Leveling Up With My Dragon System

Erik looked around nervously, his eyes meeting Kai for a brief moment before he stepped into the chamber. The room fell silent as everyone waited to see what the lightning node bearer would do. The first exercise was precision, and Erik took his stance in front of the holographic targets, his eyes narrowed in concentration.

The targets began to fly around the room in a chaotic dance, but Erik's hands moved with the swiftness of lightning, striking each one with unerring accuracy. His lightning bolts sizzled and cracked as they hit their marks, leaving a trail of scorched air in their wake.

"Good, very good," Professor Dastain commented, watching intently as the young man demonstrated his mastery over his node.

The next exercise was speed, and Erik's performance was nothing short of electrifying. He zipped around the room, leaving a trail of blue lightning in his wake. The targets had to be replaced with more advanced ones to keep up with him, but even then, he barely broke a sweat.

"Erik, your speed is exceptional," Professor Dastain called out over the sound of the crackling air. "Your reflexes are on par with some of the top students here."

Erik nodded, his eyes focused as the final exercise began. The gormorkers emerged one by one, their mechanical limbs whirring as they charged toward him. He was a blur of blue and white lightning, his movements a dance of death that left the monsters in smoldering ruins.

"Only one minute remaining, Erik," the sergeant's voice boomed over the loudspeakers.

Erik's heart raced, the adrenaline from the fight making his veins feel like they were made of pure electricity. He knew he had to end this swiftly. Gathering his power, he summoned a bolt of lightning into his hand and hurled it into the air. It split into several smaller bolts, each one zeroing in on the remaining gormorkers.

The creatures were fast, but not fast enough. They were struck down one after the other, their metal bodies convulsing before falling silent. The room was filled with the acrid smell of ozone and burnt circuitry. The timer stopped, and the lights grew bright.

"Essence extraction," the sergeant announced, and Erik stepped over to the chair. He took a deep breath and sat down, the cold metal biting into his skin. He had seen the pain etched on Kai's face, but he knew he had to push through it. This was his chance to prove himself. Discover stories at empire

The lights dimmed as the chair hummed to life, the blue light pulsing in sync with the rhythm of his heart. The pain was instant and intense, but Erik didn't flinch. He could feel his power being drawn out, the essence of the lightning node coursing through him, making him feel alive like never before.

As the minutes ticked by, the pain grew unbearable, but he pushed on, his eyes never leaving the digital clock. The air around him crackled with static, and the smell of ozone grew stronger. The essence of his lightning node coiled around him, a living testament to his power.

Finally, the lights grew brighter, and the sergeant announced, "Essence extraction complete." Erik stood, his body trembling slightly as the energy within him settled. He looked over at the board, his heart in his throat.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Erik Esben, your new rank is..." The sergeant paused for a beat too long, the silence stretching taut. "Yellow, number two." The room erupted into applause once more, and relief flooded Erik's features.

He had done it. He had not only proven himself, but he had also earned the respect of his peers and teachers. The yellow rank was a rare sight in the academy, and to achieve it so early was nothing short of remarkable.

As the applause grew, Colonel Skai's holographic figure appeared before them, his stern face crackling with the energy of the chamber. "Erik Esben, your performance today has been noted. Your lightning node is a force to be reckoned with, and you have shown that you are more than capable of handling the responsibilities that come with such power."

The room grew quiet as the Colonel continued. "However, we cannot ignore the fact that your speed and agility are not as honed as they should be for someone with your potential. This is a concern that must be addressed." His eyes scanned the room, ensuring every recruit was listening. "But for now, let us celebrate the achievements of today."

The Colonel's words echoed in Erik's mind as he stepped out of the chamber, feeling the weight of his new rank. He was second only to Ake, and the reality of his success began to sink in. His teammates rushed to congratulate him, slapping his back and shaking his hand. Even Ake offered a firm nod of respect, acknowledging the fierce competition he had just brought into the arena.

Kai couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy, but he pushed it aside. They were all on the same team, and their collective growth only made them stronger. Besides, he knew that the dragon node was something entirely different, and he had his battles to face.

The Colonel's voice boomed once more. "Now that the assessments are complete, we shall proceed to the next phase of your training. Your performance here today will determine the specializations you may choose from."

The recruits murmured among themselves, eager to hear what lay ahead. "You have proven your worth as bearers of the Elemental Nodes. The time has come for you to hone your skills in combat and strategy, to become the protectors this world so desperately needs."

The Colonel's gaze fell upon Kai, and his voice grew softer, yet more intense. "Kai, your dragon node is a rare gift. The path ahead of you is fraught with challenges, but also with great potential. You must be vigilant and disciplined, for the fate of many may soon rest in your hands."

Kai felt the weight of the Colonel's words, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew the dragon node was powerful, but he also understood that power came with responsibility. He nodded solemnly, promising himself to become the best he could be.

"Another round of applause for all our recruits!" Colonel Skai called out, and the room erupted once more. The applause grew louder as the recruits were dismissed to prepare for the next phase of their training.