My entire body was drenched in sweat.
My T-shirt clung unpleasantly to my back. But I was not injured anywhere.
I was completely fine.
'I really went there.'
It had not been a dream or a hallucination. Everything had been too vivid. The bears' rank odor. Crimson blood. The feel of the spear in my hand. It had all been real.
Swoosh.
I placed a trembling hand against my chest.
Thump. Thump.
My heartbeat felt the same as always. But beyond it, I sensed a presence. The breathing of living beings.
One hundred.
Now 100, including one special individual.
'They're alive.'
I closed my eyes. I could sense them more clearly. Even now, they were alive and breathing on that planet, somewhere in the dimension inside my heart.
The Awakened would be leading the group. He would defend the cave, hunt, develop, and survive.
And I would watch over them and help from here.
DING-DING!
Then that cheerful sound rang out again.
[Tutorial Cleared!]
Congratulations!
You have successfully completed the Primitive Planet Tutorial.
Rewards:
― 100P awarded
― Point Shop function unlocked
Current Points: 100P
"Point Shop?"
I muttered without realizing it. This function had not existed in the game.
The System kindly displayed an additional explanation.
[Point Shop Guide]
Uses for Points:
1. Planet Support
― Dimensional Transfer: Visit the planet in person
― Grant Blessing: Provide your species with a temporary buff
― Disaster Prevention: Block natural disasters or disease
― Knowledge Transmission: Knowledge Imprinting for a specific technology or body of knowledge
2. Ruler Enhancement
― Improve physical abilities
― Acquire combat techniques
― Develop special abilities
※ Important: The ruler can learn only abilities manifested by Awakened on the planet.
※ Example: Spearmanship Awakened present → Ruler's Spearmanship can also be enhanced
Point Acquisition:
― Race Development (Civilization Stage Advanced)
― Emergence of Awakened
― Completion of major achievements
"Wow."
Admiration escaped me. My mouth fell open.
With points, I could visit the planet in person. That alone was amazing, but I could also strengthen humanity with blessings and even prevent disasters?
And most importantly.
'I can make myself stronger too.'
Had the System read my disappointment with the 20% Ability Conversion Rate?
Spending points meant I could use superpowers like the Awakened in the game, whether magic, aura, or special abilities.
My heart pounded.
'Wait. On the planet right now.'
My thoughts reached that point. The Spearmanship Awakened. The man who had slaughtered the bears moments ago.
In other words.
"I can learn Spearmanship too."
I reached out and opened the menu floating in the air.
A screen unfolded.
[Point Shop]
━━ Planet Support ━━
▸ Dimensional Transfer (1 use): 50P
▸ Blessing: Increased Hunting Success Rate (24 hours): 20P
▸ Blessing: Accelerated Injury Recovery (24 hours): 30P
▸ Knowledge Imprinting (Basic Technology): 40P
━━ Ruler Enhancement ━━
▸ Spearmanship LV.1: 30P ✓ Available
▸ Physical Enhancement LV.1: 50P
━━ Special ━━
▸ ??? (Locked)
Current Points: 100P
My eyes sparkled. No, I was going wild.
There was so much I could do.
I could make a Dimensional Transfer and teach them myself, bless them to increase their hunting success, or learn Spearmanship and become stronger.
'What should I do first with 100 points?'
I agonized over it. There were too many options.
Should I make a Dimensional Transfer and visit them again? Or learn Spearmanship first? Physical Enhancement was tempting too.
My finger hesitated over the menu.
But this was not bad. No, it was wonderful.
Simply having choices made me happy.
Until yesterday, I had barely survived as a convenience-store clerk. Now I had become the ruler of 100 Primitive Humans and could even learn superpowers.
"Hoo."
I let out a long breath. A laugh escaped me.
This was the true beginning.
Of my life. And of the Primitive Humans' lives.
'Then what comes first?'
I studied the Point Shop again. One hundred points. I had to spend them carefully.
'I don't need to spend points on myself.'
