Multiversal Manifestation System

As the system finished loading, time seemed to flow around Wang Zi again. 

He stood motionless, his mind still processing the overwhelming surge of information from the Multiversal Manifestation System.

The students were staring at the hologram above his head. Most of them were stunned, noticing Wang Zi's 100% compatibility.

Many had worked hard to align themselves with specific classes in the hope of gaining high compatibility. They had been taught that talent and hard work was key, with enough effort you could achieve anything. But Wang Zi's awakening was simply unbelievable.

"Wow... 100%, that's the first time I even heard of such a thing!" A girl in the front row whispered to her friend, eyes wide in disbelief. "I can't believe he got that perfect score with an Artist Class… I wonder what kind of abilities he'll get?"

Many more hushed whispers could be heard from down below, but Wang Zi was unfazed. 

His mind was completely drawn to the rewards of the novice gift pack. "System, show me what the rewards I just got can do."

As he said this in his mind, a screen only visible to him appeared in front, the rewards and their descriptions showing up.

Random World Draw x1: Draw a random world from the current available pool, without the need to use the Multiverse Gachapon.

Designated character manifestation[No Limit] x1: Manifest a character from an unlocked world. No limits.

Cloaking shield x1: Use to activate cloaking for all things the system interacts with, making them untraceable.

Federation coins x1.000.000: 1 million federation coins.

"Nice, it seems I'll get to at least bind a character for myself to strengthen my low stats. The shield will be essential for finishing the system quest without getting bothered by authorities, and the coins come in super handy since the government is going to cut off my allowance since I'm awakened now."

"The world draw... It seems that the worlds I got before were just added to the pool and not really unlocked huh... That's annoying. Do I have to draw them from the gachapon before I can get stuff from them?"

"Phew. One thing at a time. Let's see how my luck is when I do draw."

Teacher Zhou, standing close to Wang Zi, suddenly turned his head away from the hologram above his head and instead stared straight at Wang Zi's eyes. "Wang Zi."

"Remember what the teacher said before. There are no useless classes. The teacher knows a high-level Musician, a branch of the artist class, that enhances their allies with songs or disorients and debuffs their enemies. Even though they have limited offensive abilities, they're very welcome in any high level team. Teacher has high hopes for you!"

Wang Zi was flabbergasted. Wasn't he supposed to be laughed at? 'It seems the novels weren't completely true... I remember reading comments saying that the authors had holes in their brains, especially in chinese novels. It seems they weren't joking.'

"Thank you teacher, for your support. I won't let you down!"

"Good. Head on down then!"

"Yes teacher!"

In a room above the stage, Principal Anthon, stood frozen for a moment, his gaze locked on Wang Zi. His expression was a strange mix of admiration and confusion, his fingers instinctively tapping against his chair.

"100% compatibility?" he muttered.

Principal Anthon had seen many students come through the Awakening Ceremony, but 100% compatibility was practically unheard of. For a person to be perfectly suited for a class was a rare occurrence.

"Artist… Support Class." The principal sighed, a mixture of frustration and resignation coloring his tone.

Vice-Principal Chilton next to him also commented, "It's a decent class, yes, but it's meant to be a support role, not a combat-focused one. If he had awakened something more combat-oriented…"

"Principal, didn't miss Tang also start from an artist?"

"Um. She specialized in support with music. The enhancements she gives while playing her violin are very good. Unfortunately since she went the support route, it takes a few people to keep her safe from harm. She can't do much on her own."

"I remember there was another fellow who developed the artist class by focusing on making his drawings come to life..."

"Didn't he die early?" Chilton asked.

"Yes, he courted his own death in the end. His drawings drew power from both his art and his own stats. But an Artist has incredibly poor physical stats, so he ended up getting overwhelmed by mid-tier void beasts when he went out on his own."

There was no mistaking the disappointment in the principal's voice. While Wang Zi had incredible potential with his 100% compatibility, his class as an Artist was primarily designed for creative pursuits, not combat. It could even be labelled as a lifestyle class, if not for its uses in supporting allies.

In the end the principal just sighed. "A pity."

Wang Zi was unaware of the Principal's disappointment. Not that he would have cared, the system would surely provide him a road to the top of the world.

As he climbed down the stage, he couldn't help looking around the room.

'They're really staring huh. Probably because the 100% compatibility. I guess its rare.'

Alicia, standing near the back of the room, stared at Wang Zi with her usual cold, calculating gaze. Her expression betrayed no emotion, but in the depths of her mind, a feeling of curiosity began to surface.

"100% compatibility? But with that class?" Alicia mused, tapping her fingers against her chin. "Interesting... but can he really develop it?"

Bea, on the other hand, couldn't hide her shock. Her green hair bounced as she turned to her friend Alicia, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"Did you see that?" she whispered loudly, but not so loud as to disturb the ceremony. "100%! Woah!"

Alicia however didn't pay any attention to her.

Kain also commented with Ji Min, "He's got perfect compatibility. That's insane. But with an Artist Class?" he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Can you imagine how strong he could be if he actually had a combat class?"

Ji Min, ever the stoic, just shrugged. "It doesn't matter what class he's got. We'll see what he's capable of once the competition starts. Everyone's skills will be tested then."

"Haha Ji Min! Shouldn't that be said by me?" Kain said while patting his shoulder.

Wang Zi himself remained unaffected by their stares though. He did sweep a glance over at Xian Mei's seat, but she still had her eyes closed, as if she didn't care about anything going on.

'Cute.' he thought.

His mind then went back to processing the new system and the quest. He had zero artistic talent, but the system had already provided him with the tools to recreate works from his memories.

