Chapter 10 Preparations

Michael also read a few things about classes and races, and he had something to say to his teacher who had claimed, There's no discrimination between classes.

'Bullshit!'

In reality, there wasn't any outright discrimination against classes from what Michael could see. However, unlike how his teacher had portrayed it, there was indeed a clear division between classes.

There are no weak classes, only weak Awakeners was a phrase Michael frequently encountered in the forum during his searches. But from what he had just read, it was undeniable that some classes held certain advantages over others.

At least the school got one thing right: the classification of classes into combat, support, and lifestyle roles. 

Now, thanks to the Supers Association forum, Michael also discovered that there were actually five types of classes: General Class, Rare Class, Special Class, Hidden Class, and Unique Class.

General Classes are the most commonly seen classes among Awakeners. A large percentage of Awakeners possess these classes, which is why they are considered "common." These classes are also easily recognizable, as they provide only 2 attribute points per level up.

Rare Classes are a step above General Classes, offering 4 attribute points per level up. These classes can utilize magic or other special abilities. However, a class does not necessarily need to focus on magic to be categorized as rare—like the Berserker class, for example.

Special Classes are somewhat unique and unconventional, which makes them difficult to categorise strictly as either general or rare. For instance, the Chef class provides 3 attribute points per level up, while a Barb class might only grant 2 attribute points, despite both being special classes. The term "special" refers more to their unconventional nature and niche focus. These classes can be considered rarer than Rare Classes, but their unique nature makes them versatile in how they are grouped.

Hidden Classes are inheritance-type classes that very few people can have simultaneously. Similar to Special Classes, they are rare, but they have an added layer of exclusivity. Hidden Classes can not be naturally awakened but can only be obtained through special means, which makes them particularly elusive.

Unique Classes are the rarest of all, with only one person able to possess a particular Unique Class at any given time.

There wasn't much information about Unique Classes on the forum, but Michael didn't think that was actually the case. He read somewhere that the number of Awakeners in Aurora was a bit more than 70,000, and he found it hard to believe that no one had any information about Unique Classes. If they truly knew nothing, it wouldn't even be recognized as a legitimate class type.

Michael believed it wasn't that information about Unique Classes didn't exist on the forum; rather, it was that his authority level wasn't high enough to access such information.

'It seems authority level isn't just for show. I should try my best to raise it,' Michael thought with a subtle smile on his face. Even though it felt like his head might explode from all this new information, it was as if a fascinating new world had opened up to him, and he couldn't get enough of it.

'This world… These worlds are truly interesting with a lot to offer.'

Something else that surprised Michael was that even one's race could influence the benefits they received when levelling up.

This revelation opened another world to Michael.

From what he read, each level-up as a human race granted 0.2 in all stats, 0.5 in intelligence, and 2 attribute points. Michael wasn't sure if this was low or not, but it seemed significant.

'Since they say the Land of Origin is like a game world, I wonder if it's possible to change races,' Michael mused. Out of curiosity, he tried searching for information on the possibility in the forum, but like in the cases of gifts and Unique Classes, he found nothing.

As before, this either meant the information didn't exist or his authority level wasn't high enough. Michael, already used to this, decided to move on.

He also read about his class, the Necromancer, which—pleasantly surprising—turned out to be a Rare Class.

Races weren't the only things that provided benefits as one levelled up—classes did too. Aside from the attribute points they provided based on their grade, certain stats would be boosted depending on the class's specialty. The Necromancer class, for instance, granted 0.1 points to strength and constitution, 0.3 in agility, and 0.5 in intelligence, along with 4 attribute points.

'Necromancers are basically paper defences. A punch from a similar-level warrior class could probably take out more than half my health,' Michael thought immediately.

He also began to understand why people in the forum kept emphasising that power ultimately depended on the Awakener themselves.

Classes, race, cultivation, resources that could raise stats, stats themselves, and attribute points—if one utilised these things wisely, even an Awakener with a tailor class could become deadly.

The more Michael read, the more excited he became about the future. He couldn't wait to enter the Land of Origin, but he knew he couldn't rush in without making proper preparations.

Yes, preparations.

