Where did you get that information?" Bill asked, frowning as he shifted beneath the shade of the oak tree. He had heard nothing about it on the news, and most news outlets had become incredibly aggressive when it came to obtaining exclusive stories. Reporters risked their lives traveling through dangerous wilderness just to be the first to publish important information. If something as significant as a warning from Gaia had been released, he would have expected it to dominate every headline.
"Quite simple," Bertho replied as he stretched out against the grass. "It was mentioned during the meeting briefing this morning. The elders discussed information gathered through their various contacts." He sounded completely unconcerned by the revelation, as if receiving information before governments announced it had become perfectly normal. In many ways, it had become normal for the trade families.
The Sonnenbergs maintained relationships with dozens of influential factions across Europe. Through those connections, information flowed surprisingly quickly between organizations. The trade families frequently exchanged reports, market trends, and warnings that could affect their businesses. As a result, important developments often reached them days before the general public learned about them.
"And where did those contacts get the information?" Bill asked suspiciously. He knew the family had connections, but some of the things they learned seemed almost impossible to obtain. It was as if someone was feeding them information directly from the highest levels of power. The thought was both impressive and slightly unsettling.
"The Great Houses," Bertho answered without hesitation. "They've been trying to build stronger relationships with the trade families for months now." He picked a blade of grass and twirled it between his fingers. "They know they need specialists, and many of those specialists come from families like ours."
The arrival of the System had changed the balance of power dramatically. Military strength remained important, but knowledge had become equally valuable. A powerful noble house could possess thousands of soldiers, but that meant little if they lacked people capable of cultivating magical forests, identifying rare herbs, or maintaining valuable resources. Expertise had become a strategic asset.
"There are already three Great Houses requesting forestry experts from our family," Bertho continued. "They want advice on how to develop their forests properly." His expression grew thoughtful. "Most of them intend to make those forests part of their strategic reserves. Apparently, everyone is beginning to realize how valuable natural resources are becoming."
Bill nodded slowly as he considered the implications. Forests no longer represented simple collections of trees. They contained magical plants, rare herbs, monsters, and resources that could generate enormous wealth. A well-managed forest could easily become more valuable than a traditional mine. It made sense that powerful factions wanted specialists to help maximize those opportunities.
"Can I pick my skill before we continue discussing politics?" Arin suddenly asked. His voice carried genuine despair. "Every time we start one of these conversations, I end up spending hours listening to adults explain economics and strategy. If we keep talking, I'll never actually choose my skill."
Bertho laughed while Bill rolled his eyes. Tom, who had appeared at some point without anyone noticing, nodded enthusiastically. Nobody wanted to spend the afternoon discussing politics if they could avoid it. Especially when a new skill was involved.
"Fine," Bertho said. "But hurry up. You have been putting this off for days." He pointed accusingly at Arin. "Most people choose their skills immediately. You're somehow treating it like a life-changing philosophical dilemma."
"It is a life-changing philosophical dilemma," Arin protested dramatically. "Skills are important." Despite his complaints, he immediately opened the System interface. A faint blue glow appeared before his eyes as he focused on the available options. The others waited patiently while he examined the list.
The first skill immediately caught his attention.
Power Shot (Uncommon)
Allows an archer to increase the power of an arrow by channeling additional stamina into the shot. The longer the arrow is drawn, the greater the increase in power and stamina consumption. Grants a small bonus to Strength and Agility while using Power Shot.
Arin stared at the description thoughtfully. It was simple, straightforward, and incredibly useful. Ever since fighting the Stage One creatures, he had become painfully aware of how difficult they were to kill. Anything that increased his damage output would be valuable. The skill practically screamed efficiency.
"That looks promising," Arin muttered to himself. "Still, I should compare it to the other options first." He had learned from his family that rushing important decisions often led to regret. Even if he already suspected which skill he would choose, it would be foolish not to examine every possibility.
Unfortunately, the rest of the list proved disappointing.
There were dozens of skills available, but most seemed irrelevant to his fighting style. Some focused on utility. Others specialized in strange combat techniques that made little sense to him. A surprising number appeared designed for situations he hoped never to encounter in the first place.
One skill in particular left him completely baffled.
Bow Bash (Inferior)
Enhances damage dealt when striking enemies with a bow.
Arin stared at the description for several seconds before closing it. The skill technically functioned exactly as advertised. The problem was that he could not imagine a situation where he wanted to hit someone with his bow. That was why knives existed. It was also why short swords existed.
"Who actually chooses this?" Arin asked aloud.
"Nobody," Tom answered immediately.
"Absolutely nobody," Bill agreed.
Bertho simply nodded.
Feeling vindicated, Arin continued searching. Eventually, another skill managed to catch his attention.
