"Listen up, students!"
"This test will decide your future. Fail, and you can kiss your dreams goodbye."
"So don't let me down. Give it your all! You got that?!"
"Sir, yes Sir!"
In the middle of a huge park, a tough-looking instructor in a crisp soldier uniform stared at the quiet students in front of him.
They were the class 12 Year 3 students of No.3 High School .
The students gazed at the floating cube moving in the center of the park. Their faces showed different feelings.
Some fidgeted nervously, scared they might fail and ruin their dreams. Most looked excited and hopeful about their future.
Among them, one student seemed unbothered, like he didn't care about his future at all.
Vincent Magnus, 17 years old now, but 27 just a few weeks ago. Back on Earth, he was just another struggling young adult.
Life was tough. With only a high school diploma, he had to work multiple jobs just to get by.
That's right!
But everything changed for him three weeks ago.
His damn curiosity got him sent to this weird world.
He was walking home when he saw a cat playing with a glowing marble on the street.
Even though he knew 'curiosity killed the cat', he still took the marble. Then, like some magic trick, a bright light swallowed him up. He vanished from Earth without a trace.
Next thing he knew, he was in the body of some random guy who happened to have the same name as him. (a/n: Let it be)
At first, he thought he'd traveled back in time, seeing how young he looked.
But man, he was wrong!
And not just a little wrong - he was dead wrong about time travel or ending up in some modern parallel world.
He soon found out he'd landed in a place way more high-tech than Earth!
But that wasn't even the craziest part!
This world—Astrum, was too digital!
A world connected to countless stars, realms, galaxies and space stuff!
And the big boss system—Starmark, ran the whole universe!
That meant all the big shots and powerful beings were under Starmark's rule and watchful eye.
With the world linked to so many stars, galaxies, and realms, Astrum was no peaceful fantasy land.
Men and women under 17 had to train for wars. At 18, they had to go to a special place called the Origin World.
The Origin World was a crazy place full of different powers and races.
It was like a huge arena where all smart life from the universe fought over resources and power.
But not everyone could enter the Origin World.
You needed a special key to get in.
And today was the big day for Year 3 Class 12 of No.3 High School !
They were going to the Source Cube, that floating mechanical cube in front of them, to awaken their Origin Power!
Suddenly, a figure appeared, floating in the air in front of the Source Cube!
"Isn't that our District Leader?!"
"You're right! That's our very own District Leader Leo!"
"He's scary… is this what an Origin Warrior feels like?"
The man who just showed up, with a serious face, was the big shot of their district, Leo Blaire!
Vincent had learned about this guy during his three weeks of research.
Leo Blaire was a huge deal, a hero to many young people in their district. Before becoming a famous and powerful Origin Warrior, he was just a poor orphan living on government support.
He had it rough, but on his awakening day, he got his origin power and C-rank talent!
C - rank talent: Flame Synergy!
With the power to use fire and make his body stronger with it, he started climbing the ranks. That's how he became a role model for many students, especially those struggling in life.
Then, Leo spoke.
"Listen up, students of No. 3 High School ! Today's the start of a new chapter in your lives!"
"I know how you all feel today, I've been there! I just want to remind you that no matter what happens today, whether you awaken or fail, I hope you'll still support your family, the young and old, our district and our world!"
"We might not be the strongest compared to other races, but we're tough! We adapt fast! We're survivors! And we'll keep surviving for ages to come! We are humans!"
"Now, let the awakening begin!"
As the students' blood pumped with Leo's words, the start of the awakening snapped them out of their daydreams!
"ID no. 02783-672, step forward!"
The called student stepped up and touched the Source Cube. A minute later, nothing happened. The instructor finally said,
"Failed, next!"
As harsh as it sounded, the student had no choice but to accept it.
The next student came up.
"Failed, next!"
"Listen, move aside and go back to your room after your result!"
"Next!"
"Failed!"
As time passed, Vincent could see the students' faces changing.
It had been a while, but still no one had awakened their Origin Power!
If he was really a teenager and hadn't faced the harsh realities of life, he might be like them - a bit worried, but probably too optimistic!
He once thought he was the main character of the world when he graduated and started making money!
He wondered where he got the guts to be that hopeful!
Right now, all he could think about was how to use his experience and plan for the future if he failed to awaken.
"I could always mooch off someone if things get really bad…" he thought.
Just then, someone he knew stepped up to the Source Cube.
It was Greg Malcolm!
Coming from an Origin Warrior family, he had some pull in the school. But he was better known as one of the school bullies.
Though Vincent hadn't run into this bully, he didn't like him. Three weeks was enough for Vincent to label Greg as a typical bad guy!
He'd read thousands of novels in his boring past life, so he knew exactly what kind of character to avoid in this world.
"Guess you can't fix stupid," he thought.
"Haha, it's my turn! Out of my way! I'm finally gonna be an Origin Warrior like my brother!"
