In the year 2062, mana came to earth. The introduction of this new type of energy brought the world to the brink of destruction. Almost two thirds of the population couldn't cope and died from an illness that we now call mana bane. After the vast majority of humans died, the flora and fauna began to change. It was an initially slow process, but the longer these creatures were exposed to mana the more they began to change. Plant life flourished and forests seemed to regrow over night. Meanwhile, animals became stronger, faster, and smarter due to the increasing changes that the planet was experiencing. Humans fared far worse during this time. Those that survived the initial arrival of mana would find themselves basically helpless when it came to surviving without the help of technology. Mana had done much more than simply wipe out the vast majority of humans. It had also destroyed basically all forms of communication and transport as well. Nations fell overnight and

Matthew opened the door to his house as he walked like a zombie to his room. His parents were well off so they had a decent sized house that had three bedrooms, a sizable kitchen and living room, and a bathroom in each bedroom as well as a guest bath in the living room. Making his way up to his room and falling down on his bed, he begrudgingly opened his status screen.Matthew HartLevel - 1Title - NoneSkills - Mana Perception (minor)Affinities - NoneHealth - 100Mana - 0Strength - 3Endurance - 4Agility - 3Intelligence - 4Wisdom - 4Mana core - Tiny cracked core (Broken) Mana cores came in a variety of values and ranges. The size of the core determined how much mana could be stored and could be gradually enlarged to hold more, thus upgrading it. The sizes were: tiny, minimal, small, normal, enhanced, large, grown, and colossal. There were also additives such as refined, strengthened, and condensed. Matthew had the current worst out come of his classmates w

Today was the last day that Matthew would have to improve before going back to school. Going through the constant cycle of exhausting his mental strength had made it so that he got exhausted less. To reach the major grade for his mana perception he would have expand is senses past the six foot mark. He had already reach the five foot mark meaning that it wouldn't take much more to push through. His base stats had improved slightly thanks to all of the training he had been doing. He was determined to reach the major mastery today so he got up early as he had been and began training right away. Even without expanding his senses now he could sense mana at two feet away. Gradually pushing out from there, he reached five feet and began to push outward. Step by step he slowly advanced until he hit the wall that was the six foot mark. This was the closest he had come so far to reaching the major grade. This step was a little different though in that he had to solidify

Making his way to school, Matthew made sure to be on the lookout for his bullies. He didn't want to have a run in with them while he was still slightly sore from his first refinement session. It seemed that he had worried for nothing though, as he made it to school and class without incident. Putting his things away and making his way to class F-8. This was the class he had been assigned due to his current status. There only about six other students in the class with him. The first thing that greeted him when he walked through the door was a few stares that held a look of pity. 'If only they knew that I'll be able to surpass them all if this regimen of mine succeeds.' Was what he thought quickly finding a seat. "Good morning class. I'll be your teacher." Said a rather robust looking gentleman as he walked in. He was positively ripped and his clothes seemed to barely be able to contain his hulking form. He was easily six and a half feet tall, bronze colored

Matthew spent the rest of night trying to learn the enhanced memory skill. He could feel that he was on the cusp of making it work unfortunately he had to sleep since he was mentally exhausted. Waking up before the sun, he continued his routine. His perception was still increasing gradually. His gain so far today was reaching the fifteen foot mark for expanding his mana perception and reaching a nine foot passive sense. Doing his morning routine of physical exercise showed that his body was still slowly adapting to the training as he was able to run just a little further today in the same amount of time. Today's walk to school saw the return of his bullies Kirk and James. They had been placed in class F-1 since their satus' were slightly advanced for their age. Matthew altered his route to avoid them and made it to class without incident. The class featured the same soulless looks from his classmates and his hulking teacher Mr. Falls. "Today we will b