Crossing Boundries

The cold, damp air of the Hidden Chamber of the Moon sent a shiver down Kayah's spine as he and the other initiates gathered in the central hall. The moonstone's pale light cast long shadows across the stone floor, creating an eerie atmosphere. The Head Instructor, cloaked in dark robes adorned with silver symbols, stood before them, his presence commanding immediate attention.

"Today, we begin your journey with the Moon Breathing Technique," the Head Instructor announced, his voice echoing through the cavernous hall. "This is the foundation of your training, the core of our power."

Kayah listened intently, aware that every word, every detail could be the difference between survival and failure. The Head Instructor's eyes scanned the room, ensuring every initiate was focused.

"Our planet," the instructor began, "revolves at an unimaginably slow speed due to the immense forces exerted by the sun and the moon. This delicate balance keeps life on our world stable. Should either celestial body withdraw its force, our existence would be obliterated."

The room was silent, the gravity of the instructor's words sinking in. Kayah felt a pang of unease, thinking about how precarious their world truly was.

"Due to this unique scenario," the instructor continued, "humans here are blessed with force—an energy system that allows us to perform extraordinary feats. This force is what you will learn to harness, starting with the Moon Breathing Technique."

The instructor demonstrated, inhaling deeply and exhaling in a controlled manner, his entire body glowing faintly with a silvery light. "Breathe in the force around you, feel it flow into your core, and store it around your heart. Form a circle of ether within you. This force can be used offensively, defensively, or for both simultaneously."

The initiates mimicked the instructor, trying to sense the force in the air. Kayah closed his eyes, focusing on his breath, feeling the subtle energy around him. Slowly, he began to draw it into his body, directing it to his core. He visualized a circle of ether forming around his heart, a pulsating sphere of energy.

"Practice diligently," the instructor advised. "You have one week to accumulate as much force as possible. After that, a test will determine your worthiness. Fail, and you will be eliminated."

The weight of the challenge hung heavily over the group. Failure meant not just the end of their training, but possibly their lives. Kayah knew he couldn't afford to falter. He had to excel, to ensure his future and the safety of his empire.

The week passed in a blur of intense practice and focus. Kayah immersed himself in the Moon Breathing Technique, drawing in as much force as his young body could handle. The screen had granted him the mastery of invisibility, and he used this to his advantage, training in secret, away from prying eyes.

Finally, the day of the test arrived. The initiates were led to the outer chamber, a vast arena with high stone walls and a sand-covered floor. The Head Instructor stood at the entrance, his expression stern.

"Inside, you will face a blood bath," he declared. "You must battle each other. Survive without any injury, and you pass. Even a single scratch, and you fail."

Kayah remembered this test vividly from his previous life. The brutal chaos, the desperation of his peers—it had been one of the most harrowing experiences of his training. But this time, he had an advantage. As the gates opened, the initiates scattered, each seeking a strategic position.

Kayah activated his invisibility, vanishing from sight. The screen appeared before him again:

New Quest Found

Survive The Outer Chamber Without Any Wound

Reward: Lunar Breathing Art

His heart raced. The Lunar Breathing Art was the most powerful breathing technique in the empire, known only to the Emperor. The promise of such a reward filled him with determination. Using his invisibility, Kayah moved silently through the chaos, striking at his peers with precision. Each strike was calculated, aimed to incapacitate without drawing attention.

However, one boy seemed to sense his presence—Neil. Kayah was shocked. In his previous life, Neil had been the top student, achieving the Blood Moon level thirty years into the future. Now, Kayah found himself nearly discovered by this prodigious talent.

Neil moved with uncanny awareness, his eyes scanning the seeming space where Kayah stood. Kayah held his breath, his heart pounding in his chest. Just as Neil was about to strike, the instructor's voice rang out, signalling the end of the test.

Quest Completed

Rewards Transferred To Inventory

Kayah exhaled in relief as he became visible again. The initiates emerged from the chamber, battered and bruised. Only ten had survived unscathed. Kayah noted with satisfaction that he had changed the future; in his past life, twenty-one had passed, but he had eliminated eleven, ensuring his advantage.

