12 The effect of change

As the morning unfurled its calm embrace, the city below basked in the soft glow of the rising sun, its intricate details bathed in mesmerizing light. The brisk breeze danced through the streets, infusing the air with refreshing energy.

Through parted curtains, the gentle rays of sunlight filtered into the room, coaxing them to sway with graceful rhythm, inviting the warmth of the day to permeate every corner.

Just as the morning sun streamed into the room, Allen's peaceful slumber was abruptly shattered, his eyes struggling to adjust to the intrusive brightness. With a sense of urgency, he rose to his feet, driven by the need to escape the blinding light.

Grabbing his phone, Allen hastily checked the time, relieved to find that he still had just over an hour before his classes were scheduled to begin. Wondering whether he should really get a new alarm clock or risk getting late.

Allen ambled around the room, intent on tackling some overdue household chores. Lost in his duties, he absentmindedly wandered past the cracked mirror, and it was in that moment that something peculiar caught his attention.

Walking back towards the mirror, Allen couldn't shake off the strange feeling stirring within him. His gaze fixated on the reflection, initially mistaking it for someone else before the realization dawned on him—it was his own image, yet somehow altered.

"What... happened to me?" Allen questioned, his voice tinged with bewilderment as he grappled with the inexplicable turn of events unfolding before his eyes. His gaze swept over his entire body, revealing an unexplained change in his physical features overnight.

Allen's eyes widened as he observed the transformation in his physique. His abs, once unassuming, now appeared as if they had been sculpted from solid metal, exuding an aura of strength and power that seemed almost otherworldly.

His gaze then shifted to his arms, where he noticed a subtle yet noticeable increase in muscle mass, adding to the overall sense of dominance emanating from his altered form.

Moreover, as Allen finally turned his gaze to his reflection, he couldn't help but be captivated by the sight before him. Instantly, he found himself drawn to his own appearance, unable to tear his eyes away.

With a sense of recognition dawning upon him, he realized that he had acquired the unmistakable aura of the infamous Sung Drip Woo.

"Damn, this is," he uttered, unable to finish his statement, his shock evident with the perplexed gaze he showed on his face, touching his face to confirm if it was truly reality.

After a few minutes of checking, he finally confirmed it was indeed reality, a huge smirk forming on his lip, wondering what effects it would have on his daily life, knowing he could only find out himself, he had no choice but to discover the effects later on.

As Allen prepared to step away from the mirror, a sudden realization struck him: his height had undergone a noticeable change. What once stood at a respectable six feet now boasted an additional two inches, elevating him to an impressive six foot two.

While seemingly subtle, this increase in height completed the transformation, bestowing upon him an all-encompassing aura of attractiveness that seemed almost divinely bestowed.

"I think I more than meet the requirements to be a model," Allen remarked with a hint of arrogance, his muscles flexing with newfound confidence in his appearance.

After indulging in a few more moments of self-admiration, he tore himself away from the mirror and hurried to the bathroom. There, he swiftly brushed his teeth, determined not to lose himself in the enchanting allure of his own reflection once again.

With a slight sigh, Allen made a silent vow to avoid mirrors for the time being, realizing he had squandered precious minutes lost in admiration of his own appearance. Hastily, he dressed in his school uniform, noticing how it now hugged his improved physique snugly, accentuating his enhanced assets—his muscles, abs, and chest subtly visible beneath the fabric.

Earlier, he had received a text from Jackie, indicating that he would be waiting for him at their usual meeting spot on the way to school. With that in mind, Allen hurriedly grabbed his belongings and set off, eager to join his friend on the journey ahead.

Giving his phone one last glance, Allen sighed with relief upon confirming he still had ample time. Spritzing on some cologne for a finishing touch, he strode out of his apartment, making his way downstairs before stepping outside.

As he emerged into the daylight, it felt as though a spotlight had been trained on him, instantly capturing the attention of those around him. Heads turned, and murmurs of awe rippled through the crowd as they were struck by the presence of the strikingly handsome model in their midst.

