"Thank you, Instructor," Lily said, nodding respectfully to Chief Instructor Peter. She was well aware of his thoughts, which was precisely why she had declined joining the Indian Group of Martial Artists for now. She needed to discuss it with her brother first before making any decision.
"It's alright," Peter replied calmly. "Now, the next step is to sign the combat exam contract."
As he tapped a button on his communicator watch, a soft hum echoed across the room. A transparent holographic screen materialized above the table, displaying two contract-like documents—one bearing Rudra's name and the other Lily's.
"You should already know this," Peter continued in a grave tone. "After passing the Quasi-Warrior exam, every candidate must take the Practical Combat Exam to become a full-fledged warrior."
He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping over them.
"But do you think the Combat Exam is easy?" he asked. "Of course not. Passing it is difficult enough—death or permanent injuries are very real possibilities during the exam."
The atmosphere grew heavier as his words sank in.
"That is why you must sign this agreement," he said, gesturing toward the holographic contracts. "By doing so, you acknowledge that the Extreme Martial Hall will not be held responsible if a participant is seriously injured… or dies during the exam."
After Peter finished explaining everything, he handed each of them a tablet containing the same contract. All they needed to do was sign to become officially eligible to participate in the Practical Combat Exam next month.
Rudra read through the contract carefully. Its contents matched exactly what Peter had just told them. Without a moment's hesitation, he signed.
There was no need for him to consider whether his mother would agree or not. When he had informed her about taking the Quasi-Warrior exam, she had already foreseen this outcome. That was the very reason for her refusal last night.
Lily signed as well. Judging by her calm expression, she had already made up her mind—or at least, that was what Rudra believed.
Once both signatures were complete, Peter retrieved the tablets.
"Hmm, good," he said with a nod. "Since you've both signed the contract, the Practical Combat Exam will be held on the first day of next month. Until then, you should make appropriate preparations."
He paused briefly, then added, "Oh, also—"
As he spoke, Peter typed something on the keyboard embedded in the table. The holographic screen flickered before switching to a different document.
Genetic Energy Technique was written clearly at the top.
"A warrior's body is powerful," Peter began, his voice steady and authoritative. "And the reason warriors can kill monsters far stronger than ordinary humans is because they rely on Genetic Energy."
"After humanity was infected by the RR virus, our cells mutated," Peter said. "Those mutations allowed us to absorb the faint energy of the universe, granting us the strength to fight monsters on equal footing."
Rudra and Lily listened intently, not missing a single word.
Although Rudra already knew all of this from the memories of his past life, hearing it spoken aloud felt entirely different from simply reading it in a book. For some inexplicable reason, his blood began to boil. Perhaps it was the story of humanity's struggle itself—his heart silently cheering for their survival and eventual rise.
"However," Peter continued, his tone sharpening, "while Genetic Energy makes humans powerful, ordinary human cells are incapable of sensing—let alone absorbing—the universe's energy."
He looked at them both, his gaze firm.
"And that is precisely why the Quasi-Warrior test exists. Only after reaching the Quasi-Warrior stage does a person meet the minimum requirement needed to sense and absorb the energy of the universe."
After saying all this, Peter pointed toward the holographic screen.
"This," he said, "is the cultivation technique for Genetic Energy—the 'Five Acupoints Skyward Technique.' It is the only technique capable of cultivating Genetic Energy."
Rudra and Lily shifted their attention to the screen, carefully studying the information displayed.
As Rudra read through the technique, he quickly grasped both its method and its importance.
Genetic Energy, at its core, was produced by human cells after absorbing energy from the universe. Once absorbed, that cosmic energy was converted according to what the human body could safely utilize. This conversion was the reason humans could wield such terrifying power without their bodies collapsing.
And it was also why, after breaking through to the Planetary Level, a human's Genetic Energy would gain attributes aligned with the eight lower laws of the Universe's Original Laws.
"Since you both have one month," Peter said with a faint smile, "you should begin cultivating Genetic Energy as soon as possible. As for the Guiding Technique, that will only be made available once you officially become warriors."
Hearing this, both Rudra and Lily nodded respectfully.
Deep down, however, neither of them was as calm as they appeared. With the path to true power finally laid out before them, they were both eager to attempt cultivating Genetic Energy for the first time.
"Since the procedure is complete, you may leave now," Peter said. "Also, if either of you successfully cultivates Genetic Energy, report it to your instructor immediately. It will be very important for your future."
"Yes, Instructor," Rudra and Lily replied in unison.
"Thank you, Instructor Peter," they added before turning and leaving the office.
The moment the door slid shut behind them, Peter's smile slowly faded. He raised his communicator and initiated a call.
"Hello, Commander," he said quietly. "He agreed. Now we just need to see his talent in Genetic Energy cultivation."
"Good work," came the calm reply from the other end. The call ended immediately afterward.
Peter exhaled softly, his gaze lingering on the closed door.
"Hah… Rudra, don't disappoint us," he muttered under his breath. "You're our only hope."
…
…
…
Meanwhile, after Rudra and Lily left Peter's office and returned to the hall where they had taken their Quasi-Warrior exam, they were met with an unexpected sight.
Two figures were still standing there.
John and Hammed were waiting, perhaps anticipating their return. When they noticed Rudra and Lily approaching, they raised their hands and signaled for them to come over.
Both Rudra and Lily approached them.
"Hm, how did it go?" Hammed asked, looking at Rudra with clear anticipation.
"Everything went smoothly. We also received the Genetic Energy cultivation method," Rudra replied. He deliberately left out the fact that he had joined the Indian Group of Martial Artists—there were others present.
"It went well, just as Rudra said," Lily added.
"Since everything's finished, you should head back," Hammed said. "Rudra, I'm returning to the gym as well. Come with me."
Rudra nodded in agreement.
Lily, however, grew visibly flustered. After all, she hadn't even gathered the courage to confess to Rudra yet.
Noticing his sister's restlessness, John stepped forward.
"Instructor, would you mind introducing me to this little brother?"
Hammed was momentarily stunned. He knew all too well about John's fearsome reputation—especially his dislike for exceptionally talented young men. Still, since Rudra was Lily's friend, he didn't think too deeply about it.
"Of course," Hammed said. "This is Rudra Singh, a genius from our gym. You've already witnessed his performance."
John gave a slow nod.
"Rudra," Hammed continued, "this is John Will—also known as Mad Wolf. He's a high-level War General."
"Hello, Sir John. It's a pleasure to meet you," Rudra said politely, extending his hand.
John accepted the handshake, his grip firm.
"Nice to meet you too, Rudra," he said with a smile. "You know, my sister has been talking about you quite a lot. I thought it'd be better if we met sooner rather than later."
Despite the smile, there was a faint, unmistakable chill in his voice.
Hearing the chill hidden beneath John's words, Rudra felt a flicker of confusion. This was their first meeting—there was no reason for such an undercurrent of hostility. And yet, the coldness was unmistakable.
After releasing Rudra's hand, John spoke again, his tone light on the surface.
"Since you and Lily both passed the Quasi-Warrior Exam, why not celebrate a little?" he said, turning slightly toward Hammed. "What do you think, Instructor Hammed?"
Hearing John's suggestion, Hammed thought for a moment before nodding. "No problem. A small celebration won't hurt."
"Okay," Rudra agreed as well. After all, he didn't have much of a choice.
"Good. Then let's head to the restaurant," John said, already walking ahead with Lily.
As she followed him, Lily turned her head back and signaled to Rudra with her eyes, urging him to come along.
Rudra nodded slightly and followed after them, walking beside Instructor Hammed.