Nikks stood before the closed door, spine straight, breath steady.
Even so, his hand hesitated for a brief moment before he knocked.
"Come in."
The voice from inside was calm and firm—unquestionably authoritative.
Nikks pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The office was spacious, clean, and dignified. The walls were adorned with trophies: broken monster cores sealed in transparent cases, medals engraved with dates long past, and weapons retired after decades of service. Each item spoke not of fear, but of survival.
Major Adam sat behind a broad desk, his posture relaxed yet commanding. His sharp eyes studied Nikks for a moment before he gestured toward the chair opposite him.
"Sit."
Nikks obeyed.
The Major did not speak immediately. Instead, he folded his hands and looked past Nikks, as though gazing far beyond the walls of the camp.
"Earth is not at peace," he said at last. "Not now. Not for the past five centuries."
Nikks listened in silence.
"Humanity survives because warriors stand at the front," the Major continued. "Safe zones exist because blood is shed beyond their borders. Every year, monsters grow stronger, gates become more unstable, and the margin for error shrinks."
His gaze returned to Nikks.
"To awaken is not a blessing alone," he said. "It is a responsibility."
Nikks felt the weight of those words settle on his shoulders.
"You awakened early," the Major continued.
He placed a crystal on the desk. "Place your hand on this. It's a talent-measuring crystal. The color determines your elemental affinity, and the intensity determines your talent grade."
Nikks placed his hand on the crystal.
It flared with a brilliant purple glow.
"As I expected," Major Adam said calmly. "High-grade lightning affinity."
Nikks froze for a heartbeat—then excitement surged through him. Awakening an elemental affinity had already filled him with joy. Learning it was high-grade made it almost overwhelming.
"You have a future, Cadet Simmons," the Major said. "One that can reach far."
His tone sharpened.
"As such, there is no reason for you to remain in this camp. Cadets normally graduate at sixteen, awakened or not. You," he said plainly, "are undoubtedly a genius."
Nikks' heart pounded, but he remained silent.
"For your achievements," the Major continued, "you are entitled to choose a training manual suited to you, as well as a weapon of your preference."
Nikks' eyes widened—just slightly.
"In addition," the Major added, opening a sealed case beside his desk, "you will receive defensive gear. For your protection."
The equipment inside was sleek, compact, and unmistakably expensive.
"The manual and weapon will be finalized once you arrive at Eastern Headquarters," the Major said.
He paused, then delivered the words that changed everything.
"You have officially graduated from this training camp."
Nikks inhaled sharply.
"You are granted three days," the Major continued. "Say your goodbyes. Rest. Prepare yourself. After that, you will report to Eastern Headquarters."
The Major rose slightly from his seat.
"Do not waste this opportunity. It is rare. Not everyone is allowed to train at headquarters, and I expect you to make full use of every moment."
"Yes, sir," Nikks replied, his voice steady despite the storm inside him.
⸻
Elsewhere in the camp, Torrin clenched his fists.
His nails dug into his palms as he stared toward the distant training grounds, his jaw tight with fury.
Nikks Simmons had awakened early.
He understood the implications.
And for Torrin, that made everything worse.
From the day Torrin entered the camp, he had fallen for Jane. Even before Nikks' awakening, rumors had circulated about the two of them. Now, those rumors felt unbearable.
Torrin exhaled slowly.
He would endure. He would train. He would grow stronger—and one day make her realize she had chosen the wrong man