Elena's tone grew grave.
"Currently, Nexus and Watcher have FOUR LEVEL-B cultivators—some of the strongest people in the world. They are the pillars holding this fragile peace together. Disrespect them at your own peril. We call them the Nexus to show our respect."
"You all will be given ranks once you finish your education. The world is changing. We don't even know what will come next. We have to prepare for anything."
"We will share cultivation resources with you. Hopefully, one day, you all will join the Nexus and Watchers."
She tapped the board behind her, where two columns appeared under the headings NEXUS and WATCHER.
NEXUS (Leaders)
Overseer (Tier-6): The supreme leader of Nexus, making all major decisions.
Archons (Tier-5): Top-level enforcers and strategists who lead divisions within Nexus (e.g., Operations, Research, Security).
WATCHER (Operatives)
Commanders (Tier-4): High-ranking officers who oversee Tier-3 and lower in the field.
Sentinels (Tier-3): Elite operatives handling the most dangerous missions.
Wardens (Tier-2): Mid-tier agents responsible for hunting down threats and guarding key locations.
Trackers (Tier-1): Scouts and frontline Watchers specializing in reconnaissance and pursuing targets.
The class absorbed the information silently, the weight of their future roles sinking in.
After the explanation, Elena stepped aside, revealing a tray of small vials filled with shimmering silvery liquid.
"This is how we'll determine your current physique," she said, lifting one vial.
She pricked her finger, letting a drop of blood fall into the mercury-like liquid. It shimmered for a second before turning faint pink-red.
"F-Rank," she announced.
She picked up another vial with a deep crimson glow.
"A-Rank. The deeper the red, the higher your spiritual physique. You'll be tested again in a month to measure your progress."
One by one, the students approached the tray, eager to see where they stood.
Ryan swaggered up first, jabbing his finger dramatically. His vial glowed a brilliant crimson.
"Ooooh!"
Admiration rippled through the room.
"Of course," Kent muttered. "Muscle head B-Rank. We already knew that two days ago. Why waste more mercury?"
Next to him, Ethan stifled a laugh.
Ding!
+25 SP copied (Ethan – Amusement).
Ding!
+25, +89, +99, +1 SP copied from surrounding students (Amusement).
Ryan, hearing the murmurs, turned around with a sneer.
"Hey Kent, F-Rank loser! Hope you enjoy staying at the bottom."
The whispers spread like wildfire.
"Seriously? Why's he even here?"
"Must've been a clerical mistake."
Ding!
+5, +9, +19, +1 SP copied (Mockery).
Kent leaned back in his seat, grinning inwardly.
Keep it coming, you walking SP generators.
Elena clapped her hands sharply. "Enough. Return to your seats. You'll all be given resources and basic cultivation techniques soon."
The day dragged on with lectures about Nexus law, cultivation ethics, and spiritual energy fundamentals.
Finally, after school ended, Kent returned home, exhausted but satisfied.
SP Balance: 41,678.
"Not bad," Kent said, pulling up the system shop. His finger hovered over the Spiritual Fruit.
"This should push me to E-Rank."
He purchased two fruits immediately.
As one fruit materialized in his hand, the door creaked open and Nima waltzed in, eyes lighting up like fireworks.
"Ooooh, what's that, Kent? It looks yummy!"
Her nose twitched like a rabbit sniffing a carrot.
Kent smiled. "It's—"
Before he could finish, Nima's hands shot out, snatching the fruit from him.
"Is this for me?!" she asked eagerly.
Kent's heart softened. She's the only family I have… it's just one fruit… I can always buy more.
He nodded. "Go ahead."
Nima grinned and opened her mouth to take a bite—
WHOOSH!
The fruit slipped out of her fingers, flying back into Kent's hand like it was magnetized.
"What the heck?!" Nima yelped. "Is this fruit haunted?!"
Kent blinked at the new system notification.
[This item is exclusive to the host.]
"Uh… it's… um, system-locked. Sorry," he said awkwardly.
Nima's cheeks puffed up angrily. She stormed over, grabbed Kent's arm—and bit down hard.
"OWW!"
Kent flailed. "Nima! Let go! I'm not a chew toy!"
"You have another little sister outside, don't you?!" Nima wailed dramatically. "You're saving the good food for her, aren't you?!"
Kent sweated. "No! I swear!"
In a fury, Nima punched Kent in the cheek. It was supposed to be playful—until Kent staggered back, stunned.
"OW! You're strong!" he cried.
Nima blinked. "Oops…"
Kent hurriedly opened his system status window.
[Scanning...]
Name: Nima
Cultivation: Level F (Peak)
His jaw dropped.
"You're already at the peak of F-Rank?! It's only been TWO DAYS!"
Nima scratched her head sheepishly. "I guess I'm just talented?"
Kent collapsed onto the couch. "I can't believe this... My little sister is gonna overpower me soon!"
To appease her, Kent opened his inventory and pulled out four boxes of stinky momos.
"Here. Eat. Please don't break me in half."
Nima lit up like a Christmas tree. "Deal! But after this, I want fried rice with tomatoes!"
"Yeah, yeah…" Kent grumbled.
Once Nima was happily munching away, Kent refocused on his mission.
He quickly bought one more fruit from the system, bringing his total to three.
"This is it," he whispered, clenching the first Spiritual Fruit.
He took a deep breath—and bit into it.
The warm rush of energy spread instantly through Kent's body, sharpening his senses and strengthening his muscles.
He consumed the second and third fruits quickly.
Ding!
[Congratulations! The host has reached E-Rank.]
Host: Kent
Physique: Level 10 (Max)
Cultivation: Level E (Lower)
Skills: Copy Spiritual Energy (SSS)
Kent flexed his arm. Spiritual energy pulsed under his skin like a second heartbeat.
The world around him seemed sharper—he could feel the ambient spiritual energy swirling faintly.
He was finally an E-Rank.
Just as Kent was preparing for bed, a strange prickle ran down his spine.
He froze.
"Someone's outside," he muttered.
Cautiously, Kent crept to the window and peered into the darkness.
For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw a silhouette standing by the old fence—watching the house.
But when he blinked, it was gone.
A cold breeze rustled the trees, and the yard fell still once more.
Kent narrowed his eyes.
Something's coming. And it's not going to be friendly.