The system woke Kyle from his sleep. He glanced at the clock. As expected, it was six in the morning.
The academy was quiet, the day yet to begin. He stretched and sat up, feeling the cool morning air against his skin.
Today was a new day, and he was determined to start it right.
[Daily Quest: Do 300 sit-ups]
[Reward: 1 STR point]
[0/300]
Kyle took a look at the daily quest and decided to complete it right away.
…
"299!"
"300!"
Kyle counted as he did the last sit-up.
[Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]
[You have obtained 1 STR point]
[STR: 17 >> 18]
After completing his daily quest, he dressed quickly, pulling on his academy uniform. He ran his hand through his hair, smoothing it down before grabbing the crossbody bag he had redeemed from the mall and heading out the door.
The room was sparsely populated, a few early risers like himself scattered about. He grabbed a tray and filled it with a hearty breakfast: eggs, toast, bacon, and a steaming cup of coffee, all for 10 credits. He had sworn to always eat breakfast after yesterday.
He found a seat by the window and settled in, savoring the quiet moment.
As he ate, his mind wandered to the previous day's events. The General Weapon Training class had been intense, but he had enjoyed the challenge. His prior knowledge of the katana had served him well, and he had earned a nod of approval from the instructor. Today, he was determined to make a similar impression in his History class.
Finishing his breakfast, Kyle checked his comm. He still had some time before class started, so he decided to take a leisurely stroll through the academy grounds. The morning air was refreshing, and he enjoyed the peaceful solitude.
Eventually, it was time to head to class. Kyle made his way to the History building, his steps quickening with anticipation. He reached the classroom and found it nearly empty. A few students were already there, but most of the seats were still vacant. He chose a seat near the front, wanting to be fully engaged in the lesson.
As the classroom filled up, Kyle took out his notebook and pen, ready to take notes.
Professor Grendel entered the room and greeted the class with a warm smile. "Good morning, everyone," he said, his voice calm and steady. "I hope you all had a good night's rest. Today, we'll be diving into the early history of mana and its impact on our civilization."
Kyle leaned forward, eager to absorb the information. The professor began his lecture, by explaining the origins of mana and how it had shaped the world they lived in. He spoke of ancient civilizations that had harnessed mana to build incredible structures and achieve feats that seemed impossible.
"Mana," the professor began, "is the lifeblood of our world. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but ancient texts suggest that it has been present since the dawn of time. Early humans discovered its potential quite by accident, through trial and error. They learned to tap into this mystical energy to enhance their daily lives."
The professor paused, allowing the students to take in the information. He then continued, "One of the earliest known uses of mana was in agriculture. Ancient farmers used mana to enhance their crops, resulting in bountiful harvests that could sustain larger populations. This, in turn, led to the growth of early civilizations."
Kyle's pen moved rapidly across the page, capturing every detail. The professor's passion for the subject was evident, and it was infectious. Kyle found himself completely engrossed in the lesson, his earlier determination paying off.
"With the growth of civilizations," the professor said, "came the need for defense and conquest. Mana played a crucial role in ancient warfare. Those who could wield mana effectively had a significant edge over their opponents. They could enhance their weapons, create barriers, and even manipulate the battlefield to their advantage."
The professor moved to a large map on the wall, pointing to various regions. "The Kingdom of Thalor, for example, was renowned for its mana-infused weaponry. Their soldiers were equipped with swords that could cut through steel and armor that could withstand the mightiest of blows. This technological superiority allowed them to expand their territory and become one of the most powerful kingdoms of their time."
Kyle kept paying attention. He scribbled notes furiously, trying to capture every detail. The professor's lecture continued, covering various aspects of mana's influence on ancient civilizations.
"As time passed, scholars and mages sought new ways to harness and control mana, leading to the development of new spells, enchantments, and technologies. It was a time of great innovation."
The professor paused again, this time to address the class directly.
"Now, I'd like to hear your thoughts. How do you think the discovery and use of mana impacted the social structures of ancient civilizations?"
Kyle took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts before he raised his hand.
The professor noticing him from the front pointed at him, "Your name and answer."
"Kyle Lin," he indicated. "Well, professor, I think mana created a significant divide between those who could wield it and those who couldn't. Those with the ability to harness mana became the elite, holding positions of power and influence. This led to a hierarchical society where mages and scholars were revered, while commoners were often left to fend for themselves."
The professor nodded, a pleased expression on his face. "Excellent observation, Kyle. Mana did indeed create social hierarchies. The ability to use mana became a status symbol, and those who could wield it were often seen as chosen by the gods. This belief reinforced the power structures and allowed the elite to maintain their dominance."
The rest of the class passed in a blur. Kyle was completely immersed in the discussion, his mind buzzing with new ideas and insights.
By the time the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, he felt a sense of accomplishment. He had not only kept up with the lecture but had also contributed meaningfully to the discussion.
As he gathered his things, the professor approached him. "Kyle, I wanted to commend you on your participation today. It's clear that you have a keen interest in the subject. Keep up the good work."
"Thank you, professor," Kyle replied, feeling a swell of pride. "I'll do my best."
Leaving the classroom, Kyle thought, 'I had started the day early, prepared well, and it had paid off. He was determined to maintain this momentum.
As he walked through the hallways, he thought about his next class and what new challenges it will bring.