Kolden arrived at the Eldritch Academy and stepped out of his carriage, accompanied by Cainstead, the only staff member who had come with him. The sun shone brightly over the academy, creating a breathtaking view that left Kolden in awe. He had only ever seen such sights in movies and webcomics.
The Victorian-style institution featured five distinct buildings, each designed to cater to different aspects of student life. Kolden took in his surroundings, his gaze landing on a tall marble statue standing proudly in front of him. He could only guess who it represented—the sword the figure held pointed toward the heavens, glistening in the sunlight.
Kolden smiled; this was Maliket Van Astrea, the academy's founder. The statue was a striking likeness of a legendary hero whose legacy was engraved in history—a legacy Kolden hoped to emulate one day. Just then, Cainstead interrupted Kolden's reverie.
"Young master, if I may interject, I assume you're aware that you won't be returning to the estate for quite some time. You'll be staying here for the next five years, and I must admit, that saddens me. So, if you'll allow this old man to be a bit selfish, I'd like to leave you with some words of wisdom."
Kolden turned to Cainstead, smiling nervously. He had only regained partial memories of the original owner of this body, but he could tell from the short trip that Cainstead was a beloved member of the staff.
"Yeah, that would be great. I'm feeling a bit anxious just looking at this statue, so any encouragement would help."
Cainstead returned the smile, carefully adjusting the cuffs of Kolden's blazer and his collar. After giving him a gentle pat, he stepped back, his voice steady.
"I leave you with this: to become what we are not, we must first embrace who we truly are."
Kolden stood there, taken aback by the profundity of his words. Cainstead bowed respectfully and returned to the carriage. Alone, Kolden gazed at his arms and then back at the statue, a soft smile forming on his lips. He reflected on his past life, which had been filled with relentless work and stress, leaving no room for fulfillment.
In that moment, Kolden realized he was no longer a middle-aged man burdened by financial struggles, but a young man named Kolden Nyvgail. He understood that to achieve his dreams, he must first accept who he is now and who he is no longer. However, a wave of sorrow washed over him. If it took another person to help him see this truth, could he really make a change on his own?
Shaking his head, he decided to push those thoughts aside for now. With renewed determination, Kolden smiled brightly, ready to embrace this new chapter. He decided that he would accept nothing less than starting from zero to build this new life.
With newfound confidence, Kolden stepped forward toward his future, noticing his rune glowing brightly. He glanced at his arm, where only the bottom half radiated light, and suddenly, a robotic voice echoed in his mind.
"System augmentation completed."
Kolden stared at his arm, awe washing over him as his vision briefly darkened. When it returned, a visible system platform appeared before him. A smile spread across his face, excitement bubbling inside him—this was where it all began.
"Alright, if this goes like it usually does, let me check my stats. Maybe I'll get a god rank in swordsmanship or uncover an unknown stat because of how high it is, and I'll become a divine being!"
Kolden's excitement shone through as he playfully imagined the potential stats he might see. He eagerly scrolled down to review his current standings.
— ● [Kolden A. Nyvgail] ● —
Level: 17 [Tier 1 Magician] Exp: [0%—[16%]———————100%]
Life Level: 1 Life Exp: [0%-2%—————————100%]
Profession: Magician Type: Sub-type [World Magic] Mind: [100% Stable]
Spells:
Advanced Spell [Mental & Physical]: The World Whale's Echo – Stage 5
Utilization before insanity: 10
Beginner Spell [Self-Buff]: Wandering Vision – Stage 1
Quest:
Complete the welcoming ceremony and make a new companion.
Reward:
2% World Progress
The Art of Mana Conduction – Stage of world 1
Failure:
Mind Condition: -20%
As he examined the system, understanding dawned on him. He was granted two spells, but only one was an attack spell—well, more of a debuff spell, he thought.
"It's advanced, so it must be powerful, and it's at level five, while my Wandering Vision seems to be at stage one as a beginner type."
Kolden's gaze fell on the information below the advanced spell: Utilization before insanity - 10. He pondered the implications, realizing it likely meant he could go insane or that something unpredictable might happen if he overused it. Just as he began to contemplate further, a crow cawed loudly.
"Ceremony begins in 10 minutes. All students, make your way to the auditorium promptly!"
The announcement echoed across the vast academy, repeated several times as students hurried toward a large building made of gray stone, swarming the entrance. Kolden joined the crowd, ready for the adventure that awaited him.