On their journey, Seth communicated more with the three, and many of his questions were answered.

These beings were part of a race called Rangols, from the planet Pume.

As for why they were so nice to offer him company — it was because of the incentives the Origin gave to Awakeners who helped newbies like him.

Apparently, they received a title called Newbie’s Helper, along with other benefits.

Learning this put some relief in Seth’s heart. The thought that they were helping him without any strings attached had seemed more worrying than knowing they were doing it for benefits.

After all, Seth didn’t believe anyone would be so nice without some profit involved.

He also learned more about the settlement. The Origin Realm was vast and limitless, but the area they were in was called the Savage Oasis — a small valley of lush greenery surrounded by a vast desert. GreenFold Settlement was the only stronghold for Awakeners in this region.

Akin to a safe zone on Earth, Origin Beasts couldn’t invade this city, and it was the primary residence of Awakeners who could stay long in the Origin Realm.

"Ah, so hair is not a common factor of your race," Reva muttered in understanding.

She had been curious about Seth’s race, humans, because of their stunning similarities to the Andrathals.

But each reply Seth gave seemed to break apart the theory of them being genetically related.

In fact, if what Seth said was true, humans were far too diverse.

"After all, he was even saying skin color wasn’t a common feature for his race, as most had varying skin tones, varying hair textures, eye colors, and even body builds."

To her, this flagged the new race as odd — which only drew her deeper into curiosity.

"So if you guys are so different, what is your common factor?" Reva inquired curiously.

"That’s easy. There are many indicators. For example, our blood, though it proves different relations, unifies us as one race. Our internal structure is consistent across all humans. There are more factors, but I can’t list them all." Seth explained patiently.

Even though their relationship was benefit-driven, he was still grateful. The more he learned about the region, the more he felt indebted, so the least he could do was answer some questions — though not disclosing anything too vital.

Reva opened her mouth but closed it again, holding back from asking about Seth’s racial traits. She doubted he would reveal something so important.

Rand, leading the group from the front, frowned. "Guys, we have to speed up. Time is counting. If we continue at this pace, reaching the settlement before night will be impossible."

Hearing this, the three quickly sped up, a sliver of apprehension flashing in their eyes at the word night.

Seth especially. He had been briefed about the Savage Oasis.

Apparently, this was a lush, resource-filled region, with most treasures being elixirs, essence fruits, and Origin herbs.

But fortune and danger walked hand in hand. As much as the oasis was filled with treasures, it was also filled with dauntingly powerful Origin Beasts that protected them.

And there was the night parade — beast hordes that roamed when the sun set, killing and trampling everything in their way.

So in a sense, if Seth hadn’t met the Rangols, he would have been done for.

Suddenly, they came across another group in the distance, consisting of a different foreign race.

Bright green scaled skin, venomous green slitted pupils.

The moment they saw them, the Rangols were visibly displeased.

"The Septans," Rand hissed venomously.

Reva’s eyes glinted coldly as she stared at the Septans. She advised Seth: "Be wary of these scums. Their race is vile and barbaric. They are strong but ruthless."

The Septans walked toward them, four individuals in total.

A pair of slitted pupils scanned the group. His scaled lips stretched into a crooked smile, revealing a row of razor-sharp teeth shaped like canines.

"Well, well, well. It is a pleasure to meet the famous Rand, Rond, and Reva. I heard this was your last mission before you ascend to a higher zone," the Septan leader spoke.

Seth observed curiously from behind.

’Tsk tsk tsk... my first day and I’m meeting a second alien race so soon.’

Rand’s disdain was apparent. "Of course. As a member of a hegemon race, I don’t need to spend seven years in the first zone, now do I?"

The Septan leader frowned. Rand was clearly taking a jab at him.

The Septans were not the hegemon race of their planet. Without hegemon status, they lacked the support the Origin provided to hegemon races.

Hegemon races had higher drop rates and easier progression through killing.

Non-hegemon races weren’t gifted these opportunities. Killing didn’t grant them stats — they had to cultivate manually, a slower, less efficient method.

Hence why this Septan leader had been stuck in the first zone for seven years, still short of peak Awakener level.

His slitted eyes drifted to Seth.

His scaled brows raised. An Andrathal?

His gaze flickered with deduction. A newbie Andrathal was rare — the race rarely spawned in the Savage Oasis.

If Seth was an Andrathal, wouldn’t that be nice?

The Septan leader stared at Seth with unnatural interest.

Reva noticed and shielded Seth with her frame. "Hmph, what are you staring at, Vatu? He’s with us!"

Vatu’s lips stretched sinisterly. "Come on, don’t be like that. Can I at least know his race? He looks so... unique."

But Reva didn’t disclose. She disdained Vatu. He had hunted their crew, killing them several times when they had just ascended.

Hence why they hated his guts. If not for the risk of losses and delay before nightfall, they would have attacked.

"Don’t even think about it, Vatu," Reva glowered.

Vatu sighed in defeat. "Okay, okay, I’ll back off..." Then he added silently, licking his lips: "For now."

Seth frowned as he stared at the Septan group. Compared to the Rangols, he could clearly feel the unsettling, baleful aura that accompanied the former.

’They must have killed a lot...’ Seth muttered with a narrowed gaze. And he wasn’t talking about Origin Beasts. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Rand didn’t care about the confrontation anymore and led his group away. "The less interaction we have with Vatu’s group, the better."

And after an hour more of travel, Seth stood on a cliff, staring at the settlement below in awe.