"Ye Chen, let's break up... You have awakened a simple warrior with an initial E-rank talent, while I have awakened a powerful frost mage with an initial S-rank talent. Only someone like Young Master Gu deserves me. Hmph."
The loud noise of Mu Xue echoed through the awakening chamber like thunder, drawing the attention of every student.
"Look, that's Ye Chen... I heard he was the only one who awakened an E-rank talent this year. He deserves this. How can someone like Mu Xue be with someone like him?"
"Indeed. Young Master Gu, a rare assassin, has awakened dual S-rank talent. Only someone like Young Master Gu deserves Mu Xue."
A few students immediately began to mock Ye Chen, laughing at his situation, completely unaware that the green pendant hanging on his neck could change his entire fortune.
That's right... the pendant on his neck was a time-space pendant, an immortal-grade artifact allowing him to reincarnate back in time.
Ye Chen stood quietly, the jeers washing over him like cold rain. His expression was far too calm for someone who had just been returned back in time and humiliated in public. He stood like a god far above the mundane, as if observing a clown perform in a circus.
Mu Xue frowned slightly. That calmness irritated her more than anger ever could. It made her feel inferior as if she was nothing more than a ant.
"Hmph. Pretending to be composed, do you think I can't see through you? Hmph! If you beg me, then I can talk to Young Master Gu and get you gold-rank equipment so you can at least level up in the newbie dungeon," she scoffed, turning away as she walked toward Gu Changge's side. "Reality will teach you the difference between heaven and earth. You aren't even worthy to lift Young Master Gu's shoe."
Young Master Gu smiled faintly, his hands clasped behind her butt, softly squeezing them yet, His aura remained sharp and oppressive.
"Know your place," Young Master Gu said softly, his voice only loud enough for Ye Chen to hear. "Trash should stay at the bottom."
Ye Chen lowered his head and gritted his teeth. Good! Good! Good! This hatred would only end after Young Master Gu died a brutal death. He clenched his fist, thinking about the past.
Let's calm down for now.
Due to the power of the pendant, he had traveled back in time. There was plenty of time for revenge. It was time to focus on leveling. What's more!? He had awakened an SSS-rank trait.
Someone like Young Master Gu and Mu Xue was merely a stepping stone.
--
Centuries ago, a primordial android asteroid struck a blue star, causing the laws and rules of the world to change into a game-like setting. People had HP, mana, stats, and talent.
Talent was very important because it was closely related to personal growth. It determined whether someone was destined for greatness or just another nobody wasting oxygen.
E-rank talent grants +3 free attributes per level, while S-rank talent gives +15 stats per level. Dual initial talents double the effect. Young Master Gu, who had awakened dual S-rank talent, gains +30 free attributes per level up.
Obviously, there are also SS-rank and SSS-rank initial talents. However, little to none is known about them for some like Ye Chen.
Talent is divided into two types: Initial talent and Traits.
Initial talent is closely related to growth per level, while Traits are simple talents that help in battle.
Ye Chen's talent was later. It wouldn't grant him any attributes per level-up, but it could help him grow rapidly.
"Status window," muttered Ye Chen under his breath, and a panel visible only to him opened in front of him.
>Name: Ye Chen
>Talent: Buff (E): Everyone in the team gains 3% HP buff.
>Soul Weapon: Golden Aura: Covers fists in golden aura, and basic attacks deal 100 + 1% of user's max HP as physical damage.
>Class: Warrior
Skills:
1. Heavy Slam: User jumps on the target and slams his fist, stunning the target for 1 second and dealing 200 + 20% of the user's dex + 1% of the user's max HP as physical damage.
Cooldown: 20 seconds.
Mana: 10.
2. Flying Fist: Casts a phantom fist, knocking back the enemy and slowing them by 20% for 1 second, dealing 3% of the user's max HP as physical damage. Each target hit also grants the user 300 + 1% max HP as a shield that lasts 5 minutes.
Cooldown: 10 seconds.
Mana: 25
>Trait: Growth (SSS): Every kill increases max HP by 1–1000.
>Stats:
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 10
Agility: 10
Vitality: 10
Spirit: 10
Physical Defense: 10
Magical Defense: 0
HP: 1000 (Vitality × 100)
Mana: 250 (Spirit × 25)
Level: 0 (0/500 Exp)
Strength is related to basic human recovery and stamina. Dexterity affects physical damage and skill precision, while agility influences speed and reaction.
Leaving a clown such as Ye Chen aside,
Young Master Gu was already preparing to enter a newbie dungeon.
Due to his initial dual talent, he started with four skills unlike others who started with only two skills.
"Young Master Gu… I am not on my period today, how about visiting the hotel after leveling up!?" Mu Xue asked shyly, walking beside him.
But Gu Changge's focus wasn't on her words, rather it was on the mechanical voice ringing in his head.
[ Ding! Plot started. The villain system activated ]
Plot!?
Villain system!?
What was that?
"Y-Young Master… what happened!? Do you want to have a threesome? If so, I can call my friend… Umm, Young Master…" Mu Xue looked confused, seeing how serious Gu Changge was.
"Xue… did you just hear a strange noise!?" asked Young Master Gu.
He hadn't read many novels, so he didn't know about systems. He was a dandy, rich second-generation indulging in hedonistic pleasures while diligently practicing martial arts.
"Strange noise!? What does Young Master mean… I am the only one speaking," she replied, still confused.
Gu Changge frowned and was about to reply before being interrupted by the villain system.
[Host! I am an entity created to help you fight the chosen sons of Heaven.]
[ Ding! Would you like to open a newbie reward!? ]
[ Yes ] [ No ]
Suddenly, a strange blue window appeared before him, similar to a status window.
However, unlike the white status windows, this one was clearly blue, regardless, he decided to claim the reward.
He moved his hand and pressed Yes.