The designated rest areas on Platform Alpha were basic, rows of simple bunks in large, sterile rooms.
Daniel bypassed them entirely. The last thing he needed was sharing breathing space with dozens of jumpy, envious, or potentially hostile recruits.
He found a secluded maintenance catwalk overlooking one of the quieter loading bays, shielded from casual view by large ventilation ducts.
It wasn't comfortable, but it was private and defensible.
He spread out a salvaged piece of insulating fabric he'd pulled from a destroyed supply crate earlier, creating a makeshift bedroll.
Nyx, finished with her shadow-kibble, explored the immediate area with puppy-like curiosity, sniffing at pipes and occasionally batting playfully at dust motes dancing in the dim emergency lighting.
Then, she seemed to sense Daniel settling down. With a soft yip, she curled up near his feet, not directly touching him, but close enough for reassurance.
Her faint Soulfire warmth was a strange comfort in the cold, metallic surroundings.
Daniel didn't sleep deeply. Years of ingrained caution, now amplified by the constant low hum of [Aura Sense+], kept him hovering in a state of heightened awareness.
He focused on his breathing, meditating, letting his body consolidate the massive influx of attributes and energy from the Ossuary and the Skeleton Wolf.
He could feel his muscles knitting tighter, his senses sharpening, his connection to the Verge deepening.
Most importantly, he focused on the slow, steady regeneration of his [Soul Assimilation] charges.
Each hour that passed brought back one precious spark of his core ability.
By the time the platform's simulated dawn cycle bathed the loading bay in pale artificial light, he had recovered eight charges (8/15). Enough for some serious work.
He rose stiffly, stretching muscles that felt denser, more powerful than ever.
Nyx woke instantly, shaking her shadowy fur and looking up at him expectantly. He tossed her another handful of kibble, which she attacked with gusto. Time for upgrades.
His priorities were clear: weapons.
The Twin Fang daggers were C-grade, respectable.
But his bow… the 'Reinforced Shard-Tip Bow' was still fundamentally F-grade junk held together with monster sinew and wishful thinking.
It couldn't handle his Strength (97.1) effectively, limiting his ranged potential severely.
He retrieved the bow from his pack. Holding it, he channeled his intent, pouring one precious Assimilation Charge into it.
The sinew wrappings glowed faintly, the shard-tips seemed to integrate more smoothly, and the wood itself felt… harder, more resilient.
[Soul Assimilation successful on Reinforced Shard-Tip Bow (F-Grade Custom).]
[Item Enhanced: Reinforced Shard-Tip Bow upgraded to E-Grade.]
[New Stats: Attack +60, Durability Increased Significantly, Minor Improvement to Arrow Velocity.]
[Assimilation Charge Consumed (7/15 Remaining).]
E-grade. Better, but still not ideal. He immediately poured another charge into it.
[Soul Assimilation successful on Reinforced Shard-Tip Bow (E-Grade).]
[Item Enhanced: Reinforced Shard-Tip Bow upgraded to D-Grade.]
[New Stats: Attack +110, Improved Energy Channeling (Synergy with Elemental Skills), Further Durability Increase.]
[Assimilation Charge Consumed (6/15 Remaining).]
D-grade. Now it felt more substantial. The draw weight felt smoother, capable of handling his power without feeling like it would snap.
The note about 'Improved Energy Channeling' was promising for skills like [Mana Bolt+] or adding elemental effects via [Venomous Strike+] or future acquisitions.
Good enough for now. He couldn't afford to burn all his charges on just the bow.
Next, the Twin Fang daggers. C-grade was good, but could they be better? He drew one, admiring its sleek design.
He focused, investing another charge.
[Soul Assimilation successful on Twin Fang Utility Dagger (C-Grade).]
[Item Enhanced: Twin Fang Utility Dagger upgraded to C+-Grade.]
[New Stats: Attack +125, Agility +6, Bleed Effect Potency Increased, Serrated Edge Sharpened.]
[Assimilation Charge Consumed (5/15 Remaining).]
A C+ grade. A nice bump in stats and effect potency. He repeated the process for the second dagger.
[Soul Assimilation successful on Twin Fang Utility Dagger (C-Grade).]
[Item Enhanced: Twin Fang Utility Dagger upgraded to C+-Grade.]
[New Stats: Attack +125, Agility +6, Bleed Effect Potency Increased, Serrated Edge Sharpened.]
[Assimilation Charge Consumed (4/15 Remaining).]
Now he wielded twin C+ daggers and a D-grade bow.
A respectable arsenal for his level. He briefly considered enhancing his D-grade vest again, but decided against it for now.
Four charges remaining felt like a good reserve.
Time to test this new gear and his refined skills.
He headed towards the Training Simulator area, a series of enclosed pods designed to replicate combat scenarios.
He chose a solo pod, thankful for the relative anonymity it offered.
The interior was simple: a chair, interface controls, and immersive sensory emitters.
He strapped himself in, Nyx settling patiently outside the pod door, familiars apparently weren't allowed inside the simulation matrix. He accessed the scenario library.
Dozens of options ranged from basic target practice to complex team survival missions against high-level Verge entities.
He needed something challenging but manageable solo.
He selected: 'Scenario 7: Raptor Pack Ambush (Difficulty: Intermediate)'.
