Chapter 3: The test of worth.

  When Nix reached his small home, the familiar scent of stew filled the air, a warmth that wrapped around him like a blanket. Simple, hearty, grounding. But tonight, even the comfort of home couldn’t settle the thoughts running through his mind.

  Laurie Grimwald, the woman who had raised him, sat at their tiny wooden table, waiting with a ladle in hand. She always knew when something was weighing on him.

  “You’re late,” she said. No anger, just knowing amusement.

  Nix grinned, kicking off his shoes. “Had a long lesson.”

  Laurie narrowed her eyes, but she set down a steaming bowl of stew in front of him without prying further.

  As Nix dug in, the screen of his beat-up tablet flickered to life, casting a dim glow across the room.

  Vix’s voice hummed through the speakers. “He’s been brooding all the way home, Granny. Sighing dramatically, staring at nothing. Classic ‘Nix is thinking too hard’ behavior.”

  Laurie smirked. “…You’ve been thinking about something.”

  Nix hesitated, swirling his spoon in his bowl. “Yeah. We talked about Sentinels, Hunters, and Adventurers today.”

  Laurie’s spoon clinked against her bowl. “And?”

  “They make good money, Granny. Seems to be a fun job.”

  Laurie folded her arms.

  “They have access to trade markets,” he continued, pushing the words out like he was still convincing himself. “Auction houses. Records full of monster knowledge. They can sell loot, build stores, even buy flying vehicles.”

  Laurie raised an eyebrow. “Flying vehicles?”

  Nix grinned. “I mean, it wouldn’t hurt!”

  Vix let out an exaggerated sigh. “Oh sure, let’s prioritize getting a flying death trap instead of, I don’t know, food and basic survival gear.”

  Laurie shook her head, but she was smiling. Then, her smile faded.

  “You’re thinking about joining, aren’t you?”

  Nix hesitated. “…Yeah.”

  Laurie sighed, pushing back in her chair. “I figured.”

  She didn’t lecture him. Didn’t try to talk him out of it.

  Instead, she reached across the table and flicked him lightly on the forehead.

  Nix yelped, rubbing the spot. “Hey!”

  Vix let out a laugh. “He deserved that.”

  Laurie smirked, but her voice was softer when she spoke. “I just want you to always come home, Nix.”

  His chest tightened.

  She didn’t have to say it.

  He already knew.

  For once, Vix didn’t tease. Her usual playful tone softened. “I’ll make sure he does.”

  And for the first time that night, Nix let himself believe it.

  (Nix's Dream)

  That night, as Nix drifted into sleep, his mind wandered into a ridiculous dream.

  Nix had a dream that he was reborn as a fly. He and Vix were hovering around a dog that looked like it was about to take a massive dump.

  "Hey, Vix," Nix asked, "how long do you think we have to wait for this dog to finish? I'm starving."

  Vix hovered beside him, watching intently. "Just wait a bit longer. I think it's about to finish soon."

  A few minutes later, the dog wrapped up its business and walked away.

  Vix straightened up and commanded, "Alright, the coast is clear. Let’s go get our meal!"

  Without hesitation, the two flies darted toward the fresh pile of dog crap like it was a five-star buffet. But just as Nix was about to dig in and stick his proboscis, Vix smacked him on the head.

  "Ow! What the hell, Vix?!" Nix yelped, rubbing his head. "Why did you do that?"

  Vix glared at him, looking utterly disgusted. "What the hell is wrong with you? Are you a savage?!"

  Nix blinked, confused. "Huh? What do you mean?"

  Vix sighed dramatically and pointed at the steaming pile beneath them.

  "Go wash your hands before you eat!"

  (Back to reality)

  The morning soon comes, and as he navigated the cracked roads toward school, the early morning chatter of students filled the streets. He wasn’t paying much attention, until he heard a familiar voice just ahead.

  Jared and his usual pack of brainless cronies stood near a street corner, talking excitedly.

  “Man, did you hear that?” one of them said. “Sentinels and Hunters get to use real weapons! They get paid to fight and explore!”

  “Yeah,” another chimed in. “The way Atheris talked about it, they’re the strongest people alive.”

  Jared grinned, stretching his knuckles. “That’s exactly what I’m talkin’ about. Strength is everything. Only the weak get left behind.”

