He stood and signaled that the audience with the king was concluding. "Tonight, rest here in the palace. I have already arranged guest chambers for you. Tomorrow, you may freely tour the palace, or return to the Virtual Universe Company. The choice is entirely yours."
The four bowed once more to express their gratitude. After the audience, palace attendants led them to the VIP quarters. The suites were luxurious yet tasteful, each with private accommodations and a full range of high-end amenities.
Once settled, the four gathered in Kevin Cross's suite to discuss the events of the evening.
"I never imagined the king would receive us personally and give such valuable gifts," Rowan Proudpeak said, holding the golden Law Stone in disbelief. "This thing must be worth at least millions of Universal Credits on the black market."
Kevin Cross nodded. "At least tens of millions. Law Stones aren't just rare they're immensely effective in enhancing comprehension of the corresponding law. With this, our cultivation speed could increase threefold."
Victor Gale clapped his hands excitedly. "Ha! I didn't expect representing Black Dragon Mountain Empire to come with such perks! I should have entered more competitions!"
Serena Proudpeak remained calm. "The king's intention is clear."
"Yes," Kevin sighed. "These gifts appear generous, but they are laying the groundwork to recruit us. The Black Dragon Mountain Empire has always excelled at using rewards to attract talent."
"So should we accept the invitation?" Rowan asked hesitantly.
Kevin shook his head. "Our roots are in the Summer Universe. Our families and friends are there. Besides, we joined the Virtual Universe Company to pursue higher cultivation and broader horizons, not to align ourselves with a single empire."
Victor nodded. "Agreed. The Black Dragon Mountain Empire is powerful and resource-rich, but I value freedom more."
"However," Kevin continued, "there's no need to reject them outright. Maintaining a cordial relationship with the empire could only benefit us."
"So, we'll hold off on deciding for now?" Rowan asked.
Kevin nodded. "Yes. We can say we need time to consider, and make a decision after the challenge ends. Circumstances may change by then."
The four agreed to accept the king's gifts but defer any consideration of joining the Black Dragon Mountain Empire.
The next morning, the four gathered early in their assigned lounge. The space was a spacious, circular room with a transparent dome ceiling that displayed the Virtual Universe Company's simulated blue sky and drifting white clouds. The interior was simple yet comfortable, walls painted a soft blue and embedded with glowing crystals for gentle illumination. In the center stood a round conference table surrounded by four ergonomic chairs. One side featured a lounge area, while the other housed a tactical analysis station equipped with holographic projectors.
Kevin stood before the table, sliding his fingers over the console to display the detailed rules of the fourth round. The holographic projection illuminated the room, showing the recently updated announcement from the Virtual Universe Company.
"There's been a change," Kevin said calmly, though a trace of surprise lingered. "The originally planned team matches have been canceled. The fourth round will still be individual competition."
Rowan frowned, dressed in a light gray training suit, his black hair slightly messy from morning exercises. "Why the sudden change? Is it due to the number of participants?"
"Not entirely," Kevin replied, gesturing at the holographic text. "The official explanation states it is to better assess each participant's personal abilities and prevent significant disparities in team strength from causing unfair matches."
Victor grinned broadly, his signature cheerful expression lighting up his face. Wearing a sleeveless black vest that revealed his muscular arms and faintly visible veins, he radiated power. "Ha! I thought maybe I wouldn't have to face those tough opponents alone anymore!"
Serena leaned quietly against the wall, his usual calm demeanor intact. Today, however, a rare glimmer of excitement shone in his eyes, hinting at anticipation for the upcoming challenge. He wore a simple white robe, exuding elegance and restraint.
Kevin closed the holographic display and faced the others, dressed in a deep blue tailored robe embroidered with silver patterns at the collar and cuffs, exuding calm authority and wisdom. "According to the new schedule, the fourth round begins in three days. We need to use this time to further improve ourselves."
"Three days… how much can we improve?" Rowan asked, curiosity evident in his tone.
"The key isn't duration but quality of training," Kevin explained, his eyes gleaming with insight. "We gained valuable experience from the third round. If we summarize and absorb it effectively, we can convert it into skill and make significant progress in a short period."
Victor patted his thigh vigorously. "Exactly! And we can make good use of the Law Stones the king gave us, right?"
Kevin shook his head. "Absorbing a Law Stone is a complex process requiring specific conditions and sufficient time. Rushing could not only prevent full absorption but also harm the user. I suggest waiting until after the fourth round to consider using them."
Serena spoke up for the first time, his voice low but firm. "Sparring."
The others turned to him, and Kevin's eyes briefly shone with approval. "Right. The most effective training is sparring. Our abilities complement one another. By testing each other, we can quickly identify our weaknesses and the opponent's vulnerabilities."
"So, how should we form teams?" Rowan asked eagerly, his eyes shining with combat anticipation.
