In fantasy novels, there's no loud "boom" from a gas explosion when someone awakens new powers.
For an ordinary person, the basic attributes are typically set at five points.
Though Novak's current boost had doubled his physical capabilities, the transformation didn't seem overly dramatic. Still, the surge of strength coursing through his body filled him with a confidence unlike anything he had ever experienced, especially after surviving the injection of the zombie virus.
Taking a deep breath, Novak relaxed his tensed muscles. With a single thought, he summoned the attribute panel of the Forerunner, the title given to him:
- [Yie Novak (Forerunner)]
- [Evolutionary Number: 001]
- [Talent: Virus King (SSS)]
- [Level: 1 (0/500)]
- [Strength: 13 (+1)]
- [Agility: 15 (+1)]
- [Constitution: 15 (+1)]
- [Spirit: 14 (+1)]
- [Charm: ???]
- [Luck: ???]
- [Gold Coins: 0]
Level 1, but Novak's strength and other attributes were already three times that of an average person. He couldn't help but let out a long breath, impressed by such a promising start.
What really caught his attention, however, was his evolutionary number: 001!
It meant he was the first to awaken on Kepler-22b, the first to evolve ahead of the impending apocalypse.
Although Novak's experience from his previous life had taught him that early awakeners were rare, he hadn't expected to be number one. That distinction carried weight. While many might awaken in time, his number signified something special—it meant he had taken the very first step.
Still, Novak remained cautious. The evolutionary number was akin to an ID, useful for certain future functions tied to the Cosmic Will, but it didn't grant any immediate power or advantages.
He was well aware that across the world, many others with remarkable talents would eventually awaken. Just because someone awakened early didn't guarantee they would reach the highest peaks in the future. However, it did give him—and those like him—a significant head start over those who would awaken in nine days, once the apocalypse truly began.
If I thought I was invincible just because of this, I'd be a fool.
His SSS-level talent granted him an incredible start and immense growth potential, but Novak knew he was still far from being able to challenge the gods. To reach that point, there was much more work to be done.
Time was of the essence. Novak needed to prepare for the impending apocalypse, and fast.
Initially, he had only planned to gather a few materials. But now, his focus shifted. Collecting viruses and bacteria to amass evolution points had become his top priority.
However, Novak didn't rush out immediately. Rising from his bed in the dormitory, he carefully controlled his enhanced strength and powered on his laptop.
He thought for a moment and created a post on X-Ta, a popular online forum.
"Let me be the pioneer of the evolution of the Cosmic Will!"
The post bar was empty. There were no other posts or discussions yet, and Novak didn't leave any long explanations about the approaching apocalypse. The other early awakeners weren't fools; they didn't need Novak to convince them of what was coming.
Instead, he left a simple, cryptic message:
"Congratulations to those of you who have found this post and understand its significance. You are already one step ahead of everyone else. I believe the pioneers who gather here will become some of the brightest stars in the future. I offer you my blessing and look forward to meeting you one day.
—White Emperor"
Novak smiled as he shut down his computer. He had no particular agenda—just a feeling that, one way or another, this would serve a purpose.
In his previous life, he had founded White Devil City in the apocalypse. He knew from experience that the Cosmic Will often set special tasks or created unique situations that required groups of survivors to complete. Rewards could be gained through cooperation and creating collective havens.
After all, Kepler-22b wasn't just a proving ground for individual evolution; it was a test for the entire human civilization.
Building a gathering place like a city came with numerous benefits. By establishing his name and reputation early, Novak hoped to gain influence—and possibly even discover some hidden opportunities.
The title "White Emperor" also symbolized Novak's ambition.
In his past life, those whose strength reached the Emperor Class all carried titles like this. And while there was a higher realm—the God Class—beyond Emperor, Novak wasn't concerned with that for now. He had been a Saint in his last life; this time, his sights were set higher.
"Emperor Class. The White Emperor." That was his immediate goal.
Exhaling slowly, Novak's eyes flashed with determination.
Nine days. That was all the time left before the apocalypse erupted.
Novak had no intention of sitting idle. Even if the world hadn't yet descended into chaos, even if killing zombie virus carriers wouldn't yield much experience at this stage, he was determined to act.
His most crucial asset was his Virus King talent. It required evolution points to grow.
And where did those points come from? From infecting, controlling, and harnessing viruses.
Only by gathering evolution points could Novak unlock the full potential of his talent tree. He was eager to see how far he could push this unique ability.
For now, the best places to find viruses and bacteria were the sewers or hospitals.
With that in mind, Novak stood up, put on a mask, donned a cap, and left the dormitory swiftly.