The rays of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the slum-filled shanty town.
Adam was sprawled out on his bed, sleeping soundly. For the past two nights, he had been secretly controlling Rose in combat practice down by the garbage dump.
After hours of grueling effort, their compatibility had reached a staggering 300 points. With each increase, Adam noticed his control over Rose was becoming almost second nature. She moved with the same ease as his own limbs, responding instantly to his thoughts.
It felt like they shared a common soul—two minds working in perfect sync.
As dusk fell, the sounds of people returning home drifted through the window, eventually rousing Adam from his sleep. He groggily sat up, eyes half-closed, his mouth feeling parched.
"Water..." he mumbled, rubbing his eyes in a daze.
Without a word, Rose emerged from the void, gracefully picking up the glass of water from the table and offering it to him.
[Congratulations, host! Your compatibility with the Doomsteed, Rose, has increased by +1 point...]
Adam accepted the cup and drank eagerly, feeling instantly revitalized.
"Ah," he sighed contentedly, "this is the life. Personal tea service and compatibility boosts... what more could I want?"
Just then, a familiar deep voice shouted from outside his shack, "Adam! You home?"
With a thought, Rose immediately disappeared in a flash of red light, merging seamlessly into Adam's body. He wasn't ready for anyone to know about her just yet.
Adam leaned over and slid the window open, spotting a broad-shouldered man with an open, friendly face standing outside. "Leonardo! What's up?"
Leonardo grinned sheepishly. "Hey, figured you'd be here, still catching up on sleep?"
Adam chuckled, eyeing him. "You know me too well."
Leonardo's backstory was a mix of humor and tragedy. He'd grown up in these same slums, but his family had boasted a legendary figure—a Doom-Breaker—some three generations back. That lofty legacy, though, had done little to shield his family from a steady descent into poverty.
Originally, Leonardo's family had high hopes that he would rise above their hardships. But at age 20, when he took the talent test, he didn't make the cut.
Since then, he'd become a professional wall builder for the city's defense department. With his gentle nature, he often ended up as the target of others' teasing. Adam, however, wasn't one to stand by when people took advantage. He'd stepped in to help Leonardo a few times, and the two had become friends.
"So, what brings you here?" Adam asked.
Leonardo gave him an innocent grin. "Adam, why haven't you shown up to work the last two days?"
Work? Not a chance. I'm never going back to that life.
Building walls all day—people act like it's some grand opportunity. If they only knew how miserable it is.
Adam's situation had changed drastically. Not only had his Quantum Force awakened, but he'd also tamed a creature like the Hell Queen and gained access to the system.
He might technically be off the books, but he was well on his way to becoming a true Doom-Breaker. Why would he want to spend his days doing backbreaking labor now?
"I quit," he replied flatly.
Leonardo blinked, scratching his head in confusion. "You... quit? Then what are you going to do to eat?"
Funny he should mention food—Adam realized he was actually feeling a little hungry.
Adam had polished off the last of his energy bars yesterday and, after skipping work at the City Defense Office for two days, he was pretty sure he'd lost that job. Now, he was down to his last cent—and his stomach was grumbling.
"Uh… hey, buddy, can I ask you a favor?" Adam turned to Leonardo with a mischievous grin. "You wouldn't happen to have a couple of spare energy bars, would you? You know, just to loan me for a bit…"
"Energy bars? Nope, not a one." Leonardo shook his head so fast he almost looked panicked.
Figures, Adam thought. Just when you think you can count on someone…
He was about to close the window and send Leonardo on his way when his friend's face lit up with a grin. "But I just got paid for the last few days. How about I treat you to something decent?"
"Good man! You're a true friend!" Adam shot Leonardo a thumbs-up, quickly ducking outside to join him.
They strolled through the narrow pathways of the slum, where the crowded streets teemed with life. Tiny shacks lined the road, mixed with restaurants and small shops catering to the locals.
The Crypta government distributed energy bars to cover basic needs—just one was enough to keep a person full for the entire day. But let's be honest, they weren't exactly gourmet. With their rubbery texture and lackluster taste, chewing through one felt like eating a silicone sponge.
If you craved a real meal, you had to hit the street eateries, where beer, soft drinks, barbecued meats, and more were on offer. The hygiene was questionable at best, with flies, cockroaches, and the occasional "mystery ingredient" appearing in the dishes.
But even with the added "protein," those meals tasted far better than the bland energy bars—and, as Adam knew all too well, they cost a small fortune.
The two friends found a cozy street shop, ordered some barbecue and beer, and ended up spending most of Leonardo's hard-earned wages from a few days of brick-hauling.
Adam was famished, so he wasted no time grabbing the skewers and digging in. After a sip of beer, Leonardo leaned over, his expression serious.
"Hey, Adam, if you're really not going back to wall repair, what's your plan? You can't just sit around forever. Why don't you come down to the City Affairs Office with me tomorrow? I'll talk to the foreman, say you were out sick or something."
Adam froze for a second, genuinely touched by Leonardo's offer. Since landing in this strange era, he had nobody, no family or real friends. Few people cared whether he lived or died, but Leonardo… he was a rare exception.
With a grin, Adam raised his glass to clink it against Leonardo's. "Hey, don't worry about me. One day soon, when I've really made it big, I'll bring you and your family to live in the high-end district. I'll set you up with a proper job and a place to stay."
Leonardo nearly choked on his beer. He looked at Adam, clearly skeptical but amused.
Just then, the shop's LCD TV flickered on, interrupting the background music with a live broadcast.
"Attention, citizens of Crypta. I am Evelyn Frost, Communications Director of the Warfare Department."
A poised, tall woman appeared onscreen, dressed in a sharp blue suit with her hair neatly pulled back, projecting a look of intelligence and authority.
"We apologize for interrupting your regular programming, but we have an urgent message for the public…"
The chatter in the shop went silent, with all eyes now glued to the screen.
Leonardo mumbled to himself, "An announcement from the Warfare Department? They hardly ever address the whole city... Must be something major."
On the TV, Evelyn Frost continued her address with a calm but urgent tone.
"The Doom-Breaker talent test conducted in East City Square two days ago was unexpectedly interrupted by a small group of invading creatures, which caused significant data errors. Therefore, the Department of Warfare will hold a second round of talent tests tomorrow at noon. We urge all citizens over the age of 20 to participate actively."
She took a pause, then continued with a more serious expression. "In addition, our department is currently searching for a particular young man..."
As soon as she said this, everyone in the shop sat up, curiosity piqued.
"This young man displayed exceptional talent during the test, but for various reasons, we've been unable to reach him," Evelyn said, her voice steady but her eyes intense.
At this, people outside also started gathering, pressing against the shop windows, eager to hear more.
"According to witnesses at the test, he had been sprayed by gastric fluids from a Magnetic Fang Beast. This is the most distinct characteristic we have about him."
Evelyn's tone became more insistent. "To that young man, if you're watching this broadcast, we urge you to reach out to us. The Crypta Department of Warfare will offer you the best benefits, elite training, and top-tier support."
Her gaze seemed to sharpen, each word precise and intentional. "Remember, the doors of the Crypta Warfare Department are always open for you."