The Arena training facility at 1 PM was packed.
Word had spread about Ah You's victory over Jason Tan. Everyone wanted to see the "Level 4 who beat a Level 8" train. Some were curious. Some were skeptical. Some probably wanted to test him themselves.
Ah You ignored the stares and headed to where Zara was stretching near the combat rings.
"There's my favorite overachiever," she called out. "How's the body holding up?"
"Sore. But functional."
"Good, because today we're going to break you down and rebuild you properly." Zara gestured to a woman standing beside her. "But first – meet Ivy."
Ah You's first thought: her parents definitely had a sense of humor.
Ivy was petite, maybe 5'2", Chinese-Malaysian, early twenties. She had actual ivy vines tattooed down both arms – living tattoos that moved slightly, growing and shifting like real plants. Her eyes were an unusual green color that probably wasn't natural.
She studied Ah You with the same intensity he'd seen in every serious fighter.
"So you're the one who made plants conduct lightning," Ivy said. Her voice was soft but carried an edge. "That was either genius or extremely lucky."
"Bit of both," Ah You admitted.
"I'm going with genius. I've been a Nature-type for five years and never thought of using plants as electrical conduits." She extended her hand. "Ivy Chen. Level 9. Wood Manipulation specialization."
They shook hands. The moment their skin touched, Ah You felt something – a resonance, like two tuning forks vibrating at the same frequency.
[RESONANCE DETECTED: Nature-Type Affinity]
[Connection established with fellow Nature esper]
[Bonus: Training with similar ability types provides 20% increased skill development]
Ivy's eyes widened. "You felt that too?"
"Yeah. What was it?"
"Espers with similar ability types can resonate. It's rare – requires close affinity and compatible bloodlines. But when it happens..." She smiled. "We can learn from each other faster. Share techniques. Maybe even combine abilities in team combat."
"I didn't know that was possible."
"Most people don't. Nature-types are less than 2% of the esper population. Finding another one is uncommon. Finding one you resonate with is basically winning the lottery." Ivy looked at Zara. "Can we get Ring 3 for an hour? I want to test something."
"Go ahead. I'll supervise." Zara grinned. "This should be educational."
Ring 3 was one of the smaller practice arenas – twenty feet across, padded floor, minimal equipment. Perfect for ability testing without destroying everything.
Ah You and Ivy stepped inside.
"I want to see your techniques," Ivy said. "How you use Nature Sense, your growth acceleration, everything. And I'll show you mine. We can learn from each other."
"Is this a friendly spar or..."
"Call it collaborative training. I'm not trying to beat you. I'm trying to understand your style." She gestured around the ring. "There are potted plants at the corners. Use them however you want."
Ah You activated Nature Sense and immediately felt the difference.
With Ivy nearby, his ability was sharper. Clearer. Like upgrading from standard definition to 4K. He could sense the plants in incredible detail – individual cells, nutrient flows, even their minute electrical impulses.
"You feel it?" Ivy asked. "The enhanced sensitivity?"
"It's like... I can see everything."
"That's resonance. When two Nature-types work together, we amplify each other's sensing range and precision." Ivy closed her eyes, concentrating. "Now watch this."
The ivy tattoos on her arms began to glow faintly. Real ivy vines grew from her skin – not painfully, just... emerging like they belonged there. The vines extended toward the nearest potted plant and wrapped around it gently.
"Wood Manipulation isn't just moving plants that exist," Ivy explained. "It's creating plant matter from my own energy and controlling it like an extension of my body. It costs more MP than what you do, but gives me direct combat capability."
The vines she'd created suddenly hardened, becoming as rigid as wooden staffs. Then they sprouted thorns. Then the thorns began dripping some kind of sap.
"Paralytic toxin," Ivy said casually. "Derived from dart frog and certain rainforest plants. One cut and you're numb within seconds."
She retracted the vines back into her arms, the tattoos dimming.
"Your turn. Show me what you can do."
Ah You focused on the potted plants. He'd always grown existing vegetation, accelerating what was already there. But could he do what Ivy just demonstrated?
He concentrated on the bamboo plant in the nearest corner.
Grow. But not just bigger. Shape yourself. Form. Purpose.
The bamboo responded, shoots extending rapidly. But Ah You didn't just make them longer – he directed their growth pattern, making them curve, interweave, form a lattice structure.
[MP: 60/75]
Within thirty seconds, the bamboo had created a shield-like structure three feet across.
"Structural manipulation," Ivy said, impressed. "You're not just growing plants, you're directing their architecture. That's advanced technique for Level 6."
