The crowded murmurs of the Awakener Measurement Center turned into a stunned hush as the head of the National Awakeners Organization walked up to Evan, flanked by men in black suits. His presence commanded attention, and even those who had been mocking Evan moments ago fell silent, their expressions shifting from disbelief to awe. Whispers spread quickly through the crowd.
Evan smiled to himself. This was exactly the kind of attention he had expected.
The head stepped forward, his sharp gaze locked on Evan. "Mr. Evan," he said, his voice low and authoritative, "would you mind coming with us? I think it would be better if we spoke somewhere more private."
Evan met his eyes and nodded casually. "Lead the way."
The black-suited men guided him out of the bustling measurement center and into a sleek black car waiting outside. They drove in silence, leaving the city behind and heading toward the towering glass building of the National Awakeners Organization's headquarters. The car came to a stop, and Evan followed them into the grand building, up several floors, and finally into a luxurious office at the top.
The head of the organization gestured to a chair. "Have a seat."
Evan sat, reclining comfortably, his eyes taking in the lavish room. The head of the organization settled behind his desk, his fingers tapping thoughtfully. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Owen Dreyfus, Head of the National Awakeners Organization."
Evan tilted his head slightly. "I want to know something," he said, his tone casual but direct. "Why wasn't there an Apocalypse monster in the S-rank test?"
Owen leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Why do you want to face one?"
Evan smiled, amused. "I noticed there wasn't one in the S-rank test. Is it because even S-ranks can't beat an Apocalypse monster?"
Owen's expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Do you want to face one?"
Evan leaned back, folding his arms. "Not particularly. But you didn't answer my question."
Owen sighed. "The reason there isn't an Apocalypse monster in the S-rank test is simple: we cannot simulate their behaviors yet. They're too unpredictable, too chaotic for any system to properly mimic."
Evan raised an eyebrow. "So, S-ranks can defeat them, right?"
Owen nodded slowly. "Yes… but only in specific cases. When an Apocalypse monster is around D-rank to B-rank, it's possible for an S-rank to handle it alone. But…" He trailed off, leaving the thought unfinished.
Evan's eyes narrowed. "But they can't defeat A-rank or S-rank Apocalypse monsters alone, is that what you're saying?"
Owen's silence spoke volumes. He gave a brief nod, acknowledging the truth without needing to say more.
The conversation shifted as Owen leaned back, his posture more relaxed. "Let's talk about you. You're officially an S-rank now, which comes with a lot of benefits. Privileges that very few possess. Currently, there are only five S-rank awakeners in the nation. With your new rank, that brings the total to six. The most recent before you was Marcus, the guildmaster of Horizon Guild."
Evan's expression remained neutral, though inwardly he noted the mention of Marcus. "And?" he prompted.
Owen's gaze sharpened. "Which guild are you planning to join? Or…" he let his words hang in the air, waiting for Evan to pick them up.
Evan didn't hesitate. "What you're thinking is correct. I'll be starting my own guild."
Owen smiled slightly, as if expecting this. "I figured as much. Every guild in this nation must register with the National Awakeners Organization. Have you thought of a name yet?"
Evan shrugged casually. "I'll figure it out. It's not something I'm in a rush for."
He stood to leave, but just before stepping out of the office, he paused. "One last question. What rank was the Apocalypse monster from three months ago? The one from the incident?"
Owen's eyes darkened. For a moment, the air in the room felt heavier. He was silent for several seconds before he replied. "It was A-rank."
Evan nodded once, showing no outward reaction. "I see."
He left the office and made his way to the exit, stepping into the fresh air outside. As he walked, his mind drifted. "System," he said quietly, "is it possible for you to simulate an Apocalypse monster?"
The system's voice responded in his mind. It's possible, but you'll need to face one directly and scan its movements for accurate data.
Evan's lips curved into a small smile. "Vincent… I'm glad you chose to become a villain. A hero's story without a villain would be boring after all."
National Crime Investigation Department
"THIS SUCKS!" The voice of a young woman echoed through the busy room, causing the entire department to fall silent for a moment. Heads turned to look at her office, startled by her outburst.
She scowled at them. "What are you looking at?!". Her long hair was pulled into a messy bun, and her sharp eyes burned with frustration.
A bulky man in glasses, wearing an officer's uniform, approached her desk with a raised eyebrow. "Calm down, Lena. What's going on?" he asked with a calm smile.
Lena stood and saluted half-heartedly. "Sorry, sir. I just… I can't find any clue about that summoner terrorist."
The man—Captain Reynolds—nodded knowingly. "The one from the incident three months ago?"
"Yes," Lena said, handing him a few files. "It doesn't add up. Look at this—his routine is too normal. He didn't show any signs of being a criminal. He just… lived like a regular person. But every now and then, he left the city before dawn. And when he did, both him and the bus he supposedly rode disappeared without a trace."
Reynolds furrowed his brow. "Did you track down the bus?"
Lena shook her head, frustrated. "I tracked the bus number and even interrogated the driver, but he swears up and down that he doesn't start work until after dawn. There shouldn't be any buses running before then. It's like trying to piece together a puzzle with parts that don't fit."
Reynolds regarded her for a long moment, sympathy in his eyes. "You've been pushing yourself too hard, Lena. I know you lost your sister in that incident, but you need to pace yourself. Take a break."
Lena stiffened but didn't argue. "I know I'm overworking, but I can't just sit around and do nothing, Captain."
Reynolds sighed. "If you're out of leads, maybe it's time to go see someone who knew Vincent. He's called Evan."
Lena looked surprised. "Who's Evan?"
Reynolds chuckled. "You've been holed up in this office for so long you've missed all the news. Evan's the new S-rank. Go talk to him—he might know something. And you should visit the center hospital too. The A-rank awakener who was with Vincent before he disappeared is awake now."
Lena's eyes lit up with renewed focus. She stood, ready to leave immediately. "I'll go right now."
But Reynolds pushed her back into her chair, smiling firmly. "Not until you take a break. You're no good to anyone if you burn out."
Lena scowled but relented, leaning back in her chair. "Fine. Just a short break."
Minutes later, as the exhaustion finally caught up with her, Lena dozed off on the couch in the corner of the office, muttering in her sleep, "I'll catch that terrorist…