Chapter 105: Mission Day

[Friday, 9:23 am]

It was mission day, and Adam was more than ready.

After the father-and-son ’talk’, the two had returned to the city for breakfast. As Adam expected, his father had been shocked to see some of the things he could do, convincing the man that he was capable of at least escaping when things went south.

Adam had told Aurelius to head out first, and he would meet him at an agreed-upon location in the city. He had also passed his supplies to Aurelius the day before. He could not afford to have eyes on him as he moved. His safety was of paramount importance to him now.

That was a promise he made to his father, and a demand from his mother.

Dressed in the academy’s issued mission clothes, Adam checked his appearance in the mirror and nodded, satisfied with what he saw. With every set, he activated Digital Veil and stepped out of his room, closing the door behind him.

Adam looked around for a while, making sure there was no one watching him. When he confirmed no presences around, he shapeshifted his face, taking on a new appearance.

His dark hair and brown eyes had taken on a golden hue, while his face resembled a random person one could run across on the street and quickly forget. He looked unremarkable.

[Shapeshifting: allows the user to change any part of his body or his entire body to resemble other creatures or people.]

The skill was one he designed using his deep understanding of human and beast biology, as well as the principles that governed shapeshifting. Its essence requirements were on the low side when he shapeshifted just a part of his body rather than his entire body.

With a thought, Adam vanished, employing his speed to quickly leave the dormitory and the academy. He would be running to the agreed location without rest. Manipulating just a few vector forces allowed him to move at incredible speed, his figure a blur.

Adam covered several hundred metres in seconds, gradually closing in on the academy’s massive tunnelway into the city. He flashed past vehicles and people as though they were frozen in place.

A few people were able to follow his speed, watching him for a moment before turning their gaze away. Smiling to himself, Adam increased his speed. He soon crossed into the city, dashing towards the rendezvous point.

Several minutes later, he came to an abrupt stop before the parking space of a small grocery store. The very few people who were around abruptly turned when he appeared.

"Oh, a student," someone muttered.

Adam nodded at the people and looked around, quickly spotting the Sarge Green jeep with the academy’s crest parked a few metres away. He slowly approached the car and knocked on the passenger side window.

Aurelius turned and narrowed his eyes. He pressed a button on his side and lowered the window. "Adam?" he asked, sounding uncertain.

"In the flesh," Adam replied with a knowing smile.

The beast boy unlocked the door, allowing Adam to enter. He took a long, hard look at Adam, his brows furrowed. He knew there were ways and even devices a person could use to change their appearance, but it looked so real.

And his scent was the same.

"Are you really the same person?" Aurelius asked, as he had to be sure.

"Yeah..." Adam looked back at the boy and smiled. "If you’re not sure, you can ask me something only the two of us will know."

"..."

"It’s fine." Aurelius looked away, his gaze forward. "But what do I call you? I’m assuming using your real name could have the opposite effect?"

"You can call me John. Although it’s my middle name." Adam answered smoothly, adding a detail he believed Aurelius did not know.

He looked back and saw their backpack and supplies. Everything was set for their departure.

"John, it is."

Aurelius acknowledged the name and nodded. He then started the car and pulled out of the parking space. He glanced at Adam, or rather, John, and asked, "What do you think about the mission?"

Adam took a moment to think about the question, recalling the mission details while Aurelius followed the navigation system and drove.

[Mission Type: Beast Subjugation]

[ Rank: C]

[Description: A menagerie of evolved beasts has been repeatedly raiding farmlands within the hinterlands of Sector 7, resulting in significant losses to crops and livestock. Their numbers and aggression have increased over the past several weeks, posing a growing threat to nearby settlements.]

[Objective: Locate and subjugate the hostile beasts while minimising damage to the surrounding farmland.]

[Known Beast Realm: 1st-2nd Realm]

[Duration: Seven Days]

[Warning: Students should exercise caution. Although the majority of the beasts are believed to be within the 1st and 2nd Realms, the presence of Third Realm beasts cannot be ruled out. Do not engage a Third Realm beast alone. Request assistance if encountered.]

It was a mission that required the students to be at least in the Second Realm, while possessing high-level combat and decision-making capabilities. C-type missions for first-year students were also called elite missions for this reason.

The mission data also included some of the species of beasts involved in the raids and the terrain. They were all creatures Adam knew very well from his studies of evolved animals.

"I think it’s right up our alley," Adam replied, glancing at Aurelius. With a knowing smile on his face, he added. "And congratulations are in order, I suppose."

Aurelius glanced at Adam from the corner of his eye, a bit of surprise flashing through them. "You can tell?"

"Haha. I can feel the intensity of your Spark, Aurelius." He explained. "Also, the fact that the academy is allowing us to take a mission like this is already telling. But I’m also guessing this mission isn’t just about subjugating beasts, is it?"

"You really are smart." Aurelius was impressed.

He could not refute Adam’s words. He had indeed broken into the Second Realm a few days ago, and was ready to tame his second beast. The average person could spend half a year to a year before evolving to the Second Realm.

In most cases, they never evolve, forced to stay in the realm forever. Talented geniuses, on the other hand, could take four months or less.

"And you’re right. The mission might not just be about subjugating beasts." The beast master added. "That won’t be a problem, will it?"

In the Spencer family, everyone was allowed to tame whatever beasts they desired after their first, which was gifted by the family.

The rest were supposed to be chosen and tamed themselves. Aurelius taking on this mission wasn’t just about subjugating beasts. He hoped to find a suitable beast to tame, and if circumstances permit, attempt the impossible.

"It’s a little too late to be asking now, but no, it won’t." Adam answered. "As long as we’re able to complete the mission, I’ll be good."

Aurelius appreciated Adam’s words, his attention on the road.

The jeep continued through the city, gradually making its way to the southern highway that led out of the city.