72: A Feast and New Beginnings

A week had passed since Alex had released the Elementis techniques onto the market, and the results had been nothing short of astounding. Each day, the sales had steadily climbed, and mages across various outposts were snapping up the weaker versions of his techniques. The buzz surrounding Elementis had spread faster than Alex could have imagined. Discussions on forums and social media were alive with excitement and curiosity about the mysterious creator of these new techniques. It was clear that Elementis had quickly become a rising star in the energy arts world, and Alex was reaping the rewards.

Sitting in his dimly lit workshop, the quiet hum of machines around him, Alex opened his console to check the most recent updates on his account. He had been monitoring the sales and feedback closely, but today, he was particularly eager to see how much his profits had grown.

"AI, display my current balance," Alex said, leaning back in his chair.

The screen blinked to life, and the numbers that flashed before him made his heart race with satisfaction.

"Your current balance stands at 150,000 Energy Credits," the AI informed him.

Alex couldn't help but smile. In just one week, he had accumulated more Energy Credits than he had ever thought possible. The plan to sell weaker versions of the energy techniques had not only worked—it had exceeded his expectations. With this amount of credits, he could not only continue his secret plans but also treat the people who mattered most to him.

Alex sat back in his chair, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He hadn't done this alone. Elara, Serena, and Nia had been there with him every step of the way, and they deserved to share in the rewards. A feast, he thought, something they hadn't had in a long time. Something that would show them how far they had come.

"AI," Alex said, straightening in his seat, "place an order for a feast. I want the best food and drinks the outpost has to offer."

"Order confirmed," the AI responded. "The delivery will arrive within the hour."

Alex smiled. Tonight would be a night to remember.

An hour later, a delivery drone arrived, its cargo bay packed with premium food and drink. Alex quickly unpacked the crates, setting everything up on the long table in the middle of their shared living quarters. The spread was impressive: succulent synth-meat seasoned to perfection, roasted vegetables, fluffy bread rolls, rich pastries, and an assortment of drinks—everything from spiced ale to sweet fruit juices. The feast was more luxurious than anything they had tasted in months, and Alex took pride in knowing it was all because of his hard work.

He stood back, admiring the table, when Elara walked in. Her eyes widened at the sight of the extravagant meal spread before her.

"Alex," she began, her voice filled with disbelief, "what is all this?"

He turned to her with a grin. "It's a celebration. For us. We've worked hard, and we deserve something special."

Elara stepped closer to the table, her eyes scanning the array of dishes. "This is incredible. How did you manage to get all of this?"

Alex shrugged casually. "Let's just say I've had a good week."

Just as he finished speaking, Serena and Nia walked in, their expressions lighting up as they took in the sight of the feast. Nia's eyes sparkled with delight as she practically bounced over to the table, her small hands reaching for a plate.

"Is all this for us?" Nia asked, her voice filled with excitement.

Alex nodded, watching her face light up. "Every last bite."

Serena smiled, her usually composed demeanor softening. "This is... unexpected," she said, taking a seat at the table. "But I won't complain."

The four of them gathered around the table, plates in hand, as they began to serve themselves generous portions of food. The air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of the perfectly cooked synth-meat, and soon the room was filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation, their usual worries forgotten for the moment.

As they ate, Alex found himself enjoying the moment more than he expected. It wasn't often that they had a chance to relax, to indulge in something more than just survival. Elara, usually so tense and focused on the next task, was smiling as she took a sip of her drink. Serena, always composed and serious, seemed to let her guard down, laughing at one of Nia's stories about a mishap during one of their earlier scavenging missions. Nia, as expected, was in her element, chatting away between bites of her favorite pastries.

"This is amazing," Nia said through a mouthful of food, her eyes wide with delight. "I can't remember the last time we ate something this good."

Elara nodded in agreement, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "I don't even want to know how you managed to get this, Alex. But thank you. We needed this."

Alex smiled, enjoying the sight of them all so relaxed. "I thought we deserved something good after all we've been through. And I figured we could use a break before things start picking up again."

