Primordial Awakening: I Can Evolve My Skills Infinitely

Sam sat in silence, his eyes half-open and barely clinging to consciousness.

The [Guild Meeting] was still going, and frankly, it was one of the most boring things he had ever experienced.

He had already zoned out long ago, and now, his head tilted slightly as he fought the urge to fall asleep right at the table.

On the other side, Evans, Emily, and the third elder were the ones doing most of the talking.

Holographic panels appeared around them every few seconds, displaying important information, but Sam wasn't paying attention.

"Whatever these beings that appeared are," Evans said, his tone sharp and eyes glinting with thought, "they seem to be on the level of [Gods]."

"Gods?" David raised an eyebrow, "So you're telling me there's more to it than whatever we've been going through?"

"We don't know for sure," Evans continued, "but they're powerful enough to throw our entire world into chaos. They even gave us a countdown. I doubt we'll understand the full picture until the [Universal Stage] begins."

"Goddamn it..." Oliver let out a frustrated sigh. "The world had been stable for decades... now this?"

"Nothing we can do about it," Simon Vinelord muttered. "If the other worlds completed the [Forsaken Realm] ahead of us, it just means we're behind."

"Simon's right," Evans said again, a serious glint returning to his eyes. "We've got no choice but to catch up."

"There might be more chances to grow stronger once the [Universal Stage] starts," Emily added, nodding slightly. "These beings did say this was only the [First Part]. Until then, we have to stay focused on the layers."

That's when Oscar Windshield leaned forward, slamming his fist on the table.

"Then we need to act now," he said sharply. "Let's immediately launch the [Fifth Expedition], and once that's done, we start preparing for the [Sixth Layer]."

They weren't even bothering with the [Fourth Expedition] anymore.

Everyone knew this wasn't about completion rates or achievements. This was about survival.

The countdown in the sky wasn't just a message, it was a warning.

No one else on the street might be panicking anymore since they just moved on, but everyone in this room knew better.

So the discussion continued, shifting toward strategy.

The top members of the humanity across all regions were all gathered here to make a plan for the next step.

If they couldn't clear the layers fast enough, they would be left behind while stronger worlds marched forward.

Even so, everyone here had a creeping sense of dread.

They all knew the truth, even if no one wanted to say it out loud.

The layers were just the beginning. Once they cleared all six, there would still be more threats.

Stronger ones. Unseen ones.

Which meant their only real choice was to grow stronger, as fast as possible.

Lily, Alicia and Chloe were the closest people to Sam, but they didn't speak or say anything, simply respecting Sam's wish for privacy.

They had all been through too much together to make the mistake of pushing when it wasn't needed.

And so the meeting stretched on, a full hour passing before it started winding down.

"And, as Sam Walker told us," Evans spoke again, his voice bringing attention back to the center of the room, "the [Fifth Layer] is built like a tower, five floors, each with its own challenge."

"Then we'll need a team that can keep fighting long-term," Oliver said, scratching his chin. "Stamina is going to be more important than raw power. But now I'm wondering... did Sam really do it alone?"

All eyes in the room slowly turned toward Sam.

But... He was asleep. Fully asleep.

Leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, not a care in the world.

"Huh," Evans blinked, stunned. "First time someone sleeps through a guild meeting..."

"Was it that boring?" Emily murmured. "I mean... can we really blame him? He might actually be the strongest human alive right now."

No one said anything to disagree. They all knew it.

The fact Sam had completed the [Fifth Layer] alone, before anyone else even knew what was in it, spoke volumes.

He had reached a level none of them had touched. Still, the meeting had to move on.

"Anyway," the third leader cleared his throat, "we've laid out the plan. Soon, we'll tackle the [Fifth Layer]..."

"...And after that," Evans finished, "we'll spend the next few months training, getting ready for the [Sixth Layer]."

Everyone in the room nodded.

There was no objection. It was the only plan that made sense.

They had to give it their all. It was either win... or be left behind.

But then—

"Hmm..." Lily mumbled. All eyes turned to her. It was the first time she had spoken since the meeting began, "I mean..."

Oliver nodded to her, encouraging her to speak, "Go ahead."

"...What happens if Sam clears the [Sixth Layer] before we do?"

Her question made the entire room freeze.

Everyone's eyes widened. Because she was right. Sam could move faster than them. Much faster.

And if he completed the [Fifth Layer] alone, what was stopping him from doing the same to the [Sixth]?

Even if they all respected him, it was hard to believe he could actually do it.

The [Sixth Layer] was the final trial of the first part of the [Forsaken Realm].

Attempting it alone wasn't just bold, it was reckless.

"Well, I suppose we can wrap up this meeting—"

"Are you kidding me?!" Oscar suddenly stood up, rage pouring from him like fire, "You're telling me we're just going to let this guy do whatever he wants?!"

His voice thundered across the room, and flames began seeping out of his eyes and mouth.

Oscar hadn't forgotten. He still remembered the humiliation from when Sam came out of the first [Corrupted Rift].

He had tried to kill Sam then... and failed.

Then, during the [Third Expedition], Sam carried him to safety.

Oscar had never let that go. He couldn't.

And now, he wasn't about to watch this man get all the glory again.

The leader of the [Inferno Guild], Damon, stayed silent. He seemed curious more than anything.

Fwish! Fwish!

Oscar's power surged. Flames erupted around him as he summoned his strength.

A massive, blazing spear began to form in his hands.

"Don't even try it," Evans warned, his own aura rising like a wave, "You know we can't afford to fight each other right now."

"You don't know what's coming after this," Oliver added, lifting his staff.

But...

"Just let him," David said with a grin. "He won't even be able to touch him."

Oscar didn't listen.

He roared—

INFERNO SPEAR!

The weapon shot across the room, streaking toward Sam like a comet.

Everyone jumped back, moving away from the impact zone.

Sam, however, remained exactly where he was. Still asleep.

The spear collided—

BOOM!

An explosion tore through the space. Smoke and fire filled the air.

But as the mist cleared... Sam was perfectly fine.

"Huh?"

"What...?"

Evans, Oliver, and even Oscar were stunned. Only David was laughing.

"Told you!" he said through chuckles.

The [Eternal Barrier] had activated automatically. Even in his sleep, Sam couldn't be touched.

At that moment, Sam blinked awake.

[You're being attacked =)]

The panel appeared before him. He yawned.

"Meeting's over?" he asked, his voice groggy. "Guess that's fine..."

He reached out and picked up the stone placed in front of him, the one that would allow him to exit the [Guild Meeting].

But before he left, he turned to face Oscar directly.

His crimson eyes lit up, and an overwhelming pressure burst out of him.

Even the strongest awakeners in the room flinched.

"Don't push your luck," Sam said calmly.

Then he turned to the rest of the room.

"And for the rest of you... good luck with your expedition."

He grinned.

"Though I guess you could just wait for me to clear the [Sixth Layer] instead, that is, if I don't die trying."

He gave a casual wave to Lily, Alicia, and Chloe.

Then, pouring his aura into the [Return Stone], he shattered it.

Fwish!

And just like that, Sam vanished. The meeting was over.

Even though he had slept through most of it... he left as the center of it all.