The phenomenon of awakening can be found in most living creatures.
However, when it manifests in non-human beings, they are generally called monsters.

That was the content of the presentation.

“This too is a type of science. The reason we call it magic is simply because we haven’t yet identified its underlying principles,” said the presenter, opening his mouth again.
About fifteen people were watching from the front.

“Actually, even modern science, when delved into deeply enough, inevitably reaches a point where we hit unknowns. There’s a world out there that we simply don’t understand.”

Why am I here?
I feel like it’s been a long time.
My mind kept slipping in and out of consciousness.

My bangs slightly covered my eyes.
I hadn’t cut my hair carelessly enough for it to get this long, but it was now long enough to poke at my eyes.
Time must have passed along with my growing hair.

“Anyway, several opinions have emerged on how we should view this awakening phenomenon.”

A presentation about awakenings?
I don’t understand why I’m here.

I wasn’t sitting on a chair. I was standing.
I didn’t feel like I was part of this gathering.
I wasn’t sitting like the others, just standing, as if I were waiting for my turn to present.
What turn?
What was I waiting for?

“The appearance of gates and dungeons often affects nearby creatures, producing so-called monsters or awakened creatures. There are even those presumed to have come from another dimension,” the presenter continued.

So they say.

“Then, what exactly are human Awakened? Should they still be regarded as ordinary humanity?”

Of course Awakened are human.
What else would they be?

“Should we simply understand this as a case of unlocking latent human potential, or should we consider Awakened to be fundamentally different from ordinary humans?”

Different from regular humans, they say.
It’s true; they are different.

“Seeing that only some individuals awaken even in the same environment, it’s been concluded that this awakening phenomenon only happens to a select few.”

That’s obvious.
If it were the environment alone, Seo-Ah would’ve become an Awakened like Si-Hoo.

“The rate of meaningful awakenings is incredibly low. Clearly, Awakened are distinctly different from the rest of humanity…”

They keep talking about humanity.

“The conclusion is that ordinary human rights do not apply to them…”

No human rights?
Did I hear that right?

“To preserve and promote humanity’s survival, Awakened beings will be treated on the same level as other monsters. However, considering they were once human, certain guidelines have been established…”

It sounds like they’re saying something terrifying.

“First, they lack human reasoning and judgment.”

I can feel the stares directed at me.

“Second, if they cannot live independently and must rely on others.”

I tried to speak, but I couldn’t.

“They will be understood in the same way as regular monsters.”

Move.
Do something.
But my body refuses.

“The state fully permits the breeding and experimentation of humanoid monsters for the sake of public safety, and grants full authority over these experiments to…”

The sound of applause.
It seemed the presentation had concluded.

“That’s all. Then…”

What comes next?

“Before we move on to the next item,” said the person seated in the center.
The lights were all focused on the podium, blinding me.
I couldn’t make out who it was.

“What is that thing standing next to us?”
He was pointing at me.
Why am I here?
I don’t know.

“That is an Awakened being.”

“Was it bred for this purpose?”

“No, it was brought here for the next demonstration.”

I’m not used to all this attention.
But I show no reaction.
No change in expression.
I remain still.
Waiting.

“Very well, let’s proceed to the next item.”

“The next item is about controlling Awakened beings. When we use the [Command Words] system we’ve developed, we can fully control any Awakened being that understands human speech.”

“Don’t Command Words require pre-treatment with drugs?”

“It is troublesome when they don’t understand what’s being said.”

Ah, commands.
If I’m given an order under the influence of the drug, I must obey.
So that’s what they call Command Words.

“Physical devices like shock collars have shown some effectiveness, but ultimately, devices that directly interfere with the nervous system proved to be the most efficient.”

They’re saying some terrifying things.
Are they discussing this so casually?

“How did you test this?”

“Well, we collected brainwave data, and any time the subject showed signs of aggression, we inflicted pain to deter them…”

“No, I mean where did you release the test subjects?”

“Monsters, you mean. We released them near the academy, partly to assess the students’ abilities.”

The academy.
Oh, the place where students fight.
Yes.
I remember now.

“You released them near my property? If you’re going to do that, at least consult with me first.”

“Well… the government authorized it, so…”

“Are you going to keep babbling nonsense?”

“Ah, anyway. The result is that the control devices work as intended. If you look here…”

The white screen showing the projector’s presentation rolled up, revealing something hidden behind it.

Gasping sounds could be heard throughout the room.

“A wolf?”

Behind the screen stood a wolf-like monster.
It did nothing, just sitting still without baring its teeth.

“A wolf? That’s unusual, seeing one so docile.”

It wasn’t dead.
It was breathing.
But it didn’t attack.

