The Invincible Full-Moon System Chapter 5 Blood Moon

Previously on The Invincible Full-Moon System...

After awakening from his coma, Rex is horrified to discover that the mysterious system has labeled his race as a Half-blood, suggesting he is no longer fully human. His frustration is briefly interrupted by a tearful reunion with his guardian, Mrs. Greene, who reveals he has been hailed as a hero and will be sent to a prestigious university for Awakened and military units. As Rex navigates cold messages from his childhood friend and praise from his comrades, he begins to communicate directly with the Invincible Full-Moon System. The entity claims it saved his life but warns that the price of power involves losing his humanity and loved ones. Skeptical of its claims and its first "Daily Quest," Rex chooses to ignore the system's demands, unaware of the potential consequences of his defiance.

Upon waking in the morning, Rex is greeted by a holographic alert hovering before his eyes, referencing the daily task he had observed the previous day.

Rex merely shrugs at the notification when he realizes his condition remains unchanged. 'Just as I suspected, it’s nothing more than a game. Yet, this ridiculous game claims I'm a half-blood? What a load of nonsense,' he muses.

With those thoughts, Rex inspects his frame and attempts some basic movement.

He lifts his arm and tests his grip by clenching his fists several times; remarkably, every trace of pain is gone, and his wounds have vanished entirely—a feat that could only be called a miracle.

Finding his physical state fully restored, he resolves to discharge himself from the military hospital this very day.

His belongings sit in a bag beside the bed. Rex rises, fastens his cherished necklace around his neck, and begins to pack his things.

Once finished, he inhales a steadying breath and exits the room.

He encounters the same nurse from the previous day before undergoing a final precautionary check-up by the doctor. Once cleared, he finally steps out of the hospital doors.

"I'll say it again, thank you for your service!" the nurse calls out, her hand waving in farewell.

In response, Rex waves back briefly before turning to walk away.

The moment he leaves the facility, the intense sun beats down on him. Nearby, groups of new recruits can be seen jogging in formation, singing barbie songs as they go.

The sight fills him with a sense of nostalgia.

Rex lets out a small laugh as he recalls his own first day in the military; it remains one of the most vivid memories of his life.

The barracks he currently occupies is nicknamed the "Noob Box," a training ground where teenagers like him undergo at least a year of preparation before facing the supernatural threats on the front lines. It was also Rex's first home when he joined the service.

While the fresh recruits seem to be doing well enough,

an underlying tension is palpable in the air just by watching the intensity of their drills. They are destined for the front lines against the Supernatural, a terrifying prospect for any green soldier.

Even now, despite his resentment, the deep-seated fear of the Supernatural remains etched into Rex’s psyche.

The sheer terror that the Supernatural inflicts upon the world can cause psychological scars that never truly heal; many veterans are left broken by the experience.

Observing the trainees, Rex sighs inwardly, 'I hope they can handle it; the battlefield is a merciless place.'

After taking one last look around the Noob Box, Rex secures his bag and heads for the perimeter, intending to depart immediately.

Following the success of his initial mission, he has been discharged to pursue more advanced training.

His mother informed him yesterday that he would be attending a university for specialized instruction, a reward from the military for his status as a war hero.

The operation Rex previously participated in was a classified one.

While the military possessed more experienced soldiers for such a task, Rex and his comrades were selected specifically because of their ties to the USR.

Membership in the USR is limited to a mere handful of soldiers.

Typically, the USR recruits only the most gifted individuals, but Rex, Kyle, and Edward had been groomed within the organization since their earliest days in the service.

This long-term preparation is why the three were part of the USR and specifically designated for that mission.

As Rex makes his way toward the exit of the Noob Box, he is treated like a celebrity by everyone he passes, a result of the official ceremony held to honor him and his team.

Some recruits even look at him as a personal idol.

The conflict in Dwight City is just one theater in the ongoing struggle between Humanity and the Supernatural, a war that has raged for three years now.

The cost has been high, with tens of thousands of regular soldiers losing their lives in Dwight City.

The primary cause of these casualties is the relentless waves of Ghouls serving as the Supernatural’s infantry, which creates openings for higher-ranking Supernatural entities to unleash their powers against human forces.

Consequently, the mission Rex and his team executed had been under development for an entire year.

It was through the efforts of Rex and his squad that Humanity finally gained ground against the Supernatural, prompting the UWO to organize a formal ceremony of gratitude.

Rex’s current residence is in Ratmawati City.

Ever since the Supernatural appeared, Humanity has been pushed back, losing half the globe. In response, nations formed a temporary coalition known as the Elpida Alliance, which serves as the final bastion for the human race.

Ratmawati City stands as one of the eight major hubs within the Elpida Alliance, housing seventy million citizens.

Exiting the Noob Box, Rex offers a brief nod to the sentries at the gate before hailing a taxi to return to his residence.

As he settles into the vehicle, his phone begins to vibrate.

