"Xoxo," Zane called out.

The little girl appeared instantly and waved. "I'm here!"

Shelby looked at her with curiosity.

"I've got another request," Zane said. "Can you open the training program again?"

"You just finished training. There's no need," Xoxo replied, shaking her head.

"No, not for me—it's for my friend here." Zane gestured at Shelby.

"You want me to open the training chamber for him?"

"Yeah. Can you do that?"

Xoxo sighed. "Fine, I can't say no to you anyway. But brace yourself—it'll be a wild ride."

She flicked her dainty hand through the air, and the scenery around them began to twist and shift violently.

This was Zane's second time experiencing it, so he managed to hold his stomach. Shelby, however, wasn't as lucky—his face turned red as if he were fighting the urge to vomit.

After what felt like twenty shifts, everything finally stilled.

They stood in a vast plain surrounded by endless fields of golden sunflowers stretching to the horizon.

"Where are we? Is this the training ground?" Shelby asked.

Zane nodded. "Yeah. This is a virtual training ground—a perfect replica of the Celestial Lord Guma's garden. Everything here, living or not, is fake. So don't hold back. Your mission is to wipe out every humanoid species living here. But keep in mind—humans are considered one of the weakest among the humanoid races in our universe."

He went on explaining the various alien species and the ways to counter them.

Soon, Shelby's training began—with Zane and Xoxo observing from behind.

Just like Zane's first session, Shelby's first challenge appeared—a group of Celestial youths, all matching his mana level.

Shelby laughed, dashed forward, and attacked the first one head-on.

A fierce brawl erupted—pure physical combat. Shelby fought against seven Celestials at once, his movements sharp and confident.

Zane was amazed. Shelby's physical strength alone was overwhelming.

"No doubt," Zane murmured, eyes glinting. "He's carrying thirteen million kilograms of pressure on him—and he's still holding back."

Three relentless minutes later, Shelby struck a youth's neck with a single palm, killing him instantly.

Seeing their companion fall, the remaining Celestials erupted in rage. They began channeling mana to enhance their bodies further.

Shelby laughed heartily. "Zane! This virtual training feels too real. I can feel their anger—it's almost alive. I love it. Feels like the real thing!"

The battle raged on.

Still, none of the Celestial youths used magic—only physical enhancements.

Zane understood why. The Celestials were a proud race. According to their philosophy, there's no need to bring a gun to a sword fight.

Watching closely, Zane noticed Shelby's expression shift from excitement to boredom.

"It's going to end soon," Zane muttered.

"I agree," Xoxo added with a small smile. "Your human friend is quite strong."

"Yeah — he's a rare genius of his generation," Zane added, praising Shelby.

"'Rare genius of his generation'?" Xoxo sneered. "That's an overstatement."

Zane arched an eyebrow. "You don't agree?"

"Zane, I've seen youths who could topple him with a single glance. Strength-wise, he's only average — even among the lower ranks."

"Huh. If he's just average, what does that make me?"

"You? You're much better. You're a rare genius of this generation."

"But Shelby is better than me."

"You're wrong. You have more potential. Shelby forces his way up with guts and fierceness. That works early on, but the higher you climb, the more potential matters."

"You mean Shelby has low potential?"

Xoxo nodded, smiling sweetly.

"Then you're seeing the opposite. Right now he's not even using one percent of his strength."

"What? That's not possible." For once, Xoxo sounded stunned.

"Oh, it's very possible with him. Believe me — his potential might even surpass mine," Zane said, a satisfied smile curling his lips.

They watched as Shelby finished another Celestial youth with a savage kick that sent the target's eyes popping. Shelby paused, then shouted, "Is that all you've got? Use your strongest moves. This is barely a warm-up!"

Zane's eyes widened. "Xoxo, translate — make them understand him," he ordered.

"Interesting idea. Right away," she chuckled.

The remaining three Celestials understood the insult, snarled, and prepared their deadliest technique. White light bloomed along their skin, thin and blade-like — the Celestials' most lethal arsenal.

"Be careful, Shel," Zane warned. "Those threads are thinner than hair and sharper than swords. They can lash like whips. I died to them more than once."

Shelby grinned, almost eager. "You died here? How did it feel?"

"Agonizing." Zane's voice held bitterness.

"Then I want to feel that agonizing pain."

"You're going to let them cut you down?" Zane demanded.

"Not suicide," Shelby said. "I mean I'll fight with my mind empty — only killing intent in every move."

A Celestial flicked his wrist and sent three white-threaded lines zipping toward Shelby's heart. Shelby sidestepped at the last instant — but one thread grazed his left thigh.

He grunted. "The pain feels more real than the real thing."

"In here, emotions and pain are amplified," Zane explained.

Shelby spat blood, then smiled ferociously. "Since they hurt me, I'll end them with one move."

Before Zane could protest, Shelby detonated — a burst of speed and brutal force — and the three Celestials exploded, gore spattering the sunflower field.

Zane stood dumbstruck. Is he really that fast? he wondered. How much faster could Shelby be if he released that thirteen million-kilogram load?

"Celestials," Shelby said, brushing the dust off his hands. "They're too weak."

Zane gave a wry smile. "That's the wrong way to put it. I'd say you're just too strong—even for them. But this is only the beginning. You'll face tougher and more skillful fighters soon enough. Believe me, this training is like a video game—the further you go, the stronger the opponents get."

The three of them pressed onward, and before long, another group of Celestials appeared. These ones wore fine robes and ornate jewelry, a clear sign of higher status—and stronger genes and power.

Shelby jumped toward them and engagaed in a physical exchange. After a few minutes, he slaughtered each of them with just one strikes.

The training continued, Shelby tearing through them one after another with almost effortless precision.