Chapter 6

It was 6 p.m. when Jesse shut off all the lights, got into a comfortable position, and closed his eyes so he could meditate easier. He was nervous and excited at the same time. His plan was to meditate for five hours. He heard the familiar sound from the system, followed by a second, then a third, and so on.

[Congratulations, you have the daily quest: Strengthen your soul force, the reward has been sent.]

Jesse checked his stats before going to sleep.

[STATS]

1/13/2500

Name: Jesse

Race: Human

Level 2

Exp: 20/110

Coins: 636

Strength: 8

Agility: 8

Stamina: 8

Soul Force: 160

Perception: 15

The next morning, Jesse woke up at 5 a.m. and did his one hour of stretching and one hour of working out. He dressed in his walking clothes and headed over to his usual spot.

"I'm going to try jogging this time," Jesse said to Zeo, who floated beside him.

"Okay, but if you get tired, switch to walking," Zeo instructed.

"I feel stronger, but okay," Jesse said. Jesse felt fine until the end, so he switched to walking.

[Congratulations, you have just completed the daily quest: Strengthen your body, the rewards have been sent.]

Jesse proceeded to check his stats.

[STATS]

1/14/2500

Name: Jesse

Race: Human

Level 2

Exp: 40/110

Coins: 636

Strength: 9

Agility: 9

Stamina: 9

Soul Force: 160

Perception: 15

Once he got back to his room, Jesse showered and dressed. He headed down to the lobby and ordered his breakfast. "Just four more days, and I'll be in a dorm," Jesse thought to himself. "Zeo, I'm going for a walk," Jesse said. "You don't need to come along," he said.

"Okay, be careful." Zeo said.

"I will," the boy said. Jesse leisurely walked around the city streets. He wanted to take in every sight and smell of this new world. While Jesse walked, he heard someone yell his name. He turned around and found a familiar blonde waving happily at him.

"Hiya, Jesse," Ulric said, smiling as he walked up to him.

"Hello, Ulric," the raven-haired boy said, smiling back at him.

"Where's your system guardian?" Ulric asked.

"Do you mean Zeo?" Jesse asked in confusion. "He's back at the hotel." "I told him that I didn't need him right now," he said.

"I was going to do some training when I spotted you," Ulric said.

Jesse's hazel eyes lit up in excitement, and a wide smile crossed his face.

"Where do you train?" he asked.

"On the training grounds," Ulric said.

"Can I train with you?" "Or is it not allowed since I'm not enrolled yet?" Jesse asked.

"I don't think it'll be a problem, but let me contact Mac to make sure," Ulric said, bringing up his holographic screen and clicking on his friends list. Jesse watched in interest as Ulric clicked on Mac's name and wrote a message.

When the blonde cleared the screen, he noticed Jesse's excitement in his eyes.

"That was way too cool!" Jesse said, clapping his hands. "Just like my games back home," he said.

"Pull up your stats," Ulric said. "I want to show you something," he said.

"Okay," Jesse said, doing what he was told.

[STATS]

1/14/2500

Name: Jesse #54591

Race: Human

Level 2

Exp: 40/110

Coins: 636

Strength: 9

Agility: 9

Stamina: 9

Soul Force: 160

Perception: 15

"See the numbers next to your name?" Ulric asked.

"Yes," Jesse said, nodding his head. He listened and watched when Ulric said, "System, add number 54591 to my friends list." A message popped up on Jesse's screen.

[You just received a friend request from number 31401, click accept or reject.]

"Just click accept," Ulric said. Jesse clicked accept, and suddenly a message appeared.

[Congratulations, you have 1 friend.]

Ulric #31401

Jesse glanced at the blonde and smiled big at him. "I am beginning to love this world," he said.

"Be careful who you add to your list," Ulric said. "There are people out there who want to fight you," he warned.

"Thanks," Jesse said. "I'll remember that," he said.

***Beep***

Ulric glanced over and noticed an envelope icon flashing. He clicked on it, opening it up.

I received your message. Yes, he can train with you. Only this once, though, because other trainees will start fussing. Technically, he isn't a student yet.

Mac #86208

Ulric closed his holographic screen and said, "Mac said you may train with me once." "After this, you must wait until you are registered in his classes," he said.

"Okay," Jesse said, nodding in understanding. "I don't want to get you in trouble," he said.

"As long as we follow Mac's rules, we'll be fine," Ulric said. Knowing that eased Jesse's mind. Jesse watched the blonde take long strides as he followed him. The boy stopped and faced him. "Am I walking too fast?" Ulric asked.

"No, I'm fine," Jesse said, blushing as he shook his head.

Jesse stepped up beside Ulric when they resumed walking. "Not to sound rude," Jesse said. "But how old are you?" he asked.

"I'm eighteen," Ulric said.

"Wow." "You're so tall," Jesse said. "I'm eighteen also," he said.

"You look younger than that," Ulric stated.

"Back home, I got that a lot," Jesse said, letting out a small giggle.

"You need to change your mindset and consider this world your home," the blonde said.

"I'm sorry," Jesse apologized. "I guess I'm still processing everything," he admitted.

The two boys reached the training grounds ten minutes later and stopped in an area full of combat gear and training equipment.

"Let me see what combat gear you have," Ulric said. Jesse reached into his bag and pulled out everything that he had and laid it on the table. One by one, Ulric picked them up and examined them. "Have you tried them out yet?" Ulric asked.

"No, I haven't," Jesse said, shaking his head.

"Okay, try out each one, then tell me which ones are easier for you to use," Ulric said.

One by one, Jesse tested the weapons. A frown crossed his face as they lay spread across the table.

"Have you decided on which one you prefer to use?" Ulric asked.

"I like the spear, but the sword is also good," Jesse said.

"A backup weapon is good," Ulric said. "Which would you choose as your main?" he asked.

"Hmmm," Jesse pondered, glancing at each one. "The spear," he said.

"I can teach you how to handle the sword since I use one," Ulric said, retrieving his from his bag. "Mac is more experienced with spears than I am," he admitted. "For today, carefully watch my stance and movements," he instructed.

Jesse's heart skipped a beat as he watched the sword technique. He couldn't keep the excitement from rising within him. To him, every movement was magical. Something inside Jesse's body must have triggered because he shrieked and dove, covering his head, as the blade approached. The sword suddenly flew backward and landed with its tip in the grass. Ulric tried to step up to Jesse, but an invisible barrier blocked his path. He sensed a strange energy around Jesse. He glanced back at his sword in confusion. Ulric knew that he had to do something.

"Jesse, if you can hear me, listen to my voice," Ulric said in a calm voice. Jesse lifted his head and blinked back the tears that had formed in his eyes.

"Help me," was the last thing Jesse said before he passed out. Ulric reached out his hand and found the barrier gone. He scooped Jesse into his arms and messaged Mac with information about what had happened. Fear and worry plagued his mind.

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