After finishing enough food to last three days, we sat back and talked for another two hours, sharing our experiences from the past month.
The conversation eventually shifted to skill cores.
I handed Steve three blue cores, keeping two for myself, and set aside the last two for North.
Steve refused the gold skill core, and since I had no plans to give it to North either, I was left with it.
Eventually, Steve stretched, yawned, and left for his room. Alone with my thoughts, I decided to shut them down immediately. I collapsed onto my bed at 11 PM and was out like a light.
****
I woke up at exactly 9 AM, eyes snapping open like I'd been hit with a jolt of electricity. I felt well-rested, energized, and ready to go.
The past month had been an endless loop of survival, blood, and exhaustion, so sleeping in an actual bed felt like a cheat code. But enough lazing around, I had things to do.
Kicking off the blanket, I jumped out of bed, stretched, cracked my neck and rushed into the bathroom. After finishing up I came out and it was time to get to work.
Step One: The Member Guide
I grabbed the booklet sitting on the table, flipping open the first page. There were twenty pages in total. Easy.
Rules? Basic stuff, don't start fights with comrades, respect higher-ups, use facilities appropriately, no sneaking out without permission etc etc.
Facilities? Oh, this was interesting. It described in detail all the facilities, how to use them, when to use them, and more.
Missions? Standard procedure, assignments came directly from the commander, and rankings were updated based on performance.
I sped through the rest of the guide in five minutes, absorbing every detail at lightning speed.
Done. Next task.
Step Two: Connecting to the Internal Server
I flipped open my laptop, the sleek interface lighting up instantly. A prompt appeared: "Connect to Unit 02 Internal Network?"
"Yes."
A security authentication popped up. I scanned my ID, and after a brief loading screen, the system welcomed me with a notification:
"Welcome, Billion Ironhart. Unit 02 Active Member."
I grinned. Now we were talking.
The internal network had everything: mission logs, squad rankings, training schedules, even a private forum where members could post.
I browsed through a few discussions of previous unit members. Most were serious talks about Abominations, skill growth, and combat strategies. A few, though, were just people complaining about commander Arkas.
I kept scrolling until I reached the curriculum section.
Step Three: Curriculum Breakdown
Foundational Training focused on building history, physical fitness, combat basics, teamwork, and discipline, ensuring a member had a strong core to build upon.
Specialized Development refined individual strengths, introduced advanced combat techniques, and let a member choose a focus area suited to their skills.
War Preparation was the final stage, where all members would go through intense battlefield simulations, strategic training, and real-world mission scenarios to make sure everyone was fully prepared for large-scale conflicts.
Finally, I moved to check my reports.
Step Four: Checking My Performance Reports
I navigated to the Profile Database of the Awakened and searched for my records.
First up: Command 01 Results.
Placement: 1st.
'Nice.'
I scrolled down.
Command 02 Results.
Placement: 1st.
I smirked.
'Damn right.'
But then I noticed a Feedback Section. Clicking on it, I found notes from Commander Arkas himself.
"Billion Ironhart :-
Performance : 8/10.
Strength and speed are exceptional. Efficiency in combat is beyond expectations.
However, there are areas to improve:
- Over reliance on brute force : You dominate through overwhelming power, but against smarter or unpredictable opponents, this could be exploited.
- Lack of adaptability in extended fights : You fight to finish quickly, which works well now. But against long-duration battles, you need better energy management and tactical shifts.
- Weapon integration needs improvement : Your raw power is undeniable, but you're relying too much on your body alone. A weapon will expand your combat versatility and efficiency."
I let out a slow breath.
"Fair points."
I did rely on my strength a lot, and I did aim to end fights as fast as possible. I never had a reason to think about energy conservation. And weapon? Yeah, that I was going to choose anyway.
I cracked my knuckles.
"Alright, Arkas. Challenge accepted."
I stood up and checked the time: 10 AM.
"Perfect. First, I'd absorb the skill cores, then find Steve, explore the compound, and meet up with North."
Leaving the living room, I went into my bedroom, picked up the skill cores and headed straight for the training room.
As soon as I stepped inside, the lights flickered on automatically, illuminating the 100x50 ft rectangular space. Clean, spacious, and mine.
A control panel stood in the right corner, so I switched it on. A tutorial popped up, running through all its functions. I skimmed through it, adjusted a few settings, and put on some light music.
Satisfied, I moved to the center of the room and sat down.
I steadied my breathing, my heart buzzing with anticipation. The thought of leveling up and evolving my skills sent a rush of energy through me.
I had two blue skill cores and three skills to choose from, but the decision wasn't difficult.
For now, I focused on leveling up rather than overcomplicating things.
I chose [Essence Manipulation] and [Psynapse Boost].
[Seismic Burst], on the other hand, needed more time. The stronger my body and Essence control, the stronger that skill would become, so I decided to hold off on it for now.
Gripping both blue skill cores tightly, I prepared to absorb them.
I had experimented with the skill cores when I first got them, curious about how they worked. But in the end, the process turned out to be surprisingly simple.
I opened my status panel and spoke aloud.
"Initiate Skill Core Absorption."
The System responded instantly.
[Initiating Skill Core Absorption…]
The two blue cores in my hands cracked apart, dissolving into shimmering particles. Before I could react, they surged toward my glabella, rushing in like a stream of pure energy.
[Absorption Successful]
[2 Skill points gained]
[Status]
----------------------------------------------
Name : Billion Ironhart
Race : Human
Class : N/A
Laws : N/A
Level : 25
Talent :
- Generator 3
- Essence : 0/20
Attributes :
- Strength: 66
- Constitution: 86
- Dexterity: 66
- Psynapse : 90
Unused Stats: 0
Skill Points: 2
Skills:
- Essence Manipulation (Innate) Level 3 +
- Psynapse Boost (Innate) Level 3 +
- Seismic Burst Level 2 +
Abilities:
- Apex Body – I (Passive)
----------------------------------------------
I checked my status panel immediately, eager to see the changes.
Two new skill points had appeared, and all my skills now had a faint + symbol next to them, signaling they were ready for an upgrade.
Without hesitation, I focused on [Essence Manipulation] and mentally selected the +.
The moment I did, a flood of information rushed into my mind. My vision blurred for a split second, then, clarity.
It wasn't just knowledge; it was instinct. My understanding of Essence deepened, refining how I could perceive, control, and shape it.
The panel now displayed Essence Manipulation – Level 4.
I exhaled and muttered.
"Well, that was easy."
Without wasting time, I did the same for [Psynapse Boost].
The process repeated itself, another surge of information, another sharp clarity settling into my mind.
I decided to test the upgraded effects of the skills later.
For now, my attention shifted to the golden core in my hand.
That one required some serious thought.
I rolled the golden core between my fingers, my mind racing through the options.
Unlike leveling up, evolving a skill meant a fundamental shift in its nature, an upgrade beyond just numbers.
[Essence Manipulation]? It was my foundation for controlling Essence.
[Psynapse Boost]? More speed, sharper reflexes, but was it worth evolving over control?
[Seismic Burst]? It had raw power, but I hadn't even mastered its base form yet.
I exhaled.
I needed to pick the skill that would push me the furthest, the fastest.