Mankind

Pride is a double-edged sword.

At times, it could make the smartest of men stumble in anger just by a spat on his dignity.

At other times, it could make the most heinous, traitorous of men sacrifice themselves just to protect what matters, exerting all they have to fight.

It may be their pride as an elite. It may be their pride as a member of an organization. It may be their pride as an expert in a certain field.

There are so many reasons why a person may harbor a sense of pride. And at the present, as Orhelm and Roxy stared at Urapus, they could feel it.

Their pride in being the part of mankind. As a part of this thriving, struggling race that never gives up despite the seemingly impossible challenge ahead of them.

It's the same reason Urapus did not despair when discovering how utterly far the threats he must destroy. The same reason why every single member of mankind has never given up in their struggle against death.

Roxy couldn't help but shiver. Such a charismatic speech. She takes a double look at Urapus, whose boyish face seems to become even more pleasant and dependable.

Maybe there's a reason why he was named after the First Hero. Maybe there was something special about this boy.

A talent is dispensable, but a figure who could actualize the conceptualized purpose of a certain action and embody it into a spirit that could turn any heart hot by their mere words alone...

That figure is not replaceable. They are a special phenomenon, something that could not be repeated!

At this moment, she even has this sense of reliance. This sense of dependence on this boy. As if she couldn't help but trust him, no matter how foolish his actions were.

"It seems like there was no more reason I could use to refute your proposal, Urapus."

Orhelm took a moment to digest the words of this child. Words that seem to harbor the essence of what they've been struggling for. He even felt the heat in his chest he had lost that day.

"Thank you, Principal Orhelm. I may be too naive as a child, but I just wanted to do what I thought was right. I also can't bear to disgrace my name."

"How about you, Roxy? What do you think? Are you ready to face the swarm of ambushes that may come in the future?"

He expected a refutation, but Roxy looked offended instead. She gritted her teeth as she smashed the table with her fist. She looked flustered, "If this little brat could do it, then what makes you think I wouldn't?!"

After that day, the news was spread out. A story of a 6-year-old boy with strength surpassing that of a sergeant. An exaggerated story that does not seem to be real, yet with its authenticator being the capital of mankind, what else could they do but believe it?

However, it wouldn't be as shocking if it was not for his name.

"Urapus Ashford..."

In the Harden Household, an old man with a robust physique muttered thoughtfully, reading the file of the report sent by an attendant at the capital.

At his side, a woman with a striking resemblance to Roxy Harden showed a puzzled look, scanning the report skeptically, "That's the boy little Xanna has been close to? I thought he was just a countryside heir?"

"Apparently, the boy has hidden it well. Too well," The robust man creased his eyebrows. He found it very unbelievable.

"Is that even possible? Surely, a child couldn't be that shrewd."

"Unless he was named after the First Hero."

The beautiful woman looked confused. She placed her hands on her husband's shoulders, inquiring quizzically, "Fres, I'm curious. The First Hero, just how respected he is for people to treat his name as a taboo for their children? Surely, the reality couldn't be that exaggerated."

The Patriarch of the Harden Family, Fres Harden, shook his head. His aged eyes looked out of the window, with reminiscent and respect coloring his eyes.

"So you still in disbelief?"

"It's not like that. I just found it too... Exaggerating. His death was described as the start of a new era, his existence was portrayed as the Hope of Mankind. Some even said that 90% of the talent of mankind lies within him. Don't you find them unbelievable too?"

The woman showed a disgruntled look. Initially, Fres would agree with her. But after an accident, he couldn't afford to do so.

"Of course I would. But Xyn, what if I told you that even the Outer Forces would react violently when they heard of his name?"

The Mistress, Roxyn Harden, became even more puzzled, "Fres, I fought with them before too. Don't forget that I'm also a Sovereign. Hell, I even came with you most of the time!"

"It's different. I'm talking about the 25 heads of the Outer Forces. At that time, they even gave him titles way more exaggerated than what mankind had given him."

"What sort of titles did they give him?"

