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"With Stage II of the Astral Sickness, the requirement to sustain their life would cost at least 100 million Credits. With their current condition, it'll be quite the exorbitant task to sustain their life, much less find a way to reverse it," the doctor estimated, performing a general examination of the two children.

"1-100 million Credits?!" Lucian stammered.

Credits were something they were all too familiar with. After all, it was the new currency system established in Alteria. It was manufactured from special trees that absorbed copious amounts of otherworldly energies.

As a result, just holding it would present minuscule benefits for the citizens of this world.

However, there was also another problem. Since it was in high demand, if one wished to exchange for it with the old currency, it would require 100 units just to receive a single Credit.

An average family would have access to no more than 1,000 Credits from this exchange, to put it differently. But, the daily expense of a family would amount to at least 10 Credits.

Therefore, if there was no viable method of acquiring Credits, such as working as an Awakened laborer, or even the even more illustrious status of a Guardian, Credits were hard to accumulate. As for previously sought-after jobs such as doctors and the like, the traditional versions weren't needed.

The alteration to most of humanity's physique made them obsolete. Past practices of medicine were useless as the human body evolved beyond the boundary of being sickened by meager diseases. One of the only things that could cause their despair was the aforementioned Astral Corrosion Sickness.

"We... we don't have access to that type of money," Cyrus squeezed through pursed lips.

Forget 100 million Credits, they didn't even have 1,000 of them remaining. After all, they had to rely upon themselves for the past 8 years to survive and eat. During that time, they sacrificed most of their family's assets.

While most of humanity believed the new governing powers would establish a program to alleviate the families affected by the Priming, it didn't happen to the extent they would have liked. The amount given wasn't tailored to every unique household, it was merely a set sum.

No matter how many mouths you needed to feed, the amount remained a constant 2,000 Credits per year.

This was only enough to cover 60% of expenses a typical family would possess. It was done like this to keep enough resources in stock to appease the strong Guardians and Awakened members they recruited. The general populace didn't even amount to half of their importance. After all, those who entered the Fractured Monolith all shared a universal purpose as well as importance.

The change of this world didn't happen for no reason, it felt like a prelude more than anything else. Not to mention, the message the Guardians received hinted towards additional phases. Hence, those who were wise put early preparations into motion.

Nevertheless, that couldn't help these two boys in their current situation.

"Obviously. We didn't expect you to have that type of money on hand. After all, 100 million Credits is equivalent to a Guardian's salary. I'm merely mentioning the cost," the doctor replied while pushing up his bifocals with a sly smile.

After all, his mind was attracted to a much greater possibility.

'If they have Stage II, then they should've all been in the presence of a Guardian sometime before. Maybe I can draw them out since there's no record of these children,' the doctor speculated.

After a dramatic pause, he resumed, "Well, you see, the Astral Corrosion Sickness only happens when a human's innate constitution fails to break down the increased amounts of energy in their system. What I'm trying to say is, there should have been some rather strong people around you."

"We haven't been around anyone recently," both Lucian and Cyrus remarked simultaneously. Rarely did they leave their home, as the new route of education before awakening was all digital. Every home was installed with holographic projectors purposed with imparting vital knowledge.

Unlike before, the knowledge imparted didn't consist of useless elements. At the very least, the necessities of life were taught. In other words, life skills took precedence over theoretical knowledge. After all, most of the knowledge learned in the old curriculum didn't apply to general situations.

"No no no, you misunderstand. When I say recently, it covers from the time of birth as well. The germination period for the Astral Corrosion Sickness ranges from 8-12 years. This timeline matches your siblings' conditions. Furthermore, it takes an additional 3 years for the cusp of Stage II to be reached," the doctor revealed.

Suddenly, Jacob interjected, "Since they are 10 and have already touched upon Stage II, does that mean they contracted this at birth?" This was the assumption that everyone made when they accounted for all the time passed. However, the doctor lowered his glasses as digital symbols appeared in his eyes.

After performing a thorough scan, he shook his head, "That's incorrect. If it had reached the 10-year mark, the sickness would have permeated throughout their whole body. According to my calculations, it should be just nearing the 8-year mark. Two more years and their condition will worsen dramatically."

"Wait, if it's like this...don't they fulfill those rare conditions?" Jacob gasped, looking back towards Cyrus and Lucian. While they didn't understand what these "rare conditions" entailed, Jacob was more than familiar with it. After all, they spent ample time in this medical facility.

"Correct, I believe they have been in the presence of at least a beginner Guardian. Moreover, this is just a conservative answer. Without further study, we won't be able to confirm our speculation. But, if we have them attempt an awakening, that will more than verify our claims," the doctor suggested.

"Mm, but Doctor Arc, are the Awakening Centers even open right now? I know people are always welcome to try, but only the first two attempts are free. And the second is only free in the capacity of the individual awakening beyond an E Rank. Afterward, there is that substantial fee of 100 and 1,000 credits respectively," Jacob voiced.

In response, Doctor Arc shrugged, "Well, judging by their ages and seemingly calcified organs, they haven't experienced an awakening. As long as they're of age, it is fine," Doctor Arc said. He then rubbed his chin and looked towards the distance, "What are your ages, and do you have any clue of your parent's abilities?"

Both Cyrus and Lucian shook their heads and then disclosed their ages of both 18 and 16, respectively, which fell into the general age of awakening for most people. Of course, there were rare cases where people awakened much later or earlier, but that was independent of the achieved rank.

Sometimes it was greater, other times the awakening was overwhelming. It simply differed from person to person.

Meanwhile, Doctor Arc became excited the moment they confirmed their ages. After all, even if they weren't aware of their parents' ranking, abilities were mostly hereditary. Thus, the doctor became excited. Only the strongest Awakeneds, or simplest Guardians, were strong enough to produce this sickness.

As a result, Doctor Arc made up his mind for them, "Then it is settled! You will both attempt your first awakening. I'm sure you had your reasons for refraining from doing so, but if you wish for your siblings to survive, then it is mandatory."

Reluctantly, they nodded their heads. Even though Doctor Arc insisted their potential was good, there was always the off chance of things going awry. But, once they recalled their purpose for all this, Lucian and Cyrus discarded their unsightly thoughts.