The holographic navigation interface unfolded before Zhao Yifen's eyes, seamlessly integrating with the real world. The smooth pavement, street corners, and every structure around him were mapped in precise detail.
> System: "A VIP taxi is waiting for the host."
Yifen followed the navigation, his expression calm but inwardly astonished. As he approached the designated pickup point, his eyes widened.
A sleek black luxury car stood in the middle of four armored vehicles, its polished surface reflecting the city lights like a mirror. The imposing guards standing beside it were dressed in jet-black suits, their muscular frames radiating a sense of authority. Each had a communication earpiece, their expressions cold and unreadable. Unlike the previous security personnel, no levels were displayed above their heads.
> Yifen: "Wow, System… isn't this a bit too extravagant?"
> System: "It's a welcome gift. Welcome to the world of money and power."
Passersby stopped to stare.
"Look at that car! Is he from some major guild?" a woman whispered.
"Damn, I'm jealous. He must be an awakener," a man muttered, eyes filled with envy.
"Could he be the son of a guild leader?" another speculated.
Yifen ignored the murmurs and stepped into the car. The moment the door closed, the vehicle accelerated smoothly, merging into the high-speed traffic.
---
The First World: A City of the Future
Through the tinted windows, Yifen took in the breathtaking cityscape. Towering skyscrapers, their glass exteriors illuminated by neon holograms, stretched toward the sky. Suspended bridges connected buildings, while hovercars zipped effortlessly through mid-air lanes. The roads below were lined with self-driving vehicles, their streamlined designs looking decades ahead of anything he had seen before.
Digital billboards displayed advertisements in stunning 3D, and robots managed street operations with perfect efficiency. The sidewalks were wide and clean, bustling with well-dressed pedestrians. Even though it was his first time in this world, the sheer technological advancement left him speechless.
> System: "Host has received 107 Hearts."
The sudden notification snapped him out of his daze.
> Yifen: "Wait, I hit 100 Hearts? I can see my stats now, right?"
> System: "Correct. Displaying host's stats."
A translucent panel appeared before him.
Name: Zhao Yifen
Level: 1 (1/100 EXP)
Strength: Normal Human
Agility: Normal Human
Endurance: Normal Human
Abilities: None
> Yifen: "I'm just a regular guy…"
> System: "Host's stats will improve over time."
Sighing, Yifen leaned back.
> Yifen: "So, where am I staying?"
> System: "You will go to the institution first. After that, you can live wherever you want—you have enough money."
---
Arrival at the Institution
The taxi came to a smooth stop in front of an enormous gate. The institution looked more like a fortress than a school, with towering walls lined with surveillance drones. The entrance was flanked by imposing guards, their armor sleek and futuristic.
The moment Yifen stepped out, curious gazes fell upon him.
"Who is that? Another rich kid?"
"He doesn't look like much, but that car… he must have some insane backing."
Ignoring the stares, Yifen walked toward the entrance.
> Yifen: "System, where do I go next?"
> System: "Host has everything in the inventory: dorm keys, cafeteria card, student ID."
> Yifen: "Show navigation."
A path appeared in front of him, leading him through the massive campus. The buildings were sleek, built with a blend of modern steel and advanced nanoglass. Students moved in organized groups, some engaged in holographic discussions while others carried high-tech devices.
The dormitory was a towering structure, each floor dedicated to students of different rankings. Swiping his student ID at the entrance, Yifen stepped inside and made his way to his assigned room.
---
Meeting the Roommates
The moment he opened the door, chaos greeted him.
"Hey, hey! Those are my socks!" One of the roommates, a messy-haired guy, struggled to untangle a pile of clothes.
Another student, sitting on his bed with a book, barely spared him a glance. "Who do you have business with?" he asked in a flat tone.
Yifen held up his key. "I live here."
Just then, a guy emerged from the bathroom, drying his damp hair with a towel. "You're still not ready?" he asked, shaking his head.
The serious one looked at the time. "Hurry up! The third lecture is about to start. If you're late, you'll be punished."
Before Yifen could react, the guy with the towel turned and smacked another roommate on the back. "How many times have I told you not to sit on my ironed clothes?"
The one who got hit groaned. "Come on, it's just a little wrinkle…"
The first guy frowned. "Where's the sixth roommate?"
"Probably sneaking out for a smoke again," another muttered.
The serious one grabbed his bag. "I'm heading out. Only two minutes left."
Yifen sighed. "What kind of place is this…"