We walked through the forest in silence.
The old man moved effortlessly, his steps light despite his age. I followed behind, careful not to fall behind. Every now and then, I felt his presence scanning the surroundings—as if nothing in the forest could escape his awareness.
"Keep up," he said without turning back.
I increased my pace.
Hours passed.
The trees slowly thinned, and the smell of earth was replaced by dust and smoke.
Then I saw it.
A massive stone wall stood in the distance, tall and unyielding. Flags fluttered at its peak, marked with symbols I didn't recognize.
"The city of Veylorn," the old man said. "A border city."
My eyes widened.
In my previous life, cities like this only existed in stories.
As we approached the gate, armored guards stopped us.
"State your business," one demanded.
The old man lifted a small metal badge.
The guards stiffened immediately.
"Elder!"
They stepped aside without another word.
I swallowed.
Who exactly was this man?
Inside the city, noise exploded around us.
Merchants shouted, carts rolled by, adventurers in armor walked past with weapons at their sides. Mana lamps lined the streets, glowing faintly even in daylight.
I couldn't stop looking around.
"This place…" I whispered.
"Is only the beginning," the old man said. "The world is far larger than you imagine."
As we walked deeper into the city, the system activated.
[New Environment Detected.]
[Urban Area Bonus Applied.]
All Training Efficiency +10%
My steps faltered for a moment.
A bonus… just for being here?
I steadied myself.
"This system…" I thought, "keeps pushing me forward."
We stopped in front of a large building.
The structure was massive, carved with ancient symbols. Students gathered near the entrance, some wearing confident smiles, others filled with nervous energy.
"This is one of the academy's outer halls," the old man said.
"Tomorrow, you'll take the entrance test."
My chest tightened.
"Tomorrow?"
He nodded.
"Rest today. Observe. Survive tomorrow."
He looked down at me.
"Talent decides many things in this world," he said calmly. "But effort decides who remains standing."
That night, I lay on a simple bed in a small inn room.
I stared at the ceiling.
Academy. Tests. Talented geniuses.
I closed my eyes and clenched my fist.
"Let them have their talent," I whispered.
The blue screen appeared one last time.
[Preparation Mode Activated.]
A faint smile crossed my face.
"Tomorrow," I thought,
"the Endless Growth System takes its first step onto the stage."