Mutant awakening: My evolution knows no bounds

Isaac's return to the guild stirred an undeniable tension, almost a charge in the air that was felt by everyone nearby. Mr. Barlow, the guild master, eyed the unfamiliar figure at Isaac's side with a cool, calculating expression. He crossed his arms as he approached, his gaze flicking back to Isaac.

"Isaac, where's the rest of your team, and who's this lady?" His voice was even, but there was a hardness in his eyes as he scrutinized Roxy, who stood silently beside Isaac.

Isaac's jaw tightened, barely holding back the frustration that had been simmering ever since he'd escaped the Crimson Coffin.

"You really had to ask that?" His voice dripped with resentment. "They're all dead!" The bitterness in his tone was clear, yet Barlow's face showed no hint of surprise—almost as if he'd anticipated the outcome.

"I see," Barlow said, his voice chillingly indifferent. "And what about this lady here?" His eyes settled back on Roxy, his tone neutral, almost detached.

Isaac's anger flared. "That's it? That's all you have to say?!"

"Watch your tone, Isaac." Barlow's voice was sharp, his authority palpable. "Remember your place. They died an honorable death, and I will make sure their families are taken care of. Now, answer my question."

Isaac met Barlow's gaze, his face flushed with barely suppressed anger. Finally, he spoke. "I found her in the Crimson Coffin. She was a member of the Fiery Flames guild—the only survivor." His voice was steady, careful to avoid any hint of insincerity that might provoke suspicion.

Barlow's eyes widened slightly at the revelation. Stepping forward, he examined her armor and insignia closely.

"I thought I recognized that flame emblem," he murmured. "The Fiery Flames guild… They were Aqua Blazing's biggest rival. I hated your guild back in the day, and I especially couldn't stand your guild master. But when I heard of your guild's demise… it struck me. I'm sorry for your loss." He placed a firm hand on Roxy's shoulder, his expression softened by a look of feigned sympathy.

Roxy gave a respectful nod, remaining composed.

"But tell me," Barlow continued, "how did you manage to survive there for so long? It's been over three months since the Fiery Flames guild vanished."

Roxy's expression shifted subtly, her tone a blend of weariness and guarded strength. "I survived by hiding, scavenging, and fighting off low-grade mutants when I had no choice. It was a nightmare. But when I saw this man here, I knew I'd finally found a way out."

Barlow gave a small nod, his gaze lingering on her face in silent assessment. "You're safe now. And with your guild gone, I'd like to offer you a place here in Aqua Blazing." His voice carried an unmistakable undertone as he observed her, taking in the details of her appearance with undisguised interest. "Now that my best female comrade is gone, I could use someone of your skill and resilience."

Isaac stiffened, his surprise quickly shifting into disbelief. "You… want her in our guild?"

Barlow's eyes narrowed. "Is there an issue, Isaac?"

Isaac hesitated. "I mean… you barely know her."

Barlow, unaffected by Isaac's comment, turned back to Roxy with a slight smirk. "She survived in the Crimson Coffin for three months and holds a Grade 4 mutant ability. She's more than fit for the role." His gaze drifted down to her chest, lingering inappropriately before he composed himself, hiding a look of thinly veiled admiration.

"I'd be honored to join your guild, sir," Roxy replied after a pause, her voice controlled, though her posture hinted at a certain unease.

Barlow gave her an approving nod. "Welcome to the guild. Take the time you need to recover. One of our members will show you to your quarters. Resume next month; after what you've been through, you'll need it."

Roxy nodded, following as a guild member guided her to her new quarters, while Isaac was taken away to the healer for treatment. Meanwhile, the lab team eagerly collected the ant forelegs for examination and testing, buzzing with excitement at the rare specimen.

Once inside her assigned room, Roxy shut the door quietly, allowing herself a moment to absorb her surroundings. The room was spacious, its decor simple yet comfortable. A plush bed stood at the center, a wardrobe occupied one corner, and a small drawer was set beside it. Slowly, she stepped forward, her eyes scanning every detail. Then, clenching her fists tightly, she whispered to herself.

"Finally… back on Earth. It's only a matter of time before I locate the Host."

--- Your next chapter is on empire

The next morning, the first rays of sunlight pierced the window of Silas's small room, rousing him from his sleep. He stretched, rubbing the sleep from his eyes before glancing at his system's interface. Disappointed, he noted the lack of new updates; his unspent attribute points remained as they were. Today, though, brought the promise of a new test, one postponed previously and now rescheduled—a hunt in a single realm.

Silas rose and quickly prepared for the day, his movements swift and efficient. After showering, he dressed in the academy uniform, then paused to examine his reflection in the mirror. His hair was an unusual mix of half-brown and half-snow white.

"One more evolution quest, and it'll be completely white," he murmured, running a hand through it. In a school filled with students who routinely experimented with wild colors, the change in his hair color had gone largely unnoticed. Satisfied with his appearance, he turned away from the mirror.

Leaving his room, he walked toward the cafeteria, where he planned to meet his friends, Vic and Angelica. They had texted him earlier, urging him to hurry up so they could train together before the test began.

As Silas made his way down the hallway, his path was suddenly blocked by a group of students. Curiosity piqued, he looked up, and a frown crossed his face as he recognized the two figures standing before him. At the head of the group was Billy, his face flushed red with anger, fists clenched tightly at his sides.

Standing beside him was someone Silas hadn't seen in a long time: Osborne, a boy whose mere presence brought back unpleasant memories.

"Long time no see, Griswold," Osborne sneered, a twisted smirk tugging at his lips.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Silas's eyes narrowed. Osborne had been a source of torment in his past, forcing Silas to run dangerous errands for a pittance, finding perverse pleasure in Silas's discomfort and struggle. He was the one who'd made him deliver risky batches of Jelly Weed, an experience that had left Silas resentful and wary. And now, here he was again, standing in Silas's path, smirking with that same old arrogance that sent a chill of irritation through Silas.

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A/N: Mass release for the weekend?

10 Golden Tickets= 2 extra chapters.

A Dragon (Gift) = 5 extra chapters.

A Magic Castle/ Dragon (Gift)= 20 extra chapters for the weekend.