Milo arrived at the city center, expecting to find the usual line to receive the System Book.
However, to his surprise, he found himself being directed towards the wall's base facilities. He had just accompanied Jase, and already there were more changes.
"Uh, excuse me," he said, tapping a guard on the shoulder. "Aren't I supposed to get my book first?"
The guard grinned. "New system, kid. First, training. Then, book. Then, victory. In that order... Someone went into the challenge without waiting for training and wasted their life along with the expensive equipment."
Milo blinked, confused. "But I thought we just had to go in and..."
"Die of suffocation?" The guard let out a hearty laugh. "Those days are over, boy. Welcome to the era of Von Elio's 'let's prepare for everything'."
♢♢♢♢
That's how Milo found himself in a training field, surrounded by other equally confused young people.
The first day was... intense.