Sunny woke up in a hospital bed, feeling drained. He summoned his spirit fluent, and a surge of energy coursed through him. Cheng Sen and Serena walked in, concern etched on their faces. Cheng Sen asked about his well-being, his eyes narrowing as he probed for answers. "How did you summon Thunder? What happened out there?"
Sunny hesitated, unsure how to respond. "I... imagine having the power of Thunder," he said, trying to deflect.
Cheng Sen wasn't convinced, but he dropped it for now. Serena intervened, her voice soft. "I think you should go to the Ancient Hall to practice more martial arts skills."
Sunny knew she was right. The Ancient Hall was a hub for exalted and sanctified, teaching initiates how to harness their power. He needed training.
After discharge, Sunny bought an Ancient Hall license and stepped into the grand hall. The sparkling floor and crisp air took his breath away. He joined a queue, awaiting his fitness test.
When his turn came, Sunny punched the machine with all his might. The result: a fitness score of thirty, remarkable for an initiate. Exalted scored 16-56, while sanctified scored 57-900 and above.
Next, he entered the holographic game, facing a horde of monsters. Sunny summoned his vigors fear, but the creatures overwhelmed him. He called upon his tattoo, and it fought alongside him, but his energy didn't budge. The creatures seemed to adapt, dulling his attacks.
Sweating profusely, Sunny emerged from the machine. The printout revealed his performance: Skill Range: Beginner, 30% creatures killed. Recommended skills: Dashing Spear, Trust Blood Pump, Sanctifying Zen. Training: starting tomorrow, ending in three years.
Sunny felt disappointed, realizing the creature AI was far more powerful than him.
That night, he returned home, exhausted. Serena, in a nightgown, greeted him. Sunny felt a spark, and they shared a passionate kiss. As they made their way to the bedroom, Sunny's desire took over, and they lost themselves in the moment .