After coming out of UTC, Ibnor went to look for the training facility recommended by his brother, Khaleed. Arriving at the training centre, he was greeted by one of the staff on duty there.
"Welcome to Universal Training Facility or UTF in short. What can I help you with?" asked the staff.
"I'm a first year student. Can you give me a little introduction regarding the training facility?" replied Ibnor.
"Sure. This training facility centre is owned by Universal Group, as one of its business chains. We offer a variety of programs or exercises to suit our customer needs. The programs themselves are divided into a few categories, which is the ability enhancement or regular fitness. The ability enhancement is our main focus and can be divided into two focus, which is Energy Focus or Physical Focus," the staff said while smiling.
"Tell me more about ability enhancement," said Ibnor.
"There are few training rooms which are designed for your needs. For example, if you are an Energy Major, you might be interested in the Void Room, which will cut off your sense of Mana and make them sluggish. Training in the Void Room can increase and improve your control of Mana. The fee for the Void Room is 100 AP per hour. On the other hand, if you are a Physical Major, the Simulation Room may interest you more. The Simulation Room will generate opponents for you to battle. You can increase and improve your combat capabilities with the Simulation Room. It will aso cost you 100 AP per hour,"
"Is there any level restriction on the training rooms?" asked Ibnor.
"No, but they indeed have risk despite having control settings. If you set the difficulties above your capabilities, it might cause you more harm than good. Usually, for beginners, we would recommend the Gravity Room," said the staff smiling.
"Gravity room?"
"Yes, the Gravity Room will cost you 200 AP per hour. Despite its higher cost, it's relatively safer than the two rooms mentioned earlier. Also, in the Gravity Room, you can decide to train either your energy or your physical. As you set the gravity level, you can overcome the pressure using either your energy or physical prowess," said the staff.
"Alright, I'll take the Gravity Room," said Ibnor.
"With pleasure. Please follow me," said the staff leading Ibnor deeper into the training facility. Reaching a room at the end, the staff gesture to Ibnor.
"We have arrived. Once you are inside, please slot in your SD into the terminal. It will show you the time you have been inside and automatically deduct the fee. If your AP is insufficient, the room will stop your training and open the door for you. Please be advised, that once you enter the room and slot in your SD into the terminal, it indicates that you are aware of the risk you are taking, and any accident that may happen is your own responsibility. Set into the room if you agree."
Ibnor stepped into the room after nodding to the staff. Once inside, he slotted in his SD on the terminal near the door and began to set the gravity to double the normal. Once the effect set in, he began to feel the pressure limiting his movement. Even standing straight took him great efforts. He decided to train his physical abilities first and begin the regular body strengthening exercises. Within one hour, he starts to adjust to the pressure and normal movement such as running and walking become easier.
When he no longer can withstand the pressure with only his physical strength, he begins to circulate his Mana boosting his movements and keeps on training. The Gravity Room actually suits him as he is a Dual Major and he can keep training both of his physical and energy. After training for a total of five hours, he left the UTF and returned to the dorm. After what he considered as a good training exercise, he went to shower.
As he walked out of the shower, Edison came into their room. He looked terribly exhausted. Not even the entrance test did he seem this exhausted. Disregarding everything, he plopped into the bed.
"What are you doing?" asked Ibnor.
"What does it look like? I'm dead tired and I really need to sleep. Please wake me up tomorrow," Edison replied weakly, almost mumbling.
"Bad idea," said Ibnor. After putting on his pants, he lifted Edison into a sitting position.
"What are you trying to do?" asked Edison. He is so tired that he doesn't have the energy to resist.
"When you are exhausted, that is the best time to meditate. Come on, meditate now and I promise you that you will feel much better tomorrow," said Ibnor.
"Wha..? Fine," Edison agreed, not wanting to waste his leftover energy to argue.
"What grade is your Meditation Technique?" asked Ibnor.
"Grade 6," Edison replied absent mindedly.
"I'll teach you a better one," said Ibnor, positioning himself behind Edison. Putting both of his palms behind Edison's back he begins to circulate his energy. "Follow my lead."
Edison was in the state of half asleep only to give a weak acknowledgement and start to meditate according to Ibnor's lead. After making sure Edison is running the energy on the path he had shown, he stops guiding the Energy. After a full circle, Ibnor left Edison and returned to his own bed, meditating on his own.
