Astrea sat on the rough wooden floor of his hideout, the basket of food Michaela had brought beside him. He ate slowly, letting warmth spread through his body while applying medicinal herbs to his bruised skin. The system pulsed faintly in his mind, a constant hum of guidance.
Step one… heal myself.
As he chewed, he thought about money. Copper, Silver, Gold—he knew these from the previous body's memories. But the system's mention of "Mana Stones" had him frowning.
"System… wait, what's a Mana Stone? I only know Copper, Silver, and Gold," he asked aloud.
A calm, ethereal voice replied:
[Mana Stones are a form of currency tied to magical energy. They are highly valuable and can be used for trade, crafting, or enhancing magical abilities. Copper, Silver, and Gold are conventional currency, but Mana Stones exist on a higher scale.]
Astrea blinked. Great… now there's currency I don't understand. Typical. He muttered, "So much for simple coins…"
Curiosity pressing him, he asked, "System… what exactly is the currency in this world, in detail? How does it work?"
The interface flickered, displaying the details in bold, game-like formatting:
[CURRENCY SYSTEM – ASTORIA]
100 Copper = 1 Silver
1,000 Silver = 1 Gold
100,000 Gold = 1 Low Mana Stone
100 Low Mana Stones = 1 Medium Mana Stone
1,000 Medium Mana Stones = 1 High Mana Stone
10,000 High Mana Stones = 1 Perfect Mana Stone
Astrea nodded slowly, committing the conversion system to memory. Copper for scraps, Gold for serious trade, and Mana Stones… that's on a whole other level.
Then, the system's interface suddenly changed, displaying a Mission Screen with a glowing frame:
[MISSION ASSIGNED]
Title: Foundation of the Academy
Objective: Scout and secure a location suitable for the establishment of Arcadia Academy. Consider accessibility, safety, resources, and potential for expansion.
Time Limit: 7 Days
Failure: Obliteration of the soul, without chance of reincarnation.
Rewards:
Access to Newbie Gift
Inventory Access
Accelerated healing for injuries
Status: Not started
Astrea's jaw dropped. Obliteration… no second chance… seven days to find a location?
He slammed a fist against the floor. "What the fuck? How the hell am I supposed to do this without guidance?!"
Silence.
"System! Fucking answer me! Hello? Are you alive in there or just mocking me?!"
Still, no response. He groaned, pacing in the tiny hideout. "Goddammit… you're really pushing my patience, aren't you?"
Suddenly, the hum of the system flared sharply, booming in his mind:
[Warning: First warning issued. Disrespectful behavior toward the system will not be tolerated. Next offense will result in severing of your generational line.]
Astrea froze mid-rant, eyes wide. Severing… my what now?
"Uh… my apologies! I sincerely apologize, system!" he stammered, bowing dramatically in the empty cellar. No need to erase my existence or my future descendants…
He exhaled, rubbing his face. "Okay… okay. Calm down, Astrea. Think."
He sat cross-legged again, scanning his mental map of Brighthollow and the surrounding foothills. Healing first, earning money second, and then finding a location suitable for the academy. I can do this… I just need a plan.
He considered the practical steps: eating properly and using the medicinal herbs Michaela had provided, earning coins through legitimate work or subtle observation and stealth—and preparing to scout the surrounding forests, hills, and rivers for a safe and expansive location.
Step one complete. Sleep first. Then plan.
Astrea leaned back, letting the soft darkness of the cellar swallow him. Outside, the faint wind rustled through Brighthollow's rooftops, carrying with it the promise of danger, opportunity, and the first steps toward a future only he could shape.