Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Let time decide my path
The fading darkness and the rising sun created a beautiful scenario of faint colors—a mixture of red and orange—illuminating the lawn.
"I will hold this training specifically for your college."
"But Dad, isn't that still too far?"
"Yeah, but time doesn't wait for anyone. And another thing, Divya, now I'm not your father but your instructor, so speak formally."
"Okay, sir."
"I don't know what you both learned, so I want a brief overview. You both have 5 minutes. Explain."
Two pairs of eyes met, and Divya took a step back.
Blinking his eyes, Sam stood stupefied by their actions. A moment ago, the situation was serious, but now they were making it a joke.
Controlling his urge to curse, he bowed his head. "Sir, I'm starting."
"Your 5 minutes start now."
"My history overview: Once, I was a Mysterious Certificate holder, but due to an accident, I was crippled. Now, I'm a Beginner Certificate holder. Though that's nothing for me, a trauma from my childhood resurfaced, which I had suppressed. However, after coming here, I dealt with it, and now I'm free from any trauma."
"My abilities overview: My abilities are all messed up, so I need to give details one by one:
Talent: Transform [Myself and weapon]
Beast: Emberfluff [Orange Flame]—I can tame 2 additional beasts at every rank.
Sense Amplification: Perceive danger and emotions, specifically if it's related to me.
Domain: My sense amplification increases if the target is within range.
Disguise: I can manipulate aura.
"That's all, sir," he said and took a step back.
Pondering over his thoughts, the silver-haired man nodded. "You need refining," he said and narrowed his eyes at Divya.
Taking a step forward, Divya introduced herself.
"I'm a Beginner Certificate holder. My abilities overview:
Talent: Penetration boost
Beast: Peacock [Unlimited arrow]
Abilities: Ice and Fire"
"That's all for me," she said and stepped back to stand parallel to Sam.
The silver-haired man replied, "Okay, now I have a general idea of where to start," and turned his back. "Follow me."
...
Everyone came under the roof of the training room.
Staring at the weapon shelves, the silver-haired man ordered, "Divya, go and use every weapon kept on the shelves on the dummy 500 times."
"Okay, sir."
"Sam, you come here."
"Okay, sir."
Crouching down, the silver-haired man touched Sam's calf. "Hmm, qualified," he muttered and rose. "Give me your hand."
Touching Sam's arm and shoulder, he nodded again.
"Everything is fine, though a little training would be best."
"Your special weapon?"
"I can use every weapon, and my proficiency with every supportive weapon is advanced. My main weapon is at the master level."
"This portion of yours is also good," the man noted.
Pondering for some time, he revealed some information.
"All your foundations have already been laid. Now, the only thing left is to exercise your power to know your boundaries and limits."
Sam calmly nodded his head. He also needed to know if his claim about overcoming his trauma was true or false and was eager for more information.
"I know a place, though it's still not known to the public. Maybe you've visited that place," the man said, staring sharply at Sam.
Sam's heart trembled but showed no emotion on his face. Only one word escaped his mouth.
"Mega Planet."
"As expected," the silver-haired man nodded. "That's the reason for your foundation and cheating abilities and domain at this age."
"You must have lived saving your life?"
Sam's eyes widened as though someone had hit the nail on the head. Regaining his composure, he nodded.
"That was true, but now I have to live for my owner."
"Don't you have any desires or..." The silver-haired man tried to dig deeper, encountering such a case for the first time.
With a deprecating smile, Sam continued, "My name is Sam, but I don't know if it's my real name. My only purpose is to live for my owner."
Sympathizing with Sam's condition, the silver-haired man patted his shoulder. "You don't have to worry about anything here. I'll take care of you."
Sam's heart shuddered, and he took a step back.
"No need. Just treat me as you should," and lowered his head.
Narrowing his eyes, the silver-haired man continued, "Okay, no need to be so tense. I'll prepare a spot for you on Mega Planet."
"Hmm, but what about guarding Divya?"
"That's why I'm sending you there: You have two goals since you're going.
First: You'll have three years to establish a firm hold in your region.
Second: Three years later, every prestige college will have a quota for Mega Planet, which will officially open to everyone. However, the medium will always be through college. At that time, Divya will also officially register in college, so I want you to clear the way for her and only interfere if her death is certain."
Sam nodded, aware of everything because of his experience guarding influential people.
Coming closer, the silver-haired man patted Sam's shoulder. "You still have a month to mentally prepare yourself."
"Sir, what about Divya?"
"I will give an excuse for training."
"Hmm."
"Okay, go and perfect your main weapon proficiency. You have a week."
"Okay, sir."
Showing his back, the man left a piece of advice. "I'll be waiting for your good news. Also, bond a little with my daughter. Don't fall for her tough look; she's quite fragile at heart."
Giving a complex look between the silver-haired man and Divya, Sam sighed.
"I really can't afford to repeat the same mistake," he said, hardening his face. "Let time decide my path."