10 years had passed since the activation of the awakening. In that time, I've gained more stats, fairly low, and my life has shifted in ways I never expected. 'I'm a bum!'
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{STATS}
• Strength: 3
• Perception: 3
• Endurance: 2
• Charisma: 1
• Intelligence: 3
• Agility: 2
• Luck: 1
• Dexterity: ???
• Innate Talent: The Dexterity Demon
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It's pretty low...
I'm now 14 years old, and I've recently learned something mind-boggling. The world around me has always been full of mystery, but it's only now that I've begun to fully grasp the true nature of it all. Reality has collided with other universes, and mythical creatures now roam freely across planets and galaxies. It's not just monsters that pose a threat—there are also other MetaHumans who have strayed from the path of righteousness. It's a dangerous time to be alive, and there is a whole new world to protect.
That's why, as a normal part of growing up, kids like me are required to attend the MetaHuman Academy at age eight. The Academy is a place where every child—whether they come from money or from distant corners of the universe—is trained to protect the world. It isn't just about fighting monsters from the constantly appearing dungeons. It's about learning how to use our newly enhanced abilities and skills to ensure we stay on the right path. After all, not all MetaHumans choose to protect the world—some are swayed by dark forces, and we need to be ready for that.
The morning I left for the Academy was bittersweet. I have to bid goodbye to my parents. I'm excited about this next chapter, but a part of me feels nervous. I'll be staying at the dormitory for the next six months. The idea of leaving home and living on my own is both thrilling and terrifying.
"You'll do great, Felix," my dad says with a grin, ruffling my hair. "Just like you did when you learned to type."
"Don't forget to video call us every now and then," my mom adds, giving me a tight hug. "Stay safe, okay?"
I nod, trying to keep my composure. I'm eager to begin this adventure, but the memories of my past experiences, particularly the traumatic ones from the train ride before my awakening, still linger in my mind. The sound of the train's rumbling, the chaos, the sudden darkness—it all comes rushing back, but I can't let that fear control me. I'm stronger now. I have to be.
In the world of MetaHumans, there's no discrimination—anyone can join, regardless of where they come from. Thanks to the financial support provided by the Academy, some students even arrive through portals from other worlds. But me? I'm traveling by train, and I can't help but feel a pang of anxiety. The thought of being back on a train after everything that's happened makes my stomach turn. But I have to face it. There's no running away now.
As the train chugs along, my mind wanders. I have no idea what awaits me at the Academy. There will be normal academics—math, science, history, and all the subjects I'm used to. But there will also be special clubs, activities tailored to each student's interests. Some will learn to wield a sword, others a bow. Some will focus on technology, some on alchemy. The possibilities are endless, and I can't wait to discover what path I'll choose.
My hand tightens around the strap of my bag. This is the beginning of my real journey, one that will shape the future of the world—and my future.
The train rumbles on, and as the familiar landscape of my hometown fades behind me, I can't help but think to myself:
This is it. The start of something big.
And as the city disappears in the distance, I steel myself for whatever is to come.
••••••
Felix's eyes widened as he stepped into the grand courtyard of the MetaHuman Academy. It looked like something straight out of a fairy tale—an enchanted, massive mansion surrounded by lush gardens and elegant stone paths. The academy's towering spires seemed to touch the sky, and everything around him felt so grand, so alive.
He had only seen places like this in his dreams.
As Felix walked toward the entrance, a few attendants greeted him. They were wearing soft, shimmering uniforms and spoke with friendly smiles. One of them took a step forward, holding up a sleek, futuristic device that resembled a small scanner.
"Welcome to the MetaHuman Academy, Felix Drenched," the attendant said with a smile. "Please scan your Lace."
Felix instinctively reached up to his neck and touched the smart pendant he wore. The Lace glowed softly as he did so, sending a quick signal to the attendant's scanner. Within seconds, a holographic ID appeared, floating above the pendant, glowing with his details. It was surreal.
"Thank you, Felix. You're all set," the attendant said, gesturing for him to enter.
Felix's heart raced as he stepped past the large gates. The academy was everything he had imagined and more. There was so much to take in: floating lights, perfectly manicured grounds, and an air of wisdom that seemed to radiate from every stone in the walls.
And then, as he walked further into the academy, he accidentally bumped into someone.
"Ow!" The person let out a surprised yelp, stumbling back a step.
Felix quickly looked up and froze. The person before him... they looked incredibly familiar. They had the same sharp eyes, the same confident aura that Felix had always seen in his dreams.
No. It couldn't be. Could it?
Felix blinked, his mind racing.
"Are you okay?" the person asked, a teasing smirk tugging at their lips.
Felix opened his mouth to speak, but words seemed to fail him for a moment. The resemblance was uncanny.
The person tilted their head, eyes narrowing in curiosity. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Felix swallowed hard, still processing the surprise. "I... I think we've met before," he said, unsure of how to explain the sudden feeling of familiarity.
The person grinned widely. "Well, that's a first. I don't think we've crossed paths before... unless you're one of those people who sees ghosts." They chuckled, their voice light, but something about the smile made Felix feel like there was more to this encounter.
But for the moment, Felix could only nod. "I guess I'm just... really surprised," he muttered, still not fully able to shake the overwhelming sense of déjà vu.
The other person laughed and held out a hand. "No worries. I'm Jerry. Welcome to the MetaHuman Academy. You'll get used to this place. It's a bit... overwhelming at first..."
Felix hesitated for a moment while shaking Jerry's hand, still feeling dizzy with the mumble thinking it's actually him.