Today school was closed for the weekend, out of habit; he went for an early jog. Instead of going down his normal routine, he jogged further to the next street.
Draven heaved, leaning against the brick wall, to catch his breath. He cussed, wiping the sweat on his chin. 'I certainly didn't expect it to be this far! Damn that old fart!'
A green thread of light, buzzed from the bracelet, he popped to the size of a little fairy. Vernon shouted "Hey, quit whining! This is just a warm-up!"
Draven said "But, I could have easily warmed up on the gym's treadmill."
Vernon replied "Running outside and inside aren't that different. But they make a big difference. Athletes of my generation, preferred training outdoors, making their bodies resistant to the temperature and the conditions of the track."
Draven stayed silent and continued running.
Moments before daybreak, in a small corner of the street. People in their sports apparels went in and out of the building.
Draven entered the building, with a tiny Vernon hiding behind his ear. Vernon was curious to know how much the society has changed, a century after the great war of 2150 between the Justice Alliance and the villains of humanity.
Sadly, Vernon's party won and threw the world in a state of unrest, full of rogue supers. Until a few ambitious fractions, clans and organizations around the world rose and ruled the lands with their own form of governance, restoring some level of peace and order.
Draven walked in the crowded elevator. Just when the elevator was about to close, Draven saw a girl in pink sweatshirt rushing through the slit of the elevator. He pressed the elevator door open, she walked in and it continued moving up, her chest heaved, she pushed the stray hair behind her ear.
She smiled, said "Thank you, for holding the lift!"
Draven waved his hand down "Don't thank me, it wasn't a big deal"
She said "My name is Cecilia and what's your?"
"Just Draven. Are you heading to the gym?"
Cecilia pondered, said "Yeah! Hmm, I have never seen you before, are you new here?"
"No, I live a couple of streets away." Draven said.
*Ting*
The elevator stopped at the last floor. They crossed the corridor, to the gym complex.
Cecilia said "Oh, if you need any help, just let me known… I'll be training with my buddies in the VIP section!"
"Okay, bye!"
Draven replied "Sure, bye” walked behind her through the glass door, she hopped to a group of girls behind the glass window.
It had a great atmosphere. There were multiple training grounds and arenas, full of the latest fitness equipments and weights taking the whole floor. Each room had their own theme and training gears. It even had a battle simulator and fight bots tailored for martial artists and superhumans. He admired the facilities while his hands clutched his bleeding pockets.
Turning back to the reception, he asked the lady behind the counter, to show him their schemes and offers.
The receptionist tapped the black table, it lit up; displayed all of their membership and packages.
She tapped the table again, a high chair materialized behind Draven, he took the seat and swiped through the options.
The receptionist scrutinised him in detail and found him devilishly handsome.
She mentally wished; he wasn't underage.
She blushed and then astutely hid it behind a professional face.
Vernon within his ear, said "Take the premium membership. It offers a private room and your own personal trainer."
Draven said, inaudible voice "But aren't you training me?"
Vernon said " Yes I am, I can't wait to try all those fancy equipment… I feel so young!"
He selected a VIP membership without a trainer option. Internally, he cried.
'What the heck?? that's way too expensive…' patting his bare pocket.
'Fifty thousand credits for a freaking gym membership! That is ten times more than my house rent!'
The lady noticed his expression, said "Is there anything wrong? Sir?"
Draven replied with a small smile "It's nothing, Ma'am. I want to take the premium offer without a trainer"
Surprised, she asked him "Are you sure can afford it?"
Draven said "Yes, It may be above my budget but everything comes with a price" hiding his wound.
She nodded. "Yes, so do you want to apply for a monthly, six months or year membership?"
Calculating the price in his head, he said "Is it possible to apply for a weekly membership?"
The receptionist replied "Yes it is possible, but most prefer monthly or yearly to save them from the hassle. Let me prepare it for you"
A digital form popped on the table, he signed it after entering the required details. And swiped his com against the gym's scanner. A second later a bank notification popped on his com.
