Alex found himself sleeping on the ground beneath a massive tree. Rubbing his eyes, he slowly stood up and looked around. What he saw left him stunned—a huge town lay several kilometers away.
The scenery was breathtaking. If Alex had a camera, he would have captured the moment forever. He took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air.
"What a beautiful town. This truly is a magical world," Alex muttered.
[Hello, host.]
A voice suddenly echoed in his mind, startling him.
"Are you the system?" Alex asked.
[Yes, host. I am the system responsible for assisting you on your magical journey.]
"What kind of system are you?"
[I am the Magical Academy System. My purpose is to help you build your own force through an academy.]
"Can you show me my attributes?" Alex asked.
[Acknowledged, host.]
Name: Alex Smith
Age: 14
Height: 5.7 ft
Magic Rank: None
Magic Affinity: Dark Magic
Magic Talent: Peak
Shop: Locked
Magic Coins: None
Alex carefully examined his status. His heart raced when he noticed his affinity.
Dark magic…
Who wouldn't dream of becoming a dark mage? In every novel he had read, dark mages were always more mysterious and powerful than light mages.
"System, don't I have any beginner rewards?" Alex asked.
[Do you wish to claim the beginner rewards, host?]
"Of course. Claim them."
[Congratulations, host! You have received:
• Magic Academy Building
• Magic Academy Headmaster Robe
• 5 Magic Academy Student Uniforms
• Strength Tester
• Basic Magic Knowledge
• 10 Storage Rings]
Alex closed his eyes as waves of knowledge flooded his mind. After some time, he opened them again. A faint glow shimmered in his eyes, like that of a sage who had gained vast wisdom.
"That was helpful," Alex said. "System, where should I place the academy building? Can I put it anywhere?"
[Yes, host. You may place it anywhere. However, I recommend choosing a location far from human settlements to avoid unnecessary trouble.]
"I'll decide later. First, I want to visit that town."
He paused. "System, can you check other people's talents?"
[Yes, host.]
"Notify me if you find anyone under fourteen with magic talent. A magician's journey starts at fourteen. I want to recruit as many as possible so I don't have to return."
[Orders received, host.]
"How do I equip the headmaster robe?"
[You only need to think about it, host.]
"Think about it… like this?"
In an instant, his clothes changed. A pure black robe covered his body, with a majestic dragon embroidered on the back. Combined with his handsome features, Alex now looked both noble and intimidating.
"Show me its functions."
[Item Name: Black Dragon Robe
Durability: Infinite
Function: Grants invisibility to the host]**
"Perfect. Let's explore this world."
As Alex approached the town gates, he noticed countless carriages transporting goods.
"So those are merchants," he murmured.
Two bulky guards wielding swords stood watch. To avoid attention, Alex activated the robe's invisibility and passed through unnoticed.
Up close, the town was even more stunning. Fresh air filled the streets.
Sigh… I don't know how I ever breathed Earth's air.
Growl.
His stomach rumbled.
"I haven't eaten since I arrived. And I don't even have money. I'll starve at this rate. System, help me."
[Host has no magic coins to access the shop.]
"How do I earn magic coins then? Don't be a jerk, system—I'm starving. Can I take a loan?"
[For the host's sake, the system will provide 100 magic coins.]
[Ding! Shop unlocked.]
[Exchange Rate: 1 Magic Coin = 1 Silver Coin.]
"Exchange all of them. I want to try this world's food."
[Ding! Coins have been stored inside the host's robe.]
"Money problem solved. Time to find a tavern."
Alex wandered through the streets. He saw many warriors, but not a single mage.
Looks like mages don't wander around places like this.
Spotting a tavern sign, he turned a corner, deactivated his invisibility, changed back into his original clothes, and entered.
Inside, people chatted loudly. A few glanced at him, then lost interest.
He approached the tavern lady, who appeared to be around thirty.
"I want a room. Please bring food to my room as well."
"Ten copper coins per day, including food," she said, placing a key on the counter.
Alex handed her one silver coin. "For five days."
He went to his room and collapsed onto the bed.
"Finally… some rest. So much happened today. Sometimes I wonder if this is all a dream."
He paused. "System, are you still here?"
[Yes, host. I am always with you.]
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
A young woman entered, placed food on the table, and said, "Sir, call me if you need anything."
"I'd like a warm bath. Can you prepare one?"
"It will be ready in half an hour," she replied before leaving.
Let's eat first, Alex thought.