Let it be known, i asked GPT for the technical info, i know nothing about computers so take everything like a grain of salt.
----
(May 15, 2026 – 2:50 PM)
The cool air of the electronics store washed over Adam as he stepped inside. Rows of shelves stretched before him, neatly organized with laptops, monitors, and various peripherals. Further back, the real prize awaited, the high-end components section.
His gaze swept across the store until he spotted an employee in a navy-blue uniform standing near a row of motherboards and processors. The man appeared to be in his mid-thirties, short beard, slightly messy hair, and an eager energy about him. He was currently adjusting a display showcasing the latest GPUs.
Adam approached casually. "Hey, I need some help putting together a high-performance custom PC."
The worker turned, his face lighting up with enthusiasm. "Oh? You're building one from scratch? Nice! Are we talking gaming, workstation, or a mix of both?"
"Mostly workstation, but I want high efficiency across multiple tasks." Adam replied smoothly.
The worker nodded quickly. "Then you'll want a strong multi-core CPU, something like the latest Ryzen or Intel high-end series. If you're going for rendering, AI processing, or heavy multitasking, a Threadripper or Xeon setup might be better, but they're expensive."
Adam nodded slightly. "That depends on the use case. Workstation tasks like coding, data processing, and virtualization demand high core counts, but if I optimize the OS properly, I can still get max efficiency from a powerful consumer-grade CPU while avoiding server-level costs."
The worker blinked, clearly impressed. "Not bad, man. Most people just ask for the most expensive parts without understanding what actually matters."
"I do my research." Adam said with a small shrug.
The man grinned, now fully invested. "Alright then, let's get serious. Motherboard compatibility is key. Are you looking for future-proofing with PCIe 5.0 or just something solid for the next five years?"
Adam considered for a moment. "Future-proofing, but I also want to maximize RAM bandwidth and storage speed. DDR5 is the obvious choice, but I want a board with good VRMs and at least four M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe storage."
The worker whistled. "Damn, you really know your stuff." He rubbed his hands together. "Alright, let's get your core components together. You'll need a solid PSU, can't cheap out on power delivery. A modular 1000W unit should be more than enough."
"Agreed. I also need the necessary tools for building and programming a complete system."
The worker raised an eyebrow. "Programming? You mean just installing an OS, or are you planning to write your own system from scratch?"
Adam gave a knowing smile. "A bit of both."
The man shook his head, laughing. "Alright, genius, I'll get you everything you need."
He led Adam through the store, gathering components piece by piece.
CPU: High-core count processor for multitasking and efficiency.
Motherboard: A high-end model with future-proofing, strong power delivery, and multiple expansion slots.
RAM: Fast DDR5 memory with low latency.
Storage: Several NVMe SSDs for maximum read/write speeds.
Cooling: A high-end liquid cooling system to maintain stable performance under load.
Power Supply: A modular 1000W PSU for stability and future upgrades.
Case: Spacious and well-ventilated, with room for additional expansions.
Tools & Accessories: Screwdrivers, thermal paste, anti-static wristbands, and programming utilities for system-level software development.
After finishing the selection and purchase, the worker rang everything up. "Alright, that's everything. When and where do you want it delivered?"
Adam handed over his address. "Two days from now."
The worker nodded, inputting the delivery details. "Got it. Everything will arrive on May 17, in the morning. You sure you don't need any assembly service?"
Adam shook his head. "I've got it covered."
The man chuckled. "Fair enough. You're definitely not the usual customer. Good luck with your build."
Adam grabbed his receipt and nodded. "Thanks."
(3:21 PM)
With his order secured, Adam stepped out of the store, his mind already shifting toward the next phase of his plan.
....
(3:38 PM)
Adam walked through the city streets, his steps measured and unhurried. The scent of fresh bread and roasted coffee drifted from a nearby café, but he had something else in mind.
After a few minutes, he arrived at a sushi all-you-can-eat restaurant. The entrance was decorated with a simple noren curtain, and inside, a conveyor belt carried small plates of sushi around the room. The atmosphere was relaxed, with soft music playing in the background.
A waiter greeted him. "Welcome. Are you eating alone?"
"Yes." Adam replied with a polite nod.
"This way, please."
He was led to a counter seat near the chef's station, where he could see fresh sushi being prepared. After settling in, he picked up the menu and glanced through it before calling the waiter over.