Kevin thought for a moment. "We can pair according to our abilities. I specialize in fire law and psychic weaponry, so it makes sense for me to train with Rowan, who also uses psychic weapons. Victor's lightning abilities and Serena's light-based skills lean toward ranged attacks, making them a suitable pair."
Victor scratched his head, grinning. "Isn't that unfair? Serena and I are both third-round winners, and Rowan's still a rookie."
Kevin smiled faintly. "Precisely why I pair with Rowan. I can guide him in mastering psychic weaponry. You and Serena have advanced abilities; sparring together will help you both find new breakthroughs."
Rowan's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Perfect! Finally, I get to learn psychic techniques from Kevin!"
Victor feigned worry, turning to Serena. "Hey, Serena, don't go too hard! I don't want to get split in half by your Light Judicator before the fourth round!"
Serena's lips curved slightly upward, a rare smile. "I won't."
Kevin surveyed the four. "I've reserved two advanced training rooms. Room One has psychic amplification devices, perfect for Rowan and me. Room Two has elemental energy stabilization systems, ideal for Victor and Serena to train their elemental laws."
"When do we start?" Rowan asked impatiently.
Kevin glanced at the clock. "One hour to prepare. Meet in your respective rooms at nine o'clock. Remember, this isn't a life-or-death battle; it's mutual training. Stop when necessary."
The four nodded and went their separate ways.
An hour later, Kevin and Rowan stood in the center of Training Room One. The octagonal room had metallic walls with a soft texture for safety, and the floor was covered in a special material that offered grip while cushioning impacts. Several psychic amplification devices, resembling transparent crystal spheres with flowing blue energy inside, were embedded around the room.
Kevin held the Starburst Rift Blade, its surface shimmering faintly like scattered stars. He turned to Rowan. "Ready?"
Rowan gripped his Black Pattern Blade and nodded. "Anytime."
"Good," Kevin smiled. "We won't use Law abilities yet. Just psychic energy and weapons. This will let you focus on mastering psychic control."
Kevin's blade suddenly flew from his hand, tracing a graceful arc toward Rowan's left shoulder. The strike was measured, leaving Rowan enough time to react.
Rowan immediately exerted his psychic energy to control the Black Pattern Blade, clashing with Kevin's weapon with a crisp metallic clang. Rowan's blade was slightly pushed back but successfully blocked the strike.
"Good reaction," Kevin praised. "But your psychic control isn't precise enough. Psychic energy is not just force; it's an extension of perception. You need to merge your energy with the weapon, making it an extension of your arm, not just an object you control."
Rowan nodded thoughtfully. "I think I understand. Again!"
Kevin guided Rowan through a series of fundamental exercises, refining energy output, weapon precision, and stability during rapid movements.
After an hour, Rowan's control had improved significantly. He could now manipulate the Black Pattern Blade through complex aerial trajectories while maintaining accuracy.
"Excellent," Kevin said. "Now for advanced training: controlling multiple targets simultaneously."
He pulled five metal spheres from his personal space and tossed them into the air. They hovered at different heights and positions, forming an irregular three-dimensional pattern.
"I want you to control the Black Pattern Blade and at least two spheres simultaneously," Kevin instructed. "This will train your multitasking ability, crucial in combat."
Rowan swallowed hard and focused. Initially, the objects wobbled under his control, but with continued adjustments, he stabilized them.
"Good," Kevin encouraged. "Feel it as if you have three hands controlling three objects naturally."
Just as Rowan began to master this, Kevin launched a sudden attack. The Starburst Rift Blade shot toward Rowan's chest like silver lightning, while three spheres approached from different angles.
Rowan instinctively prioritized blocking with his blade, stopping Kevin's strike. Two spheres fell due to insufficient psychic energy, but the three controlled by Kevin stopped just before impact.
"This is what real combat may be like," Kevin explained. "Allocating psychic energy wisely is crucial when facing multiple threats."
Rowan panted, sweat beading on his forehead. "It's so hard. My energy feels torn into pieces, each insufficient on its own."
"That's normal," Kevin smiled. "Mastery takes time, but a small trick can help the Psychic Core."
"The Psychic Core?" Rowan asked.
Kevin nodded. "Establish a core in your consciousness. All energy flows from this core, then divides to different targets. This keeps your output stable and lets you adjust priorities easily."
Rowan concentrated, feeling the flow unify at a central point before extending outward. "I feel it! It's like a little sun at the center of my mind, sending energy in all directions!"
Kevin nodded with approval. "Excellent. Try multiple target control again."
This time, Rowan managed four targets simultaneously, adjusting priorities to defend against Kevin's strikes effectively.
After several rounds, Rowan's psychic control reached a new level, able to manage four targets and adapt fluidly to offense and defense.