"I can see you're already awake," he remarked, his voice carrying a tone of authority. With a swift motion, he pulled a chair closer to the bed and settled himself into it, his gaze fixed intently on the task at hand.
"Despite this being quite inappropriate, my sole purpose here is to ensure your safety. The military has dispatched two individuals to question you regarding the mission."
Will exerted effort to rise, propping himself against the bed's edge. "Regarding the crystal, rest assured, we have successfully recovered it." He said as he tried searching his storage space.
"My ring!" he exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice. He had tried assessing his storage space, when he discovered his ring was no longer on his finger. His gaze darted around the room, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. The ring held immense significance, its rarity placing it in a league of its own.
Bound to him alone, the ring possessed an enchantment that rendered it unusable by anyone else.
"Your ring?" The commander interjected, his tone laced with disbelief. "Surely, everyone is aware of its extraordinary nature. The wearer cannot simply take it off, correct?" A flicker of realization crossed his mind. "Wait, don't tell me you stored the crystal within your storage space?"
"They won't be pleased with this," he muttered, his agitation evident as he pushed himself up from his seat and began pacing the room. "They've been on edge ever since your return. And now, to add to their suspicions, you've managed to lose the crystal?"
"Wait a minute!" Will interjected, his voice tinged with confusion. "I thought you and the others were the ones who rescued me. Unless...unless I truly died and was reborn," he silently added, not daring to voice it out. "How did I end up here, if not through their intervention?" He questioned, seeking confirmation.
"Your body materialized right in the center of the academy. We were unable to enter the planet due to a strange force that enveloped the entire planet," he explained, his tone filled with a mix of surprise and concern. "Remarkably, you emerged unscathed, but the energy pulsating within you was tumultuous, to say the least."
"I should make my exit before they grow suspicious of my whereabouts. Be cautious with your words, especially regarding that core of yours," he warned, before slipping away into the shadows.
Will's mind raced as he processed the astonishing revelation. With a mixture of trepidation and curiosity, he settled himself on the edge of the bed, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. Inwardly, he delved into the depths of his being, seeking the truth that lay within.
As he focused his attention on his core, a surge of anticipation coursed through him. The room seemed to fade away, replaced by a realm of ethereal light. And there, at the center of his being, he beheld a sight that left him dumbfounded.
"What the f*ck!" he exclaimed, his voice barely a whisper as he fought to contain his astonishment. His eyes widened as he took in the pulsating core, radiating with an otherworldly glow. It was as if a whole new entity had emerged, distinct from the one he had known before.
A rush of realization flooded his mind. "Peak stage of the initial realm," he murmured, his voice tinged with awe. The implications of this newfound power were staggering. It was clear that his core hadn't merely merged, but had undergone a complete transformation, birthing something entirely new and potent.
The mission had been a stroke of incredible fortune, a twist of fate that not only granted him a system but also a new body. With a surge of excitement, he stood up from the bed and headed towards the door at the far end of the room.
Entering the bathroom, he found himself standing before a gleaming mirrior, his gaze fixed on the reflection that stared back at him. Carefully he examined every inch of his new form, searching for any subtle changes that might have occurred. His once unruly silver curls were now expertly gathered into a neat bun. And those mesmerizing blue eyes, once dull and weary, now glowed with a vibrant energy, radiating a soft luminescence that seemed almost otherworldly.
Satisfied with the self inspection, he retraced his steps back to the room, heading towards the comfort of the bed.
He knew he wouldn't be allowed to leave the room until he had been interrogated and was sure he was under extreme watch.
"System interface," he muttered as he lay on the bed. He decided to spend the time exploring the system. He had concluded to keep the system a secret for the time being.
****
Few hours later, the door swung open, revealing a pair of soldier.
"Will Sonoma, you've been ordered to follow us without delay."
