The landscape morphed again, this time into a harsh desert with a massive sandstorm rolling in. Visibility dropped to near zero, and communications were patchy at best.

“This scenario simulates a chaotic battlefield,” Lira explained. “Limited visibility, unreliable comms, and your forces are scattered. Your goal: regroup and eliminate the enemy while surviving the storm.”

Arthur’s initial moves were cautious, relying on small, localized maneuvers to gather his troops. But the storm intensified, disrupting his plans and isolating units.

Which led to his group to be hunted and being killed.

After multiple tries of the simulation, he improvised, using the storm’s cover to launch surprise attacks on the enemy while carefully guiding his troops back together. By the time the storm subsided, his forces had regrouped and mounted a counterattack.

Lira raised an eyebrow. “Not bad. Most recruits panic in that kind of chaos. You stayed calm.”

Arthur chuckled. “I had no choice. Panic doesn’t win battles.”

…

Arthur wiped the sweat from his forehead, exhaustion mingling with satisfaction. He had learned more in these simulations than he thought possible.

“So,” he asked, “what’s next?”

Lira smirked. “Rest. You’ve earned it. But don’t get too comfortable, we’ve barely scratched the surface.”

Arthur nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. If this was just the beginning, he couldn’t wait to see what came next.

…

Lira led Arthur to a lab filled with advanced weaponry and equipment. She picked up a sleek plasma rifle, handing it to him.

“ECHOs use cutting-edge tech,” she explained. “This rifle fires superheated plasma rounds. Try it.”

Arthur aimed at a holographic target. The weapon hummed as he pulled the trigger, releasing a burst of plasma that obliterated the target.He then started to practice shooting for the next hour.

“Not bad,” Lira said. “Now try the plasma sword.”

She handed him a hilt that ignited into a glowing blade. Arthur swung it experimentally, marveling at its balance and power.

“These tools are deadly in the right hands,” Lira said. “But they’re only as effective as the one wielding them. Remember that.”

Arthur nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt. “I will.”

…

As Arthur returned to his quarters that evening, he reflected on the day’s events. His body and mind absorbed all the gains from the intense training.

Settling into his room, he opened his holographic screens, diving once more into the universe’s vast repository of knowledge. If he was going to survive in this universe, he’d need every advantage he could get.

…

Three months had passed since Arthur began his rigorous training and relentless pursuit of knowledge. His days were divided into segments, each meticulously planned and executed with almost military precision. 

Mornings were dedicated to combat training under Kael’s watchful eye. Afternoons were consumed by tactical simulations and battlefield strategies with Lira. Evenings were spent in his quarters, devouring the wealth of knowledge stored in his datapad.

Arthur sat cross-legged on his bed, his datapad hovering in front of him, a holographic chart displayed midair. The title read “Enhancement Serum Grades.” His brow furrowed as he read through the information.

The Enhancement Serums are separated into five grades with various degrees of enhancements in strength.

Grade 1: Strength: 3-5 Tons | Speed: 15-17 m/s

Grade 2: Strength: 10-15 Tons | Speed: 20-25 m/s

Grade 3: Strength: 40-50 Tons | Speed: 30-35 m/s

Grade 4: Strength: 80-100 Tons | Speed: 45-50 m/s

Grade 5: Strength: 130-150 Tons | Speed: 60-70 m/s

Arthur leaned back, letting the data sink in. “Five grades, and only the first two are available to civilians,” he mused. “The disparity is staggering. Soldiers with Grade 5 enhancements are like walking weapons. And yet, none of these compare to what the ECHO serum offers.”

His thoughts drifted back to his own performance in training. Despite his initial struggles, he had made significant strides, adapting quickly to the challenges thrown his way. 

His strength and speed were far beyond what the enhancement serums offered, yet he remained intrigued by the science behind them.

“Just what makes me different?” he wondered, a familiar question resurfacing in his mind.

…

Arthur stood in the middle of the training hall, sweat dripping down his face as Kael circled him like a predator. The commander’s stance was relaxed, but Arthur knew better than to underestimate him.

“Focus, Arthur,” Kael barked. “Don’t let your thoughts wander.”

Arthur shifted his weight, his muscles coiled like springs. Kael lunged without warning, his fist a blur. Arthur dodged, barely avoiding the strike, and countered with a quick jab aimed at Kael’s ribs.

Kael blocked effortlessly, twisting Arthur’s arm and sending him sprawling to the mat. “You’re improving, but you’re still too predictable,” Kael said, offering a hand to help Arthur up. “Try again.”

