The energy core hummed softly as Ishizaki slid it into the makeshift generator at the back of the orphanage. The old machine sputtered to life, its whirring gears filling the silent room with noise. Moments later, pale light flickered across the walls, and a faint wave of warmth began to radiate through the air.
The kids stirred from their blankets, their eyes widening as they looked around.
"Is it real?" Hana whispered, her voice barely audible. She reached out a hand toward the nearest lightbulb, her small fingers trembling.
"It's real," Ishizaki said softly.
The room erupted into quiet cheers. Mei's thin frame was practically vibrating with excitement, and even Ryo—despite the harsh cough that racked his body—managed a smile.
Ishizaki tried to smile with them, but the weight in his chest refused to lift. The image of the guard crumpling to the ground still haunted him, playing on a loop in his mind. He knew he hadn't killed the man—Solus had assured him of that—but the memory of his own fist connecting with the guard's jaw wouldn't leave him.
"You hesitate," Solus said, breaking the silence in his mind.
Ishizaki glanced toward the corner of the room, where the shadows flickered against the walls. "What do you want now?" he muttered under his breath.
"Your guilt is a weakness," Solus replied. "It will hinder your progress."
Ishizaki's jaw tightened. "I didn't ask for progress. I didn't ask for any of this."
"And yet you accepted it," Solus said, its tone unchanging. "Do not mistake kindness for strength. Your ascension requires the abandonment of such illusions."
Ishizaki didn't respond. He turned his attention back to the generator, his hands tightening around the edge of the machine as if holding onto it could steady him.
The Overlord's Retaliation
By midday, the streets of the colony were in chaos.
Armed enforcers stormed through the narrow alleys, their voices sharp and cruel as they barked orders at the cowering citizens. The overlord's wrath was swift and merciless, and Ishizaki could feel it in the air like a storm rolling in.
He watched from the shadows as a group of enforcers dragged a man from his home, slamming him against the wall. The man protested, insisting he didn't know anything about the theft, but his cries fell on deaf ears.
"This is on you," Ishizaki thought bitterly, his hands curling into fists. "They're looking for me."
"Your actions have consequences," Solus said. "But dwelling on them serves no purpose. Prepare yourself for what comes next."
Ishizaki gritted his teeth and turned away, his heart pounding. He knew the orphanage wouldn't be safe for long. If the overlord's men didn't find what they were looking for, they'd keep tightening their grip until the whole colony suffocated under their boots.
Unlocking Power
Back in the orphanage, Ishizaki stood in the dimly lit room where the generator hummed softly. The kids were asleep in the other room, their small frames curled up under patched blankets. For the first time in weeks, their breathing was even, their faces peaceful.
"You must prepare," Solus said. "Your current strength is insufficient to face the challenges ahead."
"Don't start with me," Ishizaki muttered, rubbing his temples.
Solus ignored him. "Quantum cultivation operates on principles of incremental growth. Your body and mind must be honed to withstand the strain of higher-level enhancements."
Ishizaki sighed. "And how exactly do I do that?"
"Through training," Solus replied. "I will guide you."
Before Ishizaki could protest, a surge of energy coursed through his body, forcing him to his knees. His muscles burned, and his vision blurred as a strange sensation spread through his limbs—like fire and ice battling beneath his skin.
"This is the first stage," Solus explained. "Your body must adapt to the enhancements. The process will be painful, but it is necessary."
Ishizaki clenched his fists, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "You could've warned me," he spat.
"Warning breeds hesitation," Solus said. "You do not have the luxury of hesitation."
The pain subsided gradually, leaving Ishizaki trembling on the floor. He pushed himself up with shaking hands, his jaw tight. "Fine," he muttered. "If this is what it takes, let's get it over with."
Cliffhanger – A New Enemy
The next evening, as Ishizaki returned from a supply run, he felt it: the unmistakable sensation of being watched.
He slowed his pace, his eyes scanning the dark alleys and rooftops around him. The colony was quieter than usual, the tension in the air thick enough to choke on.
"Do not stop," Solus said. "Keep moving. You are being followed."
Ishizaki's heart raced as he rounded a corner, his hand brushing against the knife strapped to his belt. He didn't want to fight—not here, not now—but he couldn't afford to lead anyone back to the orphanage.
A figure stepped out of the shadows ahead of him, blocking his path.
"I've been looking for you," the man said, his voice low and rough. A jagged scar ran down the side of his face, and his eyes gleamed with a predatory hunger. "The overlord doesn't like thieves."
Ishizaki's breath caught in his throat. The man's stance was relaxed, but there was something dangerous about him—something that set Ishizaki's nerves on edge.
"Run," Solus said. "Or fight. Choose quickly."
The man took a step closer, his hand resting on the hilt of a blade strapped to his waist. Ishizaki's muscles tensed, and his mind raced.
There was no turning back now.