Erie looked around, trying to see where Lennox was pointing, but all he could make out were the rolling ocean waves, the golden sand on the beach, and the massive school that looked as if it floated on the water. The sheer size of the structure caught him off guard.
"This is just as big as the schools on my planet," Erie thought.
Still unable to see what Lennox was referring to, he squinted. "Hey, where are you pointing?"
Lennox gestured again, this time more firmly, toward a large group of workers. "Them, right over there."
Following Lennox's direction, Erie finally spotted them. He nodded. "Oh, I see."
His keen eyes caught a distinct detail—each worker wore a green bandana, either wrapped around their wrist or tucked into their pocket.
As he observed the construction, Erie couldn't help but marvel at how ability users worked together. Water users poured water into machines, sand users mixed it in, and fire users used their flames to accelerate the hardening process. Meanwhile, metal users formed the skeletal framework of the infrastructure. The entire operation was seamless, a display of unity and precision.
A small smile crept onto his face. "Now this feels like back on my planet," he thought.
Suddenly, a firm slap landed on his back.
"Hey, Erie!" Lennox grinned. "This isn't our school district, but we'll be meeting with the general of the school!"
Erie looked up at him and nodded.
Zain chimed in with a smirk. "You know, Erie, I always wanted a little brother, and you kind of feel like one. I don't know you that well yet, but I've got my eye on you."
Lennox chuckled. "Yeah, me too."
As Zain stepped inside the building, Erie and Lennox remained outside, quietly taking in the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The beach was deserted, closed off due to ongoing construction.
Erie glanced over at Lennox, who stood still with his eyes closed, letting the cool breeze wash over him. There was something peaceful about the way he embraced the moment, and Erie wanted to do the same. He closed his eyes, feeling the wind brush against his skin, carrying the scent of salt and ocean.
Their brief moment of peace was interrupted when a large man stepped out of the building. His presence was imposing, and the sound of his heavy boots hitting the ground sent a faint vibration through the sand.
Erie's system notifications flared up.
'System analyzing…'
'Analysis complete…'
'Name: Howard Surplus.'
'Age: 42'
'Height: 6 feet 5 inches'
'Ability: Cleave'
'Health: 200/100'
Erie's heart pounded. He still didn't understand what any of this meant, and frustration bubbled up inside him. Instinctively, he reached for his pendant—the one his mother had given him.
"Where's my pendant?" he muttered, patting down his body. Panic set in. His breaths grew quicker.
"My pendant! Where's my pendant?!" he yelled, his voice rising in distress.
Another notification appeared before him.
'System update: Pendant currently fused with host.'
'Erie Sunheart now holds "Sun Warrior System v1.0."'
Erie froze. "Version 1.0?" he blurted out in disbelief.
The large man let out a deep, hearty laugh, flashing a wide grin that revealed a perfect set of teeth.
"Happens every time," he chuckled. "The moment they see me, they all get nervous."
He crouched down slightly, his massive frame towering over Erie even at eye level.
"Well, little one, my name is General Surplus," he said with a warm yet commanding presence. "What's your name?"
Ex
Erie nervously stepped back, overwhelmed by the sheer presence of the man before him. He stuttered, trying to force out his words.
"Er-uhgghh… Erie S-Sunheart, sir."
General Surplus smiled, standing to his full height before ruffling Erie's hair. "Sunheart, huh?" He let the name linger for a moment before turning away. "Great, great! Bring him in!"
Then, without looking back, he added, "Lennox and Zain, you're free to go."
Zain and Lennox exchanged glances before nodding at Erie. Lennox, however, paused for a moment, flashing one last grin.
"Remember what I told you, Erie." He gestured toward the workers, who were now sitting on the edge of the dock, taking a break.
Erie followed his gaze for a moment, watching the workers laugh and rest after their hard labor. By the time he turned back, Zain and Lennox were already gone, their presence fading into the background like the ocean breeze.
The only one left was General Surplus, steadily making his way toward the school.
"Come on, Erie," the general called back. "We need to get you registered and contact your guardian."
Erie followed General Surplus into the building, his eyes darting around as he took in his surroundings. The facility wasn't as technologically advanced as the daycare he had been to before, but it was still impressive in its own right.
As they stepped inside, an AI voice greeted them at the door.
"Welcome, Howard Surplus. ID: 2131."
"Warning: Unidentified presence detected. Personal location: 47-C. Initiating scanning sequence… Scanning…"
A brief pause followed. Erie glanced up at the general, shifting uneasily as the scan continued.
"Scanning… scanning…"
Another pause. Erie frowned.
"Uh… is it supposed to take this long?" he asked nervously.
General Surplus just smirked, waiting patiently.
Finally, the AI's voice returned.
"Scan complete. No threat detected.
Race—Sun Warrior. Evolution—Sunlet. Age—5.
Please identify name."
General Surplus turned to Erie with a grin.
"Don't be shy, young one! Introduce yourself to the lady AI."
Erie hesitated before speaking.
"Erie… ugh… Erie Sunheart."
A moment later, the AI responded, and Erie's excitement instantly soured.
"Welcome, Erie-erie ugh, Sunfart. Please follow me to the front office for registration. Classes begin tomorrow."
Erie's face twisted in frustration as he shot a glare at General Surplus, who was already laughing.
"Sunfart? Really?" Erie muttered, crossing his arms.
Still chuckling, the general patted him on the back.
"You'll get used to her quirks."
As they followed the AI's directions, Erie glanced around the quiet halls before asking,
"Where is everyone, sir?"