Arthur gritted his teeth, pulling himself to his feet. “This time, I’ll get you.”

Kael smirked. “That’s the spirit.”

The sparring continued, each session pushing Arthur’s limits of combat awareness. He learned to anticipate Kael’s moves, to read the subtle shifts in his posture that telegraphed his next attack. Kael, in turn, ramped up the difficulty, introducing new techniques and tactics that kept Arthur on his toes.

By the end of the third month, Arthur’s combat prowess had reached an impressive level. He could hold his own against Kael, forcing the commander to exert genuine effort in their matches.

“You’re a natural,” Kael admitted after one particularly grueling session. “At this rate, you’ll be able to outmaneuver most new recruits in the ECHO program.”

Arthur wiped the sweat from his brow, a rare grin breaking through his exhaustion. “Coming from you, that means a lot.”

…

Lira stood by the holographic projector, her arms crossed as she watched Arthur manipulate the battlefield simulation. The scenario was a complex one: an outnumbered unit trapped in enemy territory with limited resources. Arthur’s task was to extract the unit while minimizing casualties.

Arthur’s fingers danced across the controls, issuing commands to his virtual troops. “Send a decoy team to the eastern flank,” he muttered. “Draw their attention away from the main force.”

The holographic soldiers moved accordingly, and the enemy took the bait. Arthur seized the opportunity, guiding his main force through a hidden passage and out of the danger zone.

“Simulation complete,” the AI intoned. “Success rate: 92%.”

Lira nodded approvingly. “Well done. You anticipated the enemy’s moves and adapted on the fly. That’s what it takes to lead.”

Arthur leaned against the console, his mind racing. “These scenarios are intense, but they’re also exhilarating. Every choice feels like it could mean life or death.”

Lira placed a hand on his shoulder. “That’s because, in the real world, it does. Remember, Arthur, tactics aren’t just about winning. They’re about survival, for you and those under your command.”

Arthur met her gaze, determination shining in his eyes. “I’ll remember.”

…

In his quarters, Arthur’s datapad illuminated the room as he delved into subjects far beyond anything he had learned on Earth. Advanced physics, genetic engineering, nanotechnology, each topic seemed more fascinating than the last.

“Quantum entanglement,” he murmured, scrolling through an article. “The idea that particles can be linked, regardless of distance… It’s like something out of science fiction.”

He paused, his mind connecting dots from his previous studies. “No wonder humanity has advanced so far. With knowledge like this, the possibilities are endless.”

Arthur’s eidetic memory and enhanced cognitive abilities made the learning process almost effortless. He absorbed information at a pace that would have been impossible for anyone else. Within three months, he had achieved the equivalent of multiple PhDs across various disciplines.

“This isn’t just learning,” he realized. “It’s like I am cheating.”

…

Though in these three months his strength might not have improved much as he does not want to freak them out. His strength was in the 1800 Tons and speed approximately 130 m/s.

The Admiral already has his hands full with his abilities and if he showed he can become stronger under appropriate pressure, he can’t imagine how it would change his situation, maybe they will actively try to experiment on him which he doesn’t want to happen. And he does not fully trust the Admiral to not do so.

But it does not mean he has not improved in other aspects, now he is able to properly apply his strength to use in actual combat.

On the final day of the third month, Arthur stood before Lira and Kael in the training hall. A series of tests had been arranged to evaluate his progress. The first was a combat challenge against Kael, followed by a tactical simulation overseen by Lira.

Arthur faced Kael, his stance confident. The commander attacked with his usual ferocity, but this time, Arthur was ready. He parried and countered with precision, forcing Kael to retreat.

“Impressive,” Kael said, a hint of pride in his voice. “You’ve come a long way.”

Next came the tactical test. Arthur navigated the simulation with ease, outsmarting the enemy at every turn. Lira watched with a satisfied smile, noting his ability to think several steps ahead.

“Test complete,” the AI announced. “Overall performance: Exceptional.”

Kael clapped Arthur on the back. “You’ve earned that score. Keep this up, and you’ll be ready for the serum in no time.”

Arthur nodded, his resolve stronger than ever. “This is just the beginning.”

…

That evening, Arthur sat by the window in his quarters, gazing out at the stars. The past three months had been transformative, pushing him to new heights both physically and mentally.

“I’ve come so far,” he thought, a sense of pride swelling within him. “But there’s still so much to do. I won’t stop now.”

With that, he turned back to his datapad, ready to tackle the next challenge. For Arthur, the journey had only just begun.

***

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