As an Awakener, he was naturally bound to enter the Land of Origin, but according to the forum, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows there—especially for new Awakeners.

In a "Tips for Newbies" forum post, which was even starred by the Supers Association, Michael learned that when an Awakener entered the Land of Origin for the first time, their initial location was random. It could be near an active volcano, a frozen wasteland, or even in a monster's nest. 

However, there was a balance: according to the post, it would be something a new Awakener should be able to handle theoretically, and Michael didn't like the sound of that—hence his need to prepare. 

Even the experienced commenters in the post emphasised the importance of preparation.

Thanks to the post, Michael also understood why the Supers Association provided such generous funds. It was indeed meant for resources!

In the Supers Association Platform, aside from the main forum, there was also a store section.

Michael saw a myriad of goods there that left him in awe.

***

[Refined Iron Dagger…] 

[Price: $230] 

... 

[Refined Iron Spear…] 

[Price: $285] 

... 

[Health Potion…] 

[Price: $500] 

... 

[Leather Pants…] 

... 

[Leather Shoes…] 

... 

[Leather Upper Body Armor…] 

... 

Michael searched for items recommended for newbies and picked the ones he liked. 

The store had two delivery methods: picking up at the Supers Association or opting for home delivery. 

Michael decisively chose the latter. If he could avoid leaving home, why should he move? Plus, compared to the total cost of the items he bought, the delivery fee was 'cheaper.'

Including the delivery fee, Michael spent a total of $4,328. Just like that, a third of the $15,000 the Supers Association had given him was gone.

'The Supers Association is really scummy!' Michael pouted in pain as he connected his account to the Supers Association Platform and watched his money disappear.

Michael did not regret buying the items, though.

Even though death in the Land of Origin wasn't real death, if he could prevent it, why shouldn't he? The penalty for dying was harsh: losing 10% of all stats permanently for each death. The 'dead' Awakener would also be unable to re-enter the Land of Origin for a while.

Perhaps this penalty wouldn't be as severe for new Awakeners, but it was a big deal for the real powerhouses. Imagine having 100 points in all stats and watching 10 permanently disappear. It was a pretty harsh punishment for the top-tier Awakeners. 

After all, the stronger one was, the harder it was to increase a stat. It wasn't just numbers at that point—a 1-point stat increase for a level 100 Awakener could very well be the equivalent of 10 points for Michael.

After placing his order, the Supers Association Platform confirmed that his items would be delivered before noon the next day, which Michael was quite satisfied with.

'It's not too late to enter the Land of Origin tomorrow anyway. It's even better. I'm too exhausted to do anything now.'

Michael was also very hungry. He had learned a lot of information, which significantly filled the gaps in his understanding. Anything else he needed to know could be searched for slowly in the future. For now, Michael just wanted to sleep and wait for the new day to arrive before entering the Land of Origin.

He was excited, but he had his priorities straight.

Michael put aside his phone and was just about to carry the plate he'd used earlier when a knock came at his door.

"Come in," he said reflexively.

When he saw who was on the other side, he was surprised.

"Aunt?"

Yes, it was indeed Aunt Mia. Michael had been so engrossed in the Supers Association forum that he hadn't noticed anyone entering the house.

"Seems like our new Awakener has been busy," Aunt Mia teased as she made her way to Michael's bed and made herself comfortable.

"Aunt Mia," Michael said, a little embarrassed by the title, but a happy smile bloomed on his face. He could see a smile on Aunt Mia's face, too, one that was threatening to widen—and hidden within, he could also see that she was proud of him.

One must know that both Michaels, from Earth and Aurora, had only experienced true parental love from one person, and that was Aunt Mia. Both had become orphans at a very young age, and Aunt Mia was a mother figure to them—especially to the Michael originally from this world. Though Aunt Mia had a short stature, her blue eyes held the gaze of a mother looking at her child.

Michael greeted her respectfully, and he was happy that she was happy.

Before he could speak, Aunt Mia beat him to it.

"Lily told me about your little adventure today."

Michael silently clicked his tongue in annoyance. Perhaps he shouldn't have told Lily anything at all; now the news he should have delivered himself had come through someone else. But, since it was all family, it didn't really matter.

