Orion stepped into Lecture Hall 5, eyes scanning the vast room filled with final-year students. Holographic projectors displayed planetary maps, alien civilizations, and galactic trade routes, flickering softly as students murmured among themselves.
At the center of the hall stood Professor Evelyn Starcrest—a woman who commanded attention.
Crimson hair cascaded down her back like flowing silk.
Violet eyes gleamed with intelligence, piercing yet alluring.
Her curves were lethal, her tight academic outfit hugging her body in ways that distracted more than a few students.
Orion, still unaccustomed to such beauty, found his gaze lingering for a second too long before forcing himself to focus.
Even the final-year students, who saw her daily, had possessive glints in their eyes. Some clenched their fists, jealous of the new student being introduced personally.
> "Attention, everyone." Professor Starcrest's smooth, commanding voice cut through the murmurs.
The room fell silent instantly.
> "We have a new addition to our class—a specially admitted student."
All eyes turned toward Orion.
Orion felt the weight of their gazes. Some were curious, some indifferent, and a few—especially the elite students—held traces of hostility.
> "Orion Graves. He will be joining us for the remainder of the year. I expect everyone to treat him as an equal, as I do not tolerate childish behavior in my class."
A few students whispered.
> "A new student? Only six months before the final exams?"
"Either he's a genius or he has connections."
"He doesn't look weak, though…"
Orion kept his expression neutral, stepping forward as Professor Starcrest gestured toward an empty seat in the center.
> "Take your seat. Let's begin."
---
Alric Vale sat at the back row, arms crossed, eyes narrowed as he studied Orion.
A realistic bully wasn't some dumb brute who picked fights for no reason.
A predator waited, analyzed, and struck only when the time was right.
The first thing Alric noticed?
"This bastard looks like he was genetically engineered. No scars, no flaws—just a perfect damn face."
Then his physique.
"That's not a body you get from just training. That's a physique optimized for power."
But Alric wasn't an idiot. He had bullied hundreds of students in this academy—but only the ones who deserved it. The weak, the cowards, the ones who clung to others for protection.
And right now, Orion was an unknown variable.
"I won't touch him yet. Not until I see what he's capable of."
For now, he would wait and watch.
---
Professor Starcrest gestured, and a massive holographic projection of Earth and its factions expanded before them.
> "Today, we will cover the structure of Earth's power system and our place in the interstellar community."
The hologram zoomed in on a towering golden temple floating above the planet.
> "The Temples of the Three Goddesses—Fate, War, and AllMother."
The Three Goddesses – Manifestations of the World's Will
> "Many of you already know this, but the three goddesses are not biological entities."
The projection shifted, displaying three figures cloaked in divine radiance.
Fate Goddess: A serene figure, veiled in golden light, her eyes eternally closed.
War Goddess: A towering warrior, flames and destruction swirling around her.
AllMother: A motherly figure, wrapped in endless cosmic threads, her presence vast and unfathomable.
> "They are the will of Earth itself, manifesting as entities far beyond human comprehension."
The class listened in rapt silence. Even the most powerful human experts knew that the Goddesses were untouchable.
> "No matter how far humanity evolves, the goddesses will always be one full realm above us. They exist to guide and maintain balance, their power extending across every human civilization, ensuring our survival in the interstellar wars."
The projection changed again, showing ten colossal clan estates, each radiating immense power.
> "The 10 Great Human Families are the backbone of humanity's strength."
Each of these families had at least one Calamity Grade expert—powerhouses capable of shattering entire fleets.
Below them were the 997 Major Families, each controlling vast territories and economies, with Galactic Tribulation experts in their ranks.
> "While the Three Goddesses oversee humanity's fate, these families dictate our influence across the stars."
---
The hologram shifted once more, displaying various humanoid and alien figures.
> "Humanity is not alone in the vast universe. Over time, we have forged alliances with 11 different races."
Among them, one stood out—the Soul Race.
> "The Soul Race, unlike many others, has an unusual harmony with humanity."
Professor Starcrest zoomed in on their ethereal forms—semi-transparent beings with glowing cores.
> "Most alien species struggle to merge with human civilization due to biological or mental incompatibilities."
She turned to the class.
> "However, humans are already a collection of wills. Our very existence is tied to the will of our civilizations, our Core Worlds, and our goddesses. Because of this, the Soul Race's natural ability to merge with consciousness has little effect on us, making them our closest allies."
A student raised his hand.
> "Professor, does that mean humans are immune to mental attacks?"
She shook her head.
> "Not entirely. But we are far more resistant than other races. The stronger an Evolver's will, the harder it is for external forces to influence them.
Students began whispering.
> "I can't believe the Goddesses are literally always a step ahead of us…"
"The Soul Race always creeped me out, but I guess they're useful."
"Man, Orion didn't react to anything. Either he knew all this already, or he just doesn't care."
Alric Vale leaned back, eyes locked on Orion.
> "Not bad. He didn't shrink back. He didn't act cocky either. He just… observed."
For now, Alric wouldn't act.
