Chapter 2: First Steps in the Galaxy
The cold metal of the laboratory corridor pressed against Surya's back as the elite guards escorted him forward. His body still throbbed from the electric baton's sting, but his mind raced faster. One thought dominated: survival came first. Everything else was optional.
He kept his eyes calm and his posture relaxed, carefully observing the guards. Each movement, each rhythm of their breathing, their gun holsters, and the faint microchips embedded in their uniforms—all of it could be useful later.
"Hela wants the blood report immediately," one guard muttered. Surya kept silent, nodding subtly as if complying. Inside, however, he was already analyzing: the lab's layout, guard rotations, security protocols… and most importantly, the exit strategies.
Once deposited in a small holding chamber, Surya let out a low breath. Alone, dark, and silent, he finally had a moment to study his NPC panel.
Surya's mind churned. This world wasn't a game. Death was permanent. And yet, he had advantages no ordinary NPC possessed. 100x experience, an Absorption class, and full awareness of future events—including the rise of Han Xiao.
A small grin tugged at his lips. "Looks like I won't just survive. I'll grow. Fast."
He raised his hand experimentally. The panel shimmered slightly. Absorption hummed faintly in his mind—the ability to draw energy, skills, or even elemental forces into himself.
He focused on the small overhead light. A tiny pulse of energy flickered off the bulb. Concentrate… absorb…
A soft blue glow wrapped his hand. He felt a surge of information—not much, just the faint electrical pattern of the light. Still, it worked. First absorption successful.
"Small start, but better than nothing," Surya muttered. Even minor absorptions added to experience, potential, and understanding.
The thought of Han Xiao crossed his mind again. In future history, that man would be unstoppable. But here, in this pre-launch galaxy, Surya could get ahead, understand the simulation's mechanics, and perhaps shape history himself.
He tested again, this time with the wires left behind in his lab platform. Energy flowed faintly into his hands. Every absorption granted tiny boosts to attributes:
Strength +0.1
Stamina +0.1
Intelligence +0.05
Small numbers, yes—but compounding daily… it was exponential growth.
He allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction before the door creaked. Footsteps approached. Surya slid into the shadows, observing.
Red Serpent Hela entered, flanked by Lin Weixian and two guards. She carried the blood report in her hand, her eyes scanning the room with predatory precision.
"Interesting," she murmured, examining the results. "The Valkyrie Solution… unusually high adaptation rate. This subject is unlike the others."
Lin Weixian nodded. "Agreed. He's… anomalous."
Surya's mind raced. They were monitoring him. Everything he did, every absorption, every move—they would notice. He had to be careful, or he'd be dissected—or worse.
The guards left eventually, and Hela's shadow disappeared down the corridor. Surya exhaled. Time for planning.
He opened his panel again. The sub-class Civilian offered little combat skill, but it was perfect for learning, experimenting, and accumulating knowledge. The Main Class Esper — Absorption was where the real growth lay.
365 days until the official launch. A year to train, grow, and prepare.
Surya smiled. Not just for survival—but for dominance.
First priority: understand the absorption system fully. Second: avoid unnecessary detection. Third: monitor Han Xiao's early movements without interference.
A faint pulse from the panel caught his eye: Experience gained: 0.5.
It was small, almost negligible. But for Surya, it was the first step. And every journey, no matter how dangerous, began with a single step.