The Nexus.

With only a day and a half invested, we had achieved significant progress. For the first time, I felt the weight of my restrictions lifting. I turned to Rem, my curiosity getting the better of me. "How does the simulation chamber work?" I asked abruptly, breaking the silence.

Rem didn't seem surprised by my question. She explained that Sentinel Solutions had unearthed the remnants of an older project and refined it, turning it into the advanced system we use today. The machine operates by delving into a trainee's memories without needing explicit permission. However, she clarified that it isn't as random as it might seem. The system pulls real-life scenarios from the user's past, amplifying their intensity to create situations designed to strengthen and challenge the mind.

"The simulations can be incredibly tough," Rem admitted. "But they're invaluable. They help develop resilient, strong-minded heroes and prepare you for the harsh realities of this profession."

She went on to explain that most people who come to this program need more rigorous training than what's offered in phase four. In my case, the purpose was to unlock my potential—something that had been blocked by the emotional baggage I carried. This program was designed to test both the body and the mind, pushing trainees beyond their limits to uncover their true capabilities.

Compared to other trainees, this type of training is tailored for those with powers on a larger scale. As Rem spoke, a humanoid robot resembling a woman approached us. Intrigued, we signaled for it to come closer.

"Greetings. My designation is E.LA.R.A., Engineered for Learning, Analysis, and Robotic Assistance. How may I assist you?" it said in a polished, mechanical voice.

I exchanged a glance with Rem before redirecting my earlier question about the simulation chamber to the robot.

"The simulation chamber," E.LA.R.A. began, "is a groundbreaking integration of engineering and psychological science. Developed by Sentinel Solutions, it synchronizes with the user's neural pathways. Electrodes embedded in the chamber walls emit pulses that align with the trainee's brainwaves. This allows it to recreate vivid memories or fabricate realistic scenarios, often indistinguishable from reality. However, a caution accompanies every session: prolonged exposure can strain the mind, leading to neural fatigue or worse. Few complete the program unscathed, but those who do emerge as some of the strongest individuals alive."

Satisfied with the explanation, I nodded my thanks, and E.LA.R.A. walked away. I turned to Rem and asked what was next. She smiled faintly and said, "Now we can start exploring what you're truly capable of, now that you've begun freeing yourself from the chains of your past."

I chuckled softly, feeling a mixture of gratitude and anticipation. "Thanks for sticking with me through all of this," I said sincerely.

"You're welcome, Kaleb," she replied, her voice firm and her gaze unwavering.

"Let's get to training before we run out of time," she added, already moving toward the chamber.

I followed her, my determination growing.

Inside the chamber, I stood in the center as Rem instructed me to focus on using my abilities to their fullest extent. Closing my eyes, I reached inward, pulling on the energy surrounding me. It happened so naturally, that I barely noticed the sensation of power coursing through me.

"This is my choice," I thought to myself as I concentrated. Suddenly, I felt my feet leave the ground. My eyes shot open in surprise, and I lost my balance, tumbling back to the floor. Laughing, I exclaimed, "I did it!"

Rem nodded, her expression calm but proud. Encouraged, I stood again and focused, this time maintaining my concentration. I floated effortlessly, controlling my movements with just a thought. Waving at Rem, I smiled as she gestured for me to try something new.

I flipped upside down with a grin before settling into a cross-legged position mid-air. With a flick of my wrist, I created a ripple of glowing lights that briefly spelled out my name before fading. Feeling inspired, I slammed my hands into the ground, channeling energy to form a towering, humanoid figure behind me. It was a giant version of myself. Smiling, I gave it a playful fist bump before reabsorbing the energy into my body.

One more idea came to mind—something risky but worth attempting.

We took the training outdoors to test the limits of my abilities. Standing under the sun, I let its warmth fuel me. Drawing in the sunlight's energy, I stretched my arms wide and released them in a burst, forming a shimmering barrier. I focused on pushing the barrier outward, extending its reach.

The strain was intense, both mentally and physically. After a few moments, I let the energy go and collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily. "That was rough," I muttered with a chuckle.

Rem jotted down notes and remarked, "Your barrier reached fifty meters, and you held it five minutes longer than before."

Determined to push further, I gathered even more energy, my body heating up with the effort. Suddenly, alarms blared. This wasn't a simulation anymore. Agents rushed outside, their faces etched with urgency.

"Stop the training immediately!" one of them commanded. "You're reaching atomic energy levels."

Rem quickly signaled me to release the energy safely. Pointing toward the sky, I fired a beam upward, dispersing the power harmlessly.

"Apologies," Rem said calmly, but the agent remained stern. "This is your final warning," they said before leaving.

Once they were gone, we agreed to proceed with caution, determined to make the most of our remaining time.

"Watch this," I said with a grin, experimenting with telepathy. I focused on Rem, projecting a thought into her mind. She turned her head abruptly, as though hearing someone call her name.

"I did that," I said with a laugh as she looked at me, impressed.

As the hours passed, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows. Exhaustion began to set in, but I continued refining my abilities, showing Rem the extent of my potential. Finally, as twilight deepened, she called an end to the session.

"You've made incredible progress," she said, her tone filled with both pride and seriousness. "Prepare to leave tomorrow. You're ready for the next step."

I nodded, feeling a mix of fatigue and satisfaction. Though physically drained and nursing a pounding headache, I knew I had made a giant leap forward. This training had pushed me beyond what I thought possible, awakening a sense of clarity and purpose I hadn't felt in years.

As we walked back to the living quarters, I couldn't help but smile. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was truly waking up.