The rock anthem he use for a ringtone fills the cab. He checks the screen and sees it is his mother calling.

"Hello, Mom?" Rex says after swiping the screen to answer.

The voice of Mrs. Greene comes through the speaker, "Where are you? Are you truly feeling well? You shouldn't have left the hospital so abruptly," she says, her tone thick with concern.

"I'm perfectly fine, Mom. I'm heading home right now," Rex answers with a soft chuckle.

It feels like ages since he heard her worry over him like this; his time in the military had robbed him of the normal life he might have otherwise led.

However, a normal life wasn't his goal; he still sought vengeance for his biological parents.

Mrs. Greene sighs, relenting. Then, her voice brightens, "Alright, you aren't a child anymore, so I will trust your judgment. Meet me at Nokas Mall; we’re going to celebrate your return!"

Rex hesitates for a second, weighing whether he should go.

After a moment of thought, he decides, 'There’s no harm in taking a break, especially after finally being discharged.'

He confirms he will be there before hanging up.

The taxi becomes mired in heavy traffic on the congested streets. Bored, Rex opens a news application on his device and is immediately struck by a prominent headline.

'Honoring the Saviors of Dwight City'

The article discusses the UWO awarding the Medal of Honor to him and his teammates, confirming what his mother and the nurse had mentioned—this was his official recognition.

As he scrolls, Rex sees the comment section is overflowing.

The majority of users are posting messages of thanks and offering blessings to Rex and his team for concluding the brutal conflict in Dwight City, while others use the space to vent their hatred for the Supernatural.

'I suppose there are still kind people out there, like that nurse,' Rex thinks, smiling to himself.

Continuing his browsing, he comes across news regarding the institution he is likely to attend.

'The Grand Opening of Ochyra University'

Rex looks at the images of Ochyra University and gasps in astonishment.

'Is this a joke? That isn't a school; it's a freaking Kingdom!' Rex screams internally as he views the photos of Ochyra University, which resembles a massive fortress-castle rather than a place of learning.

Ochyra University is situated in the heart of Ratmawati City.

Its scale is so immense that it could likely house tens of millions of students. The sheer existence of such a massive university is staggering.

Rex glances out the window to his right and, to his amazement, catches sight of the university’s spires in the distance.

Even though he is currently in the outer reaches of Ratmawati City's third sector, the school's massive profile is visible on the horizon.

'Well, that’s something new,' Rex thinks, shaking his head.

After a tedious crawl through the traffic, Rex finally reaches Nokas Mall.

Looking at the sky, he notices the light is already starting to fade.

The trip shouldn't have taken this long, but the congestion was terrible. He enters the mall and heads to a high-end restaurant on the top floor to meet Mrs. Greene.

Upon reaching the table, he finds that his mother is not alone.

Three individuals are seated with her.

One is a middle-aged man in a sharp suit and tie; his hair is grey with age, yet his powerful build suggests the vitality of someone in their thirties.

Seated next to him is a middle-aged woman who is already watching Rex from across the room.

The first thing Rex notices about her are her hazel eyes, which seem to glow in the light. However, his attention is quickly drawn to the stunning girl sitting beside her.

Noticing the family resemblance,

Rex concludes she is their daughter. Her curly brown hair falls to her shoulders, and her flawless skin is highlighted by a black gown that reveals a portion of her waist, emphasizing her striking figure.

'Who are these people? Mom didn't mention she was bringing friends,' Rex wonders.

From a distance, Mrs. Greene waves him over. He waves back and approaches the table.

"Rex, allow me to introduce you. This is the Acosta family," she says, before turning to the man. "Acostas, this is my son, Rex Silverstar."

The middle-aged man is the first to stand.

He offers a polite bow before extending his hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Rex. I am Muji Reel Acosta, a friend of your mother’s. You may call me Muji."

Rex returns the handshake firmly, offering a polite smile. "It's an honor, Sir."

"You've become quite the sensation overnight; the media is full of praise for the Heroes of Dwight City," the man remarks, maintaining steady eye contact with Rex.

However, Rex’s brow furrows as he senses something odd.

The way Muji is gripping his hand feels as though he is being evaluated. 'He's testing me, but for what reason?' Rex thinks, puzzled.

As they shake hands, a holographic window suddenly pops up next to Muji.

Power: Rank 4 Awakened - Wind Elementalist

Mental: ??

Strength: ??

Agility: ??

Endurance: ??

Intelligence: ??

Rex is stunned by the sight. 'Is this for real? Did the system just display Muji’s attributes? Or is this some trick to make things feel more authentic?' he wonders.

He shakes off the thought and tries to withdraw his hand, but then— 'Wait?'

To his surprise, as Rex tries to pull away, Muji’s grip tightens, refusing to let go.

Muji begins to exert significant pressure on Rex’s hand.

Rex stares at him in confusion as the force becomes painful, making his hand ache.

