Mutant awakening: My evolution knows no bounds

"But there's more," Silas continued, his tone grim and heavy. "Sensei Josh tampered with the portal device. He swapped the Grade 2 portal with a Grade 5, fully expecting me to be killed in that realm. When I somehow made it back alive, he decided to handle it himself."

Vic's fists clenched at his sides, his face reddening with barely controlled rage. "That man's a monster! We should report him to the higher-ups and make sure he pays for what he's done!"

Silas shook his head, a faint, dark glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "There's no need, Vic. He's dead. I killed him."

Vic's expression froze, shock overtaking his features as he tried to process Silas's words.

"Wait... are you serious?" Vic asked, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You actually killed him?"

"Yeah," Silas replied, voice steady. "He dragged me into a Grade 1 realm to finish the job himself. I had no choice, man. Besides, there was no way I'd let him live after everything he put us through."

Vic's gaze softened, a hint of understanding crossing his face. "I get it, man. I'm not judging. I'm just... it's surprising how easily you can take a life."

Silas's jaw clenched as he spoke, anger simmering beneath his words. "I only kill those who deserve it. Josh was ready to kill me, he tried to kill us all in that realm... and he killed Ivy. The academy? They would've just locked him up, maybe for a few months. Then they'd let him out, while Ivy remains six feet under."

Vic nodded, a sigh escaping him. "I understand. And like I said, I'm not judging you. Let's just leave it behind and move forward. Now that he's gone, we don't have to worry anymore." He reached out, placing a supportive hand on Silas's shoulder and giving it a firm squeeze. Then he added, "Oh, that reminds me—Angelica was looking for you earlier. She asked me to tell you to meet her on the rooftop when you're free."

"Did she say anything else? Maybe about why she's been so distant? I know she's grieving Ivy, but something tells me that's not the whole reason," Silas mused, his expression thoughtful.

Vic nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I noticed that too. But she didn't say anything more. Hopefully, you two can clear the air up there."

Silas nodded and turned to leave, striding down the hallway, his pace quickening as he made his way up to the rooftop. He pushed the heavy door open, stepping into the cool evening air.

There, he saw Angelica standing near the edge, her long blue hair and skirt swaying in the breeze, a look of sorrow etched on her face. Silas watched her for a moment, her figure silhouetted against the fading daylight, before slowly walking over.

"Angelica?" he called out, his voice soft yet steady. She turned slowly to face him, her expression heavy with emotion. "You wanted to see me?"

She gave a small nod. "Silas... I'm sorry. I've been so cold to you and the others. I thought... I thought I didn't deserve to be friends with you all anymore. I tried to push you away, all of you, with my attitude." Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper.

Silas frowned, his confusion evident. "What are you talking about?"

"It's my fault, Silas. Ivy... she died because of me." Angelica's voice broke as she spoke, her gaze lowering. "While you and Vic were fighting for your lives and to save us all, I... I froze. I was too afraid. Vic and I are both Grade 4s, but he took charge, did most of the work. And when... when that mutant came for Ivy, I could've helped her, but I didn't."

Her shoulders shook, and tears began streaming down her cheeks. Silas took a step closer, gently placing his hands on her face, looking directly into her sorrowful blue eyes.

"Angelica, listen to me," he said, his voice low but firm. "None of us knew the Orcs would attack her. You were doing your best, fighting those damn bats. You couldn't have known Ivy was in danger."

"But I was fighting the same bats I should have dealt with sooner!" Angelica cried. "If I'd joined Vic earlier, we might have defeated them faster, and I could've been there for her. Instead, I let my fear paralyze me, standing back like a coward while she needed me." She sobbed, her words filled with regret.

"Hey, hey, look at me," Silas urged, wiping her tears away. "You did your best. You fought off the rest of the bats on your own, and if you hadn't done that, it might have been more than just Ivy... David and Vic might not have made it either. Ivy's death wasn't your fault. It was someone else's, and he's been dealt with. Don't carry this burden alone."

Angelica sniffled, and Silas's voice softened as he continued. "You said we were friends, Angelica. Friends don't push each other away. We stick together, no matter what. I'd never judge you or look down on you... because you were the first person who saw me as a friend."

Angelica leaned forward, embracing Silas tightly, allowing her tears to fall freely as he held her, whispering quiet reassurances.

---

In another part of the universe, far beyond Earth, lay planets populated by mutants and countless other species. These planets were unlike the Mutant realms, though—their existence extended back thousands of years, unlike realms which would collapse after being cleared.

In these worlds, clans and leaders governed to maintain peace and order, similar to Earth but far more ancient and complex. Only a few top guilds on Earth had access to portal devices that connected to these distant planets, yet no one dared journey there. The rumored treasures within these worlds surpassed anything in even the most advanced mutant realms. Yet the danger was equally legendary; few who entered would ever return.

Among these seven mysterious planets was one known as the Crimson Coffin. This was the heartland of mutants, a place where the fabled Apex Mutant once ruled. At its center rose a tall, foreboding tower, wrapped in what seemed like flames of deep crimson. A colossal fire burned atop it, illuminating the bleak landscape. Within the tower sat a figure upon a throne crafted of bones and skulls, his hand gripping a chalice filled with a mysterious liquid.

The silence of the throne room was shattered as the massive entrance doors swung open, and a figure rushed in, falling to his knees, head bowed low.

"My lord," he spoke, his voice quivering. "I come bearing news... news of the former Clan's head, the Apex Mutant."