Opening his eyes, he saw the soldiers standing before him. He had chosen to take a brief respite before the dreaded interrogation. "C'mon, didn't your mother teach you to knock before barging into a room," he grumbled, rising to his feet. Well, lets not dwadle any longer, lead the way.
They wasted no time escaping the confines of the school infirmary, their destination clear: the interrogation room. As they hurried through the deserted halls of the academy, Will couldn't help but notice the eerie emptiness that enveloped the once bustling corridors. Only a handful of individuals roamed aimlessly, their presence barely registering as they streaked past.
A sudden turn brought them face to face with a group of boys. Among them stood an orange haired youth, his piercing gaze fixated on Will. He offered a sly wink at him before they continued on their way.
"Sh*t, why are they still around?" he thought as he felt a shiver down his spine.
They had finally arrived at the room designated for the impending interrogation. A soldier rapped on the door before cautiously stepping inside. Seated on the chairs positioned before the imposing table, was a bald-headed man and a striking lady with vibrant pink hair. The room had been meticulously organised, with the the desk and chairs strategically placed at the center of the room.
"Please, take a sit, Will." The bald headed man beckoned, his voice laced with a disarming smile. I apologise for confining you in that room, but I'm certain you understand the reason behind your summons. To avoid wasting any more of your precious time, lets proceed swiftly.
Can you narrate everything that took place during the mission?"
Will settled himself before them, his mind racing to find the right word. The truth, he thought, he just needed to tell them everything that had happened, afterall he didn'tdo anythingwrong. The only thing he decided to keep to himself was the strange system he had acquired. Taking a moment to calm his pounding heart, he began to recount the harrowing events of the mission.
The words flowed effortlessly from his lips as he recounted the ordeals they had faced, the dangers they had encountered and his sacrifice. Although he still felt the sense of dread, when narrating the story. He didn't let the fear and frustration he had experienced to taint his words.
As Will spoke, the duo listened intently their eyes fixed on him. They could see the sincerity in his eyes, the honesty resonating in his voice.
His narration was complete. It had been done in no time but felt like eternity. Now it was up to them to respond.
The bald man's piercing gaze bore into Will, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Tell me, Will, did you selfishly keep the crystal to heal your own core?"
Will's mind raced as he recalled the events that had unfolded. He had been unconscious, unaware of the tests they had conducted on him. But now, faced with the bald man's inquiry, he knew he had to be honest.
Taking a deep breath, Will met the man's gaze with unwavering determination. "I didn't use it for myself," he replied, his voice steady. "I knew how crucial our mission was, and I couldn't afford to prioritize my own needs over the greater cause. I'm so sorry for losing the crystal."
The room fell silent as the weight of his words hung in the air. The bald man's expression softened, a glimmer of understanding flickering in his eyes. It was clear that Will's commitment to the mission had not gone unnoticed.
"And what of your core?" the bald man pressed further, his curiosity piqued. "What happened during the battle against the dragon?"
A flicker danced in Will's eyes as he recounted the pivotal moment. "My core evolved," he explained, his voice tinged with awe. "It was during that intense battle that I discovered the true extent of my power. But I owe my return to a life-saving artefact."
The man looked at the lady who had been quiet all through. She nodded her head, her face still maintaining the stoic expression.
Will found this suspicious, but didn't mind.
The interrogation went on with the man asking Will various questions which he answered truthfully. Each answer he gave was responded with a nod by the lady.He eventually discovered the reason behind the lady's presence: she possessed the ability to detect lies.
"Alright, the interrogation his over. You are free to go back to your dorm."
Will stood up, leaving the confines of the office. He swiftly made his way towards commander Parker quarters. However, his progress was abruptly blocked by a group of students.
At the forefront of this impromptu barricade stood a peculiar figure with vibrant orange locks. "Why don't we go some place quiet and have a nice talk," he said, a sly wink accompanying his words. Desperate for an escape, Will's eyes darted around the hall, searching for a saviour to extricate him from this nervous encounter.
Alas, he found no one, as the hall was completely empty.