Location: UN Headquarters, Geneva (Underground Bunker) / Rudra's Mansion, Mumbai
Time: January 1, 2025 | 03:00 PM
Deep beneath the surface in Geneva, the leaders of the world's most powerful nations were gathered around a glowing holographic table. The silence in the bunker was so heavy that even the sound of a shallow breath felt loud. On the screens surrounding them, live feeds from Mumbai, New York, and London played out—scenes of absolute devastation.
"Our military is failing," the US President stated, his voice thick with gravity. "Conventional weapons are only effective against those at 'Level 1.' But what about the ones tossing cars like toys? What about those whose skin makes bullets slide off like water?"
An Indian General slammed his hand onto the table. "We must find a way to control them. Before the world falls completely into the hands of anarchists and mutants, we need order."
In that dark, high-security bunker, a decision was made that would rewrite the course of history.
"As of today, we announce the formation of A.W.A.K.E.—the Allied World Awakened Kinetics Era," the UN Secretary-General declared. "Currently, we have no way to measure them, but our primary objective is clear: find every individual possessing 'abnormal' abilities. Capture them. Study them. We must understand what we are dealing with."
They were operating in the dark, with no rank systems or advanced technology yet. They were simply throwing stones into an abyss, trying to cage a power they didn't even begin to comprehend.
Rudra's Mansion, Mumbai
At the same time, Rudra stood by the remains of his shattered front door. The television was blaring the breaking news of A.W.A.K.E.'s formation. "Every individual with a strange mark on their body or possessing unusual powers must report immediately to the nearest military camp," the news anchor shouted with urgency.
Rudra took a long, cold breath. He looked into the hallway mirror at the left side of his neck. The 'Blue and Red Flame' tattoo was pulsing faster now, as if a second heart was beating beneath his skin.
"Humans have already prepared their cage," Ruin Soul's deep voice echoed in his mind. "They won't see you as a 'Hero,' Rudra. To them, you are a 'Specimen'—something to be dissected and studied. You must remain in the shadows."
Rudra didn't say a word. He walked over to a heavy, solid wood sofa. A month ago, he wouldn't have been able to budge it an inch, but now, fueled by [Primal Adaptation], he dragged it with a single hand, blocking the broken entrance. He didn't stop there. He hauled the dining table, heavy chairs, and wardrobes, piling them up against the door one by one. His house was no longer just a home; it was becoming a fortress.
Going into his room, he pulled out a high-neck black hoodie. He zipped it up to the very top, completely concealing the glowing mark on his neck.
"How do I look now?" Rudra asked his reflection.
"Like a predator... who isn't ready to be the prey just yet," Ruin Soul replied. "But that mark of yours... it's glowing because of the energy you devoured from that thug. It's boiling inside you. If you don't learn to suppress it, any other Awakened will be able to detect you from miles away. To them, you are a burning torch in the middle of the night."
Rudra looked at his hands, which were still slightly trembling. "How do I stop it?"
"Close your eyes," Ruin Soul commanded. "Visualize that energy as a flood coursing through your veins. Gather it. Force it to a single point near your heart. You must put your 'Hunger' to sleep."
Rudra sat down on the floor, crossing his legs. He slowed his breathing, trying for the first time to consciously connect with the terrifying power he had been running from. He felt the swirl of red and blue heat inside him, mentally guiding it away from his neck and pushing it deep into the center of his chest.
Outside, the world was searching for a new 'System,' but inside the silence of his mansion, Rudra was beginning the grueling training of making himself invisible.
Chapter Summary
World Event - A.W.A.K.E. Formation: The UN establishes a global organization to capture and study Awakened individuals. Currently, there is no formal ranking system; the focus is entirely on identification and containment.
Rudra's Defense: Rudra barricades his mansion. While moving heavy furniture, he experiences the true extent of his Primal Adaptation's physical strength.
Concealment: Rudra uses a high-neck hoodie to hide his mark, realizing the outside world is now a direct threat to his freedom.
The Lesson: Ruin Soul gives Rudra his first lesson in 'Energy Suppression' to prevent detection by other Awakened or government sensors.
Current Status:
Physical: Enhanced strength (Base level). No lingering fever.
Mental: Highly focused on survival; secretive and cautious.
Skills in Use: Primal Adaptation (Passive), Ruin Soul (Active/Guide).