Cybernetic Evolution System

"Only 20 per cent of humanity were able to escape. Those who remained took upon the burden to uncover the secrets of this strange land and these monsters."

"They uncovered weapons, scrolls, herbs, and a wide range of groundbreaking magical discoveries that paved the way to the most significant discovery of all, the Class System."

"It was like an apocalypse, wrapped in an instructor manual, with tools that enabled us to push back these monsters."

As Fredric spoke, he swept his hand across the holographic projection of Earth, pulling the image back until it expanded beyond the stars, unveiling the vast celestial boundaries that surrounded the planet.

"After that, they made another discovery. The Mother Dungeon Core, which had remained a mystery, was discovered; it had transformed the Earth's core into a dungeon core, much like a parasite.'

"This is why, no matter how many creatures or monsters are killed, no matter how many dungeons are destroyed, they will always reemerge. Because the Earth is a dungeon."

"The only known and documented entrance to the dungeon core lies within what is now called the 'First Dungeon.' Originally, the area had been a thriving forest sustained by its semi-sentient ecosystem. Over time, however, it transformed into a desert, later a volcanic landscape, and continued to shift into other hostile environments."

"Each transformation gave rise to remarkable monsters unseen in any records. Among them were monsters suspected of harbouring their own dungeon cores. These creatures are now known as 'Bosses.'"

"The Earth had expanded several times beyond its former size, growing vast enough to surpass even the largest planet that once resided in our star system. Yet from the outside, it appeared unchanged, revolving in the same orbit, and exerting the same gravitational pull as before. But within, it was different."

"This is because each dungeon exists within its own independent space, as you are already aware. The north, south, east, and west now stretch far farther than they once did, with new terrains rising when the old ones vanish, constantly reshaping into landscapes nearly impossible to traverse without sufficient strength."

"Because of the technological collapse, the other side of humanity didn't know all these things until those within left the Earth and met with he humans who had settled on other planets. However, breaking into the Earth's space is hard without the help of an Awakener, and breaking out is harder even with the aid of an Awakener or not."

"Thanks to those who had escaped, a portion of humanity's technology was intact, allowing us to rebuild and quickly integrate our magical discovery with technological advancement. With Earth's vast resources, humanity has slowly begun terraforming other planets, pushing them closer to habitability."

"Yet the hope of reclaiming Earth has never been abandoned. To that end, the Expedition for the Advancement and Revival of Terra's Heart, known as PROJECT E.A.R.T.H., was launched. Its ultimate goal: to train powerful Awakeners capable of conquering the First Dungeon."

"Despite this, there are others who are pleased with the current state of the world and would do anything in their power to stop this project from being achieved. For the past two thousand years, despite our best efforts, none has been able to make this project a reality."

"This is why the Academy is doing its best to train you into powerful and capable awakeners because you are the first and last defenders of humanity's fortresses on Earth."

"You are our only way of communicating with the other side of humanity outside of Earth. You are our only hope in conquering the First Dungeon. The hope of humanity rests on your shoulders."

Fredric made a gesture with his hands, and the holograph transformed into a glowing emblem that read, 'Grand Avalon Academy', before it vanished.

"Do any of you have any questions?" Fredric asked, scanning the class. His gaze was primarily focused on scholarship recipients and other commoners because nobles' descendants were already taught about all of these things from birth.

The only reason I attended was to maintain attendance.

One of the students raised their hand.

"Go on," Fredric immediately noticed them and said.

"I heard rumours that the Grand Avalon Academy Dungeon was previously a Boss Dungeon Core. I heard that it's a secret. But I simply want to know how true this is?" the boy asked, his tone nervously.

"This isn't really a secret, as even your seniors know of this information," Fredric responded.

"The Dungeon Core of the Grand Avalon Academy originated from one of the Dungeon Bosses, conquered by the founder and his fellow Heroes. With it, they established the Academy to cultivate Awakeners, and from the same foundation rose the Sky Thunder Fortress, today recognised as one of humanity's largest strongholds."

"Any other questions?" Fredric asked.

The boys' faces lit up with surprise and excitement. He shook his head and sat back down in his seat.

I sighed.

This reminded me of the first time I learnt about this information.

I had made up my mind not to stop training until I became the best Hero.

But fate had other plans.

Fredric scrutinised the class.

Another student raised their hand.

"What's the rank of the Mother Dungeon Core?"

"That's a difficult question to answer. First, you must understand that there are several ranks of dungeons, Pale Green, Light Green, Green, e.tc. Each is graded in Low, Medium and High." Fredric explained, "They range from small caves to massive landscapes resembling a completely different world."

"The higher the dungeon is ranked, the more powerful and intelligent the Dungeon Core is. However, the Mother Dungeon Core appears to be all of this and more. It's in a rank of its own, which has been agreed upon, and that is, 'World Dungeon Core.'"

"You seriously don't think the reason the environment of the First Dungeon keeps transforming, making it so difficult to navigate, is unrelated to our first discovery?' Fredric continued with a chuckle, noticing the students' shocked expressions.

"It can learn. It can adapt, and most of all, it can continuously grow. But you don't need to be afraid. There are still secrets about we haven't yet learnt about the Mother Dungeon Core, such as how, despite the monsters pouring out from the dungeons, the animals in the earth habitats still managed to survive enough for us to repossess them and nurture them back from their state of endangerment."

Fredric continued with a louder chickle, observing as a few of the students paled in fear. They recovered as he completed speaking and sighed in relief.

"Anymore questions?"

Seeing as no one raised their hands to ask, Fredric nodded and said. "Class dismissed," he said, "You can all head out to do whatever other plans you have. Ezekiel, you remain here."

Fredric focused on me.

I nodded at Fredric quietly.

I hadn't received any news from Chioma, so I had no idea about how her discussion with Sarafina had turned out.

I sensed that the attention of others was also focusing on me.

Jaran gritted his teeth as he stared at me with hatred in his eyes.

The rest of the Windcrest Clan's Descendants were also in class. Although their expressions were much more tamed, the fury in their eyes couldn't be concealed.

If given the opportunity, I wouldn't doubt that they would eliminate me from where I sat.

I welcomed their glances with a smile.

They turned away.

The students stood up from their seats and left the class one by one.

Fredric arrived before me and said, "You are truly troublesome. I hadn't expected you to be able to stir up more conflicts with your classmates."

"Now that we are alone. Tell me the truth, how did you do it?"

Fredric narrowed his eyes at me.

I wasn't surprised that he doubted how I defeated them.

"I used my blade."

"Is that all?" Fredric asked.

"Is there anything else that I should use before I can emerge victorious?" I retorted.

"You are right. There's nothing else you could have done to emerge victorious besides swinging your sword," Fredric nodded, immediately changing the subject.

"I heard that you had used a strange sword in your battle. Can I see it?" He asked.

No!

"I'm sorry, Mr Fredric. But I can't show anyone this sword. I hope that you understand." I shook my head.

Fredric's expression turned to a frown for a moment before he sighed and nodded in understanding. "Okay. I'm sorry for asking such a question. I hadn't expected it to mean so much to you. One of the awakener's greatest strengths is their magic items. The less that is known about it, the better. So I understand."

He continued, "Despite my warning not to enter the dungeon, the fact that you went shows that you don't take my advice seriously as a teacher."

"I came to warn you that your actions have instigated the emotions of the other Windcrest Descendants across Classes One and Two, prompting them to seek revenge. Although they are wary of you, they are currently biding their time, waiting for the right time to act."