Two days had passed in a blur.
Haru helped Riku out of the luxury car. "Master Riku, if you're unable to walk, I can carry you," he offered, steadying him with careful hands.
Riku shook his head slowly. "No, I'm fine, Haru. Just... prepare the mana plate. I want to see the outcome of my mutation," he said, stepping down with measured determination.
"Master Riku, I must insist," Haru replied. "You need to rest first. The mana plate could drain your energy if your body isn't fully recovered."
Haru's caution was valid. Using the mana plate in a weakened state could give a false reading—or worse, cause harm.
"The same applies to your father," Haru added, opening the massive doors to the mansion. "He's been worried sick while you were unconscious."
Riku let out a deep sigh. Even Akio's relentless push to enroll him in business classes now seemed understandable; his father had always meant well.
"Perhaps you're right," Riku muttered, stepping inside. "I should take a moment, rest, and consider my next steps before checking the mutation."
Haru nodded knowingly. "Don't worry, Master Riku. I've prepared the mana plate. When you're ready, we can proceed."
The familiar voices of the maids greeted him in unison. "Welcome back, Master Riku!"
Riku's eyes flicked to the charred remnants of the room, a stark reminder of the chaos during his awakening.
"Thank you... please take care of me," he replied with a nod. He was about to ask about the condition of the mana plate when Haru anticipated his concern.
"Yes, Master Riku. During your awakening, the room—and the mana plate itself—was consumed by fire," Haru explained politely.
Riku's expression darkened slightly. If the plate hadn't burned, he might have been able to see the outcome of his mutation immediately. Now, he would have to repeat the process.
"Alright... I'll head to my room to rest. Haru, make sure no one disturbs me," Riku said, turning toward the staircase.
"Understood, Master Riku," Haru replied, pausing briefly. "Although... I should mention, your father is away on a business trip, and Lady Yui is waiting for you in your room." With that, he disappeared down the hallway.
Riku froze, eyes widening. Yui... in my room?
"HARUUUUU!" he muttered under his breath, a mix of surprise and exasperation.
Knowing Yui's assertive nature, he approached cautiously from the right side, hand on the door. After a few tense seconds, he gently pushed it open. His gaze fell upon Yui, asleep and completely unaware of his presence.
"Phew... guess I don't need to worry," he whispered, relief softening his tense shoulders.
He stepped inside, taking in the room's lavish details—the golden chandelier shimmering above, the latest computer setup gleaming in the corner, and the oversized bed dominating the space.
Hmm... she looks so peaceful in my bed, like a sleeping princess.
Riku shook his head sharply. What am I thinking? I'm just here to rest, nothing more.
Carefully, he lowered himself onto the bed, making sure not to disturb her. Even in sleep, he could tell she was exhausted—her chest rising and falling gently, yet somehow weighted by fatigue.
He exhaled softly, allowing himself a quiet moment, gazing at her while trying to push away the thoughts that had crept into his mind.
[7:00 PM]
A gentle pinch on his cheek stirred Riku from sleep. Blinking, he realized Yui had her head resting on his chest.
He jerked back so abruptly that he nearly slammed into the wall.
Thud!
"Ouch!" he muttered, rubbing the back of his head as a surge of pain shot through him.
"What's wrong, honey? Are you okay?" Yui's voice was soft, almost teasing, and carried a hint of mischief.
Riku's face burned crimson. He gently pushed her away, fumbling over his words. "H-Honey? Yui... where did you get that from?" He felt the warmth pressing against him and struggled to keep his composure.
"Riku, we're getting married next month. Calling you 'honey' seems fitting," Yui said, her tone soft but tinged with a trace of wistfulness.
Riku paused, hesitant. "Y-Yui... we're not married yet. When that day comes... then, maybe."
Her eyes lit up with playful cheer. "Really? You don't mind?" She nuzzled against him, brushing her cheek along his chest.
He exhaled slowly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah... I can live with it. I can always take it back later," he admitted, his heart beating faster than he expected.