Learning Spearmanship or getting Physical Enhancement could wait. I had no reason to enter a Dungeon yet. Becoming Awakened did not mean I had to become a Hunter immediately.
More importantly.
I placed my hand against my chest.
The humans I had to raise were here.
'They come first.'
The Primitive Humans had to survive and develop for me to become stronger. That was what the System had said.
[The species' growth will become your strength.]
Then the answer was clear. I would concentrate every investment on them.
"Two blessings, and Knowledge Imprinting."
I reached out and selected each option in turn.
▸ Blessing: Increased Hunting Success Rate (24 hours): 20P
▸ Blessing: Accelerated Injury Recovery (24 hours): 30P
▸ Knowledge Imprinting: Fire-Making: 40P
[Confirm Purchase]
Total Cost: 90P
Balance: 10P
I pressed the confirm button.
DING-DING!
[Knowledge Propagation Starting]
Imprinting 'Fire-Making' on the Primitive Humans.
My heart began to beat hotly. No, it was more than heat. It felt as though something were leaving my heart. Energy flowed away rapidly.
'This is Knowledge Propagation.'
It was fascinating that something inside me was being delivered to that distant planet.
[Transmission Complete]
Primitive Humans have acquired knowledge of 'Fire-Making.'
WHOOSH.
A translucent screen appeared in the air before me.
The Primitive Humans had gathered at the center of the cave. A small flame blazed in the middle, casting orange light as it burned dry wood and grass.
"Uuu!"
"Oooooh!"
They cheered. They seemed moved by seeing fire for the first time. Sitting around it, they extended trembling hands and looked happy as the warmth heated their bodies.
Chunks of meat cooked over the fire. The flesh of the bears they had killed earlier.
Sizzle, sizzle.
It almost seemed as though I could smell the savory aroma filling the cave through the screen.
One of them cautiously tore off a piece of cooked meat and ate it.
"Uugh! Uuuuu!"
His eyes widened with joy. He seemed moved by the taste of cooked meat.
"You little rascals."
I chuckled. Warmth filled my chest.
Eat your fill.
Then survive and prosper.
That would benefit both you and me.
***
11 a.m. the following day.
[Seoul Awakened Center]
I had come here for one reason.
'Awakened registration.'
In Korea, anyone who underwent Awakening was legally required to report it.
In return, officially recognized Awakened received a basic allowance. Three million won per month.
That was an enormous amount to someone who had barely scraped by as a convenience-store clerk.
There was no reason to put it off. I needed the allowance, and failing to register could cause legal problems.
Still.
'So this is the place.'
Was it because this was my first time entering the Center? I swallowed without realizing it.
Wow.
The lobby was spacious and packed with people.
Awakening applications. Grade promotion tests. Dungeon-entry permit issuance.
The place handled all kinds of business, so the crowds were considerable.
'Are all of them Awakened?'
There had to be nearly 1,000 people.
Every one of them had a unique ability and worked as a Hunter.
"Welcome."
An attendant approached in a neat navy suit.
"How may I help you?"
"Oh, um, I'm here to register as Awakened."
My voice trembled.
Perhaps noticing, the attendant offered a gentle smile.
"A new registration. Is this your first time at the Center?"
"Yes, it is."
"You don't need to be nervous. The process is simple."
The attendant operated a machine beside her, and a ticket emerged with a crackle.
"You're number 37. Please wait in those seats, and we'll call you shortly."
"Thank you."
Whew.
With some of my tension gone, I looked around and noticed a group that immediately stood out.
'Those people.'
A man in dazzling silver armor stood at the center of a group.
Hunters.
People who had already completed their Awakening and now earned money by clearing Dungeons.
The man in the middle was especially striking. His armor and weapon were ornate enough to belong in an online game.
'How much does that gear cost?'
Tens of millions of won? No. Equipment like that probably cost hundreds of millions. They must have repeated the cycle of earning money by raiding Gates, buying better equipment, and becoming stronger.
And me.
'Can I become like that too?'
