Captain's Office

"Sergeant Lee," Kayden acknowledged, his curiosity piqued. "What's the matter?"

The sergeant motioned for Kayden to follow him. "The captain wants to see you immediately in his office. It seems there are some things he wants to discuss with you."

A mixture of anticipation and apprehension welled up inside Kayden.

As he walked alongside Sergeant Lee through the hallways of the base, he wondered what could be so urgent that the captain needed to see him right away.

'I guess he's calling me to give me a warning because of the fight, I just didn't expect it to be so soon.'

Entering Captain Jake's office, Kayden found the captain sitting behind his desk, a thoughtful expression on his face. He gestured for Kayden to take a seat in front of him.

"Recruit Kayden, have a seat," the captain said, his voice calm and composed. "I've heard about your recent encounter with Grayson and your impressive display of strength."

Kayden listened to him emotionlessly as he sat down.

"I must admit, I was both surprised and impressed by what I heard," Captain Jake uttered. "Even though I already knew your talent was outstanding after seeing your sparring and reading Sergeant Lee's notes, the fight showed that there is indeed more to you than meets the eye."

Kayden nodded, his gaze fixed on the captain. He knew his actions would have consequences, he just hoped they were not too big.

"I called you here today since I believe it is essential for us to have a conversation about your recent experiences," the captain said, his tone firm.

As he spoke, Kayden tried to guess how advanced the captain's cultivation was.

'There is no way that he is an ordinary human. The confidence he exudes can't be faked.'

The captain continued, "We need to ensure that you find the balance between harnessing your strength and staying true to the principles that guide us."

Kayden's face remained the same, but he inwardly sneered. 'Heh, so he is talking about principles now?'

Even if he had no intention of using his strength unrestrainedly, he knew how stupid it was not to take advantage of it. Besides that, believing the government's words unconditionally would be the most naive thing to do.

Despite thinking like this, Kayden nodded to the captain as he listened to his words.

"I understand, sir," Kayden responded, faking determination, "I want to find that balance and learn how to control the darker aspects of my nature. I should use my strength for the righteous cause."

The captain nodded approvingly. "That's a commendable goal. It takes strength of character to recognize the need for self-reflection and growth. With the right guidance and training, you will undoubtedly become a formidable warrior while staying true to your principles."

Kayden maintained a composed expression, snorting inwardly at the hypocrisy behind his words.

'Yes, sir, I have no doubt that with the right guidance and training, I would definitely become a formidable slave to the cause.'

Sitting up straighter in his chair, Kayden met the captain's gaze. "Thank you, sir. Your guidance is greatly appreciated. I'm willing to put in the effort and learn from this experience."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Captain Jake's lips. "I believe in your potential, Kayden, just try to avoid fighting with other recruits."

"Ok, sir."

"Now, let's move on to the really important issues."

Hearing his words, curiosity sparked in Kayden's eyes.

"First of all, I am sure you already know about talent grades, and you have realized how hard it is to become a Noble Grade cultivator or higher," The captain began,

Kayden nodded, this time in complete agreement with his words.

After forty nodes already unlocked, and the pain of the last one being especially intense, considering he had consumed the best menu before unlocking it, Kayden was uncertain about becoming a King Grade talent.

Even though he was completely determined to become an outstanding cultivator, he could not imagine the pain of unlocking the eightieth node.

Seeing his reaction, the captain continued, "It seems that, for the best participants in the First Trial all over the world, there might be a reward that would make it easier for the consumer to become a higher grade."

Widening his eyes, Kayden asked nervously to be sure, "Sir, does this mean that if someone who was only going to become a Noble Grade talent at best consumes it, he would have chances to achieve King Grade?"

Amused by Kayden's excitement, the captain answered. "That is exactly what I mean. We still do not how it works, but we are almost sure about its existence."

'I must get it no matter what. It may be my only option to reach Emperor Grade or, who knows, the Sage Grade,' Kayden thought, his eyes shining with determination.

"Moreover, if a recruit succeeds in obtaining this reward, the government is committed to assisting him as much as possible in his cultivation path."

Kayden listened to him carefully before asking something that had been on his mind ever since he learned about the talent grades.

"Sir, can I ask you how big is the difference between Emperor Grade and Sage Grade? I'm confused about why there is only a node of difference."

The captain's expression turned thoughtful before he said, "Based on our understanding, the difference is as vast as the sky and the earth. You may wonder, how is that possible if there is only a node more?"

Sitting in his chair, Kayden fidgeted expectantly, urging the captain to continue.

"While is theoretically possible for other cultivators to surpass the Mana Ascension stage, the likelihood is incredibly slim. On the other hand, Sage Grade cultivators are the only ones likely to transcend this stage."

The captain paused for a moment, letting his words sink in.

"Furthermore, the final node holds exceptional significance as it grants the cultivator the so-called Mana Body."

"The Mana Body?" Kayden interjected, his confusion evident since he had never encountered such a concept before.

"The Mana Body means that the cultivator's physical form is in perfect harmony with mana, making it easier to cultivate or practice mana arts."

"Mana arts, captain?" Kayden questioned, his curiosity growing for moments.

"Yes, Mana arts serve as the main means of both offense and defense during combats, starting from the Mana Warrior stage onwards."

Kayden's mind raced with the newfound information.

'Mana Body and mana arts… These are basic knowledge that would be commonplace in other parts of the universe, yet I've only just learned of their existence. How many other things I'm not aware of exist out there?'

The captain's gaze met Kayden's as he continued, "And this brings us to another matter. As soon as you demonstrate outstanding potential, the government will help you with the procurement of mana arts."