The city of Jagos has almost 1 million people living inside its walls. I was born and raised in the Northeast side of the city, where the working men live and work. Smiths, merchants, laborers, and guards. This year I’m going to attempt the Aegis, a dungeon that is said to peer into the soul and find the best class for you.

I’m currently on the southeast side next to the gates along with a large group of kids my age. Most of which are nobles or wealthy scions of successful merchants. There’s an undercurrent of nerves in the group that most aren’t spared from. Besides, of course, the ones who have a good idea of what’s in store because everyone in the family has taken the test.

Most little kids dream of taking the test and getting a combat class, calling on the heavens and smiting foes or wielding a massive great sword in battle. Most grow out of the hope due to the cost and desire to live. I was one of those people till a few months ago when a man knocked on our door informing us that I won. I don't really desire a class. I don’t want to risk my life being a pawn killing other pawns for fame and wealth. But I don’t want to leave my family in abject poverty.

“Why can’t I go?” my little brother Seth questioned, disappointment in his eyes as he looked at mom for answers.

“You're too young to go. Besides, would you really want to leave your family and be in the capital alone at 8 years old?” my mom asked, mirth in her voice. “You wouldn’t be able to sneak into our bed when you think we’re asleep when its dark.”

“I would if I could do magic” Seth said. My dad chuckled and rolled his eyes before patting me on the back.

“Take care of yourself kiddo and try not to let the power go to your head.” He told me.

I smirked as I said “I think I’d make a good dictator. And don’t worry, you guys would be rich, so its not really your problem”

“Sounds like the life. No backbreaking work, just peace and quiet”

“Only quiet if you tune out the screams of anguish from the dungeon under our mansion.”

“Eh, if you were that wealthy to have a dungeon, you could afford sound proofing.”

“True. Alright, I guess I’ll see you in a few weeks?” I said, hugging them all before joining the rest of the kids for the journey.

The caravan provides all the necessities, but you still need to bring the other stuff such as a sleeping bag, clothes, etc. Most just brought extra clothes and some coin for lodging at the capital. Some of the nobles, such as Max, seem to have brought all their servants to be used as pack mules. I used to go to school with him and his cronies before he went to learn from his dad how to screw over the little guys, and I learned how to do odd jobs to make some coin for my family and studied architecture, math, and design in the afternoons. We made eye contact and he sneered at me in disgust.

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I stared back at him. Not because I was offended or had delusions of grandure, but because I was baffled. Seriously, how stereotypical is that? Does he just sneer at everyone he sees that looks poor? How often would he have to do that?

I shook my head and followed the caravan. I was both excited and nervous about the next few weeks. The trip itself is only a day by foot, but we’re getting there 2 weeks early to prepare and get our bearings.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Jin and Anise. They jogged over to me with their backpacks on. Louis and Anise are twins, yet don’t share many features. Jin takes more after his mother, with his black hair, brown skin, and lithe build, while Anise takes after their father with her height and wide, muscular build. They're nobles, but low ranking enough where they don't have servants or do any political maneuvering.

"I still can't believe you get to go with us to the capital! We're gonna have so much fun!" Jin squealed.

“I take it you're excited for the trip?” I asked them. “Are there any classes you hope to get?”, curious as to what their goals are since they’ve been tight lipped about it.

“Nice try,” Jin said, smirking as I groaned in frustration. "But I'm still not telling you."

“Fine, play that game. What about you, Anise?”

“Honestly, I’ve got no clue” Anise shrugged, “I’m just here because Jin practically begged for me to come with him.” She never really spoke much, and I had a feeling that was the most I'd get out of her.

“I did not beg!” Jin stated indignantly, hand to his chest. “I just asked if you wanted to get a class as well. I’d have been fine if you didn’t want to go. John! Back me up on this!”

“Yeah, no. I’m staying out of this” I said with my hands in the air, mock surrendering.

“You’re no fun.” Jin jabbed, pouting.

We continued chatting the whole day till we arrived. The caravan leader shouted, “We’re here!” as if we couldn’t tell. As I looked at the sprawling metropolis in front of me, I felt sick to my stomach. While I did live in a city, this place was at least 10 times the size.

Jin broke me out of my reverie when he patted me on the back. "Want to room with us?" he asked, knowing I couldn't really afford a place of my own.

I scratched my head, kind of ashamed. "Yeah, that would be helpful."

"It's no problem, our parents were so excited, they sent us with a buttload of coin. Honestly, you'd be doing me a favor, since it's not like Anise is much of a conversationalist." Anise smacked him upside the head. "Ow! I mean, no problem, we'd love to have you".

My head was perpetually craned upwards as I stared at all the buildings. I couldn't believe my eyes. I'd read about skyscrapers, but seeing a drawing in a book and seeing one in person are completely different. They pierced the sky and I couldn't even see the tops of those in the center of the city. I wondered what it would be like to stand on one of the top floors and gaze upon the sky, unimpeded by the clouds below.

Jin saw me looking up and decided to ruin my dreams.

"I wish one day I could live in a place like that. Only the wealthiest and the most powerful classers live up in the towers." He sighed wistfully. " I doubt I'll ever manage to live there".

"Way to ruin my daydreaming dude," I shot him a glare. " Why can't I dream?".

"Oh! I didn't mean to," he looked genuinely apologetic. " I was just talking about myself. You could totally live up there one day!".

Right after he gave me a thumbs up, Anita whacked him in the head. She likes to do that.

Anita pointed forward, indicating that we should hurry up and get to the hotel before dark. I looked around and realized we'd just stopped in the middle of the street.

"Sorry about that." I said sheepishly and started following them to the hotel.