Environment: Dense Verge Jungle.
Enemies: 5 x Shadowscale Raptors (Level 2), 1 x Alpha Shadowscale Raptor (Level 3).
Objective: Survive and Eliminate.
The pod hummed, and the world outside vanished, replaced by the stunningly realistic sights, sounds, and smells of the alien jungle he'd experienced just hours before.
The air felt humid, thick with the scent of strange pollen. He drew his newly enhanced Twin Fang daggers, feeling their perfect balance.
Almost immediately, his simulated [Aura Sense+] flared.
Signatures closing in, fast! He activated [Ghoststeps+], melting into the simulated undergrowth just as three Level 2 Raptors burst into the clearing, claws extended.
Showtime. He exploded from cover.
"Boom!"
The simulated ground cracked slightly under his launch force. He met the first Raptor head-on, one C+ dagger flashing.
He channeled [Venomous Strike+], the blade glowing faintly green.
Schlick!
The dagger sliced through scales with far less resistance than his old E-grade knife.
The Raptor shrieked, stumbling back, dark poison already spreading from the wound.
Before it could recover, Daniel blurred past it, ducking under the lunge of the second Raptor.
He spun, bringing his other dagger up in a vicious arc, aiming for the neck.
Another clean hit, the bleed effect triggering immediately.
The third Raptor tried flanking him. Daniel activated [Quick Dodge], shifting sideways instantly, then launched a point-blank [Mana Bolt+] from his free hand.
FZZZT!
The bolt slammed into the Raptor's side, sending it tumbling with a crackle of energy.
This was almost easy. His speed, power, and upgraded weapons made short work of the Level 2s.
He dispatched the remaining two with brutal efficiency, using a combination of dagger strikes and well-aimed mana bolts.
Then, the Alpha arrived. Larger, faster, radiating more menace.
It charged, claws like razors. Daniel decided to test his heavy hitter.
He sidestepped the initial lunge, planted his feet, and channeled kinetic energy into his fist. "[Kinetic Hammer]!"
BOOM!
He punched the Alpha Raptor square in the chest.
The impact was immense. A visible shockwave distorted the air.
The Raptor was lifted off its feet, ribs shattering audibly even in the simulation, before crashing into a tree trunk, lifeless.
[Scenario Complete. Threat Eliminated. Performance Score: 98.5/100. Efficiency: Excellent. Damage Taken: Minimal.]
Daniel let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
Okay, maybe too easy now. His power level had clearly outstripped these intermediate scenarios.
He exited the pod, feeling confident but also slightly restless. He needed real challenges.
As he stepped out, he almost collided with someone.
Seraphina Bellweather stood there, her expression thoughtful as she looked from the simulator pod back to him.
"Impressive energy signatures from in there, Vance," she said coolly, her eyes seeming to probe him. "Testing out your SSS-Talent?"
Daniel kept his face neutral. "Just stretching my legs.
Getting used to the quiet after the Purge."
Seraphina didn't push, but her gaze lingered. "Rostova's warning about teamwork… it wasn't unfounded.
Phase Two will likely require cooperation, especially against whatever anomalies this Verge throws at us next.
My team took losses. We could use someone with… demonstrated capabilities." It wasn't quite an offer, more like putting out feelers.
"I appreciate the thought, Bellweather," Daniel replied politely but firmly. "But I tend to work better solo.
Different methods suit different Talents." He gave her a slight nod and moved past, feeling her analytical gaze follow him.
He needed to keep moving, keep preparing. The 24-hour respite was ticking away.
He checked his charges (still 4/15). Maybe one more enhancement? He glanced down at his boots.
Basic Academy issue. Mobility was key.
He found another secluded spot and focused on his standard boots.
[Soul Assimilation successful on Standard Issue Fatigues - Boots (F-Grade).]
[Item Enhanced: Standard Issue Boots upgraded to E-Grade.]
[New Stats: Defense +20, Minor Traction Improvement.]
[Assimilation Charge Consumed (3/15 Remaining).]
Not amazing, but better than nothing. Every edge counted.
He spent the remaining hours in relative quiet, meditating, letting his charges slowly regenerate, running mental simulations, and occasionally giving Nyx head scratches (which she seemed to tolerate with regal indifference).
He ignored the few other recruits who tried to approach him, some with offers of alliance, others with thinly veiled challenges he easily deflected.
The target on his back was large, but his power, combined with his cautious nature, kept immediate trouble at bay.
As the platform's chronometers neared the 24-hour mark, a low chime resonated from the Nexus Interfaces.
[Preparation Phase Concluded. Phase Two Assessment: 'The Shifting Labyrinth' commencing in T-Minus 10 minutes.]
[All Aspirants report to Central Teleportation Array.]
Daniel stood up, checking his gear one last time. Twin C+ daggers, D-grade bow, D-grade vest, E-grade boots. Skills ready. Attributes high.
Charges partially regenerated (around 10/15 now). Familiar tucked away. He felt ready.
The Shifting Labyrinth? Sounded annoying already. He gave Nyx a final pat. "Stay safe in there, girl."
He headed towards the central array, melting into the crowd of apprehensive recruits, just another face in the throng, albeit one that everyone was now watching very, very carefully.
The next phase was about to begin.