Awakening

Seated before Riku was a middle-aged man, Haru, characterized by his robust build. He held the position of Riku's personal butler, having tended to Riku's needs since the young age of five. This longstanding association meant Haru was attuned to Riku's thoughts and inclinations.

"Prior to commencing the awakening, Master Riku, I have an inquiry to make," Haru spoke politely, adopting a slightly inclined posture, his right hand placed over his left chest—the customary way he addressed Riku.

Riku responded, "I've told you countless times that there's no need for such formalities. Honestly, I consider you as a second father to me."

Haru, still addressing Riku with proper etiquette, remarked, "A butler remains a butler, but I value your sentiment."

He then straightened his posture and raised his head. "Master Riku, are you cognizant of the potential ramifications of the awakening?"

Riku nodded affirmatively. "I was well-informed before coming here."

Glancing at his concerned father, he assured, "No need to worry, Father. Your son is resolute. You can trust that the awakening will proceed successfully."

Akio's voice quivered as he spoke, "You're all I have, son. I can't bear the thought of anything untoward happening to you."

Tears welled in Akio's eyes as he expressed his earnest hope that he could halt his son's decision at the eleventh hour.

Yet, Riku remained steadfast, standing up to emphasize that his resolve couldn't be swayed, not even by his biological father.

"If you're prepared, Master Riku, kindly place your foot upon the mana plate," Haru instructed, extending his index finger towards the circular platform designed to accommodate just one person.

This mana plate, situated within the dungeon, was the instrument used to gauge a normal person's abilities post-awakening.

Riku carefully removed his pricey shoes before stepping towards the platform. His thoughts were already geared towards the imminent transformation that would render him a Mutant, initiating his expedition into the dungeon.

With an anticipatory thought, Riku's foot made contact with the plate.

Bam!

However, despite the impact, the mana plate remained inactive. A gentle warmth began to emanate from his feet, its intensity ascending through his body.

"This is it; I'm hoping for something promising," Riku muttered under his breath.

At that moment, the door swung open, causing Haru to pivot and fix his gaze upon Riku's father. "Master Akio, representatives from the Mutant's Association have arrived."

In this realm, clandestinely triggering one's genes was a grave transgression. The Mutant's Association mandated that the awakened genes of an individual be documented, and any refusal on the part of a normal person to comply would result in legal repercussions.

Two imposing figures dressed in white suits adorned with a somber circular emblem on their backs entered the room.

"Greetings, Sir Akio. It's a privilege to make your acquaintance. Meeting a prosperous businessman of your stature is indeed an honor," remarked a man sporting tinted glasses, his head dipping slightly in a bow. With red hair and a fair complexion, he projected a distinguished demeanor.

This individual bore the name Fuji Iya, and his reputation extended as one of the preeminent Mutants on a global scale.

Akio countered with a nod and a synchronous wave of his hands. "On the contrary, the pleasure is all mine. I hadn't anticipated hosting a Mutant of such exceptional caliber in our abode," he cordially reciprocated, a testament to his seasoned business acumen in social interactions.

With a genial smile, Fuji posed a query. "Is this your son who's undergoing the awakening?"

"Yes," Akio affirmed, a measure of concern present in his response, fully aware that the awakening process would initiate with the arrival of this powerful Mutant.

"Absolutely, there's no cause for concern," Fuji retorted casually, advancing towards the mana plate. After a brief pause, Fuji extracted a small vial containing a liquid with a faint blue luminescence.

In layman's terms, this vial contained mana, a substance capable of rejuvenating one's energy reserves and initiating the activation of their first genes. Moreover, in the market, this mana elixir held a value ranging from a hundred to a thousand USD.

"Am I correct in assuming you're Riku?" Fuji inquired, proffering the vial into Riku's awaiting hand. "Consume this liquid, and we can proceed."

Riku possessed a clear understanding of this procedure, including the impending excruciating agony that would follow upon consuming the liquid.

Offering a subtle nod, he began to articulate, "I'll dr—" However, Riku ceased speaking as Fuji lifted his hand, signaling for him to pause.

"Wait. I want to make it explicitly clear that during the mutation process, no one is to approach Riku under any circumstances," Fuji declared with utmost seriousness.

To be precise, any interference during the mutation process held the potential to obliterate Riku's mana pool. The resulting backlash could pose a lethal threat to his physical well-being, capable of causing severe damage or even death.

Gulp!

Despite not yet imbibing the liquid, Riku's throat constricted involuntarily due to the heightened tension within the room.