"I didn't know it was advanced. I just... asked the plant to grow differently."
"Asked?" Ivy laughed. "You talk to them?"
"Kind of. I communicate intentions and they respond."
"That's the Rainforest Guardian bloodline showing through. Most Nature-types command plants. You collaborate with them. Different approach, different results." She walked closer to examine the bamboo shield. "This is actually better than forced growth. The plant structure is stronger because it's growing naturally in the shape you want, not being twisted into position."
She touched the bamboo lattice and it immediately began responding to her presence too.
"With resonance, we can share control," Ivy explained. "Watch."
She extended one hand toward the bamboo. Ah You could feel her influence joining his. The bamboo continued growing, but now it was both of them directing it.
The lattice expanded, growing more complex, forming patterns neither of them could have created alone. It became a dome structure, then a tunnel, then a spiral tower.
[MP: 48/75]
[SKILL DEVELOPING: Collaborative Growth]
[Current Progress: 23%]
They released the connection and the bamboo stopped growing, leaving an intricate sculpture of green and brown.
"That was incredible," Ah You breathed.
"That was teamwork between compatible espers. Imagine doing that in combat – one of us creates barriers while the other launches attacks. Or both of us combining power into one massive technique." Ivy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Nature-types are considered weak because we're usually solitary. But two working together? We could rival high-level combat types."
Zara called from outside the ring. "If you two are done making plant art, we've got actual training to do!"
The next hour was brutal.
Zara put them through combat drills designed for ability users – dodging while maintaining concentration on plant growth, fighting while managing MP consumption, quick-switching between defensive and offensive techniques.
Ivy was good. Really good. Her five years of experience showed in every movement. She could create vine whips that struck with the force of steel cables, grow wooden armor around her body, even generate explosive seed pods that detonated on impact.
"Where did you learn all this?" Ah You asked during a water break.
"Trial and error mostly. Some from a mentor in Miri who's a Level 15 Nature-type. But a lot of it is just experimenting." Ivy wiped sweat from her forehead. "Nature abilities are incredibly versatile but poorly documented. Most espers go for flashy elemental powers. We have to figure out our own techniques."
"Do you know anything about the Rainforest Guardian bloodline?"
Ivy's expression shifted. "Where did you hear that term?"
"Someone texted me. Said I'm 108th generation. But I have no idea what it means."
"The Rainforest Guardians were a legendary esper lineage from pre-colonial Borneo. Supposedly they protected the rainforests and maintained balance between human settlements and nature. Some stories say they could awaken plants to consciousness, control entire ecosystems, even commune with spirit beasts."
"That sounds like mythology."
"Most legends have kernels of truth. And if you really are Guardian bloodline..." Ivy looked thoughtful. "That would explain your resonance pattern. Guardians were supposed to have unique connections to plant life. Not just control, but true symbiosis."
"How do I find out if it's real?"
"The Old Temple in Santubong ranges. That's where the last Guardian clan lived before they disappeared in the 1960s. If there are answers about your bloodline, they'd be there."
The same place the mysterious text mentioned.
"Is it dangerous?"
"Probably. Abandoned sites tend to attract squatters – both human and non-human. And if the Guardian clan left protective measures..." Ivy shrugged. "But you're Level 6 now. With preparation and maybe a team, it's doable."
Before Ah You could respond, the Arena's main doors burst open.
Kenneth strode in, followed by Marcus and two other board members. His expression was grim.
"Ah You! Ivy! My office. Now."
This wasn't good.
---
Kenneth's office overlooked the Arena floor from behind tinted glass. He paced behind his desk while Ah You and Ivy sat, exchanging worried glances.
"There's been an incident," Kenneth said without preamble. "This morning, three Arena fighters were hospitalized. All three had fought against or trained with you in the past week."
Ah You's blood ran cold. "What happened?"
"Poisoning. Neurotoxin delivered through contact. They're stable now, but it was touch-and-go for a few hours." Kenneth's expression was hard. "The common factor? They all had physical contact with you recently."
"I didn't poison anyone!"
"I know. The toxin was traced to a rare plant extract – something that requires specialized knowledge to create. But someone's trying to frame you as the source."
Ivy spoke up. "Let me guess. The Ong family is pushing this narrative?"
"David Ong filed a formal complaint with the Arena board this morning. He's demanding Ah You's sponsorship be revoked pending investigation. And he's not alone – several other families are expressing 'concern' about a Nature-type with unknown capabilities having access to Arena facilities."
"This is bullshit," Ah You said. "It's obviously retaliation for beating Jason and embarrassing them at the board meeting."