'Beep'
Draven thought 'Don't tell me she made a mistake, deducted 10,500 credits instead of 11,600 credits'
Draven questioned her with my eyes.
The receptionist smiled, said in a soft voice "I gave you a discount, so don't tell anyone ok?"
Draven brightened, 'What an angel!' he thanked her.
'The heavens are finally looking after me.' 'From tomorrow onwards, I will take two jobs and work overtime!'
She chuckled behind the counter, handed him a receipt and a platinum membership card.
She said "Room no.8 in section B is free to use. And have a good day, Sir!"
"You too!" He skipped inside with happy feet.
Inside, there were plenty of assistant bots to provide the member with refreshments or to uphold the peace of the gym.
Once he reached the room, with a swipe of his pass, a door shone itself from the white walls and parted.
Vernon grew in size, donning a whistle and commanded him to do some stretches. And then started doing four sets of hundred push-ups.
In the middle of his push-ups, Vernon strapped a few bands on his neck, arms, back and my legs with lighting speed.
*Buzzz*
Suddenly, the pressure built up, forcing his body down, gripping the floor with his nails; holding still. "WHAT THE HECK??"
Nonchalant, Vernon said "I’m just pushing your body! It's just hundred kgs more, surely it isn't a big deal for you!"
Smugly looking down, Vernon said "Is it too hard for ya?"
"Hard? Heh… C'mon, is that it?" Draven taunted with a fake brag. "I can do two hundred more!" He said, Vernon increased his load, and with a smirk, he pushed his body up.
Soon, he was able to complete the sets without any breaks, all for the sake of his fragile pride.
He jumped to his feet. "Ahh, that feel good" he said, cracking his neck.
Internally, he complained 'Man, that was intense! My back is killing me!' and unstrapped the elastic bands from his shoulder.
'Seriously?' I know it's hurting! But if he continues being reckless... the consequences will be severe!' Vernon thought with a solemn expression.
“Hold on, we aren’t done!”
“We aren’t” he repeated, mixed with emotions.
“Keep the weights on” a screen of different exercises played before him. “You must do this and this… with the weights”
"Do I really have to wear these?" Draven asked, talking about the weights.
Vernon nodded.
He grunted, and pulled his body up the metal bar. He worked out his full body, with the help of the +dumbbells and the training machines.
The +dumbbells were adjustable weights, which the user can increase or decrease the weight accordingly to their preference.
After long hours of working out; his sleeveless sweatshirt was drenched in sweat, kissing his back against the floor. 'It been some time since I last trained like this'
Past a minute, Vernon said "Now it's time for battle simulation. Let's go!"
Draven entered a dark room. Automatically, blue lights flickered on, lighting the control panel and the shelves loaded of weapons of all kinds.
Vernon played with the settings while he picked his weapon. Draven choose a long, spikey whip, a short sword and a couple of daggers.
Admiring the whip for a moment, he thought 'This would pair nicely with my fire! Sure, I may be rusty..." As a descendant of the Castel Clan, it was a custom for them to be proficient with all kinds of weapons.
Strolled to the centre and the dark room morphed into a tropical forest. He gasped at the surrealism.
His hand grazed the solid holographic tress and leaves, Vernon said "Take this seriously, I will be measuring your aptitude!"
The room glowed; as the numbers flashed.
3…2…1 Go!
