[14th Everdusk 2103]
Today could be the day when this body's owner might become a hero, or remain a mere pedestrian struggling to survive, while those who have awakened to a higher class may change their lives forever.
The legendary awakening is upon us, where individuals will receive their class and fight to survive in this cursed world.
Peace is a myth; the only truth is the battle for supremacy.
"My mind is starting to resemble that of a villain," Evan muttered as he gathered his thoughts, memories flooding in, and walked out of the bathroom to sit on the bed.
'It's quite the coincidence, but perhaps it's a promising beginning for me,' he pondered, contemplating the abilities he acquired in this new body.
{Evan's POV}
In the world named Ceruleth, reminiscent of the worlds in his earlier works, a cataclysm struck eighty-three years ago in 2020, characterized by an influx of mana that altered the fabric of reality. This disaster gave rise to innumerable spatial anomalies, plunging the world into chaos and heralding the appearance of the first dungeon.
The world expanded exponentially beyond its former scale, devastating civilizations and leaving a mere ten percent of the land intact. To illustrate, this remnant would have equated to half of the world before the invasion, highlighting the enormity of the expansion.
In the aftermath, the world lay in ruins, giving rise to hunters or raiders—humans who harnessed the power of mana.
These individuals embarked on a mission to reclaim their lands, yet the formidable might of the monsters and otherworldly beings meant they could only hold territories they were capable of defending. This ongoing battle shaped the geopolitical landscape we recognize today.
The formation of countries was also influenced by the system, which rewarded the awakened with territories impervious to new rifts, leading to the establishment of nations under their dominion. Nevertheless, many chose comfort over command, trading their lands for a life of luxury guaranteed by the government in exchange for land security. This led to the government, an amalgamation of pre-existing national entities, gaining control over ninety percent of these lands.
This pivotal moment heralded the inception of the Ceruleth Global Association (CGA), while the remaining lands allied together. Those who opposed the collective governance and sought sovereignty either perished or vanished into obscurity.
Over time, the world advanced, and after years of innovation, it birthed talents that launched humanity into a groundbreaking epoch: the era of spatial teleportation.
It was said that the spatial rifts emerging in our world were of two types: one was a small area known as a dungeon, and the other was an entire world, possibly many times larger than our own expanded realm.
It was believed that if one could master these rifts independently, their development would be amplified exponentially. This became a reality twenty years after the rifts' discovery, when control—or rather, a connection—was finally established. The second type of rift, however, posed a challenge due to its transient nature, often lasting only a few months or days, resulting in many becoming lost within.
Subsequent experiments led to a breakthrough, allowing territories to sustain the rifts, ushering in a new era for humanity. This enabled encounters with other species and the discovery of Nexus, a world divided into numerous expanses. This revelation fueled humanity's inherent desire to explore, more so than any other species.
Thus began a new chapter, yet the world remained in a nascent state, with less than fifteen percent of the land claimed.
Let's delve into the story of Evan Ravencall, an orphan since the age of ten when his parents were slain defending the gates of Block Three, or so the tale goes in this land.
Evan, their sole child, was left to fend for himself until the guild his parents belonged to offered him sanctuary. They provided him with an apartment, funds for survival, and the chance to attend an average school—essentials for any child's upbringing.
The guild's decision was influenced by his parents' status as Peak Evolved warriors on the cusp of a significant breakthrough. Had they been allowed to utilize the trial or so-called advancement room; they would have achieved high status. Alas, destiny had other plans, and they departed this world, leaving Evan alone.
The guild had one condition for Evan: he must join them as soon as he reached or surpassed a C rank class or demonstrated a unique or exceptional ability. A contract was drawn, and the astute young Evan signed it, securing his future.
With no expiration on this agreement, Evan resolved to ally with the guild until he gained enough strength to depart—a cunning plan, some might say. But Evan harbored reservations; rumors swirled that the guild engaged in nefarious deeds, such as extorting local merchants and harming innocents—activities Evan wished to avoid at all costs.
This Evan, a solitary figure, had perfected the art of loneliness, surpassing even the thrones in their meticulous work. He harbored no desire for companionship, fearing the pain of abandonment he associated with his parents. In his mind, friends were potential liabilities, openings for enemies to exploit. Thus, he embraced the path of the lone wolf, finding solace in the thought that his solitude would spare others from grief at his potential demise.
My initial instinct was to sever any ties that might form, as my line of work left no room for the vulnerabilities that friendships could bring. The more allies one has, the more targets for one's enemies. Solitude meant that if I were to fall, there would be no one left to mourn, a grim comfort for mine.
Rejecting the notion that 'family is my power,' I focused on his personal growth, seeking to quickly ascend from the base tier that offered me no advantage.
Prepared for the challenges ahead, I suddenly realized his equipment was missing. I had distinct memories of arming himself for the journey ahead.
"Hi system, are you there? Hello, answer me. Have I been scammed?" I questioned in a moment of panic, which soon gave way to calm as I considered that the system might only manifest after my awakening.
As I settled into a state of relaxation, a series of knocks disrupted the silence, each one less welcoming than the last.
/Knock/ /Knock/ /Knock/
-- To be continued --
A/N: Hi everyone, I'm glad to hear how much you've enjoyed the chapters. I would also love to know if you like the way I've presented my world's story. Please leave a comment if you think the storyline is engaging.