I placed a hand against my chest. Thump, thump. Beyond my heart, I faintly sensed 100 lives.
'I can.'
I was different from them. I raised Primitive Humans, and when they grew stronger, so did I.
That was my path.
"Customer number 37, please come to counter 3."
At last, it was my turn. I stood, clutching the ticket, and walked to counter 3.
"Please review the information and sign here."
I looked down at the screen and skimmed it.
Management of Awakened information, storage of Dungeon-entry records, possible government mobilization in an emergency.
There were no particularly strange clauses. I scrawled my signature on the screen with a finger.
"All right, confirmed. Now please place your hand on that measuring orb."
The employee pointed to a small pedestal beside the desk. Faint light swirled inside a transparent orb.
'So this measures my Awakening type.'
I had seen the orb all over the internet.
"Hoo."
I took a breath and placed my hand on it. The cold surface touched my palm.
HUM—
The orb vibrated softly. The light inside grew steadily brighter, then turned a peculiar mixture of green and brown. Words appeared on the monitor above it.
[Awakening Type: Development-type]
[Detailed Classification: Unidentified]
[Grade: Unmeasured]
'Development-type.'
It was accurate. The category perfectly suited someone raising Primitive Humans.
"You're a Development-type."
The employee nodded at the monitor.
"Development-type Awakened usually specialize in summons or monster taming. They're popular with Guilds too. I'll complete your registration now."
A few moments later, several sheets emerged from the printer.
"Your Awakened registration is complete. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
"From now on, an allowance of three million won will automatically be deposited into your registered account every month."
Three million won. Nearly three times what I earned in a month at the convenience store.
"There is one condition, though. If you have no Dungeon or official Hunter activity on record for 3 months, payments will automatically stop. The Awakened allowance isn't meant to pay people to sit idle."
The employee added with a smile.
"Oh, yes. Understood."
'Three months should be enough.'
In that time, I could develop the Primitive Humans, collect points, and improve my abilities to some degree.
The employee pulled out a thick booklet and handed it to me.
"This is the New Awakened Guidebook. It contains all the basic information a new Hunter needs. Read it at your leisure when you get home."
"Thank you."
The guidebook was thicker than I expected.
"Oh, and one more thing."
The employee looked at the monitor as she asked.
"Your Grade hasn't been measured yet. Would you like to do that before you leave? It takes about 30 minutes."
"Grade measurement?"
"Yes. The official Grades range from F to S. You need one for Hunter activities; it makes Dungeon entry easier and allows you to receive recruitment offers from Guilds.
There are two methods. You can have a brief spar with another Hunter, or we can measure your record in a virtual-monster elimination simulation."
'A spar? A virtual monster?'
What could I do right now? There was a Spearmanship Awakened on the planet, but I had not learned his abilities myself. I had only 10P left.
I had received some power, but an Ability Conversion Rate of 20% meant only one-fifth the ability of a physically Awakened person.
Frankly, I was certain I would receive the lowest Grade if I tested now.
"Just give me F-grade."
"All right."
The employee nodded.
"Most Development-type Awakened start at F-grade. They only get stronger as their summons or development targets grow. You can take a promotion test anytime later."
'That's a relief.'
Perhaps because Development-types were expected to be weak at first, she showed no sign of looking down on me.
Or perhaps she showed no sign simply because she was an employee.
"Your registration is complete. Thank you for your time today."
"Thank you."
I gathered the documents and the guidebook, then rose from my seat.
***
I left the Awakened Center and returned home.
When I opened the door, a familiar smell struck my nose. A cramped, damp room, and one I would leave as soon as I had a steady income.
THUMP!
I placed the documents and guidebook on the desk, then threw myself onto the bed.
"."
My mind was blank.
'I really became Awakened.'
I still could not believe it. Until yesterday, I had been a convenience-store clerk. Now, overnight, I was Awakened.
Swoosh.
I picked up the guidebook and opened it. It said to start with F-grade Dungeons, explained how to register with a Hunter Guild, and listed places to buy equipment.