The room glowed; numbers flashed. 3…2…1 Go! Draven climbed up and hid within the tree leaves, gripping the daggers. A couple of robots trudged through the wilderness, while they carefully scanned the area with loaded guns, ready to fire. Catching a lead of his footprint, on a caterpillar track, they waddled to his tree. Like a dart, the dagger cut through the air, it stuck straight to its optical sensor. Aligning his sword, he jumped down, and with the gained momentum, it sliced through the robot in half. And casually swung his sword horizontally, chopping off the head of the robot. Draven strolled out. A second later, they went boom, sending the lit scraps in all directions, attracting the others. He leaned his back straight to the trunk, as a drone flew above. He rolled and took cover in a nearby bush. Pensively looked around. 'Hmm, last time I used the rings. But they are too taxing for my current level. I need to figure out a way to
In the midst of his battle, he ducked his head from the incoming heat ray. He dashed in the middle, two robots flanking him from the both sides, swinging their blades, forming an x. With a horizontal parry, he deflected back their combined attacks. They skidded back; pulling his fingers back like a gun, he shot fire bullets which was soon blocked by its forcefield. Based on his previous fighting patterns, the bots were prepared. From the middle, a machine gun. Draven rocketed himself back with a flip, he struck its chest with the teeth of his whip and destroyed the source of his trouble, leaving the bot with only a sword to defend itself. When Draven fought the robots, he heard a mechanical movement. Acting on his instincts, he changed the grip of his sword and preformed a reverse roundhouse; kicking the robot's sword away while ducking his head narrowly from the incoming sword at the front. After depleting his fire energy, he was soon stuck in a dead
[Mission]Defeat Misty Eyes thugs and the hidden boss.Defeat the gang of Misty eyes 350expDefeat Hidden Boss 300expBonus: level 3 power scrollFail to complete mission - electric shock for two minutes or deduct 300exp from the host.Vernon said "They aren't that strong only a few are level 2 and the tattooed dude is a level 2.5 superhuman. And the boss is at level 3. It shouldn't be too hard for ya!" Draven spent 80exp for one speed boost and stamina boost, giving a temporary boost of five stats each. Blood rush through his heart, epic music replayed in his mind. Draven laughed, and plotted 'It will be much easier to surpress them, once I defeat their leader' Draven dashed to the leader. An inch away, Draven covered his fists with fire and punched. The leader activated his ability, turning his arm into iron and blocked Draven's punch.Before the enemy could counterattack, Draven stepped back and front kicked him in the gut. It rebounded.
Pushing through the sea of people and from a slit, he caught a sight of her back. He thought 'Hmm, why do I feel she looks familiar... to someone?' The thug roughly grabbed her hips with a lecherous gaze, she slapped him. His face darkened and frisked her to the floor, she closed her eyes tight and curled her head expecting the blow. And before the man could strike her, Draven jumped over with a flying kick in the face; kicking a meter away. *Bang*The spectators gasped. Slowly her eyes fluttered open, bewildered by the events. As a man bleed on the ground. Her earthen eyes widened, seeing her saviour. With a light chuckle, Draven gazed into her eyes and softly mouthed 'Hi' The man rubbed his face in pain, stood on his feet and spat blood. They supported him and drew out their knives. He shouted "Yo punk! How dare you kick me? Don't you know who am I? Draven snickered "Do I look like I care?" A ball of fire crawled around his hand. <
After gaming away their worries, they strolled around the mall.Sarah eyes sparkled, she stared at the latest winter attire behind the glass frame. Unconsciously, she wandered inside. Draven left in the background humoured and followed her.Her eyes grazed the file of clothes, searching for the particular outfit, she saw outside. She ran and felt the soft woollen fabric against her cheek. She flipped the price tag, her face shrank like a deflated balloon and with a hunch, she dragged her feet.She sighed, glancing down at her
In the deep spaces of his mind, darkness lurked. Flesh and blood aren't enough to satisfy the great demon, rather the torment of the soul. "Oh, how much I crave for a much tender and succulent soul to feast on..." Through an eerie forest, a dark shadow walked, a blood curdling scream came from below, the still lake. The hoarse wails and the clanging of chains, it was music to his ears. He strolled into the grand palace; his footsteps echoed through the halls. He pushed the giant arched doors and walked to the throne. His subjects chanted his name. 'All hail Kalaraja, Kalaraja... Karlaraja' Detached. Kalaraja passed his chained captives, kneeling on the cold floor. He lounged in his purple cushioned throne, rested a leg on the black armrest. He raised his hand, they stopped chanting. The prisoners then lifted their heads to see their tormentor. They fainted. Underneath his long, blood hair, lied a vicious grin. With hung
