Thirty days they had passed since that mysterious call.

Ethan sat at the library counter, immersed in the pages of history books that unravelled the secrets of this strange world.

This world, both inside and out, was truly unusual. It wasn't like any world he had known. After examining page after page, Ethan learned that this world was a fusion of four distinct worlds, forming four massive continents. They called this place the Nameless World—a world without a true name, whose origins remained a mystery.

The four continents each had their way of life, yet one common element unified them: the power they used. They called themselves the Starling. Every Starling bore a star-shaped mark etched on their body, formed through the absorption of natural energy.

Starlings were divided into nine ranks, with each rank as distinct as heaven and Earth—a vast gulf in strength between each level.

Thirty days ago, I was called here with a hundred others from Earth. Among us, four had Grade S talents, abilities so exceptional that they were unmatched by anyone else. They possessed unique skills, such as perfect mastery of swordsmanship, overwhelming attack power, one-minute invulnerability, and instant healing.

And me? I only have the "Author Skill."

Ethan 

Maximum Age: 80 years 

Talent: Author (??)

Until now, I still haven't figured out what this talent means. I've spent hours poring over countless history books in this library, yet there's no clear clue.

"Hero Ethan, the General requests your presence at the fleet's training grounds."

The day he had come and after thirty days of adapting to this world, the time had arrived for those with a talent below Grade C to receive special training from the war General.

Ethan gathered with thirty-nine others who, like him, had no talent above Grade B. Slowly, the General ascended the platform adorned in shining armour.

"Seeing your faces here makes me sick. Your peaceful world softened your spirits—you lived comfortably without threat. But a little danger, and you sway like straw! This is reality!"

"But today, you're given a chance to change. TODAY IS THE DAY YOU WILL BE FORGED! TALENT IS JUST A STEPPING STONE, BUT EFFORT IS EVERY STEP! EVERY STEP YOU TAKE IS HONOR!"

The General's words struck a nerve, though Ethan sensed that death was the inevitable outcome behind those inspiring words, he thought to himself.

"This is a set of the kingdom's military training manuals prepared for you. Read it, understand it, and start training," the General ordered, handing a heavy book to Ethan.

Ethan accepted the book with both hands. Without wasting time, he began reading quickly, thanks to his extraordinary skill as the Author.

But something unexpected happened. His system suddenly shifted, and a new display appeared before him.

[You have read 10,000 pages in 30 days. You have earned one character slot from a book to serve as a power. If your compatibility with the character is above 70%, you will acquire it.]

[Author (??) > Author (EX)]

[Warning: Compatibility means you have a bond or connection with the character. Using the character will consume your lifespan based on the energy released.]

[NOW STATE THE TITLE AND CHARACTER NAME]

A small smile spread across Ethan's face as he read the new system prompt. He hadn't anticipated his talent evolving to *EX*, something he didn't fully understand. Yet he was certain it carried a power beyond his imagination.

Ethan paused momentarily, considering which character from any book he should choose. There were countless powerful characters, both on Earth and in this world. But… were any of them truly compatible with him? He hadn't genuinely known them, nor did they know him.

Suddenly, a memory surfaced. "Is that… even possible?" he whispered, his voice barely audible, filled with hope.

Title: Alchemy Emperor Under 9 Transform Body 

Name: Arnos 

Achieve: Skies Sun Dragon

Compatibility: 75%

A man with white hair and elegant attire walked toward Ethan.

The man with white hair and elegant attire approached Ethan, smiling faintly as he gazed at him. "We've been waiting for your call," he said.

Ethan was stunned, but he quickly realized the significance of the moment. Standing before him was Arnos Drakania, the Sun Dragon. Arnos was a character Ethan had created back on Earth in a novel that, unfortunately, he never published.

Arnos gazed into the distance with a look of reluctance. "We can only meet like this for a very brief time," he said slowly. "I hope you become stronger. One day, we will meet again."

"Wait, don't go!" Ethan cried, taking a half-step forward. "There's something I want to ask you."

"I have questions, too," replied Arnos, his smile fading slightly. "But my time is short. It would help if you grew stronger and summon the others. Only then will you find answers—and I want to know them too."

With those words, Arnos slowly faded, his body dissolving into particles of light carried away by the wind, disappearing from view.

Ethan 

Maximum Age: 80 years 

Talent: Author (EX) 

Starling Rank: 1 Star 

Link: Arnos (Alchemy Emperor Under 9 Transform Body)

Ethan grinned as he saw Arnos's name displayed on his system screen. Though he didn't fully understand his Author talent, he sensed something big awaited him.

The General's voice suddenly rang out from the high platform, breaking the silence among the trainees. "All of you, begin training!" ordered the General, his voice firm and intense.

The trainees quickly assumed their stances and began training using the Imperial Manual—a strict, exhausting regimen. Their bodies were stiff and unaccustomed to the gruelling movements, including Ethan, who felt his muscles strain. Yet, thanks to his Author talent, Ethan could understand and adapt to the positions quickly, as if his body easily absorbed each lesson.

Ethan adjusted his steps, refined his posture, and aligned his breathing. The aura within his Starling body began to absorb surrounding energy more efficiently, enhancing the flow of energy within him. If he continued this training undisturbed, he was certain he'd reach Starling Rank 2 within days.

However, suddenly, an unexpected system alert flashed before him:

(ENERGY LEVEL DETECTED!) 

(ABSORPTION INITIATED)

Life +1 second 

Life +1 second 

Life +1 second 

Ethan face grew tense with shock. He could feel the energy absorbed by his body converting into precious seconds of life, adding to his lifespan with each absorption. He could forget about reaching Starling Rank 9 with time draining this way. Even reaching Rank 2 might be impossible.