THE RIDE

It was a new year, and Kael and Lyra had spent the last couple of months preparing to enroll at the prestigious Equilibrium Hall. Lyra had managed to save up the required fee of 50 pieces of green quanta, which equated to two levels above the smallest unit, pink quanta. However, Kael's parents couldn't gather enough money from their sales alone.

Determined to overcome this obstacle, Kael and Lyra embarked on a journey to the central market in the heart of the stronghold. There, they displayed the fruits of their labor, the slain beasts they had encountered during their perilous journey back to the stronghold. The creatures were diverse and formidable, and soon a crowd gathered, marveling at their trophies.

As the crowd grew, a group of seasoned beast traders approached Kael and Lyra. These traders were known for their keen eye in recognizing the value of the creatures they encountered. Negotiations ensued, and after careful assessment, the traders offered a total sum of 50 red quanta for the slain beasts. It was a fair deal, and Kael and Lyra eagerly accepted the offer.

With the additional contribution from Kael's parents, they finally accumulated the necessary funds to secure their enrollment at the Equilibrium Hall. The day had arrived, and February marked the month of enrollment. Kael and Lyra woke up with uncontainable excitement, their hearts pounding in anticipation.

They meticulously packed their clothes, personal belongings, and accessories into their synth boxes. Each item held a sentimental value, a reminder of their past adventures and a symbol of the journey they were about to embark upon.

Prior to this day, Kael and Lyra had made arrangements to meet at the Equilibrium Hall, their chosen rendezvous point. The excitement radiated from them as they left their homes, their synth boxes in tow. The stronghold's streets buzzed with a sense of anticipation, as other awakened individuals, like Kael and Lyra, prepared for their own journeys.

Having already completed the online fee payment, they awaited the arrival of the designated transport vehicle for young awakened students. The Equilibrium Hall's location remained classified, known only to a select few. Security measures were stringent, ensuring the safety and secrecy of the prestigious institution.

Outside their respective homes, Kael and Lyra found themselves engulfed in a sea of enthusiastic individuals, all destined for the same path. The air crackled with anticipation as they exchanged excited glances and shared words of encouragement. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the energy of their collective dreams.

Suddenly, the sound of a powerful engine reverberated through the streets. Heads turned as a sleek, black motorcycle came to a stop in front of Kael. The rider, clad in a black combat attire and helmet, emitted an aura of mystery. With a hoarse voice that hinted at years of battle, the rider spoke three simple words, "Hop on, kid."

Kael's heart raced as he approached the motorcycle, uncertainty mingling with excitement. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of the journey that lay ahead, and climbed onto the back of the bike. The rider wasted no time, swiftly maneuvering through the bustling streets.

As the motorcycle gained speed, Kael held on tight, the wind rushing past him. The world around him became a blur of motion and anticipation. The rider skillfully navigated the labyrinthine streets of the stronghold, guiding Kael toward the border that separated the stronghold's western and eastern parts.

Arriving at the border, the rider's expertise became evident. With deft precision, they manipulated the bike, clicking buttons that transformed its appearance. The exhaust pipes shifted downward, and the tires adjusted their position to lay vertically. A surge of energy pulsed through the bike, propelling it upward into the sky.

Higher and higher they soared, until Kael's concern started to creep in. Just as the worry reached its peak, the rider pressed another button, releasing a wave of synthera energy that illuminated a specific spot in the sky. A massive, pitch-black cruise airship materialized before them, as if it had absorbed all light and color.

Kael's eyes widened in awe at the sight of the colossal vessel. Its imposing presence made him feel small and insignificant. It was a testament to human ingenuity, a technological marvel that dwarfed anything he had encountered before. Even his most powerful punch would likely make no more than a scratch on its formidable hull.

Beneath the airship, a small opening appeared, casting a beam of light upon them. Seizing the moment, the rider firmly grabbed Kael's clothes and propelled him towards the opening. Kael marveled at the rider's strength and control over synthera, silently acknowledging their incredible prowess.

Just as Kael was about to enter the opening, the rider's voice broke the silence, shouting, "Don't die too early." It was the second and final thing the rider ever said to him. With those words echoing in his mind, Kael stepped into the opening, and his vision plunged into darkness.