Beginnings and Awakening(1)

Hidden within the labyrinth of ten thousand spider nests lay a lesser-known realm—the Mysterious World of Ten Thousand Spider Nests.

Within the vast expanse of seven central city bases, one stood prominent—the primary hub, Bailin City.

At the heart of this bustling city was an opulent villa, nestled within its central district. Behind this abode sprawled a hill, crowned by a crystalline lake gleaming under the morning sun.

Yet, what baffled onlookers was the solitude of this hill and lake—a sanctuary reserved solely for the villa.

This extraordinary dwelling, none other than the City Lord's Mansion of Bailin City, marked its presence amidst the seven grand cities in the Mysterious World of Ten Thousand Spider Nests.

In a chamber on the villa's second floor, a lad of fourteen or fifteen undertook his morning ablutions. The mirror reflected a strikingly handsome visage with fair skin—an aspect he had contemplated for the past fifteen years.

Bai Zian, a traveler from another life and a former soldier, found himself in a world teeming with magical creatures. Despite his extrinsic origins, Bai Zian bore the memories of a past life—a uniqueness that set him apart.

As Bai Zian concluded his morning routine, the melodious sound of flowing water reached his ears. Descending gracefully from the air was a slender figure, akin to a silver ribbon—a spirit fish named Lingyu.

"Yinyin~~ It's time for breakfast!" Lingyu's non-human voice resonated through the air.

Acknowledging the call, Bai Zian responded, "I see, red-eyed silver-striped fish. Inform my father; I'll join them after finishing up."

This mystical spirit fish, the red-eyed silver-striped fish, served as his father's spiritual pet. Although not of colossal proportions, it held the status of a gold-level pet beast.

Having completed his morning rituals, Bai Zian descended to the first-floor dining area. A delectable breakfast adorned the table, where his parents and younger sister were already partaking—a scene exuding familial harmony.

This familial tableau also featured a dignified old man seated at the head of the table—an individual with white hair and an outward appearance suggesting fifty or sixty years.

"Grandpa, when did you arrive? Aren't you occupied with your duties?" Bai Zian greeted the majestic figure with a smile, approaching him.

This venerable figure was Bai Jingchong, Bai Zian's grandfather and the esteemed city lord of Bailin City. A diamond-level beastmaster with fifty years of stewardship over Bailin City, Bai Jingchong held a position of formidable influence among the seven city lords.

"Today marks the annual awakening ceremony. As the city lord, I must attend and address the students. Xiao An, it's your turn this year; you should participate," Bai Jingchong informed Bai Zian.

The awakening ceremony, an event presided over by the Kyushu Federation, held significance for high school students. A successful awakening granted admission to Imperial Beast High School, where one could delve into knowledge concerning Imperial Beasts. Bai Zian, however, remained unperturbed, having spontaneously awakened his beast-fighting talent a month prior—an A-level intuition.

Thus began Bai Zian's journey—a journey shadowed by destiny and marked by a lingering question: Was he the protagonist, or was there more to his story?