Chapter 16: A Vacation of Growth and Surprise
The announcement of a three-week vacation spread excitement across the campus. Students buzzed with plans to rest, train, or visit family. Caleb, however, saw it as the perfect opportunity to cultivate the SSS-rank essence gem and strengthen himself for the challenges ahead.
Cultivation and Leveling Up
Back at home, Caleb retreated to his room with the shimmering SSS-rank essence gem in hand. He placed it on the ground, its radiant glow illuminating the space. Taking a deep breath, he activated the system.
[System Alert: SSS-rank essence gem detected. Begin cultivation? Y/N]
"Yes," Caleb whispered.
The gem dissolved into a brilliant stream of energy, swirling around him before being absorbed into his body. Heat surged through his veins as the system began to calculate the results.
[Experience Points Received: 50,000]
[Level Up: +5 Levels]
Current Rank: Mid-B
Updated Stats:
Strength: 130
Agility: 120
Defense: 110
Mana: 140
Intelligence: 115
Caleb clenched his fists, feeling the newfound power coursing through him. The essence gem had significantly enhanced his abilities, but he knew there was still room for improvement.
Determined to push himself further, Caleb ventured into nine different gates during the vacation, each progressively more difficult.
Gate 1: E-Rank
The gate was filled with horned rabbits, small but swift creatures. Caleb used basic dagger techniques and quick reflexes to dispatch them.
Gate 2: D-Rank
Inside this gate, Caleb faced shadow wolves. They were faster and coordinated in packs. He relied on his newly acquired Shadow Claw skill to tear through their ranks.
Gate 3: Mid-D-Rank
A pack of venomous serpents awaited Caleb. Their poison-filled fangs were lethal, but Caleb's agility and the Shadow Step skill allowed him to evade their strikes and attack from mid-air.
Gate 4: High-D-Rank
Caleb encountered stone golems, their massive frames resistant to normal attacks. He used his Phantom Slice passive skill to exploit their weak points, shattering their cores.
Gate 5: Low-C-Rank
This gate introduced flame hounds. Their fiery breath attacks were devastating, but Caleb countered with his God Gaze, exploiting their fear and finishing them off with precise dagger strikes.
Gate 6: Mid-C-Rank
Flying wyverns dominated the skies in this gate. Caleb combined Shadow Step and Shadow Claw, leaping into the air to slash their wings and bring them crashing down.
Gate 7: High-C-Rank
Caleb faced frost giants, who froze the environment around them. Using quick footwork and the Phantom Slice, he avoided their attacks and chipped away at their icy armor until they fell.
Gate 8: Low-B-Rank
The eighth gate was a test of endurance, filled with spectral knights wielding cursed swords. Caleb used coordinated attacks with his dark wolf, relying on their bond to overpower the spectral foes.
Gate 9: Mid-B-Rank
The final gate challenged Caleb with a thunder wyvern, its electric attacks devastating. Caleb combined his skills to create a chain of aerial strikes, finally piercing its heart with his Voidfang Daggers.
By the end of the nine gates, Caleb had grown stronger, his confidence bolstered by the challenges he had overcome.
On the last day of the vacation, Caleb's parents watched him prepare to leave the house, his father's only suit in hand.
"Why are you borrowing my suit?" his dad asked, raising an eyebrow.
Caleb adjusted the jacket. "I'm going out for a meal with a friend."
His mother smirked knowingly. "A boy or a girl?"
"A girl," Caleb admitted, his cheeks flushing slightly.
His parents exchanged glances, their smiles widening. "Go on time," his mother said, patting his shoulder. "And be a gentleman."
The cheap restaurant Caleb had chosen was cozy and unassuming, perfect for avoiding attention. As he waited at the entrance, Kayla arrived, dressed in a slim black gown that accentuated her figure.
Caleb blinked, momentarily stunned. "I never knew you were this beautiful without your battle uniform."
Kayla smirked, a faint blush on her cheeks. "You're not so bad yourself. That suit suits you."
They entered the restaurant, choosing a quiet corner table. Caleb was about to sit when a familiar voice called out.
"Caleb?"
He turned to see Mira, wearing a waitress uniform and holding a tray of dishes. Her expression was a mix of surprise and confusion.
"Mira? You work here?" Caleb asked.
"Yes," she said curtly. "Part-time."
"How have you been since the holiday started?" Caleb asked politely.
"Fine," she replied, her tone cold. "Enjoy your meal."
As she walked away, Caleb could feel her eyes lingering on them. He sighed inwardly, sensing her jealousy.
Kayla leaned forward. "What's her deal?"
"It's... complicated she was kind of my child hood friend," Caleb said, shaking his head.
They placed their orders and began chatting, sharing stories about their pasts. Kayla opened up about her family, revealing the immense pressure of being the daughter of two high-ranking hunters.
"It's exhausting," she admitted. "Everyone expects me to be perfect, to live up to their legacy it makes me feel what about me when everyone is on about my family."
Caleb nodded sympathetically. "I can't relate to that, but I understand pressure. My parents sacrificed everything to send me to Awakeners Academy. I have to make it worth their while."
Kayla smiled softly. "You're doing more than enough, Caleb."
As they ate, Mira watched from a distance, her hands tightening into fists. Seeing them laugh and talk so freely made her chest ache with a mix of anger and sadness.
After finishing their meal, Caleb and Kayla left the restaurant, the cool night air refreshing after the warm interior.
"Thanks for the dinner," Kayla said, her eyes glinting playfully.
"Thanks for coming," Caleb replied. "I had a great time."
They walked back to the teleportation station together, the quiet of the night settling around them. Caleb couldn't shake the feeling that this night was special, a memory he'd cherish as he prepared for the challenges ahead.
As they parted ways, Kayla smiled. "See you back at school."
Caleb nodded. "Yeah. See you."
And with that, the three-week vacation came to an end, marking the beginning of a new journey in their lives