Time flew by in a blur as I immersed myself in relentless training. Days bled into nights, weeks into months, and seasons into years. Every moment was consumed by the pursuit of mastery—honing my skills, testing my limits, and learning the ways of the Ixorym. My body adapted, my mind sharpened, and my spirit grew unyielding. For me, the passage of time was not marked by the turning of the sun but by the milestones I achieved.
Twelve years had passed since my birth into this world. Twelve years of trials, discipline, and unrelenting effort. And on this day, my dedication bore fruit in a way I had scarcely imagined.
The Clan had summoned me for a ceremony—a rare honor among the Ixorym. The cavernous hall, carved into the heart of our mountain home, was alive with anticipation. Torches lined the walls, their flickering flames casting long, dancing shadows. The air was heavy with the scent of burning incense, a mix of herbs meant to invoke the spirits of the wilds.
At the center of it all stood the elders, their towering forms draped in ceremonial garb. Behind them, the great totems of our ancestors loomed—a massive structure of intertwined bone and stone, a testament to the strength and resilience of our people. Around me, fellow Ixorym gathered, their eyes filled with curiosity and respect. Some had witnessed my rise firsthand; others had only heard the whispers of my accomplishments. Today, all of them would bear witness to the next step in my journey.
As I stood before the elders, the weight of their gaze pressed down on me. Each of them had walked the path of a True Hunter before me, earning their place through feats of strength, cunning, and wisdom. I knew what was coming, but it still felt surreal.
"Azrytharion," the Chief Elder began, his voice a deep rumble that silenced the hall. "In twelve short years, you have achieved what few among us could dream of. By your strength and tenacity, you have risen to the rank of Sage—a level of power that demands respect among our people. Today, we honor your growth and recognize your place among the True Hunters of the Clan."
A low murmur rippled through the crowd, quickly quelled by the Elder's raised hand. The title of True Hunter was the foundation of our hierarchy, the entry point for those who proved their worth. It was not the pinnacle of power but a vital step in one's ascension. For me, it was the first official acknowledgment of my place among the Ixorym.
The ceremony continued, with rites and chants that seemed to echo from the stone walls themselves. At its climax, the Chief Elder stepped forward, holding a ceremonial blade forged from the fang of the last Ancestor. He offered it to me, and as I grasped its hilt, a surge of energy coursed through my veins. It was as if the blade recognized my strength, acknowledging me as one of its own.
"With this, you are bound to our Clan," the Elder said. "You are tasked to protect, to hunt, and to uphold the honor of the Ixorym. You are now a True Hunter."
The hall erupted into cheers, a sound that reverberated deep into the mountain. For the first time, I felt not just respect but belonging—a connection to the people who had raised me, trained me, and believed in me. Yet, even as I stood there, basking in the moment, I knew this was only the beginning.
Later that night, as the celebrations faded and the hall grew quiet, I found myself alone in my quarters. The ceremonial blade rested beside me, its polished surface glinting faintly in the torchlight. My mind wandered back to the ceremony, to the weight of the title I now bore.
Then, without warning, a familiar sensation surged through me. A sharp, electric pulse resonated deep within my core—a sensation I hadn't felt in years. The system, dormant since my rebirth, had awakened once more.
[System Online]
[Global Synchronization Complete]
[All Transmigrants Aged 12 Years: Awakening Initiated]
My breath hitched. The text continued to scroll before me, glowing faintly in the dim light.
[Welcome, Azrytharion. You have achieved the rank of True Hunter. New functionalities unlocked.]
[New Paths Available]
[Skills Upgrade Path Unlocked]
[Integration Progress: 25%]
The next message was broader, not directed solely at me but at all who had been transplanted to this world.
[Attention, Transmigrants: The System has been activated globally. All individuals may now access core functions, including the Forum, Global Shop, and Personal Paths. Choose wisely, for your initial choice will influence future evolutions. Collaboration and competition are both encouraged. The System wishes you well.]
Suddenly, chaos broke loose. The Forum feature erupted with activity, the voices of countless humans flooding in.
User 162738: "What just happened?! Why are we twelve again? Is anyone else freaking out?"]
[User 1895: "Does anyone know how to pick a Path? I'm staring at the options and panicking."]
[User 1738446: "Forget the details—where's the nearest city? I need to find food and shelter before I die again."]
The messages scrolled past so quickly that it was impossible to keep up. It seemed humanity hadn't fared uniformly well since the transmigration. Some appeared to have adapted, forming new lives and alliances, while others were still reeling from the trauma of their abrupt displacement.
Despite the noise, one announcement stood out:
[Auction: A rare Elite Beast Core is now available. Starting bid: 100 System Points.]
Even in the confusion, some had already found ways to exploit the System's resources, trading items and information for their gain. It was clear that while the System provided opportunities for collaboration, it also created an undercurrent of rivalry.
Back in my quarters, I focused on my path. The System presented me with several choices:
[Path Selection]
Hunter's Discipline – Master tracking, hunting, and stealth techniques to become a predator of unmatched skill.
Elementalist's Call – Harness the elements to unleash devastating attacks.
Beastkin Ascendant – Merge with your primal instincts to unlock unique abilities and forms.
Hybrid Pioneer – Combine aspects of multiple paths for versatility and unpredictability.
These paths weren't permanent, but they would influence my growth, shaping the kind of power I wielded in the future. For now, I chose what resonated with me most: Hybrid Pioneer. It aligned perfectly with the instincts I had developed as part of the Ixorym.
[Path Selected: Hybrid Pioneer]
[New Skills Available for Development.]
The System's awakening marked a turning point, not just for me but for all of humanity. Amid the chaos and competition, I had my own goals to achieve, and my path to carve. If the system thought it could dictate the terms of my journey, it was in for a surprise.