The rhythmic swaying of the carriage was a sensation I had never known—a physical manifestation of journeying through a world that possessed boundaries. In the Void, there was no movement, only existence. Here, every jolt of the wooden wheels against the desert grit reminded me that I was anchored to a reality governed by friction and momentum.

  ?As the sun dipped lower, painting the horizon in bruised purples and burnt oranges, my heavy eyelids began to close. My mind, still fragile from the transition, succumbed to what the scouts called a "nap." It was a terrifying concept—surrendering consciousness voluntarily—and the experience was both a sanctuary and a torment.

  ?In the depths of that brief slumber, the world of sand and wind vanished. I was back in the eternal darkness, but it was no longer empty. A singular, blinding white light manifested in the distance, and at its very center sat a massive, obsidian point—a black hole of such density that it seemed to be pulling the light into itself. It lingered for a heartbeat, a cosmic eye watching me, before it imploded into nothingness.

  ?I jolted awake with a sharp, ragged gasp. My hands were clawing at the air, and strange, guttural syllables—words from a language that didn't belong to this sun-scorched earth—tumbled from my lips.

  ?Joey Vargas, who was guiding the horses, glanced back with concern etched into his weathered face. "Nico? Easy there, friend. You were muttering... things I've never heard. Was it a nightmare?"

  ?I steadied my breathing, the crimson veins on my arms fading from a bright glow to a dull simmer. I chose the most honest lie I could find. "Just a nightmare, I think. My memory is a fragment of a mirror... jagged and clouded."

  ?Nelson Kael, the man whose eyes seemed to carry the weight of many battles, leaned against the side of the carriage. "Don't let it hollow you out, Nico. Nightmares are the tax we pay for surviving in a world like this. We just faced a living nightmare back there in the dunes, and we're still breathing. Some men never wake up from their dreams. Others... others return, but they leave a piece of themselves behind."

  ?Bahti Zane let out a booming laugh, trying to shatter the gloom that had settled over us. "Ignore him, Nico! Nelson's been a poet of misery since he lost his first tooth. Why the long faces? We're alive! We're heading home with our heads still attached to our necks. This is a time for celebration—and it's all thanks to you!"

  ?Shozo Ren, the most reserved of the group, gave a slow, measured nod. "Bahti has a point, however loud he makes it. Survival is the only objective. If death comes, it doesn't take 'objection' for an answer. So, while you have the breath to do it, live as you should."

  ?Nelson looked at his companions, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. He turned back to me. "I apologize for the heaviness. It's just... sometimes, when you're that close to the end, the 'after' feels a bit thin. Meaningless, even."

  ?I didn't expect the sound that came out of me. It was a laugh—not a hollow one, but a genuine reaction to the absurdity of it all. "Don't apologize, Nelson. Everything you said was the truth. That's why it made me happy. Not because it was gloomy, but because you spoke with the honesty of a man who understands the abyss. I salute you all. Live fully, face death when it arrives, and never surrender the moment before it does. Thank you... for this session."

  ?The scouts looked at me with a mixture of confusion and newfound respect. I was a stranger to them, a terrifying anomaly, yet I was speaking of their own mortality with a clarity they hadn't expected.

  ?"Wait—" I sat up straighter, my eyes narrowing as the horizon changed. "Is that Arcadia?"

  ?Joey grinned, pointing his whip toward the distance. "That, Nico, is the jewel of the continent. Magnificent, isn't it?"

  ?[The Great Kingdom of Arcadia]

  ?As we drew closer, the scale of the kingdom began to reveal itself. Arcadia was not merely a city; it was an architectural testament to the mastery of mana and stone. It stood among the wealthiest and most influential realms in the known world, a bastion of light in a chaotic age. Its streets didn't just have lamps; they possessed crystals that bathed the thoroughfares in a brilliant, ethereal glow. The buildings were adorned with silver and gold filigree that shimmered like a weaver's dream.

