Chapter 141: The Second Star

The following morning, Jet woke earlier than usual and spent nearly an hour examining the resources he had accumulated since the White Dungeon expedition.

Several containers of Mana Crystals were arranged across the desk in his room, alongside a notebook containing records of his recent training and the changes in his Star Saturation.

He had been considering his next advancement for several days, but after yesterday’s conversation with Adesewa, he had finally decided to begin preparing seriously.

His injuries had improved considerably, his Mana circulation had become steadier, and he had enough resources to make an attempt worthwhile.

The remaining question was whether his body was ready to withstand the breakthrough.

Jet picked up a Mana Crystal and examined its pale glow. During his previous life, advancing through the early Stars had been a slow and frustrating process.

He’d spent months gathering resources, accepting dangerous assignments, and struggling to obtain enough Mana Crystals to improve his strength.

Even then, his progress had been unimpressive compared to more talented Awakeners. His circumstances were considerably different now.

The Eight-Armed Asura had transformed his physical capabilities, and the treasures he’d obtained since his regression had given him opportunities he could never have imagined possessing before.

Nevertheless, having extraordinary advantages didn’t mean he could disregard the requirements of advancement.

He placed the crystal back inside its container and opened his status window, reviewing his current attributes and Star Saturation.

His Strength, Agility, Stamina, Vitality, Perception, and Intelligence had all improved through combat and training, but his overall advancement remained restricted by his current Star Rank.

He had already experienced the consequences of that limitation during the assassination attempts. His opponents possessed greater reserves, stronger bodies, and enough combat experience to exploit even small mistakes.

Without the Asura Mask, he doubted he would have escaped their pursuit, and activating that ability had left him in terrible condition.

A knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Jet, are you awake?" Inez called from outside, her voice carrying through the wooden door. "Nadia says breakfast is ready, and you’re going to miss the good bread if you don’t hurry."

Jet smiled as he closed his status window. "I’m awake, Inez. Give me a minute, and I’ll come downstairs."

"You said that yesterday!" Inez complained, although he could hear her laughing. "I’m taking the biggest piece if you’re late."

"Then I suppose I’d better hurry," Jet replied, returning the Mana Crystals to their containers before opening the door.

Inez stood outside wearing a yellow shirt and carrying a small stuffed rabbit Nadia had found for her several days earlier.

Her expression brightened when she saw him, and she immediately grabbed his hand, insisting that he accompany her downstairs. The improvement in her mood was encouraging.

She still became frightened by sudden explosions or unfamiliar visitors, but the nightmares had become less frequent, and she had gradually started behaving like her usual self again.

At breakfast, Nadia was helping distribute food while Mikhail argued with the kitchen staff about whether his portion was smaller than everyone else’s.

Frey had joined them for the first time in several days, although his injured arm remained supported and his movements were noticeably careful.

Laurent and Celeste sat nearby with their younger children, discussing arrangements for another medical examination.

"You’re looking better," Frey remarked when Jet approached the table. "I heard you’ve been visiting Darkstar quite often."

Jet took a seat beside Inez. "The Guildmaster has been helping me with my training. Nothing too demanding while I’m recovering."

Frey raised an eyebrow. "A 5-Star Guildmaster personally training you? That’s quite an opportunity. You’d better make the most of it."

"I intend to," Jet answered, accepting a plate from Nadia. "Although I’m taking a break from training today. There’s something else I need to prepare."

Frey looked curious, but Jet didn’t elaborate with Inez sitting beside him. He preferred to discuss advancement privately, especially when there was still uncertainty surrounding the attempt.

---

Later that morning, Jet met Adesewa and Safiya inside one of the base’s smaller conference rooms.

Marcus had joined them to review the security arrangements, while Cassian remained occupied with information recovered from Corvin’s interrogation.

The captured assassin had provided several useful leads, and Adesewa’s counteroffensive continued to place pressure on the organization responsible for hunting them.

However, she had agreed to set aside some time to discuss Jet’s advancement preparations.

"So you’ve decided to attempt your second Star," Adesewa remarked after examining the records he’d brought. "How close are you to the necessary saturation?"

"Close enough that the Mana Crystals I’ve accumulated should cover what remains," Jet replied. "I’ve also been monitoring my circulation and recovery. I don’t want to attempt anything until Safiya confirms that my injuries have healed sufficiently."

Safiya nodded approvingly as she examined his medical records. "Your ribs are recovering well, and the damage to your shoulder has improved considerably. However, the strain from your previous overexertion hasn’t disappeared completely. I’d prefer to examine you again before you begin absorbing large quantities of Mana."

Jet agreed without hesitation. "That’s why I wanted to speak with you first. I’m not planning to rush the breakthrough."

Adesewa leaned forward. "Good. Advancing to 2-Star isn’t usually as dangerous as reaching the higher Stars, but complications can still occur. Every Awakener responds differently, and your Divine Rune is unusually powerful. We should prepare for the possibility that your advancement won’t be entirely ordinary."

Jet understood her concern. He hadn’t forgotten what happened when his ten Divine Runes awakened simultaneously, nearly killing him before the mysterious intervention that saved his life.

