Mutant awakening: My evolution knows no bounds

Somewhere else...

In a deserted area on Earth, a towering building reached toward the sky. The structure was both imposing and beautiful, with modern designs etched along its walls like art on stone. Both sides of the building were encased in colossal glass panels, revealing glimpses of the intricate interior.

But this was no ordinary glass; forged from the remains of mutant body parts, it was unbreakable. Even the most destructive force—a missile, an explosion—would leave it unscathed, a testament to the strength and mystery behind the technology.

This was the headquarters of the Aqua Blazing Guild.

Though not part of the elite, Aqua Blazing was a guild with ambition. Its members weren't content to stay in mediocrity, scraping by on minor hunts in lower-grade realms.

They pursued high-stakes, high-reward hunts in advanced realms, knowing that recognition demanded courage and risk. In the world of guilds, only those willing to brave the most dangerous realms gained respect.

However, Aqua Blazing still struggled to climb among the titans of the guild world. At the peak were the Vanquisher Guild, Terminator Guild, and Cobra Venom Guild—the top three, whose names alone inspired admiration. Only a few could join their ranks, and those who did were rewarded with lives of wealth and privilege.

These top guilds held contracts with the Ten Eternal Families, Earth's most influential and powerful figures. Such alliances brought wealth and resources, allowing the top three guilds to afford the best equipment, recruit the finest hunters, and tackle Advanced-grade realms, domains feared by even the bravest.

For years, Aqua Blazing had aimed to secure its place among these legends. Yet, while the other guilds enjoyed in fame and fortune, they remained one level below, clearing regular Grade 4 and 5 realms. It wasn't enough, and their leader, Mr. Barlow, knew this all too well.

Inside the guild's towering fortress, in a vast, brightly lit room, five figures stood assembled. They were outfitted in armor that gleamed a metallic green, each set crafted with scales resembling fish, providing protection while allowing agility.

Their expressions were tense, knowing the weight of the mission before them. Each wore Grade 4 skill slots, weapons at their sides, their eyes locked onto a rectangular portal device standing opposite them, its metallic surface pulsing with a faint blue glow.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The silence was broken by the sliding of the entrance door. A man entered, his expression calm yet commanding. He was bald, not a single strand of hair on his head, and the intense light from above made his scalp shine like there was an extra light bulb in the room. Clad in a sharply tailored blue suit, his right hand tucked casually into his pocket, he exuded authority. This was Mr. Barlow, the guild's enigmatic leader.

"Good morning, comrades," he greeted, his voice deep and steady as he surveyed them. "I trust you all understand why I've called you here."

A woman from the group stepped forward, her face creased with worry. "Yes, sir, we understand… but don't you think it's too dangerous to enter the Crimson Coffin?" Her voice wavered slightly, a hint of fear slipping through.

Mr. Barlow's gaze sharpened as he answered, his tone unwavering. "Emily, we discussed this yesterday. I already explained the risks and the rewards. There's no need to revisit the same concerns."

Emily's brow furrowed as she glanced at her comrades, then back at Mr. Barlow. "I understand, sir… it's just that the Crimson Coffin is legendary for its dangers. Even with our armor and weapons, I'm not sure we're prepared. We lack the equipment for a place like that." Stay updated via empire

Barlow's expression darkened, his voice turning almost harsh. "This mission is crucial, Emily. If we want a place among the top three guilds, we must prove ourselves. Just one mutant body part from the Crimson Coffin would elevate us to their level. Once we break into the top three, we'll gain access to the Eternal Families and the lucrative contracts they bring. Our income will multiply, and Aqua Blazing will become a force to be reckoned with."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "Yes, I understand it's risky. The Crimson Coffin is not for the faint of heart—there are tales of teams vanishing without a trace. But that's why we have a plan. We've scanned the planet thoroughly, and the portal we'll open will place you in an area with fewer mutants. Your task is simple: find a stray mutant, kill it, take whatever valuable body parts it has, and get back through the portal. It doesn't matter if it's a lower-grade mutant—the fact that it came from the Crimson Coffin is what matters. That alone will earn us the respect we need. We'll be the first guild to return with a specimen from that planet, and that will secure our place in the top three."

The room fell silent, each member absorbing the weight of his words. After a tense moment, a man spoke up. His voice was gruff, and his towering frame matched his deep, rugged voice.

"With all due respect, sir, you make it sound easy. But we both know it won't be as simple as that. The moment we arrive, we could be surrounded. Those scanners of yours aren't exactly perfect."

The man was Isaac, a burly hunter with a thick beard that covered the lower half of his face, giving him an almost primal appearance.

Mr. Barlow's gaze narrowed, his tone icy. "Are you afraid, Isaac? If so, say the word, and I'll assign someone else to lead. And let me remind you—if you decide to back out now, you can abandon any hope of becoming my assistant."

A chill ran down Isaac's spine at the subtle threat, but he maintained his composure. "I'm not afraid, sir. I'll handle it." He bowed his head, signaling his submission.

"Good," Mr. Barlow replied, his tone softening slightly. "Anyone else having second thoughts? If so, speak now, and I'll find replacements." His eyes swept across the group, challenging each of them to stand firm.

No one moved. The silence that followed was a pledge of loyalty—or fear.

"Very well," Mr. Barlow declared, his voice resuming its usual commanding tone. "If there are no objections, let's begin. Power up the portal!"

At his command, the portal device began to hum, its core glowing with a fierce, electric blue. The air crackled with anticipation, and the room was filled with a sense of impending danger. The team gripped their weapons, faces set with steely determination, each knowing they were about to step into the unknown.

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A/N: 10 Golden Tickets= 5 extra chapters.

A Magic Castle= 20 extra chapters.