Chapter 2: The Crucial Choice of Destiny

Upon arriving at the office, Zhan Wenhua politely said to the academic staff who was guiding the two individuals forward: "Teacher Xu, thank you for your cooperation. I need to have a private conversation with Mr. Gong Yaming for a moment, so please excuse yourself."

The "Force Master" is one who, through an incredibly powerful will, compels the body to undergo rigorous training that is unimaginable to ordinary people, ultimately realizing the primordial force that has existed within the human body since time immemorial, thus breaking through the limits of ordinary strength.

Therefore, when he heard Zhan Wenhua suddenly mention that he had the opportunity to undergo 'modulation', become a 'transcender', and possibly take on the role of 'explorer', Gong Yaming could not help but feel a surge of disbelief and surprise in his heart, and he had already tuned out the rest of what Zhan Wenhua was saying.

Mr. Gong Yaming, your uncle was indeed an excellent "explorer."" Zhan Wenhua spoke in a tone devoid of any consolation, stating plainly: "Unfortunately, I must inform you of some bad news; Mr. Gong Boming passed away two months ago during an interstellar expedition."

In the brief exchange of questions and answers with Zhan Wenhua, Gong Yaming's buzzing mind finally regained clarity. He realized that since he had seen the authorization information from the "electronic device," Zhan Wenhua's identity could not be false, and Zhan Wenhua's explanations all seemed reasonable.

Without delving deeply into whether Gong Yaming's sorrow stemmed from within, Zhan Wenhua said: "I am very sorry to bring you such tragic news, and I ask you to convey my heartfelt condolences to your parents"

A somewhat feigned sadness appeared on his face as Gong Yaming stammered in surprise: "The truth is out, Miss Zhan Wenhua, my uncle is so, so unfortunate; he has already, already died in an accident during an expedition? My father and mother will surely be very heartbroken upon hearing this news. Of course, I already feel very distressed inside."

Upon hearing Zhan Wenhua's words, Xu Zhenning, who had experienced many affairs and was well aware of the management authority of the "Special Affairs Management Bureau," quickly replied, "Yes, yes, then I will take my leave first," and hurriedly left the office

The term "Transcender" refers to individuals who surpass the normal limits of human potential. Based on the manner in which abilities are triggered and manifested, they can be broadly categorized into four types: "Elementalist," "Force Master," "Mutant," and "Stand User"

A stand user is a human who possesses the "qualifications of consciousness" and, by assimilating a "soul inducer," unlocks the ability of a "stand," thereby gaining extraordinary powers

At this point, Zhan Wenhua changed the subject and said: "Of course, my purpose in meeting you is not merely to convey the news of Mr. Gong Boming's passing, but rather to discuss matters of greater importance related to the - map - book. Two months prior to your uncle Mr. Gong Boming's death, he had just attained the rank of 'Great Explorer.' The main purpose of my visit is to inform you of the various rights you are entitled to inherit under federal law following his unfortunate demise."

Although low-tier "Transcenders" not exceeding Class C are not scarce in the Federation, once one becomes a "Transcender," a comfortable life in the future is always assured. This is particularly remarkable in a human civilization where resources are increasingly scarce and the population is steadily growing

Regarding his uncle Gong Boming, whose name differs from his by only one character, Gong Yaming, though not well acquainted, still had a slight impression in his heart. Thus, he nodded and replied: "Of course, Ms. Zhan Wenhua, I have an uncle named Gong Boming. I remember he seems to be an explorer; he is indeed the pride of our family"

As Xu Zhenning was leaving, Zhan Wenhua shifted his gaze back to Gong Yaming and said: "Mr. Gong Yaming, may I ask if you are aware that your father, Mr. Gong Boxin, has an elder brother named Gong Boming?"

In the most powerful nation of human civilization, the United Federation of Galaxies, there are only two ways to obtain the qualification for the 'Explorer' practical assessment

Thus, Geng Yaming replied with great excitement, "Since that is the case, I am certainly willing to accept the power of the federal government, to open up and become a powerful 'Transcender'. I will strive to pass the practical assessment of 'Explorer' and contribute to the development of human civilization"

Firstly, one must study for at least 8 years at institutions of higher learning such as B, obtain a second-class degree, and become a 'Transcender'. Following this, an additional specialized study of more than 2 years is required, culminating in a successful assessment in the humanities.

