Seo Joon's body convulsed as light from the Org Crystal crawled into his veins like molten silver. It wasn't just pain—it was something more ancient, something alive. The words formed in his head, not spoken but etched into thought.
> "System eligible.
Talent Type: Growth (Rare).
Binding requires offering: 1x Mana Stone."
He hesitated. That glowing blue stone from earlier? Still in his pocket, warm like a heartbeat. He pulled it out. As if responding, the crystal flickered, awaiting his answer.
He pressed the Mana Stone to the base of the Org Crystal. It dissolved instantly, absorbed into the system.
> "Binding successful.
Initial System Functions Unlocked: Status Window, Inventory.
Combat Mode: Locked.
Class: Not yet assigned.
Weapon Sync: Inactive.
Quest Log: Inactive."
A simple translucent screen hovered before his eyes, revealing numbers—stats, most unknown. Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, but all… minimal.
His vision blurred. The monster's other stone—the red one—still pulsed inside his pocket.
Before he could study it, alarms blared across the Institution. The gates were opening again.
And Seo Joon, barely stabilized, was about to face his second kill.
This time, he wouldn't survive on instinct alone.