As Leonard drifted in and out of consciousness, John's worry deepened. Time had stretched on far longer than expected since Leonard had left for the mines. "Why hasn't he come out yet? It was just a small section to clear," he thought, unease creeping into his mind. Determined to check on his friend, he stood up and headed toward the entrance of the mining area.
However, the guards stationed at the cafeteria quickly blocked his path. "Where do you think you're going?" one guard barked, arms crossed, an intimidating presence looming over John.
"I know it's not my time yet," John replied, anxiety thickening his voice. "But my friend Leonard hasn't returned. I need to see if he's okay."
The guard narrowed his eyes, skepticism evident. "Are you sure he's still in there? Why not check around the cafeteria? It's not safe to wander into the mines without supervision."
John felt a surge of desperation. "I've searched the entire cafeteria. He's not here! We need to check the mine!"
After a moment's hesitation, the guard sighed, relenting. "Fine. But stay close and don't cause any trouble."
As they made their way deeper into the mine, John's heart pounded in his chest. Shadows danced eerily against the damp stone walls, and a chill ran down his spine. Then, in the dim light ahead, he spotted a dark figure sprawled on the ground. "Leonard!" he shouted, rushing forward.
Kneeling beside him, John's pulse quickened. Leonard's face was pale, his breathing shallow. Panic surged within him as he lifted his friend onto his back, urgency fueling his movements. He sprinted toward the medic station, the oppressive atmosphere of the mine only heightening his anxiety.
At the medic station, a nurse—a human among the vampire guards—examined Leonard with practiced precision. "He's just unconscious from stress and overexertion," she said, her voice calm despite the chaos surrounding them. "He should wake by morning but will need several days to recover. I'll prescribe him some medicine to help."
Relief washed over John, but he felt the weight of their situation. "Can I take him to his room?"
"Yes, but the slave contractor will deduct his leave from your account," she warned, her gaze piercing.
"Understood," John said, knowing every bit of their meager earnings counted. He gently laid Leonard back on the bed, his mind racing with worry and anger at their situation.
Meanwhile, within the depths of Leonard's unconscious mind, he found himself engulfed in a surreal, ethereal space. The atmosphere pulsed with energy, and a voice echoed—vibrant, commanding—the system.
"Tadaa! You have signed up for the Bloodline System! Congratulations, you are one of the selected candidates for the System Academy! However, first, you must complete the main storyline of this world: to become the strongest Bloodline alive. Completing this task will lead you closer to the ultimate purpose of the system and unlock its secrets. Your survival is paramount."
Leonard felt an exhilarating rush. This was his chance to escape the torment of his life! He listened intently as the system detailed the benefits of his sign-in.
"1. You will receive a full body upgrade, adjusting your physique to that of a Bloodline Origin. Your hair may turn white, and your eyes will shift to red with black pupils. Customization is possible, though height cannot be altered. You can change your hair color, eye color, and even your blood type after reaching certain levels.
"2. You will receive a Full Blood Injection, but you must taste the blood of either a Werewolf or a Vampire to activate it. As you progress, you can upgrade your lineage independently, choosing from a family tree that reflects the psychology of each species.
"3. You will be granted a divine weapon named Gram. However, its power is beyond your current capability. You can unlock it at level 20, with its abilities increasing as you level up."
His heart raced at the possibilities. "This could really change everything! But… will I have to fight?"
"Indeed," the system confirmed. "You can acquire abilities that instill fear in those weaker than you once you reach level 20."
Leonard pondered this, then asked, "Is there a way to make you invisible to others? I don't want to look insane, talking to thin air!"
"Yes, you can easily hide your presence. Just think it, and it will be so," the system replied smoothly.
"How long until I wake up?" Leonard pressed, concern lacing his words.
"Your body is undergoing significant modifications. Expect to remain unconscious for up to two days," the system explained.
With determination swelling in his chest, Leonard resolved to make the most of this time. He scrolled through the system's interface, discovering a shopping mall app where he could purchase food, weapons, equipment, and even a house.
"This system is far more powerful than I thought," he mused, excitement bubbling within him. The weapons had high stats, and rewards for leveling up were impressive. "But the experience needed to advance seems steep."
"Indeed," the system confirmed. "After reaching each tenth level, the experience required doubles. After level 20, it triples."
Leonard's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "What's the catch?"
"There's a penalty system," the system explained. "Failing to complete daily tasks will result in being transported to an island in a separate dimension, where you'll face higher-level monsters in one-on-one battles. If you kill them, you can gain their abilities. But if you die, that's the end."
As he absorbed this information, a loud beep echoed in his mind. "Time to wake up! Your modifications are complete, but you'll return to sleep immediately."
In the outside world, John remained vigilant, checking on Leonard constantly, pacing in the cramped room. He couldn't shake the fear that something might happen to his friend. "He's such a good friend," Leonard reflected, feeling the bond they shared.
"Is there a way to help him?" Leonard asked the system, his thoughts turning to John.
"Yes," the system replied. "You could take on a heavier workload to earn enough to buy both of you out of slavery. Additionally, I can show you a vial in the shop that could elevate him to the same level as a high-tier wolf, but you'll need to pay for it. Focus on completing daily missions and defeating monsters higher than your current level to expedite your progress."
Feeling resolute, Leonard understood the weight of his new responsibilities. This was not just about his own escape; it was a chance to secure a better life for John, too. He pictured them free—living without the shadow of oppression, working together toward a brighter future.
Suddenly, a new realization struck Leonard. "Wait! If I'm gaining powers, can I help John? Maybe I can create a way for him to train without the risk of being targeted by the guards!"
"Possible," the system affirmed. "You could establish a training area within your subconscious realm. Just envision it, and I can assist in manifesting it."
With a fierce determination, Leonard imagined a vast expanse filled with training dummies, weapons, and equipment—a place where he and John could hone their skills away from the prying eyes of their captors.
As Leonard began to visualize the training ground, he felt a surge of energy coursing through him. The connection between his mind and the system strengthened, and with it, his resolve to reclaim their freedom solidified.
So it will go to John as a dream but the more he works out in the dream the result will be in reality.
"From now on," Leonard vowed, "we will fight for our lives. Together."