"Now that we have a child, we no longer need to worry about my sterility," said the woman with a quiet sense of relief.
"Yeah, true," the man replied, frowning slightly, "but it still bothers me that his real parents might come looking for him."
"That's something we'll need to confront eventually. But... have you managed to find a job yet?" she asked, turning the question back on him.
"Not yet. The streets are still crowded with people mourning the death of the Royal Family. One member is said to have survived, but barely—severely wounded."
Time passed, and I began to uncover certain truths about this world. Apparently, when you turn ten, you get the opportunity to attend school. There are two types. The first is for the poor—it grants you access to an ordinary, modest life. The second is for those who are average or above—it teaches alchemy, combat, and a bit about something called the System.
I tried to learn more about the System, but all I managed to find out was that a person activates it at the age of ten.
The kingdom is divided into four territories. My family and I live in the land called Campestria, which lies in the northwest.
For now, I'm trapped here—with Time as my only true enemy.
"Lutz, are you writing in your diary again?"
"Yes, Mom."
"If you'd like, you can help with the grocery shopping."
"But Dad said it's too dangerous outside."
"That's true. But you'll be ten soon, and I think you're starting to get bored staying cooped up."
Finally, someone who shares my thoughts.
As we stepped outside, the first thing I saw was an enormous manhole, beneath which lay a reeking sewer.
Now I understand why our house smells so bad.
We moved through the alley to the left. I noticed the living conditions in our area were dreadful—homeless people lying on the cold pavement, thieves lurking in the shadows, trying to swindle or scam passersby, and women offering themselves for the price of a crust of bread.
At the end of the alley, we passed through an archway etched with strange, ancient symbols. Turning right, a broad main street stretched before us.
On either side, shops lined the road—some displaying alchemical ingredients, others filled with magical trinkets and oddities.
We ascended the street and took a left at the end. To our right opened a vast plaza, a raised pedestal in its center surrounded by colorful market stalls.
I was in awe at the sheer size and vibrancy of the city. I believe it's called Urbs Aequo. It might even be the capital of this country, though I'm not entirely sure.
My mother gathered the ingredients she needed, and soon, we returned home safely.
But the moment I opened the door, my father leapt at me.
"Don't you know what day it is today?"
"No…" I answered, confused.
"It's your birthday! Come in!"
I hadn't expected that. I knew it was sometime around now, but I didn't realize it was today.
"We don't have a physical present for you," he said. "Instead, we've been saving money… and we decided you should enroll in one of the prestigious schools."
I mean, I'd take any chance to learn more about this System.
"If it's okay with you, I'll gladly accept," I replied.
My parents both embraced me. They hugged me so tightly I could barely breathe.
Then my father said:
"Enrollment is tomorrow. Be ready—and remember, you'll be living apart from us for a long time."