System Discord

Level 10.

Evan is level 10.

He stared at his status number for a long while, wondering how he got that high up after one visit in the caves. He still couldn't believe he is seeing the right numbers in front of him.

He remembered slaying 132 slimes with Iva, and that rose him up to level 5. That was supposed to be his level currently. He had double-checked his memory. He saw the rewards and the tabs he had unlocked were all in the panel in front of him. How come he's this high up now?

Then, he remembered Iva mentioning that he had made sure the Shadowling won't ever leave. Despite the cryptic wording that Iva had used, Evan realized that he might've killed the Shadowling with his Void ability without even knowing what it really did beforehand.

There was a big force when he had used it, which Evan didn't know since he haven't tried it before. But now that he has kind of an idea that it is really strong, he probably shouldn't use it against anyone at all, until he is truly sure that he can control it after more practice.

"Iva." He calls for it. "When you said that, did you mean I killed it."

There was no response that Evan just shrugged and was about to leave it be.

Then, there was a big sigh. 'Yes, duh. You did kill it. Which I don't understand how. Most of your kind see them and run.'

Evan hums at that. "Is it supposed to be something no one can kill?"

'From way back years ago, yes.' Was Iva's reply. 'Not even the strongest watch user can.'

Now that is a new information that Evan didn't know about. He nods his head. "Can you tell me more?"

'Come back and ask me when you reach level 25.' Iva replied. 'Until then, I can't tell you anymore stuff. I'm being restricted, this sucks.'

Evan rolled his eyes at the demand but couldn't say anything else. He figured he did need to get stronger. Not to mention that the needed to prepare for the entrance exams that he knew he might get a mail sooner, if he got in the first batch.

There are still lot of things he hasn't tried. He's learning so much things that his parents didn't teach him and it's making him excited. He was brought to be curious and to experiment and he's never been more thankful.

He took one of the books from his bedside table and opened to the first page. His initial plan was to start reading and then explore later. But he has no idea if he can keep his focus on reading when he can go back through the forest and down the stairs instead.

He knew that he only got results from patience and perseverance. So, even if all his being wants to go and run forwards into exploration, he tried to keep himself on the bed and continued reading his book.

Refocusing on the book, he made sure to finish it.

He didn't even realized the time until he heard the unmistakable sound of the door opening. Two sets of footprints that he is familiar with entering the house. His parents.

He opened his door and went out to greet them. "Mom! Dad!"

Erwin walks over to him and grabbed to half carry, half hug him with a chuckle. "Hey there, buddy! How was your day?"

Evan had a big grin. "It was okay. I finished the usual routine and finished a book I borrowed from the library."

The response he gave earned him his hair being ruffled into messy locks.

"Erwin, not too rough on our son." Sylvia laughed softly. She leans to kiss Evan on his cheek. "It's time for me to prepare dinner then."

As Sylvia pulls back to head to the kitchen, Erwin puts Evan back down on the ground. "We have news we got just this morning."

Evan nods his head slowly. His dad didn't look concerned so it could be a good news. "What is it about?"

Erwin just pats his son's shoulder. "You'll know after dinner."

-/-/-/-/-

After dinner, while Evan is making the jam with Sylvia's supervision, Erwin shows a brown envelope he has from his pocket.

Evan only stared at it in confusion.

"It's the response from Stardust." Erwin grins, turning the envelope over to see the Stardust Academy seal logo. "I passed by the post office today and they gave me this. It was supposedly your mom who has to receive it but I was already there and she's in the market still working. You know how it is."

Evan's eyes widened when he heard what Erwin said. 

They finally got a response! 

"I can open and read the contents for you." Erwin offered and Evan nodded his head enthusiastically.

-----

Good day Rotewed Family!

Thank you for sending your application here in our humble magic school, Stardust Academy!

Included within this envelope are the following: time, schedule and location of the entrance exams, what to bring, and the Entrance Examinee Pass. Make sure not to lose the pass as it cannot be replaced.

Good luck with the entrance exams! May the star shine down and give you their favor!

Until then,

Shining from the bottom, making dreams of reaching potentials higher than the skies. We are Stardust!

-----

Erwin finished reading the letter and pulls out one paper and one shiny looking card. "This paper says that your entrance exams will be 2 weeks from now, 8 in the morning sharp in the Xertle City Center Basement area. The things to bring... Your mom and I can handle that."

He continues to say before giving Evan the shiny card. "And this... Is your Entrance Examinee Pass. Here you go."

Evan takes it almost reverently. It looks like it is the same size as the regular ID, which it might be. However, it looks fancy and shiny, as it it was enchanted itself. It has Evan's name, his picture, his age and his entrance exam attempts recorded, which the latter is currently blank.

Staring at it, he knew that his life is about to change. He can hear his dad talk, but he couldn't understand his words. His eyes fixated on the card for a moment.

"I'll try my best." Evan finally found his voice.

He felt a hand on his back that made him turn to his mom. "We know you would, dear."