Ethan stepped out onto the martial hall’s wide observation deck, phone in hand. He scrolled through his contacts, exhaled a slow breath, and tapped Ryan’s name.
"Ryan," he said when the call connected, his voice steady and calm. "Bring Riya, Kale, Billi, and Ash. I’ve arranged for you all to take the awakening test. I know yesterday was...chaotic, but you took the body fluid already, right?"
"Yeah," Ryan replied, his tone hoarse but determined. "We’re ready."
"Good. I’ll see you in thirty minutes."
Ethan ended the call and looked out across the city skyline. The damage from the monster attack was still visible—shattered windows, scorched rooftops, barricades lining the avenues.
Thirty minutes later, the five of them arrived at the martial hall together, looking solemn but resolute. Their faces were pale from lack of sleep, but no one complained. They filed into the testing chamber, the walls humming with hidden machinery calibrated to measure the limits of the human body.
One by one, they passed the physical endurance trial. The sensors in the chamber glowed green as they completed the speed tests. Each of them was stronger than ordinary people, their potential unlocked by the body strengthning fluid .
Finally, it was time.
In the awakening chamber, Ethan stood with his arms folded as the process began—they stepped one by one and placed their hands on the crystal.
Ryan alone had awakened an element—earth.
He stood very still as the confirmation sigil lit up before him, his jaw tightening as he swallowed hard. His eyes were shining, but he didn’t allow any tears to fall. Instead, he looked over at Riya and the others, all of whom stood in stunned, quiet disappointment. Riya tried to force a small smile, but it was fragile as porcelain.
Ethan stepped forward and placed a hand on Ryan’s shoulder.
"Congratulations, brother," he said, his voice low and warm. "Now work hard. Chase your dream."
Ryan nodded once, a deep breath shuddering through him. He didn’t speak—he’d known exactly what he wanted: to become the strongest general under Ethan Hunt’s command.
When the last of the readings were logged, Ethan dismissed them, wishing them luck. He didn’t linger. There were too many things to prepare before evening.
He returned home to find the Hunt residence humming with quiet, anticipatory energy. The moment he stepped through the threshold, he sensed three powerful auras gathered inside—far stronger than anything else in the city.
The old men had arrived.
In the spacious living room, Rose was working side by side with his mother to set the long dining table, arranging sleek crystalware and floral centerpieces. Warm light spilled from the recessed ceiling panels, casting everything in a comfortable glow.
Near the corner seating area, Jack sat with the three elders. Their conversation paused as Ethan approached, and Alexander turned his head, his lined face breaking into a satisfied smile.
"You chose a good woman," Alexander said, his voice resonant with quiet approval. "She has a kind heart."
Ethan only smiled. "Thank you, Grandpa."
He turned to Jack. "How are the preparations going?"
Jack sipped his drink and nodded. "Smoothly. Everything would be ready before evening. You don’t have to worry."
"That’s good." Ethan exhaled slowly, his mind racing ahead to tomorrow’s departure.
Then something tugged at his memory. He looked back at Alexander, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"Grandpa...what exactly is a realm?"
The three old men exchanged glances. Alexander’s expression grew thoughtful as he set down his glass.
"A realm," he began, his voice lowering, "is a secret space, either created by technology far beyond ours—or by some superpower no one fully understands. We know there are many such places hidden across the world."
Ethan listened intently.
"Each realm holds unimaginable treasures," Alexander continued. "Cultivation techniques, advanced technology, rare resources, natural relics. Your two grandfathers discovered one yesterday. The Alliance will take seventy percent, as always. But even thirty percent of that realm’s wealth...is beyond measure. Five thousand platinum coins in valuation—five quadrillion credits."
Ethan’s thoughts churned. It sounded almost like the ancient cultivation novels he used to read: secret spaces sealed by long-lost powerhouses, waiting to be opened by destiny.
"Do you know their origin?" he asked quietly.
Alexander drummed his fingers on the armrest, considering.
"There are two main theories," he said. "First—humanity isn’t alone. Other civilizations existed here—ones that mastered superpowers or technology that makes our modern science look primitive. They disappeared, or left Earth. But they may return one day. Those realms are vaults—waiting for their heirs, or whoever survives to claim them."