"Obviously. But they've manufactured evidence and public concern. We need to prove you didn't do this, and we need to find who actually did." Kenneth finally stopped pacing. "I've got Arena security pulling footage, checking access logs, interviewing the victims. But this is a sophisticated hit. Whoever did it knew how to make it look like a Nature-type's work."
Marcus entered the office, phone in hand. "We've got a problem. Social media posts are spreading – someone leaked photos of the hospitalized fighters with captions suggesting the 'dangerous plant esper' is a threat to Arena safety."
He showed his phone. Sure enough, posts on local esper forums:
Three fighters poisoned after contact with rookie Nature-type
Arena covering up dangerous esper incident?
Plant abilities = poison abilities. Wake up people!
The comments were vicious:
Knew that plant kid was sketchy
Nature-types shouldn't be allowed in combat sports
Ong family was right about minimum safety standards
"This is a coordinated attack," Ivy said. "Look at the timing – all posted within minutes of each other, similar phrasing, designed to go viral."
"The Ong family's PR machine," Kenneth agreed. "They're trying to destroy your reputation so thoroughly that even if we prove your innocence, the damage is done."
Ah You's fists clenched. "What do I do?"
"We fight back. Prove who really did this. And we need evidence fast – the board is calling an emergency meeting in two hours. If we don't have answers by then, they'll vote to suspend your sponsorship."
[QUEST TRIGGERED: Poisoned Reputation]
[Description: Clear your name and uncover the real perpetrator behind the Arena poisonings]
[Time Limit: 2 hours]
[Reward: Reputation restored, +200 EXP, expose Ong family schemes]
[Failure: Sponsorship revoked, Arena access restricted, permanent reputation damage]
Two hours. Might as well be two minutes.
"Where do we start?" Ah You asked.
Ivy stood up. "With the toxin. If it's plant-based, I can analyze it. My mentor taught me toxicology as part of Nature ability training. Get me a sample and I'll identify the source plant."
"Arena medical already has samples," Kenneth said. "I'll authorize access."
Marcus pulled up security footage on Kenneth's computer. "I'm checking who had access to areas you frequented. The toxin had to be planted somewhere you'd come into contact with it."
"Training equipment," Zara said from the doorway – she'd apparently been listening. "Ah You touches the same punching bags, weights, floor mats as everyone else. Someone could have coated equipment with the toxin."
"But if Ah You touched contaminated equipment, why isn't he poisoned?" Marcus asked.
Ah You remembered his passive ability. "Nature's Resilience. I've got 20% poison resistance. Maybe it wasn't enough to affect me but anyone else who touched it got the full dose."
"That's actually perfect for framing you," Ivy said. "You're immune, others aren't. Makes you look like the deliberate source."
Kenneth made a decision. "Alright. Ivy, get to medical and analyze that toxin. Marcus, pull all security footage from the past 48 hours focusing on training areas. Zara, check every piece of equipment Ah You used – if there's contamination, we need to find it. Ah You, you're with me."
"Where are we going?"
"To talk to the victims. If this is a frame job, maybe they saw something. Someone suspicious hanging around, equipment that felt off, anything."
They dispersed quickly.
Kenneth and Ah You took the Arena's service elevator to the underground medical facility – a surprisingly well-equipped clinic that handled everything from minor injuries to major trauma.
The three poisoned fighters were in recovery beds, conscious but weak.
Chen Wei – the Earth Manipulator who'd fought in matches Ah You had watched.
Sarah Lim – the Level 5 fighter Ah You had beaten in the challenge match.
And a Malay fighter named Rashid who Ah You had sparred with during training two days ago.
Kenneth spoke to the attending doctor quietly while Ah You approached the beds.
"I didn't do this," he said directly. "Someone's trying to frame me. But I want to help find who actually poisoned you."
Chen Wei struggled to sit up. "We know you didn't do it, kid. The doctor said the toxin was applied to equipment, not person-to-person contact. Someone sabotaged the Arena."
Sarah nodded weakly. "I trained on the same equipment you use. Someone knew your routine and contaminated it knowing both you and others would touch it."
"Did any of you see anyone suspicious? Someone who shouldn't have been in the training area?"
Rashid spoke, his voice rough. "There was a cleaner. Night shift. I came in early yesterday morning around 6 AM and saw someone in maintenance uniform wiping down equipment. Didn't think anything of it at the time."
"What did they look like?"
"Average height, wearing a face mask and cap. Could have been anyone. But they left quickly when they saw me, like they didn't want to be noticed."