  ?It was a cultural and economic heartbeat, a place where the air itself felt heavy with the hum of trade and the whispers of a dozen different races. Humans, elves, and hybrids walked the marble plazas in a state of peaceful coexistence that felt almost fragile to my cynical eyes.

  ?Arcadia held the rank of the Second Kingdom, surpassed in its grandeur only by the Independent Elven Kingdom. At its beating heart lay the Celestial Star Kingdom—the capital and the seat of the Supreme Ruler, King Azral Sul.

  ?"Prepare yourself, Nico," Nelson said, his voice dropping to a whisper of awe. "Whatever answers you seek, they are buried in this city. Arcadia houses the finest libraries and the prestigious universities. The greatest knights and War Generals have walked these halls. It is, above all else, the home of knowledge."

  ?"Knowledge," I repeated. The word felt like water to my parched soul. "I think this is exactly where I need to be."

  ?Shozo Ren leaned in, his expression turning serious. "There is a complication, Nico. Look at yourself. Your skin, those lines... you radiate power. You look like a threat walking on two legs. The gate soldiers aren't scouts; they're trained to spot anomalies. They may stop you, or worse, report you to the Inquisition. We need a way to get you in without a war starting at the front gate."

  ?"I am aware," I said calmly. "Nelson—give me your hand."

  ?Nelson looked hesitant but extended his hand. "Of course, but how will—"

  ?He froze. His eyes widened as he watched my arm. The charcoal-black skin began to ripple, the texture shifting like liquid silk. The crimson lines sank deep beneath the surface, hidden under a new layer of pigmentation. Slowly, the dark shadow of my form transitioned into a pale, olive-toned skin that matched the humans around me. My features softened, losing some of their predatory sharpness.

  ?"Impossible," Nelson breathed, pulling his hand back as if he'd been burned. "How did you do that?"

  ?I offered a small, knowing smile. "It is a trait I am discovering. I can alter my biological structure and skin color at will. I suppose my 'vessel' is more adaptable than most."

  ?Joey, watching through the small window of the carriage, shook his head in disbelief. "Extraordinary. You're full of surprises, Nico. As for the permit—leave the talking to me. I'll make sure the guards see you as one of us."

  ?"Thank you," I said. "To all of you."

  ?The gratitude was returned in a chorus. For them, I was a savior who had appeared from the sand; for me, they were the first anchors of my humanity.

  ?The carriage slowed as we reached the massive, white-stone gates of the city. A guard in polished steel armor stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of a runic blade. "Halt. Permits and entry documents for the party."

  ?Joey leaned out, his voice smooth and professional. "Of course, officer. Scout Expedition 44 returning from the southern dunes. Here are the mission logs and our personal clearances."

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  ?The guard leafed through the papers. "Approved. And the fifth individual? He isn't on the original roster."

  ?"My apologies," Joey said, gesturing toward me. "This is Nico. We found him lost in the field—a scout soldier from a disbanded unit, or so we suspect. He saved our skins from a Sand Lizard. I'll personally guarantee his entry. We're heading straight to the General Documents Hall to register him."

  ?The guard leaned in, his eyes scanning my transformed face. I kept my breathing steady, my mana suppressed to the very core of my being. After a tense silence, the guard stepped back. "Proceed. But ensure he is registered before sunset. Go directly to the Documents Hall."

  ?"Thank you, sir. A fine day to you."

  ?As the carriage rolled through the gates, the group exhaled a collective breath of relief. Bahti laughed, slapping his knee. "You're in! Welcome to Arcadia, Nico. Once the Union hears what you did to that lizard, you'll have full clearance in no time."

  ?"I appreciate everything," I said as the carriage pulled into a crowded plaza. "But I'll leave you here. I need to explore this place on my own terms."

  ?"Farewell, Nico. Good luck. And thank you—for everything."

  ?I was finally inside.

  The city was a sensory overload. The smell of roasted meats, the clatter of horse hooves on marble, the vibrant colors of silk banners—it was the polar opposite of the Void. My first priority was clear: I needed a foundation. I needed to know what this world was before I could decide my place in it.

