Chapter 482: Almost there.

Chapter 482: 482: Almost there.

The following morning, Ravenna received a call from Silver while she was finishing breakfast.

She answered with a giddy smile.

"Good morning."

Silver smiled through the screen.

"Morning."

She looked at him for a few seconds before speaking.

"You’re awake early," she said.

"Training."

She sighed.

"Of course."

He laughed.

"Just light training."

"That’s what you always say."

He just smiled.

She shook her head and continued.

"Did you sleep?"

"Yes."

"Properly?"

"Yes."

Ravenna narrowed her eyes.

He laughed.

"Ravenna."

"What?"

"You’re interrogating me."

"Someone has to."

He smiled, then his expression became slightly more serious.

"I bought the catalyst."

Ravenna blinked.

"The beast synchronization one?" She asked.

He nodded.

"Yes."

"Six thousand AP?"

"Unfortunately."

She smiled faintly.

"Thats stupidly expensive," she murmured almost to herself.

"Tell me about it."

"But atleast its useful, you’ll get your moneys worth."

"Hopefully."

Ravenna considered for a moment before speaking again.

"Are you going to attempt the breakthrough soon?" She asked.

He nodded.

"After I finish stabilizing my foundation."

"At the academy?"

"Maybe. But I’m considering going somewhere else."

She looked interested.

"Outside?"

"Yes. There are private breakthrough facilities. I could also use one of the family’s if I arrange access but I’ll probably just go with the contractor ones."

She nodded.

"That makes sense."

He smiled.

"I’d prefer somewhere quiet," he said.

She looked toward him.

"Can I come?"

He was slightly startled before smiling.

"Of course, you’re always welcome."

Her expression softened.

"Thank goodness."

He laughed.

"Did you think I’d leave you behind?"

She shrugged.

"Maybe, I don’t know what you’re thinking about most of the time."

Silver shook his head.

"Not happening, I would never do that."

Ravenna smiled, then leaned closer to the screen.

"I knew that," she quietly said.

For a moment, neither spoke, then she looked toward the clock.

"I have to go."

He nodded.

"What are you going to do?" He asked.

"Medical review."

"Everything okay?"

She smiled.

"Yes. Just checking my physical integration after the competition."

He nodded.

"I know you’ll be perfect."

Ravenna hesitated, then smiled mischievously.

"Don’t forget tonight."

Silver laughed.

"I won’t."

"And please no training clothes," she repeated

"I remember, you don’t have to repeat that," he quietly said.

"I know, I know... and don’t be late."

Silver smiled.

"Anything else?"

Ravenna considered for a few seconds, then nodded.

"Yes."

"What?"

She leaned closer to the screen.

"Kiss."

Silver laughed, pressed two fingers against his lips and then toward the camera.

She smiled.

"Terrible."

"It’s the best I can do through this stupid screen."

She laughed softly.

"See you tonight."

"See you."

The call ended.

Silver remained seated for a moment before a smile graced his lips.

Tonight would be different; it will be just him and Ravenna enjoying some alone time together.

He was looking forward to it.

Later that afternoon, Silver visited the academy’s advancement resource center.

The building was located near the northern training facilities and contained several libraries, consultation rooms, and specialized chambers intended for Contractors preparing to advance into higher ranks.

He wasn’t there to attempt his breakthrough, not yet, he wanted information.

A staff member directed him toward the advancement consultation desk, where an older man with short gray hair was reviewing several documents.

The man looked up.

"Can I help you?"

He nodded.

"I’m preparing for a Rank Three breakthrough."

The man smiled.

"Congratulations. Have you reached Peak Rank Two?"

"Yes."

"Energy saturation?"

"One hundred percent."

The man nodded.

"Good. Any instability?"

"None."

"Beast integrations?"

"Two tattoos. Both stable."

The man’s expression became slightly more interested.

"Two?"

Silver nodded.

"Yes."

