Dimensional Overseer: I Can Manipulate DNA!-Chapter 40 – New and Old Faces

Chapter 40 – New and Old Faces

The air was heavy with anticipation that morning, far more than usual. The transport station, typically brimming with commuters moving from one corridor to another, had transformed into something else entirely—something bordering on ceremonial.

The crowds were no longer in motion. Instead, they were gathered in thick clusters outside the station gates, whispering, pointing, and waiting. A cordon of knights in elegant dark uniforms stood like statues around the perimeter, their imposing presence discouraging anyone from drawing too close.

Today was different.

Today marked the departure of the latest batch of Knight candidates—a moment that held weight far beyond its surface. For many, this was history in the making. Reporters, citizens, and curious onlookers all came for the same reason: to catch a glimpse of those chosen few who would soon leave Earth behind.

"Psst, when are they coming?" someone whispered from the crowd, craning their neck to peer through the knights.

"Soon, I think. I heard they’re departing in a few minutes," another replied, unable to contain their excitement.

"I wonder how many made it this year," someone else mused aloud.

"Who cares? We’ve got an S-Talent this time," another voice cut in with pride. "Even if we don’t produce another Knight for a hundred years, we’ll still be the talk of the realms because of that."

"I checked the Di-Net yesterday... Those bastards couldn’t believe their eyes, haha!"

Laughter and murmurs followed.

Then a sudden shout broke the low chatter. "Oh! Look—someone’s coming!"

Heads turned in unison.

Down the cleared path that led through the crowd and to the station gates, a solitary figure walked at a steady pace. A large bag hung from his back. His silver hair gleamed under the rising sun, and his red eyes stared forward with a cold, unwavering intensity.

"He’s one of them! One of the candidates!"

Excited cheers erupted.

"He looks kinda scrawny. I expected them to be more... intimidating."

"Don’t judge by appearances," another countered. "He got accepted, didn’t he? That means he’s stronger than anyone here."

Speculation surged through the crowd like wildfire—questions about his appearance, his strength, his story. To some, he looked strange. To others, he was fascinating. Either way, he was the center of attention.

Zane kept walking, expression neutral but jaw clenched slightly.

’Seriously... Why the hell is this being treated like a parade?’ he thought bitterly, resisting the urge to glare at the onlookers. The attention wasn’t new to him, not anymore. But that didn’t mean he had to like it.

As he neared the gates, two of the uniformed guards stepped forward, blocking his path. Their gazes were sharp, searching him over from head to toe with the precision of trained soldiers.

Without a word, Zane reached into his jacket and pulled out his ID and the silver necklace, as instructed in the acceptance letter. One of the guards examined the documents, then glanced at Zane before nodding once.

"Welcome, Candidate Zane. You’ve arrived on time," he said. "Proceed."

The gates opened with a mechanical click, allowing him entry.

Zane stepped through, the weight of dozens of eyes lifting as the gates closed behind him. Inside, the contrast was stark. The station was silent. Vast, echoing corridors stretched out in every direction. No commuters. No noise. Just cold air and the low hum of distant trains.

’I’ve never seen this place so empty before... It’s eerie,’ he thought as he made his way deeper inside.

Eventually, he found the lone train waiting on the far platform—sleek, black, and humming with restrained power. It was completely empty.

’Guess I got here a little early.’

With no one else around, Zane leaned against a wall, pulled out a protein bar from his side pocket, and began chewing thoughtfully.

’I wonder how many people got accepted besides me. Probably not many... I might even be the only one from this city.’

Deep down, he didn’t mind if that was the case; it would save him the hassle of getting to know more faces. An ideal train trip would be one where he didn’t have to worry about others around him.

Just as he began to drift into thought, he heard the sharp click of the station gates unlocking.

’So I’m not the only one. Well that dream didn’t last long.’

He looked down the corridor and listened—footsteps echoed in a slow, uncertain rhythm, pausing every few steps. Moments later, a small figure appeared. A girl. She was dragging a suitcase behind her, her shoulders stiff with anxiety. Her large glasses slipped slightly down her nose as her eyes darted nervously around the empty space.

She stopped in her tracks when she saw him.

"Ah!" she squeaked, startled. "I—I’m sorry! I didn’t notice you standing there! G-Good morning!"

Zane blinked. She looked like she was about to bolt at any second. Her hands gripped the suitcase handle like a lifeline.

"Mmm, are you one of the candidates?" She asked hesitantly.

"Yeah, I’m one of the candidates. You?" he asked, keeping his voice neutral.

"Y-Yes!" she answered immediately, nodding a little too fast.

There was a pause before she mustered the courage to step closer. "I—I’m Elizabeth! What’s your name?"

"...Zane."

He crossed his arms and glanced away, already feeling drained by the interaction. ’This already feels like a hassle.’

"Um, c-can I stand next to you, Zane?"

He sighed internally. "As long as you don’t get too close, do whatever you want."

"Th-Thank you!"

She hurried to his side, dragging her suitcase next to her. For a brief moment, relief washed over her face.

"It’s kind of surreal... right?" she said, voice quieter now. "I never thought I’d be accepted. M-My parents couldn’t believe it."

Zane didn’t respond.

"L-Let’s work hard together, okay?!"

He didn’t even look at her this time, simply raising an eyebrow.

Realizing she was likely overstepping, Elizabeth shrank back a little. "S-Sorry, I talk a lot when I’m nervous... It helps me calm down. I know I can be annoying."

"It’s fine," Zane said flatly.

Still, despite his tone, he didn’t mean it harshly. If anything, he understood. This was overwhelming, even for him. She was just trying to ground herself in any way she could. People had their ways of coping with tense situations and new environments. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

They stood in silence for a while. Elizabeth pulled a book from her bag and began reading, occasionally peeking at Zane from the corner of her eye. Meanwhile, Zane stared off at nothing, his mind cycling through possibilities and expectations.

Then, another click.

The gates had opened again, announcing the arrival of the third candidate to the station.

Zane straightened as he turned to see who else had arrived. A group of three approached.

Elizabeth lit up with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. "T-There’s someone else!"

But the moment the third figure came into view, Zane’s expression shifted instantly.

That face. That arrogant posture. That blond hair.

It was Emilio.

Their eyes locked.

A beat passed.

Zane’s jaw tensed as a whisper escaped his lips. "No way..."

Emilio froze mid-step, his expression slack with shock. Then his face twisted.

"...Why the hell is this bastard here?" he muttered.