Noticing that Rex isn't pushing back with any significant power, Muji finally releases his grip and turns back toward his wife and daughter.

The two women look at Muji with expectation, but he simply shakes his head in response.

Rex detects the flicker of surprise and disappointment in Muji’s eyes and feels confused, though the realization of what just happened slowly settles in, turning his expression cold.

After his silent dismissal, Muji introduces the rest of his family.

"This is my wife, Cinta, and my daughter, Rosie," Muji says, gesturing to the woman and then the beautiful girl.

Both women offer Rex a smile, and he returns the gesture.

Once the introductions are over, they all take their seats. Rex shoots his mother a questioning glance.

Seeing his look, Mrs. Greene explains, "Muji is a very old friend of mine."

"He reached out a few days ago, asking about you while looking for a suitable partner for young Rosie here. I thought it was a wonderful idea to introduce you two," she adds.

Internally, Rex can't help but groan.

'I knew it. Muji was checking to see if I was an Awakened. He’s clearly let down to find out I’m not one, despite my status as a war hero.'

After some brief small talk,

Mrs. Greene looks at Rex and Rosie and suggests, "Why don't you two take a walk through the mall to get better acquainted? You never know what might happen."

"Um... I think talking here would be ju—" Cinta begins to say with a smile.

Before she can finish, Mrs. Greene cuts her off, "Nonsense, it would be awkward for them to chat with us old folks hovering over them."

Mrs. Greene gives Rex a pointed look, forcing a strained smile onto his face.

Since he has only just returned, Rex can't bring himself to refuse his mother’s wish. He turns to the girl and says, "Rosie, would you care to join me for a walk around the mall?"

Rosie looks to her parents for a moment before accepting the invitation.

The two of them leave the restaurant side by side.

The visual contrast between them is sharp; Rex is dressed very casually in a t-shirt and shorts, while Rosie is in a stunning formal gown.

Rosie seems irritated as she looks down at her clothing.

Noticing her sour mood, Rex asks softly, "If you'd like to change into something else, I can wait. That dress probably isn't very comfortable for walking."

"I'm fine," Rosie snaps back.

After a few minutes of wandering the mall corridors,

Rosie realizes Rex is simply walking in circles. She frowns and asks, "So, where exactly are we going?"

"Oh? I didn't realize you were still following me," Rex says, feigning shock.

He continues nonchalantly, "Given how annoyed you looked when you realized you dressed up to meet a non-Awakened like me, I assumed you would have ditched me after the first lap."

"So you noticed?" Rosie asks with a condescending sneer.

She continues, "Good. Those who aren't Awakened rarely achieve much in this life. I am an Awakened myself, so I have no interest in you. Your military record is impressive for someone of your status, I suppose."

With a toss of her hair, she turns to walk away from him.

Rex shrugs. He doesn't particularly care if she stays or goes, but suddenly, he freezes.

Without warning, a wave of intense heat washes over his body.

A holographic window flashes before his eyes:

Rex is terrified. His body temperature is soaring so high that his breathing turns labored, and the heat makes his breath visible as if he were standing in the freezing cold.

He can feel something approaching, and the sensation is becoming agonizing.

His sudden distress draws strange looks from those nearby. He decides he needs to reach the exit and find a secluded area.

As he moves away, Rosie slows her pace on purpose.

She expected Rex to try and stop her, or at least offer a retort to her insults; most men would have some pride after being spoken to that way.

But Rex doesn't try to stop her.

Rosie turns around only to see Rex sprinting toward the escalator, his face contorted in pain. She watches him in disbelief.

Then, squinting, she notices thin wisps of white steam rising from his skin.

'What is happening to him?' Rosie wonders. She decides to follow him, thinking that a Hero of Dwight City must be hiding some kind of secret.

Meanwhile, Rex is racing toward the exit as fast as possible.

Bursting through the doors into a crowded area, Rex looks up at the sky only to see a brilliant, crimson Blood Moon staring back at him.

"Look, Mommy! The moon is all red!" a child shouts, pointing upward.

Rex looks at the child and is suddenly seized by a violent urge to tear the boy apart. The impulse is sudden and overwhelming, forcing Rex to clutch his head as he struggles against the bloodlust.

After a moment, he regains a shred of composure and opens his status screen.

Level: 1 (0/100)

Race: Half-Blood

Full-Moon: 01:47 minutes-Blood Moon

Berserk: 20%

Sanity: 27%

Mental: 2

Strength: 9

Agility: 7

Endurance: 6

Intelligence: 0

The timer indicates the Blood Moon will fully activate in less than two minutes. 'What is this?!' he screams in his mind.

Then, Rex looks down at his hands.

His eyes widen as he feels—and sees—the bones in his hands shifting and elongating. Thick hair begins to sprout along his arms. 'This can't be real!' he thinks, horrified.

As the silent scream echoes in his head, his vision begins to bleed into a deep shade of red.