Michael also spent some time reading a few things about classes and races, and he had the urge to say something to his teacher who had claimed, "There's no discrimination between classes."
'Bullshit!'
While it was true that any outright discrimination against classes didn't seem to exist, the reality was far from the idealized version his teacher had portrayed. There was indeed a clear and undeniable division between classes, even if subtle.
A phrase Michael often came across in the forum during his research was: "There are no weak classes, only weak Awakeners." But from what he had just read, it was undeniable that some classes offered distinct advantages over others, contrary to the notion of universal balance.
At least the school got one thing right: the broad classification of classes into combat, support, and lifestyle roles.
Now, thanks to the Supers Association forum, Michael also discovered that there were actually five types of classes: General Class, Rare Class, Special Class, Hidden Class, and Unique Class.
General Classes were the most common classes among Awakeners. A large percentage of Awakeners fell into this category, which is why they are considered "common." These classes are also easily recognizable, as they provide only 2 attribute points per level-up.
Rare Classes were a step above General Classes, granting 4 attribute points per level up and often allowing for the use of magic or other special abilities. However, a class does not necessarily need to focus on magic to be categorized as rare—like the Berserker class, for example.
Special Classes were somewhat unique and unconventional, making them difficult to categorise strictly as either general or rare. A Chef class, for instance, provided 3 attribute points per level up, while a Barb class might only grant 2 despite both being special classes. The term "special" referred more to their unconventional nature and niche focus than their power. These classes can be considered rarer than Rare Classes, but their unique nature makes them versatile in how they are grouped.
Hidden Classes were rarer, essentially inheritance-type classes that very few people can have simultaneously. Similar to Special Classes, they are rare but have an added layer of exclusivity. Hidden Classes cannot be naturally awakened but can only be obtained through special means or when specific conditions are met, which makes them particularly elusive.
Unique Classes were the rarest of all—limited to only one person able to possess a particular Unique Class at any given time.
There wasn't much information about Unique Classes on the forum, but Michael didn't think that was actually the case. He read somewhere that the number of Awakeners in Aurora was a little over 70,000, and he found it hard to believe that no one had any information about Unique Classes. If they truly knew nothing, it wouldn't even be recognized as a legitimate class type.
Michael believed it wasn't that the information about Unique Classes didn't exist on the forum; rather, it was because of his restricted access. His authority level wasn't high enough to access such information.
'It seems authority levels aren't just for show. I should try my best to raise mine,' Michael thought, a subtle smile forming on his face as he processed his new world of possibilities.
Despite feeling like his head might burst from the flood of new information, it was as if an entirely new world had opened up before him—a world he found utterly fascinating and impossible to resist.
'This world… These worlds are truly interesting, with so much to offer.'
What surprised Michael, even more, was the revelation that even one's race could directly influence the benefits received upon leveling up.
This discovery unveiled yet another layer of possibilities, sparking his curiosity even further.
From what he had read so far, Michael learned that each level-up as a member of the human race granted 0.2 points to all stats, 0.5 in intelligence, and 2 attribute points. While Michael wasn't sure if this was low or high compared to other races, it seemed significant.
'Since the Land of Origin is said to be like a game world, I wonder… is it possible to change races?' Michael mused.
Intrigued by the thought, he tried searching for information on the possibility in the forum. However, just like in the cases of Gifts and Unique Classes, his query found nothing.
As usual, he surmised that this either meant the information didn't exist or his authority level wasn't high enough. Already used to this, Michael shrugged off the disappointment and decided to move on.
His attention soon landed on his class—the Necromancer, which to his pleasant surprise, turned out to be a Rare Class.
Michael also discovered that races weren't the only things that provided benefits as one levelled up—classes did too. Aside from the attribute points awarded based on their grade, certain stats would gain additional boosts depending on the class's speciality.
For the Necromancer Class, for instance, leveling up grants 0.1 points to strength and constitution each, 0.3 in agility, and 0.5 in intelligence, along with 4 attribute points.
'Necromancers are basically paper defences. A punch from a similar-level warrior class could probably take out more than half my health,' Michael thought immediately.
This realization helped him understand why so many people in the forum kept emphasising that power ultimately depended on the Awakeners themselves.
Classes, race, cultivation, resources that enhanced stats, stats themselves, and attribute points—if one utilised these things wisely, even a seemingly weak Awakener with a tailor class could become formidable.
The more Michael read, the more excited he became about the future. He couldn't wait to enter the Land of Origin, though he knew he couldn't rush in without making some proper preparations.