"I'll have salmon, tuna, eel, shrimp tempura, some nigiri, and a full plate of sashimi." He paused. "And bring extra soy sauce and wasabi."
The waiter raised an eyebrow at the large order but nodded. "Of course. Anything to drink?"
"Green tea."
"Understood. It will be right out."
As the waiter walked away, Adam pulled out his phone and opened the browser. He had knowledge of Solo Leveling from his past life, but it was fragmented. He needed accurate, real-world information on awakeners.
He typed in the search bar:
Hunter system and awakeners explained.
The results loaded quickly, and he scrolled through an official Hunter Association article.
---
What is a Hunter?
Hunters are human warriors who possess magical powers and use them to fight magic beasts and clear dungeons.
Hunter Ranking System (S-E)
Hunters are ranked by an international standard using an S to E system:
S-Rank – The strongest, possessing abilities beyond normal humans.
A-Rank – Highly skilled, powerful, but not at the level of S-Ranks.
B-Rank – Strong, but still within human limitations.
C-Rank – Capable hunters, often working in professional guilds.
D-Rank – Below-average hunters, able to clear low-level dungeons.
E-Rank – The weakest hunters, above normal humans.
Awakening & Limitations
A hunter's rank and stats are determined at the moment they awaken and cannot be increased through training.
However, rare cases of Second Awakening exist, allowing a hunter to climb in rank.
Only 0.001% of the global population awaken as hunters in a month, and only 0.0002% reach C-Rank or higher, but this phenomenon is increasing through time.
Hunter Classes
Hunters are divided into two main categories:
Combat Hunters – Specialized in offense and defense.
Non-Combat Hunters – Skilled in auxiliary or supportive roles.
Additionally, there are six main combat classes:
1. Fighter – Balanced melee combatants.
2. Mage – Uses ranged magical attacks.
3. Assassin – Focuses on speed and precision.
4. Tanker – Specializes in defense and endurance.
5. Ranger – Skilled in ranged weapons like bows and guns.
6. Healer – Can restore health and cure ailments.
---
As Adam finished reading, he continued eating with smooth and unhurried movements.
'Awà, is it possible that the reason humans can't raise their rank through training is because they lack a proper understanding of mana?'
[Yes, Host.]
She responded without hesitation.
[The current awakening system relies on a fixed evaluation method. Humans assume that rank is permanent because they do not comprehend how mana influences growth, adaptability, and refinement.]
Adam took a sip of his tea, his mind turning over the implications. If humanity's understanding of mana was flawed, then the limitations they believed in might not actually exist.
[Furthermore,] Awà continued, [I can awaken you immediately with the data I have gathered so far.]
Adam paused, chopsticks hovering over a piece of sushi. He glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention before responding in his mind. 'Wait. That easily?'
[Yes.]
Awà's tone remained steady.
[The only requirement is an Essence Stone of the desired rank. Once obtained, I can process the energy within it to forcibly awaken your body.]
Adam set his chopsticks down, deep in thought. 'So if I buy an S-Rank essence stone, I'll awaken as an S-Rank hunter?'
[Correct.]
It was almost too simple. The world believed that awakening was a natural phenomenon, something dictated by fate. But Awà had just shattered that illusion.
She spoke again.
[However, I recommend you train your body and reach peak condition before awakening. This will optimize your base attributes, ensuring the best possible outcome.]
Adam leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. The path was clear.
Step one: Make money.
Step two: Buy the best Essence Stone available.
Step three: Awaken on his own terms.
Simple. Efficient. Completely under his control.
But then, Awà spoke again.
[There is a better alternative than an Essence Stone.]
Adam raised an eyebrow. 'Go on.'
[Rune Stones.]
His fingers tapped against the table. Rune Stones, engraved stones containing unique skills of magical beasts. Unlike Essence Stones, which only provided raw energy, Rune Stones also granted abilities.
'Then what's the best one?'
There was a short pause. Then Awà answered in a single word.
[Dragons.]
Adam's fingers stopped. His thoughts immediately jumped to Kamish, the greatest magic beast in history.
[Correct, Host.] Awà confirmed. [From your past-life knowledge of the Solo Leveling manhwa, America is in possession of Kamish's Rune Stone.]
Adam shook his head slightly. He was getting ahead of himself. Before worrying about Dragon-level abilities, he needed to establish himself first.
He reached for another piece of sushi, his expression thoughtful. First, he would make money. Then, he would awaken. After that… he would build his future his way.
----
Patreon: Mr_Graythorn