While waiting for the train at the train stat, I stole a few glances around .
I saw quite a few teenagers who looked like they belonged from a high background, much like myself, waiting there patiently.
Well, that's to be expected since I was inside the Global City.
80% of the population here are cadets who are either training to beco soldiers or studying to beco magic technicians.
When reading, you won't think of it much, but standing here between them, I found the situation to be quite tragic.
At the age of 18, anyone who can use mana is asked to go through a mandatory military education for three long years.
And then they have to serve four years in the United Military.
This world is ready to throw children into a full-blown war between planetary-level civilizations.
And if that wasn't enough, those who are not cut to fight aliens are tasked to fight vampires in the north.
And those who can do neither have no aning in their life. All they can do is beco magic technicians.
The truly free people in this world are the people who can't use mana. They won't have to throw away their youth and are not forced to fight either.
They live their lives happily under the protection of the Central Governnt and Union Military provided by the sacrifices of children who are stripped of their freedom.
This world is seriously ssed up.
Sigh, but what can I do about it?
In a way, I can understand the reasoning of the people in power.
Earth can't hold back.
They are at war with a space civilization who are much more advanced than us and a supernatural race hell-bent on taking over the world.
To win, Earth needs to use all of its resources. And the population who can use mana is a substantial resource.
Although, according to the novel, the situation isn't too dire right now.
Vampires and humans have been at a stalemate for centuries, and Kalis have almost exhausted all of their resources.
In theory, if Earth manages to hold off Kalis for another five years, they will win. Then they would only have to worry about vampires in the north.
But of course, reality is different from theory and most of the ti it doesn't play out like planned in one's fantasy.
Honk–! Honk–!
While I was lost in my thoughts, a loud deafening sound of the horn announced the train's arrival.
It was a flying train, so it didn't make even a tiny bit of noise while stopping.
And no, flying trains can't fly. They can only float a few inches above the ground, much like flying cars.
I honestly don't know why they carry 'flying' in their na….
Anyway, as soon as the doors opened, I trailed inside and occupied an empty seat.
I was quite impressed by the interior. It felt like I was traveling in the economy class of an airline.
Well, that's natural since this world has already solved the energy crisis by harnessing the pure and seemingly unlimited energy source known as mana.
So by comparison, people of this world live a luxurious life corresponding to the Earth I am from.
I an, there are still two extinction-level threats looming over their heads but other than that, this world is heaven in terms of luxury.
Right when I sat in my seat, a blue screen popped up in my vision.
===
[Hello, dear passenger. Where would you like to go?]
•4th District
•5th District
•8th District
[Note: If your destination is not among the options listed above then you have boarded the wrong train.]
===
Impressed by the technological advancent once again, I clicked on the 5th District and leisurely slumped back in my seat.
Enjoying the air-conditioned air, I closed my eyes and rested my head on the seat's headrest.
"Sir, would you like a drink?"
A fetching feminine voice fell into my ears but without even bothering to open my eyes, I just waved my hand and dismissed the train attendant.
To achieve what I sought, I needed to be at the peak of my ntal condition, so every bit of rest was necessary for .
No, I was not going to put myself in a dangerous situation or anything.
Unlike so novel protagonists, I'm not stupid. I wasn't going to risk my life on the first day of opening my eyes to this new world.
Coming from a peaceful world, I could barely throw a punch.
The mories I acquired from Lucas showed that he had learned so martial arts, so by extension, I knew how to use them too.
But I didn't want to try that out and put myself in a life-or-death situation on my very first day here in this world.
I know I need battle experience to thrive in this world, but I will get enough of that in the academy under the supervision of experts.
Right now, I was just going to steal a cheat from the MC that he wouldn't end up using anyway.
***
Ding Dong—!
After a few minutes, the alternate chi of a chanical bell fell into my ears and woke up from my short nap.
In front of was a translucent blue screen that notified of my destination's arrival.
