The New Beginning.

After chatting with his family, Kairos retreated to his room and settled into a lotus position on his bed. As he reflected on everything that had unfolded and contemplated his next steps, he found himself murmuring, "A rebirth... 380 years... The last thing I remember was the God Tier item radiating from within my heart." Suddenly, he was jolted, and darkness enveloped his vision.

Gradually, a golden dot of light emerged, expanding and illuminating the surrounding darkness.

*RUMBLE* *MURMUR*

Amidst the rumbling, the environment transformed into a vast golden sea, growing from a mere cubic meter to a hundred cubic meters. As the golden sea settled, Kairos received a surge of information.

[God Tier: Eternal Eclipse]

At that moment, the only thing he comprehended was the name.

'This... This is... my mind sea? But why is it golden and so expansive? Normally, awakening to the fifth level grants access to a one-cubic-meter mind sea. To achieve a hundred cubic meters, one must reach at least the seventh level, gaining one cubic meter per power level...' Kairos wondered as he floated and moved within the golden expanse.

Closing his eyes, he returned his consciousness to his physical body. When he opened them again, he found himself back in his bedroom.

'Eternal Eclipse... So that's its name. To think it could awaken my mind sea so early. Most people have to reach the fifth awakening level to project into their mind sea, and even then, it's usually just one cubic meter. But mine is a hundred cubic meters...' Kairos contemplated, realizing that this was only the beginning of the unknown benefits bestowed by the God Tier item, Eternal Eclipse.

After contemplating some more, Kairos realizes that this was just the beginning of the unknown benefits that the God Tier item, Eternal Eclipse had provided him.

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

Kairos's attention snapped to the door as it creaked open. Mary entered his room gently, reminding him, "Kairos, don't stay up too late. Remember, now that you've awakened your element, you need to get it registered at the academy's Awakening Hall."

Smiling, Kairos replied, "Thanks, Mary. I almost forgot. I'll sleep soon. Love you, and goodnight."

With a soft blush, Mary returned his affection, saying, "Aww~ Love you too, sweetie~ Sweet dreams." She hugged him, planted a small kiss on his forehead, and left, gently closing the door.

'New Hope Academy... I remember that's where I went when I awakened. I have three days to register my element and a month for class registration. Most poor people get registered right away and are placed in the poor class. Only those who strive and reach Awakening Level 1 (AL 1) [1] can enter the genius class.' Kairos pondered.

*YAWN* *AHAA*

Thinking about the academy and feeling a yawn coming on, Kairos lay down, closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep.

…

**A Week Later, in Kairos's Bedroom**

*CRACKLE* *HISS* *CRACKLE* *HOO*

Taking deep breaths, Kairos found himself surrounded by purple lightning crackling around him. His eyes snapped open, and the lightning surged briefly before he smiled and got out of bed.

'I'm already at Power Level 7 (PL 7)[2]. I need to reach PL 50 to achieve AL 1. Each 50 PLs represent one Awakening Level. I wasted a week waiting for Jon to awaken, which slowed down my levelling speed. But after today, I can finally begin my plan.' Kairos thought determinedly.

He made his way downstairs and joined his family, waiting for midnight to witness Jon's element awakening.

*TICK* *TICK* *TICK* *DONGGG~*

*RUMBLE* *CRUMBLE*

As the clock struck twelve, rumbling sounds emanated near Jon, and brown earth orbs formed on both sides of his chest. They expanded and started orbiting him diagonally, creating an "X" shape. The orbs transformed into yellow and gradually receded toward his heart.

*HUFF* *HUFF*

"I have the Earth element... the yellow variant too... just like Dad!" Jon weakly exclaimed. Mary shed a few tears nearby, and Claire wore a big smile, mirroring Kairos's.

"Good job, buddy. Now, get some rest. You have a big day ahead," Kairos said, patting Jon on the shoulder and helping him sit down.

"Yeah... Can't wait..." Jon replied, though his excitement seemed subdued.

