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Chapter 1 – The Awakened Neophyte
Blue Planet. Its twin suns hung lazily in the sky, casting dual shadows across crystalline cities that gleamed like oceans of fractured light. Bioluminescent forests sprawled across continents, sending faint glimmers across rivers and glassy plains. Towering skyscrapers shimmered with integrated solar panels and plasma conduits, while orbital stations above dotted the atmosphere like frozen stars. Humanity—or what remained of it—was only one race among many in this chaotic, yet strangely organized multiverse.
Adrian Sylvian, seventeen, sat cross-legged on the edge of the roof of Neo-Genesis Academy, staring at the horizon. Twin suns reflected in his eyes as he studied the sprawling city below, observing the subtle pulse of its daily rhythm. Students of alien and human descent alike rushed along levit-trains, hover sidewalks, and sky bridges. Every step they took had a weight, every movement a purpose. Every being around him radiated potential energy, a hint of their Stellar Class genes—though most, like Adrian himself, were only beginning their journey.
He exhaled sharply, letting his gaze wander to the faint glimmer of the Morphic Integration Vials tucked safely in his satchel. Today would be another step—a tiny one—in what he knew would be a lifetime of progression. He had been reincarnated from another life, carrying every memory, every calculation, every scientific theory he had mastered as Malik, the polymath from the Old Earth. And yet, here he was, on a new planet, a new body: that of Adrian Sylvian—a frail human whose body was far weaker than his mind.
"I swear," he muttered, "if Amy wasn't secretly feeding me protein synth packs behind my back, I'd probably be nothing but a floor mat for someone else's genes."
A small drone buzzed near his shoulder, flickering with a holographic display of genetic charts and energy flow diagrams. It had been programmed as his assistant—part guide, part sarcastic observer.
"Neophyte," it buzzed in a cheeky tone, "if you sit there sulking another cycle, your adaptation points will stagnate. And remember—those Stellar Class students are growing faster than you. Your step-sister will crush you if you don't act."
Adrian smirked. "Good. Let her think she's ahead. Let the Federation think I'm weak. That's exactly what I want."
From his satchel, Adrian pulled a small vial labeled "Morphic Integration – Tier F." It contained a basic gene enhancement potion. The label promised little: minor muscle density increase, slightly enhanced neural efficiency, negligible stamina improvement. It was a starter formula, a mockery to anyone who expected miracles. Yet Adrian's mind knew better. Every molecule injected would be a step toward mastery, each cellular modification laying the groundwork for more advanced Gene Imprints and eventual Omega Gene activation.
He drank, feeling the tingle of bio-synthetic compounds coursing through his veins. Every fiber of his being vibrated, nerves sharpening, reflexes twitching. It was subtle, barely noticeable, but the difference between stagnation and potential was now alive in him.
The bells of Neo-Genesis Academy chimed, echoing through the city's crystalline canyons. Students of all shapes and species streamed toward their training grounds. Energy beings flickered with plasma trails, humanoid aliens with translucent skin floated effortlessly across the corridors, and synthetic androids of the Federation's design marched in precise, rhythmic patterns. Yet Adrian moved slowly, studying. Observing. Absorbing.
"Why are humans always late to the rules of the multiverse?" the AI drone quipped, its holographic form pirouetting beside him.
"You mean me?" Adrian asked, grinning.
"Yes. Exactly you. If you waste another cycle sulking on rooftops, Amy's Stellar Class gene will leave you in the dust. You will be trampled."
Adrian's eyes sparkled with a secret delight. "Good. Let her think she's ahead. Let the Federation underestimate me. That's exactly what I want."
At the dormitory entrance, Adrian encountered the first wave of morning drills. Students were divided by Stellar Class: F-tier, D-tier, and the rare C-tier prodigies. Each student had an adaptation tracker projected above their heads—a holographic display of Gene Cycle points, health, stamina, and skill mastery. Adrian's display flickered faintly: Adaptation Points: 0/1000.
"Beginner's cycle," Adrian muttered. "Pathetic. But necessary."
Step-sister Amy glided past, her aura shimmering like liquid silver. S-tier gene, perfect integration, every movement precise. She glanced at him, expression neutral—but Adrian knew better. Behind that cool exterior, she cared. She had always protected him from the shadows.
"Your Morphic Integration is still Tier F," she whispered casually, moving on. "Don't fall behind."
Adrian smirked. "Oh, I won't. Not today."
Training began with minor dungeon simulations, artificial constructs designed to test adaptability. Creatures pulsed with synthetic life energy, programmed to scale with the student's Gene Imprints. Adrian's first opponent: a small, insectoid bio-construct, capable of lifting ten times its weight, fast, agile. Using basic calculations, Adrian anticipated its attacks, using Morphic Integration to dodge and counter.
"Impressive for a neophyte," the AI drone quipped. "But don't get cocky. Omega Gene potential detected—latent, dormant. Could awaken at any time…or never. Depends on your choices."
Adrian smirked, nodding. "Let's see how fast a dog can become a wolf."
He struck the bio-construct with a measured strike, applying kinetic formulas he had learned from Old Earth physics, modified to his current body metrics. The creature collapsed, adaptation points ticking upward: 12/1000.
Later, he entered the lab simulation, testing Gene Imprints and Morphic Integration formulas. He scribbled complex equations on the holographic interface: muscle density × neuron efficiency ÷ stamina coefficient + Omega Gene latency factor. Each number adjusted in real-time, visualizing growth curves and power scaling.
"You're insane," the drone buzzed. "Even your simulations are…too detailed."
Adrian chuckled. "Insanity is just intelligence untamed."
As the sun set, casting crimson and violet streaks across the city, Adrian sat atop the roof again, vials empty, body trembling with the strain of Tier F Morphic Integration. Omega Gene pulses deep within his DNA, faintly glowing—a heartbeat he could feel, but not yet awaken.
"Tomorrow," he whispered. "Tomorrow, I begin the real training."
The twin suns dipped below the horizon, leaving Adrian Sylvian staring into the artificial night sky, a boy among gods and monsters, with a mind centuries older than the planet he now called home.
And thus began the first day of the Awakened Neophyte—a journey of gene cycles, morphic integration, adaptation points, hidden powers, and an evolution that would shake the multiverse itself.
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