The day’s farm work left Akira sweaty and sore, but he was eager to explore more of this new world. After lunch, he asked his mother about the town nearby.

“Riverstead? It’s just down the path,” Kaede said, pointing beyond the fields. “If you’re feeling up to it, go ahead. But don’t get into trouble, Akira. Your father won’t want to bail you out if you cause a scene.”

“I’ll be fine, Mom,” Akira said, slipping on his new cloak and gloves. He tucked a few copper coins into his pocket—his allowance for running errands, according to his sister.

The path to Riverstead was lined with wildflowers and shaded by tall trees. The walk was peaceful, and Akira couldn’t help but marvel at how alive everything felt compared to his old world. He caught glimpses of small animals darting through the brush and the faint hum of distant voices.

As he reached the edge of the town, he was greeted by the sight of bustling streets and colorful market stalls. Riverstead wasn’t large, but it was lively. Farmers sold produce, blacksmiths displayed their wares, and children ran about laughing. Akira wandered, taking in the sights and smells, his curiosity growing with every step.

Turning a corner, he collided with someone head-on.

“Hey, watch it!” a voice said sharply.

Akira stumbled back, rubbing his shoulder. “Sorry! I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

The boy he’d bumped into scowled for a moment before his expression softened. He looked about Akira’s age, with striking red hair that faded into white at the tips. His eyes were an unusual pure white, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance.

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“No harm done,” the boy said, brushing himself off. “You’re new around here, aren’t you?”

“Uh, yeah,” Akira admitted, still getting used to his new identity. “I’m Akira. I live on a farm down the road.”

The boy smirked. “Figures. You’ve got that ‘just got out of the fields’ look. Name’s Ren. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too,” Akira said, shaking his hand.

Ren tilted his head, studying Akira for a moment. “You don’t seem like the farming type, though. What are you doing in town?”

“Just exploring,” Akira said with a shrug. “Trying to figure out… what to do with my life, I guess.”

Ren laughed, his voice light but tinged with ambition. “Well, you’re in the right place if you’re looking for something bigger than farming. Ever heard of Hunters?”

“Hunters?” Akira asked, intrigued.

“You really are new,” Ren said, crossing his arms. “Hunters are the people who keep everyone else safe. They fight off monsters, raid dungeons, and take on quests from the Hunter Guilds. It’s dangerous, but it’s the fastest way to get strong, famous, and rich in this world.”

Akira’s eyes widened. “Wait, so they’re like adventurers?”

“Pretty much,” Ren said, grinning. “But it’s not all glory and treasure. Being a Hunter means risking your life every day. Some people don’t even make it through the Hunter Exams.”

“Hunter Exams?” Akira asked, his curiosity growing.

Ren’s grin widened. “Yeah. It’s the only way to become a licensed Hunter. You pass the exams, and you get access to guilds, resources, and official quests. Fail, and you’re stuck doing odd jobs or farming for the rest of your life.”

Akira felt a spark of excitement. The thought of becoming a Hunter stirred something deep inside him. It wasn’t just the idea of fame or fortune—it was the chance to make a difference, to be a part of something greater.

“So, you’re going to take the exams?” Akira asked.

“Damn right I am,” Ren said, his eyes burning with determination. “I want to join one of the big guilds someday. The kind that takes down legendary monsters and explores unexplored dungeons. That’s my dream.”

Akira nodded, feeling a growing admiration for Ren’s ambition. “It sounds… incredible. How do you even prepare for something like that?”

Ren shrugged. “Train, of course. Get stronger, learn some combat skills, and maybe pick up some magic if you’ve got the talent for it. The exams aren’t just about fighting—they test your survival skills, strategy, and even your teamwork.”

Akira’s mind raced. His stats were low, and he had no combat experience, but the Kaeto System gave him a unique edge. Maybe… just maybe, he could aim for this too.

“I think I want to give it a shot,” Akira said, surprising himself with his own words.

Ren blinked, then grinned. “Well, well, looks like I’m not the only one with big dreams. If you’re serious, we might even see each other at the exams.”

Akira smiled. “Yeah. Maybe we will.”

As they parted ways, Akira felt a sense of purpose settle in his chest. For the first time since waking up in this strange world, he had a goal—a reason to push himself. Becoming a Hunter wasn’t just a dream; it was his path to uncovering the true potential of his new life.