Cedric began his lecture with the basics, explaining that the Eternal Battleground was not only infinitely vast but also immensely complex. It housed countless civilizations, and even at this very moment, somewhere in its endless expanse, a new civilization was likely being transported there.
However, Cedric believed that the Eternal Battleground was far more than just a war-torn realm. To him, it was a mystery—a creation with a purpose beyond its apparent chaos.
He listed the questions that drove his quest for understanding:
Why are civilizations transported to this place?
Why does their arrival inevitably lead to endless wars?
What is the ultimate goal of these wars?
Who or what created the Eternal Battleground?
Is there a higher plane beyond even this immense arena?
"These are questions we may never answer," Cedric said, his tone reflective. "But as a mage, it is my duty to pursue the ultimate truth."
To illustrate his point, Cedric conjured a magical illusion of a black pyramid. It hovered before Cain, radiating an aura of power and mystery.
"Take the Black Pyramids as an example," Cedric said. "No one knows their origin—not even the so-called gods. What does that tell you?"
Cain pondered for a moment before answering hesitantly, "That… the Black Pyramids are older than the gods?"
"Exactly," Cedric said, his eyes gleaming. "Their existence predates the gods themselves. So, the question becomes—who or what created them?"
"Something more powerful than the gods?" Cain ventured.
"Precisely. And that's why the common claim that Evolvers are chosen by gods is flawed. Even those deities are merely Evolvers who attained divinity through their own ascent."
Cedric's words struck a chord with Cain, igniting an insatiable curiosity about the Eternal Battleground and the true nature of Evolvers.
To emphasize the scale of the world, Cedric waved his staff, conjuring a sprawling, intricate map in midair. The holographic display was so vast that Cain felt overwhelmed just looking at it.
"This," Cedric said, pointing to a tiny speck on the map, "is where we are—the Triangular Continent. True to its name, it's a triangular landmass surrounded by the Nethersea Domain, a treacherous expanse of dark waters."
Cedric zoomed in on their location, a central region of the continent. Then he gestured beyond the sea to another marked area. "And beyond the Nethersea lies the Land Beyond—believed to be the gateway to the core of the Eternal Battleground."
Cedric spoke of the the Land Beyond with a look of longing on his face. "To be honest, Cain, I've always dreamed of exploring the the Land Beyond. But that cursed Nethersea Domain is far too dangerous. With my current strength, there's no way I could make it there alive."
"The Land Beyond? What's there?" Cain asked, curiosity piqued.
"Legends say it's a paradise for Evolvers and the path to becoming a god-like entity," Cedric replied, his voice filled with awe. "It's said that anyone seeking to transcend their limits must journey there."
Cain felt a distant sense of wonder but also a sharp reminder of his current insignificance. Becoming a god-like being seemed an impossibly distant goal when he hadn't even fully grasped his own abilities.
Realizing he had digressed, Cedric returned to the topic at hand. He spent the remainder of the day teaching Cain foundational knowledge about the Eternal Battleground and Evolvers. By the end of the long session, Cain felt mentally drained but grateful for the insight.
That evening, Cain was escorted to his dormitory by a guard. The room was modest but well-equipped—a stark contrast to the squalor of the prison cell he had endured. Despite his swirling thoughts, fatigue took over, and Cain drifted into one of the most restful sleeps he'd had in years.
The next morning, he arrived punctually at the classroom, only to notice the wary glances from members of other squads. Their subtle hostility made Cain uneasy, though he couldn't determine the reason behind it.
Inside the classroom, Cedric assigned tasks to each team member.
"Eri, focus on mastering your third energy expansion. And Zhang, work on extending the range of your flying sword technique."
"Yes, Master Cedric!" the two replied before leaving for their training.
Turning to Cain, Cedric smiled. "And now, Cain, are you ready for your first mission?"
"I'm ready!" Cain said with firm resolve.
"Your first task is to join other new recruits and survive for one full day on the outskirts of the Floating Island. However, before that, you must activate your Evolution Seed."
Cedric produced a portable Black Pyramid, its surface smooth and foreboding. This wasn't an item just anyone could access, and its presence hinted at Cedric's high status.
"Place your hands on the pyramid," Cedric instructed. "Focus your energy on it and let your mind connect with its essence."
Cain complied, and the pyramid pulsed with a mysterious light. A surge of power coursed through him, intertwining with his totems. His totems began to spin furiously, creating a vortex of black energy between them. The sensation was almost unbearable, as though something was tearing apart inside him. Gritting his teeth, Cain endured.
Minutes later, the vortex condensed into a dark, diamond-shaped seed—his Evolution Seed. The connection to the Black Pyramid was established, and an influx of information flooded Cain's mind.
Evolver: Cain Lee
Evolution Metrics (EM): 110
Evolver Rank: E-Class, Level 2
Primary Totem: Reality Manipulation (Psychic-Type — S-Rank), 5 Stages. Currently at Stage 1, Unlock Progress: 0%.
Secondary Totem: Decay Infusion (Mystic-Type — A-Rank), 3 Stages. Currently at Stage 1, Unlock Progress: 3%.
Ability: Invisibility (Superpower-Type — E-Rank), Level Progress: 0%.
Energy Control: None.
Innate Talent: Phoenix Rebirth.grants temporary power surges upon resurrection, with a permanent boost to Evolutionary Level for each revival.
Guardian Spirit: None.
.....
Many other features and information remain locked due to Cain's current rank.
Cain's thoughts raced. His Primary Totem's ability to manipulate reality explained the inexplicable phenomena he had experienced.However, the primal totem also comes with its limitations.
And the Secondary Totem, focused on decay and absorption, aligned with its past usage.
Phoenix Rebirth clarified why he could come back stronger after death. After the first mark is used not only granted a temporary 50% boost for five minutes but also permanently increased his Evolutionary Level by 1%. However, the ability had its limits.
To recharge a Phoenix Mark, either time (10 hours per 10%) or absorption of the EVO Crystals.
As for leveling his totems, absorbing EVO Crystals was essential, and each stage unlocked new capabilities.
"How do you feel?" Cedric asked, noticing Cain's pensive silence.
"I've learned a lot," Cain replied, his voice steady but thoughtful.
"Good. Remember what I taught you; you'll need it on the island. Let's get you to the departure platform."
At the platform, a sleek airship waited, already bustling with over a hundred recruits. Cedric placed a reassuring hand on Cain's shoulder. "I'll be here when you return. Good luck."
"I'll make it back," Cain promised before boarding the ship, his resolve unwavering.