After the awakened ones lined up, one man stepped forward.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a glorious day. As you know, the association is hosting a grand event on Varhel Island. We celebrate our rebirth—the day we ceased to be just humans and became something greater," he declared with hands clasped behind his back.
Rael clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay calm. Losing composure now could draw dangerous attention.
"I won't keep you waiting. Present your insignia, and we'll depart immediately."
One by one, the awakened showed their identification and boarded the ship.
When it was Rael's turn, he calmly took out the insignia Yato had given him and handed it over. The man inspected it, then gave a slight nod.
"Proceed, rookie."
Relieved, Rael stepped onto the ship. It was surprisingly luxurious. Attendants moved about—waiters and waitresses with practiced smiles.
"Are they awakened too… or just ordinary people?"
He watched one of the women closely—until he noticed the faint glint of a chain around her neck.
"That's…"
>"Rael-san, do you hear me?" Kirishima's sudden voice in his ear pulled his focus back.
"I hear you," Rael replied. "What is it? Did you find something?"
> "Yes… Though I don't know if it's good news. There's another person on board, and he seems to be one of the leaders of this organization. He was whispering about a possible invasion of the island."
"Invasion…" Rael muttered, hand to his chin. "I'll keep digging for information. Don't worry about me."
>"…Fine."
He cut the call and began surveying the ship. Every corner screamed wealth—the white marble tables, cushioned chairs, and polished décor.
The awakened passengers chattered among themselves, some exchanging rumors or battle insights. Rael listened carefully, trying to gather as much information as possible before they reached the island.
All he know is that the awakened come from powerful families and gain their abilities from some unknown artifact.
"These families probably control the country from the shadows… perhaps even the government," Rael speculated, his mind racing as he studied the unfamiliar faces. He wondered how much power these people truly held, and whether he could trust anyone here.
'If they're here, then this isn't just a national thing. Could it be a global organization?'
Lost in thought, Rael was suddenly jolted when someone bumped into him. He turned to see a nervous waiter, the tray in his hands slipping and crashing to the ground with a sharp clatter of shattering glass.
The entire hall went silent.
"I-I'm sorry, s-sir! I was pushed and—" the waiter stammered, only to be cut off by another voice.
"It seems the Association has lowered its standards. They can't even hire competent servants anymore. How pitiful."
Rael turned toward the unfamiliar voice. A tall blond man with tattoos covering his body lounged arrogantly, surrounded by women.
Some awakened glared at him, and Rael wondered if he was part of a rival faction.
"Draven, don't go too far. This isn't your home," an older man warned the blond.
'Petty…' Rael thought to himself.
"Don't worry, it's fine," Rael told the trembling waiter.
Looking at the man's expression, Rael realized—he wasn't just embarrassed. He was afraid.
'Slavery.'
That chain around his neck wasn't an accessory.
"I-I'm sorry, sir," the waiter repeated.
With a wave of his hand, Rael restored the fallen glasses and bottles to the tray.
Draven sneered. "Pathetic—" He began to step toward the waiter, but Rael interrupted him.
"Hey, could you get me a drink? Forget the rest."
The waiter blinked, then quickly understood. He bowed and hurried away, trembling as he went.
"Oh? Looks like we have a hero among us." Draven smirked, striding up to Rael. "Why protect him?"
Rael closed his eyes, refusing to answer. The other awakened were already watching, their attention fixed on the standoff.
"So tough," Draven drawled, circling Rael like a predator. When he noticed Rael's insignia, his smile widened.
"A rookie, huh? You remind me of myself once. We all start out like you, thinking our power is meant to protect the weak. But then…"
"But then you started thinking you were better than them?" Rael interrupted, frowning.
Draven chuckled. "No, no, no. We just realized how rotten they are inside. That waiter you just saved? He murdered his wife years ago. He's only here because he's trash society tossed aside."
Rael's eyes widened. He searched for a lie in Draven's tone but found only cold amusement.
"Why would I lie?" Draven leaned closer, as if reading his thoughts. "These people are snakes. He may thank you now, but when the chance comes, he'd slit your throat for his own gain. That's reality."
Rael glanced toward the waiter, doubt flickering in his mind—but he refused to accept Draven's words at face value. He already despised these awakened. No speech could change that.
"My name is Draven," the blond finally said, extending his hand. When Rael ignored it, he only smirked, turning to leave.
But halfway, he stopped, glanced over his shoulder, and whispered just loud enough for Rael to hear:
"See you later… Rael Kazehiro."
Rael froze, his expression hardening.
'He knows my name?! How—'
From Draven's tone and confident look, Rael was certain the man recognized him. But Rael had never seen him before in his life.
Around them, the murmurs began.
"Isn't that rookie a bit arrogant? He should watch his mouth around Draven."
"He won't last long. Probably just some lucky kid taken in by a big family. I've never even seen his face before."
Rael ignored them, though unease settled in his chest. Attention was the last thing he wanted.
The waiter soon returned with a drink. Just as he was about to leave, Rael stopped him.
"Tell me—how did you end up here? And who is that man?"
The waiter hesitated, frowning, but eventually answered in a trembling voice:
"I was once part of a notable family… but due to certain issues, I was cast out and brought here." He kept it vague, deliberately skipping details.
"That man is Draven Larmazac. For his age, he's considered one of the strongest awakened. He comes from a large foreign family."
"Foreigners…" Rael muttered.
Kyōtoshu—his homeland—was powerful, but not the only power on the continent. He remembered faintly traveling abroad as a child with his parents, though those memories had long grown hazy.
'Since the awakening method is so tightly guarded, weaker nations probably don't even have awakened humans.'
Still, that wasn't what troubled him most.
'I don't know how that guy knows me.' His thoughts darkened. 'Unless… Eramus. I should never have let that bastard live.'
Even without his name, Eramus could have described him. That alone was enough.
Rael sighed and dismissed the waiter.
"It doesn't matter. As long as I reach the island, I can find a way to escape afterward."
The ship pressed onward, cutting through the waves toward Varhel Island.