Edius World (Year 7700), Rose Country, Orien City, Orien School, Class 3-C
"Then our ancestors discovered that anyone who is 18 years old or older will awaken a status screen, similar to those in games. However, it only displays their Name, Age, Talent, Lifeform Tier, Evolution Pathway Level, and Skills," said the class teacher, Allen.
While the teacher was explaining world history, a student sitting in the back corner of the classroom, Ren Valis, was absent-mindedly lost in thought.
'Sigh… It's already my third day in this world since I awakened the memories of my previous life. I still can't believe I actually reincarnated into a world like this… though I guess it makes sense, considering I died after getting run over by Truck-kun.'
While Ren was busy thinking, he didn't notice that the teacher had already walked over and was now standing right in front of him. The entire classroom had fallen silent, and all the students were staring in their direction.
"Looks like student Ren already knows everything, since he doesn't need to pay attention in my class," Allen said calmly.
Hearing the teacher's voice so close to him, Ren immediately snapped out of his thoughts and quickly stood up.
"Yes, teacher."
Allen looked at him and asked, "Since you seem so confident, you wouldn't mind answering my question, right?"
Then he continued,
"Tell me what changes happened in the world, and what talents awakened among all lifeforms on Edius."
He folded his arms and waited for Ren's answer.
After hearing the question, Ren felt relieved inside.
'Good thing I still have the early memories of this body… and that I searched the internet these past two days to learn more about this world.'
Then he began to answer.
"Well… aside from the awakened Status Panels, every year on January 1st, anyone who has reached the age of 18undergoes what the world calls the Awakening."
"However, not everyone succeeds. Statistics show that only about half of humanity awakens a Talent, while the rest remain ordinary citizens."
"Once awakened, a person receives a Status Screen, similar to those in games. It only displays basic information such as their Name, Age, Talent, Lifeform Tier, Evolution Pathway Level, and Skills."
Ren paused briefly before continuing.
"After awakening, individuals are assigned one of three evolution pathways, depending on their talent compatibility."
Several students in the classroom straightened in their seats. This was the most important part.
"The first and rarest pathway is the Bloodline Plant Lord Pathway."
"This pathway combines both bloodline power and plant evolution. The cultivator fuses their soul with a seed, creating a symbiotic core of life. As long as the seed survives, the cultivator can regenerate even if their body is destroyed."
"It is considered the strongest evolution pathway, but it is also the rarest."
Ren then raised two fingers.
"The second pathway is the Bloodline Pathway, which focuses on strengthening one's blood and genetic power, allowing cultivators to inherit traits from beasts, ancient bloodlines, and other powerful organisms."
"And the third pathway is the Plant Pathway, where the cultivator nurtures a spiritual seed within their body and evolves it using energy and rare materials."
"The last two pathways are considered equal in strength, though they specialize in different forms of power."
Ren finished calmly.
"The Awakening occurs every year on New Year's Day, when the planet's energy is at its strongest."
He paused slightly before adding,
"And… that will happen tonight at midnight."
Allen nodded slightly before continuing the lesson.
"Good. But that is only part of the history."
He turned toward the board and continued speaking.
"After the Emergence Trials began, the planet Edius expanded drastically. The size of the world increased nearly two hundred times, greatly increasing the total landmass. As a result, the world was divided into seven massive continents, along with countless islands."
"The increase in planetary energy also affected all living beings. Plants and animals awakened as well, but their evolution pathways are different from humans."
"Animals can only evolve through the Bloodline Pathway, relying on their inherited instincts and genetic power."
"Plants, on the other hand, can only evolve through the Plant Pathway, growing stronger by absorbing natural energy and evolving their forms."
The students listened carefully as Allen continued.
"Ten years after the beginning of the new era, another phenomenon appeared across the universe."
He wrote two words on the board.
Secret Realms
"These realms are considered the final gift left behind by the Transcendence."
"They are independent spaces scattered throughout the universe. Some are as small as a city, while others are so vast that they are said to be larger than entire galaxies."
"However, many of these realms have strict restrictions."
"Some can only be entered by people below a certain level, while others only open during specific times. Some even limit the number of people allowed to enter."
Allen paused briefly before adding the most important detail.
"The rare materials required for advancement at the Sprout Stage can only be obtained personally inside these realms."
"These substances cannot be removed or transported outside the realm. Cultivators must absorb or integrate them on-site."
"This is why secret realms are considered the most valuable opportunities in the new era.
(Author Note: If you enjoyed the chapter, please vote, rate, and leave a comment if you can. Thank you for reading!)