He paused.
"The second theory is simpler: aliens visited Earth long ago and left these treasures behind. Some believe they’re linked to other dimensions altogether. Nobody can say for certain."
Ethan nodded slowly. Even if the origin was a mystery, one fact was clear—those powers were not human. Someday, their true owners might return to reclaim what was theirs.
And when that day came, would humanity be strong enough to defend itself?
His jaw tightened with quiet determination. He needed to become stronger—far beyond what he was now.
Night fell.
The Hunt residence glowed like a beacon amid the darkness.
By 8 p.m., the grand party was in full swing. All the influential families and martial artists of Base City Five had gathered. The air shimmered with the mingling currents of wealth and power.
The Twin Sword Team arrived together, their dark uniforms immaculate. As they approached, Remond clasped Ethan’s hand in a firm grip.
"Brother," Remond said earnestly, "you’re incredible. Best of luck in the Super City. I’ve heard stories—so many geniuses, so much technology. But also dangers that can swallow you whole."
He glanced around then said,
"The sea is close to the Super Cities. Sometimes the monster tides rise up without warning. And on land...emperor-level beasts are also very common."
Ethan nodded. "You be careful too. If you ever need help—anything—call me. Don’t hesitate."
Remond’s eyes glimmered with gratitude. For two days, Ethan had fought beside them, risking everything. That bond didn’t disappear when the battles ended.
Arnold came over to greet him, along with several students from Ethan’s class. Ryan arrived as well, his family and Riya in tow. They stood proudly by his side, the weight of the awakening still fresh in their hearts.
When the hour approached midnight, Ethan stepped forward onto the raised platform at the center of the hall. The lights dimmed, drawing every gaze toward him.
He looked out at the crowd—friends, comrades, rivals, mentors—and then turned to Rose, who stood near the front with her mother and sister.
His voice was calm, resonant, and unshakably certain:
"Tonight, before all of you, I announce my engagement to Rose."
A hush fell over the hall. Rose’s hands flew to her mouth, tears already pooling in her eyes. Her mother’s shoulders shook with quiet sobs of joy.
Ethan descended from the platform, walked to her, and took her hand.
No one dared to break the silence as he slipped the ring onto her finger though they already did it. No one saw it. So he put the ring again,infront of everyone.
When he pulled her into his arms, it felt like the future had finally come into focus—no longer a distant ambition, but a reality unfolding in that very moment.
The party wound down just after midnight. One by one, the guests departed until only family remained. Rose, Elizabeth, and Zara stayed behind, preparing to travel with him.
In a quiet moment, Elizabeth looked torn. "Ethan, are you sure about taking us along? The Super City..."
"You don’t have to worry,Aunty," Ethan said, his voice gentle but resolute. "The Alliance will provide a villa near ours. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll find a cure for Zara there."
Elizabeth’s eyes filled with gratitude.
Later that night, when the house had fallen silent, Ethan walked out to the terrace alone. The stars glimmered like a million watchful eyes above the city’s haze.
His heart yearned for something larger than any city or realm—something cosmic. A chance to see the universe in all its wonders, to discover whether humanity was alone after all.
He was roaming in his imagination world.
Behind him,a quiet footsteps approached.
Alexander settled into a chair nearby, folding his arms.
"That look on your face," he said softly. "I used to wear it myself."
Ethan turned, surprised.
"The hunger to see what lies beyond the next horizon," Alexander continued. "To know, not just to guess."
They spoke for hours. About strategy. About history. About the uncharted reaches of power no textbook could explain.
When dawn began to streak the sky, Alexander stood and clapped him gently on the shoulder.
"Get ready," he said, his voice firm but warm. "We depart at nine. The jet’s waiting."
Inside his room, Ethan checked his panel one final time.
[Master: Ethan Hunt]
Physique: 1,129,000
Spirit: 1,129,000
Talent: Infinite Comprehension
His strength was nearly that of a Level 7 King—and with his 108-fold combat multiplier, he wielded a force of 121.93 million tons.
Equivalent to a Level 5 Emperor.
He closed his eyes, feeling the certainty settle into his bones.
Today, a new Chapter of his life would begin.