Chen Wei added, "Now that I think about it, the equipment did feel slightly oily yesterday morning. I wiped it down before use but maybe not thoroughly enough."
Kenneth returned. "The toxin is definitely plant-derived. Some kind of neurotoxin that causes paralysis and respiratory distress. Arena medical's never seen this specific compound before."
His phone rang. Ivy.
Kenneth put it on speaker.
"I've identified the toxin," Ivy's voice came through. "It's processed from Gympie-Gympie plant – Australian stinging tree. The barbs contain neurotoxin that causes extreme pain and paralysis. But this sample has been refined and concentrated to about ten times natural potency."
"Can that refinement be done easily?" Kenneth asked.
"Not at all. It requires specialized knowledge of plant chemistry and access to processing equipment. This isn't amateur hour – whoever made this knows exactly what they're doing."
"So we're looking for someone with advanced botanical knowledge," Kenneth said. "That narrows it down."
Ah You's mind was racing. "The cleaner Rashid saw. They were specifically targeting equipment I use. How would they know my routine unless they'd been watching me?"
"Arena has security cameras everywhere," Kenneth said. "If someone was studying your patterns, it would show up in footage."
Marcus called. "Kenneth, get back here. I found something."
They rushed back to the office. Marcus had multiple screens up showing security footage.
"Look at this. Three days ago, 11 PM. Training area is supposed to be empty."
The footage showed a figure in maintenance uniform entering the training area with a bag. They moved systematically, wiping down equipment with cloth that they kept returning to the bag.
"That's them," Rashid confirmed from behind them – he'd insisted on coming despite the doctor's protests. "Same uniform, same movements."
"Can you get a face?" Kenneth asked.
Marcus zoomed and enhanced, but the person wore a mask and cap pulled low.
"Wait," Marcus said. "Look at the hands."
He froze the frame. The figure's hands were visible for just a moment as they wiped equipment.
Burn scars. Distinctive pattern on the left hand.
"I know those scars," Zara said quietly. "That's Tommy Leong. Fire ability user. Got burned in a training accident two years ago. He's been doing part-time maintenance work at the Arena since then."
"Pull up his file," Kenneth ordered.
Marcus brought up Tommy's information. Chinese-Malaysian, 28 years old, Level 7 fire esper. Part of a small esper family. And one significant detail:
"His uncle works for Ong Industries," Marcus said. "David Ong's company."
There it was. The connection.
"Where is Tommy now?" Kenneth asked.
Zara checked the staff schedule. "He's supposed to be working today. Started his shift at noon."
They all checked the time: 2:43 PM.
"Get security to detain him," Kenneth ordered. "Quietly. We don't want him running or alerting whoever hired him."
---
Tommy Leong was found in the Arena's equipment storage, organizing cleaning supplies.
When Arena security approached, he tried to run. The fact that he bolted immediately was basically a confession.
They brought him to Kenneth's office. He sat in a chair, sweating, refusing to make eye contact.
"Tommy," Kenneth said calmly. "We have you on camera contaminating equipment with neurotoxin. Three fighters were hospitalized. This is attempted murder. Multiple counts. You're looking at serious prison time unless you cooperate."
"I didn't mean to hurt anyone," Tommy said quickly. "I was just supposed to make it look like the plant kid did it. They said no one would get seriously sick, just a little nauseous."
"Who's 'they'?"
Tommy was silent.
"Tommy, the Arena has excellent lawyers and we're pressing full charges unless you give us names. Right now."
"Michael Ong," Tommy finally said. "Raymond's uncle. He approached me two days ago. Said he'd pay me 50,000 ringgit and get me a job at their company if I helped 'teach the plant boy a lesson.' He gave me the toxin already prepared, told me which equipment to contaminate, showed me Ah You's training schedule."
"Do you have any proof of this?"
"He paid half upfront. Bank transfer. It'll be in my account records."
Marcus was already pulling them up. "Got it. 25,000 ringgit transfer from an account registered to M. Ong Enterprises. Date matches his story."
Kenneth smiled grimly. "That's enough. Tommy, you're fired and you'll be facing charges. But we'll mention your cooperation to the authorities."
He turned to Ah You. "You're cleared. We have evidence, confession, and direct links to the Ong family. The board meeting just got very interesting."
[QUEST COMPLETE: Poisoned Reputation]
[Rewards: +200 EXP, Reputation Restored, Evidence Against Ong Family]
[LEVEL UP!]
[You are now Level 7!]
Relief washed over Ah You, followed immediately by anger.
