Awakening

**Title: The Frozen Isle**

Seven days had passed since the reunion of Mo and Kim on the Isla De Hielo. During this time, they delved into detailed discussions, sharing the events that transpired during their separation. Kim, in particular, recounted the transformations on Earth following the demise of Team Empire's entire main roster.

According to her, the World Government swiftly took action, apprehending the perpetrators. Team Blazers found themselves behind bars for six months before receiving a death penalty from the government. What caught Mo off guard was the temporal discrepancy between Earth and Tattoolandia; Earth's time moved twelve times faster. Consequently, Mo and his team had effectively experienced almost a year of death.

Mo, who had founded a gaming empire from scratch, now observed its gradual deterioration within just one year of his absence. He expressed a mix of relief and regret, remarking, "It's good you chose to reincarnate, but you didn't have to succumb to death due to depression."

Kim, in response, pouted and mumbled discontentedly. Mo, accustomed to her habit of complaining, apologized, acknowledging her frustration. This complaining tendency was a quirk of Kim's personality; generally cute and cheerful, she resorted to incoherent murmurs when scolded or seeking something.

Their companions, Glenn and Shao, had become accustomed to this behavior over the past seven days. Observing the duo, they brushed off Kim's murmurs as part of the routine.

In this time, Glenn and Shao discovered that Mo and Kim were reincarnators—a rarity, but not entirely surprising to them. Reincarnators were viewed as special beings, born as geniuses and occupying unique positions within sects or schools.

While exploring the island, the four companions had already marked their progress up to the peak of the White Brand. Mo questioned why they couldn't skip directly from White to Blue Brand, prompting Glenn and Shao to enlighten him about the Awakening Ceremony.

##

The Awakening Ceremony is a pivotal event for those progressing from White to Blue Brand, granting White Brand Warriors access to their unique "system." Simplifying the upgrade process, individuals can visit an Adventurer's Guild branch, utilize a common Awakening Pod, and acquire a basic system, limited to two functions: "Status" and "Tattoo."

Beyond the commonplace, exclusive Awakening Ceremonies hosted by powerful entities offer both a distinctive system and a specialized function without the need for a standard Awakening Pod.

Notable systems include the "Holy Priest System," renowned for its "Pray" function primarily employed by the Church, and the "Protector of Peace System," featuring a "Train" function mainly utilized by the World Government in this world, among others.

Upon learning this, Mo's mind turned to his own unique system, featuring an unexplored function called "Combo."

"What plans do we have now? We've spent a week here without finding anything useful. Come on, man, I know you miss your sister, but can't we catch up while sailing towards Dawn City?" Shao interjected, urging a shift in focus after their unproductive week on the island.

Kim blushed, her big watery eyes glancing towards Mo in response to Shao's comment. Mo swiftly reprimanded Shao, "What the hell are you saying? I was just waiting for you guys to discuss our return."

"Huh? Wasn't it you who suggested exploring this island?" Glenn questioned skeptically.

"Yeah, I did, but it seems there's nothing special here," Mo responded, and just as he spoke, an earthquake suddenly shook the ground.

Simultaneously, a spatial disturbance reverberated through the air. Kim, snapped out of her daze, clutched her brother's arm, hastily ducking down.

"What the heck is happening?! Are we going to die? My dad told me to live! How did this happen? I don't even have a son yet!" a terrified Glenn muttered.

Shao, in an attempt to bring clarity, explained, "I think I remember this. A spatial zone opens every year around this day on this island. They say it provides significant benefits whenever you have the chance to enter."

While the others were still processing the situation, Mo calmly observed the disturbance and identified its source. In the middle of the island, the space above appeared to be slowly distorting.

"Let's go! More strength would help us in our missions. We're the first ones here, so let's take advantage of it," Mo declared, striding purposefully toward the island's core.

As the group followed Mo towards the island's core, the spatial distortion intensified. A palpable energy hung in the air, fueling a sense of anticipation and curiosity among the companions.

Kim, still gripping her brother's arm, couldn't help but voice her concern, "Mo, what if it's dangerous in there? Are we sure about going in?"

Mo glanced back at Kim, offering a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, Kim. This could be a rare opportunity. We need every advantage we can get, especially considering the challenges that lie ahead."

The others exchanged uncertain glances but ultimately decided to trust Mo's judgment. They proceeded cautiously, their steps echoing the gravity of the moment.

As they approached the epicenter, the spatial distortion reached its peak. A brilliant, otherworldly portal manifested, surrounded by an ethereal glow. The air hummed with an almost musical resonance, creating an atmosphere of awe.

Shao, breaking the awed silence, remarked, "Looks like this is it. The entrance to the spatial zone."

Mo nodded, "Let's not waste any time. Whatever awaits us inside, we face it together."