The Warrior’s Path and the Blade of Speed

As the armored vehicles rumbled back toward Base City 17, the young warriors sat in silence, their minds still replaying the battle they had just faced. The newly hatched Ironfeather Eagle had pushed many of them to their limits, and some still had lingering fear in their eyes. But for Rehan, it had been a different experience entirely. Though he had fought intensely, he had still held back, unwilling to expose his true strength just yet.

John sat beside him, arms crossed, glancing at Rehan every few moments. He had seen glimpses of his strength, but something told him the boy was still hiding something. Just how strong are you, Rehan? he wondered.

After nearly an hour, the convoy finally passed through the massive steel gates of Base City 17, the towering walls giving a sense of security that the wilderness outside could never provide. The vehicles rolled to a stop inside the Warrior Alliance Headquarters, and Alexander stepped forward to address the group.

"Congratulations," he said, his deep voice carrying authority. "You have survived your first real battle and earned the right to be called warriors. Many of you have proven your strength, and some of you have even exceeded expectations. But remember, this is just the beginning. Out there—" he gestured toward the walls, "—the real threats are waiting. Grow stronger, or you will be left behind."

The group remained silent, absorbing his words. Then, another figure stepped forward.

It was Nick—the man in charge of Base City 17. His mere presence demanded attention. Unlike Alexander, Nick had an air of mystery about him. He was a Level 7 Spirit Master, one of the rarest and most powerful individuals in the city.

"You've all done well," Nick said, scanning the young warriors with a sharp gaze. "Surviving in the wilderness is not easy. But survival alone is not enough. Strength, wisdom, and determination—these are the traits that make a true warrior."

He then held out a stack of metal cards, sleek and embedded with digital chips.

"These are your Warrior Licenses," Nick announced. "With this, you are now officially recognized as warriors by the alliance. You can take on missions, earn credits, and grow stronger. And as a token of your achievement—each of you will receive 10 million credits."

Excitement rippled through the group. 10 million credits! For many of them, this was an unimaginable fortune. Some clenched their fists in excitement, while others barely contained their grins. Even Ray, the arrogant young warrior from a wealthy family, couldn't hide his satisfaction.

But as Nick handed out the rewards, his gaze finally settled on Rehan. Unlike the others, he didn't immediately give him his license. Instead, he spoke with a knowing smirk.

"Rehan," Nick said. "Follow me."

The other warriors exchanged curious glances.

Why is Nick personally calling him?

John's eyes narrowed slightly but said nothing as Rehan followed Nick into a private chamber within the headquarters. The room was lined with advanced training equipment and a large punching machine stood in the center.

Nick turned to face Rehan, his expression unreadable. "Tell me, have you broken through to Level 2?"

Rehan hesitated for a moment but nodded. "Yes, I have."

Nick's gaze sharpened. "And your spirit power? Can you manipulate objects?"

Rehan exhaled. He had intended to keep things hidden, but Nick already suspected the truth. There was no point in lying.

"Yes," Rehan admitted. "I can manipulate objects with my mind."

Nick's lips curled into a small smile. "Good. Then show me."

He gestured toward the punching machine. "Hit it with your full strength."

Rehan took a deep breath, lowering his power deliberately. He didn't want to reveal his true strength. He stepped forward and launched a controlled punch.

BOOM!

The screen flashed: 5.5 tons.

Nick raised an eyebrow. "Impressive for a Level 2 warrior. Now, use your spirit energy."

Rehan turned his golden gaze toward a steel knife resting on a nearby table. With a simple thought, the knife lifted into the air and shot toward the machine like a bullet.

BOOM!

The display changed: 11 tons.

Nick was silent for a long moment. Then, he chuckled.

"Not bad at all," he said, nodding approvingly. "Your spirit energy already enhances your attacks twofold. That's remarkable for someone at your level. In time, you might surpass even me."

He then tossed something toward Rehan. It was a metallic card, but this one was different—it was black instead of silver.

"That's your personal warrior license. And as a reward for your potential, I'm granting you 50 million credits and a mansion in Base City 17. Consider it an investment in your future."

Rehan's eyes widened. 50 million credits and a mansion?

He couldn't believe it.

Nick gave him a knowing look. "Make good use of it. You're destined for greatness, Rehan. Don't disappoint me."

Rehan rushed home to share the news with his family. When they heard that he had become an official warrior and received a mansion, their joy was immeasurable. His mother was especially emotional, hugging him tightly, while his father nodded in approval.

That evening, with John's help, a group of Level 1 warriors assisted in moving their belongings to the new mansion. It was a vast property, far larger than their previous home, equipped with a personal training room, a meditation chamber, and an advanced AI system.

To celebrate, they threw a small party.

Kian was the first to arrive, his mouth agape as he looked around. "Damn, Rehan! You really hit the jackpot!"

John also attended, still shaking his head in disbelief at Rehan's rapid progress.

"You're growing too fast," he muttered. "One day, you might even surpass me."

Rehan smirked. "Maybe sooner than you think."

After the celebration, as the night settled in, Rehan sat alone in his new training room, logging into the Warrior Alliance Network.

A holographic AI assistant appeared.

"Welcome, Rehan. How may I assist you?"

Rehan immediately searched for sword techniques. His eyes scanned the list of skills until one caught his attention.

"Phantom Blade: The Ultimate Sword Art of Speed."

His breath hitched.

This technique was created by the President of the Warrior Alliance, the strongest man in the world. It was said to be the fastest sword technique ever developed. But the price—

1 billion credits.

Rehan exhaled. That was way out of his budget.

But then, he noticed something.

The first three chapters were available for 50 million credits.

Without hesitation, he purchased them.

As the digital scrolls loaded onto his device, Rehan's heartbeat quickened.

Level 1: Enhances sword speed by 2 times.Level 2: Enhances sword speed by 3 times.Level 3: Enhances sword speed by 4 times.

As a level 3 warrior his base speed was 200 meters per second. If he mastered even the first level, his sword speed would reach 400 meters per second. At Level 3, it would be 800 meters per second.

Rehan clenched his fists.

"With this, my strength will reach an entirely new level."

As the night deepened, he began reading the Phantom Blade Manual, his mind absorbing every detail.