Chapter 3: The Dust Settles

Upon opening his eyes, he saw the chestnut-colored tables and chairs still on either side of him, and Gong Yaming's hands slowly clenched into fists

Thinking of this, Gong Yaming quickly put away the "rollers" on his shoes and hurriedly walked into the dusty building before him

Upon hearing that Gong Yaming possessed qualifications that could hardly be described as competent, Zhan Wenhua, an official of the Federation, did not display any regret for the funds that had been wasted. She stated in a formal manner: "Since you possess 'consciousness qualifications', then becoming a 'substitute user' is entirely unproblematic. According to the 'Interstellar Development Code of the Galactic Federation of United States', you may visit the Federal Power Activation Center in 'Qingji City', which governs 'Shanteng City', at any time within six months to activate your 'substitute' abilities. Furthermore, within two years after becoming a 'Transcender', you may apply for the 'Explorer' practical assessment at any 'Central City-State' of the Explorer Association in the Northern Thai Star Zone of the Galactic Federation of United States. If you can pass the assessment and become an F-level 'Explorer', you will also gain the final privilege, whereby the Federal Government will elevate your 'substitute user' rank to G+. Of course, from that point onward, you will be obligated to fulfill your duties to the Federation." If you can pass the assessment and become an F-level 'Explorer', you will also gain the final privilege, whereby the Federal Government will elevate your 'substitute user' rank to G+. Of course, from that point onward, you will be obligated to fulfill your duties to the Federation.

However, B and others with the 'consciousness qualification' need to use 132 'soul inducement devices' in order to trigger the 'substitute ability'

After completing the inheritance program, Gong Yaming, who had been using the "foldable electronic screen and book sub-screen" for learning since his studies began, had hardly written anything on paper. Looking at his illegible handwriting and feeling the ache in his shoulders, he complained: "Miss Zhan Wenhua, can't we just leave a 'genetic point' on the 'electronic screen'? Even when depositing or withdrawing cash at the bank, it's done by leaving a 'genetic point' on the 'electronic screen'. Is there really any chance of making a mistake? I think this is much safer than a signature."

Among the four professions of the "Transcender," becoming a "Substitute User" is the simplest compared to the "Elementalist," "Force Master," and "Mutant." One only needs to possess "Will Aptitude" and use a "Soul Inducer" for assimilation to unlock their powers

After all, the cost of merely achieving enlightenment is already substantial, and the path of advancement that follows is even more burdensome for ordinary individuals. A low-tier 'Transcender' is not worth the lifetime of debt that one cannot repay...

If Gong Yaming is at the age of forty and has undergone various trials in society, he may perhaps grasp the warning implied in the words of Zhan Wenhua.

Coming to his senses, he chuckled foolishly, opened the "wheels" on his shoes, and began to glide quickly along the sidewalk, alternating his feet.

As Zhan Wenhua spread the paper documents before Gong Yaming, he pointed to four of them and continued, "Please read the relevant documents in front of you carefully, and then wisely inform me of your choice. Remember, in a federal society, benefits and sacrifices go hand in hand. While inheriting immense benefits, you must also be prepared to pay an unimaginable price."

Gong Yaming said shyly: "When I was young, I underwent the 'Consciousness Qualification' test and received an E-level qualification"

At this point, having organized the documents, Zhan Wenhua politely said to Gong Yaming: "Since the official business has been concluded, I will take my leave now. Mr. Gong Yaming, I wish you success in becoming a great 'explorer' soon"

In fact, if it were not for wealthy families striving for glory through their descendants, individuals with a 'C' level of 'consciousness qualification', or even those with a 'B' level, would not dare to aspire to awaken their powers and become 'substitutes'.

Skillfully weaving through the city streets lined with towering skyscrapers, after 10 minutes, he passed in front of a building whose upper half was covered in dust. A subtle emotion surged from the depths of his heart, prompting Gong Yaming to come to a halt.

