The next morning, Davin stood at the edge of the yard, waving goodbye to his new friend Eric, who was walking home with his mother.
Eric turned and waved back enthusiastically before disappearing into the distance, his small figure swallowed by the morning mist.
It was late morning, and the sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the quiet town.
Davin sat outside on a wooden bench, a thick book resting in his small hands.
His father, Ray, had left earlier for his usual training routine.
Ray had tried to drag Davin along, but Gaela had intervened with her usual overprotective fervor, insisting she wanted to spend more time with her son.
Davin didn't mind—he had a book to read, after all.
'System,' Davin thought, his eyes scanning the pages, 'I think it's about time you tell me what this book is about.'
[Absolutely, Host!]
[The basic information reveals that it's about an adventurer who traveled across the factions that rule over the human lands. Essentially, they're human kingdoms and dukedoms.]
'Huh,' Davin thought, his curiosity piqued.
'Go on.'
[In addition, the book mentions how some of the factions bordering great forests are under constant threat of beast attacks. Specifically, the southern kingdoms that border the Enchanted Forest—the second-largest forest in the world of Ecclesia.]
'Ecclesia?' Davin asked, tilting his head.
[Yes, Host. Ecclesia is the name of this world you are currently in.]
'Oh,' Davin said, his mind briefly wandering. 'Not a bad name.'
[Indeed. The adventurer also mentions the ranking system for magical beasts. Would you like me to outline them from weakest to strongest?]
'Do it, Sir System!' Davin thought eagerly, his eyes lighting up.
[Certainly. Here's the summary:]
Immediately his system screen lit up showing a series of words…
Common Beasts
Basic magical creatures with minimal power. They are often wild and untamed, with minor magical traits like enhanced senses or small elemental abilities.
Slightly stronger than Feralkin, with some intelligence and minor magical abilities.
(Since they're common beasts, they rely more on physical attributes like strength and agility.)
Elite Beasts
Stronger than common beasts, with elemental or physical enhancements. They are often territorial and guard valuable resources.
Rare and more intelligent, often serving as pack leaders or guardians of sacred sites. They possess advanced magical abilities.
Legendary Beasts
Powerful creatures with advanced magical abilities. They are rare and usually found in remote or dangerous areas.
Extremely rare and intelligent, sometimes capable of speech or transformation. They are often tied to ancient myths or legends. No one knows where they are often found but believed to reside deep in forests.
Divine Beasts
Mythical creatures with immense power, often associated with specific elements or natural phenomena. They are revered and feared by many, and their existence is shrouded in mystery… except in old tales where they have been mentioned.
[There might be higher ranks, but the book doesn't mention anything beyond the Astralborn Rank.]
[Also, the classes used in each rank imply the threat level posed by the beasts.]
'Whoa…' Davin thought, his mind racing with excitement. 'This is amazing! Is there anything else cool in the book?'
He had not expected that a mere book his dad bought in their small town to have all this information.
What the system didn't tell him, was how terrifyingly dangerous a magical beast could be...
[Yes, Host. The book also talks about treasure realms—places where great and rare loot can be found.]
'Treasure realms?' Davin's eyes widened, and he began to imagine himself standing atop a mountain of gold, surrounded by glittering jewels and priceless artifacts. This made him to even start salivating.
'That sounds incredible!'
[Though the author hasn't confirmed their existence yet… I think the concept of treasure realms might also be a myth.]
'Oh, come on!' Davin whined, his imaginary mountain of gold crumbling into dust.
'Why'd you have to ruin it?'
[Lastly, the book discusses the characteristics and names of various beasts and plants. I've stored this information for future reference. Knowing you, Host, you wouldn't want me to dump all this information on you at once.]
Davin smiled. "Good job, System. At least now I'm not so clueless as before."
His mind raced with possibilities—magical beasts, treasure realms, the vast world of Ecclesia. It all felt surreal.
He couldn't wait to learn more… and maybe, just maybe, claim that mountain of gold for himself.
"Hey, System," he said, "which kingdom or dukedom are we in right now?"
[The information about ruling factions is vague. This town isn't even mentioned. My guess? Too peaceful for adventurers to care.]
"So you're saying you don't know where I am?"
[Affirmative.]
'Huh~' Davin sighed, tapping his chin.
'Guess I'll have to wait longer before I can rob—ahem, locate the nobles' treasuries.' He groaned inwardly, imagining the years of wasted wealth-building opportunities.
Still, a nagging thought lingered; his parents hadn't settled in this town by accident. Were they hiding? Or just desperate for peace?
[Is wealth accumulation your only goal?]
"Not just wealth," Davin said, grinning.
"I'm also going to marry the most beautiful woman this world has to offer."
[Why pursue these things?]
"Simple. They're what I never got in my past life... before you murdered me."
[Correction: Not murder but an otherworldly luck.]
"Nope! It was the cold-blooded murder of Dave Brown, an unsuspecting, innocent victim!" He argued, pointing an accusatory finger at the air.
[…]
"I'll take your lack of response as an admission of guilt!"
[Would you like to return to your old life?]
"Wait, is that possible?" the boy asked with bated breath.
[Negative.]
"Then why ask?"
[Just curious.]
Davin groaned. "Whoever programmed you is definitely messed up—"
A shadow suddenly fell over him. The air grew heavy, like the calm before a storm. Davin's skin prickled. He knew that presence before he even turned around.
"Davin Bluemoon." His mother's voice was soft. Too soft.
Davin swallowed. "Y-yes, mother?"
Gaela expression was one of worry as she gazed at her son. Her heart tightened with fear for the worst before she summoned up enough courage to speak.
"Who," she said her voice barely audible, "exactly are you talking to?"