Basic Tracking (Inferior)
Enhances the user's ability to identify tracks, disturbed vegetation, and environmental clues. Assists with following targets and predicting movement patterns.
Now that was at least interesting.
Tracking suited both his class and his family background. The Sonnenbergs spent enormous amounts of time in forests. Being able to identify trails and movement patterns could prove extremely useful. Under different circumstances, he might have chosen it immediately.
The problem was that he already possessed many of those skills naturally. Years of training had taught him how to read tracks and identify disturbances in the forest. While the skill would undoubtedly improve those abilities, it felt redundant compared to Power Shot. He needed something he could not already do himself.
Besides, mana manipulation remained frustratingly restricted.
Many mages had spent months attempting to use mana without skills. Every experiment ended in failure. They could cast spells through their class abilities without issue, but direct mana manipulation remained impossible. The System clearly intended people to rely on skills. Until that changed, practical combat skills offered greater value.
"Decision made," Arin announced after another minute of consideration. He selected Power Shot without hesitation. A pleasant warmth spread through his body as the skill integrated itself into his status. Instinctive knowledge accompanied the sensation, teaching him how to use the ability. The process lasted only a few seconds.
"Well?" Bill asked eagerly.
"I chose Power Shot," Arin replied.
"Good choice," Bertho said with approval. "Now we can finally discuss the interesting part."
Arin immediately regretted reminding him.
"Right," Bertho continued. "You wanted to know why it still feels like spring." He shifted into a more comfortable position before beginning his explanation. "According to the latest report, Gaia intentionally altered the climate."
The others blinked.
"What?" Bill asked.
"Apparently, Gaia needed favorable conditions for the Earth's expansion," Bertho explained. "Maintaining spring weather globally required fewer resources than dealing with normal seasonal variations during the expansion process." He sounded fascinated by the concept. "So she simply made the entire planet experience spring."
Silence followed.
"That is ridiculously overpowered," Bill finally said. "She just decided the planet should be spring everywhere?" He looked genuinely horrified by the scale of such an action. "And when does normal weather return?"
"The report says the climate will normalize once both hemispheres naturally cycle back into spring," Bertho answered. "Until then, things remain artificially stabilized."
Arin frowned thoughtfully while Bill processed the information.
"Wait," Bill said suddenly. "Doesn't that mean the southern hemisphere is getting an entire extra year of good weather?" His eyes widened as the implications sank in. "That sounds absurd."
"Yes," Bertho replied with visible annoyance. "They basically get ideal growing conditions for an entire year."
"That sounds less unfair and more terrifying," Arin said quietly.
Both of his friends looked at him.
"Why terrifying?" Bill asked.
Arin sighed.
"Because wildlife populations are going to explode." He sat upright against the tree trunk. "Animals, insects, pests, everything. Normally winter keeps those populations under control." His expression darkened. "Without that limitation, entire ecosystems are going to expand far beyond normal levels."
The others exchanged worried looks.
"Insects especially," Arin continued. "Imagine mosquito populations doubling repeatedly without winter interruptions. Imagine agricultural pests breeding continuously for an extra year." He shook his head. "Modern medicine barely works anymore. If diseases spread through those populations, entire regions could have serious problems."
Bill grimaced.
"Okay," he admitted. "That does sound terrifying."
"Fortunately, it isn't our immediate problem," Arin said quickly. "So let's discuss something less horrifying." He pointed directly at Bertho. "You said there was more information in the report."
At that, Bertho's expression became serious.
"There was."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
"The report included information about the next Trial."
All three boys froze.
Even Tom, who had been half asleep beneath the tree moments earlier, suddenly sat upright. The mention of a future Trial immediately commanded everyone's attention. Nothing affected humanity's future more directly than those events.
"Well?" Arin demanded.
"Tell us."
"What did it say?"
Bertho allowed the suspense to linger for several seconds before answering.
"The next Trial will occur in twenty years."
The group stared.
"And?"
"Only Stage One humans or higher will be allowed to participate."
More silence followed.
"That is it?" Arin finally asked.
"That is literally all the information provided," Bertho confirmed.
The disappointment was immediate and overwhelming.
After several moments, Arin sighed and leaned back against the tree.
"Well, I suppose twenty years should be enough time to reach Stage One."
"It should be," Bertho agreed. "Although I feel sorry for anyone who chose a terrible class." His expression grew thoughtful. "The System was pretty clear that some advancement paths can become dead ends."
"Maybe," Arin said. "But I still doubt people are permanently trapped." Humanity had a long history of overcoming supposedly impossible limitations. He refused to believe the System would be any different.
The conversation settled for a moment before Arin narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"Bertho."
"Yes?"
"You didn't come all the way out here just to share information." Arin pointed accusingly. "I've spent my entire life around the elders. Nobody delivers good news without an ulterior motive." His expression became increasingly sour. "What work have they found for us this time?"