Chapter 4: Trials of Fire and Ice
The next morning, Surya was awakened by the harsh buzz of the laboratory's alarm system. The sterile scent of disinfectant filled the air, and the white walls seemed almost oppressive.
Lin Weixian appeared at the doorway, flanked by two guards. "Subject Forty-five, today's schedule includes environmental adaptation tests," he said with cold precision. "Extreme heat, extreme cold, pressure fluctuations… your compliance will make this easier."
Surya's chest tightened. Adaptation tests? This is more like torture than science. His stomach churned with anxiety, but he forced a calm expression. Show no weakness. Let them underestimate you.
Two researchers wheeled in a metallic chamber, sleek and high-tech, with sensors lining every wall. "Step inside," one instructed. "Resistance is… discouraged."
Surya walked forward slowly. His heart hammered in his chest, adrenaline coursing through his veins. Every second here could be lethal, but I can't let them see it.
The door sealed with a hiss. Inside, the chamber was sterile, claustrophobic, and silent. Surya's thoughts ran wild. If I die here, I have no second life. But if I survive… everything changes.
Lin Weixian's voice came over the intercom: "Begin extreme heat exposure. Chamber temperature will rise to 80°C over two minutes. Vital signs will be monitored."
A wave of suffocating heat slammed into Surya. Sweat poured from his body; every muscle burned, every breath scorched his lungs. He gritted his teeth, but inwardly he was panicking. This is unbearable… but I have to endure.
System Announcement:[Environment Test: Extreme Heat — Difficulty: Lethal][Stamina Loss: 15%][Pain Detected: 98%]
"Absorb…" he whispered, activating his Esper — Absorption ability. A faint energy pulse hummed around him. The heat still burned, still pierced his nerves, but his system allowed him to convert a fraction of the environmental energy into stamina.
System Announcement:[Absorption Skill Activated — 2% Heat Energy Absorbed][Stamina Restored: +2]
Lin Weixian's calm voice continued over the intercom: "Core temperature rising. Increase to 90°C."
Surya's skin felt like it would blister, every nerve screaming in agony. His chest heaved, lungs on fire. No acting now could mask this pain. I have to endure it.
Time dragged, each second a lifetime. Surya's mind spun with fear, anger, and determination. This is hell—but it's also a lesson. Every nerve, every drop of sweat… I'll remember it all.
Finally, the temperature stabilized at 90°C. Slowly, the chamber cooled. Surya's body trembled uncontrollably, drenched in sweat, muscles quivering.
System Announcement:[Extreme Heat Test Completed][Stamina Lost: 20%][Pain Tolerance Increased: +1]
Lin Weixian's next command came immediately: "Prepare for extreme cold. Lowering temperature to -30°C."
A frigid blast of icy wind enveloped Surya. Teeth chattered violently, every nerve in his body screamed. His fingers curled, skin numb, lungs burning with the effort to inhale. Pain so sharp it feels like it's splitting my bones…
System Announcement:[Environment Test: Extreme Cold — Difficulty: Lethal][Stamina Loss: 18%][Pain Detected: 99%]
He tried again, whispering, "Absorb…" A faint glow pulsed from his body. Some of the ambient cold energy was drawn into his system—but the extreme temperature still cut through his body like a blade. His Absorption ability was useful, but limited.
System Announcement:[Absorption Skill Activated — 1% Cold Energy Absorbed][Stamina Restored: +1]
Minutes passed like hours. Surya's muscles were stiff, his body trembling uncontrollably, but his mind remained sharp. Pain is temporary. Observation is key. Adaptation is power.
Lin Weixian switched to high-pressure simulations, oxygen deprivation, and rapid accelerations. Each test left Surya gasping, numb, and nearly unconscious. Yet he maintained composure, learning the limits of his body and testing how much Absorption could offset the environmental assault.
System Announcement:[Environmental Stress Detected — Absorption Partial Success][Stamina Restored: +5][Potential Points Gained: +1]
Hours later, the chamber doors opened. Surya slumped against the wall, bruised, frostbitten, and soaked in sweat. Pain coursed through him, but beneath it, a spark of exhilaration burned. He had survived.
Lin Weixian's calm, analytical voice came over the intercom: "Subject Forty-five exhibits resilience beyond initial expectations. Record anomalies. Recommend extended testing for full Valkyrie potential."
Surya's thoughts were a mixture of dread and determination. They don't know my NPC template, they don't know my main class, they have no idea how much potential I can unlock. Every bit of pain, every trial… is feeding my growth.
System Announcement:[Environmental Trials Completed — Total Stamina Lost: 38%][Pain Tolerance Increased: +2][Potential Points Available: 1][Absorption Experience +5]
Surya whispered under his breath, teeth gritted: "One day… all of this… all this suffering… will make me stronger. I'll turn their experiments into my advantage."
Deep within, his Esper — Absorption hummed faintly. Even in agony, it pulsed, learning, adapting, and waiting for the moment Surya could fully exploit it.
Pain was temporary. Power… was eternal.