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Chapter 3 - Isn't This OP?

The ability was called "The Tree of Knowledge".

Essentially, a seed of a Knowledge Tree had taken root within his soul.

Improving his strength and knowledge, achieving certain goals in his life, and bonding with other beings allow him to nourish that seed.

As the Tree of Knowledge grows, his abilities would also be strengthened.

Although he had very little knowledge regarding abilities, Jin was certain that The Tree of Knowledge was one of the rarest and most powerful, just by its potential and granted skills.

For now, in its seedling state, Jin was only granted two skills: Eye of Insight and Intelligent Senses.

Eye of Insight allowed him to see the overall ability of a Mira and its trainer through a game-like panel. 

But this wasn't unique, from his short browse on the internet, Jin saw that some people had awakened similar talents. 

As for Intelligent Senses, this was what he was excited about.

Intelligent Senses improved his memory, learning ability, and overall intelligence for a period of time. It was like an IQ Booster. If he had this back on Earth, he wouldn't need to study hard and could directly become an A-plus student.

But that wasn't what made it valuable.

Its true worth lies when he becomes a Mira Trainer.

What was the most important trait for a great Mira Trainer?

Was it sheer personal strength?

No!

Rather, it was intelligence.

The very best Mira Trainers were brilliant strategists, with unmatched adaptability and inhuman command sense. These qualities were crucial in a profession where every battle carried high risks, and dying in a Secret Realm due to a wrong decision was a normal occurrence.

Besides, Jin had always believed that knowledge was the root of success.

He was very satisfied with his awakened ability.

"Looking at that wide grin on your face, something tells me you lucked out!"

Ericson grinned, mirroring Jin's smile. He nudged the latter, eyes sparkling, and asked: "So what ability did you awaken?"

"Eye of Insight."

Jin answered with a smile. 

Even though the other party was his best friend, he still had to be careful.

He knew the value of his talent, until he could be certain that he wouldn't fall into danger then he'd keep it a secret.

Besides, he didn't lie.

One of his abilities was indeed "Eye of Insight".

"Hm? It's an Insight ability… That's indeed lucky! It suits you."

Ericson's smile widened, genuinely happy for him. But immediately after, his face shifted to a smug expression, muttering 'Hoho' below his mouth.

"Heh."

"..."

"Heh… heh…"

"What?"

Jin couldn't handle his incessant mumbles and gave up.

"Glad you asked!" Eric's eyes flashed, and his back immediately straightened. He spoke in a mysterious tone: "The Eye of Insight is very good… But that should just be a C-rank ability, guess what I awakened?"

"What?"

"No, no… guess first."

"Keep it to yourself then."

Jin was unamused.

"Tsk, you're no fun. Well as for mine, I awakened Nature's Recognition, a B-rank ability." 

Ericson clicked his tongue, giving up the act.

"That's great."

Jin replied perfunctorily. He glanced at the simple-minded fellow and couldn't understand why he was so happy. Was the gap between C-rank and B-rank really that big? What do the rankings mean anyway?

Well, that just adds to the unending list of questions he needed to find answers for.

"Just that?" (Eric)

"Otherwise?" (Jin)

"I was kinda expecting you would kowtow and call me Master…" (Eric)

"Are you crazy?" (Jin)

***

When every student finished awakening, the "exam" promptly came to an end.

"Don't forget to record your abilities in the University Database if you wish to obtain special privileges!"

Mr. Marik reminded everyone in the room with a slight smile. Although it was entirely optional, being a verified awakened person granted many benefits and discounts, helping them greatly in their careers.

Since there was nothing left to do, Jin and Ericson went outside.

"Let's go our separate ways here. Father called me earlier to go to the company, so I can't hang out with you today." 

"Who said I wanted to hang out with you?"

Jin raised his brows.

"Still the tsundere I know. Take care, tsuntsun."

"..."

Jin was speechless but found the dignity to not clap back. He glanced at Ericson's back, thinking about something.

In his previous life, Ericson's family owned a middle-sized company, and could be considered quite rich.

Judging from his friend's words, it shouldn't have changed…

"That's great then. No need to worry about him."

Jin smiled, putting it on the back of his mind. He travelled across campus and noticed many Miras roaming around freely without any trainers around them.

Some students even petted a Brimbrodile, a small cute green crocodile. Unlike those terrifying and bloodthirsty carnivores in his previous life, this Brimbrodile was immensely adorable, and had two big, pearly eyes.

Seeing its appearance, he had the urge to pet it as well.

"Should I get a Brimbrodile as my starter…?"

Jin contemplated for a moment. Unlike other students, he didn't have a Mira yet. When he turned 18, he had delayed in choosing his free Mira starter grant from the government due to his busy schedule.

He believed that he didn't have time to raise one properly, and he wasn't the type to half-ass anything.

But now with his newly awakened ability, he could look for scholarships or work in better part-time jobs. He didn't have to linger in his laborious unfulfilling work any longer.

"I'll have to look more into it."

He felt like he couldn't rush into a decision. 

***

After roaming around in the city for a while, Jin returned to his apartment, crashing into his bed immediately.

"So many things happened today…"

He let out a sigh while looking at the ceiling. To be honest, even now, it was still too much to take in. 

After a while, he grabbed his phone and contacted a number.

"Hello, yes… I awakened my ability and I want to finally choose my Mira starter… hm? Special privileges?"

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