In her dimly lit room, Arachne rose, skillfully drawing back the curtain made from a blanket, her face turning towards Sky.

"You see, my dad is a distinguished researcher at a gene lab. For many in our city-state, it's seen as a place shrouded in mystery and greatness. Yet, to those on the wastelands, it's a horrifying nightmare. The lab's insatiable need for experimental subjects makes the mutants of the wastelands, especially those in early mutation stages, its primary targets," Arachne's voice trembled with a hint of sorrow. "City defense forces have specialized combat teams tasked with gathering these 'materials.' My mother, unfortunately, was one of those brought before researcher Duncan."

Sky listened with deepened concern. "So, your mother..."

"She was a wanderer from the wastelands, targeted and taken to the gene lab due to her unique mutation. She was on the brink of mutation, showing initial signs but not fully transformed," Arachne narrated, each word heavy with meaning.

"And your father... How did he get involved?" Sky probed, trying to unravel the complex web of their history.

"My father noticed something unusual in my mother. Aside from minor skin changes, she lacked the typical enhancements seen in mutants. In fact, her physical condition was exceptionally fragile.

Despite this, lab tests showed her mutation level was extremely high, almost hitting the theoretical threshold, signaling an awakening.

Perhaps you're not entirely familiar with gene enhancement potions. Essentially, they are catalysts that provoke genetic mutations, enhancing and controlling the natural evolutionary process of mutants, gradually unlocking the latent potential of human genes.

Fundamentally, the evolution of mutants is a process of natural genetic progression. Most naturally occurring mutants are evolutionary dead-ends, degenerating into deformities.

Whether naturally occurring or induced by gene enhancers, those who successfully breach the evolutionary threshold acquire and command various supernatural powers, known in our city-state as the Awakened."

Awakeners who evolve naturally are a rare breed, distinctly different from those who awaken through genetic enhancement serums. Their power is more fundamental, purer, and wilder, bestowing upon them a level of combat ability that is significantly superior to the common city-state awakeners. Their innate capacity to command and organize untamed, ordinary mutants into cohesive combat units is unparalleled. Such mutant awakeners haven't been seen near the Sunrise city-state for many years.

The swift collapse of Satellite Cities 15 and 16 has raised my father's suspicions about the emergence of a mutant awakener. The senior officers of the city defense forces are likely privy to more details, but they have kept this information tightly sealed from the general populace and the lower-tier combatants.

Reflecting on the situation, Sky commented, "This clarifies why the genetic lab in Satellite City 14 is preparing for evacuation. It appears they have little confidence in their ability to defend successfully."

Arachne added, "This is merely a hypothesis of my dad's, but it's probably true, as I can feel it."

Sky, puzzled, inquired, "You can feel it?"

"Yes," Arachne continued, "just like my mother did. During my dad's research on her, it was discovered that she could empathize with the emotions of other mutants and even influence them to some extent. This indicated her potential for awakening.

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My dad was so absorbed by this unique case that he set aside all other work, even moving a sleeping bag into his lab to constantly monitor her physiological changes. He confided that unlike typical mutants who turn irritable and volatile post-mutation, my mom remained a gentle and compassionate woman. She serenely accepted her destiny, collaborating closely with Duncan in his research, which gradually blossomed into love and eventually led to her pregnancy.

Dad managed to fake her death certificate to secretly take her out of the lab. He hid her in our home and managed to get her a Satellite City 15 resident identity on the black market.

Tragically, she died in childbirth, and I never had the chance to meet her."

Arachne sighed, then continued, "Growing up, I was frail and nearly blind, so I spent most of my time in the lab with my dad, unlike other kids. It was later that I learned he had identified my mutant traits early in my life. I had inherited some of my mother's abilities, and as time went on, my mutation intensified.

My health deteriorated, but my sensory perception enhanced. I didn't need to rely on my eyes to perceive everything around me. Using this ability, I covertly accessed my medical data from the tests my father conducted. Based on my projections, if this trend continues, I doubt I'll live past the age of 20."

