As We Departed
To be frank, the So-so Strong Academy was a renowned institution available for children aged 7 to 23. Located 7 miles away from the west, it was a normal occurrence in this world for parents to send their children alone to the academy. The purpose was to promote their strength further and make them reach the pinnacle of power. However, there was a dark side to this pursuit of strength. It was estimated that 40% of children below the age of 12 died before they could even reach the academy. Those who managed to reach at such a young age were immediately hailed as prodigies.
Due to a tragic incident that occurred many years ago, there was a barrier surrounding every academy. No household could be located within 7 miles of the academy premises. It was a safety measure put in place to prevent any further tragedies. As I prepared to embark on my journey to the academy, I realized it was time to wear the necklace that my grandfather had given me. As I placed the necklace around my neck, a sudden flash caught my attention, and a status screen appeared in front of me.
Name: Barney Loli (16tp)
Strength: 3
Agility: 3
Durability: 4
Endurance: 5
Sharpness: 1
I was astonished to discover that the necklace was not just a random gift from my grandfather. In this world, people had a unique system called the screen system. Every individual who enrolled to become a fighter possessed this screen system, which was embedded in artifacts like rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. My total power (tp) of 16 was not bad for someone my age. However, the sharpness stat, which was considered the main trait, was disappointingly low. It seemed I had a lot to learn about this world and its intricacies.
After walking for another mile, I found myself standing at the entrance of a dense forest. This area was known for its low danger level, where animals could become slightly aggressive. As I ventured deeper into the forest, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with trepidation. The forest was divided into five danger levels. The first was low danger, where animals posed a minimal threat. The second was mini danger, where beasts could appear unexpectedly. The third level was excruciating, where cryptids like skinwalkers lurked. Jelly Bellies, the fourth danger level, was home to horrid monsters that one would never want to encounter. Finally, there was Phobia, the most terrifying and dangerous level, where encountering the monsters meant certain death.
As I continued my journey, I encountered nothing more than rabbits and deer. It was a peaceful walk through the forest, and I felt a sense of relief. As evening approached, I decided to set up camp. Carefully, I took out my bow and arrow and managed to shoot a rabbit for dinner. With leaves as a topping, I savored the meal, feeling satisfied as I lay down to sleep. I said a prayer, hoping for a safe and eventful tomorrow.
The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to continue my journey. I had already covered 5 more miles, bringing me closer to the So-so Strong Academy. The adventure that lay ahead excited me, and I couldn't wait to see what challenges awaited me.
As I walked, I pondered the genre of my own story. It was undoubtedly an adventure, filled with danger, discovery, and personal growth. However, I decided to write this novel with no particular style in mind. I wanted the story to flow naturally, allowing the events and characters to shape the narrative.
With the language set in English, I embarked on my quest to reach the So-so Strong Academy. Little did I know that the journey ahead would test not only my physical strength but also my determination, resilience, and the limits of my own abilities.