'Ah, I remember he used to get bullied a lot for not taking the month and jumping straight to class C. I recall there being a fruit in the forest that could help him awaken to level 1 earlier.' Kairos thought.

After things settled down, Kairos followed Jon to his room.

"Hey buddy, can you do me a favour?" Kairos asked.

"Sure, what's up?"

"Listen, don't tell Mary or Claire yet, but tomorrow, after we register you, I'll be going somewhere to train and awaken my first level. I'll be gone for about three weeks, which will be almost a month since I registered. There's also a good chance I can find something to guarantee your awakening to level 1. Meanwhile, I want you to try meditating and leveling up naturally. Even if I fail, it'll show that you made an effort and won't be seen as a slacker."

"What?! You didn't register for your class? And you're going training? And is there really something out there like that? And how likely are you to succeed?" Jon asked, overwhelmed and confused.

"Relax, buddy. Don't worry about me. Just trust me. Don't register for your class today, wait for me to come back. If you register, you'll definitely end up in class C and face more bullying. But if you give it time, try to level up, and wait for me, there's a good chance you'll be accepted into class A," Kairos tried to convince Jon.

"Um... Okay, I guess... Thanks, Kairos."

"Hehe, don't thank me yet. Thank me when I return. Happy birthday, congrats on awakening your Earth element, and goodnight." Kairos hugged Jon and returned to his room.

'Hmm, I planned on taking the fruit for myself and returning with an Awakening Level 2. But this is fine too. Family is truly important, something I learned over time. I lost them once already, and I won't let it happen again!'

**8 Hours Later, at the Entrance of New Hope Academy**

"Don't be nervous, Jon. Just get your element registered and tell Mary everything I told you last night. You won't get in trouble, I promise," Kairos reassured Jon.

"I understand, but won't you get in trouble? And if I still end up in class C, won't I face even more ridicule?" Jon asked, expressing his worries.

"Hah, don't worry about me, kid. I'll be fine. As for ending up in class C, if they make fun of you, tell them at least you tried and didn't give up. You might face some consequences, but everyone, including the professors, will know you're a hard worker. That's important, as the professors will treat you well," Kairos explained.

"Kid? I'm only one week younger than you…"

"Even if you were one second younger, I'd still call you kid."

…

As they walked toward the open gate, they marvelled at the massive building that resembled a cluster of castles. At the center, near the top, were the words:

[New Hope Academy]

'Haah... It's so nostalgic. It's been over 300 years since I was last here. Since I was last on this planet... Before it was all gone...'

"Come, I was here last week. I'll show you the way, young one," Kairos said, stroking his chin as if he had a beard.

Jon looked at him strangely but followed along. They followed the signs and eventually stood in front of the enormous double doors.

[Awakening Hall]

"Well, here we are. Let's get in line," Kairos said, leading the way.

As they joined the queue, a few male students approached and stopped nearby.

"Oh, look who it is. It's the dweeb and his loser brother. I heard you awakened your element today. I hope it's better than your loser brother's. Especially since someone awakened the water element last week, and we all know it had to be this loser," one of them, who appeared to be their leader, taunted Jon, pointing at Kairos.

"Rufus, I think you're mistaken. My brother—" Jon began, but Kairos interrupted.

"Whether I awakened the water element or not is none of your business, Rufus," Kairos retorted, glaring at Rufus.

"Hah! I heard you're going to train. Only a poor loser who awakened the water element would do something so pointless. Don't worry, once you're back from your 'training,' you'll end up in class C anyway. Let's see how you fare then," Rufus ridiculed, though he seemed somewhat intimidated by Kairos's glare. He quickly left.

**10 Minutes Later, at the Entrance of New Hope Academy**

"Okay, buddy, since you've registered your element, I'll leave for my training now. Tell Mary and Claire not to worry. I'll be back in about three weeks," Kairos informed Jon as he started walking away.

"Wait! Kairos, where exactly are you going to train?" Jon asked anxiously.

"The Monster Beast Forest." Kairos increased his pace, not waiting for Jon's response.

Jon stood there, mouth agape. 'The Monster Beast Forest? What the...?'