  Tasha leaned in, her voice dripping with excitement as she glanced between the group. “Hey, did you hear? There’s a rumor going around, if you score 80% or higher on the test, some rich and powerful groups might sponsor you. I’m talking about the Merchant Guild, private investors, even some underground organizations. They’ll cover your transformation costs if they think you’re worth it.” She smirked, tilting her head. “Guess that means only the strong get a free pass.”

  One of the cronies named Brant laughed. I am sure our boss will get 80%. “Question is, which path our boss will take."

  Jared cracked his neck, his grin turning sinister. “Maybe. But first, I need to let off some steam. And I know just the perfect punching bag.”

  Nix felt a shiver of irritation crawl up his spine.

  Of course.

  Jared was still aching for a fight. And, as always, that meant waiting for Nix to show up.

  Nix had zero interest in getting beaten up again.

  So, instead of walking straight into their trap, he smirked and took a detour into a side alley.

  Nix had long since memorized the streets around school, including the best escape routes. But today, he wasn’t just going to sneak away.

  Today, he was going to have a little fun.

  Spotting an old wooden plank and a loose bucket near a stack of discarded supplies, an idea formed.

  With careful precision, he rigged a simple tripwire using some discarded rope, attaching it to the edge of a nearby building where a mud-filled bucket teetered dangerously.

  Perfect.

  He double-checked the setup, then hurried down a different path toward school, leaving the trap waiting for its victims.

  Nix strolled into the classroom, feeling lighter than usual. It was rare for him to be the first to arrive instead of limping in after a beating.

  He plopped into his seat, arms crossed behind his head, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

  Then,

  The classroom door burst open.

  Jared and his lackeys stormed in, completely drenched in mud.

  The class fell silent.

  The sight was glorious. Thick, brown sludge dripped from Jared’s hair, his once-pristine jacket now caked in filth. His cronies looked just as miserable, mud smeared across their faces, chunks of debris stuck to their clothes.

  For a moment, no one spoke.

  Then,

  Nix grinned.

  Jared’s mud-covered face snapped toward him. His eyes narrowed.

  “How,” he growled, wiping a thick glob of mud from his cheek, “did you get here before us?”

  Nix put on his best innocent expression. “Oh, I left early today! Y’know, just really excited for today’s lesson.”

  Jared’s eye twitched.

  Nix had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing.

  As Jared sat down, still fuming, Nix leaned back in his chair, feeling completely satisfied.

  The bell rang, signaling the start of class. The murmurs of students died down as Mr. Arvind entered, his sharp gaze sweeping over the room. But all attention shifted the moment the door swung open again, revealing Atheris.

  The soldier’s heavy boots struck the floor with purpose, his presence enough to silence any lingering whispers. He took his usual position at the front, his hands clasped behind his back.

  “Settle down,” Mr. Arvind ordered, closing the door behind him. “Today’s lesson is one of the most important you’ll ever receive in this classroom.”

  Atheris didn’t waste time. With a tap of his wrist device, the holoboard flickered to life, displaying an intricate diagram.

  Four distinct symbols glowed on the dark screen.

  Nix sat up, eyes narrowing.

  “Yesterday,” Atheris began, his voice as sharp as a blade, “we covered the origins of Monster Beasts and how humanity was forced to adapt to survive.”

  He let his words settle, scanning the room.

  “Now, we move to the next step: the Four Transformation Paths, the foundation of human strength in this world.”

  Atheris took a step forward, his gaze unrelenting.

  “Do not mistake these paths for simple career choices,” he stated. “These are not mere professions. They are transformations.”

  A weight settled over the room as he let that sink in.

  “Each path demands a different kind of augmentation, some through science, some through nature, some through technology. And none of them are without risk.”

  A tap on his device, and the first symbol enlarged, a sleek mark.

  Neomorphs (NEO) – The Ever-Adapting Warriors

  “The first path, Neomorphs. More commonly called Neos.”

  Atheris gestured to the glowing claw symbol as the holoboard displayed an image of a warrior mid-transformation.

  “These are the ultimate survivors, those who have fused with a Crystal Core extracted from one of the rarest creatures alive: newborn Alpha Beasts.”

  A few students straightened in their seats.

  Crystal Cores were legendary. Everyone knew how rare they were.

  “Unlike the other paths,” Atheris continued, “Neos are not limited to a static enhancement. They evolve. Their bodies adapt over time, refining their abilities based on their battles and experiences.”