Serena raised an eyebrow. "Picking up? What do you mean?"

Alex leaned back in his chair, considering how much to tell them. The truth was, he had plans—big plans—that he hadn't shared with anyone yet. The credits he had earned were just the beginning, and he was already thinking ahead to the next steps. But for now, he wanted to keep things light.

"Just that things are going well," Alex said, his tone casual. "And we'll have more opportunities coming our way soon."

Serena seemed to sense that there was more to the story, but she didn't press him. Instead, she smiled and raised her glass. "To more opportunities, then."

They all raised their glasses in a toast, the sound of clinking glasses echoing softly in the room. For a moment, everything felt right, as if the weight of the world had lifted, even if just for one night.

As the evening wore on and the plates were cleared, Alex stood up and gestured toward the console in the corner of the room.

"There's one more thing," he said, catching their attention. "I've been thinking... we've been scraping by with basic equipment for too long. It's time we upgraded our gear."

Elara raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by 'upgraded'?"

Alex walked over to the console, typing in a few commands. "AI, place an order for four top-of-the-line energy suits. One for each of us."

The AI responded instantly. "Order confirmed. Delivery expected in three days."

Serena looked at him, clearly intrigued. "Energy suits? What kind?"

Alex turned back to them, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "The best kind. These suits will enhance our abilities. They'll protect us from attacks, store energy, and give us an edge in everything we do."

Elara crossed her arms, a curious smile on her face. "And where did you suddenly get the funds for all this?"

Alex grinned. "Let's just say things have been going well with my side projects."

Serena leaned back in her chair, clearly impressed. "Top-of-the-line energy suits... I like the sound of that."

Even Nia, usually quiet when it came to matters of gear and equipment, looked excited. "What will they look like? Will mine be different from yours?"

"They'll be custom-fitted to each of us," Alex explained. "Each one designed to work with your strengths."

Elara shook her head in amazement. "I have to admit, Alex, you've been full of surprises lately. This... this is impressive."

Alex smiled, enjoying the feeling of having something to offer them that would make a real difference in their lives. The energy suits would be the start of a new chapter for them. They were no longer just scavengers scraping by. They were becoming something more—stronger, smarter, and more capable of facing whatever challenges lay ahead.

Three days later, the delivery arrived. The suits were sleek, modern, and built for both functionality and protection. Each suit was tailored specifically to the individual, enhancing their natural movements while offering maximum energy efficiency. The advanced technology integrated into the suits allowed for enhanced energy absorption, providing a boost in speed, stamina, and overall durability.

As they tried on their new gear, Alex watched with satisfaction as his companions marveled at the suits. Elara tested the flexibility of hers, stretching and moving with ease, while Serena admired the sleek design and efficient energy storage built into the suit. Even Nia, who was often more reserved, couldn't hide her excitement as she adjusted the fit of her suit.

"These are amazing," Elara said, running her hands over the material of her suit. "I didn't think gear like this was even possible for people like us."

Alex nodded. "It's rare. But we're not just scavengers anymore. We need this kind of equipment if we're going to keep moving forward."

Serena looked at him, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean by that?"

Alex paused, taking a moment to consider his next words. It was time to tell them the truth—or at least part of it. He had been working on something far beyond what they knew. The techniques he had been practicing, the plans he had been forming—it was all leading to something much bigger.

"I've been working on something," Alex said slowly, his eyes flicking between Elara, Serena, and Nia. "Something that could change everything for us. It's not just about scavenging anymore. We need to grow stronger—much stronger. And I'm going to teach you how."

Elara raised an eyebrow. "Teach us what, exactly?"

Alex smiled, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Energy arts. The techniques I've been learning—ones that can push us beyond what we've ever imagined. I've been training for a while now, and it's time I taught you everything I know."

The room fell silent as his words hung in the air. Elara, Serena, and Nia exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity. They had seen glimpses of Alex's growing power, but they hadn't realized just how much he had been holding back.

For the first time, they were going to learn the secret to Alex's strength.