Return to Earth, Situation on Earth

Arthur found himself awake in the sterile, high-tech laboratory, his mind racing with questions and confusion. He couldn't understand how he could wake up in the same military laboratory he had been in in his previous life.

`Am I really return back to earth?`

He had tried using the [Leave Main Plane] feature multiple times to return back to earth, but it had never worked. He even guessed that since his soul was from the future, he wouldn't be able to return to earth. But that seemed to be a wrong guess.

As Arthur tried to piece together the puzzle of his situation, he couldn't help but remember on the unfortunate life he had been living on Earth in his previous life. It had been a life filled with hardship and despair, a life that had driven him despise this world.

On the first day of the 'Main Plane' incident, he remembered that the world was in chaos. The reason was because the Talent they got in the 'Main World', they could use on earth as well, and many people abused the Talent to do inhumane things, causing the world to be in chaos.

And on the same day, he had been forcibly taken from his home by agents from the country's military, they rounded up not only him but also several citizens who were recorded as living alone and had no close relatives.

The reason was sound noble, which was to ensure their citizen's safety from the villains. However, Arthur understood better their intentions and goals were not actually for that, but to find people who got strong Talents from the 'Main World' to be used by them.

That time, as they recognized the powerful Talent that he had acquired in the Main Plane as a Traveler, they had seen it as a valuable asset. They had used him as a weapon, a tool to dismantle villain organizations and even entire fallen countries.

At first, he had believed he was doing noble work, protecting his homeland from potential threats. But as time passed, he had begun to see the truth.

He had been nothing more than a pawn in a larger game, a game where his own country was competing with its rivals for dominance. He had been manipulated into serving the interests of a certain party that cared little for the consequences of their actions. It was a realization that had left a bitter taste in his mouth, one that made him despise not only himself but the world he lived in.

However then, a sudden thought crossed over his mind, he couldn't help but wonder why he was able to return to earth if his previous attempts didn't work, and who had been controlling this body for the past five days.

`Was it his original soul, the one that had chosen to become a Traveler?`

`Did it mean that this body now housed two souls, two distinct consciousnesses?`

The thought was both unsettling and intriguing for Arthur.

His contemplations were interrupted when a beautiful woman in scientist attire entered the room. She had an air of authority about her, and her smile did little to ease Arthur's unease.

"How are you today, Mr. Arthur?" she greeted him in a soothing voice.

"Dr. Hayes?" Arthur blinked in surprise.

He didn't expect to meet this woman again after being reincarnated. Her name was Elena Hayes, one of the doctor scientists who had been kind to him in his previous life. Unfortunately, she did not meet the end she deserved in his life.

Dr. Elena Hayes smiled warmly, her eyes lighting up with a hint of happiness. "You remember my name," she said, her voice filled with a touch of delight.

Arthur couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity wash over him, as if a distant memory had suddenly resurfaced. "Is it weird that I don't remember the doctor who's been looking after us for the past five days?" he asked, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

Elena chuckled, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Well, not everyone remembers their caregivers, Mr. Arthur. But I must admit, I'm happy with your gratitude."

Arthur's laughter filled the room, a genuine sound that cut through the tension that had lingered since his awakening in this place. "I suppose I'm not used to receiving such care," he admitted, his expression softening.

Elena regained her composure, her professional demeanor returning. "I'm here to help, Mr. Arthur. It's my job to ensure your well-being."

With that settled, Arthur decided to shift the conversation to more pressing matters. "Then, can you tell me about the results of the lab tests?"

Elena nodded, her focus returning to the task at hand. "Of course, Mr. Arthur. I'm pleased to inform you that the analysis of your Traveler Talent, the [Lightning Spear], has been quite enlightening. After numerous trials and comparisons with other Talents, we have categorized it as an Legendary-Grade Talent."

Arthur blinked in surprise, his mind racing to process the information. `Wait, wasn't my talent an Epic-Grade Talent back then?` his thought filled with confusion.

"What?!"

Elena nodded. "Yes, Mr. Arthur. Your Talent is exceptional, and the data we've collected from it will be invaluable for our research."

Arthur couldn't contain his confusion. He had always known that his Talent in his previous life was an Epic-Rank Talent [Lightning Spear], but to have it changed to Legendary-Grade was beyond his wildest expectations. But then he decided not to look surprised and got excited, "Thank you," he said sincerely, gratitude in his eyes.

Elena blushed again, a slight stammer in her response. "Y-you're welcome, Mr. Arthur. I'm sure you will be one of the pillars on earth after this information spreads."

Arthur chuckled at her response. It seemed that even a brilliant scientist could be taken off guard by a heartfelt compliment. "Now, tell me, Doctor, what has happened in the world in the past five days since the 'Main Plane' accident?"

Elena took a moment to gather her thoughts before launching into an explanation. "The world has been in a state of upheaval, Mr. Arthur. With the appearance of the Earth Federation, chaos in the world have shifted drastically. However, there are some countries that oppose them and prefer to be independent."

Arthur nodded, absorbing the information. The situation was still the same as the future he remembered.

Elena continued, "But there's another development that has caused quite a stir. The first Lord, who managed to elevate his Territory to Town-Level civilization, has become the number one wanted person in the world."

Arthur's eyes widened in surprise. He couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness as he realized that he was that Lord, the one the world had been searching for. He glanced down at the barcode-like mark on his hand, a silent reminder of his unique status.

Elena seemed to find it amusing. "His name also happens to be the same as yours, Mr. Arthur" she added with a small smile.

Arthur chuckled softly, though he didn't reveal his true identity. It was a curious coincidence, one that he would keep to himself for now. The world had changed in his absence, and he had a role to play in its new direction.

After Arthur and Elena had their conversation, Elena suddenly remembered something important. "Mr. Arthur," she began, "the Headmaster wishes to see you. He mentioned it earlier, but I got caught up in our conversation."

Arthur's brows furrowed slightly at the mention of the Headmaster's request. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease whenever he thought about the man. However, he nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for letting me know. I'll head to his office right away."

Before he left, he turned back to Elena, his expression thoughtful. "Elena, I want to give you a piece of advice. Try not to lose sight of your life in Main Plane. Focus on developing yourself and your abilities within the next year in Main Plane."

Elena looked puzzled by his advice. "May I ask why, Mr. Arthur? I mean, I appreciate your concern, but I have many tasks and responsibilities in here."

Arthur smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Let's just say that in the future, big changes are going to happen. I'd hate to see you miss out on the opportunities it offers."

With that enigmatic statement, he turned and left the room. He didn't want to reveal too much about his true intentions, especially since he couldn't explain the impending collapse of the world.

...

As Arthur arrived at the Headmaster's office, he found the middle-aged man with a bulky build waiting for him. His presence elicited a feeling of disdain within Arthur. This was the man who had used him as a tool in his previous life, and the memories of that time still lingered, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

The Headmaster greeted Arthur warmly and gestured for him to take a seat. Arthur complied, though his smile held a certain edge to it.

Then, without warning he activated his talent!

~Swoossh!

[Prompt: Individual Persuasion has been activated]