The sun hung low over the horizon, casting long shadows across the bustling streets of Highridge City. Yet, amidst the clamor of merchants and adventurers, one figure stood apart, Adam Vaelor.
It had been days since the Brackmarsh Caves Raid, in which Adam and his temporary allies dealt a blow to the Crimson Veil Cult. The victory earned them fame, but for Adam, it highlighted a bitter truth: raw strength alone wasn't enough. He had power, but it was inefficient.
Sitting at the edge of a worn stone bench, Adam gazed at his hand, faint traces of nuclear energy flickering across his skin. He clenched his fist, recalling the battle with the Veyron and how helpless he had been during the fight.
"Strength without control is nothing but wasted potential."
Nearby, Seren spoke with their former companions, Eryk grinned, clapping Adam on the back. "I guess this is where we part ways, Vaelor. We came together to raid the Brackmarsh Caves, and now the road splits."
Adam nodded. "It was an honor fighting alongside you, Eryk. Stay alive out there."
Kaela adjusted her cloak. "If you ever need someone to track cult bastards, you know where to find me."
Lyra hesitated, eyes flickering with curiosity. "Your power… it's still a mystery. But I get the feeling you're only scratching the surface."
They all exchanged final words and handshakes and departed, leaving Adam and Seren.
New Resolve
Later that night, Adam sat by the fireplace of a modest inn, watching the flames dance. Seren, sharpening her dagger nearby, broke the silence:
"You're still thinking about it, aren't you?" she asked without looking up.
Adam didn't answer immediately. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the tavern ceiling.
"I am," he finally admitted. "Brute strength can win battles, but not wars. Against stronger enemies, those cult elites, the Ascended Seven, my current power won't cut it. I need control."
Adam continued, "Duncan's death wasn't just a loss. It was a wake-up call. If we don't get stronger, if I don't get stronger more people are going to die."
Seren sighed, sliding the dagger back into its sheath, "And how exactly do you plan to do that? We've been pushing ourselves to the limit already. What more can we do?"
Adam's expression hardened. "I need someone who can teach me."
Seren frowned. "You mean finding a mentor? Someone who can train you?"
"Exactly," Adam said. "I've been fighting blind, relying only on brute force. But that's not enough, I need control and efficiency"
Adam clenched his jaw. He knew that. Back on Earth when He was Nuclear Sentinel, his endless nuclear core and overwhelming strength made efficiency irrelevant. He could overpower enemies, melt through defenses, and shrug off exhaustion.
But here and now, He didn't have all that anymore, all he had now was his barely awoken nuclear core and a weaker body incomparable to what he was used to. His nuclear energy didn't replenish as seamlessly, and every technique drained him faster than expected. He needed another approach to strength.
My nuclear core is powerful, but it's not compatible with the way this world works. I need someone to show me how to bridge that gap. Adam thought as he gazes at the ceiling,
Seren raised an eyebrow. "And where do you expect to find someone like that? It's not like master-level mentors are sitting around waiting for someone with unconventional abilities like you to show up."
"I don't know yet," Adam admitted. "But I know we can't stay in one place. The cult will keep coming after us, and we need to stay ahead of them while we search."
Seren sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "You're right about one thing: staying in one place is too dangerous. But wandering around aimlessly isn't exactly a plan either."
"We won't be wandering aimlessly," Adam said. "We'll take on quests, earn money, and look for leads along the way. Somewhere out there is someone who can help me, and I'm not stopping until I find them."
"Fine," Seren said, her tone reluctant but resigned. "But you'd better hope this mentor of yours exists, or we're in for a lot of wasted time."
Adam smirked faintly. "Well, at least we'll get to see more of the world. Beats being stuck in Eldwyn."
Seren shrugged. "I suppose it's better than waiting around for the cult to find us again."
Adam nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then it's settled. We'll head toward the next major city and start there. If anyone knows where to find someone who can teach me, it'll be the adventurers' guild."
The morning of the next day, Adam and Seren set off again, their path winding through forests and hills toward the distant city of Veltras, a bustling trade hub known for its powerful adventurers and deep connections to the world's elite guilds. But the journey would not be an easy one.
On their second night of travel, they rested near a small creek, Adam's energy sense flared. The faint hum in the back of his mind sharpened into a warning, and he bolted upright, his golden eyes scanning the darkened forest.
"Something's coming," Adam said, his voice urgent.
Seren was immediately on her feet, her swords drawn. "What is it?"
Adam frowned, the unfamiliar energy signature prickling at his senses. "I don't know. It feels… unnatural."
Before anyone could respond, the trees on the far side of the creek rustled violently, and a figure stepped into the moonlight. It was a hybrid, a patchwork of different monster parts. Its glowing red eyes locked onto the group, and let out a guttural growl.
"Another one of the cult's pets," Seren muttered, gripping her staff tightly.
The hybrid lunged, and the group sprang into action.
Adam darted to the front, his sword glowing faintly with golden energy as he intercepted the creature's charge. The hybrid swung a massive claw, but Adam ducked beneath it and slashed upward, his sizzling blade biting into its flesh leaving it charred.
Seren moved in from the side, her twin swords flashing as she struck at the creature's exposed flank.
But the hybrid was faster and tougher than anything they'd faced before. It shrugged off their attacks with alarming ease, its hide deflecting blows that should have been fatal.
"Keep it distracted!" Adam shouted, his nuclear core pulsing as he channeled energy into his sword. The blade began to glow brighter, the golden light intensifying.
The hybrid turned its attention to Adam, its red eyes narrowing as it lunged again. Adam stood his ground, waiting until the last possible moment before releasing a burst of energy. The golden blast struck the hybrid square in the chest, sending it reeling with a howl of pain.
The battle ended with the hybrid collapsing in a smoking heap, its lifeless body sprawled across the creek. They stood over it, breathing heavily, their weapons still at the ready in case another threat emerged.
"That thing was tougher than usual," Seren said, wiping sweat from her brow. "The cult must be improving their creations."
"We can't waste any time," Adam said finally. "We need to find that mentor as soon as possible."