A few weeks later, the old man returned to Lu Kai's bedside. The rudimentary hospital, a far cry from anything Lu Kai had known, had served its purpose. "You're looking much better, young man," the old man said, his eyes crinkling with a smile. "Today is the Awakening Ceremony at my academy. I sensed a remarkable potential within you during your recovery. Do your best."
He explained the process. "When you awaken your Class and Attribute, a status panel will appear. You can check it whenever you wish. A few years ago," the old man's tone grew somber, "this world was normal. Then, suddenly, a rift opened in the sky, and monsters poured out, causing widespread rampage. Many died. But from that chaos, a few awakened. We are the Players. I am one of the seven Saviors of this Earth."
Lu Kai listened, his mind reeling. A world of monsters, rifts, and awakened individuals. It sounded eerily similar to the Ranker's World he'd glimpsed in his dreams.
The old man continued, gesturing with his hand. "The gate to the next tier of existence is sealed by a level cap. Once you reach it, you can ascend to Floor One. But don't mistake 'Floor One' for a mere level; it's a vast world in itself. It possesses its own peoples, like NPCs who offer tasks, royal palaces, armies, and a complex economy. Many have entered, but nobody has cleared it yet. So, no more dawdling, brat. Put on these clothes and come with me to the academy. It's time you tried your luck." He puffed out his chest slightly. "As for me, my level as Academy Master is already 95. Each twenty levels have advancement trials, so we have plenty to discuss on the way." He clapped Lu Kai on the shoulder. "Now, let's go."
Lu Kai, still processing the immense revelation and the loss of his System, understood the gravity of his new situation. He followed the old man, his remaining Frost, Water, and Lightning elements a meager but significant spark in this dangerous new world. He knew he had to keep a low profile, but with an "Awakening Ceremony" and the promise of a status panel, a new path, however perilous, was beginning to unfold.
(To be continued...)