The following day dawned, and the news of Chad's impending departure to the Second Zone rippled through the ranks of the Awakened. Many who had been out on missions or had missed the president's announcement stood frozen in disbelief.
"What the hell. Is Chad still human?" one exclaimed in shock.
"I've been in the First Zone for almost three years, and I'm not even a two-star Awakened, yet he's about to ascend to the Second Zone?" another added, incredulously.
"Don't forget, he's an F-grade." someone interjected.
"An F-grade ability user, soaring three stars in a month? And he even defeated two elites from the Second Zone? Can you believe it?" an Awakened remarked, shaking his head.
"It's too exaggerated. I looked down on Chad just a month ago, and now he's ascending in a month. It's really a slap in the face." another muttered, disbelief written across his face.
"Alas. I heard Chad's sister is a genius girl with an S-grade ability. This runs in family." someone added.
"I really don't know what kind of fame Chad will make after ascending to the Second Zone," another Awakened mused.
In the dining hall, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as all the Awakened discussed Chad's ascension. Pride mingled with shock on their faces, for this was a historic moment—the fastest ascension recorded in their ranks.
Chad, however, had chosen to forgo lunch that day. His star determination had been delayed the day before, and now he was isolating himself in his room to digest the immense gains he had recently acquired. Two black boxes, dropped by a second-stage and a third-stage eerie, alongside dozens of spirit crystals, represented a bounty that would have taken other Awakened months, if not half a year, to accumulate.
With a calm demeanor, Chad grasped the valuable cultivation resources, clearing his mind before he began to cultivate and enhance his strength. Time passed slowly as the spirit crystals and black boxes in his hands gradually lost their luster, turning into dull powder and then dissipating entirely. His source power and realm rose steadily, climbing continuously.
A notification sounded in his mind:
[Congratulations, host, on your strength enhancement. Reward: template integration progress.]
[Current integration progress: 8%. ]
Chad opened his eyes, a sharp light igniting within him. "Eight percent." he thought, elated. This progress was remarkable, especially since it had only taken him a month in the weakest eerie zone of the First Zone. With more time and resources in higher-level areas, he could surely achieve even greater feats.
With his heart racing, Chad assessed his progress. A ball of gorgeous and mysterious Hellfire ignited on his index finger, bright and deep, the brilliant lava-gold core expanding to a third of its size. He concentrated again, and the Hellfire morphed into a vivid, beautiful likeness of Gabrial's face.
"It really works." he gasped, astonished. His proficiency with Hellfire had reached an extraordinary level, allowing him to materialize thoughts into form.
Chad remembered the powerful weapon he possessed, the Soul Chain. With a thought, a silver-white chain appeared, dancing in the air like a swan and weaving like a dragon. He willed it into the shape of a lightning spear. The chain emitted a metallic clang as it transformed, the sharp end becoming a silver spearhead.
"Go." Chad commanded, aiming at a 10 feet high boulder outside the window. The spear shot out instantly, accompanied by a thunderous boom that startled many within the association. Chad quickly reined in the Soul Chain, satisfied with its adaptability and strength.
He estimated his strength now rivaled that of a five-star Awakened.
The following day, Chad packed his belongings, preparing to leave for the Second Zone alone. However, as he approached the door, he found his usual team waiting for him. Garfield, Torey, and others greeted him with warm smiles.
"We knew you didn't like crowds and would sneak off alone," Torey said, grinning as he pulled Chad into a bear hug.
"But we're bros in the same team. If a bro is leaving, we have to say goodbye." Garfield chimed in, his eyes shining with camaraderie.
"…Okay, you caught me. I really don't like crowds," Chad admitted, feeling warmth spread through his chest as he looked at the bros he had spent over a month with.
"Chad, we'll miss you when you're gone," one of them said.
"You're so awesome in the First Zone. Don't let us down in the Second Zone." Torey added, his eyes glistening.
Chad bumped fists with each team member, promising, "Don't worry. It's not just the Second Zone; there will be the Third Zone, Fourth Zone, Fifth Zone, and even the unreleased Sixth Zone and the Sacred Spirit Academy. I will make a great name for myself everywhere."
Meanwhile, in the vice president's office on the fifth floor, Dolores leaned against the window, observing Chad and his team with a thoughtful expression. Suddenly, she picked up the phone, calling a number that even Rayne was unaware of.
"Hello, my Codename is Snow. I want to report an exceptionally talented and powerful Awakened. Ability grade F, currently Awakened for more than a month; strength has reached three stars…Please keep a close eye on him. He can be listed as a key observation target."
After the call, Dolores watched Chad walk away, a smile curving her lips. "You little brat. Don't let me down…"
Chad departed in the early morning, leaving many in the First Zone unaware of his absence until it was too late. Regret filled the air, but soon their focus shifted back to their missions.
Meanwhile, an unexpected visitor arrived at the Spirit Energy Association in the First Zone. Gabrial stepped through the gates, her face glowing with excitement. The front desk girl recognized her immediately—the famous young genius from the Third Zone, with an S-grade ability. The staff treated her with the utmost respect, quickly inviting the president to come.
Rayne didn't even finish swallowing his tea upon hearing Gabrial had arrived; he rushed to greet her. His old eyes lit up at the sight of her.
"You are a hero. It's only been a short while since we last met, and you've already advanced to Five Stars." he exclaimed.
But Gabrial had no time for pleasantries. "Where's my brother?" she asked urgently.
Rayne's expression turned grave as he sighed. "Your brother just left this morning. Alas. Chad… he's already gone."
The weight of his words struck Gabrial like lightning. The smile of expectation vanished, replaced by shock.
"My brother… is dead?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Rayne looked on in confusion as he processed her reaction.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。