Kessa led them through the compound with purposeful strides, her armor making soft mechanical sounds with each step. They passed through what appeared to be training grounds—large open spaces with various equipment, some warriors still practicing even as the sun continued its descent.

Tatehan examined the warriors for much longer than he had intended to. This set of people weren't guards; they were warriors who were sent out on missions and similar activities.

They held high-tech guns, practicing their shooting, and some held high-tech swords, practicing their precision and aim.

The swords were different from the one Tatehan had or had even seen before. They were much heavier-looking and wider at the edges, like they weren't meant to cut or slay.

The edges were square and sharp, the surface black in color.

'Nice.'

The architecture of the compound was interesting, Tatehan noticed as they passed the training grounds. Everything seemed to be built with both function and durability in mind. The buildings were constructed from a dark, metallic material that looked like reinforced steel but had an almost organic quality to it. Red accents (matching the clan's name) decorated doorways and windows.

"Here we are," Kessa announced, stopping in front of a building that was noticeably quieter than the others. "The East Wing guest quarters. This is where we house visitors and allies."

She pushed open a heavy door, and they entered a dimly lit corridor. The walls here were smoother, more refined than the exterior. Soft lights embedded in the ceiling provided a warm, amber glow. The floor was made of polished stone that reflected the light subtly.

Kessa stopped in front of the first door on the right and pressed her hand against a panel. The door slid open with a smooth hiss, revealing the room beyond.

"This will be your accommodation for the evening," Kessa said, stepping aside to let them see inside.

Tatehan and Riven both looked into the room.

It was surprisingly spacious and well-appointed. The main area featured a large bed positioned against the far wall, covered with dark red sheets and what looked like surprisingly comfortable pillows. To the left was a small sitting area with two chairs made of that same organic-looking metal, cushioned with dark fabric. A low table sat between them.

Against the right wall was a washing station, a basin with what appeared to be running water technology, and next to it, a privacy screen that presumably concealed bathing facilities.

A tall wardrobe stood in the corner, and a window on the far wall showed the darkening Martian sky.

There was only one bed.

'Only one bed?'

Tatehan and Riven exchanged a quick glance.

"Uh..." Tatehan started.

"We're not—" Riven began at the same time.

They both stopped, then Riven continued more clearly: "We'll need separate rooms."

Kessa's expression shifted slightly, a hint of confusion crossing her face. "Separate? I was told you were companions. The commander assumed—"

"We are companions," Tatehan clarified quickly, feeling slightly awkward. "Just... not that kind of companions. We're allies... um... friends."

Tatehan realized that the commander had seriously taken them for a couple and now wanted them to share the same bed, in a single room?

Crazy stuff!

"We're not..." Riven gestured vaguely between them. "...together."

Understanding dawned on Kessa's face, and she nodded. "Ah, I see. My apologies for the assumption. Many warriors who travel together are often... paired. I should not have presumed."

She stepped back from the doorway. "This is no problem at all. We have several guest rooms available. You," she gestured to Tatehan, "can take this one. And I'll show you," she turned to Riven, "to another room just down the hall."

"Thank you," Riven said, relief evident in her voice. "That would be much better."

"Agreed," Tatehan added, feeling the awkwardness dissipate.

Kessa smiled slightly, the first real expression they'd seen from her. "Come inside and see if everything meets your needs."

Tatehan stepped into the room, looking around more carefully now. The space felt both martial and comfortable, clearly designed for warriors who needed rest but also valued efficiency. Everything had a purpose. Nothing was purely decorative.

He walked over to the window and looked out. From this vantage point, he could see a portion of the compound below—warriors moving about their duties, lights beginning to flicker on in various buildings as night approached.

Outside the walls, he could see Waython City gleaming with light.

"The washing station has hot water," Kessa explained, pointing to the basin area. "A luxury, I know, but the commander believes guests should be comfortable. Behind that screen is a full bathing area if you wish to clean up before dinner. The wardrobe contains clean clothing in various sizes if you'd like to change, though your armor is certainly acceptable at dinner if you prefer."

She moved to a panel on the wall near the door. "This controls the lighting and temperature. It's fairly intuitive, just touch and adjust. And this," she pressed another section, and a small compartment opened, revealing what looked like medical supplies, "is a basic medical kit. Bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic. Everything is labeled."

"Thank you," Tatehan said.

Kessa nodded and turned to Riven.

"Now, let me show you to your room. It's identical to this one, just three doors down."

Riven nodded.

"I'll return shortly before dinner to escort you both to the main hall. Rest until then," Kessa said.

Riven gave Tatehan a small wave, then followed Kessa out into the corridor. Tatehan heard their footsteps receding, then the sound of another door opening and closing a short distance away.

Then, finally, silence.

Tatehan stood alone in the room, and for the first time since the duel had ended, he allowed himself to truly relax.

He let out a long, shaky breath.

His entire body ached. His ribs felt like they were on fire. His arms throbbed where he'd blocked Mub's axes. His legs were sore from all the movement and the constant use of his gravity manipulation.

He was exhausted. But he was alive. And being alive was the essence of existence. Surviving the battle with Mub was definitely not an easy task.

Tatehan's mind went to the spaceship. He'd told the Spaceship's AI that he'd come back soon enough since he'd intended to use the motorcycle, but now look at where he was... in some fancy room, very far from the vessel.

Well, he should be leaving here early in the morning if things went as he planned.

With that thought, he walked over to the bed and sat down carefully, testing it. The mattress was surprisingly comfortable, firm but supportive. He could easily fall asleep right here and now.

But first, he needed to assess the damage.

Tatehan reached up and began the process of unsummoning his armor. The familiar sensation washed over him as the dark plating dissolved into wisps of smoke, spiraling around his body before vanishing completely back into his inventory.

Underneath, his clothing was soaked with sweat and, in some places, blood.

He looked down at himself and winced.

His arms were badly bruised, dark purple and blue marks spreading across his forearms where Mub's axes had struck. His ribs on the left side showed similar bruising, and when he carefully lifted his shirt, he could see the full extent of it, an ugly, mottled pattern of colors that would probably look even worse tomorrow.

But as he examined the injuries, he noticed something.

They were already healing.

Not rapidly, but noticeably. The edges of the bruises seemed less defined than they should be. The pain, while still significant, was already beginning to dull slightly.

His partial regeneration ability was working.

Tatehan smiled despite the pain. The ability might not be fast or dramatic, but it was definitely active and doing its job.

He stood carefully and walked over to the washing station, looking at himself in the polished metal surface that served as a mirror.

He looked rough. His face was pale, streaked with sweat and dirt. His hair was a mess and his eyes were tired.

He looked the washing station over, trying to find where to press that would allow him to take his bath.

The hygiene station at the spaceship had been pretty easy to use because it was just nozzles that did the work.

Now this place felt strangely unfamiliar.

In the end, he was able to find the control that turned on the shower. Beside it, he saw a panel that displayed:

Water Temperature:

Cold

Warm

Hot

He selected warm, and water began pouring from above. He found a new sponge in the corner and soap, which he used.

After he was done, he selected casual sleeping clothing from the wardrobe and sat on the bed, summoning his stats.

Words appeared across his retina:

[Congratulations on defeating Mub with one punch!]

[You used your new understanding of your abilities to do so]

[You defeated the man-monster in a shocking way]

[You have received knowledge points]

[Partial Regeneration has been upgraded!]

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