Kazu blinked at the small, peculiar button on his wrist, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. The orphanage was bathed in the soft light of morning, the air filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. It was a warm, welcoming place, but Kazu's attention was focused on the surreal sensation coursing through him.
Huh? What's this? Exploration… enhance now? he muttered, his finger hovering over the button. With a decisive press, a surge of energy coursed through him.
Movement speed enhanced to level 2
His eyes widened in astonishment. What?! My movement speed increased… wait, let me try moving… Whoa, I'm walking faster!
Kazu furrowed his brow. Could it be because I walked all day yesterday?
The door creaked open, and Rosalia stepped into the room with a kind smile. Kazu, come here. I'll show you where your room is…
O-okay, Rosalia! I'm coming…
She led him down a corridor adorned with quaint paintings, the air fragrant with the scent of the day's meals. She paused in front of a door. This will be your room. You'll be sharing it with Nozue. You each have your own bed. Nozue is a bit of a quiet person, so you'll need to get used to that. I'll leave you here for now.
Kazu nodded eagerly. Okay, Rosalia, thank you so much…
As Rosalia left, a holographic display appeared in Kazu's vision, detailing his status:
STATUS
Level: 1
Name: Kazu Gonomiya
Age: 12
Job Class: God
Passive
DIVINE KNOWLEDGE
INFINITE MANA
MAXIMIZED SELF-HEALING
Active Skills
None
Magic Spells
None
Unique Skills
Exploration Level: 2
Kazu stared, bewildered. It's like I'm in a video game where I can level up my skills? Exploration… status reveal… level 1… Job… God? What's this God title? Wait… what skills do I have besides Exploration… I don't see anything else… my Exploration is level 2 now… and the max level is 100? Maybe I should try jogging tomorrow and see if my Exploration level increases further… Yeah, that's a good idea.
Nozue, who had been quietly observing from the corner, finally spoke up. Kazu, that's your name, right?
Uh… Yes… Nozue, why do you ask?
Nozue seemed hesitant. No reason…
Kazu, feeling a bit awkward but determined, extended a hand of friendship. Nozue… I don't have any friends here yet… would you like to be my friend?
Nozue's face turned slightly pink. F-friend? I don't usually make friends…
That's okay, Kazu said with a warm smile. I'd like to be friends with you.
Nozue looked surprised but softened. W-well… alright… Kazu.
Kazu beamed. Yay! You're my very first friend! It's getting late, so let's head to bed, Nozue. Goodnight!
Nozue, somewhat flustered but pleased, replied, G-goodnight…
THE NEXT MORNING
As the sun peeked over the horizon, Kazu awoke with renewed enthusiasm. It's early morning… right, my plan for exploration. I'll try jogging today.
Good morning, Rosalia…
Good morning, Kazu. You're up early today. Are you planning something?
Kazu grabbed a bottle of water, his excitement evident. Yes, I'm going to exercise outside… I plan to run around the whole city…
Rosalia's concern showed. Running around the whole city? You might tire yourself out… here, take this water for your exercise…
Thank you, Rosalia…
Stepping outside, Kazu felt the cool morning breeze invigorate him. The button on his wrist continued to glow faintly, hinting at more to come.
As he began jogging, he noticed the difference in his pace. Exploration enhance now? Yes. Nice, level 3, and it feels easier to run… I'll keep this up until I've circled the entire city…
Two hours later, Kazu, slightly winded but exhilarated, checked his status:
STATUS
Level: 2
Name: Kazu Gonomiya
Age: 12
Job Class: God
Passive
DIVINE KNOWLEDGE
INFINITE MANA
MAXIMIZED SELF-HEALING
Active Skills
Dash
Magic Spells
None
Unique Skills
Exploration Level: 12
Kazu's eyes widened. Wait! My Exploration is now level 12… I'm running much faster than when my Exploration was level 1… notification, what's this…
New skill acquired: Dash
Dash? Execute Dash skill? Wait… I was just over there… so, it means I can use this skill even without speaking? Impressive… Dash has a 3-second cooldown…
Ohh… wherever I'm looking, that's where I'll dash… there's a cooldown… I can dash every three seconds, but I can't use it while speaking… okay, got it…
Realizing the time, Kazu decided to head back. As he approached the orphanage, a shadowy figure emerged from the alleyway.