Draven strolled to an arena nearby, his bracelet vibrated. With a light smile, he excused himself to the washroom. Inside the cubicle, he opened the system interface. [Legend's Scroll] Host: Draven Edgor Castel Age: 17 Health bar: 100% [Host status: Peak Health] [Stats] Intelligence: 18 Strength: 27 Speed: 13 Agility: 8 Stamina: 9 Dexterity: 15 Charm: 13 Luck: 6 Spirit: 20 Overall Power level: 1.0 Power: Invisibility (lvl.1), Fire (lvl.2) Skills: Misdirection, Fire manipulation. Verdict: power of a newly awakened. Still stronger due to the host having higher stats otherwise the host is still weak. [Mission] Defeat Cecilia 450exp [Store] Exp: 950 [Storage] Mystery Map (1/9) [Lucky Draw] Vernon popped near the panel and said "What's wrong? It's just a mission"
Draventurnedinvisibleandrantohisprivateroom. Inside, Draven started exercising and lifting weights. 'Ican'tallowmyselftolose!Thattootoagirl!Rhhh,Damnit!' Afffected,withoutVernon'spermission,hedoubledtheweightsonhisbody. Afterworkingouthisbackandlegs,heskippedtheropeforthirtyminutes,withasoberexpression. Heswitchedonthebattlesimulatorandturnedthenobuphard.Hepluggedhisearsandturnedthevolumeupand poppedapill,strolledtothemiddle. Shiftedhissurrounding
"Those bastards" swiftly he paced himself forward, fluttering his lab coat with a fierce air. The operators paused their work and made way for him while the supervisor and the captain argued. Luis stood before them with a stern face. "Ahem" He turned to Luis with a wry smile, said. "Ah, Professor" "What are you two doing? Get back to your duties. I will handle this," Luis said, and stepped in front of the controls. "Yes." The supervisor pecked his head like a hen as he retreated. "Capt. Davis, activate the defence mechanism, A-103 and code P456" "Yes, Sir" Capt. Davis said. He pulled a slide from control panel and twisted it before he punched it in. A teal light beamed around the borders. "Defence activated" While on the outside, a transparent membrane shot from thefrontof ship and converged to the end, pushing the nearby rocks away. Luis hands typed codes on screen and slammed
On a funnel of space and light creates a wondrous image, as millions and millions of extra-terrestrial bodies compete, pushing themselves past the obscurity of the distance and the darkness of the space. In a void, a silver blimp flashed through the cluster of rocks. Cannons on the sides rotated and fired. Thousands of rays converged and struck the ginormous space rock. It exploded into thousands of fragments.The ship heaved itself through the cloud of dust, particles ticketed against the surface, drumming on the screen of glass. He tilted his head back, dishevelling his golden hair against the glass as his body spasmed into a chuckle. "Hehe, that was a good one. " A finger flicked the photo across the holographic screen to the next one. Pride refracted in his jay-blues while he appraised the moment. He hummed in remembrance. A crystal cup lifted above his head, sparking brilliance between him and his team, while a girl kissed his cheek under the rain of confetti.A p
Draven honestly said. “I do want to enter one of the Big Five but I am not sure on which one”“Then I can help you” Luis cleared his throat and tossed a cube in Draven’s direction. The cube rolled and morphed into a comfy couch. He signalled for him to take a seat. Draven silently settled himself on the couch and listened.“Each of the Big five have their own speciality, like Luturian Alchemy Academy, which focuses on Alchemy. Sure, there are many alchemy-based universities, but what they lack is the quality of professors, lectures, or the ability to gain resources. Which will be used to nurture their seedlings and naturally bring them fame and reputation across the universe”“Entrium University is known as the number one on white paper because they normally recruit the children of the elite and have the backing of many high-net-worth individuals and families”“So, it is a playground of snotty br
Reading the announcement, the viewers blinked and suddenly bursted into cheers, holographic fireworks exploded in the air.Alight appearedinthe dugout, Osbornestood before them with a weak smile. "I did it!"His teammatesturned aroundand pounced,hisheadwent ditsyand Osborne fell on the bench. Dowsing their mood with a bucket of cold water. Coach said. "Guys, give him some space, he is just beat""But sir??"Coach assured them with a smile. "Don't worry, he is okay. He just needs time to recover by the time we have to go and claim the cup!""YAAYY!"Chad tugged his jacket, said "Sir, aren't you forgetting the group picture?""Oh, yeah..." Coach said, stumped by his situation, he pondered and said. "Maybe, Draven will be fine!""Yes, come one let go see Draven!!" Chad shouted, and like a mob the students pushed Coach along with them.