Secondly, to participate in a team convened by a senior 'explorer', one must have at least 10 years of exploration experience and, after accumulating a vast number of tasks, ultimately obtain 15 handwritten letters of recommendation from renowned 'explorers'

This is because, compared to "Elite Officers," "Great Explorers" are indeed too rare. Ignoring the doubt in Gong Yamin's eyes, Zhan Wenhua calmly replied: "Moreover, you cannot be considered to become a 'Transcender' for free. Upon accepting 'Modulation' or 'Power Activation,' you must participate in the 'Explorer' practical assessment; otherwise, you will bear criminal responsibility for violating the government contract. If you pass the assessment and become an 'Explorer,' you will be required to complete a corresponding level task for the Federation each year, without compensation, as a form of remuneration for obtaining your powers. This compensation will continue until your 'Explorer' level reaches C rank, or until you compensate the 'Federal Treasury' twenty times the cost of your 'Modulation' or 'Power Activation.'

Regarding this matter on m.hetushu.com, Zhan Wenhua took a stack of paper documents from his briefcase and read with a serious demeanor: "Mr. Gong Yaming, according to Article 174, Clause 9 of the 'Galactic Federation of United States' Interstellar Colonization Code, due to the passing of your uncle, the great explorer Gong Boming, you, as his inheriting blood relative, will have the right to choose to accept 'Initiation' or 'Modulation' and become a 'Transcender', as well as the qualification to directly undertake the 'Explorer' practical assessment..." Because of the passing of your uncle, the great explorer Gong Boming, you, as his inheriting blood relative, will have the right to choose to accept 'Initiation' or 'Modulation' and become a 'Transcender', as well as the qualification to directly undertake the 'Explorer' practical assessment...

The "Transcender" is the only significant existence that transcends materialism within a human civilization built on the foundation of technological culture. Of course, it is encompassed within the category of "broad materialism" and is regarded as a rare example of consciousness acting upon matter.

After a while, Gong Yaming finally suppressed his chaotic emotions and murmured, "Miss Zhan Wenhua, I know that after the death of 'elite officers' and 'frontline commanders', their children can have the opportunity to become 'Transcenders' for free if they wish to take up military positions. However, I have never heard of such cases for the relatives of 'Explorers'"

The "Elementalist" refers to those who possess innate talent, and through special training, are able to sense the elemental forces that permeate the space around them, thereby manipulating these elements to exhibit various extraordinary abilities.

"Mutants" are peculiar products created through technological means by continuously integrating the superior genes of other species using genetic modification techniques

Zhan Wenhua replied without showing the slightest impatience: "Your brother Gong Yapeng is already 35 years old, which exceeds the optimal age for 'Overcomers' to acquire power. Furthermore, your younger brother and sister are still minors and cannot freely exercise 'people's rights.' Therefore, according to the 'Galactic Federation of United States' Private Property Inheritance Code, you naturally hold the primary position as the heir to the rights left by the great explorer Gong Boming."

After all, although he is a blood relative very close in kinship, the news of my uncle's passing, whom I have met no more than 3 times in 22 years, truly cannot leave too much of an impact on the heart of a young man who has just come of age and does not yet fully understand the preciousness of familial bonds

Upon hearing Ms. Zhan Wenhua's explanation, Gong Yaming eagerly asked, "Then, Ms. Zhan Wenhua, my parents gave birth to four siblings, why was it I who inherited this opportunity?"

Upon hearing the unfortunate news spoken by Zhan Wenhua, Gong Yaming found it difficult to feel much sorrow in his heart at that moment

Following the Federal C-level officer Zhan Wenhua, walking along one of the few shaded roads in Shanteng City, and after traversing half the campus, they arrived at the office on the first floor of the Academic Affairs Building, where Gong Yaming still wore a bewildered expression, feigning calmness.

Once one becomes an 'Explorer' through practical assessment, the rewards from merely completing basic tasks can ensure a life of considerable ease in the future, not to mention the superior social status that comes with it