Location: Otherworlders Continent!
Current Date: Year 24,991 | 4th Month Ignara | Day 1
Three months had passed since the Otherworlders Continent underwent its grand transformation. In this short span of time, the land had shifted from chaos to an evolving civilization, with guilds, academies, and powerful factions emerging to shape its destiny. But for Jack and his family, the world outside their training grounds remained secondary to a far more pressing battle, the one within themselves.
For ninety days and nights, they had pushed their bodies and souls to the absolute limit, striving to break through to the 2nd Star Magic Circle Mage or Aura Force Ring Master Ascendant rank. They had honed their skills relentlessly, enduring grueling training sessions that tested both mind and body. And yet, despite their unwavering efforts, despite the blood, sweat, and sheer willpower poured into their cultivation, they remained at the very peak of the 1st Star so agonizingly close, yet unable to take that final step.
BOOM!
A thunderous shockwave erupted through the courtyard as James unleashed a devastating attack. Twin streams of Light and Darkness intertwined in a volatile dance, clashing with explosive force. The sheer impact split the air, sending tremors rippling through the ground. Dust and debris scattered across the stone tiles as James exhaled sharply, his black eyes flickering with frustration, sweat dripping from his brow.
He clenched his fists, the residual energy still crackling around him. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "Why won't it break?"
Nearby, Jack's mother stood with arms outstretched, her mana surging wildly as Pyro, Hydro, Geo, and Anemo elements coiled around her like living serpents. The air around her shimmered with intense energy as she attempted to stabilize the violent surge within her core.
CRACKLE!
Sparks of raw power danced across her fingertips, a tempest of elemental might barely restrained. Yet, no matter how much she refined her control, the invisible barrier blocking her advancement remained unbroken.
A short distance away, Jack stood drenched in sweat, his muscles screaming from endless combat drills. His fists trembled not from exhaustion, but from sheer determination. Each breath he took was sharp and uneven, his heart pounding in sync with the pulsing mana inside him.
As they paused for a break, faint murmurs drifted in from beyond their training grounds. The hushed but excited voices of passersby carried over the courtyard walls, catching their attention.
The midday sun hung high in the sky, casting golden rays over the newly paved streets. The city, which had once been a chaotic settlement of displaced Otherworlders struggling to survive, had transformed in just three months into a thriving hub of progress. Buildings lined the streets, banners displaying symbols of various guilds and academies fluttering in the warm breeze. Merchants peddle their goods with enthusiasm, adventurers exchange stories of newfound dungeons, and instructors call out to eager students, offering lessons in combat, magic, and craftsmanship.
"You've heard, right?" A man's voice, brimming with excitement, cut through the ambient noise. His voice carried with an energy that drew attention. "Guilds and academies have been established all across the Otherworlders Continent!"
"Yeah, and not just that," another voice chimed in, filled with equal enthusiasm. "Production Halls and Mage & Warrior Halls have also been built! They say some of the best instructors from Samsara are personally training the newcomers."
"I heard that every city now has an Adventurer's Guild and an academy where they'll teach us Otherworlders about production classes!" a woman added eagerly. Her voice trembled with excitement, as if she couldn't believe the rapid transformation unfolding before her eyes. "Plus, the Otherworlders Ascendants Association has branches in every city to maintain order. They're even issuing Ascendant License ID Cards as official identification!"
A group of onlookers had gathered, drawn by the animated discussion. Among them, an older man, his face lined with wisdom and experience, let out a thoughtful hum before speaking. "And in the capital cities, they've gone even further and Adventurer's Guild, Merchant Guild, Mercenary Guild, Alchemy Guild, Blacksmith Guild, Academy, Production Hall, and Mage & Warrior's Hall have all been established! Can you believe it? In just three months, our world has changed completely."
He shook his head in awe, adjusting the strap of his travel-worn satchel. "Back when we first arrived, survival was all we thought about. Food, shelter were our only priorities. But now... now we have civilization, structure, and opportunity. This continent isn't just a battlefield anymore, it's a land of possibility."
A young man, barely past his teenage years, clenched his fists. "This means we finally have a future," he murmured. "We're no longer lost souls wandering a foreign world."
The older man nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Aye, lad. But that also means competition will be fierce. The strongest will rise, and the weak will be left behind. With proper training available, those who seize the opportunity now will determine the future rulers of this land."
Another voice, one laced with skepticism, broke through the murmurs. "But do you really trust the people running these guilds and academies? They say Samsara's best instructors are here, but what if they're just using us? We Otherworlders were thrown into this land with no explanation. What if we're just pawns in some greater game?"
A tense silence followed. It was a question that many had asked in the quiet moments before sleep. Why were they here? Who had brought them to this land, and for what purpose?
The older man let out a slow breath. "That, my friend, is a mystery for another time. Right now, we must focus on how we can control our strength, our skills, and our future. Whether we are pawns or not, we have the chance to carve our own destinies."