Remembering his encounter with one of the heads, Fres shook a little. He was still in awe. To think that mankind had such a figure in the past.

"For mankind, Exalted Urapus was named as the First Hero. However, for them, he was the Harbinger of Extinction. The Desolate Star of Blue Earth, the Invincible Sovereign of Mankind!"

Fres paused. The last title is what struck him the most. The one that made him realize how utterly powerful the First Hero was back in his era.

To the point where the Outer Forces would be struck in fear just by the mention of his name.

"He was hailed by them as a God, the God of Blue Earth."

1st July, Year 309 of the 2nd Phoenix Calendar.

"Ugh."

After a good amount of exercise, Urapus lay down on the field.

| Progress:

> Circulate inner energy 1,000,000 times. (430,129/1,000,000)

> Circulate your blood 100,000,000 times. (78,839,120/100,000,000)

As expected, he exceeded his own expectations, reaching halfway the progress in just two weeks. It was satisfying.

He opened up his status. Unfortunately, he had yet to make a breakthrough. He expected himself to reach the Mortal Realm Stage 8 two months from now.

To truly experience an explosive growth of strength, Urapus must have access to his abilities first.

[Status]

| Host: Urapus Ashford

| Realm: Mortal Stage 7

| Quality: Rare (Legendary)

| Talent: Unbreakable Will (?), Loved by the Stars (?), Limit Break (SSS), World's Beloved (SSS), Ash Controller (C).

| Perks: Advanced Physique (★★), Complete Meridians of the Body (★★), Perfect Circulatory System (★), Consciousness Realization (★).

| Parameters: Stamina I, Strength I, Speed I, Power I.

| Abilities: None (Locked)

| Hero Points: 268,802

[SHOP] | [Upgrade]

"I do wonder. What's the point of knowing this so-called quality?"

Urapus was vexed. He tried to overlook it in the past, deeming it as something he'd naturally find out. Maybe it's another ranking standard beyond the Blue Earth?

And if so, what did they rank with this? Natural compatibility with inner energy? Or perhaps innate talent that signified the speed at which one absorbs the inner energy and elevation of their realm?

That seems commendable. However, too many assumptions would lead to anxiety, and excessive complacency if they are too confident in their own ideas.

In the end, Urapus decides to spend his hard-earned HP to enhance his meridian. He wonders, combined with his complete meridians, how severe the effect would be?

He was also surprised by his name. It seems like the system acknowledged his surname after he cleared it all up to himself.

Thus, 250,000 HP was gone in a flash. The effect, as always, was immediate. His 7 condensed meridians, as if being upgraded to the next tier, were enlarged. They also increase the quality of the inner energy that enters his body.

Like most of the perks he chose, this perk focused on strengthening one's foundation.

If his former body was like a rural factory that processed raw materials into simple things, like turning raw iron into a simple, iron hoe and sword, in comparison, it has become a modern factory, where simple trash could be transformed into eco-friendly utilities.

Even a Sovereign couldn't possibly have such a high-quality inner energy running through their body.

His meridians are simply bigger, stronger, and better! He could easily contend with a Head of Commanders expert at this rate.

"I really couldn't wait to unlock my abilities."

After a rest, Urapus looked at his field class before he simply left the scene. The sergeant wouldn't mind. Principal Orhelm promised him absolute freedom in the capital to do as he pleased.

Unless a crucial event happened, for example, a midterm exam, or the End Year Test next December, Urapus was pretty much free. Unfortunately, Principal Orhelm forbids him to go out of the capital.

Although mankind's technology flourishes, it can't advance toward the depth of the sea. The sea of the former Blue Earth was already deep enough, but since it has been enlarged, the sea has become even more deeper and pragmatic, veiled in terror and mysteries.

Which was just a perfect place for intruders to hide, especially species with aquatic habitats. Who knows what they would do if Urapus traveled overseas?

Urapus did not object. He was not so arrogant as to believe he could contend against dozens of them who have the advantage of the environment without any abilities.