  ?However, I quickly realized a flaw in my plan. In my rush to be independent, I had forgotten to ask the scouts for directions to the Great Library.

  ?Damn.

  ?I began walking, my eyes scanning the crowds. Eventually, I approached a figure standing near a fountain. "Excuse me—could you tell me where the library is?"

  ?The person spun around, eyes flashing with annoyance. "Idiot! I'm a girl! Did you mistake me for a man from behind? Men in this city are truly insufferable!"

  ?I paused, observing her. She looked similar to the humans, but her ears were slightly pointed, and her features possessed a clarity and grace that felt... elevated. An elf, perhaps? Or a hybrid? My books would later tell me, but for now, I was a student of the moment.

  ?"My apologies," I said, pitching my voice to be as non-threatening as possible. "I am Nico. I am... new to this land. Could you guide me to the library?"

  ?Her expression shifted from anger to curiosity. "Nico, huh? Well, at least you have manners now. I'm Melina. Follow me; the library is on my way to the academy anyway."

  ?"Thank you, Melina."

  ?As we walked through the bustling streets, she kept tilting her head to look at me. "You're definitely not from around here. Your phrasing... it sounds archaic. Like you're reading from a scroll written five hundred years ago."

  ?"I'm not sure what you mean," I admitted. "Is there a specific way I should address you?"

  ?She laughed softly, a melodic sound. "We use feminine forms for women, Nico. It's simple grammar. You speak as if every person is just a 'unit' or a 'being.' It's strange, but... I suppose it's charming in a weird way."

  ?"I see. My memory is... unsettled. I will try to adapt."

  ?"No problem. Look—we're here. This is the Royal Library of Arcadia."

  ?It was a cathedral of books. Towers of parchment and ink that stretched toward a vaulted ceiling. "Sit anywhere," Melina whispered. "Pick a book, read, and return it. Those are the rules. I have to go, but... maybe I'll see you around, strange traveler." She smiled and disappeared into the crowd.

  ?I didn't waste a second. I walked to the nearest shelf and pulled out a volume: Natural Biology.

  ?Eight hours passed in what felt like minutes. My mind was a sponge, devouring every word, every diagram.

  ?"You! It's closing time! Can you hear me? If you don't leave, I'm locking you in! HEY!"

  ?The librarian, an older man with spectacles perched on a hooked nose, was shouting at me. I looked up, my eyes bloodshot but my mind buzzing. Lock me in, I thought. I would prefer it.

  ?I returned the book and prepared to leave. But I would be back.

  ?Three months passed.

  I became a fixture of the library. I learned the name of the librarian—Whitlock Charles. He was a man who appreciated silence and focus, two things I had in abundance.

  ?"Back again, you book-obsessed creature?" Whitlock Charles laughed as I walked in one morning. "I swear, Nico, you've read more in ninety days than most scholars do in a lifetime."

  ?"The world is vast, Charles. And I am starting from zero."

  ?"Flattery. You've got two shelves left in the East Wing and you'll have finished the entire public collection."

  ?I moved toward the remaining titles. My eyes caught two books: The Eternal Dimension and Star Logic. I spent weeks on them, piecing together the cosmology of this world.

  ?By the end of five months, the picture was becoming clear.

  I learned that this planet was called Earth. It was part of a Solar System, orbiting a star called the Sun. I studied the history of the human species, their wars, their biology, and the complex web of their emotions. I was learning to be "Nico Sigmund," the human, while the "Void" within me waited patiently.

  ?Through Charles's recommendation and my own relentless study, I managed to register at the most prestigious university in Arcadia. I needed more than just books; I needed to see how magic was applied.

  ?On the day I was to start, a voice cut through the morning air. "NICO! Is that you? Over here!"

  ?I smiled. "Your voice, Melina. It is as subtle as a thunderstorm."

  ?She ran up to me, her eyes wide. "You remembered me! And... wait, are those university robes? Don't tell me you actually enrolled!"

  ?"I did. Would you like to walk with me? A guide is always useful."

  ?"Absolutely! I can't believe it. How many books did you end up reading in that dusty old library?"

