The World after Earth

The darkness of the night faded as the blue sun shone its light into the world. It allowed its light to pierce through the thick forest. In a small village located at the heart of the vast forest, the light gave light to a run-down nipa hut revealing its grey color. Looking at the nipa hut, it is evident that the pillars of grey wood are already weak and on the verge of giving out. It seems as though another blow from the wind will tear the house apart.

The sun just shone, but an old man was already standing in front of the nipa hut. The creases and lines on his face and body make it evident that he is old, but his skin is pinkish and is shouting life. Tattoos can also be observed on the left arm, right hand, and left cheek of the old man. The engravings show mysticism and are full of mystery. This further emphasizes the unusually high vitality of the old man.

"Aezir! Come down at once!" The old man spoke. He seriously shouted. He was not angry, but his words contained authority in them.

"Coming!" A voice from a teenage boy resounded from the nipa hut.

Aezir was quickly fixing his hair and clothing. He was a relatively handsome lad with sun-toned skin and deep black eyes. He was combing his black hair to make it as neat as possible. There is no denying that the house he was in was run-down and ugly, but it was well maintained and tidy. This was a trait engraved into his soul from his original planet, Earth.

This was Aezir's 13th year in this new world. The old man outside told him that his father died while exploring the world outside of the village, and his mother died when he was born. He was raised by the old man outside from youth. All he knew about this world came from him.

Aezir quickly went down wearing a plain white shirt and brown pants. Nothing spells more 'Villager' than his outfit. However, even though it was cheap and common, it was not ragged or dirty.

"Good morning, Grandpa Ouwei. I'm sorry, I am a little late. I was quite nervous for today." Aezir said with a wry smile. He holds great respect for the man in front of him. He knew how much Grandpa Ouwei had to put up to raise him.

"It is alright. Are you ready to embark on the road of adventurers?" Grandpa Ouwei asked.

"Of course! I have waited for this opportunity for a very long time. I spent countless sweat and blood for this. I will not fail you!" Aezir confidently said.

Today, Aezir will take his first step toward the life of an adventurer. Once a person hits 13, he is qualified to enter the forest surrounding the village in order to find a beast to contract. This will allow them to gain the powers of the beast and enter the path of an adventurer.

"While we are walking to the forest, recite to me the tiers of beasts." Grandpa Ouwei commanded.

"There are three major tiers known to us aside from ordinary beasts. Basic Beasts are the most common type of beast, except ordinary beasts. They are the first tier to have powers; also, they are the first tier to have the ability to form a contract with an individual. Next are Intermediate Beasts. These beasts are much stronger than the basic beasts and are what I am aiming for to form a contract with. Last are Advanced Beasts. There are only a few of them in the forest, and are disasters if one comes across with. Each major tier is also divided into categories; Red, Blue, Violet, Silver, and Gold." Aezir confidently answered.

"Good. Remember to pay attention to the aura that will be released by the beasts. With your strength, contracting an Intermediate Blue Beast is already pushing it." Granpa Ouwei reminded.

After a while of walking, they reached the area where a lot of people gathered. There were about 30 other teens the age of Aezir there.

"Seriously, what's with you, Ouwei? Are you seriously making that boy embark on the adventurer's path? He will just be slaughtered." Another elderly with a white beard and mustache that reached his chest said. He then turned and looked at Aezir. "Kid, I suggest you give up. The road is bloody. An orphan like you should just live a normal life." he said.

"Cease your unruly tongue, Katen. Whatever Aezir will reach is for him to achieve, not for you to decide." Grandpa Ouwei said.

A lot of adults around agreed with Grandpa Ouwei, but they still pitied Aezir. All other teens in the area received a lot of help from their parents through nurturing and strengthening in order to give them enough strength to contract a beast. Aezir had none of that since Grandpa Ouwei was barely able to feed him proper meals every day. This did not deter him though. He was determined to succeed even though the odds are against him.

Grandpa Ouwei then turned to Aezir, "Aezir, remember to be vigilant. If you cannot form a peaceful contract with an intermediate beast, just settle with basic ones. It will be impossible for you to force them into submission."

"Keh! You are seriously expecting him to form a contract with an intermediate beast? Do you think he is some kind of prodigy?" An elderly lady condescendingly said.

Aezir ignored the comment from the lady, "Of course, grandpa. I will certainly not risk my life."

"It seems like everybody is here. I am sure that all of you were already briefed, but let me remind you all once again. These are maps of the forest. Those marked with X are areas you should not go to since they are territories of Advanced Beasts. Be careful on your journey." A man with a muscular physique said. Several tattoos can be seen painted all over his bare body showcasing his might. "Good luck, everyone!"