Chapter 4
Syd knew it was risky to forcefully deploy the Dark Particles to destroy the mutant controller in an instant while the device's reaction was slow, then escape along the route he had observed during the day.
This could be dangerous, possibly resulting in capture, punishment, experimentation, and eventual death.
He had considered laying low for a while, gathering strength before destroying the research facility.
But staying could mean dying even sooner. He felt an imminent second experiment looming, which would put his body...
With only eighty-three days left of his lifespan displayed on the panel, Syd's expression darkened.
Dying by staying or possibly surviving by escaping—the choice was obvious, even to a fool. At that moment, he noticed something that made him pause.
Just now, using Dark Particles had slightly replenished his energy, something he hadn't observed without actively consuming energy before.
"Could it be from absorbing moonlight?" Syd speculated.
It seemed moonlight could indeed be absorbed, providing another source of energy points. With this thought, he shifted his position to expose himself more directly to the moonlight.
After nearly half an hour without hearing any "Light Energy +1" notifications, but feeling his internal energy continuously recovering, he mused, "It seems I can't collect light energy until my internal energy is fully replenished."
"Does the light energy prioritize my bodily needs first?"
Additionally, he noticed a peculiar thing; the total amount of light energy he could store seemed to have surpassed the previous limit. He guessed this was due to unlocking two new abilities, Dark Particles and Rebound Shield.
Previously, using Dark Particles consumed about one-tenth of his internal energy, meaning he could use the ability up to ten times. He had worried about running out of energy for using his abilities, but that concern seemed unnecessary now.
As more abilities unlocked, the energy stored in his body would increase, allowing for more frequent use. With everything figured out, despite the pain, Syd forcibly moved his bed into a position where the moonlight could reach him and lay down to rest.
"Wonder what ability I'll unlock tomorrow?"
With thoughts of anticipation and curiosity, he ignored the noise from other cells and quickly fell asleep.
The next day.
Syd was woken by a series of notifications as the sun rose.
[Light Energy +1]
[Light Energy +1]
He opened his eyes and focused on the panel.
[Name: Syd Castell]
[Age: 16 (Remaining Lifespan: 82 days)]
[Mutant Abilities: Mimicry, Energy Absorption]
[Current Mimic Target: Orochi (Title: Sun God, Will of the Earth)]
(Unlock Progress 23%)
[Abilities: Dark Particles (1/100) Level 1, Rebound Shield (0/100) Level 1 (Unlocked)]
[Energy Points: 44]
Seeing the number of energy points, Syd wasn't surprised.
The effects of moonlight were weak, and considering the movement of the moon, absorbing this much was already fortunate.
He first tried to add energy points to the experience bar of Dark Particles, but was disappointed when nothing happened.
"It seems that's not possible."
Feeling a bit regretful, he then focused on the unlock progress.
As the energy points reset to zero, the progress bar moved to 24%.
After a slight disappointment, he continued to wait.
Time passed...
[Light Energy +1]
[Light Energy +1]
[Light Energy +1]
After absorbing energy for a while, just as he was losing track of time, a familiar set of footsteps approached.
With a clang, a tray emitting a stale smell and a bowl of soup with a faint odor were placed on the ground.
Frowning at the soup, his gaze turned indifferent towards the white man, Gill, who smirked mockingly at him and leisurely turned away.
Syd held back for a moment, nearly releasing a Dark Particle to send the man away.
"Soon..." he murmured to himself.
Shortly after, as the energy points reset to zero, the unlock progress suddenly jumped.
[Unlock Progress 26%]
A notification sound followed.
[Ability: Spatial Transfer (Unlocked)]
Hearing the notification, Syd's mood lifted remarkably.
"Spatial Transfer, finally!"
With this ability, he felt more confident about his planned escape. If he hadn't experimented with Dark Particles, knowing how pitifully weak level one abilities were, he might have wished to teleport directly outside the facility right then.
After sensing he could only teleport about two meters, he felt it was somewhat underwhelming.
"Still, better to have it than not. It'll be useful for passing through walls and dodging attacks."
Soon, he noticed the upper limit of his stored light energy had increased slightly, enough for about thirteen uses of Dark Particles.
"That should be enough!"
Syd looked forward to the night's escape.
Time quickly passed.
As Syd absorbed light energy, he took the opportunity during yard time to check the escape route.
Soon, it was 7 PM, and the unlock progress had reached 34%. As he planned to escape between 11 PM and midnight, an unexpected event occurred.
The familiar footsteps sounded again—it was Gill!
What was this man doing here?
Watching Gill prepare to open the cell door, Syd frowned.
"Come out, we're going to the lab."
Gill's gaze was filled with malice and a hint of pity, as if looking at something pitiful.
Syd's heart sank, sensing what was coming.
This familiar procedure meant they were probably planning to take his life!
Taking a deep breath, he restrained his urge to react.
Not yet, he couldn't make a move now...
Quickly, he devised a plan.
The lab was closer to the main exit, and he could potentially take out the experimenters and seize some key cards. He had noticed during the day that several doors required a card to open.
Although he now had Spatial Transfer, he needed to conserve as much energy as possible, not knowing what might come next.
Deciding, he pretended to comply and walked out of the cell, then consciously towards the lab.
Watching his compliance, Gill sneered even more, looking down on the "freak" before him.
Indeed, mutants were nothing but trash!
After passing through several doors, they arrived at the experimental area.
(End of Chapter)