Chapter 5: *Another man's Treasure*

The day of the Awakening Trial Event had finally arrived, and the entire school was buzzing with energy and anticipation. Every student had been training for this moment, a day that could change their lives forever. For Nix and his friends, it was the culmination of months of preparation and dedication. Getting into the top 10 meant a chance to fuse with a Crystal Core and become an Evolver, an opportunity to unlock hidden potential and achieve greatness.

Nix packed up his hunting gear early in the morning, ready to give it everything he had. Before leaving, Granny Laurie gave him a long hug, her old hands shaking slightly as she wished him good luck. Nix, holding back the rush of emotions, nodded firmly. “I’ll do my best, Granny.”

Hopping on his trusty Scootie, Nix zoomed toward the train station, his mind a whirlwind of excitement and determination. At the station, he saw his friends, Jeff, Prabh, and Liam, all of them wearing the same look of quiet resolve. They didn’t need to say much. Their smiles said it all, they were ready for this. A simple nod of acknowledgment passed between them before they parted ways, each heading to their respective schools for their own Awakening Event.

When Nix arrived at his school gate, he could see other students just like him, eyes burning with ambition. But there, standing by the entrance, was Alexi. Her face lit up when she spotted Nix, and she quickly walked over to him. Without a word, she held onto his arm.

Nix, surprised by the sudden contact, noticed how Alexi’s hands were trembling. She was usually calm, but today, she seemed different, on edge, anxious. He gave her a reassuring smile. "You’ve got this, Alexi. Just take it one step at a time."

Alexi looked up at him, managing a small smile as his words gave her a bit of confidence. "Thanks, Nix. I just... I really don’t want to mess this up."

As they reached the school field, the Vice Principal took the stage, explaining the rules and scoring system for the Awakening Event. The rules were simple: students could earn points for creativity, performance, successful hunts, and the level of beasts they defeated. However, unnecessary violence toward other students would lead to disqualification. Additionally, anyone in the top 20 could receive donation points from the top 10, and the principal could also award bonus points.

When the Vice Principal finished, he made a grand announcement. "Now, with all of that out of the way… Let! The! Games! Begin!! Go and enter the Garden of Beasts. And remember, press the distress button if your life is in danger. We will have teachers and guards stationed to assist."

Students began climbing into the large cannons, which would catapult them into the Garden of Beasts, an immense wilderness teeming with wild creatures. Nix turned to Alexi before they parted ways.

“Good luck, Alexi,” Nix said as he hugged her, something he hadn’t done before.

Alexi blushed, her heart pounding, but she managed a smile. “You too, Nix. See you on the other side.”

With that, they each took their positions in separate cannons. As Nix sat down, gripping the edge of his seat, he prepared himself for the wild ride ahead. But his thoughts lingered on Alexi. He had noticed something in her earlier that day, a fragility, a hidden vulnerability.

Unbeknownst to Nix, Alexi had been harboring a secret. She had a hidden illness, something that had weakened her body over the years. Her family, poor and unable to afford proper medical treatment, had done everything they could to protect her. Her parents hadn’t wanted her to participate in the Awakening Trial, fearing that the physical strain could be too much for her. But Alexi couldn’t bear the thought of being a burden any longer.

She had spent countless hours researching Crystal Cores and their properties. According to ancient records, a Crystal Core had the potential to cure any illness, even if the fusion failed. For Alexi, this was her chance, not just to prove herself, but to free her parents from the weight of her illness.

As the cannon launched Nix into the Garden of Beasts, he soared through the air, landing in a dense, forested area. His heart was racing, but he quickly gathered his bearings, scanning the surroundings for signs of any beasts lurking nearby.

The first day of the event was a test of survival. Nix used his hunting skills to avoid unnecessary fights, saving his energy for the bigger battles that lay ahead. As he moved through the trees, his mind kept drifting back to Alexi. He knew something was off but couldn’t put his finger on it.

On the second day, Nix started racking up points, taking down smaller beasts while maintaining a low profile. He quickly rose through the ranks but remained just outside the top 10. His skill, creativity, and adaptability were paying off.

