Chapter 11. The Training Ground
"These excitation pods enhance stamina output and fortify muscular and neural structures," the guide explained.
"Body Weavers push their limits constantly, so physical adaptation is just as vital as technique."
Licht paused as they passed one of the pods. A cadet floated inside, jaw clenched in deep concentration. Thin streams of blue light coursed along his skin—not healing, but sparking micro-surges that forced his cells to adapt. It was a forced evolution—controlled stress at the cellular level.
Licht narrowed his eyes.
It was all so... clinical, so efficient, and yet to him, it felt strangely invasive.
Like forging flesh into steel—less about care, more about optimization. Like tuning an engine, not nurturing a human.
As Licht was absorbed in thought, someone suddenly bumped into him from behind.
"Ah—sorry! Didn’t see you there," the voice said quickly.
A short cadet with messy crimson hair and thick-rimmed glasses stumbled back a step, clutching a tablet awkwardly to his chest. He adjusted his glasses and looked up at the person he’d just run into.
"I was too absorbed in the magnificence of this technology. They say it feels like sinking into warm fog," he said, still catching his breath. "You go in hurting, come out like you’ve been asleep for a week. I can’t wait to—"
He froze mid-sentence.