"They tried to destroy my reputation. Poisoned innocent people. All because Raymond lost a fight."
"They also just handed us ammunition," Kenneth said. "Michael Ong directly ordering a criminal act against an Arena fighter? The board won't tolerate that. This is war between the Arena and the Ong family now."
An hour later, the emergency board meeting convened.
David Ong walked in confident, probably expecting to see Ah You's sponsorship revoked.
Instead, Kenneth presented evidence.
Security footage. Tommy's confession. Bank records. Medical analysis of the toxin.
David's face went through several colors as Kenneth laid it out.
"Your brother," Kenneth said coldly, "ordered a deliberate poisoning of Arena fighters and attempted to frame a rookie for political purposes. This is beyond acceptable conduct. I'm calling for a vote to ban all Ong family members from Arena facilities pending investigation."
The vote was 8-2 in favor. Only the two board members affiliated with Ong businesses voted against.
David Ong stood, his control finally cracking. "This isn't over. You've made an enemy of more than just my family. There are powers in this city you don't understand."
"Is that a threat?" Kenneth asked mildly.
"It's a promise." David looked directly at Ah You. "You should have stayed in your kitchen, boy. You've climbed too high, too fast. The fall is going to be spectacular."
He stormed out, his family members following.
The moment they were gone, the tension in the room released.
Madam Feng spoke, her ancient voice cutting through the murmurs. "The Ong family has overplayed their hand. They revealed their willingness to use criminal means. That will cost them allies."
She looked at Ah You directly. "Young man, you've made powerful enemies. But also shown remarkable qualities. The Arena stands with you. Use this opportunity wisely."
After the meeting, Ah You stood outside the Arena building, breathing in the evening air.
Level 7. Cleared of false accusations. The Ong family publicly humiliated and banned from the Arena.
He should feel victorious.
Instead, he felt the weight of David Ong's parting words.
There are powers in this city you don't understand.
His phone buzzed. Melissa:
Impressive performance. Both the fights and the politics. Tomorrow, 2 PM. We'll finalize our arrangement. You've proven you can handle pressure. Let's discuss the real opportunities.
Another message, unknown number:
The tournament invitation is confirmed. Three weeks. Location to be revealed. Prize: Items that can push you to Level 15 instantly. Plus 500,000 ringgit. Interested? Reply YES to receive details.
A third message, different unknown number:
The Ong family is reaching out to the Triad. They're escalating beyond esper politics into actual criminal territory. Watch yourself. Your grandmother too. This is your only warning. - A Friend
Ah You stared at the three messages, each one pulling him deeper into the complicated, dangerous world of espers.
Ivy appeared beside him. "You okay? You look stressed."
"I've got a meeting with a black market dealer tomorrow, an invitation to a mysterious tournament with huge stakes, and apparently the Ong family is involving organized crime in their revenge plan."
"So, a normal Tuesday for you?" Ivy smiled. "Look, I know it's overwhelming. But you're not alone. I meant what I said about working together. Nature-types are stronger in pairs. Whatever you're facing, I can help."
"Why? You barely know me."
"Because two weeks ago I was the only Nature-type in Kuching. Now there's two of us. That's worth protecting." She handed him her phone. "Add your contact. When you go to that Old Temple to learn about your bloodline? I'm coming with you. No arguments."
Ah You added his number. "Thanks. I... yeah. Thanks."
"Don't mention it." Ivy checked her own phone. "I've got to go. But seriously – don't do anything stupid alone. We're a team now, whether you like it or not."
She left, her living tattoos glowing faintly in the evening light.
Ah You pulled up his system interface:
[CURRENT LEVEL: 7 (342/2100 EXP to Level 8)]
[ESPER POINTS: 260]
Still not enough for the expensive shop items. But getting closer.
He had three weeks until the mysterious tournament. Tomorrow, negotiations with Melissa. Somewhere in there, he needed to visit the Old Temple, train harder, reach Level 10 to survive whatever harvesting expeditions were coming.
And somehow protect Ah Ma from the Ong family and their new Triad connections.
The smart play was to slow down. Consolidate gains. Play it safe.
But playing it safe had gotten him exactly nowhere for nineteen years.
Ah You replied to the tournament message:
YES
The response came immediately:
Welcome to the Borneo Shadow Tournament. Details will arrive 72 hours before the event. Begin preparations. The competition will be unlike anything you've faced. Good luck. You'll need it.
Ah You pocketed his phone and headed home.
Three weeks to get ready for a tournament that would either launch him into the upper echelons of the esper world or destroy him completely.
No pressure at all.
---
[To Be Continued]