“Yes, like this. I can control it with this remote. Let me demonstrate.”

-Grrrr.

The wolf bared its teeth.

“Attack.”

The wolf charged.
At whom?
At me.

Why me?
There are so many others.

It lunged, sinking its fangs into my shoulder.

Thud.

The weight of the wolf brought me crashing to the ground.

Crunch.
Snap.
Crack.

The sounds were ominous.

“Stop.”

The wolf stopped instantly and backed away.

“As you can see, we can control them without the use of Command Words.”

It didn’t hurt.
Luckily, it didn’t hurt.
I think I’m bleeding, but it doesn’t hurt.
Is that fortunate?

“The safety is guaranteed. The issue is that it doesn’t work on beings with no brain-like structures, those that are too large or small, or monsters immune to pain.”

“And?”

“We’ll let you know once it’s ready for military supply. We’re not yet at mass production, and the procedures are complex.”

“When it comes to control, the key is ensuring the monster’s original abilities remain intact. Can we say that this wolf still has its natural strength while following commands?”

The wolf’s strength was undeniable.
I know because I experienced it.
But I think I’m bleeding a lot.
Can someone stop the bleeding?

I feel as heavy as if I have a boulder in my body.
I can’t move.

“Well, since we suppress their natural aggression, their strength might be slightly reduced. There’s still room for improvement.”

“It sounds like it’s broken. Beating it into submission isn’t much different. Even the one behind me behaves after I gave it a few beatings.”

From my position on the floor, I could see the large figure behind the speaker.
I hadn’t noticed it while standing.
Is that a monster too?
It’s hard to see against the light.

“The day we perfect this technology isn’t far off. With the involvement of major corporations, advancing magical technology would be impossible without the government’s cooperation.”

“Let’s move on to the next item.”

I wish someone would pay attention to me.

“Yes, the next item is the disposal of the captured dragon.”

A dragon?
There are dragons in this world?
Oh, right.
I’ve seen it on the news.
The Awakened killed a dragon.

“We captured it, harvested all the items, but keeping it imprisoned has become complicated. It continues to grow stronger just by existing…”

A dragon grows even when it’s still?
That’s an absurd ability.

“If you release it near the academy again, I’ll drop the property prices there. I’m warning you.”

“That won’t happen. We’ve found a special use for the dragon.”

The person seated in front spoke.

“Explain.”

“Look at this Awakened being, lying on the floor.”

They’re looking at me again.
Are they going to help me?
Treatment?
No, their stares are not compassionate.

“Ah, you can’t see clearly. Well then, [Stand].”

The Command Word.

I stagger as I try to get up.
But I can’t stand.
Blood drips from my clothes.

Why am I here?
For what purpose?
I can’t stand.

I feel my hair has grown longer.
My hair, which used to be short, now reaches past my shoulders.
Blood has stained it as well.

“As expected, it can’t stand. But even in such emergencies, we now have a solution.”

Thud.

A needle pierced the back of my neck.
It’s a familiar sensation.

“If something like this happens, nearby healers can use their skills to help. But such people are rare, and that’s the issue.”

The speaker continued.

“That’s why even when we manage Awakened beings, there are always limitations.”

Hot liquid flowed through my veins.

“Of course, a good recovery potion could heal wounds of this severity. However, it’s very expensive and in short supply.”

I can feel the bleeding stopping.
Even the bones that seemed broken are mending.

“The recovery seems complete. Now, [Stand].”

I followed the order to stand.
I didn’t want to, but I had no choice.
I got up and returned to the waiting position.
Standing there with no change in expression.

“While this drug is expensive, the amount we obtain from killing a single dragon is enough to supply the academy for a while.”

“You’ll supply the academy first?”

“Yes. Since the military operates collectively, we prioritized the academy where individual survival is crucial.”

“The syringe seems inconvenient.”

“This version is for immediate effect. We can also produce pill or potion forms for general use.”

The academy.
So they’re planning to supply this drug to the academy.
It seems useful.
But did they really have to demonstrate it this way?
Logically, no one would ever do such a thing.

Did they really need to set up someone in front just to attack?
Oh.
Maybe I’m not someone.

I don’t know anymore.

The wolf, its mouth stained with blood, stood still.
I too was covered in blood.

It didn’t matter either way.
We both had no choice but to stand there.
I had to follow the commands.
I felt a strange kinship with the wolf.

My heart pounded.
Was it because of the drug?
Dizziness set in.
A piercing ringing in my ears.
I couldn’t make out what anyone was saying.

[405 hours 22 minutes]

Time.
What did that time mean?
Did it just increase?
I think it did.

“…Heh.”

I chuckled softly.
I felt pretty good.
Not scared at all.
I guess it’s thanks to the drug.