Yes, preparations.
As an Awakener, he was naturally bound to enter the Land of Origin, but according to the forum, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows there—especially for new Awakeners.
A starred post on the forum titled "Tips for Newbies," endorsed by the Supers Association itself, shed some light on the challenges. Michael learned that when an Awakener entered the Land of Origin for the first time, their initial location was random—it could be near an active volcano, a frozen wasteland, or even within a monster's nest.
However, there was a balance: according to the post, it would be something a new Awakener should be able to handle theoretically, and Michael didn't like the sound of that—hence his need to make proper preparations.
Even the experienced commenters in the post echoed this sentiment, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of preparing oneself properly before taking the plunge.
Thanks to the post, Michael also realized why the Supers Association provided such generous funds—it was indeed meant for acquiring resources!
In the Supers Association Platform, alongside the main forum, there was also a store section.
Michael was left in awe by the sheer variety of goods one could buy from there.
***
[ Refined Iron Dagger… ]
[ Price: $230 ]
...
[ Refined Iron Spear… ]
[ Price: $285 ]
...
[ Health Potion… ]
[ Price: $500 ]
...
[ Leather Pants… ]
...
[ Leather Shoes… ]
...
[ Leather Upper Body Armor… ]
...
Michael browsed the list of items recommended for newbies, carefully picking those that caught his eye.
The store offered two delivery methods: picking up the items at the Supers Association or opting for home delivery.
Michael chose the latter without hesitation. Why step out of home if he could avoid it? Besides, compared to the total cost of the items he had bought, the delivery fee seemed 'cheaper.'
With the delivery fee included, Michael spent a total of $4,328. Just like that, a third of the $15,000 provided by the Supers Association was gone.
'The Supers Association is really scummy!' Michael grimaced in pain as he connected his account to the Supers Association Platform and watched his money disappear.
But despite the hefty expense, Michael had no regrets.
Even though death in the Land of Origin wasn't real death, if he could prevent it, why shouldn't he? The penalty for dying was severe enough to avoid it at all costs. Each death came with a harsh penalty: a permanent 10% reduction in all stats. Along with that, the 'dead' Awakener would also be temporarily banned from re-entering the Land of Origin.
Perhaps this penalty wouldn't seem as harsh for new Awakeners, but it was a big deal for the real powerhouses. Imagine having 100 points in all stats and watching 10 permanently disappear—it was a nightmare for the top-tier Awakeners.
After all, the stronger one was, the harder it was for them to increase their stat. It wasn't just numbers at that point—a 1-point stat increase for a level 100 Awakener could very well be the equivalent of a 10-point gain for someone like Michael.
After placing his order, Michael received confirmation from the Supers Association Platform that his items would be delivered before noon the next day. That suited him just fine.
'It's not too late to enter the Land of Origin tomorrow anyway. It's even better. I'm too exhausted to do anything now.'
Michael was also very hungry. He had learned many new things, which had significantly filled the gaps in his understanding. Anything that remained could now be gradually learned with time. For now, all Michael wanted to rest and wait for the new day to arrive before entering the Land of Origin.
He was excited, but he had his priorities straight.
Setting his phone aside, Michael was about to pick up the plate he'd used earlier when a knock came at his door.
"Come in," he said instinctively.
When he saw who had stepped inside, he was surprised.
"Aunt?"
Yes, standing at the door was indeed Aunt Mia. Michael had been so engrossed in the Supers Association forum that he hadn't noticed anyone entering the house.
"Well, it seems like our new Awakener has been busy," Aunt Mia teased, making her way to his bed and settling comfortably.
"Aunt Mia," Michael said, a little embarrassed by the title, but a happy smile spread across his face. He could see a smile on Aunt Mia's face, too, one that was threatening to widen—and hidden within, he could also see that she was proud of him.
For both Michaels—the one from Earth and the one from Aurora—Aunt Mia was the closest thing they had as a true parent, the only person from whom they had experienced true parental love.
Orphaned at a young age, both versions of him had found solace in her unwavering care, and Aunt Mia was like a mother figure to them—especially to Michael originally from this world. Despite her petite stature, Aunt Mia's blue eyes held the kind of love only a mother could give to her child.
Michael greeted her respectfully, and he was happy that she was happy.
Before he could speak, Aunt Mia beat him to it.
"Lily told me about your little adventure today."
Michael silently clicked his tongue in annoyance. Maybe he shouldn't have shared so much Lily—now, the news he wanted to deliver himself had come through someone else. Still, it wasn't a big deal. They were family, after all.
