Chapter Title: The Gemite System – Evolution & Survival
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Lecture Hall C – Special Briefing
The low hum of conversation filled the massive lecture hall as students filed into their seats. The air carried a weight of anticipation—this wasn't a routine lesson. It was a mandatory briefing.
Kyle entered, scanning the rows of ascending seats. The space was built to accommodate at least a hundred students, each section reinforced with mana inscriptions to stabilize energy fluctuations. A place designed for serious discussions.
Students whispered as he walked past, their voices hushed but unmistakable.
"That's him…"
"Level 5 in a single jump…?"
"Did you see how he fought?"
Kyle ignored them.
He wasn't interested in what they thought. He simply found an empty seat, sat down, and waited.
Across the room, Vivian adjusted her posture, her hands resting on the desk in front of her. She had gained something after her fight with Soren—acknowledgment. But acknowledgment wasn't the same as acceptance.
Further ahead, Jace leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his usual easy demeanor slightly more guarded.
Kyle noticed that much, at least.
Jace hadn't spoken to him much since the fights. Not out of avoidance—more like… watchfulness.
Then the doors at the front of the room swung open.
Instructor Elara Voss entered, flanked by Assistant Dr. Adrian Wolfe.
Elara moved with silent authority, her deep blue instructor's coat immaculate, silver-gray hair tied in a tight knot. She was the kind of woman who never needed to raise her voice to command attention.
Her familiar, a Luminara Serpent, coiled around the podium. Its translucent body pulsed faintly, emitting a steady, calming light.
Dr. Wolfe followed, adjusting his scholar's robe. He was less intimidating than Elara, but his reputation as a field researcher made him just as respected.
The moment Elara stopped at the podium, the entire hall went silent.
Her gaze swept across the room, sharp and piercing.
"Today, we will discuss a breakthrough in our understanding of Gemite Crystals, the evolution of beasts, and how planetary territories are classified for exploration."
A flick of her wrist, and the lecture panel activated, projecting a shimmering blue crystal into the air.
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1. The Origin of Gemite Crystals
The hologram rotated, displaying various environments where these crystals were found.
Water-based Crystals developed fluid-like properties.
Snow-region Crystals adapted ice traits.
Volcanic Crystals held molten energy.
Elara continued, her voice smooth and controlled.
"Gemite Crystals do not form randomly. They are a result of condensed mana accumulating over millennia, taking on properties based on their surroundings."
The hologram shifted again, displaying a cavern filled with glowing blue crystals.
"However, explorers rarely find raw, unrefined Gemite Crystals. And do you know why?"
Silence.
Then—Vivian answered.
"Because beasts consume them first."
Elara gave her a small nod.
"Correct. The strongest creatures claim these crystals, absorbing their power before humans ever get the chance."
A few students exchanged glances.
That meant the beasts were evolving faster than humans.
Kyle already knew what came next.
What about the ones that didn't get to the crystals?
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2. The Two Paths of Beast Evolution
The hologram split into two branches, displaying two distinct evolutionary paths.
Path 1: Gemite Crystal Beasts
✔ Consume Gemite Crystals to evolve.
✔ Gain rapid external power.
✔ Require crystal extraction after death.
Path 2: Forced Evolution Beasts
✔ Do not rely on crystals.
✔ Evolve through survival, combat, and adaptation.
✔ Release Personal Mana Crystals upon death.
Jace frowned slightly. "So the ones that can't get crystals… they either die or evolve another way?"
Dr. Wolfe nodded.
"Precisely. The Gemite Crystal Beasts consume power directly, growing stronger at a much faster rate. That forces the weaker ones—the ones that are too slow, too weak to compete—to find another way."
The hologram changed, displaying a weaker beast being hunted by a larger Gemite Crystal Beast.
"Only those that endure the brutality of the Gemite Crystal Beasts are pushed to their limits. Those that don't die are the ones who undergo Forced Evolution."
A murmur ran through the students.
This was more than just evolution.
This was a war for survival.
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3. The Role of Beasts in Energy Circulation
Dr. Wolfe stepped forward.
"Not all beasts evolve. The ones that fail to find a crystal, or fail to survive Forced Evolution, do not simply disappear."
The hologram displayed a barren land, then gradually changed as glowing energy seeped into the soil.
"Their energy is returned to the planet, fueling the next cycle of Gemite Crystal formation."
A few students nodded in understanding.
Kyle remained silent.
This was the cycle.
Those who couldn't evolve would be consumed.
But what about those that did?
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4. The New Exploration Tiers
The lecture panel displayed a planetary map, color-coded into three distinct zones.
1. Green Zones – Fully explored, containing Ember and Veil-tier beasts.
2. Yellow Zones – Risky, containing mostly Veil-tier, some Dominion-tier threats.
3. Blood-Red Zones – Unmapped, home to Apex and rare Ascendant-tier creatures.
Elara's expression darkened.
"Most of you will never step foot in a Blood-Red Zone. If you do, you'd better hope the only thing waiting for you is an Apex."
The room was silent.
Because if Apex-tier wasn't the worst thing out there…
Then what was?
5:The Future of Exploration
The lecture screen shifted one final time, displaying an image of a deep violet crystal.
A Tier-Zero Gemite Crystal.
The rarest, most powerful mana source ever discovered.
Elara's gaze swept the room one last time.
"This is the reality you will face. Some of you will rise. Some of you will fall. And some of you will disappear, chasing power you cannot control."
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6. Expedition Announcement – The First Mission
Elara let the silence settle before tapping the floating panel. The hologram shifted, this time displaying a lush, green planet covered in dense forests.
"Now that you understand how crystals shape evolution, it's time to see it for yourselves."
A ripple of excitement spread through the students.
Kyle sat up slightly, finally interested.
Elara continued.
"You will be sent on an expedition to a Green Zone planet. Your objective is simple: collect Gemite Crystals."
Students grinned, whispering to each other.
Their first real mission.
A chance to claim their own crystals.
Dr. Wolfe cleared his throat.
"Before you get too excited, let's make this interesting."
The hologram flickered, displaying a competition board.
"Your teams will be ranked based on the number of crystals collected. The more you gather, the higher your score. The team with the most crystals at the end of the mission will receive top marks and additional training privileges."
Excited murmurs turned into outright discussion.
Kyle, however, was thinking of something else.
If Gemite Crystals were this important… what kind of creatures were protecting them?
Elara noticed his expression.
For the first time, her lips curved slightly.
"Class dismissed. Pack your gear. You leave at dawn."
✔ Vivian – Excited but cautious.
✔ Jace – Smirking. "Now this is worth it."
✔ Kyle – Smirked. "Finally… something worth doing."
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