A total of sixteen signatures were affixed on different pages of seven documents, and only then did Gong Yaming finally complete the inheritance document for the rights bequeathed by his uncle

He then walked out of the office with steady steps

According to relevant data, an individual with an 'awareness qualification' of level A requires an average of 17 'soul inducement devices' to trigger the 'substitute ability' and become a G-level 'substitute user'

Since Gong Yaming has insisted on choosing to inherit the rights left by Gong Bo after having been warned in accordance with the law and presented with the relevant documents, Zhan Wenhua will no longer meddle in the matter. She spoke up, saying: "Since you have made your decision, please sign these documents. However, the necessary 'consciousness qualifications' to become a 'substitute' are indispensable. I wonder if you have undergone the relevant tests"

Unfortunately, at this time, Gong Yaming had just turned 22, a moment in life filled with vigor and ambition. Influenced by heroic films and virtual games, he believed himself to be the protagonist of the world, thinking that with just a single fulcrum, he could lift an entire planet

Upon hearing the good news, the benefits he could obtain increased. Without hesitation, Gong Yaming sat at the desk in front of him under the guidance of Zhan Wenhua and began to sign the documents

As for the consciousness qualifications such as C, D, and E, it is necessary to have 525, 1856, and 3745 soul inducement devices respectively in order to potentially become a transcender

Unmoved by Mr. Gong Yaming's passionate demeanor, Zhan Wenhua calmly stated, "Mr. Gong Yaming, I believe you are unaware of the risks you will encounter once you become an 'explorer.' As an officer of the 'Special Affairs Administration,' which handles the legacy rights of the renowned explorer Gong Boming, I must remind you in accordance with the law. Even for the 'explorer' practical assessments, which have a relatively low mortality rate, it can be extremely deadly for a 'Transcender' who only possesses G-level extraordinary abilities and has no experience in interstellar exploration."

When Sheng Xiaoming was alone, a sense of unreality gradually crept into his heart. His gaze, unfocused and bewildered, wandered over the maroon desk and chairs in the office. He closed his eyes and rubbed his face vigorously.

By the time Gong Yaming nervously arrived at the school gate, the time had already reached 6:40. In the early summer evening, the unique cool yet filthy night breeze of a D+ civilization planet in the 'Special Star Zone' swept across his forehead, instantly refreshing Gong Yaming somewhat.

Thus, after merely skimming through the paper documents in front of him, without even counting the specific number of clauses, he confidently stated: "Miss Zhan Wenhua, I have made my decision. I wish to inherit the rights left by my uncle and become a 'stand-in', participating in the practical assessment of the 'explorers'"

The quality of consciousness is divided into five levels, from A to E

After hesitating for a few seconds, he muttered to himself: "Anyway, it won't take much time to play a few rounds of 'virtual games' with Uncle Dada. It's also good to share this shocking news with him and see if he dares to underestimate me in the future."

All of this is true. As long as I desire it, I can immediately become a 'Transcender.' Unable to contain the ecstasy in my heart, I eagerly walked out of the office, unconsciously murmuring to myself: 'In the future, I might also become an 'Explorer.' The truth is above; from today onwards, I no longer need to worry about my future. Graduating from high school and struggling to gain admission to various 'institutions' is merely the ordinary trajectory of an average person's life, while I possess a brighter future... The truth is above; from today onwards, I no longer need to worry about my future. Graduating from high school and struggling to gain admission to various 'institutions' is merely the ordinary trajectory of an average person's life, while I possess a brighter future...

In other words, based on the cost of 3,500 yuan for each "Soul Inducer," A's "Soul Qualification" only requires an expenditure of 59,500 yuan, resulting in the birth of a "Transcender"

However, for the E-level 'soul qualification', it requires 13,107,500 yuan to cultivate a minimum-tier 'stand-in user'. The cost-effectiveness comparison between the two is self-evident.

With a meticulous attitude, Gong Yaming carefully placed the signed documents into his briefcase. Zhan Wenhua responded, "Mr. Gong Yaming, your visit to the bank was merely a cash transaction, while the documents you are signing now are classified as 'C-level documents' of the Galactic Federation. These documents must be archived in the headquarters archive of the Special Affairs Administration located in the federal capital, Sumit Star. All procedures must adhere to the steps outlined in the Federal Constitution. If it were not for your uncle, the renowned explorer Gong Bo Ming, who has been alone and has devoted all his assets to material preparations for his last expedition, the number of documents you would need to sign could be significantly greater."