Brandon White's heart was wrapped in a gentle radiance. With every beat, he could feel his body undergoing a new metamorphosis.
As he sank deeper into cultivation, his consciousness gradually slipped into unconsciousness.
When awareness finally returned, he found himself standing in an unfamiliar space.
Vast mountains stretched into the horizon. Rivers wound through willows, bamboo groves, and seas of flowers.
Everywhere his gaze touched brimmed with vitality.
Here, the spiritual energy was even denser than in the real world.
At that moment, his Natural Authority fed him information about this strange place.
It was a world distinct from reality—a small world that belonged solely to him.
There was no limit to it. The stronger he became, the wider this world would expand, and the richer its spiritual energy would grow.
As for why it had been created, the world's will gave him no answer.
Yet it was clear this place would play a vital role in his future growth.
Brandon crouched and pressed a palm to the ground. Picking up a stone, he blinked in surprise.
Even this ordinary-looking rock was brimming with spiritual energy.
A spirit stone?
That was the closest comparison—but wasn't the quantity far too excessive?
He scanned the ground. Countless similar stones lay scattered everywhere. The only difference between them was the density of the energy they held.
What a staggering design.
The sheer abundance of spiritual energy was overwhelming. If even stones had turned into spirit stones, then what of the grass, trees, fruits, and flowing streams?
Had they all become treasures of heaven and earth?
Brandon shook his head. Though astonished, he managed to keep calm.
Later, he thought, he might populate this world with animals. Otherwise, it would feel too empty.
Or perhaps even Pokémon—they'd probably love it here. At the very least, it would give Pikachu some new companions.
With a thought, his consciousness left the small world. He glanced around his room, where countless manifested artifacts were stored.
During his baptism, some of those items had quietly disappeared.
"Not long ago I said the time hadn't come… I didn't expect it to arrive so soon."
"I wonder who will end up with them."
Brandon chuckled, then turned to prepare food. The tide had come suddenly, and he suspected Pikachu would soon be hungry.
But while things remained calm around him, the rest of the world was anything but peaceful.
The Second Spiritual Tide's impact on humanity and all life was too great.
If someone attracted too much spiritual energy due to high talent but failed to endure it, the result was a riot of power. And for those nearby, that meant terror.
Boom!
With an earth-shaking blast, flames erupted from an apartment complex, engulfing the entire building in fire. The inferno's searing heat was punctuated by a chain of explosions.
By the time the Bureau arrived, what awaited them was nothing less than hell.
On the streets and in shopping centers, countless people failed to withstand the baptism, their bodies bursting into pools of blood.
Screams, wails, sobs—
The world had descended into chaos.
"Dad! Mom! Where are you?"
"I didn't mean it… Daddy, I really didn't mean it…"
"I—"
Following the energy readings, the Bureau traced the source of the explosion. They found a little girl huddled in a corner, her body trembling.
Beside her lay two charred corpses—her parents.
Nathaniel Gray and the others could only sigh. They quietly took her away.
It was the only thing they could do.
Compared to the gentle first awakening of abilities, this tide was far too violent. No one could guess how many would die this time.
Chirp!
A shrill cry split the sky. Flocks of birds wheeled and dove at the ground.
And it wasn't only birds—packs of mutated beasts appeared from nowhere. Wolves, rats, ants, stray cats, wild dogs—their eyes glowed crimson with madness as they charged at humans.
Perhaps humans offered them something vital. Perhaps it was nothing but blind instinct.
In truth, no reason was needed.
Mutated beasts were the enemies of humankind—and humans were their enemies in turn.
Coexistence was impossible. Their very species ensured opposing fates.
Earth was now ruled by humans.
Though the first awakening had granted beasts some abilities, they remained weak before mankind. Back then, they couldn't shake humanity's throne as apex predators.
But this time was different.
The Second Spiritual Tide had given them a chance to challenge humanity's rule.
As their intelligence grew, so too would their ambitions.
Who said humanity alone deserved the top of the pyramid? Why not them?
When that time came, each apex beast might command vast tribes, posing an immense threat to mankind.
Thus, before that future arrived, humanity would have to crush them at all costs.
Wisdom did not guarantee peace. Show a beast mercy, and it would not return the gesture.
And most crucial of all—
Earth's resources were limited.
Even with spiritual energy reviving flora and fauna, resources remained finite.
Humans controlled the richest lands. Did anyone really expect beasts to sit idly by as humanity hoarded them?
Impossible.
Therefore, mercy was a luxury. Waiting idly while beasts grew strong would only invite disaster.
Humans could be kind, compassionate, benevolent—but only from a position of strength.
Until then, they had no right to show mercy to any existence that might threaten them.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Gunfire roared. Artillery thundered.
One Bureau unit after another unleashed their powers against the swarms of mutated beasts. Determination and even exhilaration lit their faces.
They had long awaited this day.
And among the civilians watching, a strange, fierce emotion stirred in their hearts.
(End of Chapter)