The survivors were grouped into teams of five, and assigned shared quarters without regard to gender or status. Kayah found himself in a room with Neil. The tension was palpable, but Kayah remained composed. As night fell and his companions drifted into sleep, he whispered, "Inventory."

The screen appeared, displaying his new reward: *Lunar Breathing Art.* He read the description eagerly. This technique would allow him to accumulate force at an unprecedented rate. Kayah began practicing immediately, feeling the force flow into him with ten times the intensity he had managed in the past week. His body hummed with energy, his mind sharper and more focused than ever.

Optional Quest Completed

Say Activate To Access

Kayah took his leave, slipping quietly back to his quarters where the room was empty. The other initiates were still out training, taking advantage of every moment. He took a deep breath and said, "Activate."

Pain surged through his body as his bones began to shift and his muscles tore and repaired themselves. Kayah dropped to the floor, his teeth clenched against the agony. The transformation was excruciating, every fibre of his being undergoing reconstruction. For two hours, he lay on the cold stone floor, his body writhing in pain.

When the process finally ceased, Kayah was left gasping for breath, drenched in sweat. His shirt had been shredded, leaving him bare-chested. The door to the quarters creaked open, and Neil entered, his eyes widening in shock at the sight before him.

"Kayah!" Neil dashed to his side, his hands reaching out to help him. He hesitated, then placed a hand on Kayah's shoulder, feeling the new, hardened muscles. "Was he always this strong?" Neil thought to himself. The transformation was astounding.

Kayah slowly opened his eyes, struggling to sit up. "I'm fine, Neil," he managed to say, his voice hoarse. "Just resting after training."

Neil's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded, accepting the explanation. "You've been pushing yourself hard. Don't overdo it."

Kayah forced a smile, grateful for Neil's concern. As Neil turned to give him some space, Kayah's mind raced with the implications of his transformation. His body felt different—stronger, faster, more resilient. The Body Reconstruction reward had done more than enhance his physical abilities; it had elevated him to a new level of power.

In the days that followed, Kayah continued to practice the Lunar Breathing Art in secret, his progress accelerating at a remarkable pace. His body responded to the technique with unprecedented efficiency, allowing him to gather and store force at an extraordinary rate. He kept his new abilities hidden, aware that revealing too much too soon could draw unwanted attention.

Neil, meanwhile, grew more comfortable in their alliance. He admired Kayah's dedication and strength, seeing him as a worthy partner in their shared journey. Together, they continued to rise through the ranks, their bond of loyalty and friendship solidifying with each passing day.

The Head Instructor observed their progress with interest. During one of their training sessions, he called Kayah and Neil aside. "You two have shown exceptional growth," he remarked, his tone measured. "But remember, true strength lies not just in individual prowess, but in leadership and unity."

Kayah nodded, understanding the underlying message. The Head Instructor was watching them closely, evaluating their potential not just as warriors, but as future leaders of the Dark Empire.

As their training intensified, Kayah continued to explore the capabilities granted by the system. The Body Reconstruction reward had enhanced his physical abilities significantly, making his movements swifter and more precise. He used these advantages discreetly, aware that drawing too much attention could be dangerous.

One night, as they prepared for bed, Neil spoke up. "Kayah, what's your goal here? Why are you pushing so hard?"

Kayah hesitated, then decided to share part of the truth. "I want to protect our empire. There are forces within and outside that threaten our way of life. I've seen what happens if we're not prepared. I can't let that happen."

Neil's eyes searched his face for a moment before he nodded. "I believe you. And I'll stand by you."

The assurance in Neil's voice strengthened Kayah's resolve. Together, they would change the future. With each day, they grew more skilled and more confident. They knew the path ahead was fraught with danger, but they were ready to face it, side by side.

As the weeks turned into months, the initiates faced numerous tests, each more challenging than the last. Kayah's foresight and strategic mind, combined with Neil's strength and intuition, made them an unstoppable duo. They climbed the ranks, moving from New Moons to Crescent Moons with ease.