Two figures darted across the energy-bamboo platform, their movements blurred by gene-enhanced agility. In their hands, plasma blades hummed with searing blue light, swirling into luminous arcs that clashed with ear-splitting cracks of ionized air. The contest was fierce, the combatants locked in a dead heat, their enhanced reflexes keeping them evenly matched.
Kael Voss watched in silence, his dark eyes tracking the blur of motion. As a novice who'd spent years in secluded cultivation of the Unnamed Gene Calibration Protocol, he could barely follow the nuances of their fight. To him, it was little more than a dazzling display of speed and energy—he couldn't distinguish between masterful feints and reckless gambits, let alone judge who held the upper hand.
"Senior Brother Kael," the Bean Counter finally couldn't contain his curiosity, leaning over with a respectful bow, "may I ask which Elder or Senior Advisor mentors you? Having just emerged from seclusion, your bio-energy reserves must have grown exponentially!"
He knew well the hierarchy of the Seven Luminaries Tech Conglomerate. Core apprentices typically underwent two years of foundational training in the Basic Augmentation Division before being assigned to a mentor—an Elder, Division Head, or Senior Advisor—to learn advanced gene protocols. Only after completing their apprenticeship did they assume formal roles within the Conglomerate.
Of course, that was the standard path. Exceptional candidates who excelled in the initial selection could bypass basic training entirely, joining the Elite Gene Forging Division as personal disciples of the Conglomerate's Directors. It was a rare "leap from frontier scavenger to interstellar elite," as the saying went.
Even during basic training, standout performers might catch the eye of Elders, Council Members, or Senior Advisors, becoming their personal disciples. While their prospects didn't match those of the Directors' pupils, they were far more likely to receive preferential treatment than ordinary apprentices.
Having heard Kael mention his recent seclusion and never having seen him before, the Bean Counter naturally assumed he was the disciple of a high-ranking figure. His respectful tone and eager gaze made it clear he hoped to curry favor.
"Several years ago, a Senior Advisor recognized my potential and took me as his disciple," Kael replied, feigning shyness while letting a hint of pride creep into his voice. "But out of respect, I'd rather not disclose his name."
"Truly? What luck, Senior Brother!" the Bean Counter's tone warmed instantly, his eyes lighting up. "With such a mentor, your status within the Conglomerate will surely soar. I hope you'll look out for me in the future!"
He didn't press for the mentor's name—any Senior Advisor outranked his own instructor. Still, he couldn't help muttering silently: This guy looks plain, even a bit scrawny. How did he catch a Senior Advisor's eye? I'm far sharper, yet no big shot has taken notice. Despite his thoughts, his demeanor grew even more deferential.
Kael stifled a faint smile at the sudden shift from "Junior Brother" to "Senior Brother." He harbored no disdain for the Bean Counter's opportunism—wanting to climb higher, to live better, was only human. And from the man's nickname alone, Kael knew he was a shrewd, calculating survivor—much like himself back in the village.
Little did the Bean Counter know, his hopes were misplaced. While Kael's words weren't entirely false, his "Senior Advisor's disciple" status was practically meaningless. His cultivation focused on genetic stability and bio-energy conductivity, not combat—any ordinary core apprentice with basic gene augmentations could overpower him. The Bean Counter was clinging to a weak sapling, not a towering tree.
Kael chuckled silently to himself as he listened to the nonstop flattery, nodding politely from time to time to acknowledge the Bean Counter's words.
"Senior Brother, your gene enhancements must be extraordinary!" the Bean Counter gushed, his eyes darting between Kael and the battlefield. "If you joined the fray, you'd easily defeat that plasma blade user—you'd…"
His words trailed off as a puzzled frown crossed his face. A Senior Advisor's disciple should have enhanced bio-energy reserves and obvious combat augmentations. But this Kael has no glowing neural implants, no subtle cybernetic modifications, and his gene nodes show no signs of activation. He looks like someone who's never undergone combat training at all! The more he observed, the more confused he became.
"The fight's over," Kael said softly, cutting through his thoughts.
The Bean Counter jolted, spinning back to the platform. Sure enough, the disciple wielding the plasma blade had dropped his weapon, clutching his bleeding arm as crimson bio-fluid oozed between his fingers. His face was livid with anger—not at his opponent, but at his own carelessness. It was a close contest; he'd fallen victim to a well-timed feint, a split-second mistake that cost him the match.
The Bean Counter let out a string of regrets. "What a shame!" he exclaimed. "If Wang Dapang's man had won this round, they'd have three victories—no need for the final match. What a wasted opportunity!"
"Why is that a shame?" Kael asked, seizing the chance to pick the Bean Counter's brain. He'd seen nothing remarkable in the fight, but having a knowledgeable observer on hand, he wasn't about to pass up the chance to learn.
"The stakes!" the Bean Counter explained. "If we'd won this one, Wang Dapang's team would take the series. But don't worry—this is the final round, and we're sending out our strongest apprentice. His Plasma Thunderblade Protocol is unstoppable—capable of shattering alloy and vaporizing stone! Hah! Just seeing Senior Brother Ryder's signature technique is worth the trip. No matter who Zhang Changgui sends out, we've got this in the bag!"
His initial disappointment faded, replaced by excitement. It was clear he had unshakable faith in this "Senior Brother Ryder."
"Final round already?" Kael replied casually, wondering who this Ryder was. He'd never heard the name during his years in the Verdant Bio-Dome.
At that moment, a cold-faced youth stepped forward from Wang Dapang's side. He gripped a sleek, obsidian-hilted plasma blade that crackled with purple energy, his movements deliberate as he strode to the center of the platform. Without a word, he closed his eyes, his body tensing as he channeled bio-energy into his weapon.
"Senior Brother Ryder! Senior Brother Ryder! Senior Brother Ryder!"
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers the moment he appeared. Rich or poor, core apprentice or peripheral trainee—all distinctions vanished as they chanted his name in unison, their voices shaking the air. For that moment, there was only admiration for the youth who stood ready to turn the tide of the contest.