Seated across from Riku was Haru, his middle-aged butler. Broad-shouldered and imposing, Haru had served Riku faithfully since the boy was five. Years of shared life had made him instinctively attuned to Riku's moods and intentions.
"Before we begin the awakening, Master Riku, I must ask you a question," Haru said politely, inclining slightly. His right hand rested over his chest, the customary gesture of respect.
Riku waved his hand dismissively. "Haru, I've told you countless times—no need for all the formalities. Honestly, I consider you like a second father."
Haru's lips curved into a faint smile. "A butler remains a butler," he said with proper etiquette, "but I appreciate your sentiment."
He straightened, raising his head to look Riku in the eye. "Master Riku, do you truly understand the potential consequences of this awakening?"
Riku nodded firmly. "I've done my research. I know exactly what I'm stepping into."
He cast a glance at his father and added with conviction, "Don't worry, Father. I'm ready. You can trust that the awakening will succeed."
Akio's voice trembled, thick with emotion. "You're all I have, son... I can't bear the thought of something happening to you."
Tears welled in Akio's eyes. He longed, desperately, for some way to halt his son's decision before it was too late.
But Riku remained unshaken. He stood taller, unwavering, making it clear that nothing—not even his father's fear—could sway him now.
"If you're ready, Master Riku, please place your foot on the mana plate," Haru instructed, extending a steady hand toward the circular platform.
The mana plate sat at the center of the chamber, its surface designed to measure and awaken latent abilities in ordinary humans.
Riku carefully removed his expensive shoes and stepped forward. His mind raced—not with fear, but anticipation. Soon, he would awaken, become a Mutant, and begin his journey into the dungeons.
With a deep breath, Riku placed his foot on the plate.
Bam!
The sound echoed through the chamber, yet the mana plate remained silent. A gentle warmth spread from Riku's foot, flowing upward through his body, slowly intensifying.
"This is it... I hope it's something worth it," Riku muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing in anticipation.
Just then, the door swung open, and Haru's gaze shifted sharply toward Riku's father.
"Master Akio, representatives from the Mutant Association have arrived."
In this world, triggering one's genes without authorization was a serious offense. The Mutant Association required that all awakenings be registered. Any unreported activation could result in severe legal consequences.
Two tall men entered, clad in pristine white suits. On the backs of their jackets glowed a somber circular emblem—a symbol of authority.
"Greetings, Sir Akio. It is an honor to meet a distinguished businessman such as yourself," said the taller of the two. His red hair glinted under the light, and his fair complexion, coupled with tinted glasses, gave him an air of calm authority. He dipped his head in a polite bow.
This was Fuji Iya, known worldwide as one of the most powerful Mutants in existence. His reputation alone commanded respect.
Akio responded smoothly, nodding and gesturing politely with both hands. "The honor is mine. I never expected to host a Mutant of your caliber in my home." His tone was formal, yet warm—a reflection of his experience in high-level business dealings.
Fuji's eyes shifted toward Riku, a slight smile playing across his lips. "Is this your son? The one about to awaken?"
"Yes," Akio answered, a faint crease of concern crossing his brow. He knew the process would soon begin—and with a Mutant of Fuji's power present, the stakes were higher than ever.
"Absolutely. There's no cause for concern," Fuji said casually, stepping toward the mana plate. After a brief pause, he produced a small vial that glowed faintly with blue light.
In simple terms, it was mana in liquid form—capable of replenishing energy and triggering the activation of one's first gene. In the open market, a vial like this could sell for hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
"You must be Riku," Fuji said, holding out the vial. "Drink this, and we'll begin."
Riku nodded subtly, fully aware of what awaited him. He knew the procedure, and he knew the pain that would accompany it.
"I'll dr—" he began, only to stop when Fuji raised a hand.
"Wait," Fuji said, voice serious. "I need to make one thing clear: during the mutation process, no one—under any circumstances—must approach Riku."
Any interruption could destabilize his mana pool, causing a backlash that could damage his body—or even kill him.
Riku's throat tightened. He hadn't even consumed the liquid yet, but the tension in the room pressed down on him like a weight.
Fuji gave him a small nod. "You may drink now. Clear your mind, focus, and let the mana flow through you."
Haru stepped back slightly, giving Riku a supportive thumbs-up. "I have complete faith in you, Master Riku," he said quietly. By staying behind Fuji, he ensured nothing would disturb Riku's focus.
