The pressure didn't ease as the final section began to form. The instability inside the semi-core continued to spread, and the runic structure trembled under the force of the energy. The flow no longer followed his control perfectly, and it felt like everything was about to break apart.
Arin's breathing became uneven as his body reached its limit. The pain had gone beyond what he could clearly process, and the remaining energy inside him was already close to exhaustion. Even so, the final part of the structure still demanded more.
His control slipped for a moment, and the flow nearly broke. He forced it back and pushed the remaining energy forward again, not smoothly, but with effort. The final section resisted, but it continued forming under pressure.
His thoughts became unclear as the strain increased. The pain relief medicine had already lost its effect, and the sensation from the energy flow mixed with his own body. Maintaining focus itself became difficult, but stopping here would mean failure.
He continued.
The last part began to connect. Not cleanly, not perfectly, but enough to complete the structure. For a brief moment, everything went still.
The runic structure stopped resisting. The flow settled and held.
Arin maintained control until the final part completed. The moment it stabilized, he let go. The control he had been forcing until now was released all at once, and his body no longer held.
The exhaustion came immediately. The strain that had been held back spread through him, and his body gave in without resistance. The semi-core remained stable, but he no longer had the strength to react.
His vision darkened, and he lost consciousness.
He remained unconscious for some time, with no awareness of how long had passed. The room stayed still, and only his breathing continued at a slow and steady rhythm.
The bracelet on his wrist gave a faint glow. It wasn't bright, and it didn't last long. The light appeared, faded, then appeared again after a short interval, as if responding to something within him. After some time, it stopped completely.
When he opened his eyes, his body felt heavy. The exhaustion remained, but the instability was gone, and the pressure inside his body had settled. He stayed still for a moment before slowly sitting up.
The hunger came immediately after. It wasn't normal hunger. It came all at once, sharp and heavy, as if his body had been emptied completely. The feeling didn't build slowly, and staying still only made it worse.
He checked his semi-core first. The runic structure had formed and remained stable, and the energy inside flowed along the pattern without resistance. The movement was smoother than before, and the semi-core itself appeared slightly brighter.
He observed it briefly and confirmed that it worked. There was no need to test further in his current condition.
He checked the time and saw that it was already evening. After cleaning himself, he left without delay, as the hunger had not reduced.
He entered a nearby restaurant. It was one of the more popular places in the area, often used by cultivators. The dishes served were different, and the meat carried a dense texture. Even before eating, the difference was clear. It came from ranked beasts raised in energy-rich zones.
He began eating steadily, and the amount increased quickly. Dish after dish was placed on the table, and none of it remained for long. The cost rose with it, and stellar credits were used without him paying attention.
After some time, the hunger eased, and his body slowly settled back into a stable state.
The restaurant remained active, but the noise stayed controlled. Most people inside were cultivators or connected to them, and the atmosphere reflected that.
Arin slowed his pace as the hunger reduced, and his attention gradually returned to his surroundings.
At that moment, a group entered.
The movement near the entrance shifted slightly. The staff reacted first, stepping aside without being told, and a clear path opened.
At the front was a young woman.
Her appearance was refined without being excessive. Her features were clear and balanced, and her expression remained calm. There was no effort in the way she carried herself, yet she stood out immediately.
Her clothes were simple in design, but the quality was obvious. The material and fit were precise, and everything about her gave a composed impression.
Arin looked once.
For a brief moment, his attention stayed longer than usual. The difference was clear, and there was a natural pull that made him notice more than he intended.
Then he stopped.
He looked away and returned to his food.
The group moved toward the upper floor without delay.
Upstairs, the table was already set.
The food was served, but no one started eating immediately. The atmosphere wasn't relaxed. Everyone waited.
Valen Falcon looked at Lina.
"You know why I called you here."
Lina met his gaze.
"Yes."
"Then answer properly. How far have you reached?"
She didn't hesitate.
"Almost reaching steel skin. Entering the top hundred this year won't be a problem."
Valen watched her for a moment.
"The main academy selection is close."
No one spoke.
"Today, your grandfather secured a Tier 3 allocation," he said. "This time, he wants to give the younger generation a chance."
The table stilled.
"I can recommend your name," Valen continued. "If you enter the top ten."
A sharp crack sounded as Zarek's fingers tightened against the table.
Rexan spoke without holding back. "That's not fair."
Valen didn't look at him.
"If you reach her level, I can at least consider it. You haven't."
Rexan fell silent.
Valen's gaze returned to Lina.
"This is only a recommendation. You won't receive it directly."
He paused slightly.
"There are others. Your uncles' and aunts' children will also compete for it."
No one misunderstood.
Lina held her posture steady.
"I understand."
The conversation ended there, but the tension remained.
Downstairs, Arin finished his meal. His body had stabilized, and the earlier exhaustion had reduced to a steady state. He paid without checking the amount and left without delay.
The night outside was calm. The lights stretched across the city, and the streets remained active, but none of it held his attention.
The runic structure inside his semi-core remained stable, and the energy flowed smoothly along the pattern without resistance.
No guidance. No support. No one watching.
He walked forward at a steady pace.
He only relied on what he had.