Awakening

As Zhao Hai awakens, he realizes that his own memories have merged with Adam's, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the situation. He acknowledges that he has indeed transmigrated into this new world, occupying Adam's body and life. Being a nerd, Zhao Hai finds it ironic that he has crossed over into a rather unlucky and unsuitable identity.

From Adam's memories, Zhao Hai learns about the circumstances leading up to his awakening. However, he is uncertain of his current location since Adam's consciousness had not yet emerged from his unconscious state. Nevertheless, Zhao Hai knows that he is no longer in the familiar surroundings of the Aksu Empire's capital, as he observed his unfamiliar environment upon waking.

Opening his eyes, Zhao Hai notices an elderly person standing by his side with a stern expression. He instantly recognizes this person as Green Buda, the old butler of the Buda family. Green, unlike the previous Adam, is a serious and dedicated individual who has faithfully served the Buda family for a long time and enjoys their utmost trust.

Having undergone rebirth, Zhao Hai's thought process and maturity far surpass that of the previous Adam. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of transmigration stories, he understands the significance of having an old butler like Green in his corner. Zhao Hai appreciates Green's role in managing and guiding him, and he realizes the importance of his experience and strength in this new world where power determines survival.

The long-term nerd life, the long-term fantasy, coupled with Adam's memories, make Zhao Hai not entirely opposed to the idea of being transported to another world. He doesn't have many expectations; his only concern is the discomfort caused by two factors. Firstly, the absence of a computer and internet access is incredibly uncomfortable for someone like him, akin to being tortured. Secondly, he has unwittingly consumed the Water of Nothingness, rendering him unable to study Battle Qi and Magic. This shatters Zhao Hai's dreams of a world filled with excitement and power.

Unaware of the assimilation of Adam's memories, Zhao Hai remains calm. He is not in a panic because he is familiar with the details of Ark Continent from those memories. The discomfort he feels confirms that these memories are accurate, aligning with his experiences on Earth and the current situation on Ark Continent.

Despite the discomfort, Zhao Hai realizes that he has the opportunity for a fresh start as Adam Buda. In his previous life on Earth, he lacked family and friends, living a solitary existence. Now, he finds himself in a different environment, surrounded by people who genuinely care about him. This change brings a sense of relief and optimism.

At this time, Green also noticed that Zhao Hai had awakened and hurriedly approached the bedside. He asked Zhao Hai, "Young Master, how do you feel? Are you uncomfortable? Are you in pain?"

Zhao Hai, who hadn't heard such caring words for a long time, felt a warmth in his heart. He realized that his body didn't seem to have any major issues. He quickly sat up and shook his head, saying, "I'm alright, Green. Grandpa Green, where are we?"

Green was visibly taken aback by Adam's polite response. He wasn't accustomed to such behavior from him. Nevertheless, he immediately replied, "Young Master, we have arrived at our fief."

Zhao Hai nodded, understanding the situation, and asked, "Is it the Black Wasteland?"

Green, surprised by Zhao Hai's calmness, nodded and said, "Yes, this is the Black Wasteland."

Zhao Hai nodded in confirmation and continued, "Where exactly are we now? What is the current situation here? How many people are there? And what are the notable places?"

Green looked at Zhao Hai with a hint of admiration. He realized that the new Young Master was different from before. He proceeded to answer, "Young Master, we are currently in the Black Wasteland, specifically in the Buda family's territory. The situation here is quite desolate, with harsh living conditions. As for the population, it is relatively small, consisting mainly of Buda family members and a few servants. The territory itself is vast, but most of it is barren and unsuitable for cultivation."

Listening to Green's explanation, Zhao Hai remained composed. The information he received from Adam's memories matched what Green described about the Black Wasteland.

Zhao Hai nodded thoughtfully and inquired further, "Grandpa Green, what are our family's current priorities and plans? Are there any specific matters I need to be aware of?"

Green looked at Zhao Hai with appreciation in his eyes. He realized that the new Young Master was genuinely interested in the family's affairs. He responded, "Young Master, our primary focus now is to stabilize the family's situation in the Black Wasteland. The Buda family has experienced a decline in power and influence over the years, so we need to rebuild our strength. Our plans involve improving the resources within the territory, developing our forces, and expanding our influence among neighboring factions. As for you, Young Master, you need to familiarize yourself with the family's affairs and start learning the responsibilities of being a Lord."

Zhao Hai attentively absorbed Green's words. He understood the importance of revitalizing the family and his role in it as the new Young Master. He nodded resolutely and replied, "Grandpa Green, I will do my best to fulfill my duties and contribute to the family's revival."

Green smiled with satisfaction and patted Zhao Hai's shoulder, saying, "I believe in your abilities, Young Master. With your dedication and the support of our family, we will surely overcome the challenges that lie ahead."

