Six months had passed since the first catastrophic event. The world had changed.
The Player Association officially named the disaster "The Hollow." In response, thousands of awakeners registered themselves, and a massive fortress was built — a sanctuary for survivors, surrounded by high-tech turrets and reinforced defenses.
To organize the awakeners, the Player Association classified them into six ranks:
S Rank — the most powerful and rare
A Rank
B Rank
C Rank
D Rank
E Rank — the most common and weakest in battle
The Association constantly reminded all registered awakeners to stay vigilant. No one knew when the Hollow would return.
They also began analyzing the mysterious blue projectile that only awakeners could see. They called it the System — a digital interface that displayed a person's stats: Strength, Mana, Agility, Perception, and Dexterity.
At the bottom of the status window, awakeners could view their skills — abilities they could use as naturally as moving a limb. However, despite extensive research, the Association still couldn't determine how awakeners could level up.
A year later, a massive earthquake struck — magnitude 8.5, lasting for an hour. Thanks to advanced technology, the fortress held firm. No casualties.
After the quake, a strange glowing light appeared out of nowhere — a Gate, radiating unfamiliar mana. Three months later, the Association confirmed it: the Gate was the key to leveling up.
On September 27, 2027, both Jest and Ed celebrated their 18th birthday. Their shared wish: to register as official players.
Jest's parents gave their blessing — they had reached legal age.
A week later, they arrived at the registration center.
Ed went first.
His mana was measured using a machine powered by crystals harvested from the Gate — capable of detecting even the faintest energy.
The result: -0 mana.
The lowest and most unusual reading ever recorded.
His strength was that of a normal human. No change. When Ed tried to proceed to the next test, the Association stopped him.
Guard: You don't need to continue. You've failed the registration.
Ed left the room quietly, his face heavy with sadness. Jest noticed his expression but didn't get the chance to ask — his name was called next.
Jest entered the test area.
Every test went smoothly. His results were off the charts — S Rank across the board.
Awakeners gathered at the door, curious if the rumors were true. They were.
Jest had become the first S Rank player in the Association — not just in Manila, but in the entire world.
Jealousy filled the room.
But Ed, standing at a distance, didn't feel envy. His face wasn't bitter — it was broken. He wasn't mourning Jest's success. He was mourning the fear of losing his only friend.