Women around him swooned, captivated by his magnetic allure, the men couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy and envy. They questioned if they had been crafted by the same Creator, their own appearances seeming lackluster in comparison to Allen's radiant presence. Some even lamented silently, fearing that he might be a womanizer, capable of effortlessly stealing their partners away with his undeniable charm.

But Allen kept his true intentions to himself, as he turned his attention to a woman nearby. With a sly grin, he sent her a deadly wink, causing her cheeks to flush crimson with embarrassment.

Witnessing Allen's flirtatious exchange, the men around him reacted swiftly, clutching onto their partners tightly. Fathers scooped up their daughters protectively, husbands firmly held onto their wives, unwilling to risk losing them to the captivating man before them.

With a smirk playing on his lips, Allen continued on his journey to the academy, relishing in the attention from the blushing women who couldn't resist stealing glances at him. He reciprocated with playful winks, amused by their reactions, which sometimes even resulted in nosebleeds.

However, his amusement was interrupted as he turned into a corner, intending to take a shortcut. It dawned on him that the area was notorious for being frequented by women involved in illicit activities, leading to multiple arrests and warnings.

As Allen entered the red-light district, he was quickly accosted by two women clad in revealing attire. They wasted no time in grabbing his arm and pressing their bodies against his.

"Hello, handsome," the woman with perky breasts purred, her gaze flickering with a hint of possessiveness as she pressed herself closer to him. "I hope you're not too busy. Let me make your time worthwhile," she continued, shooting a disdainful glance at her companion, who sported a larger back asset.

"You can have me all to yourself the second woman interjected, her voice dripping with seduction as she offered herself to Allen for free. Her lewd gaze sent a shiver down his spine as he grappled with the tempting proposition before him. However, he knew all too well the consequences of indulging in such temptation, a quick encounter with these women would likely spiral into hours of intimacy, a prospect he couldn't afford with his impending classes.

As Allen wrestled with his inner turmoil, his attempt to formulate a response was almost derailed by the sensation of the women's assets brushing against his arm, tempting him further.

"Oh, they feel so soft," he couldn't help but think, momentarily lost in the sensual allure before him. Just as he was on the brink of succumbing to temptation and agreeing to their offer, the sound of a police car shattered the moment. However, in this world, they were no longer referred to as the police; they were known as SPECTRUM.

The SPECTRUM, a branch of the Systemholders Association, stood for Systemholders, Power, Enforcement, Control, Tactics, and Regulation Unit. While the one confronting Allen belonged to the civilian unit comprised of unawakened individuals, the majority of Spectrum members were systemholders tasked with maintaining order and enforcing regulations.

Their primary role was to provide services to other systemholders and take action against those who abused their power. As a branch of the Systemholders Association, Spectrum received significant orders and resources to carry out their duties effectively.

The prestigious orders bestowed upon Spectrun were granted by the elder and main guardians of Aelysium, the central city where Allen resided. Aelysium served as the beacon of order and support for surrounding cities, ensuring their prosperity and security.

The city's foundations were laid by the first generation of systemholders and guardians following the defeat of the Crimson Red Dragon, a catastrophic event that befell humanity.

It was through the united efforts of all systemholders that this monstrous threat was vanquished, paving the way for the establishment of Aelysium and the subsequent era of peace and stability.

Just then Allen was snapped from his lustrous thoughts by the voice from behind, he turned to see a Spectrum C officer addressing him.

"Mister, are these women disturbing you?" the officer inquired, her tone authoritative and decisive. Without waiting for a response, she swiftly took the women into custody, placing them in handcuffs.

However, before they were led away, both women discreetly slipped Allen their address information, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he pocketed the notes.

Allen couldn't help but notice the Spectrum C officer stealing glances at him before she mustered the courage to ask for his number. With a smirk, he obliged, reciting his digits as he handed her a pen and paper.

"014-XXX-XXX," he replied smoothly before strolling away, mindful of his rendezvous with Jackie. After a few minutes of walking, he spotted Jackie ahead, engrossed in his phone, likely absorbed in some monster hunting tips, a recent hobby of his.