The next morning, Edison's voice awoke him from his meditation.
"Wow! I never felt this energetic before. After a night of meditation, it feels like I'm close to raising my level," Edison said happily. "What is the grade of the meditation you taught me?"
"Grade 10," said Ibnor, smiling.
"Gra.. Grade 10?" Edison was shocked. "Tell me you are joking."
"The Meditation was graded with how many gates they pass. Run them again and tell me how many they pass," said Ibnor. Edison immediately runs the Meditation Techniques again and his discovery shocks him.
"It's.. It's really a Grade 10," he said, stammering. "Unbelievable… That was a Grade 10 Meditation Technique! Grade 10! The highest grade a Meditation can get. Not some cabbages people sell on the market. And you just passed them to me? Just like that?"
"What's wrong with that? We have been through a life death battle together and that makes us brothers. It's nothing to worry about," said Ibnor nonchalantly.
"What's wrong? It was a grade 10! No, this won't do.. I'll.. I'll pay you." said Edison.
"There's no need, don't worry about it,"
"No, you have given me something I never thought I could get. If there is one thing in my life that I'm unable to stand, that is owning another. And if you consider me your brother, do not deny me, my principle," said Edison seriously.
"Fine.. pay me back when you can," said Ibnor.
He knows there is no way Edison is going to back down. After settling everything needed, both of them went to class. As usual, after the class, Ibnor returned to the dorm while Edison disappeared, working.
Later that night, Edison returned to the dorm. He looks gloomy, stressed even. Ibnor took one look at him briefly before continuing refining liquid with his LabKit. From the corner of his eyes, he can see that Edison seemed to want to talk to him but in the end did not. It happened several times that he no longer can ignore it as it was distracting him.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked, suddenly turning towards Edison.
"Nothing.." said Edison hesitating. He was reluctant to speak his mind.
"Fine.. Whatever," said Ibnor while turning back to his LabKit.
"Wait.." Edison hastily called.
"What?"
"Regarding the payment for the Grate 10 Meditation Technique.." said Edison, still hesitating.
"Yes?"
"I went to the Trading Centre today and came to learn about its price. It.. It may take a while, but I'll definitely pay you. I can even pay in installments if you allow me," said Edison. His tone is serious but when Ibnor heard it, he wanted to laugh but controlled himself.
"That's it? That's what worries you? There is no need for any payment. Just.."
"What is it?"
"Help me with one thing."
"I appreciate your kindness to me. I will remember it for the rest of my life. If there is anything that I can help you with, I won't even hesitate. But, this is a Grade 10 Meditation Technique. It basically can change my life and future forever. I just can't take it for nothing." Edison explained.
"If that's what you think, then don't worry. What I'm asking you to do will be equivalent. If you agree to it, it will also be a turning point in my life, possibly changing my future. It is so dangerous that you may lose your life."
"Since you're putting it that way, then I'll agree. What is it that you wanted my help with?"
"I will break through to level 50 soon. I need your help in hunting for a Core," said Ibnor.
This is the first time he reveals his level to anyone ever since coming to Avalon Academy. Hearing that, Edison blinked his eyes. He thought that he had trouble with his hearings.
"Can you say that again?" said Edison.
"I need your help to hunt Core."
"No.. Before that."
"I will be breaking through?"
"To level 50?"
"Yes."
"Wait.. You mean you haven't reached level 50?" Edison just realized how absurd it sounds.
"Yes." Again, a short answer.
"He had a Grade 10 Meditation Technique but still hasn't reached level 50?" Edison thought. He was in a state of disbelief. "How horrible is his talent?"
He is now determined to help Ibnor, who is kind enough to help him, despite having a 'poor' talent.
"Of course I will help you. Once you break through to level 50, I will join the hunt for the Core. Keep working hard!" said Edison, feeling determined. After giving Ibnor some encouragement, he went to take a shower. When he returned, he saw Ibnor meditating silently. Traces of pity can be seen in his eyes.
"He trains diligently every day and night. But even with Grade 10 Meditation Technique, he still hasn't reached level 50. Such a slow speed. Maybe he is really untalented. No wonder his brother is so nice to him. His family must pity him. But they look nothing alike… Maybe he is adopted?" Edison sighs. "I will do whatever I can to help him."
Ibnor is still silently meditating, unaware of Edison's thoughts. Without both of them knowing, that night is the turning point of their lives.