Sunlight streamed through the windows, and the cheerful chirping of birds could be heard outside. A black-haired boy stirred awake, rubbing his eyes to clear his vision.
"O-ouch!"
As he tried to move, a jolt of pain shot through his body—mild, yet noticeable. Still, it was far more bearable than the agony he'd felt just a few days ago. The discomfort triggered his memory, and everything that had happened came rushing back.
[Welcome to the Monstrum System!]
A floating window appeared before him. He recognized it immediately—it was the same one that had materialized just before he lost consciousness.
"Monstrum?"
Zev muttered the unfamiliar word, unaware that the system had registered his voice. It was the first time he had heard it, but he didn't dwell on it—he figured he'd learn more soon enough. Instead, his focus shifted to the details displayed in the floating window.
[You have unlocked your monster's gene!]
[Dark Crow Evolution I]
[Unknown Gene – Error: Unable to unlock due to insufficient host strength!]
His eyes widened. He had assumed the Dark Crow gene was the only one available during the awakening, but apparently, there was another something completely unknown to him. Still, he wasn't rattled. He had a strong gut feeling about this, maybe something he inherited from his mother.
"Should I ask Father about this? I've never seen my mother since I was born."
After giving birth to Zev, his mother—Sandra Quellen—vanished without a trace. No one knew where she had gone. In his previous life, Zev had tried to uncover information about her, but every lead ended in failure, as if Sandra had never existed at all.
He turned his attention back to the floating window and continued reading the information displayed:
Body and bone strength increased by 7%.
Spiritual energy increased by 10%.
Skill(s):
Dark Energy – You can now materialize your energy into your body, increasing your physical strength by 15%.
Feather Armor – Increases your defense by 20%.
The feathers of the Dark Crow were composed of a metallic material, highly effective for protection. Zev smiled as he read the description, knowing this skill would significantly boost his chances of survival and help him avoid severe injuries.
[Manifestation – Dark Crow Unique Skill: Steal]
You are able to copy another's gene as your own after taking their life.
Zev was taken aback. The potential of this skill was staggering—its usefulness extended to nearly every aspect of his growth. Still, he forced himself to stay calm, suppressing the rising excitement as he began to consider the implications more carefully.
He rubbed his chin. "Indeed, this skill is incredibly useful, there's no doubt about that. But the real question is, what are the side effects of taking someone else's gene?"
Zev knew well that possessing a monster's gene came with risks. The side effects were often severe, especially when the body couldn't adapt. Some genes were so unstable that the host's body would literally explode, reduced to a pulp like smashed tomatoes. That gruesome possibility alone made it clear, he needed to think twice before using the Manifestation skill.
Beyond that, he had only unlocked Dark Crow Gene – Evolution I. That meant further changes to his body were inevitable as the gene evolved. Whatever came next, he had to be ready for it.
After reading all the information displayed on the screen, a smile spread across Zev's face. "I have two base genes in my body—Dark Crow, and another one that's not fully awakened yet. The best part is, this gives me an edge over everyone else."
Typically, a mutant possessed only one dominant gene, the human body could rarely handle more. While mixing genes was possible, it usually resulted in nothing more than minor physical changes, without granting any real power or ability.
What intrigued Zev even more was the timing. It had been two years since that screen last appeared. It was as if the system only activated under special conditions, perhaps after awakening, or only when he achieved something significant.
"I can't trigger the screen—it just pops up whenever it wants."
As expected, the screen vanished after he finished reading the information.
Click!
The door opened with a soft click as Harin stepped into the room. His eyes widened the moment he saw Zev awake and alert. Emotion flooded his face—after all, the awakening process could have cost the boy his life.
"Sir Zev... are you hurt anywhere? Do you need anything?" Harin asked, his voice laced with concern.
Zev shook his head and gave a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Harin. There's nothing to worry about."
Relief washed over Harin, his body relaxing as though a fish bone had been dislodged from his throat.
"I'm truly glad to see you safe, sir."
"Sorry for making you worry, Harin. How long was I unconscious?"
"Four days, Sir Zev. Everyone, especially Lord Lucan, is waiting for you. I need to report your awakening to him," Harin said frankly. It was a strict order from Lucan that he had to follow.
Zev didn't try to stop him, knowing it would only cause trouble for Harin if he did. Besides, he couldn't pretend to be unconscious much longer.
"No problem. But before that, could I have something to eat? I'm starving."
After hearing those words, Harin immediately went outside and ordered the maids to prepare food for Zev.
It did not take too long, delicous food arrived at his room. A woman had short block hair delivered it, her name was Ariya.
"Thank you, Ariya." Zev said and started to eat like a beast.
"S-sir Zev, slow down, I prepared lot of food." She worriedly said as she worried food might choke him. Nevertheless, Zev didn't listen to him as his body was needing strength.
Soon after eating and taking a bath, Harin returned to Zev's room.
"Sir Zev, Lord Lucan is requesting to see you."
"That's fine. I was planning to meet him anyway," Zev replied casually.
-
"How's your body, Zev?" Lucan asked, carefully inspecting him—his eyes searching for any signs of internal injury. All seemed fine.
"I've healed well, Father. Thank you for your concern," Zev replied.
Lucan didn't like beating around the bush. He got straight to the point:
"Do you feel anything unusual in your body? From what I see, the awakening went smoothly."
Zev didn't hesitate to be honest.
"Yes, Father. I managed to obtain your gene." He then revealed a dark violet aura pulsating in his hand, no larger than a tennis ball.
Though the aura was small, Lucan was visibly impressed. Zev already had perfect control over his spiritual energy—something most mutants only achieved after extensive training and familiarization with their genes following awakening. Yet Zev managed it effortlessly, having just woken up.
Lucan also noticed something unusual: whenever Zev used his spiritual energy, his left eye glowed a deep dark violet.
That might be a side effect of the monster's gene, Lucan thought to himself.
"That's good to hear, Zev," Lucan said aloud. "But that's not why I summoned you. Your awakening was a success, so I assume you have some idea of what comes next?"
Mutant Academy
Before becoming a full-fledged mutant, a person had to undergo training at the academy. There, they learned how to control their monster's gene, harness spiritual energy, and even master magic. Professors also taught them how to survive in real combat against actual monsters.
Thanks to the academy's guidance, the number of mutants dying at the hands of monsters—or worse, being possessed by them—had significantly decreased.
Zev understood exactly what his father was thinking and nodded in agreement. In his previous life, he had also attended the academy, even though his awakening hadn't been successful. That opportunity had come thanks to Lucan's influence. However, because of his appearance and lack of strength, he faced constant discrimination.
"I'll go, Father."
Lucan looked at him seriously.
"In one week, you'll be heading to the Mutant Academy. Get some rest until then—your body hasn't fully recovered yet."
Zev nodded.
"Before I leave, may I ask you something?"
"Go ahead. What is it?"
"Can you tell me what kind of power Mother had?"
Lucan didn't hesitate.
"Your mother could use magic. As far as I know, she was a Magic Mutant VI. But if you're asking about her genes, I don't have any information."
"I see. Do you know where she is now?"
Lucan shook his head.
"She disappeared after you were born. I searched everywhere but couldn't find a single clue."
At that moment, Zev stopped asking questions—he knew this conversation wouldn't yield any useful answers.
"Thank you, Father. I'll take my leave now."
"Go and get some rest," Lucan replied.
As Zev walked away, countless thoughts flooded his mind. He felt his father was holding back, offering only limited information.
Click!
As soon as he entered his room, someone was waiting for him.
"Big brother!!"