===
[Dear passenger, you have arrived at your destination]
===
Reading that, I rubbed my eyes a few tis and got up to leave.
With left a few more passengers, but I just kept my head down and walked out.
After exiting the station, I couldn't help but admire the sight before once again.
The Global City is divided into 20 districts. I was currently in the 5th District. This whole district was one huge forest.
This district was created for the cadets to hone their skills in the wilderness.
It also serves as a hunting ground for cadets to gain rit points since this forest houses several mana beasts.
Ahh, yes, mana beasts are just animals who evolved through ti and learned to wield mana to strengthen their physical capabilities.
Tall, tall trees were spreading as far as my eyes could see while the chirping sound of insects and the calm atmosphere that this forest carried gave it a tranquil look.
Despite the dangerous beasts that lurked in the deep cover of this forest, the fresh sll of soil and the sight of grassy blades fluttering with the passing wind gave out a refreshing feeling.
Though I'll clarify again, I was not here to risk my life.
My business was in the outer region of the forest. And besides, most of the beasts outside the 'hunting area' were just wild animals who evolved from mana barely reaching ‹Iron› rank.
They posed no real threat to , as even a kid could scare them off.
And if the novel's description was on point, then it wouldn't even take 30 minutes to obtain what I seek here.
After taking a few determined breaths, I walked up to the entrance of the forest, where a chubby guard was standing.
There was no one around, but the guard was still doing his duty diligently, perhaps because it was admission season.
Senior cadets, except the Cadet Council, were on break, and new cadets had yet to start their training.
Before I could step inside the fencing gate, the guard called out.
"Oi, it's almost closing ti." He said while scanning up and down.
"My business here won't even take half an hour," I replied quickly. "I just need to visit the outer region."
"Hmm. Are you a first-year?" After a brief pause, the guard asked.
"No, my training will begin in 14 days," I answered while shaking my head.
"You can't enter unless you are at least a first-"
Before the guard could complete his sentence, I spoke up
"How much?"
"Huh?" Confused, the guard eyed with a frown.
"How much money do you want to let pass through the gate?" I spoke while returning his gaze.
"Are you out of your mind, brat? In this city, your money is useless! Get out of here before I call the cadet council." The guard raged.
"Haaa," I couldn't help but shake my head in disappointnt.
You see, fellas, no matter who you are or what you have, it all can be bought.
One's position, one's treasure, one's life, and even one's dreams. Everything can be bought.
Albeit money can't buy everything, that doesn't an not everything can't be bought.
As soone once said, even fate can be negotiated if you deal with the right price.
...Wait, who said that?
"Oye! Quit standing there and scram!"
Sighing exasperatedly, I began thinking about what I could use here to buy this guard.
"Didn't you hear ?! Fine, I'm calling the cadet council!"
At that warning, the guard turned around and was about to unlock his smart bracelet. But before he could do so, I called him out.
"I'm the son of General Reynold Morningstar, Lucas Morningstar."
My words made him stop in his tracks. Seeing that, I couldn't help but smirk.
'Predictable,' I comnted in my mind.
If you can't buy soone with money, buy them with power.
Although status and money were almost useless once you were inside the Global City, you could still use them to influence people.
What I did here was no different.
With just one sentence, I made him aware of my authority and warned him of my power.
The position of General was nothing to ss with, after all. No way a re guard can go against that kind of status.
Even if he was safe inside the Global City, his family wasn't.
"You must have a family outside this City, right?" I continued.
That was the last hit I needed: family— every man's weakness.
Although my father had disowned , and I practically possess no power or backing currently, he doesn't know that as that news has yet to spread.
To him, I just gave him a warning.
A warning that he just couldn't neglect unless he wanted to regret it later.
"Now, let's not be hasty, yeah? Don't notify the council and let go in. I will reward you handsoly later."
The poor man could only nod in reply with his back still facing .
Displaying another smirk, I walked past the fence gate and entered the forest.
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