Master Akio's head shook slowly, his eyes fixed on the chaos surrounding his son.
"No... I cannot leave his side," he said firmly, voice thick with emotion. "Even for a moment. I cannot bear the thought of something happening while he's in this state."
It was a reaction no one found surprising. A father's devotion, unwavering and absolute, shone through. Despite his entanglement in global business affairs, Akio's love for Riku eclipsed all else—the one thing he truly cherished.
Haru bowed slightly, acknowledging Akio's resolve. "I understand, Master Akio. Should you need anything, please do not hesitate to call." He refrained from pressing the matter further. No amount of wealth or influence could change the gravity of this situation.
Haru's gaze then shifted to a new presence approaching the room. A blonde woman moved swiftly toward them, flanked by a group of imposing guards clad in black suits and dark sunglasses.
"Master Akio," Haru said, his voice steady, "Riku's fiancée has arrived."
Her name was Yui Sano. Her blonde-brown curls framed an angelic face, and her piercing blue eyes radiated intelligence and poise. At 168 centimeters, her figure was graceful and commanding, the result of both genetics and the prestige of the affluent Sano family. She moved with confidence, her every step exuding the authority of someone accustomed to privilege.
Yet Haru knew the truth behind the arrangement: the bond was unrequited. Their families had orchestrated the engagement, leaving genuine feelings unspoken. Still, Haru could not deny one thing—Yui was undeniably kindhearted, a rare combination of compassion and refinement in a world driven by status and power.
Meanwhile, Yui's concern for Riku burned like a solitary flame amid the cold formality of their arranged union.
"Father Akio! Where is Riku?! What's happened?!" Her voice rang with urgency as she approached, eyes darting toward her fiancé's father.
Akio's shoulders sagged, his voice heavy with despair. "R-Riku... he attempted to activate his genes... but a massive electric surge struck him."
The words struck Yui like a physical blow. Her gaze immediately shifted toward the door, tears welling and tracing down her cheeks as her heartbeat quickened.
Riku's body, she had been told, was battered and burned—slashed by invisible knives and scorched by an otherworldly electricity that had no mercy.
"What did the doctors say? When will he wake up?" she demanded, each question sharp, her worry barely contained.
Her distress overcame her caution. She took a step toward the room—but Haru moved instantly, placing himself between her and the doorway.
"What is the meaning of this, Haru?! Did you not see him? I have to be there! Riku needs me!" she shouted, her voice trembling with both anger and fear.
Haru's face remained calm, though he understood every ounce of her desperation. Yet he did not budge. "I am truly sorry, Lady Yui, but you must understand the circumstances. The medical team has instructed that only authorized personnel may enter. It is for Riku's own safety."
Yui brushed her tears away, chin lifted, her resolve hardening. "This is absurd! Riku needs someone by his side, and I am that person!" Her voice echoed through the corridor, leaving no doubt as to the intensity of her emotions.
Haru shook his head slowly, concern etched deep into his features. "I understand your worry, Lady Yui," he said gently. "But Master Riku's condition is extremely fragile. His body is covered in severe wounds, and—more importantly—we must prevent the potential transfer of the monster gene you carry. If that were to happen, it could make matters far worse."
His words were careful, measured—not just caution, but necessity. The awakening process had left Riku vulnerable, and even a minor misstep could escalate the situation beyond control.
Overcome with emotion, Yui's tears fell freely as she clutched Haru in a desperate embrace, seeking comfort even as guilt weighed on her for being unable to aid her fiancé.
"Do not despair, Lady Yui," Haru said softly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Master Riku has always been resilient. Focus on maintaining your composure... and trust that he will pull through."
Hours passed. Twelve long, tense hours of vigil at the hospital had drained both Akio and Yui. Akio, sleep-deprived after four sleepless nights, and Yui, jet-lagged from her flight from America, finally decided to take brief respite.
Haru remained by Riku's bedside, his gaze unwavering. "Master Riku... I implore you... awaken. Everyone's hope is bound to your recovery," he murmured.
Suddenly, his attention snapped to a powerful aura approaching, accompanied by measured, deliberate footsteps.
"Fuji?" Haru said, a spark of hope flickering in his chest. Perhaps this arrival would bring answers to the mystery of Riku's condition.
Fuji stepped beside Haru, his gaze scanning Riku carefully. "What's the situation, Haru?"
"He remains unconscious," Haru replied, his tone steady but laden with concern. "The doctors are at a loss—they cannot determine the cause of his coma." He paused, then added cautiously, "Have you uncovered anything, Fuji?"
Fuji's expression darkened, his eyes fixed on Riku as though reading the lingering traces of the awakening's chaos.
Fuji gave a subtle nod, his expression calm yet unreadable. "Yes... but I remain cautious."
Haru's brow furrowed with concern. "We need your insight, Fuji, even if it's only preliminary."