But it was during the third day that things took a drastic turn. Nix encountered Alexi deep within the Garden of Beasts. She was struggling, her face pale and sweat dripping from her brow. She had already fought off a beast and earned points, but it was clear that she was pushing herself too hard.

“Alexi, what’s going on?” Nix asked, rushing over to her side. “You don’t look so good.”

Alexi hesitated, but then, with a heavy sigh, she revealed the truth. "I’ve been hiding an illness, Nix. My parents didn’t want me to compete because of it. I thought I could handle it, but… I don’t know if I can."

Nix’s heart sank. Alexi had always been so strong, or at least she had pretended to be. Now, seeing her like this, he realized just how much she had been suffering in silence.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” he asked, his voice thick with concern.

“I didn’t want anyone to worry. But I need to do this, Nix. The Crystal Core... It could cure me. Even if the fusion fails, it’s my only chance to stop being a burden to my family.”

Nix’s resolve hardened. He couldn’t let Alexi suffer like this. Throughout the rest of the day, he fought even harder, knowing that his goal wasn’t just for himself anymore. He needed to get into the top 10, if not for his own sake, then for hers.

By the final day of the Awakening Trial Event, Nix had secured enough points to land in the top 10. But when the time came to claim his reward, he stood in front of the judges and made a decision that shocked everyone.

“I want to give my points to Alexi,” Nix said firmly. “She deserve it more than I do.”

The judges were stunned, but they allowed the transfer. Alexi, too, was overwhelmed by Nix’s generosity, tears welling in her eyes.

“You didn’t have to do that,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

Nix smiled, his eyes gentle but determined. “You deserve a chance to be healthy, Alexi. That’s more important than any Crystal Core.”

Nix then also gave her the Energy Fruit to increase her chance of becoming an Evolver and explained to her how to use it. Alexi was touched and she hugged Nix tightly. No words have to be said in this moment.

image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54032899487_0a5dc09a0b_m.jpg]

With that, the Awakening Trial Event came to an end, and while Nix didn’t walk away with the Crystal Core himself, he had kept something far more valuable, A friend, and a bond of memories that would only grow from this day forward.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

As Nix returned home after the Awakening Event, Granny Laurie was there waiting for him. Without asking how the trial went, she simply sat him down and began preparing his favorite meal. Nix appreciated her silent support. It made him realize that no matter the outcome, he made the right choice. The guilt and doubt that weighed on him lifted as he watched Granny cook, feeling reassured by her presence.

As he ate, his spirits rose, knowing deep down that even though he hadn’t obtained a Crystal Core during the trial, there were always other ways. Nix didn’t lose hope, he’d figure out how to become an evolver on his own, no matter what it took, he just need to train more for another chance.

The next morning, Nix met his friends at the train station. Everyone was ecstatic, excitedly talking about their Crystal Core fusion experiences. Their strength was increasing by the day, and they could all feel themselves on the verge of becoming Level 1 Evolvers. Nix listened quietly, his mind wandering. Jeff, noticing his silence, asked, “Nix, how did your trial go?”

Nix scratched the back of his head and confessed that he had given up his spot in the top 10 to Alexi. His friends were shocked by his decision.

“You could’ve found a way to get stronger later, Nix. You didn’t have to give away your chance,” Prabh said, looking concerned.

Nix smiled weakly. “I couldn’t imagine losing a friend knowing I could've done something… I think, you guys should find someone to replace me. I might not be able to keep up anymore.”

Jeff’s face darkened with frustration. “Replace you? We’re a team because we’re friends, Nix. Not because of some crystal fusion. We’re not leaving you behind.”

“Yeah,” Prabh agreed. “We’ll save up and buy you a Crystal Core, and if we have to, we’ll fight for one ourselves.”

Liam nodded, “We’ll get you one, Nix. You’d do the same for us, wouldn’t you?”

Nix couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. “Thanks, guys. I haven’t lost hope. I just thought you’d want to level up faster.”