Draven asked."Anyway, do you guys know who won the match?""Nope, we rushed here as soon you got teleported out! I was worried something happened to you again!" Becky said."What do you mean again?" Amelia asked, clueless about the previous events since Abby didn't inform them of his situation."Its nothing" Becky shook her head."So, the match is going on?"Amelia said. "I think, before I left, Osborne was fighting that McFerreen guy."Rushed footsteps echoed within the halls. Draven shifted his gaze to the door. Arkon entered with a howl. "Hello, son!" while his family followed behind with big smiles. "Oh, my baby," a woman in an elaborate dress exclaimed and moved past her children all the way to his bed."Hi, Dad. Mom?
Next second later,light flashed,couple of bodies fell onto the bed. Emergency lights flicked around the room. Draven blinked, staring at the ceiling with one thought. "Did I win? Or did I lose?" He shifted his head to the side, the door swung open, as a team of nurses and doctors approached the beds. Draven was about to speak, a nurse said. "Doctor, this patient is in a critical condition." "Hmm" the doctor turned from Draven's bed and headed to the bed in the corner. They huddled around, examining the patient. "Doctor, a weird infection seems to be spreading over from his external wounds. I think he is poisoned." Grim expression, the doctor ran a hand scanner down his body."Bythe metrics
"Just do it," Draven shouted. They hesitated before they clicked forfeit. A light befell and teleported them out."Now let's fight!" Pablo flexed his gamma muscles and his feet launched himself forward with a powerful shock wave, adding cracks to the ice.In a blink of an eyes, he shot from one point with an outstretched fist. Draven dropped to a roll. A leg flew to Draven's face. Fire rocketed his soles to the sky. He swayed his sword and shot beams of energy.Pablo sprung into the air, the rays deflected off his chest and from his eyes; he shot gamma rays.Draven tilted his body away and countered with a freeze ray. Draven thought. 'I need to figure out a way to defeat him without contaminating myself.'Draven asked. "Vernon. Does life force absorption work on radio
Fire swirled around his legs, Draven stepped forward, leavingtrailsof puddles in his path. Pablo slowly picked himself. Draven stood over him, said."Pablo, face it you are finished!""I am finished?"Pablo snickeredwhilehe bendedto pick his axe and said. "How can you say I am finished when I haven't even played my next card?"Draven's eyebrows lifted in alertness, "What?" and stepped back.Poison radiated from his pores, his armour melted down to his legs, glowing a radioactive light.A sudden dread hit his core. Draven stepped back and lifted a hand to his face. Pablo radiated a blinding light. He laughed with head back, "Time for you see my full strength!"Draven ran away and shouted, "Osborne, retreat! Retreat!"&
Reaching the end of the berg, the horses neighed and jumped across the large stretch of water and continued galloping. Their bands beeped as they got closer to the Hellhound's location.Seeing figures far in the distance, Pablo grinned and drew out his axe. The others followed and drew out their weapons."Let's rush to victory!"The horses jumped across and their hooves sank in the snow. Controlling their powers, the horses galloped above the snowy water. Suddenly, ice beams sprung from the ground and struck few of them, triggering the safety system and teleported them out, leaving the rest out of formation.A beam sprung before him, Pablo reined it back, the horse lifted itself to a stop; fluttering his fur cape. Pablo signalled them to spread out, a freezing ray shot straight to him. Pablo jumped off