Nikks stepped out of Major Adam's office, the crisp light of the training camp courtyard hitting his face. Lt. Surge was waiting 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 relax and say your goodbyes."
Nikks nodded, absorbing the words. Three days. Enough to settle his affairs, enough to say farewell to those who mattered.
The world beyond the camp had changed vastly 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, small fortresses of human habitation carved out against the chaos outside. If safe zones were the towns of old, the headquarters were their capitals—places brimming with both opportunity and danger.
The headquarters were scattered across each zone, strategically positioned near the portals that connected them to the outside world. Within the zones, transport was easy: sleek maglev trains crisscrossed cities and safe zones alike, fast, quiet, and efficient.they were protected by reinforced msterial and lazer cannons capable of killing high ranking monsters; completely operated by AI.
Between zones, the gates offered instantaneous travel—marvels of modern magical and technological advancement. Resource-intensive, yet indispensable.
Nikks breathed deeply, thinking of the journey ahead. But first, there were personal matters to attend.
He made his way to Sandy's training area. The young man was practicing his daggers even in the afternoon sun, every movement precise, honed, and patient. Nikks called out happily.
Sandy said. "You… awakened early, elemental at that. You asshole."
Nikks laughed, "High grade affinity at that." He added earning a surprised look from Sandy.
Nikks added. "Three days. I have to report to the Eastern Headquarters. I'll visit the orphanage first—say goodbye to Charles. But I couldn't leave without seeing you."
Sandy's expression softened hearing that.
Nikks smiled, though his own emotions were close to the surface. "I know. But it doesn't feel right to leave without urging you—awaken soon. Train hard. When I'm at the headquarters, I want to see you there."
Sandy's lips twitched into a small smile. "I'll do it and I'll meet you there."
Nikks stepped closer, placing a firm hand on Sandy's shoulder. Then, in a rare gesture, he hugged him tightly. "Take care of yourself, Sandy. Keep pushing forward."
Sandy returned the hug briefly, calm yet resolute. "You too. Don't worry about me asshole."
He smirked "Are you sure you should be here. I mean your miss is probably waiting for you."
Nikks pulled back, blushing. "You…". He sighed "See you soon you dogshit" and went to look for Jane.
Sandy watched until Nikks disappeared from view. A warm happiness filled him—pride for his friend, for the rare genius who had awakened so early. But beneath it, a heaviness pressed against his chest. The gap between them was widening, and he felt it keenly.
His grip tightened around his daggers. Nikks had awakened, and that meant the challenge ahead for Sandy was clear. He had to train harder, awaken, and rise to meet his friend at the Eastern Headquarters.
The resolve settled deep within him, like steel cooling in fire.