Alexander's eyes widened as he explored the System Interface. Three options greeted him: Status, Skills, and Shop.
He selected _Status_, and a screen unfolded:
_Name:_ Alexander
_Race:_ Elf
_Level:_ 1
_Class:_ Unassigned
_Mana Level:_ 1/1
Alexander nodded, acknowledging the information.
Next, he chose _Skills_. A locked icon greeted him, with a message:
"All skills locked. Reach Level 5 to unlock Skill Tree."
Alexander's expression remained calm. He expected this.
Moving on, he selected _Shop_. The screen exploded with options:
_Weapons_
_Armor_
_Potions_
_Mana Crystals_
_Skill Tomes_
_Rare Materials_
Alexander's eyes scanned the extensive list, surprise etched on his face.
"A lot of useful items," he thought. "But what's the currency?"
A message appeared:
"Shop requires _System Points_ (SP) or _Mana Crystals_ (MC) for purchases.
_Current SP: 0_
*Current MC: 0"
Alexander realized that acquiring items depended on earning System Points or Mana Crystals.
As he browsed the shop, he noticed that some items were grayed out, with a message:
"Increase in class to unlock."
"The stronger I get, the more items become available." Alexander inferred.
A plan began to form in his mind.
Alexander descended the stairs, his footsteps quiet on the polished wood. As he reached the bottom, a young-looking man with an uncanny resemblance to him approached.
"Ah, Alexander!" his father exclaimed, beaming with pride. "Congratulations on unlocking your mana!"
Alexander smiled faintly. "Thank you, Father."
His father clapped him on the back. "Now, practice hard and master your abilities. But for today, let's focus on the Grand Ball. You must prepare."
Alexander nodded, knowing his role as one of the young masters of the town.
Later that night, Alexander stood in the shadows of the town hall, observing the Grand Ball. Laughter and music filled the air as townspeople danced and celebrated.
He held a glass of water, his expression neutral, as he waited for the evening to pass.
The vibrant scene before him seemed distant, as if he was watching through a veil. His thoughts drifted to the System Interface and his plans for growth.
Alexander's gaze swept the room, his eyes scanning the crowd with a mix of curiosity and detachment.
Time passed, and the night wore on.
Alexander woke up bright and early, feeling refreshed. He dressed quickly and left the house.
The familiar carriage awaited him, its driver nodding in greeting. Alexander stepped inside, and they glided through the town's streets.
Their destination became clear as they approached the imposing structure: the Academy of El'goroth.
Founded by the first town head, the academy nurtured young teens who had unlocked their mana, preparing them for the challenges ahead.
Alexander learned that the standard curriculum spanned two years, but exceptional students could graduate early, provided they reached a predetermined level of power.
As the carriage stopped, Alexander disembarked and joined a small group of teens gathered before the academy's entrance.
Two others stood there, conversing in hushed tones. Alexander recognized none of them.
Within an hour, the gathering grew to around two hundred teens, all eager to begin their journey.
The doors swung open, and the Academy Elder emerged. His presence commanded attention.
"Follow me." he instructed, his voice firm but welcoming.
The sea of teens surged forward, Alexander among them, as they trailed the Elder into the academy.
The interior revealed a sprawling complex, with sleek corridors and towering spires.
Alexander's curiosity grew.The Academy Elder led the sea of teens to a sprawling hall, where he ascended a platform.
"Welcome, young students." he began. "The Academy of El'goroth is dedicated to honing your abilities. You have two years to train, but exceptional students may graduate early upon reaching a predetermined level of power."
He paused, surveying the crowd.
"The academy will provide ample resources to aid your growth. Your focus should be on mastering your mana."
As he spoke, a small, gleaming tag materialized in each student's hand.
"Your tags display your assigned classroom. Find your class to begin today's lesson."
Alexander glanced at his tag: 1B.
He navigated the corridors, locating Classroom 1B. The room was half full; he chose a seat by the window, midway through the class.
Twenty minutes passed, and the room filled with chatter and nervous energy.
The door swung open, and a commanding figure entered. All eyes locked onto him.
"Greetings, I am Instructor Lyrien." he declared, his voice authoritative. "I will guide you through your magical journey."
Instructor Lyrien's piercing gaze swept the room, his eyes lingering on each student.
Alexander's attention remained fixed on the instructor, intrigued.
Instructor Lyrien cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Pay attention." he said. "We will first be studying mana and magic."