Riku took a deep breath, the vial poised in his hand, ready to step into the transformation that would change his life forever.
Plok!
Riku removed the seal from the vial, holding it for a fleeting moment. I can do this... for Mother, he told himself, determination hardening in his chest.
He tilted his head back and drank the elixir in one go, leaving not a single drop behind.
Gulp... gulp... gulp...
Almost immediately, the mana began to react. A radiant blue glow erupted from Riku's body, enveloping him entirely. The air seemed to hum with energy, and the chamber fell into an eerie silence—no one dared speak, lest they disrupt the delicate process.
At first, everything appeared normal. Fuji observed intently, scanning Riku for any irregularities. Then—a flicker of electricity sparked around him. Fuji's brow furrowed, his instincts on high alert. He wanted to step forward, but he knew that even a single interference could worsen the situation.
Riku closed his eyes, letting the mana surge through him. Pain radiated from every fiber of his body, sharp and unrelenting, but he clenched his teeth and endured it. His genes would awaken—he would become a Mutant.
"Will everything be alright, Haru?" Akio's voice trembled as he gripped the edge of the stair railing.
Haru maintained his calm, though unease flickered beneath the surface. He knew Akio's paternal instincts might drive him to act recklessly.
"Master Akio, rest assured. Everything will proceed as it should," Haru replied evenly, concealing the tension he felt.
Crick... Crick...
The electricity intensified, crackling with a strange, almost malevolent energy. Everyone froze, unsure what was happening.
"This is bad! His body is rejecting the mana! We have to intervene!" Fuji shouted, urgency sharpening his voice. He sprinted toward Riku, every muscle tensed.
Swoosh!
But before he could reach him, a blinding surge of energy slammed into Fuji, sending him hurtling backward. He crashed against the wall with a thud, the force echoing through the chamber.
The others staggered, instinctively retreating as a colossal explosion rocked the room. Dust and debris cascaded from the ceiling, and the very foundations of the estate trembled with the impact.
The awakening had begun—and it was far more violent than anyone had anticipated.
BOOM!
The explosion rattled the chamber, leaving debris scattered across the floor. For several tense moments, no one moved. Then, slowly, the four figures regained their footing, their eyes immediately drawn to the figure sprawled across the red carpet—the mana plate in ruins.
"Haru! Call an ambulance—now!" Akio's voice cracked with urgency.
Haru shook his head, calm yet resolute. He knew that conventional transport could never match his speed.
"Master Akio, trust me. I'll handle this. If anything happens to Master Riku, I will take full responsibility," Haru said, his tone steady, unwavering.
With that, he moved with inhuman swiftness, a blur of motion as he rushed to Riku's side.
Swoosh!
Akio's knees buckled as he watched, helpless, his heart sinking at the sight of his son lying in a pool of blood.
"W-What is happening, Fuji? Can someone explain this?" His voice trembled, laden with fear and confusion.
Riku's body bore the full brunt of the awakening: severe burns marred his skin, and deep lacerations crisscrossed his arms and torso. His chest rose and fell, ragged but alive.
Fuji stepped forward, guilt etched into his features. "Sir Akio... I... I apologize. His genes resisted the awakening process..."
He had calculated carefully not to intervene, knowing even a minor disruption could destabilize Riku's mana. But nothing had prepared him for this. The resistance had been far greater than any precedent, leaving him helpless to prevent the damage.
Another Mutant, his hair a vivid green, offered a hand to steady Akio. "Sir Akio, you must remain strong. Your son needs you now."
Three others immediately moved to assess Riku's condition. Moments later, Haru contacted them, confirming that he had already transported Riku to the nearest medical facility at impossible speed.
Bam!
The doors slammed shut behind them. Then, almost as if in defiance of the chaos, the mana plate spontaneously restored itself. A brilliant white light radiated from its surface, reflecting the room like a perfect mirror.
The plate floated in mid-air, spinning slowly. A strange symbol glowed atop it—no ordinary human or Mutant could decipher its meaning.
[You are being bestowed upon!]
BOOM!
Another explosion rocked the mansion, flames licking across the walls and furniture. Panic spread among the maids as they rushed toward the source of the fire.
"What is happening?!" one cried.
"Everyone! Help! We have to stop the fire before it consumes the entire estate!"
Though uncertainty and fear gripped them all, the household rallied together. Hands joined, water buckets filled, and determination ignited alongside the flames. They fought to contain the inferno before it swallowed the mansion whole.