Not counting the first day, it had been two weeks since Lucian reincarnated into this world, into the body of this young man, and honestly, Lucian couldn't complain about his life here.
His predecessor was a renowned genius, known by everyone within the academy and the entire town.
Even the town's Mayor recognized his talent. There was no one within the entire town who didn't know his name.
His life was near perfect. He had almost everything: a girlfriend, a best friend, a good life, and a bright future.
Moreover, he was also handsome, with an even bigger dragon.
The only problem was that he had no parents and was an orphan.
However, the Mayor, recognizing his talent at an early age, gave him an apartment and a job in town that he could rely on for sustenance.
They were all looking forward to his future, hoping he could awaken at least an S-rank talent.
If that happened, the entire town would receive attention from the whole world.
Within the continent alone, the number of S-level talents could be counted on one hand.
This would put the town on the map. The Mayor was particularly looking forward to this the most, apart from Veronica, that is.
However, the real Lucian had died due to mysterious reasons.
Luckily for Lucian, his soul reincarnated from Earth into this body.
---
An holographic screen appeared before every living creature.
[System Notice]
[To all living beings, the Gods have been slaughtered. The only way to survive is to enter the {Galactic Tower} through the portal and clear the floors.]
[Only then can you have a chance at controlling your own fate.]
---
Two centuries ago, Earth underwent an earth-shattering change.
The gods were slaughtered by an unknown existence, and their potent blood spilled through the entire Earth, corrupting all life on various planets along with Earth.
As a last resort, the gods created the Galactic Tower. Their inheritances, strength, and relics were placed as rewards for those who cleared each floor.
Millions of portals leading to the Galactic Towers appeared in various locations on Earth, spewing forth gigantic monsters, leviathans, and horrifying creatures that invaded Earth.
Conventional weapons could do nothing against them—not until nuclear missiles were launched as the final hurrah that killed the monsters.
However, this action also wiped out almost 80% of humans on Earth.
After a century, humanity was finally able to rebuild civilization—one that was even more advanced than previous civilizations.
Then they began to explore the portals.
Humanity found out that the portals led to the Galactic Tower.
It was a place where one could awaken talents and be rewarded with massive strength when they cleared a floor.
Various factions arose, and the war for resources almost tore apart the world once more—not until the United World Alliance was created, bringing order amidst the chaos.
Thus, the Awakening Era arrived.
---
To awaken, one must enter the Galactic Tower to be bestowed a talent. However, once one enters a portal into the Tower, the only way to exit the Tower is to clear a floor.
This is why various children have been training since they entered the academy. Inside the Tower, every single weakness means death.
Everyone wants to awaken, but no one wants to die. This is the reason for the academies: to train the students on how to survive in the Tower.
---
Year 2250.
Bright Month.
9 a.m.
Westfall Continent, Nexus Country, Whitehaven Town.
NATIONAL PORTAL RESEARCH FACILITY (NERF) 10101.
It was a large building housing the only portal to the Galactic Tower available in Whitehaven Town. The United Alliance had built this place to contain the monsters from escaping the portal.
However, seeing as this particular branch hadn't produced talented students for tens of years, the government planned on cutting off funding for this place. If that happens, once the monsters within the portal reach a certain point, they would invade the Town, wiping everyone out.
This was the reason why the mayor was totally dependent on Lucian.
...
Inside of the building, thousands of students could be seen queuing in a single file like little soldiers.
They were dressed in standard government-issued combat suits, with their weapons tightly holstered behind them with specially designed magnets.
Their expressions were nervous as they quietly spoke amongst each other.
Today was their awakening day, when they would set foot inside the portal. If they didn't awaken a good talent, then they would surely die at the hands of the monsters in the Tower.
---
Meanwhile, in the buzzing crowd, a beautiful girl with flowing white hair and glistening deep blue eyes was leaning slightly against a handsome young man.
Both students looked like a match made in heaven as they stared at the ongoing awakening ceremony.
The surrounding students who saw them were rather jealous of them. The school goddess and the school's talented prince—no one could stand beside them and not feel unworthy. They were like dragons amongst men.
"Lucian, I'm worried I might not awaken a good enough talent," the beautiful lady said with a slightly nervous expression on her face.
Lucian held her hand and smiled softly at her. "You should always believe in yourself, Veronica, since I believe in you."
The couple was actually Lucian and Veronica.
"You two are disgustingly cute. I suggest you get a room," a young man with dark-brown hair scoffed as he said with what seemed like mock jealousy on his face.
"It's not my fault you can't hold on to a single girl, Chris," Lucian laughed as he replied, making Veronica cover her mouth and giggle.
Chris was Lucian's predecessor's best friend, and they had known each other for a few years. While he had always felt that Chris was a little odd, he still trusted him since his predecessor trusted him.
"Hmph!"
Peter snorted in mock anger, his eyes blazing, but no one knew if it was fake or real.
Suddenly, a female instructor, who was dressed in professional but slightly provocative attire, walked before the gathered students.
Her expression was serious as she adjusted her glasses with her middle finger.
"Quiet!"
The students immediately stopped talking.
"Today is the most important day of your lives. However, you've all trained for this moment your entire lives! After entering the Tower, each of you will awaken a talent that will determine your place in this world."