Six years passed quietly.
Too quietly, some might say.
I turned thirteen sometime during the winter. Life hadn't changed much on the surface—same house, same forest, same village paths worn smooth by habit.
The woods had become familiar in a way few places ever do.
I hunted alone now.
Carefully. Methodically.
My system reflected that.
Wind Slash — Rank C | Spark IV
Foundational Focus Technique — Rank C | Spark III
Minor Endurance — Rank C | Spark III
Mana Sensitivity — Rank C | Spark III
Progress earned slowly.
And quietly.
No one knew about the system.
I intended to keep it that way.
The Call Inside
"Dinner's ready," Mother called.
Her tone was nervous.
When I stepped inside, Father was already seated. Uncle Garen leaned against the wall near the window, arms crossed.
That was new.
"Sit," Father said.
I did.
Mother folded her hands. "You're thirteen now."
"hmmhh," I replied stuffing my face with potatoes.
Father cleared his throat. "We've been watching you."
I paused. "…Watching me?"
Garen answered instead. "Training. Hunting"
Mother shot him a look. "Not spying."
"just watching over you," Garen corrected.
I raised an eyebrow but stayed quiet.
Father continued, "Next month, you'll be traveling to the kingdom's center, Crownspire."
That landed.
"…Why?"
"To take the magic academy entrance exam," Mother said.
I blinked. "How does it work?"
"One exam. Multiple offers." Garen said
I leaned back slightly. "So I don't get to choose."
"No," Father said. "They do."
I thought for a moment. "what if no one picks me?"
Mother smiled gently. "Then you come home."
How dangerous is it?" I asked.
Garen shrugged. "Less than adventuring. More than farming."
"Comforting."
He smirked.
"And the academies?" I asked. "Which ones matter?"
Garen grew serious.
"Aetherion Royal Magic Academy," he said."Lunaris Arcane Institute.""Eldoria High Academy.""Roseveil Academy of Magic."
I nodded slowly.
I'll aim for the best
"We leave in one month," Garen said. "I'll handle travel and costs."
Mother reached across the table. "You don't have to prove anything."
Father nodded. "Just do your best."
I smiled. "I will."
Inside, the system remained silent.
But it felt like something was beginning.