He didn't know how much time had passed when he finally opened his eyes again, greeted by the faint scent of medicinal herbs.
He found himself lying on a simple wooden bed, his wounds neatly wrapped in clean bandages.
He was in a farmhouse room. It was small, with walls of plastered mud, but the sunlight streaming through the wooden window felt warm and comforting.
"You're awake? Thank the gods, you're finally awake!"
A cheerful female voice sounded by his ear.
Ethan turned his head to see a young woman approaching with a bowl of steaming broth. She looked to be about sixteen or seventeen, with soft, golden hair tied back in a ponytail. Her skin was fair, and her eyes were as clear as a blue lake. She wore a simple linen dress that couldn't hide her youthful energy, giving her the friendly and approachable air of a girl-next-door.
"Who are you? Where am I?" Ethan asked, sitting up and rubbing his forehead.
[Endurance restored to 10. Mana Points (MP): 120.]
The system quietly notified him. It seemed he had been unconscious for quite some time, as his wounds had mostly healed.
"My name is Aila," the girl said with a smile, placing the bowl by his bed. "This is my home. My father and brother found you unconscious near the village entrance three days ago."
"You were covered in blood. We thought you'd been attacked by a magical beast. Here, drink this. It'll help you get your strength back."
Ethan took the bowl and sipped the broth. It was bitter, but with a sweet aftertaste. A warm current spread through his body instantly.
He studied the girl before him, thinking to himself that she was quite pretty. It would be nice if the system could scan her stats... Wait, now wasn't the time for that.
"Thank you for saving me. My name is Ethan. I'm... from out of town."
"Out of town?" Aila blinked her blue eyes, full of curiosity. "Are you here to take the entrance exam for the Magic Academy?"
"A lot of adventurers have been coming through the village lately, all heading to the Royal Capital for the academy. I hear the trials are especially tough this year!"
The Magic Academy?
An idea sparked in Ethan's mind. He knew nothing about this world, but a place called an "academy" sounded like the perfect spot to learn magic, grow stronger, and trigger more quests!
"Yeah, that's right," he said, going along with it. "I came for the exam, but I ran into a magical beast on the way. Almost didn't make it."
"Wow, what a coincidence! Me too!" Aila clapped her hands excitedly, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I've had a knack for magic since I was little, so my father wanted me to try out."
She looked at Ethan with a hopeful expression. "Hey, why don't we travel together? It's safer with more people. The Royal Capital isn't far from here, only a three-day journey."
Having a local as a guide and a travel companion? This was a godsend!
Ethan's heart filled with joy as he nodded immediately. "Sure, let's go together. Aila, thank you for saving me."
Aila gave him a sweet smile. "Don't mention it! Let's get you fed, and then we can prepare to leave. The exams are about to start, so we can't afford any delays!"
...
Three days later, the Royal Capital.
The magnificent city walls soared into the clouds, embedded with glittering mana crystals. The streets bustled with people, and merchants everywhere were hawking strange and exotic magical items.
"Wow, the capital is so lively!" Aila exclaimed, excitedly tugging on Ethan's sleeve. "The Magic Academy is right in the center of the city. It's the most famous institution on the continent!"
"I heard there are three trials! The first is a basic mana value test, the second is a practical combat test, and the third is the most important one—the mana affinity test!"
A mana value test?
Ethan glanced at his own status panel.
[Mana Points (MP): 120]
He had no idea how that score would stack up against the other candidates.
He nodded. "Alright, let's go sign up."
The registration area was packed with people. The two of them paid the fee, received their number plates, and found a small inn to stay for the night.