Riven jumped up, his heart racing as he looked around in confusion.
He was in a white room—sterile, quiet, almost unnervingly calm. Then it hit him. Memories rushed back all at once: the attack, the chaos, the pain—and the strange prompt that had flashed before his eyes just before everything went black.
Welcome, user, to the Forced Evolution System.
"What was that? What did it even mean?" he muttered, rubbing his temples. "Do all Force-Evolved people get that kind of message? No way. The internet would've said something—or Jordan would've told me when he awakened…"
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from outside the room. Riven turned toward the door, his breath hitching as his eyes widened. Two people walked in: a man with bright red hair and piercing blue eyes—taller than the doorframe itself—and a red-haired woman with the same sharp blue gaze. Both wore black uniforms trimmed in gold, and by the clothes alone, Riven knew exactly who they were.
"The Ascension…" Riven whispered.
The Ascension was an elite organization tasked with subduing rogue Evolvers—those who abused their powers for crime or awoke while already incarcerated. Many officers joined after their evolution, drawn in by higher pay and the generous benefits the organization provided.
What the hell are the Ascension doing here? Riven thought. Actually—forget that. Where's Jordan?!
"What happened to my brother?!" he asked, panic breaking through his voice.
The red-haired girl shrugged casually. "Relax. Your brother's fine. He's asleep on the other side—check for yourself."
Riven rushed to the curtain beside his bed and yanked it open. Jordan lay peacefully, breathing slow and steady. Relief flooded his chest as he let the curtain fall closed again.
"My name's Mack Grey," the man said calmly. "And this is my pupil, Nico Grey. As you've figured out, we're from the Ascension. After you passed out, we got a call from someone who witnessed the whole thing. We showed up, dealt with the attackers, and brought you here."
"Short and to the point. I like that," Riven said.
"Thanks for saving us—but why are you here?"
Mack crossed his arms.
"Well, kid, given what you went through, there's a real chance you Force-Evolved. Do you… feel different?"
Riven closed his eyes.
In the darkness, a grey flame flickered to life—small, but unmistakable. Another prompt surfaced.
Welcome, user, to the Forced Evolution System.
His eyes snapped open with a spark of hope—but when he looked at Mack and Nico, their expressions told him everything.
They hadn't seen it.
So… they can't see it, Riven realized. That means I can't talk about this yet. I need to figure it out first.
"You don't have one, do you?" Nico said flatly, her expression souring. "Tch. I got my hopes up. What'd I expect from a pi—"
"Nico," Mack cut in sharply.
Mack turned back to Riven and gave him a sympathetic nod. "I'm sorry you haven't awakened. It might still happen later. Rest up. I hope you and your twin recover quickly."
As they turned to leave, Nico glanced back once more, her red hair catching the light.
Twins, huh…? she thought.
Moments later, the curtain slid open again—this time by Jordan, who stared at Riven with a mix of disappointment and curiosity.
"Riven… after all that?" Jordan said quietly. "Some people evolve from getting mugged. You got attacked by a full-on Evolver and still didn't awaken?"
Riven smiled faintly. "I did. I'll explain later."
⸻
"Harkel," a man with dark blue hair and a bulky, imposing build that made people pause in awe, walked through an empty hallway. Every person who passed bowed their head in respect.
"Yes, Father," a young man with long, light-blue hair said as he appeared before him and bowed deeply.
"How has your training been going?"
"Excellent, Father. I feel like I could be scouted by one of the camps now."
"Oh, little Harkel…" the man said softly. "It's far too late for that. Maybe a month or two earlier—then yes. But it's too late now. Luckily, you'll be with your brother. There is a bright side to that."
With that, he walked away.
Despite his words, Harkel knew the truth. Not being scouted embarrassed his father. His children weren't the strongest in the clan.
"Axel… Spencer… and the rest of my older siblings," Harkel whispered. "I promise I'll surpass you all. I won't fail you, Father."
⸻
Outside a convenience store, a green-haired boy walked out beside a girl with the same color hair. Both had blue eyes—hers long and straight, his short and messy.
"Good work today, Luka and Kira!" the shop owner called. "Tell your mom and dad I said hello."
"Will do, sir!" Luka replied as the number 30 lit up on his card. Kira's card showed the same number.
"This should be enough to cover Mom and Dad's taxes for the month," Luka said quietly as they headed toward the bus stop. "At least they can focus on the bills."
"Are you sure?" Kira asked. "It's less than last time. Don't you think we should ask for more?"
"No," Luka replied firmly. "We need to hope this—combined with what you earned—helps. If we demand more, they might just fire us." He paused. "But… since this is our last month before the academy, it wouldn't hurt to ask tomorrow."
The bus pulled up.
⸻
Elsewhere, within the same city, a blonde-haired boy lay in a filthy field, blackened leaves and trash scattered around him as he stared at the sky.
In a month… can I really do this? he wondered. What if I die? I can't refuse—or Mom gets in trouble.
Rumors of students dying on their first day echoed in his mind.
No hierarchy… no bullying… but no one like me either. Wallborns don't belong there.
"But… do we have the spirit to become adventurers?"
"Joey!" a woman called.
"Yes?" he answered.
"I'm off to work. There are TV dinners in the freezer."
"Okay. Be safe. Love you."
"Love you too!"
"I hate TV dinners…" Joey muttered.
⸻
A girl with short, dark-purple hair stood outside a doorway.
"You called for me, Mother?"
Inside, a woman sat behind a desk, overlooking rows of houses—without walls.
"Yes, Wren," she said. "I know you're disappointed none of the camps scouted you. But it wasn't your skill. I didn't allow it."
Wren didn't react.
"Our family has deep ties to the academy," her mother continued. "I want you to uphold that legacy. I have high hopes for you. Will you meet them?"
"Yes, Mother," Wren replied, her eyes dull. "I will meet your standards. I always will."
⸻
A brown-haired girl with twin ponytails stared into a mirror.
"A month…" she murmured.
"Yes. A month," an older woman said, appearing suddenly.
"Mom! Don't do that!"
"I just wanted to see if you're prepared."
"No… not really."
"Why?"
"Everyone has goals there. Mine don't involve the academy."
"They still can," her mother said gently. "You just need to find your path." She smiled. "What's your name?"
"Skye. Skye Vank."
"Exactly."
She pulled her into a tight embrace.
⸻
"Sir," an armored man spoke.
"Yes?"
"Are you alone?"
"Leave me, Claggor."
The crimson-haired man rose, his expression steeped in disgust as he brushed past the guard.
⸻
"So?" another crimson-haired man asked sharply.
"Yes, sir. One of the twins was attacked. The other intervened."
"And you didn't interfere?"
"The Ascension was nearby."
"…I see."
"They're fine."
"Good."
"A child is on the way. Likely a girl."
The man stood. "Her name will be Sofia."
He stopped. "Double the pay. Silence."
Credits appeared.
"I know you're listening, Claggor."
"Father…" Claggor whispered. "What have you done?"