It was a bright morning, the streets already bustling with activity as people hurried about, each focused on their daily needs. Unlike the advanced society I came from, this place seemed centuries behind. Their lack of modern technology reinforced the feeling that I had stepped into a completely different world.
I had arrived early, determined to resume school as planned. After wandering aimlessly for thirty minutes, I realized I needed directions but hesitated to bring up Edith's screen it would attract too much attention.
Instead, I approached a young man who barely looked up as I asked, "Sir, where can I find the School of Elemental Police Force?"
Without much interest, he gave me directions and suggested I board a cart, as the journey on foot would take nearly two hours.
That presented another problem: I didn't have their currency. Pulling out cash from my world would definitely raise suspicions in this strict and security-conscious society.
"You can convert mc to coins," Edith chimed in suddenly, her voice calm and practical.
Her suggestion made me smile briefly, though I didn't want to waste my limited resources. Still, I had no other choice.
I approached a cab driver and asked, "How much would it cost to get to the School of Elemental Police Force?"
"Three bronze coins," he replied curtly.
To avoid converting more than necessary, I whispered to Edith, "Convert just enough mc for four bronze coins."
"Converting two mc to four bronze coins," Edith announced, much louder than I expected. I flinched, about to shush her, before remembering that only I could hear her.
Moments later, the coins materialized in my hand, cool and solid. I quickly boarded the cart, handing over three coins to the driver and gripping the remaining one tightly in my palm.
The ride was smooth, and as we neared the school, I noticed a father and his child heading in the same direction. The timing seemed almost too perfect. Was it coincidence, or was Thomas somehow behind this?
When we arrived, I stepped off the cart and tailed the man and his child, figuring they would lead me to the right place. We stopped at a building with a sign that read Registration Office.
Inside, there was a queue of people waiting at the reception desk. The receptionist handed the father a piece of paper, an ink bottle, and a quill. Once he finished filling out the form, she handed me the same materials.
I dipped the quill into the ink, careful not to spill, but the moment it touched the paper, ink dripped everywhere. My face burned with embarrassment as the receptionist shot me a disgusted look and snatched the paper away.
"Tell me your name. I'll write it myself," she said curtly.
I gave her my name and watched as she neatly wrote it down. I couldn't help but wonder—was it really that different from how I had done it?
After what felt like thirty minutes, my name was called. I stood and walked into the office, where a man sat behind a desk.
"You're welcome. Aren't you here with a parent?" he asked.
I hesitated, unsure how to answer. "I—"
"I am his father," a familiar voice cut in. I turned, stunned, to see Thomas standing behind me.
"You're welcome, sir. Which teacher would you like to enroll your son with?" the man asked, handing Thomas a parchment listing the available teachers.
Thomas ignored my questioning look as he took the parchment and sat down to review it. After a moment, he made his selection: Asriel.
"Sir, choosing the most expensive teacher doesn't guarantee your son will graduate as a high-ranking officer," the man explained. "His abilities will determine his position, ranging from patrol officer to spy."
Thomas nodded, pulling out a small pouch of coins and handing it to the man. Another official behind the desk began counting the payment.
"As we wait for the payment to be processed, can you tell me your son's abilities? Perhaps he could perform a demonstration," the man suggested.
Thomas leaned back, gesturing toward me. "He's here. Why don't you ask him yourself?"
I realized he had no idea what skills I'd chosen—or maybe he wanted me to decide for myself.
"Edith, show me the elemental manipulation skills," I thought.
The screen appeared in my mind's eye, listing the four options: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. Their prices varied, with Earth being the cheapest at 500 mc and Water the most expensive at 2,500 mc.
"There's a price difference because of the potential power each element offers," Edith explained.
Without hesitation, I selected Earth Manipulation. I wasn't about to waste mc on the more expensive options.
"Edith, show me how to use it," I instructed.
"Close your eyes, feel the ground beneath you, and stomp your right foot," Edith guided.
I followed her instructions, feeling a sudden rush of energy as the ground trembled beneath me. When I opened my eyes, a massive rock hovered in the air before me, swirling with dust and wind.
The man behind the desk stared, wide-eyed. "Impressive," he muttered.
Thomas smirked, looking satisfied. Whatever plans he had for me, they were already in motion.