And with its help... "Heh. Who cares if its a support class. Its perfect for this system. I'll be playing a pig to eat a tiger from now on I guess. Hehehe." Wang Zi couldn't help but clench his hands.

For the rest of there ceremony, there were no more surprises. It seemed to Wang Zi that physical-type classes were more common than elemental-control classes though. 

And soon, the last person, a chef, stepped down from the stage.

With the ceremony officially over, the teachers in the room began talking among themselves, their voices low but serious. Vice Principal Chilton, also got down from the hidden room above, and cleared his throat before speaking.

"The freshmen's first real test will be the Awakener Academy entrance competition, starting in 3 months. Round one will consist of students versus void-beasts low-level creatures in the V.B's colosseum. The goal is to test their ability to survive and perform under pressure.

Students can team up, with a maximum number of 3 per team. Points will however be shared amongst you." Chilton paused for a second, letting the students calm down after the announcement. Then he continued:

"More details will be given ONE WEEK before the start of the test. You'd do well to remember. Now, our principal has a few words."

At the mention of the principal, most students knew what was coming. The foundation of their power started with it after all.

The principal showed up through his light-door again, and nodded. "Students will need to utilize every resource available to them. You can use everything you've learned to fight the void-beasts. EVERYTHING. Those with more specialized classes, like Artist or Healer" he paused, glancing over at Wang Zi for a second "May find it more difficult to directly fight the monsters, but they can still contribute by providing support."

There was a noticeable pause in the room as students whispered to each other. The teachers, however, simply exchanged knowing glances.

"And now, what you've all been waiting for." The principal grinned, his white teeth flashing with a 'SHEEN'.

'Guy?' Wang Zi's jaw dropped.

"Next I will teach all of you the basic Mana Breathing Method of our human race!"

The principal placed a tablet on the desk in front of him, and it projected a floating series of glowing runes that shimmered in the air.

"This is the basic Mana Breathing Method." He began, gesturing to the holographic image. "It is a technique everyone can use to increase your mana flow, expand your internal energy, and fuse mana into your body. It's a crucial practice that will help you build your strength and hone your abilities. This is how you level up."

Wang Zi's interest was at maximum, "Mana Breathing to fuse mana into the body... So like cultivation? But why would power measured by levels if its a cultivation method? Shouldn't it be ranks?" he murmured.

The other students also looked on, some more interested than others, while a few began to whisper to each other, eager to learn more.

The principal gave a slight nod, acknowledging the whispers before continuing.

"Mana Breathing is simple but effective. It involves synchronizing your breathing with the flow of mana in your surroundings.

By inhaling deeply, you draw the ambient mana into your body, spreading it through your mana circuits, trying to retain as much as you can. As you exhale, you channel it and mold it to your will, improving your control over it.

This process will increase your mana reserves and help you attune to the world's natural flow. But just like any practice, it requires time and patience."

'Its just like cultivation I read in novels huh.' Wang Zi thought.

The principal then raised his hand and gestured toward the floating runes again, which flickered to life, showcasing the proper breathing patterns and the mana circuits through which mana should flow.

"This is the most basic form of the method. Anyone, regardless of their class or compatibility, can begin training this way. However, I must remind you all -

Those with higher compatibility with their awakened class will find this method easier to use and will see faster results in integrating the mana. Higher compatibility with your class will make it easier to run the method smoothly and more efficiently."

When the principal said this, some gazes involuntarily looked over at Wang Zi. 'So 100% does come in handy, hehe.'

Principal Anthon's gaze also briefly stopped on him, before continuing across the room, landing on some of the students whose family backgrounds were well-known to him. He noticed the subtle sparkle in their eyes and the barely-contained confidence from those belonging to more prestigious families with access to specialized breathing methods. They had access to family-specific methods, tailored to a certain kind of mana, that could jump-start their progression far faster than others.

"Of course," the principal continued, giving a knowing glance to those students, "For some of you with powerful families, your breathing methods may be more advanced or specialized. These methods could unlock your potential much quicker and aid you in your development in ways this basic one cannot. But remember, the path to growth is long and varies for each individual."

He paused for a moment, a slight smile curling at the corners of his lips. "For those of you who do not have access to such specialized methods, this breathing technique will still serve you well. Every step forward counts. With time and dedication, you will see the fruits of your labor."

The students, who had been whispering excitedly about the potential for faster growth, quieted once more, listening carefully as Principal Liu concluded.

"I encourage you all to practice daily. You will need this method for your training, especially in preparation for the upcoming competition. The more you practice, the easier it will become to channel and control mana, and the faster you'll be able to develop and expand your powers."

"But remember, too much haste can be dangerous. Pushing yourself too hard without proper guidance could lead to strain, or worse, mana overflow. Go at your own pace."

A soft hum of excitement rippled through the students, who were eager to start.

Wang Zi also quietly took in the information. He couldn't help but wonder how the Mana Breathing Method would fit into his plans. His Artist Class was unorthodox, but it was clear that control over mana would be vital.

"The first thing that comes to mind is Chakra Control from Naruto. Using less to do more. Seems like I need to put some serious thought into the breathing method."

The principal gave one final glance at the class.

"Remember. The competition will be held in the V.B., which means both the Awakener Academies and the general public will be watching. Show them what you can do! Your future will depend on how you perform there!"

"Good luck to you all. Dismissed!"

The students began to file out of the hall, chattering excitedly about the Mana Breathing Method, their thoughts already racing ahead to their first practice session. Some were already testing the breathing technique mentally, while others were still digesting the news about specialized methods.

Wang Zi however, couldn't be bothered to care. His mind was more focused on the system and how he would go about his first quest.

"Well then," He said, stretching his body after he got up, "Let's get this show on the road shall we?"