A murmur of agreement spread through the crowd. The initial excitement had given way to a deeper understanding of the path ahead. Opportunities were plentiful, but so were the challenges. The Otherworlders Continent was no longer just a place of survival; it was now a land of ambition, power struggles, and endless possibilities.
As the discussion continued, the air buzzed with renewed determination. Some spoke of joining the Adventurer's Guild to seek fame and fortune, while others considered mastering the arts of alchemy or blacksmithing. There were those who dreamed of commanding mercenary armies, forging alliances, or building thriving merchant empires.
No matter their path, one thing was certain this new world belonged to those bold enough to claim it.
Jack's mother exchanged glances with James before turning to Jack. Her gaze was steady, yet the slightest trace of surprise flickered in her eyes. "It seems the continent's development has progressed faster than we expected."
James nodded, his expression contemplative. He let out a slow breath, crossing his arms as he surveyed the courtyard around them. "Three months ago, there was barely any structure, only scattered survivors trying to adapt. Now, guilds, academies, and specialized halls are already shaping the future of this world."
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Footsteps echoed from the entrance of the courtyard. Ava stepped in, her sharp eyes gleaming as she caught the last bit of their conversation. A small smirk played on her lips, the kind that spoke of knowledge held just beneath the surface. "So, you've heard the news."
Jack wiped the sweat from his face with a towel, his curiosity piqued. He could see it in Ava's stance the way she carried herself, the confidence in her eyes. There was weight behind her words.
"Miss Ava, is it true?" Jack asked, stepping forward. "Are the academies and guilds really accepting new members?"
Ava nodded, her expression one of satisfaction. "Not just academies and guilds. Mercenary and Merchant Guilds are up and running too. The Production Halls are training alchemists, blacksmiths, and artificers at full capacity. The Mage & Warrior Halls have already begun specialized training programs. And from what I've gathered, even the Adventurer's Guild has started assigning real missions."
A hush fell over them, the weight of her words settling in. It was one thing to hear rumors, but to have confirmation? That changed everything.
James crossed his arms, his mind working through the implications. He had lived long enough to know that structured power meant control and those who seized it first would shape the new world. "That means a structured training system is finally in place. For people like us, who are struggling at a bottleneck, this could be exactly what we need to break through."
Jack's mother nodded in agreement, her thoughtful gaze resting on Ava. "And it's not just about training. These guilds and halls will shape the power balance of this continent. Whoever masters them first will control the flow of power."
Jack clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. He could feel the fire of ambition, the hunger for progress. The walls that had confined them, that had kept them from advancing, were crumbling. The world was opening up before them.
"Then we can't just sit around," he declared, his voice resolute. "If we want to grow stronger, we need to explore these opportunities."
Ava smirked, a glint of approval in her gaze. She could see it in him, the drive, the will to push beyond limits. "Exactly. If you truly wish to ascend to the next Star level, you need more than training, you need real combat experience. Maybe it's time to step out and see what this new world has to offer."
A silent understanding passed between them. The weight of stagnation lifted, replaced by an electrifying anticipation.
Whoosh!
A sudden gust of wind swept through the courtyard, carrying with it the scent of fresh earth and distant elemental mana. It was as if the world itself had shifted, whispering in invitation.
James exhaled sharply, his golden eyes sharpening. He turned his gaze skyward, as if searching for an unseen force. "Then it's decided. We make our move."
Jack's mother rested a hand on his shoulder, her warmth grounding him. "Remember, son, strength is not just about power it's about wisdom. Choose your path wisely."
Jack nodded, his resolve solidifying like tempered steel. He had spent months training, pushing himself past the brink of exhaustion, but training alone was no longer enough. The world was changing, and he would not be left behind.
"Where do we start?" he asked, his voice unwavering.
Ava chuckled, folding her arms. "That depends. The Adventurer's Guild is already issuing missions. You could start by proving yourself in real combat. Or perhaps you wish to train under elite instructors at the Mage & Warrior Halls? Maybe even test your crafting abilities at a Production Hall?" She arched an eyebrow. "The choice is yours."
Jack exchanged glances with his parents. James tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Combat experience," he said after a moment. "That is the only way to test our growth."
Jack's mother nodded in agreement. "Then the Adventurer's Guild it is.''
Ava grinned. "A fine choice. But be warned the missions aren't easy. You will be facing real danger, real opponents. Are you ready for that?"
Jack stepped forward, his stance unyielding. "I've never been more ready."
Ava's smirk widened. "Then let's not waste any time."
As the group made their way out of the courtyard, the weight of their decision settled in. This was more than a step toward power. This was the beginning of something far greater, a journey that would define their fate in the ever-evolving world of the Otherworlders Continent.
And Jack was determined to carve his name into its history.
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To Be Continued…!!!