Killing intent alert. Who's there?! Show yourself!
The bandit's eyes glinted with malice. Hehehe, you're quite perceptive, kid. I've been looking for you for a while! But first, I'm going to make you my money. I need a new slave to sell… hehehe, he said, licking his knife.
Kazu's heart raced. Who are you?! Stay away from me! I need to escape… right! Dash!
He executed the Dash skill, his speed leaving the bandit stunned. Each dash took him farther from danger. The bandit's angry shouts grew distant as Kazu's agility proved to be his savior.
Arriving back at the orphanage, Kazu burst through the door, breathless and relieved.
Rosalia, I'm back…
Rosalia, looking up from her meal preparations, frowned in concern. Oh, Kazu, you're finally back. I was worried about you… you didn't return at noon as you said you would after jogging…
Kazu rubbed his neck awkwardly. Ahh… well, I was jogging the entire morning and afternoon…
Rosalia's expression softened, though she was still concerned. What?! Didn't you get hungry? You really are something else with your exercise routine. You should eat something; you must be tired…
Kazu gratefully accepted the food. Sorry I didn't come back sooner… Oh, by the way, a man chased me earlier… he said he wanted to sell me at a slave shop… why are there slaves here?
Rosalia's face turned serious. Oh dear! You must be careful of such people. They're called bandits… they often capture and sell people as slaves… it's very profitable, which is why there are so many bandits. You must be cautious, Kazu… I don't want you to become one of their slaves…
Kazu nodded earnestly. I will, Rosalia…
He took a bite of the delicious meal, savoring it. Mmm! Your cooking is amazing, Nanay Rosalia! So, bandits are what they're called… I need to avoid them at all costs…
Rosalia smiled warmly. Thank you for the compliment! Oh, and you left something on the chair…
Kazu glanced down and saw a small card that had fallen from his pocket. Oh, I'll go upstairs and rest now…
Rosalia's eyes widened as she picked up the card. Wait… is this your guild card, Kazu? Rank F, Job Class Assassin Healer… Kazu, you left this on the chair…
Kazu, descending the stairs, looked surprised. I'm coming down!
Rosalia examined the card closely. Your guild card is here… it must have fallen out of your pocket. You never told me you were an adventurer…
Kazu's cheeks flushed. I'm an adventurer, but I'm just starting out… To be honest, I don't know much about adventuring yet. They told me I need useful skills, like swordsmanship or magic…
Rosalia's expression softened with understanding. Ah, I see… if you're curious, I used to be an adventurer myself before I retired due to age and physical limitations. If you'd like, I can teach you some magic…
Kazu's eyes brightened. R-really? You'll teach me? What will you teach me?
Rosalia motioned for him to come closer. Come here, sit by me. Do you see my hand? Focus all your mana into your fingertips, and we'll create fire. Just follow my lead…
Rosalia held her hand out, and a small flame appeared at her fingertips. See? Now you try.
Kazu focused intently, concentrating his mana. Like this? focuses mana Hmm… it's not working…
Rosalia, looking thoughtful, said, Wait a moment. Didn't the Adventurer's Guild give you a mana meter before you passed? What did they say?
Kazu scratched his head. Ah, well, I accidentally broke two of their mana meters…
Kazu continued, The receptionist said my mana might be special… maybe it's unique or just very high compared to their meter. Either way, it's a good sign…
Rosalia nodded in understanding. Ah, I see. I have something similar to a mana meter, but it can determine your class power. Let me get it for you…
Kazu's curiosity piqued. Really? You have one?
Rosalia went to retrieve a small, seemingly plain piece of paper. Yes, here it is. It looks like paper, but when you hold it, it will reveal your class and mana.
Kazu accepted it eagerly. Okay…
As he held the paper, it began to glow and shimmer. Rosalia pe
ered at it, her eyes widening in disbelief. Oh my… Kazu, your class is God… Your mana is infinite…
Kazu blinked in confusion. W-what does that mean?
Rosalia looked at him, her expression a mix of awe and concern. I don't know… I need to ask someone who understands this better… but this isn't something ordinary, Kazu…
Kazu's mind raced with possibilities. God? Infinite mana? What am I? Am I even human?...