1 Hour Ago
Dragon College – Awakening Stone Plaza
The last rays of the sun glimmered over the enormous plaza as the final students completed their awakening.
Tony, furious and restless, searched every corner of the college grounds with his teammates, his rage boiling like fire.
"Where the hell is Jule!?" Tony snarled, clenching his fists.
He wanted nothing more than to beat Jule bloody in front of Stella, to humiliate him completely.
After today's awakening, Stella had cut all ties with Jule, and everyone had noticed how cold and distant she had become.
She stood on the opposite side of the students, her back straight and proud, refusing to even glance at Jule's direction, her expression like ice.
Her sudden change of attitude shocked many students — but for Jule, it was exactly what he had expected.
While everyone's attention was fixed on the bright lights of the Awakening Stone, he silently slipped away, leaving the college without anyone noticing.
---
"Silence!"
The crowd immediately quieted as the principal's commanding voice echoed from the top of the tallest building overlooking the plaza.
All students and teachers turned their attention upward as the principal stepped forward, his presence alone enough to still the chaos.
"Tomorrow," the principal declared, his voice ringing through the field,
"all awakened students will enter an F-Rank Dungeon. Your ranking will be determined by time taken and the number of monsters killed.
Various guild representatives will be present to evaluate you.
Perform well, and you will be recruited on the spot!"
The announcement caused a wave of excitement to ripple through the crowd.
Cheers erupted as students talked eagerly among themselves, already making plans to practice their new abilities before tomorrow's test.
Tony's smirk turned cruel.
"Jule… when you show your face tomorrow, I'll crush you completely — and in front of Stella."
The students soon dispersed, returning home to train and prepare for the dungeon challenge.
---
At Jule's Home
The smell of food filled the small house as Jule stepped through the doorway.
His mother, Elena, was busy cooking, while his sister, Alena, busied herself with house chores.
Her cheeks flushed a deep red the moment she saw Jule, her mind flashing back to the kiss they had shared earlier.
Embarrassed, she quickly turned away, pretending to focus on her work.
Jule, noticing her reaction, sighed heavily.
"Hahh… women are too hard to understand," he muttered under his breath.
"Mom, I'm going to my bedroom," Jule said casually, trying not to draw attention to himself.
He entered his room, shut the door, and sat cross-legged on the bed, his face serious.
"Tomorrow, all the students will enter the dungeon," he thought.
"They'll fight monsters, gain experience, and prove their worth in front of the guilds.
But me… I don't need to go back to the college anymore. I've already completed my studies, and my certificate is just a formality I can pick up later.
If I show up now, Tony and his dogs will definitely come after me."
Jule clenched his fist tightly.
"Not to mention… I don't have any direct combat skills yet. Going head-to-head with them right now would be suicide."
He took a deep breath and turned his focus inward.
"From the moment I awakened, I've been thinking about how to fully utilize this system. And now… I finally have an idea."
Jule closed his eyes and spoke clearly in his mind.
"SYSTEM, activate Parasite Creation!"
---
A metallic chime rang inside his head.
> [System]: Please name your new parasite.
[Name of Parasite: ??]
"Name it… Evolver," Jule commanded.
> [System]: Please define body size and function.
Note: If a parasite does not take a host body in time, it will die depending on its physical structure, size, and rank.
Jule's mind worked quickly as he designed the first parasite.
"Make it small and liquid-like, so it can easily enter and merge with a tree," he instructed.
"I want this parasite to produce a special aphrodisiac liquid inside the tree.
The effects will be twofold:
1. The aphrodisiac will stimulate the tree, causing it to grow rapidly and remain in peak condition. It will also recover stamina and induce a state of endless pleasure, driving its evolution.
2. In return, the parasite will feed on the tree's roots, absorbing nutrients and multiplying itself, eventually spreading to nearby trees through their interconnected root systems."
> [System]: Processing…
Due to host's current low level, parasite size will be reduced.
Congratulations! Parasite 'Evolver' (SSS+) Created!
Rarity depends on parasite function and physical potential.
---
A small drop of glistening liquid appeared in Jule's palm.
He examined it closely, feeling a strange, powerful energy emanating from the tiny lifeform.
"This… is my first step toward true power," Jule murmured, a cold smile forming on his face.
He left the house quietly and walked for several minutes under the moonlight, heading toward the forest near the border of Lugia Country, close to the dangerous outer monster territory.
The air grew thick and heavy as he approached the towering, ancient trees.
Stopping before a particularly large tree, Jule took out a small knife and carved a hole into its trunk.
Carefully, he placed the liquid parasite inside.
"Let's see what happens tomorrow," he whispered, his smile widening with anticipation.
"This is only the beginning."
Satisfied, Jule returned home.
When he entered, he saw his mother and sister still busy with their chores. Elena was humming softly as she cooked, while Alena focused on studying, her determination clear — she was top of her class, excelling in both practical and written exams.
Jule silently joined them, later lying down beside his family as they all shared the same bed, a small but warm and comforting routine.
As his eyelids grew heavy, Jule drifted to sleep, already planning how to grow his power.