"Thump" "thump"
Kenos's door creaked open.
"Who's there?" Kenos asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Lexi," a familiar voice replied. "Captain's treating us to dinner. Come on."
Kenos swung his legs over the side of the bed.
"Coming," he said, standing up and stretching.
Lexi's voice carried a hint of excitement.
"Hurry up, Kenos. The captain's got something important to discuss."
Kenos's curiosity piqued.
He quickly splashed water on his face and joined Lexi in the hallway.
Mael waited beside her, his expression unreadable.
"What's this about?" Kenos asked.
Lexi shrugged.
"No idea."
The trio headed toward the hotel's dining area.
The warm glow of the hotel's dining area enveloped the group as they gathered around a large, polished wooden table. Soft music drifted through the air, mingling with the savory aromas wafting from the kitchen.
Lexi, Mael, and Kenos settled into their seats, surrounded by elegant decor. Captain Thrain, a seasoned veteran with a commanding presence, sat at front.
"Tonight, we feast!" Captain Thrain declared, his eyes twinkling. "Order whatever you desire, courtesy of our generous patron."
The group perused the menus, adorned with intricate illustrations of exotic dishes. Lexi opted for the Pan-Seared Celestial Fish, while Mael chose the Starlight Beef Stew. Kenos, intrigued by the captain's enthusiasm, selected the Dragon's Breath Chicken.
As they waited for their meals, the conversation flowed easily. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air, momentarily pushing aside the shadows of their dangerous profession.
The dining area's large windows offered a breathtaking view of the city's twinkling lights, with the majestic spire of the ancient Astral Tower piercing the night sky.
Their orders arrived, and the group dug in, savoring the exquisite flavors. Kenos's Dragon's Breath Chicken exploded with spicy delight, while Lexi's fish melted in her mouth.
Just as they were enjoying their meals.
Captain Thrain's voice boomed through the room, his eyes shining with excitement.
"Tomorrow, we'll complete our quest by delivering the Cosmic Crystal! As you all know, I've reached Ember (SE-3), and Cormac has achieved Glow (SE-2). After that, we'll head to Central City!"
The group erupted into cheers and applause, congratulating their captain and Cormac on their remarkable achievements.
Lexi patted Cormac on the back. "Well done, Cormac! You've worked hard for this."
Cormac grinned, his face flushing. "Thanks, Lexi! Couldn't have done it without the team."
As the celebration continued, Mael turned to Kenos with a mischievous grin.
"Hey Kenos, want to join me for a drink?"
Kenos hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I'm 14."
Mael's eyebrows shot up. "Huh? You don't look that young. You're tiny, but you've got an old soul."
Lexi chimed in, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "If Captain Thrain were married, he'd have a child around your age, Kenos."
The group chuckled, and Kenos's face warmed.
Mael's curiosity took over. "So, Kenos, how did you reach Spark? That's impressive, especially at your age."
Kenos launched into a fabricated story, trying to sound convincing.
"I was in Morgan's City, exploring the outskirts. I stumbled upon this mysterious skill... and it just clicked. I cultivated, and the next thing I knew, I was an Ascender."
Mael listened intently, his eyes narrowing slightly. Kenos worried he'd raised suspicions.
However, Mael said nothing, and the others remained enthralled.
One of the team members whistled. "You're talented, Kenos. Becoming an Ascender on your own? That's rare."
Kenos smiled humbly, relieved.
As the night wore on, the group continued to celebrate, sharing stories and laughter.
But beneath the surface, Kenos wondered.
As they finished their meal, the warm glow of the dining area's lanterns cast a relaxed ambiance. However, Mael's suggestion suddenly shifted the atmosphere.
"Why not assess Kenos's combat ability?" Mael proposed, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "It's crucial to know before our mission."
Axel, a burly team member with a scar above his left eyebrow, nodded vigorously. "Good idea, Mael. We should gauge Kenos's skills."
Captain Thrain's interest was piqued. "Cormac, why not you try?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of challenge.
Cormac raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Do you want me to bully a kid, Captain?" he asked, his tone tinged with amusement.
Mael intervened, his smile quick and easy. "No, I suggested it, so I'll spar with him. We're in the same realm, after all."
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Kenos. The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation, and Kenos felt his heart rate quicken. He couldn't decline, not with everyone watching him with ablaze eyes.
"I'll be in your care," Kenos said, trying to sound confident despite the butterflies in his stomach.
The group rose from their seats, their movements fluid and purposeful. They filed downstairs to the hotel's spacious basement, converted into a makeshift training area.
As they reached the center of the room, Mael turned to Kenos. "Let's begin. I'll hold back, but don't expect mercy."
Lexi whispered, her voice barely audible, "Don't worry, Kenos. Show them what you've got."
Captain Thrain observed, his eyes narrowed, "This will be enlightening. Let's see what our young Ascender is capable of."
Cormac crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "I'll be watching closely."
The air thickened with tension, the silence palpable.
Kenos steeled himself, his heart pounding.
Kenos and Mael faced off in the training area, their eyes locked in a fierce stare. The air hummed with anticipation as they began their spar.
Kenos focused, channeling his cosmic energy. His Short-Shadow Sword gleamed, its presence humming with power. Mael, seasoned and confident, charged forward.
Their clash was intense. Mael's experience gave him the upper hand, and Kenos struggled to keep pace. Kenos's movements were swift, but Mael's precision and control allowed him to dodge and counterattack.
Cormac whistled. "Mael's got this!"
Lexi analyzed, "Kenos's technique is raw, but he's adapting quickly."
Captain Thrain observed, his eyes narrowed. "Mael's pushing him hard."
The group watched, enthralled, as Kenos stumbled back. Suddenly, he recalled the Short-Shadow Sword's true potential. He concentrated, attempting to unleash its three-movement technique.
Mael sensed the shift in Kenos's energy. "What's he—"
Thrain's eyes snapped to Kenos, his expression alert. 'Danger!'
With lightning speed, Thrain intervened, grasping Kenos's shoulder. "Let's finish it here."
The sudden halt left everyone stunned.
Thrain's gaze bored into Kenos, curiosity burning within.
"Aw, it was getting fun!" Axel exclaimed.
"Yeah, just when it was getting good!" Cormac added.
Thrain's firm tone cut through the chatter. "It's enough."
As the group began to disperse, Lexi approached Kenos, a smile on her face. "You were impressive."
Kenos shook his head, frustration etched on his features. "I'm still lacking."
Mael clapped Kenos's back. "Don't worry, kid. You've got potential."
Cormac nodded. "Yeah, and you're not bad for a fourteen-year-old."
Captain Thrain's eyes never left Kenos.
As the group dispersed, Kenos felt a mix of emotions: frustration, gratitude, and determination.