CHAPTER 35: TRAINING

"I want all of you to mine these crystals," Ace told the weaker rankers.

They’d given up on chasing strength and had focused on keeping the safe zone tidy, but now Ace had real work for them.

"Is it safe?" one asked.

"Yeah. Tava’Az is unlikely to show. Stick together, don’t dive too deep, and bail if anything feels off. Simple."

"Mining underwater’s rough. We can’t breathe, Don Capo."

"Got you covered," Ace said, pulling a black seashell from his pocket.

The shell was dry, black, and leathery—like Black Umi hide. The weaker rankers flinched at the memory while the rest leaned in for a better look.

"This lets you breathe underwater for thirty minutes, then needs five to reset," Ace explained.

In my first life rankers used these shells to raid the Crimson Shrine. The five‑minute cooldown killed plenty, but my people will stay shallow and safe. I can buy more in Heaven Village—rankers sell everything.

Money on Gravehaven Isle wasn’t coins; potions ruled the market. High rankers bartered gear or favors. Seashells had limited charges, so Ace would trade potions or gamble on more Umi waves—an iffy bet with only his core fighters combat‑ready.

"Swinging a pick under water’s tough—treat it as training," Ace added.

The gang nodded and headed for the cavern.

Ace glanced at his core team. In one corner Marko tested potion density, emptying dropped vials and taking notes. Across the room Mercer, Chaewon, and Alex sparred.

Right now Alex and Mercer brawled. Alex shifted his shield to catch Mercer’s sword dead center, something that worked on monsters but rarely on other rankers. He needed the practice—and so did Mercer and Chaewon.

Mercer chased his dream of being both swordsman and healer, so he drilled clean blade work.

Chaewon held her katana high, black jacket buzzing. The jacket’s skill tripled her strength, and she made the power stick to build Mana Expertise. Hit level five and she could crack open the Aquasteel Grimoire and break limits.

Need to build muscle and feel mana. I can’t use it the normal way, but if I keep turning actives into passives, I’ll get there.

[Human Engine III • Workouts generate "gears" that accelerate muscle repair & growth. • Node – Strength Surge: Increases raw strength gains from training sessions. • Node – Hypertrophy Catalyst: Enhances muscle fiber development for greater strength progression.]

Human Engine III made Ace stronger than anyone else.

Hitting level three with three nodes felt like a miracle.

The nodes leaned toward raw power, but mana ran through every muscle.

If he added mana‑based nodes, the skill could evolve into something new.

Mana’s tricky. It can spark miracles or just beef up a thrust. Every ranker gets some, so I’d better stir it while I train. Time to grind.

After the whirlwind of events, Ace’s team dug into training and item mastery. The rest worked hard too, but progress came slower.

During a break Alex drained his water and turned to Ace. "Don Capo, we scoutin’ a high ranker for the Sixteen or what?"

"Yeah," Ace said, taking a swig. "Rank alone’s not enough. We need chemistry. I’m not grabbing just anyone again—you saw how that went."

"Yeah," Alex said, nodding.

The hall felt empty with only the five of them; the rest had chosen labor over training. Alex didn’t mind. He preferred sticking with folks who shared his drive—Don Capo, Chaewon, Mercer, even Marko.

He hoped more like‑minded fighters would join the Sixteen.

Seraphina Griffin would fit. Her path’s already different from before, and she’s got a good vibe.

—

[You have received 2 new quests!]

[Face the second wave of Black Umi]

[

Bring the corpses of fallen rankers to the Crimson Lake]

It was the next day when Ace woke up to two new quests. The first came from Gravehaven Isle, and the second from Yvandra’Annah.

It was cruel, as some rankers might have families waiting for them in this harsh Gate, but Ace weighed the risks.

If I skip this, I’ll anger Tava’Az. I don’t know how far I can push my bond with Yvandra’Annah, so I’d better do it. Cruelty is part of the Gates.

The angels had always been cruel bastards who mocked his dreams and those of his loved ones. Who was he to play hero if the world hated them?

Ace shrugged off pity. He hopped out of bed, pulled on casual clothes, and grabbed his gear.

If these ranker corpses taint the Crimson Lake, maybe we can grow both types of crystals. Chaewon will hate it if she finds out, so I need Alex on my side.

Ace followed his plan.

"Are you dumb?!" Chaewon snapped. "You can’t treat corpses of fellow humans like ingredients! It’s disrespectful!"

Alex rolled his eyes. "They’re dead. Can’t bury them, and who knows if some crazy priestess will revive them. What’s the problem?"

"Alex! Don’t waste my time!" Chaewon glared at him.

He shrugged.

Ace nodded. "Respect won’t keep you alive here—potions will. I’ll give you a fair share of these potions from the sacrifice so you can do what you want with them. And I don’t know what Tava’Az will do if I refuse."

Chaewon bit her lip but stayed silent. She hated that he’d forced her hand. This world tested her limits and kindness.

How long can I hold on to kindness when the Gates demand cruelty?

"You said I bring out the good in you," Chaewon said, eyes locked on Ace. "But you bring out my evil. Do what you must, Ace. I’ll do my best to balance it."

She turned and left the room.

Alex looked at Ace. "That got real."

"Yeah," Ace agreed. "What, should I ask the corpses for permission?"

"Beats me," Alex shrugged.

"I still believe her kindness can change the world," Ace said. "What’s your take on kindness?"

"Similar to yours," Alex replied. "Straightforward. No beating around the bush."

"I see," Ace said. "Ready to have some fun with Black Umi?"

"Yeah," Alex cracked his knuckles, smiling. "I’ll be the tank. Lil bro focuses on swordsmanship today."

"Great. I’m gonna level up my life steal."