'I can read this slowly later.'
I set the guidebook aside and closed my eyes. Too much had happened in a single day.
Fatigue began dragging my eyelids shut.
DING!
Then a familiar sound rang in my ears. When I opened my eyes, a translucent screen floated in the air.
[Live Planet View]
'What's this?'
The cave appeared on the screen. Its atmosphere was different from yesterday. The Primitive Humans were no longer trembling in fear but concentrating on something.
*"Uoh! Uoh!"*
The Awakened stood at their center. The large man was lifting and stacking stones.
'What is that?'
The screen zoomed in automatically. Beside the fire stood a structure built of stacked stone.
It appeared to be made from several flat stone slabs. Meat sizzled on top, and they had even left gaps for the smoke to escape.
'A stove? No, a hearth?'
This was on a completely different level from merely lighting a fire and grilling meat. The structure used heat efficiently, vented smoke, and even allowed them to control the temperature.
"Amazing."
Admiration escaped me. I shot upright in bed.
'They made that using the Fire-Making knowledge I gave them?'
I had taught them only how to handle fire, yet they had gone further and created a tool. Their S-grade Adaptability truly was not for show.
DING-DING!
[Technological Advancement Achieved!]
Primitive Humans have acquired the 'Hearth Construction' technique.
Effect: Increased food-preparation efficiency / Increased survival rate
Reward: 40P acquired
Current Points: 50P
'Forty points?'
That was far more than I expected. They had developed one technology, and it had already earned this much.
'At this rate.'
I might accumulate points faster than expected. Then another message appeared at the bottom of the screen.
[TIP]
Additional points can be obtained by hunting powerful creatures alongside your species.
※ Rewards increase according to the ruler's direct participation.
※ The greater the hunting difficulty, the more points acquired.
'Hunting.'
Gulp.
I swallowed.
'Fifty points is enough to go there again.'
A Dimensional Transfer cost 50P.
Exactly enough.
If I returned to the planet, hunted a powerful creature with the Primitive Humans, and earned even more points.
"Ha. Isn't this practically a cheat?"
I laughed. The System's abilities were incredible.
Raising my species made me stronger. Technological development earned points. I could invest those points back into the species. It was a perfect virtuous cycle.
But.
'Ultimately, I have to act.'
The Primitive Humans could develop on their own, but there were limits. I had to give them knowledge, hunt with them, and overcome crises.
'What about a weapon?'
A thought occurred to me. Could I carry a weapon during a Dimensional Transfer? The tutorial had provided spear-making materials before, but this time was different. Going barehanded was too dangerous.
PATTER.
I brought back a kitchen knife.
'Let's try it.'
I opened the Point Shop and selected Dimensional Transfer.
[Dimensional Transfer (1 use): 50P]
[Purchase?]
'Purchase.'
I gripped the kitchen knife and pressed the confirm button.
DING!
[Preparing Dimensional Transfer]
My heart pounded. Would it work?
[Warning!]
Modern artifact detected.
Items exceeding the planet's technological level cannot be brought inside.
Dimensional Transfer unavailable.
"Seriously?"
I laughed in disbelief and looked down at the knife. Even this was forbidden?
'It is fair.'
Thinking about it, the restriction was natural. Modern weapons would destroy the balance.
'So I have to go empty-handed.'
I was uneasy. Honestly, I was afraid too. But the Spearmanship Awakened was there—the warrior who had nearly slaughtered the bear pack alone. With him, we could hunt successfully.
I drew a deep breath. After calming myself, I opened the Point Shop again.
'Dimensional Transfer.'
[Beginning Dimensional Transfer]
[Possession Inspection: Passed]
[Transfer Preparation Complete]
HUM!
My heart pounded forcefully, harder than the first time. My body vibrated, and the tremor reached into my bones.
Light poured down. White light swallowed my entire field of vision.
It felt as though my consciousness were cutting out.
"Ugh."
It still felt unpleasant, even the second time.