"At Rank Two?"

"Yes."

The man studied him, then smiled.

"Impressive."

Silver shrugged before replying.

"Thank you."

The consultant opened a document.

"Rank Three advancement is primarily a matter of successfully restructuring and stabilizing your energy foundation after saturation. The exact process differs depending on your abilities, physical development, and beast integrations."

Silver listened carefully.

"For most Contractors, the greatest risk comes from attempting advancement before their bodies are prepared. For others, complications arise because their integrated beast characteristics respond differently to the increased energy pressure."

He nodded.

"That’s what I’m concerned about."

"Thats reasonable." The man continued. "You should complete several stabilization exercises before attempting advancement. Make sure your energy circulation remains consistent under pressure, and avoid unnecessary combat immediately beforehand."

Silver nodded.

"Understood."

"Do you intend to use an academy chamber?" He curiously asked.

"I’m considering a private facility outside."

The man smiled.

"That’s perfectly acceptable. Contractors advance outside academies all the time. The important thing is the quality of the environment and the availability of appropriate support."

Silver nodded.

"Thank you."

The consultant continued explaining the process. He discussed energy circulation, physical preparation, rest, recovery resources, and the importance of allowing the body to adapt naturally rather than forcing the breakthrough.

Silver listened carefully.

By the time he left the center, he had a much clearer understanding of what he needed to do.

He also knew one thing for certain, he wasn’t going to rush like the first advancement to Rank two.

That evening, Silver stood in front of the mirror inside his dorm room, adjusting the collar of a dark shirt.

Antony watched from his bed and slowly smiled.

"Oh."

Silver glanced toward him.

"What?"

Antony leaned forward.

"Oh."

Silver sighed.

"Antony."

"You’re going somewhere," he said.

He nodded.

"Yes," Silver replied.

"Not for training or classes."

"No."

Antony’s grin widened.

"A date."

Silver smiled.

"Yes."

Antony immediately stood.

"Finally!"

Jude looked up from his tablet and Dillian smiled faintly.

Silver stared at them in confusion.

"Why is everyone so interested?"

Antony pointed toward him.

"Because some of us are trapped inside this academy while you somehow manage to have a romantic life."

He laughed.

"We’re not leaving campus."

Antony froze, then sighed.

"Of course, you’re not. Why did I think you’re different?" He grumbled to himself.

Jude returned to his tablet.

"Still counts better than staying here."

Antony looked toward him and shot at him.

"Nobody asked you."

Dillian laughed quietly.

Silver finished adjusting his shirt and picked up his communicator.

Antony studied him.

"Where are you taking her?"

"Dinner."

"Where?"

"Near the eastern gardens."

Antony nodded thoughtfully.

"Thats nice," he quietly said.

Silver smiled.

"Hopefully."

Antony suddenly looked serious.

"Silver."

Silver raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

Antony placed one hand on his shoulder.

"Don’t talk about training," he said in a serious tone.

Silver stared for a few seconds before laughing.

"I’m serious," Antony continued. "Just enjoy the evening."

Silver considered it, then smiled.

"That’s actually good advice."

Antony looked offended.

"Actually?"

Jude nodded.

"A rare occurrence."

Dillian laughed.

Antony slowly turned.

"I hate this room."

Silver shook his head and headed toward the door.

"See you later."

Antony raised one hand.

"Good luck!"

Silver smiled.

"Thanks."

As he stepped into the corridor, his communicator vibrated.

Ravenna.

I’m ready.

Silver smiled.

Coming.

He slipped the communicator into his pocket and started walking toward the women’s dormitory.

For once, he wasn’t thinking about his next fight, he wasn’t thinking about the academy rankings and he wasn’t thinking about the dangers waiting beyond Alpha Three.

He was thinking about Ravenna, about the evening ahead and about how much his life had changed since the day he’d first met her.

His Rank Three breakthrough could wait a little longer.

Tonight belonged to them.