Ethan stood in the expansive training center, deep in thought, as he reviewed the next steps in his plan. The spacious warehouse felt almost too quiet, save for the low hum of the overhead lights and the occasional murmur from Jessica and Lena, who were busy checking last-minute details.
Suddenly, a low rumble echoed outside the warehouse, growing louder by the second. Ethan’s eyes narrowed as he turned toward the entrance, a hint of curiosity flashing. Jessica and Lena looked up, both equally intrigued by the sudden noise.
Within moments, a convoy of sleek, rugged vehicles pulled up to the warehouse’s entrance. They resembled high-end military transport vehicles but with a refined, commercial twist—sleek matte finishes, tinted windows, and reinforced exteriors that hinted at their durability and strength. Each vehicle was marked with discreet logos, and their all-terrain tires suggested they were built for more than just city streets.
The convoy moved almost synchronized, coming to a halt in front of the main entrance. A slight hiss escaped as the hydraulic doors of the lead vehicle opened, revealing a well-dressed driver who stepped out and moved quickly to open the rear doors.
One by one, the Ascendants emerged. Their movements were sharp and disciplined, and each carried themselves with a confidence that spoke of their experience. They wore lightweight tactical gear, clearly tailored for comfort and flexibility yet protective enough to hint at their readiness for any situation.
The convoy’s arrival was precise, almost like a calculated show of strength, a subtle reminder of the level of professionalism Ethan now had at his disposal.
Jessica glanced at Ethan, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the imposing group. “They certainly made an entrance,” she said, her voice low and slightly impressed.
Ethan nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. “Good,” he said quietly. “They look like they’re ready for what’s to come.”
As the last Ascendants stepped out, they formed a line in front of the vehicles, standing at attention and awaiting further instructions. Each appeared focused, their expressions unwavering, a testament to their skills and dedication.
The convoy’s engines idled for a moment longer before shutting down completely, leaving an anticipatory silence. Ethan took a step forward, ready to address the group that would be instrumental in the next phase of his plan.
Ethan, Jessica, and Lena stood at the center of the training hall’s entrance, observing as seven figures walked confidently toward them.
Each of the seven moved with natural precision, exuding a palpable sense of power. As they advanced, Lena recognized them first. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she leaned closer to Ethan and Jessica, her tone low and steady.
“Impressive,” Lena muttered under her breath.
Jessica looked at her curiously and asked, “What do you mean by that?”
“That’s the Iron Vanguards,” she said, a note of respect in her voice. “They’re well-known among the Soldier Ascendants, a formidable group. Usually, they don’t pledge their loyalty to anyone. It’s impressive that Mr. Halen managed to bring them here for you.”
Ethan absorbed her words, sensing the weight of the moment. He knew this meeting was critical and believed the Iron Vanguards were not just any group. He would need to handle this carefully.
The group leader, a tall man with a shaved head and a scar running across his right eye, stepped forward with measured steps. His expression was calm, yet there was a quiet intensity in his gaze as he stopped before Ethan. He exuded confidence from years of experience, the kind of presence that commanded attention.
“You must be Ethan Cole,” the leader said, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. It seemed like a simple question, but the way he asked it felt like a test. He extended his hand, his gaze firmly fixed on Ethan.
“Yes, I am,” Ethan replied calmly, accepting the handshake.
Ethan felt the weight of the handshake even before he took it. The man’s grip was firm and uncompromising. Ethan knew he couldn’t compete with the raw strength of a Middle Star Soldier, but he steeled himself, tightening his grip as best he could without showing strain.
The man’s eyes seemed to narrow in acknowledgment as if measuring Ethan in those few seconds. Then, a familiar shimmer appeared before Ethan’s eyes, and a new mission notification popped up.
=====
[New Mission: Earning the Leader’s Respect]
Objective: Win the respect of the Iron Vanguards’s Leader, Lucan.
Reward:
1. 7,000 EXP
2. 15 Free Attribute Points
3. 10 Ascension Points
=====
Ethan maintained his grip, sensing the subtle yet undeniable power of the Iron Vanguards’ leader. He could feel his hand trembling slightly under the pressure. However, he kept his expression neutral, refusing to show any weakness.
Unbeknownst to him, Lena was already moving to take control of the situation. Without uttering a word, she directed her attention toward the leader, her eyes narrowing slightly.
