Apex Star

As Juan and Maria observed Nova in shock, they watched him open his eyes.

"Juan, Maria, are you both okay?" Nova asked, genuine concern in his voice. Despite his certainty that they wouldn't suffer the same fate as Old Mark, he couldn't help but worry.

"Nova, is that really you?!" Juan asked in disbelief as he looked at the transformed Nova.

"Of course, it's me," Nova replied, taken aback by the bewildered expressions on their faces.

"Wow, you look so different now, so handsome," Maria remarked, her gaze lingering on Nova's striking features that could captivate anyone.

"Hey, Maria, don't ogle him like that. Kid, you look like a playboy now. What happened to you?" Juan inquired, leaving Nova puzzled.

Unbeknownst to Nova, his bloodline and abilities had significantly altered his appearance. He wasn't unattractive before, but the change was remarkable.

He now stood at around 1.90 meters tall, with a facial structure that had undergone a dramatic transformation. However, what caught the eye most were his hair and eyes.

Nova's hair was as white as the first snow in December, and his pupils were white-grey. What was most astonishing was the subtle glint of golden stars forming in his irises. Calling him the most handsome man, even before the Awakening, wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Nova retrieved his phone from his pocket and, thanks to the light screens in the sky, he opened his camera and took a look at himself. His own reflection left him utterly shocked by the sudden and unexpected change.

He had heard that some people underwent changes after the Awakening, but he hadn't given it much thought until now.

Setting aside his astonishment, Nova asked his two neighbors, "Have you received information about the Realm Trials?" referring to the information they had received earlier.

"We have, but it's so sudden, and we're not sure what to do," Juan and Maria replied, sharing Nova's uncertainty about their next steps.

The Realm Trials represented the fastest means of advancing in Realms. After a world awoke, its inhabitants had two straightforward strategies for gaining strength: by defeating enemies and absorbing their energy or by participating in the Realm Trials and receiving resources based on their performance. The rewards from these trials could vary from weapons to energy crystals of their element, and even upgrades to their abilities.

Energy Crystals were the most common way of strengthening oneself in the universe. It was a matter of guiding one's energy into their Soul World, where they could convert it to their own use.

Nova contemplated the idea of participating in the trials after returning home to find his parents. However, there was a significant obstacle: Pearl City, his current location, was approximately 1,000 kilometers away from his parents' home in Metropolitan City.

After some thought, Nova suggested, "Why don't you come with me to find my parents in Metropolitan City, and then we can decide whether to participate in the Trials?" extending an invitation to his neighbors.

"Thank you for the invitation, Nova, but we need to locate our own families. That is, if they're still alive," Juan declined, recognizing their need to reunite with their loved ones.

Nova understood their position and proposed, "I see. How about we find our families and meet here again in three days?" trying to ease their hesitation.

Despite the thousand-kilometer distance, which seemed daunting, especially with the old technology of Earth now defunct, Nova emphasized, "Every human who survived the Awakening is stronger and faster now, not to mention the unique abilities and bloodlines we've awakened."

For Nova, the journey would take about five hours. If he leveraged his space bloodline, it might even be shorter, depending on how well his body could sustain the effort.

The couple considered Nova's suggestion and decided to proceed with their own search for their families, given the urgency of the situation.

"Okay, it's settled then! Let's reunite in three days. Good luck, Nova!" they bid him farewell, returning to their apartment to gather supplies for their long journey.

Their families resided nearly two thousand kilometers from Pearl City, almost double the distance Nova had to traverse.

"Take care, and be cautious on the way. Earth is no longer a safe place," Nova warned, highlighting the perils that might lie ahead. Juan and Maria nodded in acknowledgment before heading back to their residence.

Unbeknownst to Nova, Maria possessed special qualities, and he would discover this in the future. For now, it would be some time before their paths would cross once more.

Nova felt like he was a supercar, a change that was inconceivable before the Awakening. Nevertheless, the sight of lifeless bodies strewn about left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Everywhere he went, every street, every alley, he encountered at least one, if not more, dead bodies. By his estimate, Earth's losses exceeded 70% of what he had anticipated.

Shaking his head to regain his composure, Nova attempted not to dwell on the grim scenery that surrounded him. He was determined not to become desensitized.

He couldn't help but reflect on the immature comments he had made before undergoing the Awakening process. "I wish I could take back those words. While it's an opportunity for me, it may have been a curse for others."

Nova felt a deep sadness for those who had perished, but he understood that there was nothing he could do to alter this tragic reality.

At the moment, his highest priority was to locate his family at their former residence. His secondary goal was to grow stronger, enabling him to protect those dear to him. He couldn't bear the thought of his family meeting the same fate as those lifeless bodies he now encountered in the streets.

What Nova couldn't have imagined was that his mother and father were safe, and it was they who were concerned for his welfare.

Strangely, both sides were doing well without the other's knowledge. As Nova hoped to find his parents in good health, they wished for Nova's survival in the chaotic circumstances he had been thrust into.

The universe remained an enigmatic place, but the human mind was an even greater enigma.