A short while before the laboratory collapsed. “Mister Lorson, we’ve already begun the preparations. The operation shouldn’t take more than an hour, please wait here.” As Olivia and Anthony needed to keep this agreement under tight wraps, William made use of his vast wealth to build a laboratory in the basement of a recently-renovated house South of the Sunken Metropolis. The neighborhood was peaceful and relatively empty, thus making it the best spot to conduct such an illegal matter. William and Jacob were both presents, along with a few of their subordinates. As for the married scientists, they came alone and didn’t seem worried that someone might interrupt their work or barge in. After exchanging a few words with the ever-solemn William Lorson, they swiftly returned to the laboratory. Meanwhile, the head of the Lorson household stood on the small lawn of the house. He was like a robot, motionless and silent as he patiently waited. As for his eldest son, Jacob, he kept pacing

Although Albert had quelled the agonizing pain that tortured Sulong, the constant ringing sound inside of his head kept going.“The boy… Zeke… he’s in danger.”There was a foreboding and inexplicable sensation swelling within Sulong, urging him to go to Zeke’s side. However, he was given no directions or guidance, making the situation all the more difficult to deal with.It got so bad that Sulong’s ability was manifesting by itself, forming a circular war of crimson flames seemingly protecting him from outside danger.****[Pain-Junkie Main Path has been unlocked!][Fortitude stats already available][+7 Fortitude][+10 Strength][The user ‘Voltage Sync, Zeke’ has obtained the following skills: Surge of Pain - Body Damage - Self-injection][Surge of Pain has been activated: +20 to all stats][Surge of pain has been activated: +30 to all stats][Surge of pain has been activated: +40 to all stats][Body Damage has taken effect]Zeke was in no state to check the new skills, however, his

When Zeke opened his eyes and finally awakened from his premature slumber, he felt an uncomfortable numbness in his left arm. He let out a soft groan as he immediately remembered what happened.He had used ‘Over-drive’ to retaliate against William Lorson, but his body couldn’t cope with prior over-exertion along with the almost fatal injury inflicted by the frightening black flames.‘This is Erys’ infirmary. I survived… that’s a good thing.’The young man slowly sat up while chuckling in a self-mocking manner. His whole left arm was wrapped in tight bandages, but even without getting a good look, he knew it was irreparably damaged.Still, there was no need to regret or worry about this consequence. Doctor Xavier was nowhere to be seen, so Zeke turned his attention to the accessible System Logs.********[User: Zeke Orland][Race: Human][Level 7 (16/105 EXP)][Strength: 99][Agility: 84][Aether: 91][Fortitude: 25][Paths: Martial Arts (1/12) inactive | Voltage Body(1/44) | Groundbre

In the spacious and cozy ‘lounge’ of the Special Investigation Squad, Celestia Black and John were looking at the campus, their eyes focused on the crowd of people opposing each other. Most of the students were either asleep or readying themselves in the dorms, so there weren’t many onlookers, to begin with. Those who happened to witness such a sight were wise enough to keep their distance and opt for being quiet spectators.“From one hole to the other. I almost pity the boy.” Remarked Celestia as she kept her eyes on Zeke. While it was true she had first disliked him, her impression of him slightly changed. His attitude notwithstanding, she knew that he was a good-natured youth, one whose circumstances pushed him to become an impassive and overall gloomy person. John, who stayed a couple of paces behind the girl, remained silent for a long time before a chilling voice came out of his now unsealed lips.“Prepare yourself.”As she heard the Talking Sin out of nowhere, Celestia turne

Tuesday evening, the second day of the Practical Exams.North-West of the Sunken Metropolis, there was a chain of big and small hills housing several farms and settlements.Atop one such hill, filled with nothing but a stretch of grass and flowers, Zeke stood under the setting sun.He gazed at the sky, which was dominated by a beautiful orange hue as a cool wind breeze brushed against his skin.His charred black arm tingled and he felt a bit of pain, but it was manageable. The young man, who changed into casual clothes and cleaned his previously disheveled appearance, took deep breaths as he patiently waited.A fair distance away, at the side of the road, Jack and Sulong were chatting without a care in the world. They were enjoying cold beers, instructed by Zeke to await his return, no matter how time would pass.After an indeterminate amount of time, Zeke heard footsteps coming from the rear, and when he turned around, he saw the blond-haired Azmer.“I honestly thought you wouldn’t