A whisper of power slipped from her mind, forming a mental connection—a rare and formidable technique that only a Knight Ascendant or higher could accomplish.
‘Are you sure you want to embarrass yourself like this, Lucan?’ Lena’s voice echoed directly in the leader’s mind, her tone steady and carrying a hint of challenge.
The leader—Lucan—stiffened visibly, his eyes widening in shock. He immediately understood what had happened; only someone of immense power could forcefully breach his mental defenses.
His gaze darted between Jessica and Lena, searching for the source. Still, when he caught the glimmer of calm confidence in Lena’s eyes, his suspicions were confirmed.
Standing beside them, Jessica looked completely unaware of the silent exchange, her expression curious but clueless. Meanwhile, Lena allowed herself a tiny, knowing smirk, just enough for Lucan to notice.
‘What do you think you’re doing?’ Lena’s voice was sharper now, almost daring him to defy her. ‘Do you think Ethan is someone you can test? Someone beneath you? Even I—someone far stronger than you—chose to follow him. What makes you think you’re in a position to question him?’
A chill ran down Lucan’s spine. The threat wasn’t in Lena’s words but in the power she wielded effortlessly. He quickly realized this was no ordinary setup; whatever forces were at play were far beyond his expectations. He swallowed, the facade of control slipping just enough for Ethan to notice a shift in his demeanor.
From the outside, it seemed like a tense moment of sizing up, as if Lucan was merely prolonging the handshake to assert dominance. The rest of the Iron Vanguards stood behind him, their eyes fixed on the exchange, interpreting the delay as an attempt to unsettle the young man before them.
However, Lucan’s posture softened, to everyone’s surprise, and he eased his grip. His brow was lined with a faint sheen of sweat, and he took a deep breath before releasing Ethan’s hand almost too quickly. Sensing the change, Ethan withdrew his hand, a hint of confusion flickering across his features, though he masked it with a polite smile.
The rest of the Iron Vanguards exchanged uncertain glances, surprised that their leader, known for his unwavering resolve, had backed down so easily. They had expected a show of dominance, a challenge that would test the young man’s mettle, yet here Lucan stood, his composure slightly frayed.
=====
[New Mission: Earning the Leader’s Respect]
Objective: Win the respect of the Iron Vanguards’s Leader, Lucan.
Reward:
7,000 EXP 15 Free Attribute Points 10 Ascension Points
=====
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
=====
“Welcome,” Ethan said, keeping his voice calm and steady even though he was confused by the sudden changes and excited with how easily he passed the mission. He looked directly at Lucan, whose confidence seemed to waver for a moment longer before he nodded.
“Thank you,” Lucan replied, his tone unexpectedly respectful. His gaze flicked briefly toward Lena, acknowledging her unspoken power before returning to Ethan. The tension in the room subtly shifted, the Iron Vanguards sensing something significant had just occurred, though they couldn’t quite place what.
Maintaining his composed facade, Ethan felt relief mingling with his lingering confusion. He didn’t understand what had just happened, but he knew one thing for sure—he had somehow passed the first test.
Ethan observed Lucan closely as the leader of the Iron Vanguards seemed to collect himself. Whatever had transpired in that brief, intense exchange had clearly impacted the seasoned Ascendant.
Lucan’s initially challenging demeanor was now respectful, almost deferential, as if he’d acknowledged Ethan as worthy of his attention and respect.
Taking a small step back, Lucan cleared his throat, then squared his shoulders before addressing the group. “I am Lucan Marros, leader of the Iron Vanguards,” he announced, his deep voice carrying easily across the warehouse. “We’ve been summoned here to join you, Ethan Cole, in whatever plans you have for us.”
Ethan inclined his head slightly, his expression calm and measured. “I appreciate your willingness to be here, Lucan,” he said, maintaining an air of quiet authority. He could sense the curiosity from the rest of the Ascendants, their eyes locked onto their leader, who seemed unusually restrained.
Lucan turned to his comrades, who had stood silent and watchful throughout the exchange. He gestured toward them, motioning for them to introduce themselves. One by one, they stepped forward, their movements confident and practiced, but the tension in the room remained palpable.
There was a quiet murmur of whispers among the other members of the Iron Vanguards. Ethan could make out snatches of their hushed conversation—questions about Lucan’s sudden change in demeanor, wondering why he was treating Ethan with such uncharacteristic humility.
