Ryder lay on his bed, dazed. He still couldn't believe he had actually transmigrated—not to some fantasy world or ancient times but three thousand years in the future.
Humans had actually made progress in interstellar exploration. Using their advanced technology, they ventured deep into the Milky Way galaxy and conquered many planets and star systems.
However, they also encountered other races that were physically stronger than humans and wielded extraordinary supernatural powers. It was then the arrogance of mankind was brought down by other races. Human technology proved to be backwards compared to the advanced technology of other races.
Humans lost one war after another, and their population plummeted rapidly. They had backward technology and didn't even know how to harness the World's Essence, found in all universes, to have supernatural powers. Fortunately for them, the Dragon Race saved them by undertaking the humans under them and also helped them learn the new way to power.
From then on, Humans remained in the Milky Way galaxy and focused only on improving themselves. The dragon race helped humans defend themselves from the other races eyeing their galaxy, too. Ten geniuses from the human race were chosen, and then, under the guidance of the dragon race, they reached the Nebula Realm.
From then until now, three thousand years later, Humans have improved a lot. They have many powerful people who have defended humanity from other races. Still, three thousand years just weren't enough for humans to catch up with other races that had been in the universe for thousands upon thousands of years. Some races, like the Dragon Race, had histories of millions of years.
Because of that, Humans have mainly focused on improving themselves for the past three thousand years. They controlled only the Milky Way Galaxy and used its resources to cultivate the World's Essence.
Ryder sucked a deep breath going through the unfamiliar memories which were becoming familiar now. He was really astonished after seeing the futuristic technology and got excited. However, he calmed himself and went through more of his memories.
His name was Ryder Kaelor, and he was an orphan living with his adopted parents. They loved him and treated him as if he was their real son. Along with his younger sister, they were a loving family.
They weren't high class or anything and belonged to the middle class, so Ryder had lived a good, peaceful life until now. Unfortunately, his school's graduation exams were coming, so Ryder pushed himself, which resulted in him losing control over his Essence, which killed him in backlash.
Ryder sighed, thinking of the original Ryder's death, and murmured, "I hope your soul rests in peace. Don't worry, I will take care of our family and fulfil your goals. That's the least I can do for taking your body."
He instantly felt as if a burden had been taken off his shoulders and smiled. He then closed his eyes and went through other memories. He found something interesting in them, which made his lips curl up in a smile.
Although the universe was vast, resources were scarce, so constant wars between myriad races were common. However, such wars were most of the time small-scale since large-scale wars were bad for both parties, so unless they were at a dead end, no race declared all-out wars.
However, resource distribution was required, and fights were inevitable. To solve this issue, all the top races decided to have Ascendancy Games across the universe. Of course, there were benefits and rules for these games.
The Ascendancy Games were headed by the Eternal Council of Peace, which consists of members from the myriad races of the universe. It ensured fairness in the games and also decided on the rules and rewards. Of course, there were punishments, too.
Thinking of all that, Ryder shook his head, 'No point in thinking about it. With my potential, I doubt I will ever get to enter the Ascendancy Games.'
He knew his potential very well and knew he had no hopes of reaching higher stages. He was already 18 years old and had only achieved 3-Star of Awakened Realm. This world was actually very similar to those of Xianxia's novels he used to read.
'Damn those Chinese! They actually got it right!'
Every race cultivated the World's Essence and ascended to their Primordial Form. The realms started with the Mortal Realm, Awakened Realm, Enhanced Realm, Adept Realm and so on. They were subdivided into five ranks starting from 1-Star to 5-Star.
Ryder was at the third rank of the second realm, and it could be said that he was above average. He was actually quite happy since he didn't have to face the usual trash talent trope. He wasn't a protagonist and simply a mob character.
He was relishing in his happiness when he heard a lazy voice filled with an unknown charm that sent chills down his body.
[You woke up? That's a surprise]
Ryder sat up and looked around in panic, his eyes darting around, trying to find any intruders.
[I'm in your head, idiot.]
Hearing that, Ryder cursed his luck and sat down. He was more scared than surprised. He kept his silence for a few seconds and asked, "Can I die?"
[Nope. Also, what kind of thoughts are you having?]
Ryder sighed and dropped the bed, his expression full of exhaustion.
[Why are you behaving as if you have heard your death sentence?]
He heard the charming voice once again, which confirmed his thoughts. He sighed and replied, "I have transmigrated and even have an old grandma in my head. The signs clearly tell I am The Protagonist, isn't that a death sentence in itself?"
[Who are you calling grandma, brat? Also, don't flatter yourself so much.]
Ryder's eyes brightened, "So, I'm not the Protagonist?"
[No, you are the last Protagonist.]
Ryder's lips twitched as he asked the main question, "Is the world dying or something?"
[Yes!]
"I wanna die…"
[You can, but the world will die without you, so your family and everyone you know will die a horrible death.]