The not-so-familiar scent of an actively used dorm room greeted Adam the moment he opened the door. He crossed the room and dropped onto his bed, eyes roaming over the unfamiliar posters plastered along the walls. Someone had redecorated—enthusiastically—while completely abandoning any sense of restraint or taste.
He snorted softly at one particularly garish image.
This place has changed a lot… Still a mess, though.
His gaze drifted to Hendrix’s bed and stopped.
A crumpled black shirt lay sprawled across the sheets. Beside it hung a pink, fluffy bra.
Adam’s lips curved into a slow grin.
Not bad, Hendrix…
He collapsed fully onto his mattress, hands folding behind his head as he stared at the ceiling. A quiet sigh escaped him.
How much should I really show during the reappraisal? System, display my stats.
[Establishing connection to The Omen…]
[Connection established]
Name: Adam Staples
Age: 17
Race: Human / è?ù
Status: Awakened
Omen Points: 0
Rank: A / Lord of ???
Stats
Constitution: 41
Agility: 47
Endurance: 43
Dexterity: 46
Strength: 59
Skills
Summoning — Lv. 1
Illusion Inducement — Lv. 1
Dominator — Lv. 1
Devourer — Lv. 1
Invisibility — Lv. 1
Poison Resistance (Passive)
Regeneration (Passive)
???
Titles
Manipulator
Devourer
Domian Inheritor
Slayer (Passive)
The Hated One (Passive)
Lord (Candidate)
???
Domains
- Manipulator
- Absolute Control
- Illusionist
- World of Phantasm
- Devourer
- World of ???
- Dominator
- Conqueror
Inventory
Cataclysm, Runed Blade of Delusions
Familiars (18/500)
Transmission Crystal (1/1)
Half Mask (1/1)
Gold Coins (20,000)
A quiet smile tugged at his lips as he skimmed through the interface.
No matter how many times I see this… I still can’t believe it.
His fingers drummed lightly against the bed as his eyes lingered on his rank.
Absorbing that crystal was probably the best decision I’ve ever made.
“Hypocrite.”
The demonic voice slipped into his mind like a blade between ribs.
Adam ignored it, his focus shifting to the empty Omen Points display. He dragged his finger slowly along the glowing blue panel.
It’s a shame it took everything just to reach A-rank. Still… jumping from E to A in under a year isn’t exactly unimpressive.
His expression sobered as he sat up, staring at the blurred-out entries.
What exactly unlocks…? He sighed, abandoning the thought. Should I tell that lunatic?
The thought stalled.
How do I know he doesn’t already know?
Fragments of Elliot’s report surfaced unbidden.
The fact that he pushed for a reappraisal means he knew I had the essence all along…
But at the time, I hadn’t even planned on absorbing it.
Adam frowned as he kicked off his boots and leaned back against the wall.
“Why waste time on pointless thoughts?” the voice purred. “Whether he knows or not doesn’t change the outcome. You devoured the essence.”
It laughed. “Imagine if you’d given it away like you briefly considered.”
Adam stayed silent.
“Ignoring me?” the voice pressed. “What? Developing a conscience now?”
“It’s too late for that,” Adam said quietly. He knew exactly what line he’d crossed.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
“Then why sulk like a frightened child?”
“Doesn’t it bother you that Vicar seems to know our moves before we make them?” Adam countered. “We hadn’t even devoured the essence, and Elliot was already congratulating us—”
“It could be tied to your previous rank,” the voice mocked.
Adam rolled his eyes.
As if Vicar would spare a thought for some C-rank nobody.
Unless…
The idea made his stomach tighten.
Is he able to see the future?
Is that even possible?
Absurd—or so he told himself. But Awakened defied logic as a matter of course.
Adam exhaled and fell back onto the bed, arms stretched wide.
I’ll get my answers eventually.
The door suddenly creaked open.
Adam turned his head.
“Oh.” A familiar face peeked in. “You’re back? Hendrix said you went to the Southern Region.”
Adam regarded the petite young woman with a black bag slung over her shoulder.
Fien… right?
“I’m back,” he said simply.
