“Where are we going?” James asked as he stepped into the elevator beside Vanessa.

  “To the weapons room, of course,” Vanessa replied flatly.

  “What for?” he pressed.

  “Look, kid, I don't want to waste my time explaining what you'll figure out once we get there,” she said.

  Kid? I should be around her age, James thought, frowning internally.

  “Wait… is there a mirror somewhere around here?” he asked aloud.

  Vanessa didn’t answer. Instead, she gestured to the side of the elevator.

  James walked over and was hit with another surprise. “I still look exactly the same as before the coma… I was asleep for five years. How haven’t I aged?” he muttered to himself.

  What’s he rambling about? Did Uncle Jacob just hand me a crazy person to babysit? Vanessa thought, unfazed by his panic.

  The elevator chimed as it stopped. The doors slid open, revealing a massive, pristine white room filled with glass cases, each containing different weapons and armor. The room was larger than any James had ever seen—yet not a single soul occupied it.

  “Speed-based or strength-based fighter?” Vanessa asked, walking ahead.

  “I think… both?” James replied uncertainly.

  Both? Who does this kid think he is? Even high-level awakeners rarely claim that—and sometimes get mocked for it, Vanessa thought, shooting him a side glance.

  “Uncle gave me a 3 million CP budget, so make up your mind,” she said.

  “CP?”

  “Contribution points. Never mind. Speed-based it is.” She dismissed his question and approached one of the cases displaying a sleek combat suit and an overcoat.

  She eyed the price. “1.8 million. You better be worth it,” she muttered, scanning her wristband.

  “Transaction complete,” the case announced before sliding open.

  Vanessa grabbed the suit and handed it to James.

  “What weapon are you most familiar with?” she asked as he took it.

  “A sword… I guess?”

  Vanessa sighed audibly.

  What kind of person isn’t sure about their weapon of choice? she thought, though her expression remained neutral.

  She browsed the sword cases until she found one she liked. “1.2 million. That balances it out.” She scanned her wrist again.

  “Transaction complete,” the case announced again.

  Vanessa retrieved the sword and handed it to James.

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  “Gear up. You’re getting awakened next.” She pointed toward a door on the side of the room.

  James entered the changing room. Stripping off his old clothes, he caught sight of his reflection.

  “Was I always this built?” he murmured, surprised by his lean, muscular form. His defined abs and chest were a stark contrast to the body he remembered.

  A normal person who had been in coma for five years should be emaciated but instead he looks stronger than ever

  He unsheathed the sword. It looked simple, but a glowing gem was embedded between the blade and the hilt.

  “My old sword felt better,” he said, swinging it a few times.

  He examined the jumpsuit. It was incredibly light yet tougher than anything he’d seen.

  “What kind of material is this? It feels like it’s made of some kind of flexible metal thread.” He shook his head. “Might as well get this over with.”

  Fully geared up, James stepped out. Vanessa, leaning against the wall, glanced at him.

  Was he always this good-looking a few minutes ago? she thought.

  “Let’s go,” she said, heading toward the elevator.

  “Where now?” James asked.

  “To a Void Break, obviously,” she replied.

  “Void Break?” James scratched his head, clearly lost.

  They reached the main doors of the Genesis Center. Outside, a valet opened the door to a sleek, luxurious car.

  Vanessa got in, and James followed.

  As they drove through the city, James marveled at how much the world had changed. Roads were immaculate, the skyline glittered with light, and people moved about freely. Holographic banners floated in the air—some advertised wristbands like his, others displayed real-time Void Break zones, and many showcased prominent awakeners. The most frequent projection, however, was the logo: AUN.

  Eventually, the car stopped at a crowded plaza filled with reporters and individuals in combat gear. In the center was a large gate separating the tear in reality from the people.

  A man in a suit stood in front of the gate, flanked by two elite soldiers. He stepped forward to address the crowd.

  “Welcome. I’m sure most of you know why you’re here, but for formality’s sake…”

  “This is a low-level City Break. Beyond the gate are monsters that you must defeat to awaken your abilities. Note: there are no contribution points awarded for this level.”

  “Rules: Do not approach the Void Crack. Do not damage monsters excessively. Once you awaken, exit the gate immediately. Do not hog monsters. Confirm your registration before entering.”

  James and Vanessa exited the car. The crowd was thick and noisy.

  “Is it even possible to get in? There’s like fifty people here,” James wondered.

  Just then, the crowd began to part. An official walked toward them.

  “We’ve received the report. This way, please,” he said, gesturing politely.

  Among the reporters, Temi turned to her colleague. “Do you know them?” she asked, pointing at Vanessa and James.

  “Never seen the kid. But the woman? That has to be her… the Velvet Blade,” Tayo replied excitedly.

  “You’re kidding. Why would she show up to a low-level City Break—with a kid?”

  Whispers filled the air.

  “Why are they cutting in line? I paid 50,000 CP and waited a month!”

  “50,000? I paid over 200,000 and still got stuck in the back.”

  “You idiots,” a girl beside them snapped. “That’s the Velvet Blade. If she hears you complaining, your registration could get revoked.”

  More murmurs followed.

  “It’s the Velvet Blade.”

  “What’s she doing with a kid?”

  “Should I ask for an autograph?”

  James felt the attention on them—admiration for Vanessa, contempt for him.

  “Who’s that kid?”

  “Definitely a duck trying to eat swan meat.”

  “Must be relying on her kindness.”

  Swan meat? What the hell are they talking about? James wondered.

  At the gate, the suited man turned toward them.

  “Miss Vanessa. To what do we owe the honor?”

  “What’s your name again?” she asked.

  “Debola, ma’am,” he replied.

  “Right. Uncle Jacob needs the kid to awaken,” she said, nodding toward James.

  The Chairman himself is backing this kid? And she’s his escort? I should probably get on this guy’s good side… Debola thought.

  He turned to James. “Please, if you need anything, don’t hesitate. It’s an honor to assist the next generation.”

  He extended a hand.

  I see where this is going, James thought, shaking it with a smirk.

  Debola turned back to the crowd. “Line up according to your registration numbers!”

  “What number am I?” James asked.

  “There’s no need for that. Please proceed,” Debola said, gesturing to the soldier, who began unlocking the gate.

  "This treatment isn’t half bad".James thought, stepping forward.

  His next step would lead him into the unknown—his first real battle—and his long-awaited awakening.