly. **Drink it. It will enhance your abilities and unlock new power. The potion will be converted into energy that you alone can wield. No connection to the Unbound.**
Ezra's eyes widened. The grimoire had never spoken so directly before, but its guidance had always been right. He nodded to himself and uncorked the vial, downing the potion in one swift motion.
The effects were immediate. His body surged with energy as the grimoire absorbed the potion, converting it into pure power. His vision blurred momentarily, and a wave of heat washed over him. When his senses returned, the grimoire's pages flipped open, revealing new stats and abilities.
**Fire Manipulation Unlocked.**
**Speed: Upgraded.**
**Strength: Upgraded.**
**Agility: Upgraded.**
**Durability: Upgraded.**
**Intelligence: Upgraded.**
**Energy Capacity: Unlocked.**
Ezra stared in awe as his status page shifted before his eyes. His physical and mental abilities had skyrocketed, and a new ability—fire manipulation—had been added alongside his weapon construction and other skills like poison nullification, pain resistance, and flash steps. He clenched his fists, feeling the raw power coursing through him.
As the recruits gathered, Kael addressed them again. "You have taken your first step toward true strength. But remember, power without discipline is dangerous. You are now soldiers of the Kael Army, and your loyalty and training will determine your place here."
He introduced his lieutenant, Mira, who radiated an aura of arcane energy, and then the captains. Ezra's eyes widened as he spotted Hinata among them. **"So, she wasn't just a regular soldier after all,"** he thought. **"She's a captain."**
As the meeting concluded and the recruits were dismissed to their respective quarters, Ezra found himself face-to-face with Hinata.
"Well, well," she said with a smirk. "Looks like you're in my squad now."
Ezra chuckled, though his mind was still reeling from everything that had happened. "I guess I didn't realize just how high up you were."
Hinata shrugged. "It's just a title. What matters is that we fight together, right?"
Ezra nodded. "Right. Let's get to work."
---
And so, Ezra's journey as soldier had begun. With new allies, new abilities, and a renewed sense of purpose, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
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*End of Chapter 6*
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