"I received more messages," Adam said, still a bit hesitant, his eyes downcast. "They said that I now have more access to the system as a Tier 1 awakened, and I can choose my class."

Zara raised an eyebrow, observing Adam's demeanor. "I would suggest you postpone your class decision for the time being," she advised.

Adam nodded, his voice wavering slightly. "I can't choose it right now anyway. The message says I need to establish my cult first."

"Fascinating. " Zara mused, her expression thoughtful. "Do you possess any inkling on how to create your cult?"

Adam shook his head, his face a mixture of confusion and frustration. "No clue."

As he thought about it, a possibility crossed his mind. "Maybe it has something to do with the sacrificial blade," he suggested. "I'll check if it's in my [Inventory]."

Adam checked, his eyes scanning the inventory list, and nodded. "Yeah, it's there." He retrieved the sacrificial knife from his inventory and held it up. The knife had an ornate handle and a curved, slightly weathered blade. "This is it. It looks pretty dull, though," he said, disappointment evident in his voice. "Doesn't seem like it would be much use in combat."

Zara reached out, gently touching his arm. "I know it's hard to accept, but sometimes our talents can take us in unexpected directions. And you never know how it might evolve or grow. The chance to prove oneself remains yours."

"But what if I can't?" Adam asked, his eyes still wet with tears. "What if I'm just a failure and a cripple? I can’t even use my spear anymore, I spent all that time and effort learning how to use it and now I can’t even hold it without experiencing pain. The weakness is brutal and I'm not looking forward to fighting with a dull knife."

As Adam lamented his inability to use his spear, memories of his rigorous training flashed through his mind. He remembered the early mornings and late nights spent practicing his stance, the countless bruises and injuries he'd earned, and the sweat and effort he had poured into perfecting each technique. He thought about the way his muscles ached after particularly grueling sessions and the blisters on his hands from gripping the spear's shaft too tightly.

He recalled the joy of finally mastering a difficult move, and the pride he felt when he managed to best an opponent. Each memory was a testament to his dedication and love for the spear, a weapon that had become an extension of himself.

Adam sighed, feeling a sense of loss and frustration. He thought, 'I spent so much time and effort on my spear training, and now I can't even use it. This talent weakness is brutal for me.' The realization that he would have to put aside his beloved spear and learn to wield a sacrificial blade weighed heavily on his heart. As he considered his new path, he knew that it wouldn't be an easy transition, but he also understood that he had no choice but to adapt to his new reality.

"Adam," Zara said firmly, "Adam, you are far from a failure. Your bravery and resolve have been evident thus far. Don't let this setback define you. You have the power to shape your destiny, no matter what your talent is. It won't be easy, but I believe in you. Not only that, you haven’t even inspected the sacrificial knife yet. The talent said that the knife had abilities tied to it, maybe one of them will allow you to change the knife into a more suitable form for combat?"

As he looked at her, the pain in his eyes slowly gave way to a flicker of determination. 'Maybe she's right,' he thought. 'Maybe I can make the most of this talent, even if it's not what I had hoped for.'

With Zara's support, he would try to accept and embrace his new talent, even though it wasn't the path he had envisioned. It would take time to fully accept and come to terms with it, but maybe, just maybe, he could prove that even an F-rank talent could shape his destiny.

"Alright," Adam said, his voice wavering, but with newfound resolve. "I'll try to make the most of this talent. I won't let it hold me back."

Zara smiled at him, her eyes filled with pride. "That's the spirit, Adam. Now, let's figure out how to establish your cult and get you on the path to becoming the leader you're meant to be."

Adam pulled up the information on the sacrificial knife in his inventory.

[Immortal Dream's Blade (Tier 1)] (Unique): A seemingly dull sacrificial knife, adorned with ancient runes and symbols that hold untold power. This blade is a symbol of Adam Emmanuel-Amin's authority over his cult and serves as the foundation for the formation of the Immortal Dream Cult. The knife's true potential is unlocked as Adam's talent [Immortal Dream Cult] advances in rank, and its tier is tied to the tier of the cult. As a talent-bound weapon, it cannot be lost or destroyed and is exclusively usable by Adam Emmanuel-Amin. Reveals new effects on tier up.

Requirement: Tier 1, User can only be Adam Emmanuel-Amin. Durability: Indestructible.

Ability 1: [Unknown] - [Requirement not met]

Ability 2: [Locked] - [Locked]

To his surprise, a message appeared, asking if he wanted to create his cult.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

*Would you like to use your talent [Immortal Dream Cult] to create your cult? Yes/No*

With a mixture of curiosity and determination, he accepted.

*Requirements not met: Must complete mission - [Cult establishment]*

*Check your [Mission] tab to see the details of the mission*

As Adam accessed the new [Mission] tab that had appeared upon his awakening to Tier 1, he was greeted with a mission that left him feeling apprehensive.

[Cult establishment]:

Mission details: You cannot have a cult without some followers, use any means necessary to attract your first follower. You must gain your first follower in 48 hours.

