Forging the Path Ahead

Amon sat across from Dr. Kael in the dimly lit research chamber, his fingers drumming nervously on the polished metal table. Ying Yue stood to his side, her arms crossed as she waited for the conversation to unfold. Dr. Kael was meticulously organizing a stack of papers, an unlit cigarette dangling from his lips.

"Alright, Doc," Amon said, breaking the silence. "This Carnival… You said it's a battle between the strongest forces in the universe. But what exactly happens? Is it just a free-for-all, or is there more to it?"

Dr. Kael paused, his eyes flicking up toward Amon with faint amusement. "Curiosity, huh? That's good. You'll need that if you want to survive."

"Well, I'd also like to not die horribly, so… details would be nice."

Kael lit his cigarette with a small spark of mana from his fingertips, taking a long drag before speaking. "The Carnival is a contest of strength, cunning, and survival. The participants-candidates like you are thrust into challenges designed to push you to your absolute limits. Think of it as a grand chessboard, where every piece is a planet, and every move is a gamble."

Ying Yue's eyes narrowed. "And the Library you mentioned earlier… What role does it play?"

Kael exhaled a cloud of smoke, leaning back in his chair. "The Ancient Library is on a planet designated K-204B. It's a repository of knowledge from civilizations long gone knowledge that could help you understand the forces at play in this Carnival. But getting there isn't as simple as hopping onto a ship. That planet is a war zone, crawling with entities far beyond your current level of strength."

Amon frowned. "So, let me guess we can't just walk in, grab a book, and call it a day?"

Kael laughed, a dry, humorless sound. "Not unless you want to become a smear on the library floor. If you want to survive K-204B, you'll need to get stronger much stronger."

Ying Yue nodded, her expression serious. "How do we do that?"

Kael tapped ash from his cigarette into a tray, his gaze thoughtful. "There's someone you need to meet: Captain Rurik. He's in charge of this facility's security, and he's one of the most capable fighters I've ever known. If anyone can whip you two into shape, it's him."

Amon groaned. "Why do I feel like this Rurik guy is going to enjoy torturing us?"

Kael smirked. "Because he probably will. But if you survive his training, you'll be better prepared for what's to come."

As they made their way to the security wing, Amon glanced at Ying Yue. "So, how are you feeling about this whole 'let's get trained by a human boulder' plan?"

Ying Yue shrugged. "It's necessary. We don't have a choice."

"Wow. You make it sound so exciting," Amon said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I, for one, am thrilled to be verbally and physically crushed by some overpowered drill sergeant."

Ying Yue chuckled softly. "You'll survive."

"Your confidence in me is touching," Amon muttered. He hesitated before adding, "Hey… About what Kael said, about that library being on a war-torn planet… Do you think it's worth the risk?"

Ying Yue's gaze hardened. "If it means understanding what's happening to us, then yes. I'll do whatever it takes."

Amon studied her face, noticing the flicker of determination in her eyes. "You're really something, you know that? Always so sure of yourself."

She glanced at him, her expression softening. "Someone has to be."

Amon let out a small laugh. "Fair enough. I guess I'll just have to try to keep up."

They reached the end of the corridor, where a large steel door marked "SECURITY COMMAND" stood ominously before them. Amon hesitated, glancing at Ying Yue. "Ready?"

She nodded. "Let's go."

The door slid open with a mechanical hiss, revealing a vast training hall filled with weapons, sparring dummies, and rows of advanced equipment. At the center of the room stood Captain Rurik, a towering figure with broad shoulders and a stern expression. His arms were crossed over his chest, and his piercing eyes immediately locked onto Amon and Ying Yue.

"Well, well," Rurik said, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. "So these are the kids Kael sent my way. Don't look like much."

Amon bristled. "Hey, I'm standing right here, you know."

Rurik raised an eyebrow, his expression unimpressed. "And? You think your attitude's going to make me go easy on you?"

Ying Yue stepped forward, her tone calm but firm. "Dr. Kael said you could help us get stronger."

Rurik snorted. "Help? Sure. But let's get one thing straight I'm not here to hold your hand. If you want to survive what's coming, you'll have to earn it."

He gestured to the rows of training equipment. "This isn't going to be some friendly workout session. You'll train until you can barely stand, and then you'll train some more. If you can't handle that, there's the door."

Amon exchanged a glance with Ying Yue, who nodded resolutely. He sighed, muttering under his breath, "Why do I keep agreeing to these terrible ideas?"

"What was that?" Rurik barked.

"Nothing, sir!" Amon said quickly, straightening up.

Rurik smirked. "That's what I thought. Now, let's see what you're made of."

Rurik wasted no time putting them to work. He started with a grueling series of exercises designed to test their physical limits push-ups, sprints, and sparring drills that left Amon gasping for breath. Ying Yue fared better, her movements sharp and precise, but even she was visibly exhausted by the end of the session.

As they collapsed onto the floor, Rurik stood over them, his arms crossed. "Not bad," he said gruffly. "For rookies."

Amon groaned. "Please tell me that was the warm-up."

Rurik chuckled darkly. "Oh, we're just getting started."

Later that evening, as they limped back to their quarters, Amon glanced at Ying Yue. "So… scale of one to ten, how much do you hate me for dragging you into this?"

She smirked, her expression tired but amused. "About a seven."

"Only a seven? Wow. I'm flattered. I wante to try other exercise for night but I guess that would have to wait."

Ying Yue shook her head, a small smile on her lips. "Get some rest, Amon. Tomorrow's going to be worse."

He groaned, but despite his exhaustion, he felt a flicker of hope. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was taking a step in the right direction.

Even if it was a painful one.