"Riku, you're free to consume the liquid at this juncture. Just clear your mind and let the mana disperse through your body," Fuji rectified his prior statement, giving Riku the green light.

"Master Riku, I have complete faith in your capabilities," Haru conveyed with an encouraging thumbs-up before falling in step behind Fuji. This decision aimed to minimize potential distractions that might divert Riku's focus.

Plok!

He removed the seal from the vial and gazed at it for a fleeting moment. 'I can do this, for the sake of finding my mother,' he determined.

Gulp... Gulp... Gulp...

Suppressing his overthinking, Riku consumed the liquid in its entirety, leaving not a single drop behind. Soon after, the mana elixir commenced its transformative effects, causing Riku's physique to emit a radiant blue glow that enveloped his entire form.

An eerie silence descended upon the room, with everyone refraining from uttering a word that might disrupt the ongoing process. With the progression of the awakening, the ambiance grew increasingly somber.

Initially, Fuji failed to detect any anomalies. However, an electric discharge materialized near Riku, rousing his suspicion. He yearned to approach, yet recognized that intervening could exacerbate the circumstances.

Riku gradually closed his eyes, allowing the mana to course through his veins. His visage underwent a transformation as the sensations of pain enveloped him, but he persevered, determined to activate his genes.

"Will everything proceed smoothly, Haru?" Akio sought assurance from the man standing beside him.

Although Haru detected an air of suspicion surrounding the situation, he concealed his concerns. Aware that, as a father, Akio's instinct would drive him to intervene, Haru maintained his composure.

"Master Akio, your sentiment is accurate. There's no need for worry; all will transpire without incident," Haru reassured Akio.

Crick! Crick!

The growing intensity of the electric current raised alarm, baffling all present as to its cause.

"This is dire! His body is repelling the mana! We must intervene!" Fuji exclaimed, deeply concerned. He charged forward with utmost urgency, sprinting towards Riku at full tilt.

Swoosh!

However, as Fuji was on the brink of reaching Riku, a formidable energy struck him forcefully, hurling him backward until he collided with the wall.

Thud!

The impact resonated through the room, causing a ripple of unease that prompted the others to retreat. Suddenly, a colossal explosion reverberated, shaking the very foundations of the building.

BOOM!

In the aftermath of the explosion, several moments transpired before the four individuals managed to regain their footing. Their gazes converged upon the figure sprawled across the red carpet, the mana plate in ruins.

"Haru, summon an ambulance immediately!" Akio's urgency was palpable.

Haru, however, merely shook his head, acutely aware that his speed surpassed any conventional means of transportation in their world.

"Master Akio, trust me. I'll handle this. If any harm befalls Master Riku, I'll shoulder the responsibility," Haru pledged, earnestly committed to rescuing the young man.

With a swift movement, Haru complied with Akio's instruction, his agility and determination underscored by his commitment to save Riku.

Swoosh!

While Haru took action, Akio's strength faltered, causing him to collapse to the ground. His heart ached as he witnessed his son engulfed in a pool of his own blood.

"W-What is happening, Fuji? Can anyone clarify this for me?" Akio's voice trembled, grappling to comprehend the unfolding situation concerning his son.

Riku's complexion bore the brunt of severe burns, and numerous lacerations crisscrossed his body.

"Sir Akio, I extend my sincerest apologies. Your son's genes were resisting the process..." Fuji's remorse was palpable. In his calculation, he abstained from intervening to prevent any disruption to Riku's mana pool. The unprecedented nature of this incident caught him off guard, rendering him oblivious to the impending outcome.

Another Mutant extended a supportive hand to help Akio steady himself. "Please, Sir Akio, gather your strength; your son requires your presence," implored a man with verdant hair.

Despite the prevailing stillness, three individuals departed the room to assess Riku's condition. Before long, Haru contacted them, informing them that he had expedited Riku to the nearest medical facility.

Bam!

With a resounding thud, the doors swung shut, and unexpectedly, the mana plate was spontaneously restored, radiating a brilliant white luminescence. The plate resembled a mirror, reflecting the room's surroundings.

The mana plate gyrated in mid-air, projecting a symbol that was decipherable by neither a regular individual nor a Mutant.

[You are being bestowed upon!]

BOOM!

Another explosion reverberated, prompting the nearby maids to hasten towards the room. The sight that met them was one of conflagration, as the flames consumed the space.

"What is happening here?!"

"Quick, everyone, lend a hand! We must extinguish the flames before they engulf the entire mansion!"

Though grappling with uncertainty, the assembled individuals banded together, pooling their efforts to quell the inferno.

...

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