Chapter 16
At four in the morning, Ray's room was far from peaceful. Ever since he had discovered the basic breathing exercises given to him by his teacher, he had committed to waking up early every morning to practice.
Before starting the breathing exercises, Ray would perform yoga and calisthenic stretching poses that he had memorized. After completing all the warm-up movements, he would finally sit down in the lotus position and focus on his breath.
During this practice, Ray could sense various types of energy in the air. With his mind, he would draw in aether energy and let it enter his body through his breath. He could feel the subtle sensation of foreign objects entering and circulating within him, causing him to wonder if he was experiencing a self-created illusion.
Ray would continue to sit upright and practice until six in the morning before finally opening his eyes. He would then clean up and have breakfast before heading to school.
On his way to school, Ray remained oblivious to a flashy car that slowed down beside him.
"Tot tot…" a horn sounded.
Upon hearing the horn, Ray turned around and saw a young man with a large build calling out to him.
"Hey Ray, hop in!" the young man shouted.
Ray smiled and got into the car without hesitation.
"Hey, fatty! When are you going to go home?" Ray asked teasingly.
"Oh, that was from last night. By the way, thanks for the honey!" the young man replied casually.
"Hahaha, no problem!" Ray responded, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Ray couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed when he looked at his friend in front of him. The car alone could probably cost as much as Ray's house, and yet he still occasionally gave the young man some honey. It seemed like a disproportionate exchange.
But despite that, Ray still handed over the honey. After all, the young man in front of him, despite being wealthy, was just like Hamar, Agni, and Clara – one of his closest friends. The only difference was that he was in a different class, and he often neglected his studies. It was no surprise, considering his wealth and numerous commitments.
As Ray gazed at Lucas Silverwolf, whose silver hair and eyes stood out, he couldn't help but wonder.
"If this guy lost weight, how many girls would be heartbroken?" Ray pondered silently.
It wasn't just his smooth and well-groomed appearance or his luxurious clothes and possessions. Even his presence exuded an air of refinement and nobility. Ray couldn't help but entertain the thought that perhaps he wasn't the only one who had transformed. What if Hamar and Lucas had also switched bodies? Ray's imagination was fueled by the novels he had read, where the personalities of the characters often changed dramatically.
Engaged in their conversation, the two friends continued talking about various topics until they arrived at school.
In Ray's class, he had a middle-aged female teacher named Grace who wore glasses. Grace had a slightly round face and European features. She proceeded to explain the different levels of monsters in this world.
In general, monsters, aliens, and any other type of wild creature were assigned power levels similar to those of humans. However, beasts often surpassed humans due to the weapons they possessed from birth.
Whether it's claws, fangs, tails, or other features, these creatures possess instincts and inherited memories stored in their bloodlines, making them "superior" to humans. There are even powerful monsters who are educated and capable of transforming into humans, giving rise to rumors of hidden monsters living among humans. Ray is also informed that the animals on the outskirts of town are referred to as Monster 0. These sentient beings were brought to this planet by humans and underwent mutations. If they can break free from the constraints of their bloodlines, Monster 0 can evolve into ordinary monsters and follow the same stages of growth.
The teacher then explains to Ray that every living being in this world has a vital core that encapsulates their entire being into tiny crystals, and humans are no exception.
Afterward, Ray continues his studies until the afternoon. Having some free time, he decides to visit the school library before leaving. He is a little taken aback by the combination of old and modern-looking computers and books in the same place. In this world, just like on Earth, there is no shortage of people who prefer physical books over digital ones.
Ray enters the library and encounters an elderly man who is likely the caretaker of the place.
"Excuse me, sir, where can I find books related to the concept of hunting?" Ray asks politely.
The man takes a moment before responding. Seeing this, Ray patiently waits for his answer.
"They're located to the north on the left..." the man finally replies.
Ray expresses his gratitude and promptly heads in the indicated direction. He begins to read the books with great interest.
The ordinary boy feels a little frustrated and embarrassed that he hadn't visited the library before venturing out on a scavenger hunt on the outskirts of town. He tries to make amends by dedicating his time to reading now. However, Ray shouldn't be blamed too much, as they named a level 0 monster. Moreover, the rumors about Monster 0 being harmless are greatly exaggerated.
Compared to Ray, a newly resurrected teenager, every Monster 0 is familiar with their abilities from birth, and their instincts are heightened. Ray alternates between reading and asking the elderly librarian about relevant content.
When the clock strikes six in the evening, Ray finally closes the book with a sense of satisfaction. He has acquired knowledge and several tricks that will make his future movements easier.
With this plan in mind, Ray decides to manage a schedule that includes practice, reading, and crafting. He heads home in an orderly manner, continuing with his usual routine of cleaning and having dinner. With nothing else to do, he returns to the attic to begin his craftwork.
Picking up a wooden frame, Ray starts gluing each side of the pre-treated wet leather together. The leather comes from rabbit skins and wolf skins, with the layers of meat and fat having been removed long ago, leaving only scraps and medicinal ingredients. Skillfully, Ray shaves off the hair from the skins, leaving them bald. He then collects the fibers and remaining tree bark in a bucket.
Taking out previously saved feathers along with some water, Ray crushes the assorted materials with a hand blender to create a pulp for making paper. Placing the bucket filled with the mixture aside, Ray prepares to sit down and work.
As he sits upright, Ray retrieves a gray hair from his storage ring. With a sense of dignity, he says, "Let's see what good things the old man has." Ray has been heavily influenced by online novels from his previous life, often being cautious and overthinking people, trying to fit them into certain plotlines. In these stories, shabby old men, beggars, and elderly street sweepers often turn out to be hiding their true strength.
Ray remains suspicious of the grandfather he encountered in the library and is unwilling to let go of his idea. After a lot of contemplation, he finally obtains the old man's hair. Ray prepares himself and activates the talent he had in mind. After a while, he furrows his brows irregularly. It's not because no passive talent has been activated, but rather because the halo within this passive talent is not very clear.
Ray realizes that there is no physical change like the explosive muscles of a passive talent or the intensity of a tiger. Helplessly, he sighs, just as he is about to stop and investigate further. Suddenly, something interrupts his train of thought, causing concern. Ray instantly examines his sea of consciousness closely and is stunned by what he sees.
"What is this?"
"..."