Nikks stepped out of Major Adam's office, the crisp light of the training camp courtyard hitting his face. Lieutenant Surge stood nearby, hands clasped behind his back, posture rigid and precise.
"As the Major said," Surge began, "you have three days before you must report to the maglev station. You are free to rest and say your goodbyes."
Nikks nodded, absorbing the words. Three days—enough time to settle matters, enough to part with those who mattered most.
The world beyond the camp had changed drastically in the centuries since humanity first expanded into the stars. Humanity was now divided into five major zones: Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern, and Central. Each zone contained several safe zones—fortified pockets of human habitation carved out against the chaos beyond. If safe zones were the towns of old, then the headquarters were their capitals—places brimming with opportunity and danger alike.
The headquarters were scattered across each zone, strategically positioned near portals that led beyond human territory. Within zones, transportation was seamless. Sleek maglev trains crisscrossed cities and safe zones, fast, silent, and efficient. They were constructed from reinforced materials and equipped with laser cannons capable of killing high-ranking monsters, fully operated by advanced AI systems.
Between zones, massive gates enabled instantaneous travel—marvels of combined technological and magical advancement. Resource-intensive, but indispensable.
Nikks exhaled slowly, thoughts drifting toward the journey ahead. But first, there were personal matters to take care of.
He headed toward Sandy's training area.
Even under the afternoon sun, Sandy was practicing with his daggers, every movement precise, patient, and honed to perfection. Nikks called out to him.
"I've got three days," Nikks continued. "Then I report to Eastern Headquarters. I'll visit the orphanage first—say goodbye to Charles. But I couldn't leave without seeing you."
Sandy's expression softened.
Nikks smiled, though emotion lingered just beneath the surface. "I know it's sudden. But it wouldn't feel right leaving without saying this—train harder. Awaken soon. When I'm at headquarters, I want to see you there."
Sandy's lips curved into a small, confident smile. "I will. And I'll meet you there."
Nikks stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Sandy's shoulder. Then, in a rare show of emotion, he pulled him into a tight hug. "Take care of yourself, Sandy. Keep moving forward."
Sandy returned the hug briefly, calm and resolute. "You too. Don't worry about me, asshole."
He smirked. "Shouldn't you be somewhere else? Your girl's probably waiting."
Nikks pulled back, face reddening. "You—" He sighed. "See you soon, you dogshit," he muttered before heading off to find Jane.
Sandy watched until Nikks disappeared from view.
Warmth filled his chest—pride for his friend, for the rare genius who had awakened so early. But beneath it lingered a heavy pressure. The distance between them was growing, and he felt it keenly.
His grip tightened around his daggers.
Nikks had awakened. That meant the path ahead was clear.
Sandy would train harder. He would awaken. And he would rise to meet his friend at Eastern Headquarters.
The resolve settled deep within him, like steel cooling in fire.