Lin Luo remembered what the Cosmic Origin had once said: in the Star Island Sea, humans were plentiful, but those suited for cross-dressing were rare—ah, crap! He meant awakened ones were scarce. Human bloodlines were mediocre overall. Out of a thousand people, only three or four might awaken—that was already exceptional.

Reaching the Spark Realm changed one’s fate forever, stepping into the threshold of the strong.

The Spark Realm had nine minor levels.

Above it lay the Phantom Light Realm, also divided into nine levels.

And beyond that stood the Silver Moon Realm.

Those in the Silver Moon Realm were legendary adventurers, roaming the continent freely and respected by all nations.

“Our class has thirty-nine people. Not counting me, I never expected You Xun to awaken too. One awakened among thirty-something? That’s a crazy high rate. You Xun’s incredibly lucky—and this guy is too,” Lin Luo thought, glancing at the delinquent. Zhang Dajian had healed, scars remaining, having narrowly escaped death.

“Lin Luo, thanks to you. Without you, who knows what would’ve happened,” You Xun said, rising and walking up to him. Her starry eyes sparkled under the setting sun, radiating a pure, youthful glow.

“Nah, I just chopped down a few small monsters. Class rep, you’re the impressive one—awakening such a rare healing ability,” Lin Luo replied.

“How can you say that? I still feel so far behind…” You Xun turned her face away, blushing slightly at the praise.

She suddenly realized something. “Lin Luo, you called healing rare? Do you know a lot about awakening? Did you awaken too? Only at that moment—when making a pact with a deity—do you learn these things.”

“Ah? Really? Well…” Lin Luo fumbled. He’d just learned something new. So awakening required a divine pact? He’d grasped the universe’s essence like in a game or cultivation novel… He truly didn’t understand the process.

“Honestly, I’m not even sure if I count as awakened. I just react fast,” Lin Luo said with a forced smile, waving dismissively.

You Xun chuckled lightly, approval in her voice. “Lin Luo, you’re a crucial pillar for our class.”

“Heh, is that so?”

He felt happy at her praise, yet her tone had shifted back to that of the class rep. The awakened You Xun seemed reborn with confidence. Perhaps she truly saw herself as the Holy Maiden leading their class in this other world.

“L-Lin Luo…” Zhang Dajian staggered over, still weak. “I’m the one who owes you thanks—and an apology! I shouldn’t have said those things earlier. I’m such an idiot now.”

“Uh, glad you’re okay. Just stop calling me ‘Lin-mei’,” Lin Luo said.

“Hahaha—cough, cough!” Zhang Dajian’s laughter made his healing wound twitch. He bent over, face close to Lin Luo.

What’s this guy up to now?

Thud! Zhang Dajian dropped to his knees, hands braced on his knees, head bowed. “Lin Luo, you’re the real boss—like that wind-speed fighter I met once! You saved my life. Your strength wins my respect. Let me call you my big brother!”

He looked up suddenly, eyes gleaming with hot, manly tears.

Lin Luo blinked. “Huh? This…”

He recalled his elementary school days, idolizing gangster flicks. Taking a little brother might not be bad.

“Then I’ll—”

“Lin Luo, I promise—I’ll never call you ‘Lin-mei’ again!” Zhang Dajian shouted through tears, his tough face earnest. “You’re my ‘Lin-jie’!”

“Just die already!” Lin Luo kicked him flying.

“He’s injured!” several classmates cried out in panic.

Under the setting sun, the group set off homeward, looking like true adventurers returning from a quest.

Lin Luo walked behind Han Lianfei, occasionally distracted by her swaying hips.

He pondered: butt—no! Watch—ah, water and food! They’d found water, securing survival for dozens. Next was food. Search tonight or tomorrow morning? Should he ask You Xun to join?

Wait—he suddenly remembered the hassle. He’d likely escort others to fetch water tonight.

The three girls walked ahead. Ziwan kept glancing back.

You Xun then joined Lin Luo’s side to discuss food.

Hmm? As they walked, something felt off.

“Class rep, doesn’t our group feel… missing something?”

“Huh? Missing what?”

Lin Luo and You Xun exchanged glances, scanning the group front and back…

“Li Ping!”

“Oh no—we forgot him there!” You Xun cried, guilt flashing across her face.

By the riverbank, amid Goblin corpses, lay an utterly unremarkable boy.

“Ugh…” Li Ping groaned softly, his expression pained.

...

This continent was vast.

Far from the forest camp, deep within a shadowy castle, a heart-rending female scream echoed: “Ah… ahaha… ah… ah!”