Everyone praised Kent, saying, "You're really good at making these! It'll be a great business."
Kent smiled and said, "I'll be selling Stinky Momos from now on. You all should change your stall menus a little—make something that goes well with momos. That way, all of our businesses will grow together. You all have helped me a lot already."
The uncles and aunties were touched. One of them said warmly, "Don't mention it again, kid. Life's been hard for you and your sister. We just wanted to help however we could."
Kent then shouted to the crowd, "Free samples available! And only five dollars for a dozen momos! Come and get yours soon—stock is limited!"
The reaction was explosive.
A huge crowd rushed over to buy. They had seen the ecstatic faces of the other stall owners and didn't want to miss out.
In no time, Kent sold out every last momo. Not only did he make a pile of money, but the SP he earned from the crowd's emotions was even more thrilling.
Kent thought proudly, Selling Stinky Momos earns me tons of money and SP. It's a win-win situation.
And the best part? I didn't even have to pay for the momos! The system gave them to me for free!
Inside his mind, flowers bloomed. Money rained down on him like he was standing under a golden fountain.
Happy, happy, happy!
The next day, as usual, Kent sold Stinky Momos in the morning, stuffing his pocket with fresh cash and SP.
After packing up, he rushed off to school—it was finally the first day of the Special Class.
Kent stood before the Special Class building, a towering structure tucked away in the far corner of the school campus.
Unlike the regular school buildings, this one was surrounded by high walls topped with surveillance cameras. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, their expressions cold and professional.
"Fancy," Kent muttered, adjusting his battered backpack. "All this for a bunch of kids who can throw fireballs and lift cars?"
The massive gates creaked open, revealing a shining pathway lined with neatly trimmed hedges and soft glowing lights. Kent followed the path, feeling the thick spiritual energy buzz against his skin.
"This place feels different," he thought. "Stronger."
Inside, the Special Class was held in a sleek, modern room with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the sparkling city skyline.
As Kent entered, he immediately felt dozens of judgmental stares land on him.
Most students were already seated in groups, chatting confidently. Their uniforms were spotless. Their auras screamed money, power, and connections.
Kent's patched-up jacket and easygoing smile stood out like a stain on a white canvas.
At the front of the room sat a boy who looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine.
Golden hair shimmered under the sunlight, and bright blue eyes seemed to glow faintly.
"Who's that?" Kent muttered under his breath.
"Ethan Cross," someone whispered nearby. "A-Rank physique. Looks like an angel, right?"
Kent rolled his eyes. "Great. A poster boy for perfection."
Ethan caught Kent's glance and—unexpectedly—grinned warmly.
He slung his bag over his shoulder and walked straight toward Kent, drawing even more attention.
"Hi, I'm Ethan. Mind if I sit here?" he asked casually.
Kent blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, sure. Go ahead."
Ethan plopped down beside him, extending a hand. "You're Kent, right?"
"Yeah," Kent replied, shaking his hand warily. "How'd you know?"
"I heard about you," Ethan said, his smile genuine. "The F-Rank guy who awakened on his own, no clan, no organization, still made it into the Special Class. That's impressive."
Kent snorted. "Yeah, tell that to the rest of these guys. They look like they're ready to toss me out."
Ethan chuckled lightly.
Ding! +30 SP copied (Amusement).
Across the room sat a girl with long black hair and striking green eyes.
Mia Carter.
Her presence was like a silent blade—cold, sharp, commanding. Though she barely spoke, every boy in the room kept sneaking glances her way.
"Man, she's gorgeous," someone whispered.
"I heard she has an A-Rank physique too. What do you think? Should I try talking to her?"
"You? You look like a fat toad. Don't dream about it," someone else snickered.
Kent gave Mia a brief glance, unimpressed, and turned back to Ethan. "Looks don't matter here. Talent is what counts."
At the back of the classroom, Ryan Hale leaned against the wall, arms crossed, glaring at everyone like they were cockroaches.
His broad shoulders and sharp features gave him a rough, intimidating vibe.
"He's A-Rank too?" Ethan whispered.
Kent shrugged. "Strength type. Rank-B. He's not exactly... friendly."
Kent smirked inwardly. I like unfriendly people. They're easy SP farms.
The room fell into silence as the classroom door swung open.
A woman in her mid-thirties strode in, her presence commanding immediate respect.
Sharp auburn hair framed her stern face, and every step she took exuded grace and lethal confidence.
"Elena Rivers," someone whispered. "She's a C-Rank Cultivator."
Elena scanned the room with sharp eyes, pausing briefly on Kent before continuing.
"Welcome to the Special Class," she said, her voice calm but firm. "You are here because you have potential. But potential means nothing without discipline."
She moved to the front, her finger pointing toward a massive emblem carved into the wall—an intricate design of swirling lines, the Nexus symbol.
"First, the rules," Elena said.
"Everything that happens here stays here. Sharing information with outsiders is a violation of Nexus Law. Violators will face serious consequences."
A boy at the back raised his hand hesitantly. "What if someone already told their friends they're in the Special Class?"
Elena's eyes turned ice-cold. "Then they've already made their first mistake."
She pointed at the Nexus symbol again.
"Nexus is the organization overseeing all awakened individuals. They regulate spiritual energy and maintain order in this rapidly changing world."
She gestured lower, to a second emblem—a single eye surrounded by a ring of stars.
"The Watchers. They are the enforcers. They deal with rogue awakeners, spiritual beasts, and anyone foolish enough to challenge the balance."
The air in the room grew heavier.
Kent leaned back in his chair, grinning slightly. Interesting... Looks like life just got a whole lot more complicated.