  The holoboard shifted to showcase different Neomorphs, some with retractable claws, others with glowing eyes, hardened scales, or even wings.

  “But,” Atheris said darkly, “this evolution comes at a steep price.”

  The room went deathly silent.

  “Becoming a Neo is nearly impossible.”

  Eyes widened.

  “Crystal Cores can only be harvested from newborn Alpha Beasts, which are always heavily protected. Even if you obtain one, the fusion process is excruciating.”

  The screen displayed failed subjects, their bodies twisted in agony.

  “This is the outcome to those who tried the fusion with less than 60% success in their mod test."

  A cold chill ran through the room.

  “Those who fail?” His tone was matter-of-fact. “Their bodies reject the fusion, and they do not survive.”

  Some students paled.

  “Because of this, Neos are extremely rare. They tend to live on the outskirts of society, constantly training and evolving. Most of you will go your entire lives without seeing one.”

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Atheris let the words settle before moving on.

  “Strength. Versatility. Evolution. That is what defines a Neomorph.”

  The next symbol enlarged, a massive humanoid figure with thick muscle mass.

  Mutagens (MUTA) – The Biological Titans

  “The second path, Mutagens.”

  Atheris tapped the holoboard, which now displayed an injection filled with a thick, glowing liquid.

  “The Titan Serum.”

  “The Titan Serum restructures the body at the cellular level,” Atheris explained. “It reinforces muscle fibers, increases bone density, and enhances raw strength.”

  The board now displayed towering warriors, their bodies layered with dense muscle.

  “A fully developed Mutagen is three times stronger than a normal human,” he continued. “They can endure extreme punishment and remain combat-ready.”

  “But,” Atheris warned, “this power comes at a cost.”

  The screen shifted to show Mutagens undergoing the transformation, some writhing in pain.

  “The Titan Serum is irreversible. Those who undergo it must be prepared for the immense physical toll.”

  A tap on his device, and the next symbol enlarged, a sleek metallic arm overlaying a human silhouette.

  Metagens (META) – The Cybernetic Elite

  “The third path, Metagens. The fusion of man and machine.”

  The holoboard displayed images of a man with enhanced limbs, built-in targeting systems, and full-body cybernetic armor.

  “Metagens replace their biological weaknesses with precision, efficiency, and firepower,” Atheris explained. “Unlike Neos, who evolve through biological adaptation, Metagens enhance themselves by injecting their body with nano-genes and through cybernetic augmentation.”

  The board zoomed in on a sleek capsule-shaped device.

  “The most vital tool of a Metagen?” Atheris said.

  “The META Pod.”

  Murmurs rippled through the class.

  “Without a META Pod, a Metagen cannot maintain, repair, or upgrade their cybernetics. This device is their lifeline. Lose it, and they become vulnerable.”

  Atheris folded his arms.

  “Metagens are the most expensive of the Transformation Paths. Their modifications require constant maintenance, and most are funded by the government. But for those who can afford it, they become walking arsenals.”

  His gaze hardened.

  “But know this: once a modification is installed, it cannot be reversed.”

  Atheris let that settle before moving on.

  The final symbol enlarged, a scholar surrounded by creatures.

  Naturals (NATS) – The Scholars of Survival

  “Lastly, we have the Naturals.”

  Unlike the others, the Nats did not require fusion, augmentation, or genetic modification.

  “Instead,” Atheris stated, “they rely on intellect, strategy, and resourcefulness.”

  The holoboard displayed images of scientists, medics, and beast tamers.

  “Nats master alchemy, chemistry, and survival tactics. They create toxins, medicines, and enhancers that turn the tide of battle.”

  The board displayed a Nat carefully taming a massive Monster Beast.

  “Some specialize in beast taming, forming deep bonds with creatures to fight alongside them.”

  Atheris turned back to the class.

  “Though they do not possess the physical advantages of the other Paths, a well-trained Nat is just as deadly.”

  Atheris took a step back, letting the weight of the lesson settle.

  “Each of you will one day choose a path, but be warned,” he said, his voice sharp and unwavering.

  “This choice will define your entire life.”

  His piercing gaze swept across the room, as if measuring each student, as if deciding who among them would even be worthy of such a transformation.

  The classroom was silent, filled with students absorbing the brutal truth of the world outside. Nix sat with his arms crossed, his mind running through every detail of what Atheris had explained.