So, my father has been relentlessly working on perfecting gene-enhancing drugs over the past decade, with the goal of developing a serum that could trigger the awakening of my unique genes. Once awakened, an individual undergoes profound physical transformations. This possibility has become my sole beacon of hope for survival." Sky, with a sense of intrigue, recalled the syringe, "Was the drug in that syringe prepared by your father specifically for you?"

"Yes, it was his ultimate experiment. Dad theorized that this drug could stimulate my genes, affording me a substantial chance of awakening. Ordinary gene-enhancing drugs don't work on those already undergoing mutation, so this isn't a gradual process like standard ones. Instead, it directly stimulates the body, inducing intense genetic mutations for awakening. But this greatly escalates the risk of genetic collapse. He himself was uncertain, hence his reluctance to let me try it." Arachne's voice was tinged with apprehension, "My fear isn't of genetic collapse, but of losing control after being injected with this drug and turning into a monster."

"Have you been aware of these things since childhood? I can't fathom how a child could shoulder such a heavy burden," Sky remarked with empathy.

Arachne shook her head, "At 14, I suddenly found I could sense the emotions of the mutants brought to our lab, influencing their feelings and behaviors, just like my mother could. When I shared this with my father, he unveiled the truth to me. My existence is a massive secret to the outside world. If discovered, both my father and I would be in grave danger."

After pondering for a moment, Sky asked in astonishment, "Wait, you mentioned you could sense...?"

Arachne nodded, "I can detect several immensely powerful auras to the north, faint due to the distance. But I am certain they belong to mutants, exceptionally strong ones. I sensed these same presences during the siege of Satellite City 15; they were right under the city."

Sky, deep in thought, queried, "If you can sense their presence, could they possibly sense yours too? Is this ability one-sided or mutual?"

"I'm unsure, but throughout these years, Dad had me apply this skill on numerous mutants in the lab. He's researched extensively, and it seems to be unique to me," Arachne hesitated, "Actually, I can use this ability on those who've undergone gene treatments too, but influencing the emotions of gene warriors is challenging."

A sudden recollection struck Sky, "I remember you once said you thought I was special. Were you using this ability at that time?"

Arachne nodded, "You're not upset, are you? Sometimes, I can't fully control this ability."

"No, I'm not. What's so special about me?"

"Yes, you're unlike anyone else. I've never encountered an aura like yours. It's as if it wholly belongs to this world," Arachne mused, "Sky, who exactly are you?"

Sky inhaled deeply, then exhaled deeply and forcefully. "Everyone has secrets. When the time is right, I'll share mine with you. Just remember, from this moment, you are family to me. Our immediate goal is to survive this war. We need to start preparing. Don't worry, with me here, I'll ensure your safety."

The cold moonlight seeped through the window, casting a long shadow of Arachne against the wall. She curled into a ball, knees tucked to her chest, her voice softening: "Thank you. You don't need to do all this for me. I've always felt like an extra, a burden to my father since childhood. Now that he's gone, I don't want to be a burden to anyone else."

Sky deftly jumped down from the upper bunk and sat next to her, wrapping his right arm around her just like on the troop carrier returning to the city.

He realized he was growing fond of the feeling of holding Arachne close. Every time their bodies touched, it felt as if his cells themselves were bathing in the sunlight.

After a moment, he spoke softly, "You know, years ago, when I was just an innocent kid, my father left us. That night, it felt like darkness engulfed my entire life, the light of my existence just vanished without a trace. More than sadness, it was fear that gripped me. The uncertainty of the future, the unknown paths ahead. I cried in secret all night. Do you know what happened next?"

Arachne shook her head. Sky gave a faint smile, letting her head rest against his shoulder. "Then, dawn arrived."

Arachne hesitated, then chuckled softly.

Sky ran his fingers through her hair. "Believe me, no night lasts forever. Dawn always comes. And when it does, you realize you're never alone."

Arachne nestled closer into Sky's embrace, softly agreeing with a hum.

After a long silence, Sky looked at the girl in his arms, who had remained quiet. She had fallen asleep, with a single tear on her cheek.

Sky gently wiped away the single tear on the girl's cheek, then carefully pulled the blanket, doubling as a curtain, around them both. His gaze slowly sharpened with determination and clarity.

What he didn't notice was that Raimondo's snoring had, at some point, stopped.