Fuji studied Riku for a moment before stepping closer, his movements deliberate and measured. "Haru, I believe Riku is locked in a battle with his own gene. He wanted to awaken it, yet the gene itself resisted. If this continues, his mana pool could be destabilized, and he might lose the chance to become a Mutant like us."
Haru turned fully to face him, his expression grave. "Fuji... please. Tell me what Riku must do to regain consciousness."
"If Riku truly wants to become a Mutant and reclaim his awareness," Fuji explained, "he must struggle. He must actively fight against the resistance within his own gene. Nothing external can force it for him—he has to push himself."
Haru's jaw tightened. He knew Riku's determination was unwavering, even in the face of danger. Yet the risk of catastrophe loomed large. "And... what if we fail? What if Master Riku doesn't make it?" His voice trembled despite his efforts to remain steady.
Fuji's gaze remained fixed on Riku, unwavering. "Then he will remain in a coma, awaiting the moment he can awaken. But one thing is certain—if that happens, his transformation into a Mutant will remain incomplete."
The weight of the words settled between them. Fuji paused, giving one final glance at Riku before turning toward the door.
"I cannot linger," he said, voice firm. "I must return to the Mutant headquarters and report. Inform me immediately when he awakens."
Haru bowed deeply, gratitude and respect in his eyes. "Thank you, Fuji. Your guidance is invaluable. I will report the moment he regains consciousness."
Fuji waved him off, a faint smile softening his otherwise stern features. "No need for formalities, Halu. We are comrades in this fight."
With that, Fuji stepped out of the room, leaving Haru alone by Riku's side, the weight of responsibility pressing heavier than ever.
-
After seven long days, Riku finally began to stir. Eleven days had passed since he'd been confined to the hospital bed, every moment a blur of pain and unconsciousness.
He groaned as sunlight filtered across his face. Slowly, laboriously, he lifted his eyelids.
"Ugh... my head..."
The sensation was sharp, like a metal rod striking his skull, while a burning heat seemed to pulse through his entire body. His muscles screamed, his skin tingled, yet the agony began to ebb.
Blinking, Riku tried to make sense of his surroundings. Confusion clouded his mind.
What... where am I?
Recognition slowly dawned. The sterile smell, the soft beeping of monitors—the hospital.
Why am I here...? His memory raced to catch up, recalling the awakening, the surge of mana, the explosion... and then the darkness.
A pressing thought surged: What happened to my gene awakening? Did it succeed...?
The answer eluded him. Panic began to simmer, but he forced himself to call out.
"Haru! Haru! HARU!"
His voice was weak, barely audible, but it carried urgency.
Almost immediately, a middle-aged man appeared outside the glass partition. His expression was a mix of relief and worry. Haru had rushed to his side the moment he sensed Riku awakening, though he refrained from entering the room fully—every movement measured to avoid further risk.
"Master Riku..." Haru breathed, his voice tight with concern and reassurance. "I'll go summon the doctors immediately. Please... rest, and do not strain yourself."
With that, he retreated briefly, leaving Riku alone to gather his scattered thoughts, the hospital's sterile light reflecting off his determined gaze.
After a brief moment, a team of doctors and nurses entered the room, their expressions a mix of professionalism and astonishment. They exchanged glances, clearly baffled by the complete disappearance of the severe burns that had once marred Riku's body.
"Riku, your vitals are stable. There's no sign of internal bleeding or organ damage," the lead physician announced after reviewing the data. His voice carried both relief and admiration for the unexpected recovery.
Riku exhaled, a mixture of relief and restrained impatience. His gaze flicked between Haru and Yui, who stood nearby. "Good... can I go home now?" he asked, voice tinged with both fatigue and eagerness.
The doctor shook his head gently. "I'm afraid another two days of observation are necessary," he replied, regret evident in his tone.
Once the medical staff departed, the doctor granted Haru and Yui permission to enter the room. The door closed behind them, leaving the trio in privacy.
Yui immediately rushed to Riku's side, wrapping him in a fervent embrace. Her tears soaked his shirt as she whispered, voice quivering with emotion, "Riku... you scared me! Why did it take so long to wake up?"
Riku raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised by the intensity of her emotions, before hugging her back, a comforting gesture mirrored by Haru's calm presence at his side. "I... I'm sorry, Yui. I didn't expect things to turn out this way," he murmured.
They remained entwined for a few moments, the weight of worry and relief binding them together. Finally, Riku pulled back slightly and addressed Haru. "Haru... what about my gene awakening? Did it work, or... did I fail?"
Haru hesitated, unsure how to answer. He hadn't seen the results yet. "Honestly, Master Riku... I can't say for certain. We'll only know for sure once we return to the mansion."
Riku nodded slowly, determination flickering in his eyes despite the uncertainty. Whatever the outcome, he was ready to face it.