January 9th. Nine days had passed since "The Glitch." The world was no longer the place it used to be. Outside the hospital, military convoys patrolled the streets, and inside, the atmosphere was as suffocating as a prison.
Rudra stood by Aryan's bed, his eyes burning with a mixture of rage and desperation. He grabbed the doctor by his collar, his voice low but dangerous. "Doctor, it's been nine days. Why isn't he waking up? All the reports say he's normal, so why is he still unconscious?"
The doctor recoiled in fear, his hands trembling. "Rudra, please, calm down. We honestly don't know. His heart rate is stable, his brain activity is there, but he's in a deep slumber that defies medical science. All we can do is wait."
Rudra exhaled a cold breath and turned toward the television mounted in the corner. A special bulletin was breaking.
The Government's Ultimatum
[TV News Report - Special Bulletin]
"The Government has made a major announcement under the 'Awakening Registration Act' (ARA). A team of elite scientists and Appraisers have claimed that on February 24th, the veil between dimensions will shatter. These entry points are being called 'Hell Gates.' Monsters of unknown origins are expected to emerge from these portals."
The reporter's voice wavered as images of swirling black vortexes appeared on the screen.
"The Government has made it clear: anyone wishing to enter these Gates must obtain a 'Dunger' Certificate. Entering these zones without official registration will be considered a capital crime. Only registered Hunters will be allowed to face the threat."
Rudra felt a jolt go through his body. February 24th. The date echoed in his mind like a death knell. "February 24th... that means there's only a month left before the real slaughter begins. I have to become a part of this 'System' if I want the power hidden behind those gates."
The Appraiser's Revelation
Suddenly, the door to the cabin swung open. An Appraiser in a sharp black suit, flanked by two armed military officers, stepped inside.
"Time for the mandatory survey. All Awakened individuals, step forward," the Appraiser said tonelessly. He first pointed his tablet at Rudra. A faint blue light washed over him, and a large 'Rank-E' appeared on the screen. The Appraiser sighed, dismissing Rudra as just another "weakling," and moved toward the unconscious Aryan.
As the Appraiser scanned Aryan, the tablet emitted a sharp, frantic 'Beep.' The man's face turned pale.
"This... this isn't a disease," the Appraiser stammered, his eyes wide with shock. "There is a massive ocean of 'Mana' trapped inside his body, but it isn't circulating. His physical form can't handle this much energy. He has reached the 'Mana Saturation' point. If this isn't stabilized by a high-mana environment or a special skill soon, he will literally explode from the inside out."
The truth was finally out. In that moment, a cold, mechanical voice resonated inside Rudra's head:
[Murderous Ruin Stone - System Alert]
Diagnosis: Mana Saturation.
Status: Target's life force is fading rapidly.
Solution: Reach Level 10 to unlock 'Abyssal Sanctuary' (Passive Sub-skill of Gluttony).
Warning: This skill can only prevent the Target from being destroyed. It is not a cure.
Final Deadline: March 1st.
Rudra's gaze sharpened. The countdown to Aryan's death had begun, and the path to his survival led straight through the Hell Gates opening on February 24th. The Government's certificate was no longer just a law—it was his only ticket to saving his friend.
He looked at the Appraiser and asked in a quiet, chilling voice, "Where is the Registration Center? I need my certificate."