Two weeks had passed in the blink of an eye, and Daron found himself on the campus grounds, contemplating his progress before delving into his college life.
[Name: Daron Finley]
[Health: 244/244]
[Energy: 600/600]
[Gender: Male]
[Species: Homo Sapiens]
[Physique: Finley's Archeology Physique]
[Ability Domain: Unobtained]
[Constitution: 31]
[Endurance: 21]
[Strength: 31]
[Intelligence: 17]
[Healing Power: 41]
[Agility: 13]
The most notable improvement lay in his healing power stat, a result of a recently accomplished quest. He then turned his attention to his Experience, measuring how close he was to leveling up within the System.
[System Level 1]
[79/100 Experience]
As he contemplated the figure, he closed his eyes and offered a quiet prayer for Nubby, causing the number to increase by five. In the uncertain days ahead of him in college, he understood the importance of reaching level two as swiftly as possible.
Approaching the campus's main gate, he presented his identification to the guards, who granted him entry.
With the abrupt transition from high school to college, students were granted a one-week orientation period. This time allowed them to become acquainted with the campus and enroll in elective courses alongside their mandatory classes.
For now, Daron's priority was to locate his dorm room and discover the identity of his roommate before deciding on his electives in the upcoming days.
Upon entering his dorm room, he was greeted by a familiar face.
"Julian?" Daron inquired.
Julian, reclined on his bed, shifted his gaze towards Daron from a book.
"Well, well, looks like we're destined to be roommates," Julian remarked.
"I thought you'd be aiming for one of the higher-ranked colleges in Ritan," Daron asked.
"Ah, that's right. You probably wouldn't know, considering that literally no one knew who you were before the competition, you wouldn't be keeping tabs on other people's information, I imagine."
"Yes, that's true. But what's that mean?" he asked.
"As someone who lacked a Physique, much like you, who has yet to attain an Ability Domain, I figured this place would be the best fit. Here, I won't face as much judgment for my absence of a Physique."
"How ironic," Daron mused.
Julian flashed a wry smile. "Indeed. Nonetheless, it's comforting to have a familiar face around."
"Likewise," Daron agreed.
Settling in, Daron unpacked his things into the plain dorm; two beds, two desks, and a small window overlooking the campus grounds.
As he finished unpacking, he lay on his own bed and asked Julian if he'd thought about the electives he was going to take.
Julian, who had been engrossed in a book, looked up from his bed and pondered for a moment. There were many choices, and the possibilities endless. Eventually, he replied, "I'm leaning towards Ability Repurposing and Energy Balancing. How about you?"
Daron considered the options. "I'm thinking about Herbology and Energy Balancing," he said with a thoughtful expression. "But I'll decide after the next few days. Maybe they'll be some insights to offer in them."
They both turned their attention back to their respective tasks, the room filled with an air of anticipation for the adventures and challenges that awaited them in the world beyond their dormitory window.
The day passed by without any noteworthy happenings, and the next one soon came.
As the dawn broke, Daron offered a quiet, mournful prayer to Nubby. The morning and its sunrise no longer held the warmth they once did.
Going out of the dorm, he went to explore what the campus had to offer, and to familiarize himself with his surroundings.
With a quiet determination, Daron began his exploration. The campus spread out before him, a sprawling expanse of buildings, pathways, and open spaces. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows that danced across the grass, as if reluctant to fully embrace the day.
He started with the heart of the campus, a grand square framed by aged stone buildings. It was a place to imitate history, as they hadn't been on this planet for even a century. But as he looked around, Daron couldn't help but notice the emptiness of it all. The benches sat vacant with an eerily quiet encompassing the square. Though, it could just be the fact that he had awoken so early.
Daron wandered past the library, the towering shelves held countless volumes, their spines gleaming in the soft morning light. He made a mental note to spend more time here, to lose himself in the wisdom of the ages, and perhaps find solace in the printed words of those who had walked this path before him.
As he strolled along the avenues lined with ancient trees, Daron was unable to escape an overwhelming sense of orchestrated isolation. The campus, teeming with latent vitality and potential, appeared to be holding its collective breath. The laughter and chatter of students that should have filled the air were conspicuously absent. It was as if the very essence of the place had been subjected to a deliberate, early-morning muting.
As he continued his exploration, Daron happened upon the medic's office, tucked away in a quiet corner of the campus. The building was unassuming, but its purpose was evident. The scent of medicinal herbs and the soft hum of tools clinking filled the air. It was a place of healing, a sanctuary for those seeking solace from the world's wounds.
With each step, Daron's curiosity led him deeper into the heart of the campus. He knew there was much more to discover beneath the surface of this tranquil yet eerily quiet morning scene. As he moved further along the pathways, he passed under the shade of ancient trees whose branches whispered secrets from centuries past. Their leaves rustled softly in the breeze, and Daron couldn't help but wonder about the stories they had witnessed over the years.
He soon arrived at the science laboratories, where the windows glinted with the promise of innovation. It was in these halls that breakthroughs were made, the boundaries of human knowledge pushed ever further. Daron admired the dedication of those kinds of people, like Mr. Gail, and now perhaps Director Aaron as well. It was a reminder that, despite the eerie stillness, there was an undercurrent of purpose and ambition running through the campus.
As the morning wore on, Daron's footsteps led him to a serene garden tucked away from the main thoroughfare. It was a place of respite, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of academic life. Delicate flowers bloomed in a riot of colors, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoms. A small pond reflected the azure sky above, its surface undisturbed by ripples. Daron found himself drawn to a weathered bench beneath a gnarled oak tree, a perfect spot for contemplation.