A New World(Rewritten)

"The finals for the World Championship will be held tonight at Skyline Stadium."

The excitement in the classroom was palpable. Groups of students huddled together, their animated voices carrying across the room.

"I can't decide who to cheer for!" one student exclaimed. "Elijah Dragonheart's dragons are unbeatable. Did you see his last duel? He summoned the Abyssal Wyrm in the final moments. It was legendary!"

"Yeah, but Maya Evergreen is a genius," another retorted. "Her mechanical cards are the most versatile in the game. She's got counters for everything Elijah can throw at her."

Ray leaned back in his chair, watching the debate unfold. He couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm. Three years ago, this kind of conversation would have been impossible in his old world. Everything had changed since the day he woke up in this strange new reality, his soul mysteriously transplanted into a different body. The memories of his past life as an ordinary student on Earth were still fresh, but he had adapted to this world's rules—a world where card mastery determined one's fate.

The merging of worlds five hundred years ago had rewritten history. Fantasy became reality as humans encountered elves, spirits, and other mythical beings. These new allies taught humanity to harness a power of their own—the ability to become card masters. It was a skill that defined life in this world, a way to survive and thrive in a universe brimming with dangers and opportunities.

Ray's gaze drifted to the clock. Tonight, on his seventeenth birthday, he would take his first step into this world's system. He would create his first card, a process that would determine his future potential. Excitement mingled with anxiety as he considered the possibilities.

The school bell rang, jolting Ray from his thoughts. He packed up his things and joined the flow of students heading for the exit. The chatter about the championship continued around him as he walked home, but his mind was elsewhere. He'd spent weeks preparing for this moment—researching, planning, imagining.

The Power of Cards

Card mastery was more than just a skill; it was a way of life. The strength of a card master was determined by the level of the cards they could create and wield. The hierarchy was clear:

Card Apprentice: [Card Level 0-9]Card Adept: [Card Level 10-19]Card Advanced: [Card Level 20-29]Card Master: [Card Level 30-39]Card Grandmaster: [Card Level 40-59]Card King: [Card Level 60-79]Card Emperor: [Card Level 80-99]Card Overlord: [Card Level 100+]

Ray knew that everything hinged on his first card. The creation process was both simple and profound. A card's power stemmed from its background story, the materials used, and the creator's energy. To succeed, the story had to resonate with the mysterious force known as Heaven. A weak or flawed story meant failure.

Ray had brainstormed countless ideas. His first card needed to be extraordinary—a symbol of his ambitions and the foundation of his journey. It had to have immense potential, a compelling story, and, of course, it had to look cool.

A Loving Family

As Ray walked down the familiar streets, he thought about his family. His parents and younger sister were his anchor in this new world. Their unwavering support had made his adjustment easier.

His mother, Amelia Ashford, was a renowned card master specializing in fire-type cards. At Level 80, she was a Card King and one of the city's strongest defenders. His father, Richard Ashford, was even more impressive. A Level 99 card master on the brink of becoming a Card Emperor, he wielded giant beast-type cards that inspired awe and fear in equal measure.

Ray's eleven-year-old sister, Lily, didn't yet share their obsession with cards. She preferred spending her time drawing or playing games, but Ray knew it was only a matter of time before she joined the world of card mastery.

The sight of his house brought a smile to his face. It wasn't large or extravagant, but it was warm and filled with love. As he opened the door, the familiar aroma of his mother's cooking greeted him.

"Welcome home, Ray," his mother called from the kitchen. "How was school?"

"It was good," Ray replied, setting his bag down. "Everyone's talking about the championship tonight."

"We'll watch it together after dinner," his father said, stepping into the room. "It'll be a good reminder of what you're working toward."

Ray nodded, his heart pounding. Tonight wasn't just about watching the championship. Tonight, he would begin his journey—a journey that might one day lead him to that very stage.