"That's because everyone is out for the daily hunt, Erie! It's something we just started today."
General Surplus opened the door to his large office and stepped inside. The room was spacious, featuring an in-office kitchen, a dining table, and a couch near the corner. He walked past them all and took a seat at his desk before motioning for Erie to sit down.
Erie did as suggested, climbing onto the chair. He couldn't help but notice how small he was compared to the general. His legs dangled over the edge as he shifted uncomfortably, watching the man sift through files on his computer. The lighthearted expression on General Surplus's face slowly faded into one of concern.
"Erie, who are your guardians?" he asked, his tone more serious now.
"Duncan Sunflower and Rose Sunflower," Erie replied.
General Surplus turned back to him in shock. "I didn't know they had a son. Were you adopted, Erie?"
As he spoke, his fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard, dialing a number.
"No," Erie said. "I was brought here by my knight for safekeeping until it's safe to go back to my planet."
The general paused, deep in thought. What's happening with the Sun Warriors that they would send one of their own to Earth and not any of the other planets?
Before he could dwell on it further, a voice answered on the other end of the line.
"Sunflower residence."
"Hello, Mrs. Sunflower. This is General Surplus calling from Beachside School. Are you familiar with Erie Sunheart?"
He glanced at Erie and gave him a reassuring thumbs-up.
Rose's voice sharpened with worry. "Yes! What happened to Erie? Did he get hurt at the hunting grounds?"
"No, no, nothing like that," the general assured her. "He was brought here by two responsible young adults, and we'd like to register him in the academy for some proper training."
There was a brief pause before Rose responded enthusiastically, "Of course he can! Can you bring him back home after registration?"
"Of course," the general replied, leaning back in his chair. "We'll see you soon, Rose Sunflower."
Beep! Beep! Beep!
The call ended.
General Surplus grinned and clapped his hands together. "Great! You're registered! You start tomorrow."
After Erie was sent back home, Rose greeted him at the door.
"Hey, Erie!"
Erie bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Miss Rose."
Rose blinked in surprise. "Erie? Can you say my name again?"
Erie tilted his head. "Is something wrong, Miss Rose?"
She raised an eyebrow, studying him. "It's just… before you left the house, you were saying 'Wose.' But now, you're saying my name perfectly."
A smile spread across her face. "Wow, going on that hunt really helped your speech, huh? Well, come on, let's rest up for the day! You have to be up early tomorrow."
"Of course," Erie responded.
Later that evening, after freshening up, Erie lay in bed, reflecting on his chaotic day. He had set out with a simple goal of hunting hares and chicrains but ended up running away from three bullies—only to discover that two of them were actually friendly. Then, to top it off, he somehow gained a floating system that assigned him quests he didn't fully understand yet. And now, he was officially enrolled at Beachside School.
"What a weird day," he muttered. "It all happened so fast."
Still, Erie didn't dwell on it too much. Tomorrow was a new day, and while he didn't know what to expect, he just hoped it would be a good one.
Just as he was about to drift off, a notification flashed before his eyes.
[Quest Update]
• Meditate in the sun for 30 minutes.
• Defeat 30 Double-F and F-ranked beasts.
• Level 2 Progress: 0 / 100 XP
Erie groaned. "Seriously… what is this?"
No matter how much he tried, he still couldn't wrap his head around the system.
Maybe if I just complete the quests given to me… he thought. What will happen if I do?
His eyelids grew heavy as exhaustion took over. Within moments, he was fast asleep.
The next day arrived, and Erie was immediately greeted by the system.
[Welcome, Erie Sunheart.]
[Daily Quest: Meditate in the sun for 30 minutes.]
He waved off the notification and began his morning routine. After saying his goodbyes, he headed off to Beachside School. Oddly enough, he remembered the exact route to the school with perfect clarity, down to every turn and landmark. It was as if the path had been imprinted in his mind. However, Erie didn't dwell on it and continued forward.
Upon arriving, he was met with a familiar voice.
"Welcome, Erie Sunheart!" General Surplus greeted him warmly before leading him inside.
"Great, great, great! Erie, today you're heading straight to the testing site!"
As the general guided Erie through the school, he took in his surroundings. The halls bustled with students of various sizes, each carrying wooden training weapons—some wielded poles, others swords, and a few even had chains and whips.
Erie observed them curiously but kept pace with the general until they stepped into a massive open training field. The area was filled with dummies, running tracks, weights, boxing rings, and, at the very center, a large platform specifically designed for ability testing.
"Now!" General Surplus clapped his hands together. "Erie, head over to that group of students and fall in line! You'll all be tested today."
He gestured toward a gathering of students near the ability platform.
"I'll leave you in the hands of your homeroom teacher. Her name is Teacher Amy!"
While everyone stood in line, Erie arrived just in time to catch the tail end of Teacher Amy's announcement.
"…And that's how we'll start class! First up—Jamey! Next, Craig!"
Jamey stepped onto the platform as Teacher Amy continued explaining.
"Okay!" she called out. "You don't need to do anything except place your hand on the orb and extend your other hand outward. The orb will do the rest. If you have an ability, it will activate your energy reserves and release a small blast. The orb will also change colors based on your ability type."
She looked over the students, her tone remaining encouraging.
"Keep in mind, most of you are eight years old and up—though we do have one or two five-year-olds among us. I won't say who," she added with a small smile. "But remember, not everyone will have an ability. Only those born with one will see the orb react. So, don't be discouraged if nothing happens!"
Amy turned back to the platform. "Now, Jamey! Place your hand on the orb."
Jamey did as instructed, pressing his palm against the orb. A moment later, the orb flared a bright green, and long vines shot out from his hand. His eyes widened in shock as he gasped for air.
"Great! The first one has an ability!" Amy announced. "Jamey, go stand in the blue circle and wait for the others."
The students began murmuring, their gazes locked on Jamey in awe.
"I wonder what ability that is!" one whispered.
Jamey smirked, basking in the attention. This feels good, he thought as he stumbled over to the designated spot, still catching his breath.
"Okay!" Amy continued. "Next up is Craig! Then Lucy!"
Craig hesitated before stepping onto the platform. He was tall and skinny, his freckled face drenched in sweat. His knees buckled slightly, and the fog from his nervous breathing clouded his glasses.
"Place your hand on the orb," Amy instructed.
Craig swallowed hard and obeyed. The orb glowed brown and red.
Amy raised an eyebrow. Two colors? she thought. What does this mean?
Suddenly, fire and dirt burst from Craig's hand, but the moment it happened, he flopped onto the ground, overwhelmed. The students erupted into applause, their whispers of excitement filling the air.
"I… I didn't know I had an ability," Craig thought, stunned.
"Okay, Craig! Go stand by the blue circle!" Amy called out before turning to the next student. "Lucy, you're up!"
Lucy stepped forward with confidence, a smirk playing on her lips.
"I don't need the orb, Ms. Amy."
She raised her hand, forming her fingers into the shape of a gun. Sparks crackled at her fingertips before a small orb of energy shot forward like a bullet. It traveled ten feet before detonating in a small explosion.
Amy clapped. "Alright, go stand by the blue circle."
The students erupted into excited chatter.
"What kind of ability was that?" one asked.
"I've never seen anything like it!" another added. "Is it strong?"
"What ability do Lucy have?"