Zhao Hai smiled back, grateful for the support. He knew that his journey in this new world had just begun, and he was determined to make the most of it.

In Adam's memories, there was limited information about the Black Wasteland. It was known to be located near the Carrion Swamp, and the land was unsuitable for cultivation. Other details were unclear, prompting Zhao Hai to inquire about the current situation. As Adam, he would be living in the Black Wasteland, so it was crucial for him to understand the local conditions.

Green looked at Zhao Hai with surprise as he asked questions. He had no doubt that this was Adam in front of him, even though Adam's behavior was completely different from what he knew before. Green pondered the saying, "Setbacks make one grow," as he tried to make sense of the situation. Despite his confusion, he considered Adam's current behavior as a sign of maturity.

Green quickly responded, "Young Master, we are currently in the City Lord Mansion of the fief. The City Lord Mansion is located on Iron Mountain in the Black Wasteland. The mountain has some cultivable land, although it is limited. However, I must apologize as I acted without authorization. I sold all our belongings and used the money to purchase supplies and 100 slaves. We only have a little over 100 gold coins left. The only people here are myself, my wife, my granddaughter, Blockhead, and Stonehead. The rest have already left."

Zhao Hai nodded and analyzed the current situation in his mind. They were in a difficult situation, but at least they had the City Lord Mansion as a place to live. They could also cultivate some crops on Iron Mountain. Having 100 slaves, especially the five individuals Green mentioned, whom he trusted, was a reassurance amidst the challenges they faced.

Zhao Hai nodded and agreed with Green's assessment. In this place, gold coins would be of little use, and their priority should be acquiring commodities to sustain themselves. He instructed Green to make arrangements and determine which crops would be suitable for cultivation on Iron Mountain, as they needed to ensure they had enough food to eat.

Green acknowledged Zhao Hai's instructions and suggested that he rest for a while. He mentioned that he would have Meg attend to Zhao Hai's needs. Upon hearing Meg's name, Zhao Hai immediately recalled the image of a delicate girl with blue hair, who happened to be Green's granddaughter. However, Zhao Hai couldn't help but smile wryly, as Adam had previously made inappropriate advances towards Merine, who was actually a strong-willed 6th level Magician. Despite his initial intentions, Adam had never dared to cross any boundaries with her, as Merine would have rather chosen to take her own life than submit to him. Reflecting on this, Zhao Hai criticized Adam's behavior and decided not to repeat his mistakes. He told Green that he wanted to rest for a while and requested not to be disturbed, except when it was time for dinner.

Green respectfully bowed and excused himself, leaving the room where Zhao Hai was.

Zhao Hai let out a sigh as he slowly got up from the bed. Despite having lain down for a long time, he felt no discomfort and even sensed a surge of strength within him. He couldn't help but stretch his body before walking towards the window and gently pushing it open, gazing outwards.

He was greeted with the view of a small fort-like town. The room he occupied was on the top floor, offering a clear view of the surroundings. The town had a Western-style design, with a small square and a fence in the front. Beyond the castle's perimeter, he could see the unmistakable black expanse of the Black Soil. The land appeared lifeless, as if it had been soaked in oil, giving off a dull and spiritless impression.

In the square within the castle, there were piles of various goods. Zhao Hai carefully observed and realized that they were daily necessities. A large crowd of people was bustling about, both men and women dressed in coarse cotton clothes. The distinguishing feature was the mark on the foreheads of the men, which he recognized as the Buda Family emblem. It signified that these people were slaves of the Buda Family.

Looking to the sides, he saw barren hills covered in crooked trees that appeared sickly and listless. Only weeds grew among them, displaying signs of malnutrition with their stunted growth.

Shifting his gaze back to the castle that now belonged to him, Zhao Hai noted its significant size. It could easily accommodate several thousand residents, but it seemed to have been uninhabited for a long time. Moss had grown on the walls, and patches of green grass sprouted from the crevices. The overall appearance was one of decay. He also noticed that the window paper had been newly pasted, except for a few rooms where it was missing.

Zhao Hai couldn't help but smile bitterly. He vividly remembered from Adam's memories that the Buda Family, back in the Empire's official residence, used glass for their windows. However, here in the Black Wasteland, they were using primitive window paper, which felt like a significant downgrade.

Despite this setback, Zhao Hai's spirit remained unyielding. He firmly believed that the land within his sight belonged to him. Regardless of what others said, he refused to believe that the seemingly fertile Black Soil wouldn't yield any crops. He was determined to bring life back to this desolate land, proving those who doubted its potential wrong.

As he pondered his goals, a sudden sound echoed in his mind...