  ?"One thousand and fifty-one," I replied. "Though the number feels inadequate for the depth of this world's secrets."

  ?Melina stopped dead in her tracks. "...What? One thousand? In five months? You're a monster, Nico."

  ?"Perhaps," I said softly.

  ?The university was a marvel of white marble and brass, a place where science and magic were forged into one. As the bells rang, students flooded the halls.

  ?[Course: Magic Sciences and Self-Control]

  [Instructor: Suzuna Hikari]

  ?The classroom was tiered, filled with young men and women from noble houses and talented commoners. At the front stood a woman with sharp, intelligent eyes and a presence that commanded absolute silence.

  ?"Take your seats," Suzuna Hikari announced. "I am Suzuna Hikari. We begin in forty seconds. Today, we cover the foundation of our civilization: The Elements and the Rank System."

  ?She tapped a crystal, and a holographic display filled the room.

  ?"Magic is the manipulation of the natural mana that flows through our world. It has elevated us from the dirt to the stars. The basic elements compatible with the human vessel are:

  ? ?Water: The easiest to harmonize with. Compatibility: 98%.

  ? ?Fire: Destructive and potent. Compatibility: 89%.

  ? ?Air: Requires precision and mental clarity. Compatibility: 81%.

  ? ?Lightning: Volatile and rare. Compatibility: 28%."

  ?She paused, her gaze sweeping the room. "But potential is nothing without measurement. For that, we use the Super Nova device to determine your Mana Statistics and your Rank."

  ?The display shifted to a list that made the air in the room feel heavy.

  ?[World Power System – Official Ranks]

  ?Element Tier:

  ? ?Soldier Rank: 40,000 – 80,000

  ? ?Elite Rank: 85,000 – 120,000

  ? ?General Rank: 240,000 – 430,000

  ?Mystic Tier:

  ? ?Commander General: 450,000 – 2,000,000

  ? ?War General: 3,000,000 – 9,000,000

  ? ?Legend Rank: 10,000,000 – 38,000,000

  ? ?Emperor Rank: 40,000,000 – 70,000,000

  ?Dark Tier:

  ? ?Dragon Rank: 75,000,000 – 130,000,000

  ? ?Emergence Rank: 150,000,000 – 920,000,000

  ? ?Star Rank: 930,000,000 – 5,500,000,000

  ?The Theoretical Apex:

  ? ?Great Void Rank: 13,000,000,000 – 200,000,000,000

  ?"For context," Suzuna continued, "a normal human without mana training registers between 800 and 1,000. A newborn is a mere 3 to 8. As for the Great Void rank—it is purely theoretical. No being in recorded history has ever approached those numbers. It exists only as a mathematical horizon."

  ?I raised my hand.

  ?"Yes? The new student. Your name?"

  ?"Nico Sigmund. I have a question regarding the Great Void."

  ?She nodded. "Go ahead."

  ?"Why that name specifically? And if no one has ever reached it, why is it officially recorded in the archives with such specific statistical ranges?"

  ?Suzuna Hikari straightened, her expression becoming more academic. "The name comes from our observations of the cosmos. There is a region in our galaxy—the literal Great Void—where no stars, no planets, and no light can exist. It is a place of absolute sovereignty over the darkness. We named the rank after it because a being of that power would theoretically be a walking void themselves."

  ?She smiled faintly. "As for its recognition, it was calculated by the founders of the Supreme Union. The strongest known individual in our era is King Azral Sul, who sits firmly in the Star Rank. The Great Void remains a myth. Does that satisfy you?"

  ?"Yes," I replied, sitting back. "Thank you, Professor."

  ?As the lecture continued, I looked at my right hand. A faint, black energy—invisible to everyone else—pulsed beneath my skin.

  ?The Great Void. Absolute darkness. The nothingness I once called home.

  ?I hadn't just taken the first step toward understanding the world. I had taken the first step toward reclaiming what I was. And the world had no idea that the "myth" they lectured about was sitting in the third row, taking notes.

  [End of Chapter 2]