In the southern base city of Jang Nan, nestled within Gio Jang City, the prestigious First High School of the Guing District sat like a silent fortress amidst the turmoil of a changing world.
Inside a dim classroom, the curtains were drawn tightly shut, and the air felt heavy—almost mournful. The flickering, solitary light from the active multimedia screen cast wavering shadows over rows of young faces. On the screen, a colossal battle between humanity and the monstrous tide that once swept across the world raged with brutal clarity.
The students watched with a mixture of awe and dread as a calm yet resonant narration accompanied the scenes.
"In the early 21st century, humanity faced recurring outbreaks of viral influenza…"
At the penultimate desk near the back door, a boy lay sprawled across his desk, completely unaffected by the grim narration. His soft, rhythmic snoring rose above the hum of the projector—gentle, almost melodic, as if he were sleeping in the safety of his own home rather than in the middle of a class dedicated to war history.
No one bothered to wake him. No one even looked at him—except the girl sitting beside him.
She had long, waist-length black hair, neatly trimmed bangs, and thick black-rimmed glasses. Her gaze flicked toward him repeatedly, an unspoken worry hidden behind shy eyes.
The narration deepened, growing grim as the scenes intensified.
"In September 2015, the first wave of oceanic creatures launched their assault. Endless beasts surged forth, transforming the world into a battlefield. From 2015 to 2021, humanity fought—bleeding, burning, and unyielding…"
By the time the calm final sentence faded into silence, the school bell sounded the end of class.
Ring—!
Bright sunlight suddenly flooded the room as the curtains were flung open, instantly cutting through the gloom. The boy at the back shot to his feet instinctively. His movements were fluid, practiced—almost too smooth for someone who had been asleep seconds ago. He began tidying his desk with almost mechanical efficiency.
Then he froze.
A small, suspicious puddle glistened on the surface of his desk.
He checked his pockets—empty.
Before he could sigh, a slender, pale hand slipped into view beside him, offering a neatly folded packet of tissues.
He turned, grinning wide enough for his pearly teeth to gleam. "Thanks, mm."
The girl lowered her head immediately. "Mm…" she murmured faintly. Her hand trembled as she pulled it back, her cheeks turning faintly pink.
He wiped the desk clean, handed the remaining tissues back, and stepped toward the door. "Goodbye, Lin Yoyo," he said casually—words she had heard for nearly two years but still never knew how to respond to.
By the time she opened her mouth to speak, he was gone.
Her gaze drifted slowly to his seat. The faint damp mark left on the desk made her blush uncontrollably.
🏃♂️ Outside the Classroom: The Time TravelerThe final leisure film period ended, and Wong E—rested, refreshed after recovering from last night's grueling training—strode out through the school building.
Clad in a simple gray tracksuit, he blended easily into the crowd of students. Yet every now and then, a girl would catch sight of his sharp features, and admiration flared in her eyes.
Others shifted respectfully as he passed.
He was used to it.
After all, he was one of only five advanced disciples in the entire high school martial arts academy.
But unlike the world saw him, his heart held no sense of triumph.
Because Wong E was a time-traveler.
This world—this universe—was none other than the world of Swallowed Star, one he knew intimately from his previous life. His soul had merged with the unborn child his mother carried, and for eighteen years he lived as Wong E of Bay City.
His family lived in a cramped 30-square-meter apartment. His older sister had long since graduated and married. His parents worked tirelessly to keep the household afloat.
And Wong E? He grew up quietly and obediently—far more mature than any child his age. He excelled in school, trained relentlessly, and by the age of sixteen, he had earned the title of advanced disciple—a feat unmatched among the thousands of students in the district's top school.
It made him famous.
But inside?
He carried a secret despair.
Eighteen years since transmigration… yet I have no talent, no abilities. How am I supposed to survive the future that's coming?
The story's true protagonist—Luo Feng—would awaken his psychic powers within the year. He would rise, unstoppable, eventually becoming the lord of Sky City and walking the path of gods.
And Wong?
He remained ordinary.
Even though he had tried to befriend Luo Feng over the years, their relationship never surpassed casual acquaintances. Luo Feng was closer to his childhood friend, Wayan.
Can I really cling to Luo Feng's golden thigh in the future? Or will I simply be left behind?
His steps never faltered, but his mind churned with anxiety.
🎯 A Glimpse of AmbitionSoon, Wong arrived before a gated luxury community near the school. Elegant villas rose among lush greenery, serene and grand—worlds apart from his cramped apartment.
He inhaled deeply.
"One day," he whispered, "I'll live somewhere like this. A big home… for my family."
His eyes gleamed with determination.
Then, narrowing his gaze toward the villas, he added softly:
"But first… is Miss Gao home today?"
He straightened his tracksuit, brushed aside his drifting thoughts, and stepped forward.
Wong E has arrived.