*Click*
After thoroughly scrubbing himself clean from head to toe three times, Leo stepped out of the bathroom in a fresh pair of Sector C robes, with his hair still damp.
He walked into his apartment's kitchen, where Raven, Captain Kid, and Raya were waiting around the table, and to his surprise, as he approached them, he noticed Raya biting her lip slightly.
It lasted for only a fraction of a second, but in that brief moment, the lust in her eyes was unmistakable before she quickly concealed it. However, Leo had caught the flicker of longing clearly.
'Why?' he wondered, as although his body had been cleansed of impurities, and though his muscle composition might have improved internally, there wasn't a drastic external change.
He had been in excellent shape even before his realm enhancement, and after a thorough cleanse, his appearance seemed largely the same.
So he failed to understand why Raya, someone who had seen him previously and had shown apathy to him back when they first met, was suddenly interested in him now?
But while Leo focused solely on his physical aesthetics, he overlooked something far more significant—his aura.
After becoming a master, his entire presence and charisma had shifted, and though he remained unaware of it, the opposite gender certainly noticed.
"Greetings Captain–" Leo said, extending his hand, as he tried to apologize for not shaking it before when he offered.
"Greetings Mister Skyshard, I hope you feel refreshed after that bath" Kid said, making small talk, as he did not directly rush into the topic he was here for.
"Yes… I smell like lavender, which is quite lady-like, but it's still a thousand times better than smelling like that stinky slime, so I'm very grateful" Leo said, as he responded to captain kid's small talk by making some of his own.
"So, Leo, we're here today because you've reached the realm of a 'Master.' A truly fine achievement... and we're here to extend our congratulations," Raven began, breaking the silence, as he tried to steer the conversation into more constructive waters.
"Yes, it's truly magnificent! And you've done it in record time," Raya added, her voice bubbling with excitement, as her flushed cheeks and shy smile betrayed her infatuation with Leo.
"You're the only player to reach the realm of a Master before the Third Evaluation even started." She said, as her eyes sparkled with admiration when she gazed towards Leo.
"Haha, don't pay too much attention to these two," Kid interrupted with a chuckle, waving his hand at Raven and Raya. "They've never seen a talent like yours before." His tone shifted, becoming more serious as he continued. "But as the Captain of this ship, and a Master warrior myself, I want to formally congratulate you." he said, before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small token.
"This is the universal token for 'Master' warriors. It's proof that you're a cut above the commoners and a man who has achieved a certain stature in his own profession. Cherish it, as it can open many doors for you–" Kid said as he passed the token to Leo.
"Thank-you" Leo said, accepting the token as he observed its intricate design.
The token was circular, with a shield-like emblem forming the boundary.
Inside the shield, the letter "M" was boldly engraved in the center, with its two straight lines being entwined by coiling serpents.
The snakes seemed to slither up the length of the letter, their scales gleaming faintly, as it seemed like a token of an evil organization rather than a token of a noble warrior.
The token itself was made from a dark, metallic material that shimmered in the light, with accents of deep crimson and gold subtly outlining the shield and snakes, giving it a regal and imposing aura.
Accepting the token, Leo glanced up at Captain Kid, curiosity growing in his mind. "Doors?" he asked. "What kind of doors can this token open?"
Captain Kid smiled knowingly and took in a deep breath before explaining patiently. "Ah, Leo, becoming a Master Warrior isn't just about power or status in a game—it's a recognition of your standing in the wider universe."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone deepening. "The first—and perhaps most important—advantage of being a Master Warrior is that you can no longer be tracked or enslaved like a commoner. You've probably noticed how every passenger on board this arc ship, including yourself until now, used to wear an ankle monitor.
That's because commoners, by universal law, can be tracked and monitored. It's how order is maintained, especially in a world as dangerous and chaotic as Terra Nova."
Leo's gaze flicked toward his ankle, where the now detached ankle monitor used to be, a realization dawning on him.
"But," Captain Kid continued, "it's forbidden to track or monitor any warrior who has reached the realm of a Master. You've earned your freedom in that regard. No one—no government, no organization—can legally bind or enslave you the way they would a commoner."
Leo nodded slowly, absorbing the gravity of that first benefit, as he realized that he had achieved freedom….. true freedom.
"The second advantage," Captain Kid went on, "is access. There are many establishments, adventurers' guilds, and elite organizations on Terra Nova—our destination planet—that are only open to Master Warriors and those of even higher status. These places are hidden from the eyes of commoners, filled with advanced resources, missions, and powerful connections.
Once you step foot on Terra Nova, this token will serve as your key to entering those exclusive places."
Leo's grip on the token tightened as he imagined the kind of opportunities awaiting him. He had always been driven to push his limits, and now, this status would grant him access to places where he could truly test his abilities.
"And finally," Kid said with a smirk, "there's wealth and prestige. Master Warriors are paid far more than common adventurers. Your status alone elevates your social standing to a whole new level. Wherever you go, you'll be treated with respect—perhaps even reverence—and you'll be compensated generously for any work you take on.
That means better missions, higher pay, and a lifestyle far beyond that of most."
Leo felt the weight of Kid's words settle on him. No longer just another adventurer, he was now part of an elite class—respected, untethered, and powerful in ways he had only dreamed of.
Captain Kid leaned back, studying Leo's expression. "So, you see, this token isn't just a symbol. It's a key to a life very few ever achieve. Use it wisely."
Leo nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of the future as the token in his hand suddenly felt far heavier—not in weight, but in significance.