"Hey," Allen called out to Jackie, but his friend was so engrossed in his phone that he nearly dropped it in surprise. Startled, Jackie turned around, expecting to see Allen, only to furrow his brow in confusion when he was met with the gaze of an unusually handsome boy.

"Who are you?" Jackie questioned, eyeing the boy whose uniform seemed strained against his muscular frame, hinting at a v-shaped physique beneath.

"What do you mean by that, Jackie? Don't you recognize your own friend, Allen?" Allen inquired, a hint of unease creeping into his voice as he observed his friend's puzzled reaction.

"Wait, do you mean you are Allen?" Jackie asked incredulously, his shock evident as he reached out to grab Allen, scrutinizing the unfamiliar physique before him with wide-eyed amazement.

"I knew the teacher said there would be changes, but why the hell are you so different?" Jackie questioned, his voice tinged with surprise and a hint of envy.

While he himself had undergone some changes, such as gaining more defined abs and a slightly larger chest, what he had just witnessed in Allen was beyond comprehension—an anomaly that defied explanation.

"It's not that great of a change," Allen said humbly, but his words only earned him a glare from Jackie, who perceived a hidden arrogance beneath his humility. After all, being overly modest could sometimes be interpreted as a form of concealed arrogance.

As they walked towards the academy, Allen couldn't help but revel in the stares and whispers directed his way. With each admiring glance, he felt a surge of satisfaction, striding with newfound confidence and stylish flair.

Some girls even appeared on the verge of fainting in his presence, a sight that only fueled his sense of enjoyment.

"Allen, do you mind wearing a face mask tomorrow?" Jackie asked, a slight tick mark appearing on his face as he pondered just how many girls Allen could attract with his newfound handsomeness.

"Well, it's not my fault," Allen retorted playfully, a hint of mockery laced in his tone, before they finally entered the classroom. As their classmates turned to face them, reactions varied from stunned silence to internal curses.

Most of the girls began to complain and question why Allen had awakened an iron-rank system, the only thing holding them back from succumbing to the temptation of jumping into his arms.

Allen and Jackie quickly settled into their familiar seats, Allen pulled out his phone and began scouring the internet for cheap weapons to purchase, intending to enhance them with dragonification before reselling them at a higher price.

It was a strategy he had developed with meticulous care, and he was eager to see it yield fruitful results.

As the bell rang on time, Allen reluctantly tucked away his phone just as Amelia entered the room with her usual serious demeanor. Instinctively, her gaze drifted towards Allen's direction, only to be met with the sight of the most captivating eyes she had ever seen, accompanied by a perfect jawline and an impeccably proportioned figure.

Despite her usual composure, Amelia couldn't help but feel a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks at the sight before her. However, as a teacher, she quickly regained her composure, and the red tinge vanished almost as quickly as it appeared. Nevertheless, Allen couldn't help but notice the subtle change in her expression.

"Settle down, class," Amelia's voice commanded, instantly capturing the attention of the students, though Allen couldn't help but notice some covert glances directed his way, a newfound perception he couldn't ignore.

"Today, we will be having a practical class," Amelia announced, her tone serious. The words sent a ripple of shock, fear, and surprise through the students, knowing that they would be venturing into a dungeon just one days after awakening.

As some students began to sweat profusely and others remained stoically calm, Allen glanced at Jackie, recognizing a familiar expression on his friend's face.

It was the same expression that Jackie wore whenever he had early information about a particular event. Allen guessed Jackie already knew of the dungeon dive prompting him to dive into research and study about the monsters they would inevitably face.

Which he considered an advantage after all information is the key to all success. Suppressing the urge to inquire further, Allen shrugged off his curiosity, his excitement and joy surging to new heights.

The prospect of testing his newfound abilities against monsters so soon filled him with exhilaration. A grin played on his lips as he contemplated how he would incorporate the fighting styles he had learned from his dad into the upcoming challenge.

The thought of putting his skills to the test in a real-world scenario ignited a fire within him, and he eagerly awaited the opportunity to prove himself in battle.