  Everything, weapons, training, transformation mods, cost an absurd amount of money.

  How was anyone supposed to afford any of this?

  Nix finally spoke up, his voice laced with frustration. "So, what you’re saying is... if you’re poor, you’re screwed?"

  A few students murmured in agreement, and even those who usually ignored him were nodding along. They all had the same thought.

  Transformation wasn’t just about strength or survival, it was about wealth.

  The rich could buy their way into becoming Sentinels or Hunters, while the poor were left with nothing but the scraps of a dying world.

  Nix clenched his fists. “How is anyone supposed to get strong if we can’t even afford the damn process?”

  That’s when Atheris smirked.

  “I was waiting for someone to ask this question.”

  He leaned back against his desk, arms crossed, surveying the classroom like he had just been waiting for this exact moment.

  “There is another way to earn money.”

  The students perked up. Another way?

  Atheris continued. “It’s called becoming an Adventurer.”

  Confused whispers filled the air. Adventurer?

  Atheris let them murmur for a moment before he spoke again.

  “Unlike Hunters and Sentinels, Adventurers are not tied to a specific faction. But here’s the key difference, Adventurers can also hunt.”

  That got everyone’s attention.

  “Think of Adventurers as the first job class, a proving ground before someone qualifies to become a Hunter or a Sentinel.”

  The murmurs turned into low conversations as students processed what he was saying.

  “Adventurers take jobs outside the walls, either for personal survival or to save up enough money to afford transformation.”

  Nix narrowed his eyes. “So it’s basically an apprenticeship?”

  Atheris nodded. “Exactly. Not everyone can immediately afford the genetic modifications needed to become a Hunter or Sentinel. That’s why the Adventurer system exists, to give people a fighting chance.”

  Some students were still skeptical.

  “But wouldn’t that be just as dangerous? Going outside the walls without transformation?” one of them asked.

  Atheris gave a small shrug. “Everything is dangerous. The question is whether or not you’re willing to take that risk.”

  Nix leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, as the classroom buzzed with scattered conversations about the Adventurer system. The idea of making money without being tied to a government contract was tempting, but he needed to know more.

  He raised a hand. “Alright, so Adventurers make money by taking jobs, selling materials, and working with the Merchant Guild. Got it. But what else? What are the other perks?”

  Atheris turned his sharp gaze toward him, clearly amused. “Finally asking the right questions.”

  The class quieted down as the veteran soldier folded his arms. “Aside from earning your own money and freedom, Adventurers gain access to valuable resources that most normal people never get their hands on.”

  He raised a finger. “One: Equipment & Supplies.”

  “Adventurers can buy better weapons, armor, and tools. Unlike Sentinels, who get standard-issue gear, and Hunters, who have to craft their own, Adventurers can get custom weapons as long as they can afford them.”

  Nix nodded, but Atheris wasn’t done.

  “Two: Combat Experience.”

  Atheris smirked. “You don’t want to be an Adventurer forever. If your goal is to become a Hunter or Sentinel, you’re gonna need real combat experience first. Adventurers get exactly that, fighting, surviving, and learning outside the city walls before they take on full transformation.”

  Nix tapped his fingers against his desk. “And if you don’t join?”

  Atheris chuckled. “Then you’re stuck. No money, no gear, no experience, and no way to afford transformation.”

  The class shifted uncomfortably. Atheris let the weight of his words settle before he continued.

  “Three: Merchant Guild Access.”

  “Adventurers work closely with the Merchant Guild, meaning they get priority access to rare supplies, high-paying contracts, and even protection during their work. If you think you can make it out there alone, you’re dead wrong. The Guild keeps Adventurers supplied and gives them opportunities that normal citizens will never get.”

  Nix narrowed his eyes. “So, if I don’t become an Adventurer, I don’t get access to any of that?”

  Atheris nodded. “Exactly. Without money, weapons, and experience, you’re nothing. Adventurers may not be as strong as Hunters, but they’re still a step ahead of the rest. Not joining means staying at the bottom.”

  Nix exhaled slowly.

  No money. No training. No future.

  The only way forward was to fight for it himself.

  But Atheris wasn’t done yet.

  Training Facilities for Adventurers

  Atheris leaned forward. “Still not convinced? Here’s what else you get.”

