Currently, I found myself in a carriage surrounded by a few knights, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the cobblestone road providing a steady backdrop to my thoughts. After bidding farewell to my parents, I was on my way to the Hero Academy, a journey that filled me with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
"Now, let's see my system stats," I said, eager to assess my progress.
(Basic Stats) -
[Strength: E-]
[Agility: E]
[Endurance: E]
[Intelligence: C+]
[Charm: S+]
[Mana: E]
Not bad, right? I was technically E rank now, and I had also acquired Basic Swordsmanship (E) skill, making my training feel fruitful.
As I glanced at my student ID, I noted the details:
[ HERO ACADEMY ]
Name: Noah von Augustus
Age: 16
Potential: B Rank
Class: A
Rank: 1000
Seeing my rank sent a wave of mixed emotions through me. I was aware that being in Class A meant I was among the elite, but being ranked 1000 out of 1000 students was a bitter pill to swallow. Each class had 200 students, and I was at the very bottom. I could already imagine the whispers and glances directed my way. But did I care? Hell no. I just needed to silence them with my results.
"Hah! Hell yeah!" I celebrated inwardly, a grin spreading across my face.
"Ahhhh"
Suddenly, a loud scream pierced the air, unmistakably the voice of a girl in distress.
"Stop the carriage! Search for the source of that scream!" I ordered, my heart racing as I leaped from the carriage. Activating my Mana Sense, I focused on the flow of mana around me, quickly pinpointing the source of the commotion.
Sure enough, I spotted a girl surrounded by four monsters. She had striking red hair and fierce red eyes, but her appearance was marred by wounds and tattered clothing. Clutched in her hands were two short daggers, and despite her valiant efforts, she was clearly struggling.
"Oh, she's already taken down two of them. She's strong," I thought, impressed. But her breathing was labored, and I could see a deep wound on her hand. The third monster was closing in, and I knew she was running out of strength.
Scarlett (POV)
I had been abandoned by my parents when I was just five years old, left to fend for myself in the unforgiving slums. I learned to survive by pickpocketing and stealing, often facing brutal beatings when caught. My eyes, resembling those of a demon, had made me an outcast.
Eventually, I was taken in by an orphanage, where I found a semblance of stability. I studied hard and trained in the art of daggers, dreaming of a better life. Today, I had finally received my acceptance letter to the Hero Academy, a dream come true. But on my way, I was ambushed by four monsters. I fought valiantly, taking down three, but my body had given out, and I fell to my knees.
As I watched the final monster approach, I closed my eyes, accepting my fate. But when I opened them again, I saw a tall, handsome figure with hair as white as snow, wielding a long sword. His movements were not particularly refined, but there was an undeniable confidence in his eyes.
"Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face as he dispatched the last monster.
Noah (POV)
"Are you okay?" I asked her, my heart racing as I finished off the last monster.
Damn, it took me a few minutes to kill one monster, and she had taken down three. Just how weak was I? I cursed inwardly, but I could see the disbelief and gratitude in her eyes.
I crouched down beside her, gently placing my hand on her cheek. "Hey, are you okay? Can you speak?"
Suddenly, she broke down, falling against my chest, her hands gripping my shirt as she sobbed. Just then, my knights arrived, and I couldn't help but feel annoyed.
"Damn it, these bastards are ruining my moment," I thought, but without hesitation, I scooped her up in a princess carry and made my way back to the carriage, my knights falling silent behind me.
Once inside, I instructed one of the knights to heal her wounds. I handed her a healing potion and a fresh set of clothes. While I waited outside the carriage, I could hear the rustling of fabric, and my imagination began to wander.
When she finally emerged, I was taken aback. She looked beautiful in her new clothes, her red hair framing her face perfectly.
"Thank you so much for your help, sir," she said, almost kneeling before me.
I quickly stopped her. "You don't have to do that. You can call me Noah."
"Hello, sir. My name is Scarlett," she replied, her head bowed.
"Hello, and I told you, don't call me sir," I insisted, trying to lighten the mood.
"But how can I? You are noble," she replied, her voice trembling slightly.
"If you don't, I'll be angry," I said, throwing a playful tantrum.
She looked frightened and began apologizing profusely. I sighed, realizing I might have teased her a bit too much.
Once she calmed down, I asked, "What were you doing out there, Scarlett?"
She looked at me, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions before she recounted her story. She had been on her way to the academy when she was attacked by monsters, and she had fought bravely but nearly lost her life.
"So, would you like to travel together?" I asked, hoping to offer her some companionship on this journey.
Scarlett hesitated, her eyes searching mine for sincerity. "I…"