Arin woke slowly, his thoughts surfacing through a faint haze.
He remained still for a moment before opening his eyes. The chamber above him was already open, and a soft white light filled the space without strain.
He sat up.
His body responded without resistance. The heaviness that had followed every movement before was gone. He moved his arm, then his shoulder, observing the response carefully. The motion followed without delay.
He stood up.
His balance held. His breathing stayed even. The strain that had once been present in every step was no longer there. His body followed naturally, as it should have from the beginning.
"Full body healing completed successfully."
Meda's voice echoed lightly.
"Your current condition has returned to a stable baseline. Further strain is not recommended for the next two days."
Arin stepped out of the unit as a panel appeared in front of him.
Name: Arin Solis
Age: 13
Physical Condition: Restored
Body Stability: Stable
The display updated.
Additional Notice:
Semi-core condition remains unstable
Future development probability: Low
Meda continued in the same calm tone.
"Based on your current condition and age, the probability of successful progression through core cultivation is extremely low. At thirteen, your semi-core has not stabilized within the expected range. Further development through standard methods is unlikely."
Arin stood still.
A tightness formed in his chest, followed by a faint heaviness, like something settling in place. He understood what that meant.
It left no room for expectation.
For a moment, a thought surfaced.
Thirty years east. Thirty years west.
It stayed in his mind, but he didn't say it. There was no point explaining it here.
"I'll think about it," he said.
"Understood," Meda replied. "You are welcome at any time."
Arin turned and walked out.
Outside, people moved through their routines. Some headed toward work, others stopped briefly at nearby stores.
Arin walked forward.
His body followed naturally, without the slight delay and strain from before. The difference was clear enough without needing to test it further.
He entered a nearby store.
The shopkeeper looked up, then paused slightly as his gaze lingered on Arin for a moment longer.
"What happened to you?" he asked.
"Treatment."
The man gave a small nod and turned.
"Don't rush it. Takes time to settle."
He picked a few items and placed them on the counter.
"Food packs. Three days. Easy on the body. And this—recovery support."
Arin checked them briefly.
Enough for the next few days.
He paid without hesitation.
"Thanks."
The man nodded and returned to his work.
Arin stepped outside and moved toward the transit area.
Before reaching it, a group ahead caught his attention.
Several people moved together in formation, surrounding someone in the center. Their positions remained consistent, clearly acting as protection.
The one they surrounded looked around twenty.
They moved toward one of the tallest buildings nearby. People along the path stepped aside without being told.
Arin watched for a moment.
At thirteen, he had only just managed to stand properly.
That wasn't something he could reach by chance.
He turned away and stepped onto the platform as a cab arrived. The door opened, and he entered. The vehicle lifted smoothly.
Arin looked outside as the city moved past.
His body had recovered.
What he did next would decide everything.