Novel

Chapter 2: The Visible Gain

Battered but provisionally passed, Kaelen's Salvage Frame exhibits an unstable power signature, noted by academy techs. Back in his workshop, a sudden academy announcement accelerates the ranking cycle to 72 hours, while his Aunt Elara's desperate call reveals their debt is due in days, threatening their last assets. Under immense pressure, Kaelen delves into restricted archives, unearthing 'Project Chimera,' a banned technique for raw power siphoning. He successfully activates a dangerous, unstable power surge in his frame, a visible but costly gain. This anomaly, however, draws the direct attention of Valerius, the top-ranked rival, who challenges Kaelen, marking him as an unexpected threat for the upcoming trial.