The steady beep of the heart monitor filled the hospital room. Sai sat up, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the weight of a dream. His body bore the mental marks of battle, but his sharp gaze showed no signs of weakness.
The doctor skimmed through his report. "Your vitals are stable, but after what you endured, we expected worse."
The supervisor studied him carefully. "You fought thousands alone. Most wouldn't have survived."
Sai stretched his arms, feeling his strength return. "Am I good to go Doctor?"
A nurse replaced his IV, her eyes filled with awe. "You should be resting, but you're already moving like nothing happened."
Sai swung his legs off the bed, feet touching the cold floor. "Resting won't change anything."
The doctor exchanged a glance with the supervisor. "Your body healed fast, but your mind..." He hesitated. "Are you sure you're ready?"
Sai exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I'm ready for every situation I get."
The supervisor smirked. "Then get dressed. You have work to do. I'll give you a special present after your training, the simulation is fixed so."
Sai stood up, feeling the strength in his limbs. Whatever came next, he was prepared.
----
Sai clenched his fist, the air around him rippling with raw power. The last drone, battered and nearly defenseless, hovered unsteadily before him. With a single punch, metal crumpled like paper, sparks bursting as it crashed to the ground in a heap of smoldering wires.
Doctor Vianaca observed from the platform, arms crossed, a satisfied smirk on her face. Sai's progress was undeniable—his strength had surged far beyond expectations.
"You improved better than last time Sai." The supervisor let out a booming laugh, his voice echoing through the training room. His eyes gleamed with both relief and astonishment as he clapped Sai on the back, nearly knocking him forward.
"Hah! You really outdid yourself this time!" he exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. "I thought you'd collapse again, but look at you—still standing!"
Sai wiped the sweat from his brow, offering a small smirk, his breathing steady despite the sheer intensity of his training.
"It's nothing special sir, I just leveled up that's all."
"Nice to describe it like that. So about your special surprise?"
"Meet your new team." With a smooth hiss, the metallic doors slid open, revealing four figures stepping forward with quiet confidence. A faint glow from the corridor behind them outlined their imposing forms, casting long shadows that stretched across the floor. Sai's instincts flared as his sharp gaze flickered between them. He didn't need introductions—his appraisal activated instantly, feeding him silent confirmation.
Each one carried an aura of raw strength, tempered by experience. Their movements were deliberate, precise, and honed by countless battles. Sai felt the shift in the air, heavy with restrained power. He tensed, not from fear but from recognition. These weren't just allies; they were warriors standing at the peak, individuals who could match him, maybe even surpass him.
"Is this the one who defeated 100,000 simulated monsters that are ranked B-S?" Fall stepped forward, her sharp gaze locking onto the supervisor. Her posture stiffened as her eyes flickered to Sai, disbelief shadowing her expression. She had heard the reports, but seeing him in person—this was different.
Her voice, usually steady, wavered slightly. "He's the one? The one who defeated 100,000 simulated B-S ranked monsters?" She exhaled sharply, arms crossing as she studied him, searching for any sign of exhaustion or weakness. Yet, Sai stood firm, his expression unreadable.
The supervisor chuckled, shaking his head. "Hard to believe, isn't it?"
Fall's fingers tightened into fists. "More than hard to believe."
"If that was the case, he is strong enough to fight even that one?' Owl stepped forward, his weathered face partially hidden beneath the hood of his cloak. His piercing gaze locked onto the supervisor, curiosity flickering in his aged yet sharp eyes. A small owl perched on his shoulder, feathers ruffling as if sensing the tension.
Without a word, he adjusted the heavy chains wrapped around his arms, the steel glinting under the sterile lights. A hooked blade dangled from his grip, swaying slightly. Sai watched as Owl's stance remained steady, his presence carrying the weight of experience. The way he carried himself—calm, calculating—told Sai that despite his years, this man was still a warrior, one who could soar across battlefields like a shadow, striking before anyone saw him coming.
"From now on Sai would join in your team. This is Owl, Dread, Loss, and Fall. You will be sparring from the simulation starting tomorrow."