Chapter 15 – Injection (Part 1)
The soft sizzle of eggs filled the air as Zane moved about his small kitchen, preparing a hearty breakfast—the first proper meal he'd treated himself to in a long time. It was more than just food. This was a quiet celebration. A personal reward for the progress he'd made, both in power and resolve. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter. His injection day.
Whether the outcome would be glorious or tragic, he didn't know. But one thing was certain—it would shape the rest of his life.
Once the food was ready, Zane brought the plate into the living room and sat down in front of the TV. Fork in hand, he chewed slowly, his eyes fixed on the screen.
The news channels had gone into overdrive.
Footage from across the world played in a continuous loop: people flooding into the streets, cheering and waving banners, crying tears of disbelief and joy. City after city, nation after nation, erupted in spontaneous celebration.
It was surreal.
The world hadn't yet processed the news of the S-Rank talent, and yet their joy was uncontainable. It was as if hope itself had taken physical form and descended into their world.
Just a day ago, Lower Earth was little more than a forgotten stain on the Dimensional map—dismissed by travelers and Knights alike. A realm so disregarded that not even Dimensional Knights bothered to intervene during monster invasions. To them, it was a backwater pit. A "disgusting world," as some had called it.
And now?
Now, it was one of the few rare realms in history to produce an S-Class talent. Realms vastly superior in resources, culture, and power had never witnessed such a phenomenon. The irony wasn't lost on Zane.
"Now Earth has become one of the very rare realms that birthed an S-Class talent," he muttered between bites, a crooked grin tugging at his lips. "There are realms levels above us that never had that kind of honor. So ironic."
He shook his head slightly, resting his fork on the plate as he pondered the ramifications. "I wonder how the Clans will react to this news…"
He didn't need to wonder for long. He already knew.
Clans—especially those ruling the higher realms—would never let something like this slide without action. They'd mobilize instantly. The greed of the major factions was legendary—an insatiable hunger to recruit the brightest talents before their rivals could. It was a brutal arms race, and the S-Rank revelation just threw fuel into a blazing fire.
Zane leaned back against the worn cushion of the couch and folded his arms. "They'll put more focus on Earth's talents now. That much is guaranteed."
He had spent years studying the power dynamics of the higher realms, absorbing every scrap of information available about the major clans, their rivalries, and the way they operated. In his mind, they weren't noble paragons of unity or protectors of justice. No. They were power-hungry empires masquerading behind honor and glory. Their sole ambition was dominance—measured by how many prodigies they could claim and how many realms they could get under their control.
Now, with a confirmed S-Rank among Earth's population, the battlefield had shifted.
"A war of tooth and nail is brewing… All over one person," Zane said quietly, tapping the armrest. "Wouldn't be surprised if entire conflicts broke out just to win this one over. This'll be fun to watch."
Smirking to himself, he finished the last of his breakfast, then took his plate back to the kitchen and washed the dishes.
After that, Zane settled down at his desk, pulling out his textbooks. He hadn't forgotten his academics. Despite the excitement, despite the looming injection, he knew better than to neglect that part of the process.
Passing the Dimensional Knight license test wasn't about raw strength alone. There were written components—an academic evaluation that many overlooked in favor of physical training. But those who ignored it often paid dearly.
Zane wasn't going to be one of them.
He studied diligently for hours, going over every subject with meticulous attention. This would likely be his last chance to review. Once the injection was over and the results were in, he'd be preparing to leave Earth—if, of course, he was accepted.
The thought made his chest tighten.
'I'll have to travel to the Delegation's meeting point. From there, they'll take us off-world.' He leaned back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling. 'The journey alone will take days… I won't have time to study once that starts.'
He resumed his work with renewed focus. Each formula, each theory he reviewed felt like a step closer to his dream.
By the time afternoon rolled around, Zane finally closed his books. His head throbbed from all the reading, but he felt satisfied. He'd done everything he could.
He fixed himself lunch and ate until he was full, then retreated to his room to… wait.
And that's when the nerves hit.
The hours before the injection felt like an eternity. Thoughts spun wildly through his mind—possibilities, fears, hopes, and doubts all clashing in a chaotic storm.
What if I'm accepted? What if I'm not?
If he was chosen… If his injection succeeded… then he'd finally be free of this stagnant world. He could travel to all the places he'd dreamed of—the floating cities above clouds, the icy kingdoms buried in snow, the underwater metropolises shimmering beneath sapphire waves.
He could see everything.
The very idea made his heart race.
'Let's make sure it happens, he told himself firmly. For you… and for Mom. I'll make it happen.'
He clenched his fists, feeling the conviction return. The doubt receded, replaced by anticipation. It was almost time.
***
With only thirty minutes left until his appointment, Zane dressed in his school uniform—recently washed and patched. The fabric still had small imperfections, but it would do. He double-checked everything, took one last breath in his apartment, and stepped outside.
The sun was dipping low, casting a golden hue over the city.
He paused at the entrance to calm his racing heart. 'This is it. Time to see if this system is telling the truth… or if it's just been feeding me empty hope.'
He joined the mass of people on the streets.
The city was alive with celebration. Laughter, cheers, music—everywhere he turned, people were rejoicing. Banners waved in the wind. Children ran with sparklers, and vendors lined the roads handing out snacks.
Zane pushed his way through the crowds, trying not to let his frustration show. It was like wading through molasses. 'Damn it… get out of the way.'
Eventually, after a long and grueling walk, he reached the area near his school. That was when something odd happened.
The bustling streets abruptly… ended.
"Hm?" Zane turned his head. Behind him, the crowd had stopped completely—as though an invisible barrier prevented them from going any further.
No one passed a certain point.
People stood awkwardly, some whispering to each other. It wasn't fear. It was… uncertainty. As though something powerful loomed just out of sight.
Zane's instincts screamed at him. A heavy tension fell over the area like a suffocating blanket. He felt a cold sensation crawl up his spine.
"...I should probably continue," he murmured, pushing forward with a slower, more cautious pace.
His skin prickled as if unseen eyes were watching his every step.
Turning the final corner toward his school, Zane stopped in his tracks.
He blinked.
Rubbed his eyes.
Stared again.
"What the…?"
Around the school, standing with military precision, were dozens—no, hundreds—of figures. They formed concentric circles around the building, positioned on sidewalks, rooftops, balconies—any space that gave them a vantage point.
Every single one wore the attire of a Dimensional Knight.
Zane's breath hitched.
"These are all… Dimensional Knights," he whispered in disbelief.
Their presence was overwhelming. An ocean of power, silent and unmoving, waiting for something. Or someone.
And Zane had just stepped right into the middle of it.