  1. "The Hollow Grid" – The Ultimate Virtual Battlefield

  ? A massive simulation chamber where Adventurers can train in realistic, high-risk scenarios without dying.

  ? It mimics real monster encounters, hostile environments, and survival challenges.

  ? Allows Adventurers to experiment with different weapons and tactics before going into real combat.

  ? Elite Hunters sometimes use it to test strategies against powerful monsters.

  2. "Iron Fang Dojo" – The Weapon & Monster Fighting Academy

  ? A combat-focused training hall run by retired Hunters.

  ? Adventurers can practice using real weapons, learn beast-slaying techniques, and train their reflexes.

  ? Live combat drills using captured lower-tier monsters for realistic fight training.

  ? Tactical courses on how to identify a Monster Beast’s weaknesses and take them down efficiently.

  Atheris smirked. “So, if you’re serious about survival, you’ll take advantage of these.”

  Nix’s fingers tapped against his desk. He already knew the truth. He had no choice.

  The only thing left… was deciding how far he was willing to go.

  Nix leaned back in his seat, processing the information. So there was a way for people like him, people without money, status, or backing, to at least try.

  It wasn’t ideal, but it was better than nothing.

  It was a grueling system. A dangerous one.

  But it was the only real way out for those who had nothing.

  Atheris crossed his arms again, looking over the class.

  “So, if you don’t have the money for transformation, this is your way in.”

  Silence filled the room.

  For most of them, this was the only chance they’d ever get.

  Nix leaned back, his mind already working through the possibilities.

  If Adventurers could hunt, then that meant...

  He could hunt.

  And if he could hunt, he could survive.

  “You will not be choosing blindly,” Atheris continued. “After class today, each one of you will receive a beginner training tutorial video instructions and those who wish to be tested for Mod eligibility as a Neomorph or Mutagen or Metagen may stay behind.”

  The room shifted immediately.

  Some students stiffened. Others whispered.

  A test?

  “Becoming a Neo, Muta or a Met is not as simple as volunteering,” Atheris stated. “Your body must be able to handle the transformation. The test will determine if you can survive the process.”

  Nix sat up straighter.

  A test to see if he was capable?

  His heart pounded.

  “There are no guarantees,” Atheris added. “You may have the desire, but your body will decide for you. If you fail the test, you will never be able to attempt the transformation. We can only show you the way, it's you're decision to take the test or not.”

  Murmurs broke out again.

  For some, this was the deciding moment.

  For others, this was the first real wall between them and power.

  Atheris glanced at the clock, then looked back at the students.

  “If you wish to participate, remain after class. If not…”

  His sharp gaze locked onto them one last time.

  “Class dismissed.”

  The moment the words left Atheris’ mouth, the tension in the room snapped like a stretched wire.

  Students shifted nervously, some exchanging excited glances, others looking like they were trying to swallow down their fear.

  A test… to see if they were capable of transformation.

  It was no longer just a lesson.

  This was the first true step toward something greater.

  And Nix?

  Nix wasn't going anywhere.

  The school field had been transformed. Rows of medical tents stood neatly lined up, each housing a testing station where students were being evaluated for their eligibility to become a Neo or a Muta.

  Nix's eyes scanned the scene. White-coated examiners moved with precision, carefully handling the expensive devices that would determine their fates.

  The device itself was small, sleek, and metallic, but Nix could see the tiny latch-like appendages meant to dig into the skin.

  "Three minutes of blood circulation," he muttered to himself. Three minutes to see if you're meant for greatness or failure.

  Atheris had made it clear: your body decides, not you.

  Nix took a deep breath.

  This is it.

  Students lined up in single file, whispering in anticipation. The air was thick with tension, the excitement of possibility clashing with the fear of what their results might be.

  Nix stood in line, doing his best to stay unnoticed.

  Of course, that never worked.

  "Look who actually showed up!"

  Jared’s voice cut through the air, drawing attention.

  Nix didn’t bother turning.

  "Didn’t think a trash picker like you would even bother," Jared sneered. His cronies snickered, and a few other students joined in with quiet laughs.

  "Man, imagine if he actually gets a high score," one of Jared’s lackeys said. "Pfft! Like that’s possible."

  Another chimed in. "What would he even buy the serum with? Rusty bolts?"

  Laughter rippled through the group.

  Nix kept his expression blank.

  He’d heard it all before.

