Looking at the ashes on the ground, the expressions of all the spectators turned grim.
"Pack it up and return it to the child's family," Jacob said quietly, rubbing his forehead where a few veins had become visible.
Taking a deep breath, he turned his gaze toward the remaining groups, most of whom now had pale faces.
"Do you all think I was just being talkative when I repeated those rules earlier? This is what happens when you ignore them.
So I'll remind you once more – never speak about the real world while you are inside that place. If you do, you will end up like this fellow student," Jacob said sternly, his voice carrying through the silence.
Nearby, one of the staff carefully gathered the ashes into a small container and placed it aside.
Sigh
Lucan shook his head slightly, his pale face showing a trace of regret as he looked at the ashes.
Although he already knew there would be a mutation case according to the story, he still couldn't help feeling uneasy.
He couldn't just step out and say, "Hey, I know the whole story, that guy's about to mutate," because everyone would probably look at him like he had lost his mind . And even if they somehow believed him, he would most likely disappear the next day –along with the entire City 203.
After all, there were already plenty of traitors and Dread Beast worshippers within the academy itself, not to mention those hiding among the higher ranks of the Human Federation.
So, he chose not to interfere and simply watched from the side. After all, if you truly want to do something good, you must first have the power to do so – otherwise, you might end up causing something far worse instead.
While Lucan was still sighing, the next group was called forward to begin their awakening. With Jacob's strict warning fresh in their minds, they surrounded the Catalik Stone.
Time passed quietly among the tense silence, and before long, it was finally their turn.
"You are the last group left. Step forward," Rebecca said, her cold eyes settling on them.
"Yes," Sieg and the others replied, nodding as they walked up. Lucan followed behind them, his heart beating fast with a mix of excitement and faint fear.
They took their places around the Catalik Stone under the watchful gazes of Jacob and the other staff members. One by one, they closed their eyes.
"You lads are the final group. Remember to follow the rules and prioritize your safety," Jacob said firmly as a white, mist-like energy began to flow from his palm.
"Get ready."
Lucan, eyes shut, could feel his heartbeat pounding faster, as if it might burst out of his chest at any moment.
I just hope the story doesn't change because I replaced one person, he thought, his nerves tightening with every passing second.
Then, he felt something faint and cool brush against his skin – a fog-like sensation that wrapped around his body, bringing an unfamiliar wave of comfort and calm. His thoughts began to fade, his senses slipping away one by one.
The last thing he heard before everything went silent was an electronic voice echoing in his mind.
[
Awakening Ceremony detected.
Ex-level Cheat "Father of Serpents" is awakening.
Best of luck to player.
]
....
In a dark forest, the moon was above the head as a few rays of light passed between the tree branches. The sound of insects chirping, along with the occasional sound of nocturnal animals, could be heard all around.
In the middle of that same dark forest, a small fire was set up, and a few sticks with small animals like snakes and birds hanging on them were placed over the fire.
Surrounding the fire, a total of ten people with their eyes closed were standing. All looked around twenty-four to twenty-five years old, wearing some kind of soft armor with swords on their waists, while a few bags were put on the side.
"Huh," suddenly one of them opened his eyes, and with an alert expression looked around.
Seeing familiar faces, but now a little more mature, he calmed down and began observing the surroundings.
As he looked around, the other nine also opened their eyes, seven being male and two female.
"Haha, you all are here," one of the women with a golden ponytail suddenly laughed as she spoke loudly.
"Tch, Caroline, can't you be quiet? Look around where we are. If you want to become food for some beasts, then first get away from me," a man with a buzz-cut head, Lors, retorted.
"Yeah, you should shut up," Fuen also added from the back, while Jeff looked at Caroline with cold eyes.
"What do you mean, you bast-" just as Caroline was about to step forward to confront them, two people quickly held her hands.
"Caroline, don't confront those three. We have to familiarise ourselves with the surroundings first," Sieg held her from the left with a helpless smile, though his sharp eyes were fixed on Lors and his gang, earning a "What are you looking at?" from Lors in return.
"Y-yes, Caroline," Sophia also added from the right, using the weight of her whole body to hold Caroline back.
"You two they started it first, they-" Caroline replied a little aggrieved but was cut short by the others.
"Yes, Sister Caroline, don't pick a fight for now. Let's focus on what we have on hand," Fred added from the side, with Leo nodding beside him.
Meanwhile, Michael was looking around with curiosity and excitement, his eyes reflecting the thrill of appearing in a completely new place.
Different from them, Lucan, who had opened his eyes first, was now relaxed after seeing the familiar surroundings. It was the same as in the game, meaning things hadn't changed from the main storyline.
Now, he was looking at the small screen-like thing floating in front of him.
[
Player detected at Tier 1.
Do you want to extract the origin of Tier 1 Serpent (random)?
Y/N
]
Looking at the screen before him, a glint flashed in Lucan's eyes as he quickly selected Yes, excitement rising within him at finally getting his Ex-level cheat.
[
Congratulations to the player for obtaining the Tier 1 Serpent Origin of...
]