Thankfully, his family at Breskon City was well protected by Principal Orhelm's trusted confidants. So he was temporarily at ease. Unfortunately, Roxanna couldn't go as she pleased.

She was the same as him. Without her abilities, she was still inadequate even with her impressive realm. He could do so merely because of his unmatched foundation.

But he did have a new companion though.

"Yo, Urapus. Going out again, eh? Why don't we go to the frontline in my hometown? We could compete with each other there! Let's see which has the most kills!"

As he walked towards the entrance of the camp, a gloomy-looking girl with a black feather dress flew around him, her eyes filled with mischief.

Unexpectedly, the villainous woman, Velarin, was drawn by his strength and wished to hang out with him.

Considering there's no one else who could be her match other than him, many find it amusing that the two monstrous geniuses actually hang around with each other as they venture around the capital.

Of course, for most of the time, Urapus would read anything he could learn about. He had some ulterior intentions as he walked through the capital.

He wished to investigate the relationship between major families. At times, he would walk near a prominent family's household and pretend to ask some questions driven by childish curiosity.

The guards there would keep him company. How could they not? The strongest of the current Golden Generation had come to visit them! Although he was but a child, his strength far surpassed even theirs.

Urapus did not forget to add a bit of innocence and childish arrogance, compelling them to answer his questions cryptically. After all, who would take a kid like him seriously?

He would note those whose answers were beyond the range of acceptability, marking their families into his list of suspicions.

Those with arrogance that crossed the limit, and those with cryptic answers which showed their discreetness.

It's good that they treated him like a child, thus their guard was low when they answered him.

This is crucial to ensure that he would not trust his back to the wrong person, and if he has enough power, he could investigate them even more thoroughly with proper conclusions and evaluations.

To make sure mankind is under the same banner. The source of this concern was primarily because of the weakening seat of the Sovereign, which was caused by the gradually declining Rotch Family.

Humans are greedy. Those in power are even more so. And those who are already in control... They may let their undeterred ambitions run wild.

There were several suspects, but the family Urapus showed concern the most was the Meykler. They seemed to be hiding something. Even the butler who greeted him acted stiffly.

After understanding the whole hierarchy, along with their relations with each other, Urapus turned solemn.

Under the Sovereign, there are three major families. Below them were their 'subordinates' which was actually a bunch of divisions of authority to ensure the power dynamic between these families.

Each of these families helped the Sovereign, who was in charge of making decisions in the scope of the whole of mankind, manage the Blue Earth. And it was clear from the power dynamic that the Meykler Family held the most power.

The Blue Earth was dominated by the sea which holds over 97% of the surface of Blue Earth, which spans billions of kilometers square. With their dominion of the water element, they are basically at the peak of the three families, holding most families, areas, businesses, and cities under their banner.

Some people who had much further insight into the situation even said that the power dynamic, while appearing normal on the surface, has long been changed.

Under the Sovereign is the Meykler Family! The two others are below the Meyklers. But it was only hinted subtly by the inner workers.

Because while the Meykler dominates the Blue Earth, in the frontline, where the real battle was held, the Hardens and the Ravens have the most authority there!

The Meyklers are basically useless in space. After all, amongst the elements, only Thunder, Fire and Wind could be considered useful in space. Water and Earth could only support from the backline, and they weren't very practical either.

Because of this, the two other major families, while having less authority than the Meyklers, hold most of the Awakeners under their banners.

The Meykler holds the heart of the civilians, while the Harden and the Raven represent the will of the Awakeners!

Urapus twitched. Overall, the situation was surprisingly almost the same as his era. Thankfully, in the present, there exists a dominant power that holds authority over them, although it seems to be quite untrustworthy, considering their declining prospect.

The hierarchy was relatively simple.

Mankind only learned how to harness the new mystical addition, the inner energy, and rebuild the ruined society for over 400 years.

Blue Earth's history spans over millions of years, so it was already very impressive to have dozens of Sovereigns and rebuild society for only 400 years.