She tried to mask it—but he caught the faint edge of contempt lurking behind her clear eyes. He knew exactly why it was there.
“What brings you here?” Adam asked. “And where’s Hendrix?”
“I forgot a few things last night,” Fien replied curtly, already turning away. She searched the room without another glance in his direction.
Adam’s eyes flicked, involuntarily, to the clothes on Hendrix’s bed.
“Over there.”
Fien crossed the room, retrieved her clothes, and added several items from Hendrix’s closet to her bag. Only then did she face Adam again.
“He’s in the cafeteria,” she said. “I’m heading there too—but I need to stop by my dorm first.”
She hesitated, lips pressing together.
“Do you mind walking with me?”
“Sure.”
Adam rose, tugged on his boots, and followed her out without another word.
They walked through winding paths lined with flower gardens, past towering buildings and scattered sub-dungeons. Adam strolled with his hands clasped behind his neck, while Fien kept half a step ahead—never once looking back.
Twenty minutes had passed since they left the dormitory for E-ranked Awakened, and they’d crossed paths with dozens of students along the way. Unlike earlier, faint lines now creased Fien’s brow, her expression locked into a deep scowl.
More than ten students had pointed openly in their direction. Others laughed behind cupped hands, whispering with barely concealed amusement.
Where Fien failed to hide her anger—or her embarrassment, Adam remained entirely unbothered.
“So,” she said suddenly, breaking the silence, “how’s Zalika?”
“Who?” Adam replied, distracted.
Fien stopped short.
Adam mirrored her pause, turning slightly. Her eyes widened in disbelief, shock flickering across her face—only to be swallowed by anger a heartbeat later.
“What do you mean by who?” she snapped. “Zalika. Your girlfriend. The one you wouldn’t shut up about for days. That Zalika.”
“Oh.” Recognition dawned. Adam yawned lazily. “She’s fine, I guess. We broke up yesterday.”
Fien’s mouth fell open. “But… it’s only been a week…”
Adam lifted his hands in a casual shrug. “What can I say? Guess it wasn’t meant to be.”
Her lips trembled, frustration simmering just beneath the surface.
Adam simply smiled, saying nothing.
Damn that rotten substitute…
How did it even manage to ruin my reputation this badly?
The report hadn’t exaggerated. If anything, it had undersold the damage.
“You’re lucky you returned to Dratol when you did,” the demonic voice whispered. “Another month or two, and the substitute might have fully developed its consciousness—and replaced you permanently.”
Adam’s smile faltered.
Elliot warned me about the same thing…
Fien let out a sharp grunt. “You must be proud of yourself.”
Adam brushed his hair aside and met her gaze briefly—her derisive smile clear as day—before turning away.
Without another word, he headed toward the massive structure ahead.
Fien quickened her pace and overtook him as the building came into view, sprawling across several hectares of land.
Adam nearly whistled.
Now that’s something you don’t see every day.
The snow-white, castle-like dormitory rose elegantly, four towering spires flanked by a flower garden on one side and a manicured park on the other.
Even in this world, the female dorm gets special treatment…
He mentally compared it to the male dormitories and chuckled.
That’s not even a comparison. That’s dirt versus a masterpiece.
Students streamed in and out through the glass sliding doors. Female students entered freely, while masked instructors halted and interrogated male visitors before granting—or denying—entry.
“Wait here,” Fien said briskly. “I’ll be back.”
She stormed inside without waiting for a response.
Adam wandered toward a nearby bench, amused.
Hendrix really knows how to pick them.
“What are you doing here?”
Adam turned at the soft voice—sweet on the surface, laced with unmistakable malice.
A tall woman stood behind him, arms crossed beneath her ample bosom, glaring down with open hostility. Adam spared her a glance—then turned away.
“You’re ignoring me?” she scoffed. “Fine. I won’t stoop to your level. But listen carefully—stay away from Hilma. This is your last warning.”
She leaned closer, voice dropping. “Next time, I won’t be so polite.”
With that, she turned and stalked toward the dormitory, muttering under her breath.
Several nearby students had already turned to stare.