Although the Eight-Armed Asura was currently the only unsealed Rune, he couldn’t be certain how his other Runes would respond to another advancement.

That uncertainty was one of the reasons he wanted to attempt the breakthrough away from the people living at the base.

"I’d like to use a separate location," Jet explained. "Somewhere isolated enough that if anything unexpected happens, nobody else gets caught in it."

Marcus considered the suggestion. "There are several unused storage buildings farther into the wooded hills. Most belonged to companies that abandoned the area years ago. We could inspect one and establish temporary security without drawing much attention."

Adesewa nodded. "Choose somewhere with sufficient space and no nearby residents. I also want an evacuation route prepared, even if we never need it."

Safiya closed Jet’s medical records. "I’ll remain nearby during the attempt, but I won’t interfere unless there’s an actual emergency. If your Mana circulation becomes unstable, I want you to stop rather than force the breakthrough."

Jet nodded. "Understood."

---

By early afternoon, the arrangements were underway. Marcus assigned two trusted personnel to inspect the proposed location, while Safiya prepared medical supplies and equipment for monitoring Jet’s condition.

Adesewa returned to the investigation after confirming that the necessary precautions would be taken, leaving Jet with several hours to organize his resources.

He spent part of that time reviewing the Mana Crystals he’d collected and separating them according to their quality.

He intended to absorb them gradually rather than consume everything at once.

His priority was achieving the necessary saturation while maintaining stable circulation throughout the process. Any unused resources could be preserved for later training or future advancements.

As he worked, his communication device vibrated.

A message from Alessandro appeared on the screen, asking whether Jet would be visiting Darkstar that afternoon.

The Guildmaster had apparently finished several meetings earlier than expected and was willing to spare some time if Jet wanted another lesson.

Jet considered the invitation before replying that he was occupied with preparations for his next Star advancement.

Alessandro called almost immediately.

"Advancing already?" the Guildmaster asked when Jet answered. "I knew you were making progress, but I didn’t realize you were that close."

"I’m still preparing, Guildmaster," Jet explained. "I have enough Mana Crystals, but I want to make sure everything is ready before attempting the breakthrough."

"That’s sensible," Alessandro replied. "Have you arranged for someone experienced to supervise?"

"Adesewa and Safiya are helping me," Jet answered. "We’re also preparing a separate location away from the others."

Alessandro sounded satisfied. "Excellent. Then I won’t interfere with their arrangements. However, remember what we’ve discussed about Mana control. Don’t become impatient simply because you’re close to advancing. Absorb what your body can comfortably manage, and allow yourself time to adjust."

Jet smiled faintly. "I’ll remember that, Guildmaster."

"Good," Alessandro replied warmly. "And once you’ve recovered from the breakthrough, come visit. I’d like to see how your movements change after reaching 2-Star."

Jet chuckled. "You’re already planning another training session?"

"Naturally," Alessandro answered with amusement. "Did you think advancing would excuse you from correcting your mistakes?"

Their conversation continued for several minutes before Alessandro returned to his responsibilities. Jet appreciated the call more than he’d expected.

Despite managing one of Zenith’s largest Guilds, the older Awakener continued finding time to check on his progress.

Their relationship had developed naturally through training and conversation, and Jet was beginning to regard him as someone whose advice he could genuinely trust.

---

As evening approached, Jet returned to his room and completed the final inventory of his resources.

He arranged the Mana Crystals inside several portable containers, checked the condition of his equipment, and reviewed the notes he’d prepared concerning his current saturation. The process was straightforward, but he preferred knowing exactly what he had available before beginning.

A short while later, Inez appeared at his doorway.

"Are you going somewhere again?" she asked, noticing the containers on his desk.

Jet turned toward her. "Not tonight. I’m preparing for something important, but I’ll still be here for dinner."

Inez approached the desk and examined one of the containers. "Is it another Dungeon?"

"No," Jet replied, gently moving the container away from the edge. "I’m going to become a little stronger. That’s all."

His sister considered the explanation before looking up at him. "Will it hurt?"

Jet hesitated briefly. "It shouldn’t. Safiya and the others are helping me prepare, so we’re being careful."

Inez seemed reassured by that answer. She climbed onto the chair beside him and began describing something Nadia had promised to teach her the following morning.

Jet listened while finishing his preparations, occasionally answering her questions and laughing at her complaints about Mikhail stealing snacks from the kitchen.

By the time Inez left to join Nadia downstairs, Jet had finished organizing everything he needed.

The inspection team had also confirmed that one of the abandoned storage buildings could be secured for his advancement attempt.

Marcus would complete the remaining arrangements the following day, while Safiya planned another examination before approving the procedure.

Jet closed the final container and looked toward the darkening window.

His previous encounters had made one thing clear: remaining at 1-Star would continue placing him at a serious disadvantage against the enemies pursuing them.

Advancing wouldn’t suddenly make him capable of defeating every opponent, but it would improve his physical attributes, increase his Mana reserves, and give him greater room to develop the abilities he already possessed.

More importantly, it would help him protect Inez and the companions who had repeatedly risked their lives for him.

He still had several preparations to complete, but the next step was finally within reach.

Tomorrow, he would begin making the final arrangements for his breakthrough to 2-Star.