In 2018, life was simple. People followed their routines—waking up early, heading to school, college, or work, and returning home in the evening. Children played in parks, carefree and full of laughter, while adults pursued their ambitions, striving for a better future. The world spun in a predictable rhythm, untouched by the extraordinary.
But all of that changed on one fateful day.
At exactly midnight, an unexplained phenomenon swept across the planet. Every single person, regardless of age, gender, or status, experienced a strange awakening deep within their souls. A surge of energy coursed through their bodies, unlocking something previously unknown. Almost simultaneously, mysterious, shimmering structures began appearing all over the world—massive, swirling constructs of energy that seemed to defy all logic and reason.
At first, these structures—soon to be called Gates—were nothing more than strange anomalies. They stood silently, humming with a faint, ethereal glow, neither harming nor interacting with the world around them. Scientists scrambled to study them, governments deployed forces to secure them, and the public, ever-curious, approached with both awe and trepidation.
Then, humanity took its first steps into the unknown.
Upon venturing into these Gates, explorers found themselves transported to strange and unfamiliar landscapes—pocket dimensions, entire worlds beyond comprehension. These new realms were teeming with unknown resources, bizarre landscapes, and creatures never before seen. The initial excitement of discovery quickly turned to greed. Nations sought to claim these lands, to exploit their wealth. New minerals, plants, and materials with properties defying the known laws of physics became highly coveted commodities.
For a time, it seemed like a golden age had dawned. Humanity believed they had been gifted an opportunity to ascend beyond their limitations.
But the euphoria did not last.
One day, the Gates no longer acted as mere doorways. Instead, they became bridges. And from the other side, something else emerged.
Otherworldly creatures—beasts of terrifying might, and, more disturbingly, beings of undeniable intelligence—began stepping through. Their motives were unclear at first, but their actions soon became evident. Cities fell overnight. Governments collapsed under the weight of unprecedented threats. The world was plunged into chaos as battles erupted across the globe. Humanity, for all its advancements, was ill-prepared to face enemies that defied their very understanding of existence.
But all was not lost.
Alongside the emergence of the Gates and the creatures beyond them, humanity had changed as well. The energy that had awakened within every person was soon identified as Mana, a force that granted supernatural abilities. Individuals discovered they could wield powers beyond human comprehension—summoning flames, bending metal, enhancing their physical abilities beyond natural limits. Those who could control their abilities became warriors, standing against the invading forces.
From the ashes of destruction, a new order was born.
Survivors organized themselves, and a foundation was established to fight back against the invading entities. It took years of bloodshed, sacrifice, and adaptation, but slowly, humanity regained its footing. By the end of five years of relentless battles, a fragile balance had been established. The invaders no longer held complete dominance, and humans could finally defend their own world. Though Gates still stood, and monsters continued to pour through, humanity was no longer helpless.
During this time, the very fabric of life changed. People no longer simply worked to earn money or study for careers. Now, they trained to survive, to grow stronger, to push past their limits. The economy shifted, centering around mana, skills, and the ever-present threat of otherworldly invaders. The concept of levels became real—individuals could grow stronger by slaying monsters, absorbing their essence, and evolving their abilities. Strength determined one's place in society.
And yet, not all awakenings were equal.
Not everyone who awakened gained combat abilities. Some, like Adam, were granted passive or utility-based traits—useful, but not suited for battle. In a world where strength dictated one's future, those who could not fight were often left behind, struggling to find their place.
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"Alright, that's it for today's lesson," Adam said, closing the book in his hands.
He looked up at the students sitting before him. Their eager faces reflected a mixture of fascination and ambition. The new generation had grown up in a world where power meant everything. For them, becoming stronger was not just an aspiration—it was a necessity.
Adam, now in his early twenties, had spent the last few years working as a part-time teacher. While others trained in combat, honing their abilities to take on the creatures beyond the Gates, Adam found himself left behind. His awakening had been… disappointing. Unlike the warriors who could wield fire, control the elements, or enhance their physical strength, Adam had awakened something different—an ability with no direct combat applications.
Seeker of Truth.
A core trait that granted him Insight—the ability to analyze and understand things at a deeper level. A powerful ability in the right hands, but utterly useless when facing a beast that could tear through steel with its claws.
"Class dismissed," Adam announced, forcing a smile.
As the students filed out, chatting excitedly about their own awakenings and training routines, Adam sighed. He gathered his books and slung his bag over his shoulder, his mind wandering to thoughts of his own future.
What was he supposed to do in a world like this?
He had spent years trying to find his place. At first, he had trained like the others, desperate to prove himself. But reality had been harsh. Without combat potential, he couldn't gain levels like the others. He couldn't fight, couldn't grow stronger. He was trapped at the bottom, watching as his peers soared past him.
Now, he lived a simple life, teaching at a nearby school, guiding the younger generation while trying to ignore the ache of unfulfilled ambition.
Adam returned home that afternoon, throwing his bag onto the bed before collapsing onto the mattress. Staring at the ceiling, he let out a tired breath.
Status.
The moment the thought crossed his mind, a transparent screen appeared before him, floating in midair. His own personal interface, visible only to him.
Name: Adam
Level: 1
Core Trait: Seeker of Truth
Ability: Insight
Skills: None
He clenched his fist. After five years, he was still the same. No growth, no progress.
He exhaled slowly, forcing himself to push the frustration aside.
There has to be another way.
The world had changed once before. Perhaps, it would change again. And when it did, he would be ready.
No matter how long it took.