Number One Warrior
"The world really feels different now. Can a human truly have such a profound insight into the world?" Luke murmured, taking in his surroundings. His senses had sharpened, and he saw and experienced things in a way that felt almost otherworldly.
If he wanted, he could channel the energy within himself to enhance his physical abilities, though it would consume more of his energy reserve. The thought reminded him of something critical—he needed a suitable cultivation technique.
Pulling out his phone, Luke began searching the internet. Since the catastrophe, most tech companies have vanished, their networks wiped out. For a time, there had been no internet at all; entire societies had reverted to a life without instant communication or global access to information. Now, new companies had emerged, and the internet had returned.
This time, however, it was different.
No longer were networks isolated—each nation's internet had fused into a single, unified global network. No barriers, no firewalls, no geographic restrictions. It was both freeing and a bit unnerving, like standing in an open landscape with nowhere to hide.
He knew the government store was the best place to find cultivation techniques. Citizens could now access all kinds of resources, including methods and advice on cultivation, freely available through the government's site.
Opening the site, he searched for a low 1-star cultivation techniques. A range of options appeared on his screen, from basic cultivation methods to advanced techniques for enhancing spiritual energy.
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Cultivation Techniques
- Cosmic Draw (★)
- Star Breath (★)
- Sky Flow (★★)
- Light Pulse (★★★)
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Luke clicked on Cosmic Draw, a Low-level, 1-star technique.
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Cosmic Draw
- Rank: Low 1-Star
- Effect: (Entry level) (+10)
- Price: $1,000
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As he read about Cosmic Draw, Luke felt a thrill of anticipation.
"Cosmic Draw..." he whispered.
This technique, even at the entry level, allowed the user to absorb 10 units of Cosmic Energy per minute from their surroundings and convert it into internal power.
It would take an Early 1-Star Warrior only ten minutes to fully replenish their energy with this technique.
"But the price..." he muttered, frowning at the $1,000 price tag. His bank account barely held $19.99.
With a sigh, he realized it was out of reach.
His mother's monthly salary didn't even approach that figure. Most workers around here earned only about $700 a month, with top earners making $2,000. Half of most people's income went to rent, utilities, and food, leaving very little for anything extra.
He closed the tab, disappointment clouding his face. Asking his mother for help wasn't an option. Not only would it be a financial burden, but she also didn't want him becoming a star warrior.
"I need to find a way to make money."
One of the quickest ways for a warrior to earn was by joining a dojo. Once accepted, warriors could explore the wilderness.
Warriors often made a living by selling rare beast skins and other valuable materials, or gathering rare herbs and minerals. Dangerous? Yes. But profitable.
In Houston City, the most prominent martial arts institution was the Extreme Dojo.
Founded by Ethan Cole—the strongest man in the world and the top martial expert in the United States—this dojo held the highest reputation among all others in the city.
Most soldiers and warriors in Houston City trained at Extreme Dojo. It even had its own marketplace, Extreme Mall, where warriors could buy or sell weapons, supplies, clothing, and techniques.
The dojo had grown into a powerful, wealthy martial organization, all thanks to Ethan Cole.
He was one of the two humans who fought at the beginning of the catastrophe. Known as the "Number One Warrior," Ethan had bested the other person, Thunder Lord, in a legendary duel, solidifying his position as the strongest warrior.
Within the dojo, the facilities are divided into three levels: one for beginner members, one for intermediate members, and one for elite members. The elite member building's first and second floors house large teaching halls, capable of accommodating several thousand people at a time. The dojo has approximately 30,000 to 40,000 members.
Membership in the dojo is open only to individuals aged 16 and above. After reaching the age of 50, members are no longer permitted to return to the dojo, as it is believed they would be consuming valuable teaching resources.
The dojo not only provided training but also offered housing in a designated Extreme Housing Area in the middle of the city.
This setup helped members, even beginners, avoid the heavy costs of rent, allowing them to focus fully on their training.
For Luke, the idea of joining the dojo was both thrilling and daunting. If he succeeded, he could transform his life—and those of his mother and sister. In time, he'd be able to earn by venturing into the wilderness.
"I can take my warrior test at Extreme Dojo and get in," he resolved, his eyes brightening with newfound determination.
For now, he would have to use his Cosmic Energy sparingly.
Eventually, he'd also need an offensive technique.
Despite reaching the rank of an Early 1-Star Warrior, he knew he had a long road ahead before he could rival an experienced fighter in the same realm.
"I still have 200 GP (God Points); should I use them or keep them?"
Luke looked at the remaining GP in his interface, pondering whether to spend them on improving his skills stats or save them for later.
In the end, he decided to keep them; perhaps he could use them later, since he didn't yet have a way to generate bonus points.
It's always best to leave some for emergencies.
After a quick shower, Luke settled at the dinner table, joining his mother and younger sister, who had already returned.
"So, graduation tomorrow, huh?" his mother said, trying to fill the quiet. Her eyes held a mixture of pride and worry. "Any thoughts on what comes next? Maybe college?"
Luke avoided her gaze, focusing on his plate.
He wasn't ready to break the news about his advance into a warrior just yet. Tomorrow, after graduation, he'd reveal everything. For now, he didn't want to shock his mother.
He glanced over at Leila, expecting her to jump in with her usual chatter.
But tonight, she was oddly silent, poking at her food with a distracted look in her eyes. She seemed distant, lost in her own world, and it was unlike her. Leila was usually the lively one, filling the room with her laughter and energy.
"Leila," Luke said gently, "are you alright?"
Leila blinked, as if pulled from some deep thought, and forced a small smile. "Yeah… just, you know, a lot on my mind."
Their mother raised an eyebrow. "A lot on your mind? That's new."
Leila shrugged, looking down again. Luke could sense that something was bothering her, and he could feel the edges of her emotions prickling at him, a side effect of his newly sharpened senses.
But he decided not to press her, figuring she'd open up when she was ready.
After a few more moments of quiet, their mother sighed and leaned back in her chair. "Well, whatever's going on, tomorrow's an important day. I'm proud of both of you," she said softly, looking at Luke and then Leila. "And I know whatever choices you make, they'll be the right ones."
"Thanks, Mom," Luke replied, giving her a reassuring smile. But inside, his heart was racing. Tomorrow, he'd tell them everything—his newfound strength, his plan to join Extreme Dojo, his ambition to change their lives.
But tonight, he'd let his mother have her peace.
And tomorrow, he'd step forward into a new world, ready to face whatever came next.