Chapter 6: First Upgrade
The Ironclad Military Academy's morning announcement echoed through the dormitories, dragging Ethan out of a restless sleep.
"Attention all cadets: The annual mock combat tournament will commence this afternoon. Prepare accordingly."
Ethan rubbed his eyes, groaning as he sat up. The tournament wasn't optional, and while the thought of competing didn't bother him as much as it once might have, he knew the spotlight was the last thing he needed right now.
As he swung his legs over the edge of the bed, the familiar interface of the Super Soldier System flickered to life in his mind.
---
Daily Challenges Completed: +50 XP
XP Threshold Reached. Upgrade Available.
---
The words jolted him awake.
Upgrade Options:
1. Combat Instinct: Grants precognitive reflexes, allowing you to anticipate enemy movements in battle.
2. Tactical Vision: Enhances battlefield awareness, enabling identification of threats and weak points.
3. Adrenaline Surge: Temporarily boosts physical capabilities during combat.
Ethan didn't hesitate.
"I'll take Combat Instinct," he murmured under his breath, hoping his bunkmates wouldn't notice him talking to himself.
The system responded immediately, and a strange sensation washed over him. It was as though a layer of fog had lifted from his mind, leaving behind a sharp, almost unnatural clarity. He clenched and unclenched his fists, feeling the subtle difference in how his body responded to his thoughts—faster, smoother, more precise.
---
Upgrade Complete: Combat Instinct Unlocked.
Description: Reflexes enhanced to precognitive levels, enabling split-second prediction of enemy movements.**
---
Ethan didn't have time to dwell on the new ability. The tournament would start in a few hours, and if he was going to use his newfound skills effectively, he needed to get a feel for them.
---
The training field buzzed with activity as cadets warmed up and instructors oversaw preparations. The mock combat tournament was one of the academy's most prestigious events, offering cadets a chance to demonstrate their skills in front of commanding officers and earn coveted commendations.
Ethan stood on the edge of the field, rolling his shoulders and scanning the competition. He spotted Logan Steele at the far end, surrounded by a group of cadets who hung on his every word. Logan's eyes flicked to Ethan for a brief moment, and his scowl deepened.
"Cadet Cross," came a voice behind him.
Ethan turned to see Sergeant Mathers, clipboard in hand.
"Let's see if you can back up last week's performance," Mathers said, his tone as unreadable as ever. "Your squad's depending on you."
Ethan nodded. "Yes, sir."
---
The tournament was divided into individual and team rounds, with each cadet's performance scored by a panel of instructors. The first round was a free-for-all, with cadets competing in pairs to eliminate one another from the bracket.
Ethan's first opponent was Jared, Logan's closest ally. The match began with the shrill whistle of an instructor, and Jared wasted no time closing the distance, his stance aggressive.
Ethan didn't move.
Instead, his mind seemed to slow, his new ability kicking in. Jared's movements felt telegraphed, his punches and kicks almost laughably predictable. Ethan sidestepped a jab, ducked under a wild hook, and delivered a calculated strike to Jared's midsection, sending him sprawling.
The match was over in less than a minute.
The crowd murmured as Jared was helped off the mat. Ethan could feel their eyes on him, a mix of awe and suspicion.
---
The subsequent rounds followed a similar pattern. Opponents came at him with everything they had, but Ethan's Combat Instinct allowed him to read their attacks before they even committed to them. He moved with a fluidity that felt alien yet natural, countering with precision and efficiency.
By the time the individual rounds ended, Ethan had secured a spot in the finals.
---
The final match pitted Ethan against Logan. The announcement alone sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd; everyone wanted to see the academy's top cadet face off against its rising underdog.
Logan stepped onto the mat, his expression cold and focused.
"This should be fun," Logan said, his voice low enough that only Ethan could hear. "Let's see if your sudden improvement is real or just luck."
The whistle blew, and Logan launched into an aggressive offensive. He was faster and stronger than any of Ethan's previous opponents, and for a moment, Ethan struggled to keep up.
But then the system kicked in.
Logan's attacks began to slow—not literally, but in the way Ethan perceived them. A high kick was coming to his left; Ethan sidestepped and countered with a quick jab. A feint to the right? He anticipated it, slipping behind Logan and landing a strike to his shoulder.
The crowd roared as the two cadets traded blows, the intensity of the match far surpassing anything that had come before.
Logan's frustration was palpable. No matter how unpredictable he tried to be, Ethan was always a step ahead.
"You're hiding something," Logan growled, his voice barely audible over the cheers. "I don't know what it is, but I'll find out."
Ethan didn't respond. He couldn't afford to lose focus, not when Logan was still dangerous.
The match ended with Ethan landing a decisive blow that sent Logan to the mat. The crowd erupted into applause, and Ethan stood there, breathing hard but victorious.
---
"Winner: Cadet Cross," Sergeant Mathers announced, his voice carrying over the din.
As Ethan stepped off the mat, he caught the approving nods of several instructors. For the first time, he felt like he truly belonged at the academy.
But the victory came with a cost.
Logan's glare was ice-cold, his jaw clenched as he pushed himself to his feet. Ethan knew that whatever suspicions Logan had before, they had just been amplified tenfold.
---
That night, Ethan sat alone in his bunk, staring at the system's interface.
---
Quest Completed: Win the Mock Combat Tournament
Reward: +100 XP and Advanced Tactical Vision Module Unlocked.
---
The victory felt hollow. As much as he wanted to celebrate his progress, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was painting a target on his back.
Lila's voice echoed in his mind. "Someone is watching you."
Ethan knew she was right. And as he drifted off to sleep, one thought consumed him: He had to get stronger—fast. Because the enemies he faced now were nothing compared to the ones lurking in the shadows of the academy.