NOVEL NEXT Chapter 67: Anna
Kael and Trey entered the tube-type elevator, and once they were inside, Trey turned to the White Prime.
"So, are you going to use your Stat Points?" Trey asked, curiosity burning in his eyes.
"Do you think it's the right moment?" Kael asked back.
"Well…" Trey placed a hand under his chin, deep in thought. A few seconds later, he spoke,"You've probably already seen this in your panel—the Skill tab, right?"
"Yes," Kael nodded, his mind drifting back to the time when he still had his Exo Primeval strength.
After his body was enhanced to the point where he could destroy a building with a casual punch, supreme strength wasn't the only thing he gained.
Just like the other Exo Primevals, he had been granted Skills—a set of abilities that could be used in any situation. Even without a suit, they could activate these Skills.
Kael had at least ten Skills at his disposal back when he still had the strength of the White Prime. He could slow time temporarily, release devastating mental energy, conjure a white halo that allowed him to bypass any barrier, leave afterimages to confuse enemies—and much more.
But along with his building-shattering, mountain-crushing strength… all those Skills had vanished.
If I even had just one of them… soloing a Grey Fissure would be easy, Kael thought, eyes shining as he already knew what Trey was about to say.
"Some Primers hold their Stat Points until they reach Level 10," Trey explained. "When they use them all at once, they unlock something we call a Skill—though it still depends on their luck."
"Those who don't want to wait buy a Skill Inducer Potion. It's hella expensive, but it gives at least a 90% chance of gaining a Skill. Better than gambling with your own luck."
"Hmm… I see," Kael nodded as the elevator slowly descended to the next floor.
"So I think it's better to hold onto as many points as you can before using them," Trey suggested.
"The higher the Stat Points, the higher the chances of unlocking a Skill. Got it," Kael replied as the elevator doors slid open.
Stepping out, they were greeted by Primers in battle suits, equipped with advanced rifles and swords in hand.
This floor housed the Training Rooms and Arenas.
"Correct," Trey said, his eyes wandering. They landed briefly on the women in tight suits—suits that hugged their bodies and showcased their curves. Some of them weren't intentionally trying to be seductive, but to a guy's eyes, everything seemed inviting—intentional or not.
Kael was no better. He smiled from ear to ear as a sweat-covered woman walked past him.
This floor had many rooms, especially Training Rooms for solo practice. There was also a gym equipped with advanced machines designed for the enhanced bodies of Primers.
Of course, lounges and rest areas were scattered throughout so some Primers could relax.
"Training Rooms aren't free," Trey said as they walked toward a massive circular reception desk. "But they're cheap—and private. You can use your Stat Points there, if you decide to."
Trey already knew his role for the day: personal tour guide for his teammate. Not that he minded—it felt good helping someone. Besides, there was something he wanted from Kael… something he planned to ask once they were done here.
They reached the reception desk, where they were greeted by a female receptionist.
"Anna," Kael read aloud, noticing the woman's nametag.
"Yup, that's me," she replied with a bright smile.
Anna had short black bob-cut hair, blue eyes, a small nose, and puckered lips. She stood around 160 centimeters tall and wore a tight black business suit that emphasized the curves of her chest.
Her cute smile shimmered under the light as she greeted the two clients.
"How may I help you today?" she asked, bringing up a glowing holographic screen in front of her.
"Is there any available spot for the Training Ro—" Trey couldn't finish his sentence as Kael interrupted him.
"Did you see the man riding a mechanical horse outside?" Kael asked with a smile.
Both Trey and the receptionist were caught off guard by the strange question.
"Hey… what are you doing? And there's no such man ou—" Before Trey could finish his words, he felt a sharp pain in his side. He looked down and saw the lunatic's elbow pressing hard into his ribs. The pain made him clench his teeth as he tried not to scream.
He wasn't a fool—he knew Kael didn't want him to talk. But couldn't he just say it instead of hurting me? Trey thought, struggling to stay silent.
"Riding a mechanical horse? No… I don't think I saw anyone like that," the receptionist, Anna, said after a moment. Intrigued, she leaned in slightly, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Is there really a man riding a mechanical horse outside?"