Honestly… fuck that substitute, Adam cursed inwardly, his face remaining impassive.
He didn’t care what they thought.
X would probably die laughing if she heard about this…
It had been months since he last saw her. He couldn’t help but wonder where she’d vanished to.
She’s probably back at that farmhouse… surely, she didn’t remain in Vohmir.
A few girls nearby pointed in his direction, giggling. Adam sighed.
And this isn’t even the worst of it.
He leaned back on the bench, legs crossed, eyes lifting to the clear sky.
Nothing he did now could erase what happened in his absence. He didn’t care about the opinions of strangers—but he refused to carry a reputation that wasn’t his.
Time passed quietly.
Then movement caught his eye.
Looks like she’s done.
Adam stood as Fien exited the dorm, walking straight toward him as though she’d known exactly where he’d be.
“Since you’re finished, let’s head to the—”
“Let’s talk first,” Fien cut in. “Follow me.”
She didn’t wait for an answer, already heading toward the park.
“Who does this little bitch think she is?” the demonic voice snarled. “Let’s devour her, Adam. Her—and every woman your substitute tamed.”
“Tamed?” Adam echoed flatly. “They’re people. Not pets.”
“Nonsense,” the voice scoffed. “They’re resources. Nothing more.”
Adam rolled his eyes and ignored it.
They reached a secluded corner of the park, where Fien stopped. Silence stretched between them.
“You said you wanted to talk,” Adam said at last. “We’re here.”
Fien didn’t turn around.
“Do you consider Hendrix your friend?”
Adam frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just answer the question.”
“…Yeah,” he said. “I do.”
He paused. “So what’s your point?”
“If you consider him a friend, then why are you doing everything you can to make his life harder?” Fien blurted, glaring at Adam. “You’ve refused to prepare for your graduation missions, and because of you, he keeps indulging in things he shouldn’t.”
Her jaw tightened, teeth grinding audibly. “I don’t know your circumstances or your background—and frankly, I don’t care. Not everyone can afford to be as flippant as you are.” She inhaled sharply. “I’ve never asked you for anything. But just this once, I want you to do me a favor.”
She locked eyes with him.
“Stay away from Hendrix,” Fien said, her voice steady and resolute. “He has too much potential. He’ll never realize it if he keeps hanging around with you. Do you understand?”
Adam nodded.
Fien exhaled, some of the tension draining from her posture.
“I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings,” she added more softly. “I didn’t mean to be harsh. I was only—”
“I understand,” Adam hummed. “But Hendrix is old enough to make his own decisions. I’m not forcing him to be friends with me.” He shrugged lightly. “If he doesn’t want to hang out anymore, I’m sure he’ll tell me himself.”
Fien raised a trembling finger and pointed it at him, fury burning in her brown eyes.
“You’re pushing your luck,” she growled. “This is me asking nicely. Believe me—you don’t want to see what I’m like when I’m not.”
“Adam, devour this woman. Right now!” the demonic voice roared.
Adam laughed, the sound slipping out before he could stop himself. The sheer absurdity of the outburst amused him.
Fien narrowed her eyes and clicked her tongue. “What’s so funny?” she snapped. “Do you think I’m joking?”
“Trust me,” Adam said, smiling as he stepped closer, “you really don’t want to know.” His tone remained light, but something cold edged beneath it. “It’s funny that you think I’d be threatened by someone like you.”
He paused.
“Your actions come from a good place,” he continued calmly. “So I’ll let it slide.” His smile didn’t waver, but his voice hardened. “But let this be the first and last time. Okay?”
Fien instinctively stepped back. Her hands trembled as they hovered over the dagger at her waist.
Adam didn’t even acknowledge it.
“So,” he said casually, “are you heading to the cafeteria, or should I go on ahead?”
Fien’s lips quivered. Her bloodshot eyes stayed locked on him.
“You’re lucky I really like Hendrix,” she said through clenched teeth. “It’s the only thing saving you from a beating.”
She turned and stormed off.
Adam chuckled—not at her threat, but at the shrill, indignant screaming of the demonic voice echoing in his mind.
