Two months passed…
Life didn't change much, but I did.
I woke up just like any other morning, my body felt stronger now, not like before when I could barely stand, the air felt lighter, my wounds from that crazy dungeon were long gone.
I sat up on the bed, yawned, and rubbed my eyes, the sunlight was peeking through the small window of my room, Birds chirped outside, the city was already awake.
"Let's get today over with…" I said to no one.
After a quick bath, I wore a black hoodie and some regular pants nothing fancy, I didn't like standing out, I grabbed some bread and meat from the inn kitchen downstairs, nodded at the old woman who ran the place, then stepped outside into the city.
The street was lively as always, People moving carts, kids running around, hunters laughing at tables, merchants shouting prices, It was noisy but not bad.
I walked straight to the Hunter's Guild, It had become part of my daily routine now.
Inside, Luna was already behind the counter, writing something on a board.
Yo, I said as I walked up to her.
She looked up, then smiled. "Morning, Souta. You're up early, No dungeon run today?"
"Nah," I shook my head. Just felt like walking around."
Hm, she nodded, you've been a lot more relaxed lately. I guess the city's finally growing on you."
I gave a small smile. Maybe.
We talked for a few minutes, then I waved goodbye and left the guild.
I wasn't in the mood for another dungeon yet. I had cleared a few small ones since the last big fight, earned decent rewards, and leveled up a bit. Nothing too crazy.
Today, I just wanted to explore.
I walked around the city, letting my legs choose the path, along the way, a few people greeted me.
Hey, that's Souta, the solo hunter!
Oui! You going dungeon today?
"Good luck out there, kid!"
I gave them small nods or quiet replies, I didn't talk much, but people still recognized me, Guess word had gotten around after the Dreadfang dungeon incident.
I turned down a corner and passed through the market, It was full as usual fruits, potions, scrolls, weapons, I didn't stop though I kept walking.
That's when I saw it.
A large red and white banner hanging over a building, the wind made it flap, but I could still read the words clearly:
[DIVINE ACADEMY ENTRANCE TEST – OPEN TO ALL RANKS | 5 DAYS LEFT]
"…An academy?"
I stopped walking and stared at the banner.
The words below said it was a place to grow your strength, sharpen your mind, and become a recognized force across the land.
For some reason, something inside me stirred.
I didn't know why… but I felt like I had to go.
I took a step closer and looked at the building beneath the banner. The building, the academy building
"Academy, huh?" I muttered.
I never got the chance to attend a real school in my past life, I was always fighting, always training to survive, always moving.
This… could be different.
Not just battles.
Maybe I could learn more about my abilities… maybe figure out why I was reborn, Maybe find clues about my trait, Cursed Curiosity, or this Hunter of Boundless Path class I didn't even fully understand yet.
I looked down at my hand, the same hand that cut down monsters just months ago.
Then I looked back up at the banner.
"…I think I'll give it a shot."
I turned away, heading back to the inn to prepare.
I didn't know what kind of academy it was, or how hard the test would be. But I knew one thing…
I wasn't the same scared hunter who entered that dungeon months ago.
And if I was going to chase answers, this might just be where it all begins.
———Ω———
Name: Souta Kael
Age: 18
Race: Human
Class: Hunter of Boundless Path
Title: Reborn One
Level: 24 [/]
Rank: SSS
Attribute Points: 5
Health: 100/100
Mana: 300
Stamina: 500
Strength: 50
Agility: 51
Endurance: 60
Intelligence: 45
Luck: 20
Skills: 8
Traits: 3
—————————
To be continued...