Chapter 73: First-Grade Awakening Elixir

But Xue Jiayi, sitting to the side, was feeling anything but comfortable at this moment. It was as if she were perched on a bed of needles, overwhelmed by the intense pressure of being seated beside Tang Shen, whose allure seemed even more potent today. Many girls’ gazes were riveted in their direction; occupying the seat next to him, she could hardly breathe under the weight of their attention.

She did not possess Tang Shen’s mountain-like composure. Her fingers nervously twisted at the hem of her shirt, her expression tinged with panic. Even though she knew those eyes weren’t directed at her, she couldn’t help but feel a chill down her spine, as if an icy wind swept across her back.

All around her, the low hum of female classmates’ whispers and jealous remarks buzzed in her ears.

“It’s been two months, and Tang Shen looks even more handsome than before.”

“Mmm, even sitting there deep in thought, he looks amazing.”

“He’s got a steadier aura now—so composed. I wish I could sit beside him, just gaze at him forever without looking away.”

“Have you noticed? His skin looks better, too. So envious! I wonder if he uses any skincare products.”

“Of course not! My idol’s looks are all natural.”

“I’m so jealous of Xue Jiayi. Why did the teacher put her next to Tang Shen? I’m obviously prettier than she is.”

“Exactly! And her grades aren’t even good. Why should she get to sit by our idol?”

“She’s such an eyesore!”

And so on.

Of course, there were also stares and whispered comments from boys in all directions.

“Come on, what’s he so smug about?”

“So what if he’s good-looking and gets good grades? Nothing to brag about.”

“Damn, the moment he walks in, every girl’s eyes are glued to him. Why do girls care so much about looks?”

“Seriously, do you think girls would prefer your pockmarked mug to his?”

“Hmph! Let’s see if he can stay calm if he fails his awakening.”

“Keep your voice down, don’t talk so loud.”

“Heh, if he never awakens, he’ll just be a pretty face in the end.”

“But he’s clever—his chances of awakening are high. What if he succeeds?”

“Maybe you should worry about yourself first.”

...

The whispers and hushed conversations filled the classroom, growing louder as more students arrived. With the passage of time, the classroom became crowded, and the topics of conversation multiplied, centering mostly around awakening and the immersive game.

When it came to awakening, most students were anxious about whether they’d succeed. After all, the first awakening was crucial. If one failed the first time, every subsequent attempt became exponentially more difficult—ten times harder each try. For most, a failed first awakening meant their chances were gone forever.

Some boasted about finding work in the game and being able to survive, using their relative success as a source of pride. Others complained about dying once again, lamenting how hard it was to survive in the game and questioning how anyone could possibly level up. Whenever the topic shifted to the top-ranked player, their voices brimmed with envy and resentment.

At half past eight, the class monitor took attendance; all the students had arrived. Shortly after, the homeroom teacher for Class 4, Grade 12, entered—a woman in her forties, whose gentle smile radiated warmth.

Clapping her hands as she took the podium, she called out, “Alright, everyone, quiet down.” The teacher commanded genuine respect, and silence fell over the room. The students sat up straighter, eyes shining with excitement and anticipation.

After all, today’s events could change their lives forever. For these young people, excitement was only natural. Though the immersive game had recently appeared, its impact was yet to be seen; most players weren’t faring well, and the mysterious top player had never revealed themselves. In terms of power, gene warriors remained the backbone of society.

The aspiration to become a gene warrior was deeply ingrained in everyone. It was a chance for a complete transformation—a leap from sparrow to phoenix. The privileges and status of a gene warrior were worlds apart from those of ordinary people, admired and revered by all.

“I know everyone has been looking forward to this day,” the teacher said kindly. “So I won’t waste time. Based on this year’s overall results, I’ll read the list of those eligible to receive the awakening serum for free.”

Instantly, everyone’s spirits lifted, their excitement barely contained.

Indeed, there were restrictions on receiving the awakening serum for free. Eligibility was assessed based on each student’s academic performance over all three years of high school, with the final year weighted most heavily, followed by the second, and the first year least of all.

In each class, only about a third of the students would receive the serum for free. The remaining two-thirds would have to purchase it. Even the most basic awakening serum cost ten thousand credits—a staggering sum for students like Tang Shen and Xue Jiayi, and the equivalent of many years’ savings for an ordinary family.

The free serum was usually the most basic grade; higher-quality awakening serums required additional payment. The limited free list was what students from ordinary backgrounds, and those like Tang Shen, strove fiercely to reach.

Tang Shen had always looked forward to this day. He maintained the top academic ranking in his year, for the higher the rank, the higher the grade of awakening serum awarded.

“Tang Shen, ranked first in overall grade, is eligible to receive a Grade One awakening serum free of charge,” the homeroom teacher announced, her gentle gaze resting on him.

A collective gasp swept through the classroom.

In an instant, all eyes turned to Tang Shen, their envy and resentment nearly palpable.

As the gene warrior system evolved and humanity grew more adept at fending off the monstrous threats outside, the process of awakening had become increasingly refined. Where once there were only three methods—automatic, accidental, or forced awakening—the emergence of awakening serum marked a new era.

In the past, awakening could cause severe side effects: loss of sanity, permanent disability, or even death. But as awakening serums were developed and improved, these dangers diminished. Though the success rate might have declined, safety increased dramatically—now, even failure had no lasting consequences.

Awakening serums came in four grades: Grade Three, Grade Two, Grade One, and Special Grade. They weren’t available on the open market; no amount of money could buy them, except perhaps on the black market at exorbitant prices, usually sourced from gene warriors themselves.

Otherwise, distribution was limited to occasions like this—school-wide awakenings. Those not on the free list could still buy in, if they could afford it.

The providers of awakening serum were the government and major gene martial academies, both as a means of recruiting fresh talent—since most new awakenings arose in schools—and as a profitable enterprise. For them, it was a win-win situation.