As I stepped into the castle, I noticed another person walking in. She had long ginger hair and tan skin, standing out even among the crowd. She seemed to catch me staring, and before I could look away, our eyes met. My face grew hot, and I quickly averted my gaze, feeling embarrassed.
I heard footsteps approaching and tensed up, freezing in place. When I finally worked up the courage to look up, she was standing right in front of me, smiling warmly.
"Are you a new student?" she asked, her voice energetic and friendly.
I swallowed hard, feeling nervous. "Y-yeah," I stammered. "M-my name's Darius. W-what's yours?"
She grinned. "Astrid," she said confidently.
I noticed her eyes flicker down to my wrist as we stood there. Before I could react, she leaned in slightly, curiosity evident on her face.
"Ooh, what's that on your wrist?" she asked eagerly.
Confused, I realized Peanut was still in his regular form, wrapped around my wrist.
I raised my wrist slightly and mumbled, "I-it's Peanut... a giant centipede."
Astrid's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, really? That's so cool! I love insects—I used to collect them when I was younger!"
I blinked in surprise before a small smile formed on my lips. It was the first time I had met someone who shared my interest in insects. Feeling a little more comfortable, I nodded. "S-so did I. D-do you have a favorite?"
She nodded enthusiastically. "I was always fascinated by the praying mantis!"
My smile grew a little wider. "I... I also love praying mantises."
We kept talking, our conversation flowing so naturally that time seemed to slip away. Before we knew it, orientation was about to start.
"Oh no! We're gonna be late!" Astrid gasped before grabbing my wrist and pulling me along.
We sprinted toward the auditorium, barely making it in time. As we slipped inside, we noticed that everyone else was already seated. Quietly, we sat next to each other just as a wrinkled old man stepped onto the stage.
His long gray beard flowed as he walked across the stage, his presence commanding silence. He began speaking in a deep, authoritative voice.
"This is Kolgas. We are training you to enter the caves and protect the world. This will not be easy—some of you may not make it. But remember, this is for humanity."
I nodded along, taking in his words, before suddenly realizing something—Peanut was no longer on my wrist. My eyes widened as I spotted him, snugly wrapped around Astrid's wrist instead.
She noticed my staring and smirked. "What? Am I that beautiful?" she teased playfully.
My face instantly heated up, and I stammered, "N-no! That's not—"
She chuckled, seemingly satisfied with her teasing, before gently unwrapping Peanut and handing him back to me. This time, he immediately shifted back into his bracelet form on my wrist.
I smiled and looked back at the stage, but the old man had already left. In his place stood the tall, muscular, tan-skinned man who had enrolled me. His voice was firm as he said, "Look under your seat. There should be a paper telling you which hall to go to."
Astrid and I quickly checked beneath our seats and found slips of paper marked Hall A, along with directions. When she noticed we had the same hall, she grinned. "Guess that means we're stuck with each other," she said playfully.
I felt my face heat up slightly but managed a small nod and a shy smile. Together, we followed the directions toward Hall A.
When we arrived, I froze at the sight of at least fifty other students gathered there. My stomach twisted with nerves, but before I could overthink, Astrid lightly elbowed my side. "Relax," she whispered with a reassuring smile.
Taking a deep breath, I followed her into the crowd. At the front of the room stood a podium, and behind it was the same man who had enrolled me. He looked over the room before finally introducing himself.
"My name is Garrick Vale, but you will address me as Mr. Vale," he announced, his voice steady and commanding.
Mr. Vale crossed his arms and spoke firmly. "Go get a dorm room assigned, and be prepared for tomorrow."
I hesitated for a moment before quickly heading over to claim a room. To my relief, I ended up with one right next to Astrid. She flashed me a bright smile. "Well, I guess that means I'll see you tomorrow," she said cheerfully.
I nodded, feeling my face warm slightly. "Y-yeah, see you tomorrow."
With that, I stepped into my new room. It was simple but comfortable, with cobblestone walls, a sturdy wooden bed, and a small closet. As I began unpacking, I took a moment to drink some of the blood I had collected from the deer earlier, feeling my strength replenish.
When I finally sat down on my bed, I noticed something small moving near my pillow—a fire ant queen. My breath caught, and I hesitated before slowly reaching out. Deciding to try taming her, I extended my hand and focused. Once again, a thin green gas seeped from my palm, wrapping around the tiny creature before marking her abdomen with a glowing trilobite symbol.
Instantly, a familiar connection formed between us. I could feel her instincts, her desire to build a nest. Understanding her need, I carefully carried her outside and placed her near a tree, watching as she burrowed into the ground to begin her work.
Satisfied, I made my way back inside and glanced at my system.
[Darius]
[HP: 10/10]
[MP: 10/10]
[Blood: 95/100]
[Level: 3]
[XP: 0/300]
[Class: None]
[Str: 12]
[Dex: 10]
[Int: 11]
[End: 10]
[Cha: 1]
[Status Points: 0]
Skills:
Bow ProficiencyDismembermentPolearm ProficiencyArthromasterPeanutFire Ant QueenFire Ants: 0
As I read over the updated list, a realization struck me—any ants the queen laid would also be my tames. The thought sent a small shiver of excitement through me. I wasn't just building a connection with insects; I was forming an army.
Still, exhaustion weighed on me. I let out a slow breath, closed the system, and crawled into bed. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, sleep called to me.