He heard the rumors that mankind used to have thousands, even millions of ethnicities, each with its own history and traditions. With so many unique types of people along with their trademark dishes and ways of living.

He sighed, just how many things had been lost when the Divine Sanction of Mankind occurred?

"Urapus, why don't we go to the virtual world? Let's compete! To decide which one of us can defeat more monsters!"

Velarin excitedly walked across the crossroad, enjoying the ambiance of the capital. Despite the long, wide roads that decorated the capital, the people here do not use vehicles. Most people prefer walking these days.

Unlike in the old days, humans have evolved significantly, since only the most capable of men and women survived in the Mutation Era. Their descendants also inherited their fine genetics, and each generation became finer and finer.

As the study of inner energy advanced further, scientists could provide procedures necessary for conceiving the finest quality of descendants.

And now, pretty much all member of mankind can nourish their body with inner energy, to a certain degree. Even a mediocre born could advance up to the Mortal Realm Stage 3.

"Although, in my opinion, fighting in a virtual reality is kinda boring. There's no sense of vigor that you could feel when you fight a real opponent!"

"Exactly. Why don't we train?"

Velarin gives Urapus a dirty look, to which he responds with a wide smile. She truly couldn't understand his train of thought.

Can you think of anything other than training?

"Oh, by the way, how about that girlfriend of yours? What's her name again? Roxanne?"

"She's fine. She said that she wanted to search for qualified people to build her own team, hence her decision to stay in the camp."

Urapus remained composed, not minding her provocation at all. If Roxanna was a real child, he may deny it honorably, but she's a regressor.

He realized that it did seem kinda weird. Both of them are adults, but they have to interact with each other in their childlike appearances.

Urapus felt this sense of oddness.

"If I do this!"

Velarin cheekily clutched his arm, staring up at him with a mischievous grin. Her eyes are veiled with cunningness, clearly brewing something, "And do this!"

She also took out her phone, which she struggled to grasp with her tiny left hand. Clumsily, she swiftly took a selfie.

"And also do this—!"

Finally, she sent it to a media platform, using several, exaggerated tags not befitting of a child's post.

As she fooled around, fiddling with her phone, Urapus pretended to remain oblivious.

He definitely did not see that 'VelarinxUrapus' tag. Definitely not. And also that 'Cutesss' tag... Damn, can you even spell, woman? As he read through it all, a dawning feeling of forebode starts to grow.

Just what sort of monstrosities had she learned and watched? What is that? What are those tags?!

He shivered.

Just what the hell have I gotten myself into? Urapus couldn't hold back his curses.

As expected, a villainess's nature cannot be hidden no matter what, even if she was reincarnated and lived a completely different life.

Is this a secret plan of her to screw me, her rival, over? To claim the number one spot with unbridled means?

Urapus wondered. Is this considered as an act of evil? Should he vanquish this evil woman? She heartlessly created false rumors to tarnish his reputation. It was a precious source of pocket changes!

Urapus felt a sense of crisis. He must not remain oblivious after imagining several scenarios should this post turn viral. Decisively, he grasped her arms from behind, looking at her with a solemn look.

The people around smiled teasingly.

"Ah, a couple of cute children, realizing the feeling of shyness and love. How cute."

"Both of those children are so cute. They're a perfect match!"

"Stop!"

"Oops."

With a shaky smile, Velarin dropped her phone. The screen showed clearly what sort of description the photo she just posted had.

Her cheeks turned crimson. In a moment of impulse, she posted a not-so-friendly post.

This is bad.

"Would she, uh, get jealous? Ah, uhm, actually, you know Urapus... We may be in trouble. I think I messed up."

Urapus knelt in distraught. There goes my heroic demeanor...

Wait!

"Delete it! Quick!"

"I can't!"

"Why?!"

Velarin pitifully kneeled on the floor, carefully picking up the broken phone. She looked at him resentfully, as if she wasn't at fault in the first place.

"You broke the phone by hugging me! Hmph!"