Jeff grinned. “We’re not leaving anyone behind.”

With newfound energy, Nix parted ways with his friends, happy to know they believed in him. But Alexi’s absence weighed on his mind. She hadn’t shown up at school, and a strange feeling gnawed at him.

Later that day, on his way home, Nix was ambushed by Donghae. This time, Donghae was faster. His punch hit Nix hard in the stomach, knocking him to the ground with one blow. It's safe to assume he had taken the first step of his hear and crystal core fusion.

“I told you to stay away from Alexi!” Dong snarled, his anger clear.

Nix, still winded, managed to ask, “What do you mean? Why did Alexi leave?”

Dong’s expression twisted with frustration. “I don’t know! I just saw her and her family being taken by the military. She looked so sad when she left, and it’s all your fault!”

Nix was shocked. Alexi and her family being taken? What was going on? As Dong’s fury subsided, he kicked Nix one last time before storming off.

Nix picked himself up, confused and powerless. The best thing he could do now was get stronger and find the answers later. Instead of heading straight home, he wandered aimlessly to Mount Trashmore, lost in thought.

After walking for hours, Nix started mindlessly train his muscles by picking up random heavy looking objects when suddenly, he tripped over something hard. Lying on the ground, he saw a small black box, half buried beneath some trash. He curiously picked it up, trying to open it, but it wouldn’t budge. Frustrated, he decided to take it home where his tools are.

image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54032874592_8d0b437020_m.jpg]

When he got home, Granny Laurie didn’t ask any questions. She prepared dinner as usual, offering her silent comfort. After eating, Nix went to his room and began fiddling with the black box. It took hours, but eventually, the box clicked open.

Inside was a black Crystal Core.

image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54034098004_a8a247dc19_m.jpg]

Nix’s heart raced as excitement flooded him. He had found his chance. Without thinking twice, he used the Medical Operating Box on himself. After a few intense minutes, the Black Crystal Core was embedded into his heart. Now, all he could do was wait for it to fuse.

image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54034093259_2d9b461cb7_m.jpg]

The next morning, Nix woke up feeling weak and feverish. Granny Laurie quickly noticed and called the school to inform them he would be taking the week off. Nix spent the next few days in and out of consciousness, battling the fever caused by the core’s fusion.

When he finally woke up a week later, the first thing he noticed was how sticky he felt. He got up to take a shower, only to accidentally bend the doorknob with his newfound strength.

“Whoa…” Nix stared at the broken knob in his hand. The core had fused successfully!

Feeling a rush of excitement, he stopped by the mirror, curious to see if anything else had changed. That’s when he screamed.

“Waah!”

Hearing the scream, Roni, who had been reading outside, ran into the house. She found Nix staring at himself in horror, his hair was completely gone. Worse, someone had doodled on his bald head with a permanent marker.

Roni burst out laughing. “How do you like the hair I drew on your head?”

Nix’s face twitched in annoyance. “You did this?”

“Yep! You looked ridiculous bald, so I gave you some artistic flair. Oh, and I checked… you’re hairless everywhere.”

Nix glared at her. “Roni…”

With a marker in hand, he grabbed her waist and grinned. "I think we need to add more eyebrow on your face, so let me return the favor.”

The two spent the next hour chasing each other around the house, laughing and messing around. By the time Granny Laurie returned with medicine and food, she found them in the front yard, out of breath from playing.

Nix quickly ran over to help Granny with the bags, but she pulled him into a tight hug, tears streaming down her face. “I thought I would lose you. I’m so happy you’re okay.”

Nix, unsure how to respond, gently patted her back. “I’m okay, Granny. I’m here.”

Roni joined the hug from behind, making the moment a little more awkward, but Granny Laurie just smiled. Seeing Nix so energetic again filled her with joy.

Even though everything had changed, at that moment, Nix knew one thing for sure, he would do whatever it took to protect the people he cared about. And now, with the black Crystal Core in his heart, he had a fighting chance to make that happen. But this will be his secret for now until his abilities get developed.