The first rays of dawn peeked through the curtains, casting a soft, golden light over Kieran's room. The excitement from last night's Unlimited Resource Draw had yet to subside, but the young boy knew that he couldn't afford to let this moment of exhilaration distract him. Today marked the first real steps toward bringing his plans to fruition.
Kieran stood before the mirror, adjusting his simple but effective attire—a modest set of robes and practical boots, perfect for blending in while still offering the freedom to move quickly when necessary. His appearance was still nondescript enough to pass as just another ordinary student attending the prestigious Magic Academy.
But beneath this facade, there was much more at play. His mind was already busy plotting his first move: recruitment. His underground organization was in its infancy, and it was time for the first recruit to be brought into the fold. But before diving into the deeper aspects of his plans, Kieran needed to test the waters and observe his surroundings more closely.
The Mission
The System Interface hovered in front of Kieran, its soft glow almost a reminder of the world of possibilities it had opened to him. The thrill of having access to unlimited mana was intoxicating, but it was crucial for him to stay grounded, to use his newfound power strategically. The mission for today was simple—a basic mission that would allow Kieran to gather some supplies and test out his skills in the field. It would be a chance for him to explore the world outside the academy, to familiarize himself with the lay of the land, and perhaps scout potential recruits.
A new notification blinked into view:
New Mission AvailableMission Title:Gathering Basic SuppliesObjective: Collect 10 Mana Crystals from the forest outside the Academy. Use your System Scan to locate them.Mission Reward:10 Gold + Basic Herb PackDifficulty Level:EasyTime Limit:2 Days
Kieran's eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned the mission details. A simple task, indeed. But there was more to this mission than just collecting some crystals. The forest outside the academy was known to be teeming with both magical creatures and rare resources, and the System Scan could be used to help him identify things beyond the usual bounty of simple ingredients. Kieran wasn't just going to collect the required mana crystals; he would use this opportunity to explore, to learn more about the world, and to observe the flow of mana around him.
With a deep breath, Kieran accepted the mission.
Outside the Academy Grounds
The journey from the Academy to the nearby forest took less than an hour, but Kieran used the time to reflect. The world around him was teeming with magic, but it was still bound by limitations—the same limitations that had kept him confined to a small life before his transmigration. Now, he was a player in this game, able to move the pieces as he wished, all from the comfort of his unseen position.
As he approached the edge of the forest, the air shifted. The dense magic in the atmosphere grew thicker. Even with his senses heightened, Kieran could feel the mana flow like a current beneath his feet, swirling in the leaves and branches above. His System Scan activated with a soft ping in his mind, identifying various plants and magical creatures hidden just out of sight.
Abnormal Mana Flow
As Kieran stepped deeper into the forest, he noticed something unusual. His System Scan began to alert him to an abnormal mana flow deeper in the woods—something that didn't belong to the usual pulse of nature. The flow was twisting, like a vortex of energy that wasn't naturally occurring. It was faint but undeniable, like a leak in the fabric of the world's magic.
Kieran paused for a moment, the excitement of the mission fading as he focused. His senses sharpened as he zeroed in on the strange current of mana. This wasn't just a random fluctuation; this was something unnatural. Something powerful.
He reached out, letting his mana flow through his fingertips, gently touching the air around him. The mana vortex responded, growing stronger for a brief moment before settling again, as though it recognized his touch. The feeling was otherworldly, a mix of curiosity and foreboding.
Kieran narrowed his eyes. This was something he would need to investigate further, but now wasn't the time. He had a mission to complete, and this odd flow of mana could be another piece of the greater puzzle he was building. For now, he'd stay focused on his goal, but the thought of this anomaly would stay with him.
The First Steps of Recruitment
As he continued through the forest, Kieran's System Scan began to pick up the Mana Crystals he needed for the mission. Each one shimmered with faint pulses of energy, waiting to be claimed. But as he reached for the first, his senses tingled. The air was thick with the buzz of magical beasts, their presence hidden behind layers of foliage.
Kieran decided to test his skills. He reached into his System Storage and drew out a simple but effective tool—a Mana Blade, a basic weapon created with the System's help. The blade hummed in his hand, glowing faintly with the endless supply of mana at his disposal. The sword was a simple weapon, but it would suffice for the task at hand.
An Encounter with the Forest's Creatures
A rustling sound broke the silence, and Kieran's senses heightened. He had expected it—a wild magical beast was nearby, and its presence was palpable. From the thick underbrush, a pair of glowing eyes appeared, followed by the outline of a creature made of living shadows, its form flickering like smoke.
The creature—a Forest Wraith—was no simple foe. It was a low-level magical beast that specialized in stealth and illusions. In the past, such a creature would have been a challenge, especially for a low-level mage or adventurer. But Kieran had a powerful advantage: the System's resources.
Without hesitation, he unleashed his first spell: Arcane Blast. A surge of blue energy shot forward, hitting the Wraith directly. The creature hissed and recoiled, but Kieran didn't stop there. He surged forward, his Mana Blade trailing behind him, crackling with energy as he dispatched the creature in seconds.
The Wraith's form disintegrated into smoke and mist, leaving behind a single item: a Shadow Crystal—a rare drop from the beast. Kieran reached down and picked it up, feeling the familiar thrill of loot and resources. This was a small victory, but it was a reminder of the immense power he had at his disposal.
Returning to the Academy
As the sun began to set, Kieran completed his mission, collecting the necessary Mana Crystals and finding a few other useful items along the way. His mind still buzzed with the odd mana flow he had sensed in the forest, but he didn't let that distract him for too long. He had learned what he needed to—he had the resources, the experience, and now, it was time to return to the Academy.
As he walked back, his Mana Blade glowing faintly at his side, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement for the future. His first steps outside had shown him just how much potential the world had to offer. There were mysteries to be uncovered, enemies to be defeated, and an organization to be built. This was just the beginning.