"Yes, it's hilarious," Kael chuckled as he leaned in as well. They were about two feet apart, separated only by the reception desk—otherwise, Kael might've leaned in even closer. "I bet if you saw it, you'd burst out laughing. The gears and parts are falling off while it waddles away—it almost looks like the horse is shitting, hahaha!"
Anna laughed, her hands resting on the desk. "Haha, just thinking about it makes me laugh. Now I really want to see that guy."
"You will, I'm sure of it. But by then, I won't get to see your smile," Kael said with a soft sigh.
All the while, Trey stood behind them, watching the strange exchange with pure confusion on his face.
What is this guy doing? he thought, still rubbing the side where Kael had elbowed him.
"Why do you want to see my smile?" Anna chuckled, lightly tapping Kael on the chest. But as she pulled her hand back, she suddenly remembered where she was and what she was doing. "Oh my, I'm so sorry, sir! I didn't mean to hit you!"
"No worries," Kael waved it off with a calm smile.
Anna flushed slightly in embarrassment, taking a couple of deep breaths to cool her cheeks before she refocused on the task at hand.
"Sir… what can I do for you?" she asked, straightening her outfit. Her professional demeanor returned—polished and composed—just like how she greeted all the other Primers.
It puzzled her. This was the first time she'd broken character while on duty. Others had tried to flirt with her before, but none of them had made her laugh.
"Don't be so cold," Kael said, eyes locked on hers as if trying to see through her soul."You're a beautiful lady. If you always keep that face, you'll never find a husband."
"R-really? W-what kind of face?" Anna stammered, stunned by his words. She found herself genuinely curious about what he meant.
"You're working. I don't think it's appropriate for us to keep talking," Kael said with a sly smile, leaning back.
"You're right," Anna replied, though her eyes now held a different look as they studied the man in front of her. Her curiosity lingered, but her sense of duty pulled her back.
"I want a Training Room. Is there one available?" Kael asked.
"Yes," Anna nodded after a quick glance at the holographic screen. "For how many hours?"
"One hour is enough," Kael said, turning to the young man behind him.
"W-what?" Trey asked, confused as to why the lunatic was staring at him.
"Money," Kael said, his tone commanding as if it were a given.
Trey was left speechless. This guy… does he think I have unlimited money? he thought, reluctantly pulling out his card.
"Don't be stingy. There's no such thing as a poor Advanced Engineer," Kael added, taking the card and handing it to the receptionist.
"Well…" Trey had no comeback. Kael was right. But still—was it really okay for him to spend Trey's money like it belonged to him?
"Aren't you also an Engineer? Why aren't you using your own money?" he muttered.
"Are you saying something?" Kael asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing," Trey quickly shook his head and waved his hand. He knew Kael—and he had no interest in landing on the list of people this man wanted dead. It was better to benefit from their current status quo than dig his own grave.
Once the payment was complete, Kael received a silver card with a number etched on it.
"Thank you," Anna said as she handed it over.
"Do you want to know? My name," Kael said with a smile.
"That…" Anna didn't know how to respond. If anyone else had asked, she would've coldly declined without hesitation. But for some reason, their earlier conversation had left her curious about the man.Still, this was wrong—especially while she was on duty.
Just as she was about to speak, the man interrupted.
"I'm Kael," he said, showing her the number on the silver card. "I'll be here for an hour. If you're curious… you know where to find me."
With those parting words, Kael walked toward the Training Room indicated on the card. Trey followed behind, glancing between Kael and the receptionist with a confused expression on his face.
Anna stared at Kael's back, hesitation flickering in her eyes. She didn't know what to do.
While she was lost in thought, another Primer approached, snapping her back to reality.
She answered every inquiry as usual—cold and distant—but her mind wandered back to the mysterious man. In the end, she couldn't help but glance at the clock.
"It's my break time," Anna muttered. She looked to the side and saw the receptionist who would cover for her during her break. Then, her gaze drifted to the direction where Kael had gone.