Time Remaining: 1 day, 23 hours, 50 minutes, 48 seconds

Reward: You can use your talent to create your cult.

Penalty for failure: You die in the Dreamverse at your next entry.

His thoughts raced as he considered the urgency of the mission and the dire consequences of failure. 'I can't believe I have to find a follower in just 2 days... That’s two days in the Dreamverse, so it would be like 16 hours on Earth. What if I can't do it on time? I don't want to die in the Dreamverse as soon as I enter the next day...'

For now, the Cult establishment mission was the only one displayed in his [Mission] tab.

Zara, noticing the concern etched on Adam's face, inquired about the mission. As he explained the situation to her, she didn't hesitate to make a bold suggestion. "Why don't you make me your first follower?" she asked, her tone both serious and a glint of excitement appearing in her eyes.

Adam considered her offer and agreed, but he wasn't sure how to proceed. "How do I make you my follower?" he asked, a little uncertain.

"Try asking me," Zara suggested, her excitement bubbling beneath her composed exterior.

Taking a deep breath, Adam looked into her eyes and asked, "Zara, will you become the first follower of my cult?"

Zara's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she responded, her voice steady and confident. "Yes, I will be your first follower, Adam."

The moment Zara agreed to become his follower, he felt a peculiar energy coursing through him, as if attempting to forge a connection with her. However, the effort proved futile, and he was left with a system message.

*Zara’Yebrel’Rukk’Zol exceeds the tier of the talent holder. Unable to accept target as a follower*

"I... I can't accept you as a follower," Adam said, a mixture of confusion and disappointment coloring his words. "The message says your tier is too high for me."

Zara, though visibly let down, managed to maintain a supportive demeanor. "It's unfortunate, but it makes sense," she admitted. "I hope that one day, when you've grown stronger, I can join your cult, Adam." Her eyes conveyed her sincerity and belief in his potential.

Adam thought for a moment before asking, "Can I get one of the drones or something to join the cult?"

Zara shook her head. "That won't work. Technically, all my units are part of a hive type organization already. Unlike me, who is the leader of the hive, they are unable to join any other organization unless they have an ability that allows them to do so. Besides, I'd prefer your first follower to be someone you know and care for, just in case there's some kind of benefit for being the first follower."

He frowned, unsure of his next move. "I don't know if it's a good idea to bring my friends and family into my cult. And how would it even work with them being in the waking world?"

Zara hesitated, clearly struggling with her next words. Finally, she resolved herself to tell Adam the truth. "Now that you've awakened, what tier you reach will have an effect on your race. The Dreamverse will start to incorporate your race, and eventually your entire world, into its realm."

Adam's eyes widened in shock, disbelief coursing through him. "You... you can't be serious," he stammered.

Zara gave him a solemn nod. "Check your race information on your status if you don't believe me."

At first, Adam hesitated, his mind wrestling with the idea that his entire world could be affected by his actions. But finally, he mustered the courage to pull up his race information. As he scanned the details, his heart dropped when he saw that his race was now listed as [Human: Earthling].

"How... How is this even possible?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Feelings of confusion, disbelief, and anger swirled inside him, fighting for dominance. The weight of the revelation threatened to crush him, the magnitude of the responsibility making it hard for him to breathe. He wanted to deny it, to convince himself that it was just a cruel joke, but the evidence was right before his eyes.

Zara reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I know it's a lot to take in, but we'll figure this out together."

Adam clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he tried to come to terms with his new reality. He wondered how he could ever live up to the expectations now placed on him, and whether he could truly change the fate of his world.

He was furious. "Is this what you meant about my Dream Child status?" he demanded. "Why didn't you tell me?"

She sighed, her expression pained. "I couldn't, Adam. The Dreamverse wouldn't allow me."

He looked at her, his anger making it difficult to trust her words. "How can I be sure you're telling the truth?"

Zara met his gaze, her eyes filled with sincerity. "I know it's hard to believe, but I promise you, I wouldn't lie about something like this. Now that you're awakened, the Dreamverse will start to reveal more truths to you, and you'll see for yourself. I can only guide you so far, but I'll always be here to support you."

"Adam, there are other things I can't tell you either, but I'll try to show you," Zara added, determination in her eyes.

"Okay, go ahead," he responded cautiously.

Zara began to speak, but to Adam's surprise, he couldn't hear a single word. He tried to focus on her lips to read what she was saying, but a sudden headache overwhelmed him, and he couldn't remember anything she had said.

"Is my point clear now?" Zara asked, her expression serious.

Adam nodded, his frustration mounting.

"What now?" he asked her.

"Well, you need to find your first follower before you return to the Dreamverse. And it might be a good idea to delay your class choice for now. Maybe if you gain your first follower, you might gain a better rarity for your tier 1 class."

Adam considered her words and agreed. As he closed his eyes, he couldn't help but wonder who he should choose as his first follower. Who would be willing to join him on this journey, and how would he convince them? The questions weighed on his mind as he prepared to return to the waking world.