Now that I have my special spells.
I decide it is time to go to a higher world.
I ask the principal of the academy what time the gateway opens to the higher world.
"You just missed it... it'll open again in 99 more years."
I suppose all I can do is wait.
I am not idle during these decades of waiting.
I still meditate everyday and try out the spells I know.
Trying to perfect my mana and particle control.
To make the spells the strongest versions they can be.
By the time the day has come.
I have added 50 more runes to my chain.
[ECHO]: {Name: "Zero #119", Species: Abyssal Paradox (Human), Energy: 1 GR, Strength: 11, Vitality: 21, Nanites: 3.09274e+13, Mana: 410. Spirit: 996, Soul: 96}
I had already left the academy long ago and camped at the location.
There were a few hundred others waiting along with me.
All of us were rank 1.
It was a little bizarre honestly.
I was used to being surrounded by acolytes.
I can't even read the properties for the people around me now.
Since everyone has a passive shield.
The time finally arrives and the gateway opens up.
We form a long line.
Before you're allowed in... you must fill out a bit of paperwork.
It was easy things to answer.
Like your name.
Where you were born.
Who your parents were.
Wait!
I wasn't born in this world.
I never had parents...
I suppose I'll just put down that I'm an orphan.
As for where I was born.
I haven't the slightest clue.
I'll just put down Genesis.
For my name, I just put down "Zero #119".
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Zero was a popular name anyways now.
So it didn't really stick out, even if it was a little uncommon.
I step through the gateway.
I immediately feel the pressure.
This must be the world will trying to restrict me.
This is also what weakens the mages the higher the level they go.
But the brand Gaia gave me activates.
Normally, a rank 1 mage in a level 1 dimension would be unable to cast any spells beside their passive.
They were the new acolytes of the dimension essentially.
The difference being that they still had a passive spell.
But I am different from other rank 1 magi.
The brand Gaia gave me means I am not restricted to just my passive spell.
While it is a little harder to form the spell on my templates.
It is still possible.
Unfortunately.
Even if I don't look for trouble.
Trouble finds me.
The moment I enter the new dimension.
I, along with everyone else am surrounded by rank 2 magi.
"We've got a fine yield this year."
The people arounds me, their complexions became quite ugly.
Somebody spoke up:
"What do you mean?"
"You lot, will be mining magic crystals for 20 years."
The group I was in rejected such conditions.
"You don't have a choice. All foreigners have to go through this process. Upon completion of your served time. You will be given an I.D that makes you an official citizen. Until you have that I.D you don't even have any human rights. Understand me?"
"So follow me. I will show you your task."
I was tempted to try to fight them and escape.
But they are rank 2.
Also... it's only 20 years.
That's barely any time at all.
So began my journey as a slave.
----------------------------------------
It didn't take long for people to take notice of me.
No matter how long I spent in the mines.
My clothes stayed perfectly clean.
They almost never saw me take a break.
I was pulling in a number of magic crystals that surpassed records by an incredible margin.
Even though I was taking a portion and sneaking it into my storage dimension every now and then.
I was given nicknames like:
"The Unstoppable Machine."
"Perpetual Motion Zero."
"He Who Doesn't Rest."
I was even offered better food then the other workers.
People were mad at first.
But the food tasted like shit.
So I gave it away.
This made a few people emotional.
Thinking I was choosing to go hungry.
But still cared for others enough to offer everything I had earned.
----------------------------------------
Urgon's POV:
Urgon was eating in the cafeteria with his friends.
"Don't you guys think it is weird?"
"What is?"
"We've been working with that guy for a decade now."
"All of us are constantly covered in dust and need to shower everyday."
"But that Zero spends 24 hours a day mining."
"His clothes remain clean."
"Not only does he not appear tired. But he has stopped coming to the cafeteria all together."
"Maybe he comes at weird hours."
"Nope, I've talked with others. The last time he came to get something to eat was five years ago. He took a single bite of food, then gave it away to someone else."
"I think that Zero is hiding a big secret. There has to be a reason for his flawless appearance and endless stamina."
"Imagine if we could be like him. We would be able to fill our quota's up quickly and have more free time to ride out the next decade."
"But, why would he tell us his secrets?"
"We just need to become friends with him. Surely he is lonely, all alone for years, mining nonstop."
The next day, back in the mine.
Urgon and his friends come up to Zero.
----------------------------------------
Zero had gotten into a good rhythm for mining.
He was actually having a bit of fun.
A group of people came to his mining spot and started mining with him.
A little weird, but OK.
It isn't his mine anyways, they can do what they want.
But unfortunately, these people started to talk to him.
He wanted to say he was busy.
But he felt it a bit too rude.
These people were only trying to be friendly.
"Say Zero, you should come with us to the cafeteria. Today is a special day. They are serving jerky!"
"I'm alright. I want to focus on beating my score."
"Beating your score?"
"I'm trying to surpass my quota from yesterday."
"..."
A girl puts her arms around Zero's neck.
"You should take a break. It isn't healthy to never take breaks. You'll burn out eventually."
Zero removes her arm from his neck respectfully and replies:
"It's alright. I do not tire."
One of the mans eyes light up upon hearing this.
"How do you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Not tire?"
Zero is a little amused.
"I could teach you if you want?"
"Really!?"
"Sure."
"Alright. You're going to want to shatter your soul first."
"..."