Chapter 1: The Transmigrator's Last Chance
The sun rose, illuminating the massive stadium of Aetheria High School. In the stands, a sea of guests and family members surrounded the central stage, their eyes fixed on the field below.
Today was the most important day for every senior student: the Awakening Ceremony. Held only for the graduating seniors of Aetheria High, it would determine their entire future based on their performance. Nearby, representatives from various universities watched like hawks, eyeing the students for potential talent and investment.
In this world, leveling is paramount because it dictates a person's power. A Martial Innate Soul is equally important, as it serves as the foundation for combat strength. Every person possesses a natural Martial Innate Soul—whether it's a rabbit, a dragon, or a mythical beast. This soul resides within their body, and by fusing its power with their own, they can wield various abilities based on their level. If a person reaches Level 60, they can cast the most devastating skills of their Martial Innate Soul.
Further leveling unlocks even more abilities. Cultivators can also fuse external Martial Innate Souls to their bodies, though these rarely grow stronger than their natural one.
This option, however, was only available to wealthy individuals with significant backgrounds—something Ran severely lacked. His father, Randolf, was a carpenter working a day-to-day job. Because his Martial Innate Soul allowed him to jump higher, he had no problem navigating the buildings he worked on. His mother, Aurora, was a stay-at-home mom with a Martial Innate Soul of Mild Healing. She used to work at the hospital but was fired when they replaced her with medicinal pills, citing that the pills were far less expensive for patients than her treatments. Ran also had a younger sister named Mia, who had just turned thirteen. In two years, she would have her own awakening, but the family severely lacked the funds for her continued schooling. They had poured all their savings into Ran, praying he would awaken a strong Martial Innate Soul.
Ran stood in the middle of the crowded field, his palms sweating from nervousness. Unlike the students around him who were chatting excitedly, Ran remained silent. For fourteen years, he had lived in this world as a transmigrator from Earth. He possessed all the knowledge of his past life, but here, it was entirely useless.
"I've tried everything," Ran whispered to himself. "I've shouted 'System' in my sleep. I've tried meditation. I've even tried crazy things like hitting my head against a tree. But nothing."
He had no cheat, no golden finger, and no system. He was just a normal, handsome guy with average grades. Ran sighed with regret, his gaze drifting toward the audience platform. His younger sister, Mia, was jumping up and down, waving a bright banner with his name on it. She was thrilled for her brother. She was beautiful, having inherited the best features of both their parents: red eyes, white hair, and a slightly chubby face. Beside her, his mother and father wore nervous smiles.
If Ran awakened a good Martial Innate Soul today, their lives would change forever. If he failed, considering his parents' advancing age and the savings they had gambled on him, they truly wouldn't know what to do.
"Don't overthink it, brother," a voice said, followed by a friendly slap on the back. It was Leo, accompanied by their friend, Ken. Both of them had just descended from the Awakening Platform.
"How did it go?" Ran asked. Though he had seen the results on the big screen like everyone else, he welcomed the distraction.
Leo summoned a faint, glowing red lizard in his palm. "Normal-type, Attack Martial Innate Soul. It's not great, but at least I can join the City Guard and send money home."
Ken nodded, summoning a spectral black cat.
"Same here. A Normal-type Phantom Cat. It's better than nothing, I guess. Ninety percent of the world gets Normal-type souls anyway. As long as it's an Attack-type, you can still level up."
"Next student: Ran!" the Elder shouted.
Ran's heart skipped a beat. He walked toward the stone steps. The platform was a blend of ancient runes and high-tech projectors, a testament to how this world had mastered the fusion of technology and cultivation. Ran couldn't help but be amazed whenever he saw technology this advanced. As he climbed, he felt the eyes of thousands on him. He saw his parents clutching each other's hands and his sister praying beside them.
*I can't be a failure,* Ran thought. *If I'm a transmigrator, I have to at least be better than average. Please, give me something good.*
He reached the top of the platform. A massive, transparent crystal orb sat on a pedestal. Behind it, a giant holographic screen waited to display his results to the entire city. The Elder, a man with a long grey beard and a digital tablet in his hand, looked at Ran.
"Place your hand on the orb, boy. Clear your mind. Let the crystal project your Martial Innate Soul."
Ran took a deep breath. He reached out, his fingers trembling slightly, and pressed his palm against the cold surface of the crystal. For a second, nothing happened. Then, the crystal began to hum. A dull, grey light started to swirl inside the orb. When Ran saw the color, a wave of disappointment washed over him. Grey meant Normal-type; it was common knowledge. But he kept his hand pressed firmly against it.
The holographic screen flickered to life:
> **[Name: Ran]**
> **[Martial Innate Soul: Basic Orb]**
> **[Type: Normal]**
> **[Elemental Affinity: Zero]**
>
The stadium went silent. Then, a few giggles broke out from the elite students in the front rows. A "Basic Orb"? It wasn't even a weapon or a beast. It was just a grey ball. Other harsh comments followed, though they were hard to make out.
Ran felt his heart sink. He looked at his family. His father's shoulders slumped, and his mother turned her head away to hide her tears. Even his sister, who viewed him as an idol, looked devastated.
But just as Ran was about to pull his hand away, a sharp static sound rang in his ears.
*Ding!*
A semi-transparent blue screen popped out in front of him.
> **[System Initialized...]**
> **[Detection: Detected Key, Martial Innate Soul 'Basic Orb']**
> **[Link Established to Private Pocket Dimension: Sayfrid]**
> **[Would you like to enter your Private World for the first time?]**
>
"Wait," he whispered under his breath. "This isn't just a Martial Innate Soul... it's a key to a private world!"
Ran's eyes widened as he finally realized what was happening.