Riku let himself accept the thought—Yui would be his wife soon, even if his own feelings hadn't quite caught up yet. Maybe, in time, he could learn to love her fully.
"Thank you, Riku! I knew you were the one for me the moment I saw you," Yui whispered, hugging him tightly.
Knock, knock, knock...
A sweet voice called from the door. "Dinner is ready, Master Riku, Lady Yui."
Yui lifted her head, her expression reluctant. "Are you going to leave, Riku? I'd like to stay like this a bit longer."
Riku placed his hands gently on her shoulders, a mixture of amusement and practicality in his gaze. "Yui... I just got out of the hospital. I need to regain my strength. Will you join me for dinner, or stay here?"
She laughed and shook her head cheerfully, taking his hand without hesitation. "No, honey, I'll come with you!"
Riku felt a flicker of unease but couldn't resist her warmth. Together, they walked toward the dining hall, their hands entwined, each step carrying the quiet promise of what was to come.
...
The table was spread with a lavish feast, yet for Riku and Yui, it felt like any other day. Yui's eyes, however, never left him, sparkling with admiration and something deeper.
An hour passed before they finished. Haru quietly appeared behind Riku. "You seem well, Master Riku. Did something positive happen?"
Riku turned, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Haru, where did you go?"
"I went to Fuji to gather more details about your condition," Haru replied calmly.
Riku stood, gaze serious. "Let's talk. I have a question for you."
"May I join?" Yui asked softly.
He shrugged, and both Haru and Yui followed him. "So, what did Fuji say? Did he learn anything?"
"He's still investigating. He'll inform us when he knows more," Haru replied, brow furrowed.
Yui tilted her head, studying him curiously. "Haru... are you a level 3 Mutant?"
Haru nodded slightly. "Yes, Master. Why do you ask?"
"Can I... punch you?" she whispered, a playful gleam in her eyes.
Riku's lips twitched in amusement. Even at level 1, his mutant strength could easily overwhelm an ordinary human. Both Yui and Haru seemed to understand his intent.
"Certainly, Master Riku. If you've truly transformed into a level 1 Mutant, I can withstand your strength," Haru replied, calm as ever.
"Thank you. Get ready." Riku stepped back, creating space.
Swoosh!
He charged forward, swinging his fist toward Haru's face.
Thud!
His punch landed—but Haru didn't flinch. "Master Riku... your strength is weaker than an ordinary person," he observed.
Riku clenched his jaw. "Let me try again—I just slipped."
Thud!
The result was the same. Frustration surged through him. Did my mutation fail?
"Haru, where's the mana plate? If the mutation failed, that means my genes contain no mana," Riku said.
"Just wait a moment," Haru replied. In less than three seconds, he returned with the glowing mana plate.
"Master Riku... are you sure about this? Master Akio will scold me if he sees..."
Riku placed a hand on Haru's shoulder. "Don't worry. I just want peace of mind. If I failed, I need to know."
Haru hesitated, then nodded. "Very well... your parents had rare genes, so I believe you inherited them too."
"Yes, but I don't want to set expectations. Some children of rare-gene parents... don't inherit anything. I want to know now," Riku said firmly.
Haru placed the mana plate on the floor. "Once it lights up, remain still."
"Understood."
Riku stepped onto the plate. Immediately, it emitted a brilliant blue glow that enveloped him, warm energy coursing through his veins.
Name: Riku Hirota
Race: Human
Mutant Level: 1
Title: Genes King
Evolution: 1st Level
Mana Pool: 15
Haru's eyes widened. "No... what is this?"
Boom!
The room seemed to shatter as a colossal explosion erupted. Two massive energy pillars rose behind Riku, radiating power that made the air vibrate.
"Master Riku! Get out of there!"
"Riku!"
Before anyone could react, the pillars surged with blinding light, pulling Riku upward. In an instant, he vanished from the mansion.
RIKU!