Soon, Shen Xingyan and his classmates returned to their school in the Northern District. Compared to the prosperous Central District, the school looked a bit dreary.
The school's administration greeted the new generation of combat specialists with an unwavering smile. This year, their number had noticeably surpassed the previous one, which was a good sign for the Northern District. They were especially happy about talented students like Chu Wei who had awakened elite professions—they would become a new force in the fight against the Catastrophes.
Most of those who had received lifestyle professions also got their share of attention—they were encouraged in every way, urged to level up diligently and contribute to the base's development.
After the principal's parting speech, the inspired students were eager to get into the Star Source world and start their growth. Having set the date for the graduation trial a month from now, the school effectively graduated this class.
Saying goodbye to their beloved teachers, Shen Xingyan and Chu Wei walked out the gates together, leaving a place that had become home over the years. Looking back, they sadly thought of the sweat and tears they had shed there. When they returned, everything would be different.
"Shen Xingyan, I'll see you at the trial in a month," Chu Wei said, trying to sound cheerful, though her reddened eyes gave away her true feelings. "I'll train hard in the Star Source and ask my parents to exchange some money for useful things for the trial. Don't worry, your big sister will take care of you!"
Shen Xingyan looked at his long-time desk neighbor, knowing that due to the difference in their professions, they would rarely see each other after graduation. Their paths, having briefly crossed, would now diverge, and she would reach heights he could only dream of.
He wanted to ruffle Chu Wei's hair out of habit, but stopped halfway and just patted her on the shoulder:
"Train hard. In the future, we'll be counting on your protection! Don't slack off! See you in a month."
With a small smile and a farewell wave, he turned left, toward the poor districts near the border.
Watching Shen Xingyan walk away, Chu Wei waved her hand energetically: "See you in a month!"
Without turning around, Shen Xingyan waved his right hand twice and walked resolutely down the familiar road.
On the way home, he tried to memorize every blade of grass to distract himself from the sadness of parting. Entering the small house he shared with his sister, he tried to cheer up and stepped over the threshold with a smile.
His sister, Shen Xingying, had been waiting for him for a long time. On this momentous day of the Awakening, schools were closed, and the caring girl had spent the entire day praying that her brother would get a good profession. She had seen how hard he trained, how he tried to win school competitions for prize money to improve their lives. A good profession would not only free them from their dependence on the stipend but would also allow them to venture beyond the base and avenge their parents, of whom she had only vague memories.
Hearing the sensor signal, Shen Xingying ran to the window. Seeing her brother, she happily rushed to open the door and hugged him tightly.
"Brother, how was it? What profession did you awaken?" she asked excitedly, her face beaming.
Shen Xingyan, who had anticipated this question, silently led his sister into the house, and it was only there that he calmly told her about his Farmer profession. He showed her the black card he had received during the Awakening. All these years, they had lived on a stipend from the base, and they spent the prize money on necessary items. Now, this card symbolized the beginning of their independent life.
Thirteen-year-old Shen Xingying already understood the difference between professions. Upon learning that her brother had received the lowest-tier Farmer profession, she was upset but immediately rushed to comfort him:
"Brother, it's okay! In five years, it will be my turn, and I'll definitely awaken an elite combat profession. I'll destroy the Catastrophes and earn a lot of money; our life will definitely get better!"
Looking at his sister's determined face, Shen Xingyan smiled warmly and patted her on the head:
"Don't worry, I'm not that fragile. Even though I'm a farmer, I'll be able to provide for both of us. And you don't worry, when I earn some money, I'll buy you the best groceries, so you don't have to bother."
Shen Xingying nodded vigorously, but to herself, she decided to train even harder and earn more in competitions to help her brother.
Smiling, looking at his sister's sweet face, Shen Xingyan went to the kitchen to prepare lunch. Shen Xingying returned to her room and began to perform the body-strengthening exercises they had been taught at school.
The groceries in the kitchen were from the base's humanitarian aid. Now that Shen Xingyan had turned 18, this aid would stop, and he needed to start growing crops in the Star Source world as soon as possible.
After lunch, Shen Xingyan went to his room, lay down on the bed, and placed the black card on his forehead. Concentrating, he directed his consciousness through the card into the Star Source world.