"The amount of money the Association gave you is really big, but be careful with it, Michael," Aunt Mia said anxiously. In her eyes, Michael was still a young boy. She had no interest in his money, but she was worried about his spending habits. Though Michael's past record of handling money reassured her, this time the amount was so much larger, and she couldn't help but worry that he might waste it.

"And don't mind your silly cousin. There's no need…"

"Aunt Mia," Michael called out, his tone serious, cutting her off before she could continue. He already knew what she wanted to say, but he didn't want to hear it.

His family was his motivation, his drive. Now that he could finally provide for them, how could she refuse? Michael felt dissatisfied.

"Aunt Mia, the money the Association gave me—well, a big chunk of it is for my well-being, so you don't have to worry about anything."

As he spoke, Michael had already pulled out his phone, ready to transfer a portion of the funds to her.

"Michael!" Aunt Mia exclaimed anxiously. She didn't entirely believe his words and feared he was going to inconvenience himself for her.

In fact, she was right. But did Michael care? No, he didn't. This was likely a stupid decision but for once, at least one, Michael wanted to satisfy his selfish desire.

And also, If he ended up broke, he could wait for more funds to come in next month, all the while working hard in other areas.

Michael wasn't afraid of hard work. Ironically, hard work was what had killed the Michael in this world.

The hopeful fool had seen a rumour online that if one trained hard enough to come close to becoming a knight, the chance of Awakening would be higher.

The original Michael knew this was nonsense, but feeling unlucky and with many "responsibilities" on his shoulders, he pushed himself too hard. In the end, he died, allowing Michael from Earth to take his place.

"It's okay, Aunt Mia. You don't know this, but the Supers Association is still going to give me more resources soon," Michael said, lying with a straight face.

It was, of course, impossible. The Association wasn't going to do more for him; they weren't his family, and even some families couldn't always provide that much.

"A-Are you lying to me?" Aunt Mia asked, a little uncertain.

"You know I'd never lie to you, Aunt Mia," he said, delivering another lie with an innocent face. This time, he felt a slight pang of guilt but didn't let it show.

Aunt Mia looked conflicted, her expression reflecting her mixed feelings.

Michael noticed her hesitation and knew he had to strike while the iron was hot.

"Also, since becoming an Awakener, I can feel my appetite slowly increasing. We'll need more food at home, Aunt Mia." Michael spoke with a feigned look of seriousness, but just in time, his stomach rumbled, adding authenticity to his words.

This convinced Aunt Mia a little. What made her trust his words even more was his status as an Awakener.

As an Awakener, he should be valued by the Federation, right? she thought. Like most adults, she knew of the Federation's admiration for Awakeners, though she didn't know that while they valued Awakeners, they weren't exactly looking to pamper them.

Finally, Aunt Mia chose to believe Michael.

"Okay," she agreed.

Happy, Michael immediately transferred some money to her.

"Feel free to use it as you like, Aunt Mia. And please, get a few things that Lily enjoys too," he added with confidence, like a rich man.

Just then, Aunt Mia's phone buzzed, showing a bank notification of a $5,000 credit.

Aunt Mia was speechless and was about to scold Michael when he spoke again.

"Trust me, Aunt Mia. This money is nothing to me now. Didn't Lily mention that I'll be getting money every month?"

Aunt Mia nodded reluctantly. If he was telling the truth, her little Michael could indeed afford to spend money like this.

However, she decided that, while she'd use some of the money for the family's well-being, she'd save the rest until she could confirm his words.

Seeing that he'd successfully convinced his aunt, Michael secretly sighed in relief as a smile appeared on his face.

"You're hungry, right? I brought some cake and snacks on my way back. Want some?" Aunt Mia asked, remembering the "thunder" that had erupted from his stomach earlier.

"Yes, I'd love some, Aunt Mia."

After confirming, Aunt Mia took the plate Michael had planned to carry out earlier and left the room, returning shortly with some snacks. They shared a few more words before Aunt Mia left, and Michael's room finally fell quiet.

Soon, the soft sound of his snores filled the room.

Michael slept with a smile on his face that night.

Today had been the best day of his life, even if it was just as stressful.