Kalm offered a polite smile in response to the unexpected compliment. Mr. Don's eyes gleamed with warmth, and his expression was filled with a gentle happiness.
He raised his left hand and grasped the plastic bag, which crinkled softly between his fingers, then extended it toward Kalm slowly.
Before Kalm could ask anything, Don spoke first:
**"It's just a simple change of clothes. Unfortunately, you can't leave wearing your old ones, my friend Kalm."**
Kalm took the bag and opened it. His eyes widened as he saw the beautiful blue garments inside.
They were clean, and the scent that came from them wasn't unpleasant—in fact, to Kalm, it was nothing short of wonderful.
The clothes included a long-sleeved jacket and matching trousers adorned with a few decorative patterns. Alongside them was a sleek pair of athletic shoes—black with hints of red.
He gazed at them for a moment, eyes glimmering brightly as if about to become a star.
Then, realizing it might be rude to delay or seem too overwhelmed, he gently closed the bag and looked toward Don with a smile he tried to make as courteous as possible.
**"Thank you, Mr. Don."**
Don waved a hand cheerfully:
**"You're welcome, my friend. Now that we've taken the first step, let's move on to the second..."**
**"Second step...?"**
Kalm asked, wondering what it might be.
Would it just be more questions?
Or perhaps Don would finally tell him what he was expected to do?
Regardless, Kalm remained alert—his mind focused so he wouldn't miss anything.
Don gave him a light smile and said:
**"No need to be so tense, Kalm. The second step is simple: I'll explain a little about the Voice of the World and give you some direction on what you should do from now on."**
Kalm exhaled in relief—it was close to what he had expected, and exactly what he'd hoped for.
**"I'd be grateful, Mr. Don."**
Don raised his right hand, and in a flicker of golden starlight that shimmered in his palm, a small pendant appeared.
The pendant was a sky-blue string with a small metal plate attached—simple, with no ornate engravings or symbols.
He placed it on the table and began:
**"Kalm, the Voice of the World—or as we often call it—is a massive mechanism tied to the world itself and to the soul of every awakened one.
In a way, it becomes a part of us—something we can't live without. And it's... complex."**
He paused briefly, then continued:
**"First: it chooses the aspect of an awakened one. We don't know how or why it chooses what it does. That's why there are all kinds of aspects... some destructive in battle, others attuned to nurturing soil and land, some are spies... and more.
It's a lot like RPGs."**
Kalm raised a brow.
**"RPGs? What are those?"**
Don gave him a quick surprised look, perhaps momentarily forgetting that Kalm came from the outskirts—where survival meant little more than finding shelter and food.
**"Ah—sorry, Kalm. I've taken care of many rich kids... I forgot.
RPG stands for Role-Playing Game—games where each character specializes in something: some are defenders, others attackers, some support their allies, and a few rare ones are healers..."**
**'Ah… I see.'**
Kalm gave a nod of understanding, and Don continued:
**"The second point is ranks. There are eight known ranks. Climbing through them requires emotional strength above all else—and meeting specific conditions.
Each awakened one's conditions are unique. They're not clearly defined either—you can't advance without understanding yourself and your emotions.
That's why few people ever rise through the ranks, and some remain stuck at rank two for their entire lives."**
Kalm listened attentively. Don's words closely echoed what Kalystra had told him earlier.
She had added that emotions were what made humans special... and she had been so tied to hers that she refused to advance to rulership for that very reason.
Kalm pushed those thoughts aside, returning to himself.
The worst part of it all was that **his original body** couldn't use elements—only his manifestations might. He would never ascend in rank himself.
That's why everything he did now was for the sake of the Calm One... and perhaps future manifestations—while keeping his true nature hidden.
Don continued calmly:
**"When you kill a monster, there are three possible outcomes.
First: you might obtain an element from it, depending on its classification.
Second: the monster might become an Ichor—essentially a creature bound to you that obeys your commands. Though that one's rare.
Third: you get nothing at all—the Voice gives you nothing."**
He scratched the back of his head.
**"When you slay a monster, you obtain a part of its essence. Do you know what monster cores are?"**
Kalm was immediately reminded of the moment Kalystra tore open that repulsive insect's armor and handed him its small core.
He nodded.
**"Yes. I've seen one up close."**
Don crossed his arms with satisfaction:
**"Good. Those cores have many uses, Kalm.
First, you can absorb them to refill your essence and reach saturation.
Second, blacksmiths use them to forge weapons—they convert them into elemental tools..."**
At that moment, Don's brown eyes gleamed, and a wide smile spread across his face:
**"And third: you can sell them and become rich."**
Kalm's eyes lit up. A smile crossed his face unconsciously as he began to process the possibilities.
**"Monster cores are worth a lot, especially those from tier-four and above. They'll rain gold on you, my man."**
Since both of them were from the outskirts, their smiles turned into something odd—daydreaming of endless golden coins and the wild dreams that came with them.
Don leaned back in his chair and raised a finger:
**"See what I mean, Kalm? It's something that once felt impossible... now within reach."**
Kalm nodded:
**"You're absolutely right, Mr. Don."**
He remained quiet for only a few seconds, then turned his gaze back toward the kind man before him.
Though he now understood the bigger picture... he still didn't know what to do next.
As a newly awakened one, he lacked experience—and was still just a boy.
Sensing his concern, Don smiled gently and spoke:
**"You're thinking about your first step, aren't you?
You're still young and new to the world of the awakened.
The government will use you endlessly.
The Four Great Families won't take you in due to your inexperience.
And the Church... ah... let's not even talk about them."**
He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment before gesturing to the plastic bag on the table:
**"My friend Kalm, put on your new clothes.
I'm taking you to the Academy—where you'll receive proper education before your journey truly begins."**
Kalm's gaze drifted to the bag, then back to Mr. Don.
**"The Academy..."**
Education…
Was he finally going to receive the education he had always dreamed of?