  But just as Jared was about to keep going, a sharp voice cut through the air like a knife.

  "That’s enough."

  The laughter stopped instantly.

  Nix blinked, turning slightly to see a girl with glasses standing a few paces away.

  She wasn’t from his class.

  She was from Class One.

  And everyone knew her name.

  "Bullying someone in a public space?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "Are you all idiots?"

  Her voice was calm, but the chill in her tone made it very clear she wasn’t amused.

  Jared stiffened. "What’s it to you, Livia?"

  Livia Velcrest.

  A girl from one of the most powerful families in the city.

  The Judge.

  She’d earned that title after single-handedly destroying the reputation of bullies who once tormented her friends, that caused one of them to lose his life.

  At first, no one took her seriously.

  Then, one day, she called her older brother, a fully transformed Muta.

  With just one word from her, those bullies were forced to switch schools out of fear.

  Jared’s expression darkened, but he wasn’t stupid.

  "You don’t scare me," he muttered.

  Livia gave him a flat stare.

  "Oh, don’t worry, Jared," she said smoothly. "I don’t need to scare you. I just need to let my brother know you exist."

  Jared’s jaw tightened.

  Livia adjusted her glasses, looking bored. "Now, are you going to keep acting like an idiot, or should I start deciding how bad your life is going to get?"

  The air felt heavier.

  The other students instinctively stepped away, as if not wanting to be caught in the blast radius.

  Jared gritted his teeth but said nothing.

  Livia smirked. "Good choice."

  She turned to Nix, her expression neutral.

  "You okay?"

  Nix shrugged. "I’m used to it."

  Livia adjusted her glasses again. "That doesn’t make it right."

  Then, as if nothing happened, she stepped back into her place in line.

  Jared shot Nix a glare, but he didn’t say another word.

  For the first time in a long while, someone had stood up for him.

  Nix exhaled.

  A girl like her… was just a dream for a guy like him.

  One by one, students entered the testing tents.

  A few minutes later, they would exit, their survival rate displayed on a digital pad.

  One by one, their fates were sealed.

  Some students came out smiling, others pale as ghosts.

  Then,

  Jared’s turn.

  Nix watched as he entered.

  Three minutes later, he stepped out, grinning.

  His result?

  60%.

  The bare minimum.

  The other students murmured.

  "That’s… not great."

  "He can still do it if he’s willing to bet his life."

  "Yeah, but would you risk everything on a 60% chance?"

  Jared scowled.

  He had barely passed.

  If he wanted to transform, he would need to put his life on the line.

  And that meant buying the Titan Serum or a Monster Crystal Core.

  Would he do it?

  Nix didn’t know.

  Livia stepped into the testing tent next.

  A few minutes later, she walked out, expression unreadable.

  Her result?

  90%.

  The crowd gasped.

  Nix froze.

  Ninety percent?

  That was insane.

  If she wanted, she could become a Neo or a Muta with almost no risk.

  Whispers spread like wildfire.

  Livia, unfazed, simply glanced at the result and muttered, "Expected."

  Then she walked back to her spot like it wasn’t even a big deal.

  His heart pounded.

  It was his turn.

  He took slow steps forward, forcing himself not to tremble.

  Every step felt heavier.

  If he failed this…

  No.

  He couldn’t think about that.

  A chance.

  A single chance to change his fate.

  He entered the tent, standing before the examiner.

  "Sit," she instructed.

  Nix obeyed.

  She cleaned his left shoulder, then carefully placed the testing device against his skin.

  The cold metal latched onto him.

  A sharp pinch.

  Then, the agony started.

  An excruciating pain runs through his whole body as the machine began circulating his blood.

  Three minutes.

  He gritted his teeth, trying to focus on his breathing.

  This is it.

  The Final Seconds

  His heart pounded harder, his brain screaming in pain.

  This was his hope.

  His one shot at getting ahead.

  There was a rumor whispered through the city:

  If someone scored 80% or higher, a wealthy sponsor might fund their transformation.

  Could he do it?

  Would he finally have a way out of this life?

  The timer ticked down.

  3 seconds left.

  2 seconds.

  1 second.

  Nix took a breath,

  Then,

  Blackness.

  Everything vanished.

  His thoughts, his vision, all of it cut to nothing.

  The last thing he remembered…

  Was the sound of his own heart pounding.

  Then—

  Silence.