Greg shoved the shocked student aside, making them fall.
The instructor didn't react to Greg's behavior.
It was clear he was ignoring what Greg did.
"Enough, just touch the Source Cube for a minute!"
Vincent gave the Instructor a quick look before turning away.
This just reminded him what kind of world he was in!
A world where strength and influence matter!
If you're poor and weak, your future's worse than an animal's!
Vincent became more determined to reach his goal.
He had to get stronger!
Stronger than anyone else! If not, then at least smart and rich!
He'd do whatever it takes!
He'd struggled back on Earth, he didn't give up then and he won't give up now!
While lost in thought.
"Will Greg awaken his Origin Power?"
"Are you doubting our Boss's potential? He has an Origin Warrior brother, his father was a powerful Origin Warrior too! Boss Greg's been eating and drinking special stuff! If he can't awaken his Origin Power, then none of us will!"
"I-I'm just talking nonsense, ignore me."
"Hmph, you better watch carefully!"
Just then, the Source Cube started glowing faintly.
"H-Hey, something's happening! The Source Cube is lighting up!"
"Is this awakening… Is Greg gonna be an origin warrior?"
"Haha, see? I told you! Our boss is gonna awaken too!"
The Instructor's eyes widened a bit.
As the Source Cube's light faded, a faint shower of light covered Greg's body.
"Hahaha, I've finally awakened my Origin Power! Who can beat me now?!"
The instructor quickly went to Greg.
"Congratulations, Greg! You're truly a dragon among men! Your future is limitless!"
"Haha, you're too kind Instructor Pen!"
"I'm just stating facts. Can you show us what talent you awakened?"
Hearing this, Greg smiled smugly and held out his hand. A visual interface appeared above it.
[D-Rank Talent: Fire Element Ability]
"A D-Rank talent! That's great! Congratulations Young District Leader Greg!"
The Instructor became even more respectful as he addressed Greg.
He knew how important this talent was.
It wasn't far from the C-Rank talent of their District Leader who ruled over tens of thousands of people!
Suddenly, a figure appeared above Greg and the instructor.
It was Leo Blaire!
Leo's face was still serious, but his eyes sparkled a bit.
"Congratulations on awakening. Your talent is good. I can recommend you to the Flame Tower Guild if you'd like to join."
"Are you inviting me to your guild, District Leader Leo?"
Greg's voice got louder, clearly excited by the offer.
"I can't promise anything, but I can recommend you."
"That's enough! With my talent, I'm sure they'll take me!"
Leo frowned slightly before shaking his head, thinking it was just a young person's overconfidence!
"You can go back to your classroom or stay here if you want. Go on, continue the awakening."
Leo flew up again and stood with his eyes closed after ordering the Instructor.
"How unfair this world is… the bully gets powerful while we weak ones stay weak forever.."
"We should leave this school and find work in another district, that bully will be even worse now!"
"Shh, keep it down. He's awakened now, he might hear you!"
Vincent heard the talk of those who failed to awaken and were bullied by Greg.
He also started wondering how cruel this world could be.
Soon, his ID number was called.
"ID No. 09051-997, step forward!"
His heart raced as he stepped up, feeling everyone's eyes on him.
Following the Instructor's directions, Vincent touched the floating Source Cube.
The moment his hand touched it, he felt warm energy flowing through his body. He thought it would be cold at first.
30 seconds later, still nothing happened.
The instructor, looking at the timer on his holographic screen, thought it was another failure seeing no reaction.
"This batch might have the worst potential of all," he thought.
Vincent, still waiting for something to happen, felt more and more disappointed. Even though he wasn't too hopeful and had set low expectations, he couldn't help feeling let down.
"Looks like I'm not meant to be the Main Character in this world either."
The moment he thought that, something changed.
The quiet Source Cube started to vibrate. At first, it was subtle, but soon even the ground began to shake.
"What's going on?"
"An earthquake now?"
"W-Wait, look! The Source Cube is shaking!"
"Huh?"
Even the Instructor was surprised by the sudden earthquake.
Then, a bright light shot out of the Source Cube and pierced the sky.
The students, Instructor, and even Leo were shocked.
They'd never seen an awakening like this before!
Soon, Vincent felt like he was soaking in a hot spring as the light seeped into his body!
[Congratulations to the Host on awakening Origin Power! Talent Awakened:
C rank - Origin Power Enhancement!
SSS rank - 10,000x Exp Converter!]
Talent Details:
Origin Power Enhancement - increase the total value of Origin Power by 30%
10,000x Exp Converter - receive ten thousand multiplication experience points upon killing lifeforms. Experience points can be converted to different subjects.
SSS rank talent skill options:
● Upgrade to Next Level
● Upgrade Skills Quality
● Upgrade Skills Proficiency
● Upgrade Items Quality
● Upgrade Items Quantity
"Whoa… what the hell is this broken talent?"