But if Orion ever showed weakness—even for a second?
"Then he's mine."
---
The Lecture Continues
The classroom remained silent as Professor Evelyn Starcrest continued the lesson, her voice carrying the weight of history and ambition.
> "Now that we have covered the structure of Earth's power, we move on to something even more critical—our civilization's standing in the universe."
She gestured toward the holographic display, and suddenly, a pyramid-like structure formed in the air, each level representing a different civilization tier.
At the very bottom, countless names flickered—representing the weakest civilizations. At the very top, only a single glowing name stood—an untouchable peak that seemed almost unreachable.
> "The universe categorizes civilizations into distinct tiers based on their technological advancements, war capabilities, universal influence, and the power level of their strongest warriors."
The display zoomed in on Tier 6, where the human race resided.
---
The Tiers of Civilization
> "Let's start from the bottom."
Professor Starcrest waved her hand, and the pyramid expanded, revealing the first tier.
1. Tier 1 – Primitive Civilizations
Pre-spaceflight species.
No interstellar travel or universal awareness.
Example: Prehistoric humanity.
2. Tier 2 – Planetary Civilizations
Spaceflight achieved, but unable to leave their home system.
Basic energy manipulation and planetary governance.
Example: Early Earth before deep-space travel.
3. Tier 3 – Star System Civilizations
Control over multiple planets within a star system.
Basic genetic engineering and energy weaponry.
Example: Newly developed space nations.
4. Tier 4 – Galactic Civilizations
Control over an entire galaxy or major portions of it.
Advanced genetic warriors and planetary warships.
Interstellar trade routes established.
5. Tier 5 – Intergalactic Civilizations
Control over multiple galaxies.
Advanced energy cores, artificial stars, and war fleets capable of wiping out civilizations.
Civilization-wide genetic evolutions.
6. Tier 6 – Cosmic Civilizations (Humanity's Current Rank)
Control over vast portions of the universe.
Near-immortal warriors, reality-breaking technology, and civilization-wide terraforming.
The final stage before apex-level civilizations.
7. Tier 7 – Apex Civilizations (The Universe's Peak)
Absolute dominion over universal forces.
Access to cosmic war zones where civilizations battle for supremacy.
At least one Apex Grade warrior—a true universal entity.
At the very top, an unnamed civilization shimmered with golden light.
> "The Tier 7 Apex Civilizations are what every race strives for. The moment you enter that realm, you are no longer just a race—you become a universal force."
---
The hologram highlighted humanity's name, showing that they had reached the peak of Tier 6.
> "Right now, humanity is standing at the very edge of greatness. We have everything—technology, genetic advancements, and military power."
She then turned toward the students, her violet eyes sharp.
> "But we are missing one crucial factor."
The hologram flickered, and an Apex Grade silhouette appeared.
> "To reach Tier 7, we need one—or more—warriors to ascend to the Apex Grade. That is the only requirement left."
The class murmured in shock.
> "We're that close?"
"So if one of the 10 Great Families succeeds, we'll become a peak civilization?"
"That's insane."
Orion remained quiet, absorbing the knowledge.
---
The hologram shifted, showing ten colossal family crests, each radiating immense power.
> "The 10 Great Families are our greatest hope for reaching Tier 7. Each family has at least one Calamity Grade warrior—the strongest level below Apex Grade."
The class fell silent.
Everyone knew what this meant.
> "They are simply waiting for the right moment to attempt the breakthrough. Apex Grade is not something you achieve overnight. The consequences of failure are extreme, and even the strongest geniuses require generations of preparation."
A student raised their hand.
> "Professor, why don't the Goddesses count?"
Professor Starcrest smiled slightly, as if she had been expecting the question.
> "The Three Goddesses are not considered warriors in the universal rankings. They exist as guardians, not conquerors."
She waved her hand, showing a barrier surrounding Earth's territories.
> "Their influence is limited only to human-controlled regions. They do not interfere in universal affairs unless it directly threatens humanity's survival."
The students nodded in understanding.
It made sense—if the Goddesses could leave their domain, humanity would have reached Apex Civilization long ago. But their role was different.
They were protectors, not warriors.
---
As the lecture continued, the students buzzed with excitement.
> "We're just one step away from being at the top of the universe…"
"But no one has reached Apex Grade yet. What if it takes another thousand years?"
"The 10 Great Families must be under enormous pressure to succeed."
Orion remained silent, lost in thought.
"Apex Grade… that's the key to everything."
He had long realized that if he wanted true freedom, he had to reach a level where no one could control him.
And now he understood just how far he had to climb.
With his Nameless Abyss Civilization evolving alongside him, he had a unique path—one that was completely different from the Great Families.
> "If I can surpass the Calamity Grade… if I can reach Apex…"
His eyes burned with quiet determination.
Chapter XX: Civilization Rankings & Humanity's Standing
The holographic display flickered, revealing a vast ranking board suspended in the air. The golden letters glowed, casting an almost divine presence over the classroom.
Professor Evelyn Starcrest turned to face the students, her expression unreadable.
