The Tenth Awakening

Bryan's eyes were filled with both pride and expectation. "Arya, I hope you can obtain that thing in the competition. It will be crucial for your future path. Based on your performance today, I believe you have a real chance to claim it."

He paused before continuing, "There are two special rewards in the Four Villages' Competition. The one I speak of is one of them. Once we set out, I will explain everything in detail. You have one week to prepare."

Arya nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "Yes, Father. I understand. I promise—I will do my best and not disappoint you."

As the crowd dispersed, Arya left the arena with his family, his mind already focused on the battles ahead.

Arya was now almost 8 years old, standing at 4.10 feet tall. He didn't have a muscular build, but he also wasn't slim—his body was sturdy yet well-proportioned, suited for both speed and strength.

His facial features weren't striking enough to draw instant attention, but upon closer look, one could see his above-average handsomeness. His was the kind of face that could blend into a crowd, but today…

Today, Arya's ability to remain unnoticed had vanished.

After his decisive victory, he was no longer just another child in the village. Before the tournament, only a few people even knew he was the village chief's son—he rarely mentioned his father's name, spending most of his time cultivating in solitude.

But after today, his identity was no longer a secret. His name would not be forgotten.

That night, after finishing dinner with his parents, Arya returned to his room. He retrieved a small bag—a simple storage pouch, nothing special.

There were far more valuable items known as space bags, which could store vast amounts of items—and some, even living beings. But such artifacts were luxuries beyond a small village's reach. Their price varied based on storage capacity, and only the wealthy could afford them.

Holding the bag in his hands, Arya smiled slightly.

"This is my first money—money I've earned by myself."

Inside were 25 white coins and 3 pink coins—a total of 115 white coins, just shy of the 150-170 white coins needed for a common seed stone.

"I've taken my first step. If I perform well in the Four Villages' Competition, I can earn more."

More than that, he was curious about the special reward his father had mentioned.

"If even Father is interested in it… then it must be something truly priceless."

Shaking off distractions, Arya sat down and began cultivating his elemental energy, preparing for the battles ahead.

The next morning, Bryan summoned Arya.

"Arya, it's time for you to learn about the outside world. You are growing too fast. It's better for you to be prepared for what lies beyond our village."

Arya listened carefully. His father's voice carried both pride and concern.

"You won't be able to stay in the village forever. Your talent is too great, and our village is not wealthy enough to support your cultivation indefinitely.

If you want to become truly powerful, you will have to leave one day—to seek opportunities, resources, and knowledge. Remember this:

In this world, only the strong can live freely."

Bryan's tone grew heavier. "Now, listen carefully. I will teach you about the strongest entities in this world. You must understand them before you step into the outside world."

Arya sat up straight, his focus sharp.

The Three Great Races

"In this vast world, humans are not the only ones who can cultivate power. There are two other major races—both incredibly strong.

The first are Monster Beasts.

The second are Spirit Beasts."

Arya frowned. "I've heard of Monster Beasts before, but Spirit Beasts…?"

Bryan nodded. "Let me explain."

1. Monster Beasts

Monster Beasts live in the wilderness, though some exist in special, secluded regions.

A newborn Monster Beast from a normal species is already as strong as a level 20 human cultivator.

Most of them have low intelligence, but high-ranking Monster Beasts can develop wisdom comparable to humans.

Some rare species can even change their forms into humans. However, I've only read about them in ancient texts—I've never seen one myself.

He sighed. "I haven't traveled much beyond this village. There is much I don't know. If you go into the world, you must learn these things for yourself."

2. Spirit Beasts

Unlike Monster Beasts, Spirit Beasts do not have strong physical bodies.

They are made purely of spiritual energy.

Their main strength lies in spirit-based attacks, though they can fight physically when needed.

Among the three races, Monster Beasts are the most physically powerful, but Spirit Beasts are extremely dangerous due to their unique abilities.

Bryan's eyes darkened. "Spirit Beasts are also the favorite prey of Weapon Masters."

Arya blinked. "Weapon Masters… hunt them?"

"Yes. The reason why Weapon Masters target Spirit Beasts is unknown to me. But I do know one thing—"

Bryan's expression turned serious.

"Monster Beasts can also produce seed stones like Spirit Beasts. However, only those at level 50 or higher can do so, and the seeds they produce are all rare or higher rank.

Because of this, very few humans dare to hunt Monster Beasts—they are simply too strong."

Arya's mind raced. A level 50 Monster Beast… and their seeds are guaranteed to be rare?

"No wonder people avoid them. Only the strongest warriors would even dare to challenge such creatures."

Bryan leaned forward. "Now, let me tell you something even more important—"

"There are three legendary stone seed ranks in this world.

These are beyond common, rare, and epic seeds—they are extremely rare and nearly impossible to find.

They are known as:

Mythic Rare Seeds

Color: Half-Golden with Pink

Mythic Epic Seeds

Color: Half-Golden with Red

Mythic Legendary Seeds

Color: Fully Golden

"These seeds are so rare that even in ancient books, only a handful of them have ever been mentioned."

Arya's heart pounded.

"Mythic Legendary… a fully golden seed? What kind of power does that hold?"

Bryan's voice turned grave. "Even in our world's history, very few people have ever possessed Mythic Legendary Seeds. Those who did… became gods among men."

Arya clenched his fists.

"One day… I will find out just how powerful these seeds truly are."