As Kael stepped through the door of his home, the familiar scents of dinner wafted through the air, instantly making him feel at ease. He could hear the rhythmic sounds of pots and pans clanging, and a soft voice humming a tune.
His sister, Lira, was in the kitchen, her hair tied up in a messy bun, a focused look on her face as she stirred a pot of bubbling stew.
"Brother! You're already home?" she exclaimed, turning around with a smile that lit up her face. "How did it go?"
Kael took a deep breath, feeling a wave of pride swell within him. "I passed the assessment and got my A-Level badge," he said, a grin breaking across his features.
Lira's eyes sparkled with excitement as she rushed over to give him a quick hug. "That's amazing! I knew you could do it!"
They sat down to eat, sharing stories and laughter over a hearty meal.
The stew was warm and flavorful, a perfect representation of the comfort of home.
Lira teased Kael about his newfound popularity, and they both laughed about the array of business cards he had collected.
After dinner, Kael made his way to his room, feeling both content and contemplative.
He lay on his back, the familiar creak of the bed beneath him grounding him as he skimmed through the cards he had gathered.
As he looked at the guild business cards, he pondered the implications of joining a guild.
He realized that once he committed, he would be bound to them, losing some of his freedom and autonomy.
His gaze shifted to the mercenary card given to him by the burly man.
It stood out among the rest—a rugged design that seemed to whisper promises of adventure and independence.
As Kael lay on his bed, he focused his attention on the mercenary card given to him by the burly man. The card felt sturdy in his hand, and he turned it over, reading the details printed on it.
The card displayed a bold heading: "Base of Operations: Passion City, Neon Haven Country."
Kael's brow furrowed in thought. "Aren't that the capital city of Neon Haven?" he mused, recalling snippets of conversations he had overheard. Passion City was known for its bustling markets and vibrant culture, a place where opportunities flourished.
The allure of joining a mercenary group based in such a lively city intrigued him.
After pondering the implications of this new information, Kael felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Sighing softly, he decided it was time to put the cards away for the night. He gently placed the mercenary card and the guild cards back into his drawer, feeling the weight of the decisions ahead.
He decided to turn on his Intergalactic Integration System (IIS) watch.
As the watch activated, a holographic screen flickered to life in front of him. Kael began to search for training facilities.
He scrolled through various listings, the bright display showing different options, each promising unique training experiences.
Suddenly, one listing caught his eye: "Elite Training Facility - 286 km Away".
Feeling a surge of excitement, Kael decided, "I'll check it out tomorrow."
It seemed like the perfect opportunity to enhance his skills and learn more about his options, whether in a guild or as a mercenary.
And he decide to sleep.
As the morning sun streamed through his window, Kael awoke with renewed energy. He quickly prepared himself for the day, excitement bubbling within him about the training facility he planned to visit. But first, he decided to explore the vibrant bustling market of Neo Requiem City.
The market was alive with activity, filled with the sounds of merchants calling out and the enticing aromas of various foods wafting through the air. Kael took in the sights, glancing from side to side.
Armory Shops: Displaying an array of weapons and armor, each piece gleaming under the sunlight. Gun Shops: The latest models of energy weapons caught his eye, each promising power and precision. Monster Carcass Shop: A curious sight, where various parts of defeated monsters were displayed for sale. Monster Gene Shop: Intriguing options for those looking to enhance their abilities through genetic modifications. Monster Pet Shop: Adorable creatures were on display, each more fascinating than the last.
Finally, Kael arrived at a Supply Shop, where he found everything he needed for his upcoming training.
He browsed through the shelves and picked up several essential items:
Energy Refilling Drinks: To keep his stamina high during training. Elemental Stones: Useful for various training exercises and enhancing his skills.
Once he gathered everything he needed, he proceeded to the checkout.
Using his IIS watch, he quickly paid for the supplies. Credit Balance: After the transaction, Kael checked his balance: 120,000 UC had dropped to 70,000 UC.
As Kael stepped out of the supply shop, his mind was already set on his training session. He made his way towards the spaceship transportation terminal, the familiar hustle and bustle of Neo Requiem City surrounding him like a comforting blanket. After living here for nearly 20 years, the sights and sounds felt like home.
Upon arriving, Kael approached the massive terminal, its towering structure a constant in his life.
The huge elevators, which whisked passengers up to various docking levels, were a common sight that he had grown accustomed to over the years.
Once he reached the top level, he navigated through the crowds, recognizing the faces of fellow travelers and merchants.
Kael quickly paid for his ticket to the next terminal, feeling an anticipatory thrill for the training ahead.
He glanced around, observing the familiar yet ever-changing atmosphere filled with travelers from all corners of the galaxy.
After receiving his ticket, Kael made his way to the boarding area, feeling a sense of routine in the process.
He settled into a seat and waited for the ship to be ready for departure, mentally preparing for his training.
As the countdown began, Kael looked out the window, a sense of contentment washing over him.
The view was as familiar as ever. The city was alive with activity, showcasing towering skyscrapers that had been part of his daily life, shimmering in the sunlight.
Buildings stretched as far as the eye could see, a testament to the city's vibrant life and energy that he had grown to appreciate over the years.
With a gentle lunch, the spaceship began to move, and Kael felt the thrill of adventure wash over him as they ascended into the sky.
He watched as Neo Requiem City gradually shrank beneath him
After five minutes of traveling above the sky, the spaceship began its slow descent toward the next terminal, which was still part of Neo Requiem City. The city was so vast that it seemed to stretch endlessly, with numerous terminals scattered throughout its expanse.
The ship glided down smoothly, and Kael could see the sprawling landscape of high-rise buildings and bustling streets below.
As the spaceship came to a halt, Kael gathered his belongings and prepared to exit.
He stepped off the ship and onto the platform of the terminal, quickly scanning his surroundings.
The new terminal looked remarkably similar to the one he had just left, showcasing the characteristic vibrancy of Neo Requiem.
With towering buildings looming all around him, Kael navigated through the throngs of people, expertly weaving his way through the busy environment he had grown accustomed to over the years.
After a short walk through the terminal, Kael followed the signs leading to the training facility, which was also located within the sprawling expanse of Neo Requiem City.
As he arrived, the Radiant Training Facility stood out with its futuristic architecture—sleek glass walls, neon lights, and holographic displays showcasing the latest training techniques.The entrance was adorned with digital banners celebrating achievements and upcoming events, creating an exciting atmosphere.
Inside, the facility was alive with energy. Young trainees filled the expansive training grounds, practicing various combat styles and honing their skills.
The sounds of laughter, focused shouts, and the clash of training weapons echoed through the air, creating an exhilarating ambiance.
With a deep breath, Kael felt a surge of determination. This was his chance to enhance his skills and prepare for whatever challenges lay ahead.