Chapter 36: A Normal Day
POV: Leon
My eyes slowly opened as I looked up at a familiar ceiling. The ceiling fan turned slowly, its cool air brushing against my face as the light flickered with each spin of the blades.
When the grogginess finally wore off, my eyes widened in panic as I abruptly sat up.
*Crack* *Break*
My bed collapsed beneath me as I fell to the floor.
"Ugh, what the—"
I muttered, rubbing my head. But then I paused, eyes widening in disbelief. I was currently half-naked, wearing only my undergarments, and my body had changed—no, evolved. Once lean and muscular, I now bore a form far beyond baseline humanity. My physique had grown taller, denser, far more defined. Every muscle felt compact and potent. As I clenched my fist, I could feel raw, unadulterated strength radiating from it.
"What happened to me? I thought the Emperor's gift was only temporary?"
I questioned aloud. But then I shook my head, dismissing the thought.
"Who am I to question the will of the Master of Mankind? As long as I grow stronger and use this strength for good, I don't care what happens to me."
After saying that, I stood and patted the dust from my body, surveying the wreckage of the ruined bed.
"Sigh... Uncle Ben isn't going to be pleased that I destroyed his handcrafted furniture."
I muttered, heading to shower and donning a simple cerulean tunic and combat trousers. Once dressed, I reached for the door. As I grasped the handle and twisted—
*CRACK!*
The door, hinges and all, broke apart with a simple push.
I broke into a cold sweat. Standing on the other side was Uncle Ben, just about to knock. His face contorted into restrained fury as the veins on his forehead bulged.
"Uh... sor—"
Before I could finish, he jumped up and pinched my ear, twisting it with inhuman ferocity.
"YOW!"
I yelped, dropping the door from my grip as I attempted to shield myself.
"What are you doing wrecking my quarters? Do you have any idea how long it took me to make every piece of furniture in there?"
He lectured, still pulling on my ear.
"Oww! Yes, okay, I'm sorry! I'll be careful next time!"
He released me with a huff, crossing his arms.
"Hmph. You're lucky my wife thinks of you like a grandson. If not, I'd have kicked your arse, Chosen One or not."
I laughed nervously and immediately bolted down the corridor, fully aware that I hadn't yet told him about the destroyed bed.
After a few minutes of fleeing through the outpost, I heard the inevitable shout echo behind me.
"LEON!!"
That was my cue to sprint faster.
As I darted through the streets of our base—now resembling a budding town—I passed by familiar faces. Civilians, survivors, even former captives of the Gun Rats. Some women bore signs of pregnancy, likely carrying the next generation of this resistance.
Guards in lightweight carapace-pattern armor patrolled the thoroughfares, mingling with the civilians. The streets were alive—children played freely, shops lined the walkways, and laughter filled the air.
"So much has changed... How long was I out for?"
I murmured, continuing toward the medical barracks.
My pace accelerated as I adjusted to my new speed, every stride carrying me further with ease.
Within a minute, I reached Aunty Cass's field-hospital structure. I rushed inside, finding Merah at the front desk, her attention buried in administrative dataslates.
"Merah! Where's Varn?"
Startled by my sudden appearance—and clearly surprised to see me conscious—she blinked.
"Second floor, room two-thirteen."
I didn't wait. I nodded and sprinted off, offering polite greetings to everyone I passed.
As I vanished up the stairs, Merah sighed, a soft smile on her lips.
"Sigh... There he goes. Doesn't even let me finish talking."
With that, she returned to her work, a trace of amusement lingering on her face.