Void Evolution System Chapter 2

“Damien!”

Feeling two soft mounds pressed firmly against his chest, Damien glanced up to find a stunning girl of about seventeen years. Her dark blue hair complimented eyes of the same hue, and her physique showed the clear signs of years spent in rigorous combat training. This was Elena Pierce, his closest companion.

“Honestly,” she grumbled with a pout, “you didn’t even notice me waving! Hmph, you’re overthinking again, aren’t you? You really have to break that habit.”

Accustomed to her antics, Damien gently moved her aside and stood up, offering his hand to help her. “Alright, what has you so worked up this time?”

Just like always, she acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, taking his hand to pull herself up.

“Well, the guild just secured rights to a new gate, and it looks like a major one! Even though it’s ranked as a B-rank gate, the mana signature it’s emitting is completely abnormal. Since I’ll be participating this time, I can ensure your safety if you join! So, what do you say?”

Damien gave a grateful nod. Even though she could be overbearing—almost like a mother—she always looked out for him.

When she first learned about his mother’s situation, her immediate instinct was to offer financial help; however, he had turned her down, unwilling to be indebted to her.

“Fine, I’ll come along. But that’s not the only reason you’re this happy, is it?” Damien asked. Having spent so many years by her side, he understood her temperament perfectly.

“Nope! I’ve got some free time right now, so we can finally hang out!” She exclaimed, grabbing his hand and pulling him along. A faint blush dusted her cheeks, though Damien remained oblivious to it.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming—it’s not like my schedule is packed anyway.” As he allowed himself to be led away, Damien’s mind drifted back to the day they first awakened.

While he had been dealt a poor hand, Elena possessed immense potential from the start. Despite being designated as a healer, her love for the front lines transformed her into a combatant who could heal herself indefinitely, granting her legendary stamina in battle.

Once she obtained her first class, the public dubbed her the “War Priestess.” She was a talent who could potentially reach the 4th class with enough effort, making her a prized asset for the guild.

Lost in his thoughts once more, Damien eventually found himself at a cafe with Elena. After ordering and taking a seat, a thought suddenly struck him. “Wait, if tomorrow’s gate is so unusual, why are you inviting someone as weak as me to join the raid?”

“Hmph,” Elena pouted, “it’s because if you’re with me, I can protect you. You think I don’t realize you’re constantly getting hurt by jumping from gate to gate and overtaxing your skills?”

Damien looked away, unable to deny her words. “Well, I suppose you’re right.” He had been desperate to find a new gate to earn some credits, so refusing her offer would have been foolish.

Furthermore, he had never lacked the courage to enter a gate, regardless of the peril. His only true fear was leaving his mother alone if he died; his father had vanished into thin air a decade ago, and they had no other living relatives.

The day passed quickly as Damien spent his time with Elena. After finishing their meal, they headed to an amusement park to enjoy the remaining hours.

He occasionally wondered if these outings they shared were actually dates, but he quickly dismissed the notion. His priority had to be caring for his mother and stabilizing his own life first.

Besides, given her vast potential, she was destined to become a legendary figure; he couldn't allow himself to remain a burden to her forever.

Walking back from the park, Damien watched Elena as she jogged ahead, laughing like a young child. He found the sight refreshing, knowing she only showed this side of herself to him.

When she was with her fellow guild members, she was always distant and surrounded by a fierce, unapproachable aura.

That was why he treasured these moments, thinking that perhaps she needed these days to just be a normal girl instead of the guild’s most promising prodigy.

Observing her, he recalled their high school days. He was naturally social, yet he had struggled to make friends. Even with his good looks, which should have made him popular, he had no such luck.

At one point, he was even targeted by a bully in his class. Whether it was out of envy or something else, Damien didn't know. What he did know was that meeting Elena had been his salvation.

His bleak school life had brightened immediately, as she became a sun in his dark world. He truly didn't know how he could ever repay the debt of gratitude he owed her.

After parting ways with Elena, Damien returned to his apartment to begin his preparations for the following day’s raid.

The next morning, Damien gathered his gear and headed to the designated meeting point at the gate. He arrived quite early, knowing that as a weaker hunter, it was better to be early than to risk being late. The world was rapidly transitioning into a place where power was law, and the old rules could no longer restrain certain individuals.

While on the bus, an ominous sensation tightened in Damien’s chest. He had read enough stories to know that such premonitions shouldn't be ignored, yet he had no choice but to press on.

Ultimately, he was too weak to change anything even if disaster struck, and his only real expertise lay in escaping. All he could do was hope his imagination was playing tricks on him and put his faith in the front-line fighters.

Stepping off the bus, he was met by Elena, who appeared to have been waiting for his arrival.

“Hehe… I knew you’d get here early, so I beat you to it! Well? Are you surprised?” she asked, bouncing with excitement.

Damien gave a small smile and engaged in light conversation as they walked toward the gate. As they arrived, he saw Elena’s demeanor shift back to her cold professional self, though her voice remained warm when she spoke to him.

Recognizing this as her "guild persona," he simply sighed and made his way toward the collection team.

“Yo, Damien! Back again, I see. Looks like we’re in for an easy shift today,” called out a sturdy, middle-aged man.

“Huh? That scrawny kid? Why are you saying that?” his companion asked, skeptical.

“Haha, Pete, you haven't raided with him yet, so you wouldn't know. Even though he’s got one of the weakest physiques I’ve ever seen in a hunter, his collection speed is top-tier!”

“Hahaha, Dave, if he’s that good, I guess we can just kick back and let the kid handle the heavy lifting today!”

Damien offered a smile and a wave as he walked past. While the stronger front-liners often looked down on him for his lack of strength, the collection crews always held him in high esteem. His short-range teleportation and minor telekinesis were skills that were exceptionally useful for support roles like theirs.

With Damien around, the crew could finish their work much faster and spend the rest of their time relaxing.

Though Damien had hoped for a smooth operation, he had always considered his luck to be abysmal. Naturally, that luck chose this moment to manifest. As he was organizing his gear, a condescending voice rang out from behind him.

“You there, brat. I need a porter, and you’re coming with me.”