> "Now that we've covered the civilization tiers, it's time to discuss something even more crucial—the universe's official civilization rankings."
The class leaned forward in anticipation.
> "This ranking is updated every millennium by the Universal Administration Hub. It reflects the strength of civilizations based on their peak combat power, resource control, expansion capabilities, and influence."
She waved her hand, and the pyramid structure of civilization tiers expanded into a list of names.
At the very top, one name shone with a golden glow—a name that none dared to challenge.
---
[Tier 7 Civilization]
1. Eternal Heaven (??? Apex Grade Experts)
The undisputed overlord of the known universe.
Holds the greatest number of Apex Grade experts.
Controls countless Tier 6 civilizations as vassals.
Believed to have the power to alter universal laws.
A deep silence filled the class.
Even though it was only one civilization at Tier 7, the sheer weight of its presence was overwhelming.
Professor Starcrest's voice turned solemn.
> "Eternal Heaven has reigned for over a hundred million years. No other civilization has ever come close to dethroning them."
---
[Tier 6 Civilizations – The Pinnacle of Power]
Professor Starcrest zoomed into the Tier 6 ranking, where the true competition began.
1. Human Civilization (10 Calamity Grade Experts)
Peak of Tier 6, closest to reaching Tier 7.
Governed by The 10 Great Families.
One of the most populous civilizations, with warriors spread across the universe.
The Three Goddesses serve as guardians, but do not count toward battle rankings.
Orion's heart pounded.
Despite all the challenges humanity faced, they were still the top civilization below Eternal Heaven.
---
2. Celestial Civilization (9 Calamity Grade Experts)
A race of divine beings with near-immortal lifespans.
Feared for their Divine Seals, which grant overwhelming power to their warriors.
Believed to have connections to the origin of the universe.
3. Demon Abyss (9 Calamity Grade Experts)
The strongest demonic civilization, infamous for their bloodthirsty expansion.
Their warriors are known for their endless regeneration and abyssal energy.
Their civilization is considered the greatest threat to humanity.
Professor Starcrest's expression darkened.
> "Despite our ranking, if there is one civilization that threatens us the most—it's the Demon Abyss."
Orion could sense the tension in the classroom.
It was no secret that humans and demons had waged war for thousands of years.
---
4. Titans of Law (8 Calamity Grade Experts)
A race of towering giants, each standing over hundreds of meters tall.
Their civilization is built upon absolute laws, governing even the weak with fairness.
Each Calamity Grade Titan possesses a shocking 70% reduction to any form of attack.
Considered nearly unstoppable in direct combat.
---
5. Supreme Beast Race (8 Calamity Grade Experts)
Unlike other races that are born with one unique talent, members of this race can copy up to three.
Their warriors are unpredictable, adapting in battle faster than any other species.
Their beast transformations grant them legendary-tier abilities at birth.
---
6. Battle Sages (8 Calamity Grade Experts)
A civilization that prioritizes combat mastery above all else.
Their martial techniques are so powerful that they can alter reality itself.
Unlike other humanoid species, every Battle Sage is born for battle.
Considered the closest race to humanity in both appearance and alliance.
Professor Starcrest's gaze softened slightly.
> "While Battle Sages are one of our greatest rivals, they are also our closest allies in times of war."
Orion took note of this.
Among all the terrifying civilizations, the Battle Sages were the ones humanity trusted the most.
---
7. Aetheria Civilization (8 Calamity Grade Experts)
Masters of souls and the spirit dimension.
Their civilization does not rely on physical bodies, existing as pure soul entities.
They have the highest number of spiritual warriors, specializing in soul attacks and astral manipulation.
---
8. Void Beasts (8 Calamity Grade Experts)
Beings born directly from the Void of the Universe.
Unlike normal lifeforms, they feed on dimensions themselves to grow stronger.
Extremely mysterious, with very few details known.
---
9. Dragon-Phoenix Union (8 Calamity Grade Experts)
A rare alliance between the Dragon Race and Phoenix Race.
Their civilization is said to have the highest potential for evolution.
They possess the strongest army among beast-type civilizations.
---
10. Blood Race (7 Calamity Grade Experts)
A terrifying civilization composed of immortal blood creatures.
Includes races such as ancient vampires, blood fiends, and eldritch blood entities.
Specializes in life-draining abilities, blood manipulation, and eternal rejuvenation.
Considered one of the most difficult civilizations to eradicate.
---
Class Reactions & Orion's Thoughts
The moment the rankings were revealed, the class erupted into whispers.
> "We're actually ranked first in Tier 6?"
"The Demon Abyss is right behind us… I wonder how long we'll keep this position."
"So if just one of our Calamity Grade experts breaks through… we'll become Tier 7?"
Orion clenched his fist.
This was the world he had stepped into.
A world where humanity stood at the very threshold of godhood.
But he also knew…
The gap between Calamity Grade and Apex Grade was like an abyss.
Very few had ever crossed it.
> "I need to surpass them."
But... He wouldn't have expected the shocking news some months after