About three hundred years ago, humanity witnessed the rise of a brilliant military star, also known as a figure who shaped human history: David Thompson, the Seven-Star General. He is the only person in human history to have achieved seven stars, representing the respect of humans, the Eventians, and the Kaitians. At that time, humanity had just learned to use space-jump technology, which unfortunately attracted an attack from the Kaitians. Of course, the Kaitians were defeated and became a part of humanity’s dominion. However, the real disaster soon followed: the Zago race—a terrifying species that survives by destroying civilizations and reproducing endlessly. General David Thompson led humanity in a thirty-year war against the Zago, inflicting heavy losses on them. There is a legend that must be mentioned: the Blade Warrior. Later generations believed that General David Thompson and the Blade Warrior were likely the same person, but there is no conclusive evidence.

In the later stages of the war, the Zago underwent group evolution. Many Zago soldiers evolved armor that rendered energy weapons ineffective, causing humanity great suffering and nearly snatching victory from their grasp. At this critical moment, the FFC Corporation invented a new combat weapon—the Armed Armor. Simply put, it is equipment that can activate the human gene core force. The advent of this weapon enabled humanity to achieve final victory.

But the Zago are an indestructible race. Over the next four hundred years, humanity and the Zago competed in reproduction and evolution. Of course, the Zago evolved biologically, while humans evolved technologically.

Armed Armor replaced mobile suits as the main force against the Zago, making the number of human warriors crucial. Therefore, during those critical periods, humanity strongly encouraged childbirth.

Human combat power is divided into three main components: the eighth brain domain (commonly known as the spiritual sea), gene core force, and Armed Armor.

Gene core force is a mysterious power within the human gene chain. When unleashed, it grants the human body tremendous combat strength, enough to make even the fearsome Zago submit. Armed Armor maximizes the potential of gene core force, while also enhancing human defense and adaptability to various environments. After countless improvements, Armed Armor has changed greatly compared to centuries ago.

The key to activating gene core force is the eighth brain domain. Only after unlocking the eighth brain domain can humans use this power. The unlocking process, commonly called “awakening,” is quite simple and has a high success rate. Otherwise, humanity could never have withstood the numerically overwhelming Zago.

Gene core force is like humanity’s own arsenal—unchangeable and determined from the start. There is little difference between humans and Eventians in this regard. Although Eventians have modified genes, it’s only superficial and does not affect core force. Gene core force is also known as “talent,” making bloodline extremely important, since gene core force is inheritable and determines a warrior’s growth potential.

Aside from gene core force, the strength of Armed Armor depends on your wealth. Ordinary Armed Armor only transmits and utilizes combat power optimally, but some high-quality Armed Armor can amplify abilities—though at a steep price. Otherwise, how could FFC become one of humanity’s three major military manufacturers?

But these are all external factors. What a warrior can control is the strength of their eighth brain domain. The stronger it is, the more they can unleash their gene core force. For cultivating the eighth brain domain, humans, Eventians, and Kaitians have each developed several complete basic systems. Major families also have their own secret techniques, which are never shared with outsiders.

The strongest of all is undoubtedly the War God Technique in the Temple of War, created by Seven-Star General David Thompson. Only those who enter the Temple of War can practice it, and that place is humanity’s most mysterious sanctuary, said to exist in subspace.

Now, Brian Carter has completed his secondary education and finally reached the age to awaken. As long as he succeeds, he’ll have the chance to attend a military academy—even a third-rate one—which means Brian Carter will never have to worry about food or clothing!

But… but… Old Man traded his free awakening certificate for alcohol… According to Old Man, it was an accident…

This free awakening opportunity only comes once, when a citizen reaches the legal age of fifteen. Yet such a precious chance was exchanged by Old Man for a bottle of liquor… no, two bottles!

Even to raise money for a self-paid awakening, Brian Carter didn’t have to choose to work on Norton Star for two years, but Old Man already signed him up, apparently collecting a fee. If he breaks the contract, Brian Carter will be saddled with debt, so he has no choice but to go earn his first pot of gold.

Gazing at the starry sky outside, Brian Carter can only sigh. He has no idea what the future holds. In truth, he doesn’t really blame Old Man; without Old Man, he wouldn’t exist. Old Man has many flaws, but he gave him a home instead of leaving him in a cold orphanage. Maybe there are good opportunities waiting for him on Norton Star. Who knows, he might become a young tycoon and return home in glory. When the time comes, after awakening, he’ll do it once and toss it aside.

Brian Carter’s greatest strength is his optimism.