"The amount of money the Association gave you is really a lot, but you need to be careful with it, Michael," Aunt Mia said anxiously, her voice tinged with concern.
In her eyes, Michael was still a young boy. She had no interest in his money, instead, she was worried about his spending habits. Though Michael's past behavior of handling money somewhat reassured her, the sheer amount he now possessed made her feel worried that he might waste it.
"And don't pay any mind to your silly cousin. There's no need…"
"Aunt Mia," Michael interrupted, his tone serious, cutting her off before she could continue. He already knew where this was headed, but he didn't want to hear it.
His family was his driving force, his purpose. Now that he could finally provide for them, how could she even think of refusing? The thought left him uneasy.
"Aunt Mia, the money the Association gave me—well, a big chunk of it is for my well-being, so you don't have to worry about anything."
As he spoke, Michael pulled out his phone, his fingers poised to transfer a portion of the funds to her without hesitation.
"Michael!" Aunt Mia's voice was sharp with concern. Her eyes reflected a mix of doubt and worry, and she feared that he was about to inconvenience himself for their sake.
In fact, she was right. But did Michael care? No, he didn't. This was likely a stupid decision but for once, at least one, Michael wanted to satisfy his selfish desire.
If he ended up broke, he could wait for the next payout while working hard in other areas in the meantime.
Michael wasn't afraid of hard work. Ironically, it was excessive hard work that had killed the original Michael in this world.
The hopeful fool had clung to a desperate rumour he heard online—that if he trained hard enough to push himself to the brink of knight, the chance of his Awakening would be higher.
The original Michael knew this was nonsense, but feeling unlucky and with many "responsibilities" on his shoulders and dwindling hope, he pushed himself too hard. In the end, he died, allowing Michael from Earth to take his place.
"It's okay, Aunt Mia," Michael said smoothly. "You don't know this, but the Supers Association is still going to give me more resources aside from this soon." He lied with a straight face.
It was, of course, impossible. The Association wasn't going to do more charity for him. They weren't his family. And even some families couldn't always provide that much.
"A-Are you lying to me?" Aunt Mia asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"You know I'd never lie to you, Aunt Mia," he said, delivering another lie with an innocent face. This time, he felt a pang of guilt in his chest but didn't let it show.
Aunt Mia looked conflicted, her expression reflecting her mixed feelings.
Michael noticed her hesitation and knew he had to strike while the iron was hot.
"Also, since becoming an Awakener, I have noticed that my appetite is slowly increasing. We'll need more food at home, Aunt Mia." Michael spoke, feigning seriousness, and as if on cue, his stomach rumbled loudly, adding authenticity to his words.
The timing worked. It convinced Aunt Mia a little and her skepticism began to fade. What made her trust his words even more was his status as an Awakener.
'As an Awakener, he should be valued by the Federation, right?' she thought. Like most adults, she knew of the Federation's admiration for Awakeners, though she didn't know that while they valued Awakeners, they weren't exactly planning to pamper them.
Finally, Aunt Mia chose to believe Michael.
"Okay," she said softly.
Relieved, Michael wasted no time and immediately transferred some money to her.
"Feel free to use it as you see fit, Aunt Mia. And please, get a few treats that Lily enjoys too," he added with the air of a magnanimous benefactor.
Just then, Aunt Mia's phone buzzed, showing a bank notification: a $5,000 credit.
Aunt Mia's eyes widened in disbelief, and she opened her mouth to protest and was about to scold Michael when he cut her off once again.
"Trust me, Aunt Mia. This money is nothing to me now. Didn't Lily mention that I'll be getting money every month?"
Aunt Mia hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. If what he was telling was the truth, maybe—just maybe—her little Michael could indeed afford to spend money like this.
However, she decided that, while she'd use some of the money for the family's well-being, she'd save the rest until she could confirm his words.
Seeing that he'd successfully convinced his aunt, Michael secretly sighed in relief and a smile appeared on his face.
"You're hungry, right? I brought some cake and snacks on my way back. Want some?" Aunt Mia asked, remembering the "thunder" that had erupted from his stomach earlier.
"Yes, I'd love some, Aunt Mia."
Aunt Mia smiled, took the plate that Michael had planned to carry out earlier and left the room, returning shortly with some snacks. They shared a few more words before she left the room, leaving Michael alone.
Soon, the soft sound of his snores filled the room.
A small, contented smile played on his lips as sleep overtook him.
Today had been the best day of his life—even if it was just as stressful.