We returned to the classroom with the noise of the awakening still echoing in our heads. Some walked in proudly, others disappointed… and a few like me quietly lost in thought.
Professor Lirien was already waiting, a holographic tablet hovering in front of her desk. As soon as we entered, she activated a floating panel, displaying charts and 3D models of spiritual worlds.
"Good," she said in a clear voice. "The awakening is finished. Now we begin the important part: understanding what it means."
She asked us to sit. The room calmed.
"I want each of you to share the main characteristics of your world and your dominant race," she continued. "This will help you compare, analyze strengths and weaknesses, and learn how to grow."
Naturally, the most excited students raised their hands first.
One boy boasted about an emerald forest with lupine guardians. Others followed with descriptions of frozen tundras, mountains of living fire, or floating plains.
Then Nolan, who could barely stay seated, practically shot out of his chair.
"Professor, professor! I'll go!"
Lirien exhaled with patience.
"Go ahead, Nolan."
He cleared his throat as if about to announce something legendary.
"My world is a Nebula Grey Forest, and my race… Grey Wolves!" He lifted his arms like he had just won a prize.
Some classmates cheered. Others rolled their eyes.
"Grey wolves are a solid start," the professor said, taking notes. "They're fast, cooperative, and can evolve into elemental or tactical branches. With the proper resources, they can become specialized."
Nolan puffed out his chest in pride. I tapped his shoulder, and he grinned like destiny itself was on his side.
Next was Mira. She stood with no theatrics.
"My world is a Moon-Mirror Lake," she said calmly. "And my dominant race is… Water Elementals."
The entire class went silent for a moment.
Elementals were never bad news.
"Excellent race," the professor commented, marking her notes. "Their defensive and control capabilities are very high. With the right resources, they can master different densities and states of water. Very versatile."
Mira simply nodded and sat down again, as if waking one of the best basic races wasn't a big deal.
Then everyone turned to me.
It was inevitable.
"Jian," Lirien said. "Your world?"
"A foggy swamp," I answered. "Dominant race: slimes."
The reactions came immediately.
"For real?"
"Poor guy…"
"That's unlucky."
Nolan frowned at the entire class like he wanted to fight them. Mira crossed her arms, more irritated with the others than with my result.
I kept my expression neutral.
"Good," the professor said without a trace of mockery. "A humble beginning, but not without potential. Slimes are extremely adaptable. Their evolution depends almost entirely on the materials they absorb. And in rare cases… they can develop into advanced lineages."
The room quieted a bit.
The professor switched the hologram, showing a floating island in 3D.
"Now that you know your starting point," she continued, "listen carefully. Your spiritual worlds can expand. Right now, they are small islands limited spaces. But by absorbing spiritual energy and rare resources, your world can grow: double, triple, or even transform entirely."
Several students straightened in their seats.
"In addition," she said, "you must inspect your worlds as soon as possible. Look for rare resources: crystals, unusual vegetation, unstable zones, or special minerals. These can strengthen your race or refine the energy of the world itself."
Examples flashed on the screen:
Spirit Trees
Nebula Ore
Elemental Pools
Harmony Crystals
"And most importantly," she said, "your races can evolve. With special materials, monster parts, or even resources from other students, your followers can change form, gain abilities, and adapt to real combat."
While she spoke, I couldn't stop replaying the system's voice in my head.
Sacrifice.
Unlimited evolution.
Infinite combinations.
Everyone thought I had the weakest world in the room…
But all I saw was potential.
The professor concluded:
"Rest today. Tomorrow, you will enter your spiritual world for the first time. Explore it. Evaluate it. And most importantly, learn to understand the race that depends on you."
Nolan elbowed me.
"Bro, you'll see. Your slimes will be better than they think. I'll help you train them."
Mira added, adjusting her hair:
"People talk too much. What matters isn't how your world begins, but how you develop it."
I smiled.
Because while everyone else saw trash…
I saw potential.
Tomorrow, I would step into my spiritual world for the first time.
And it would be the first step toward something much bigger.