It has been five years since I first recalled my past life. It happened after my accident at the age of five, when I fell down the stairs. I was fortunate that nothing serious happened. Although I can't remember everything, I know I have been reincarnated. I recall some of the novels I read in which the protagonist becomes a hero or something similar. However, in this world, things are different.
"Rain, if you're ready, come down quickly before breakfast gets cold," Mom called from outside my bedroom.
"Yes, Mom, I'll be there in a second!" I replied.
After I finished getting ready, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen. My mom was there preparing the table while waiting for me. After she realized I was there, she tried to finish preparing, and I wanted to help her. "Thank you, dear," Mom said. After that, we both sit down to have breakfast.
"Now, I know every 10-year-old is expected to go to the capital, Motia, and attend the Summoner Academy to become a Summoner, just like everyone else—and your mom did too when she was your age. And starting today, you'll be living there alone. How are you feeling right now?" Mom asked while placing her hand on both cheeks.
"I'll be fine," I replied.
"Hmm, can you at least be shown a little sad for your mom, geez. Seriously, after that accident 5 years ago, you just became less childish each day, more mature than any kid around your age. But mom still believes you'll be fine."
"But your mom is still worried, you know. And your mom will be lonely when you're not around, and your dad is always busy with his work at the guild. I want you to mail me every day, you hear me?" Mom muttered. She's pouting.
"Yes, Mom, I'll try,"
"No, that won't do. Promise me you will mail me every day?" Mom insisted.
"Okay, I promise," I sighed.
"Well, I'll be waiting then. Now, finish your food quickly, or you will be late," Mom said.
I tried to finish my food in the meantime. She continued talking. She started talking about her past at the academy and gave some advice, but she also worried too much.
"Well, your mom has to do housework, so I am afraid I can't see you off. I'm sorry, dear. But Mrs. Zeropard could take you to the carriage," Mom said.
Mom took a card from the deck attached to her waist and held it up. A monster emerged from the card and appeared in front of her. It was the same monster she had talked about before — Mrs. Zeropard. I still remember the first time I saw it; I was amazed. Even now, I am still in awe and can't wait to have a monster of my own.
The Zeropard, it's basically a snow leopard, measuring 4–5 meters in length. It can stand on two feet and reach up to 3 meters in height. The Zeropard is an ice-attribute beast warrior. It mostly stands on two feet and uses its front legs as arms, for example, to attack or grab things. This makes the fingers on its front legs similar to human hands, but it still has paws since it runs on all fours.
Mrs Zeropard is ready and waiting on four, so I climb onto her back. We head to the carriage near the city gate. Mom says her final goodbye, and we wave for the last time as Mrs Zeropard runs as fast as she can towards the city gate.
This is what sets this world apart from all the other novels I have read. In this world, people don't grab a sword to fight monsters; they tame them to fight wild monsters. They catch monsters using a card and call themselves Monster Card Summoners.
By the time we reached the city gate, I saw many kids around my age trying to get into a two-level carriage; they were probably all heading to Motia. I get down from Mrs. Zeropard, try to send her off, and thank her for taking me to the city gate, but by the time I get into the carriage, I can still see her sitting like a cat behind the crowd, and her height stands out like a mountain among the trees. She stayed there until the carriage carried me far away from the gate. It was sweet of her; I'll probably miss her.
It takes about a day to travel to Motia by carriage. This is either because Motia and my hometown are close together or because of the monster that pulls the carriage. It's called the Shiresus and stands about 2 meters tall, weighing over 1000 kg. They are well known for their strength and stamina.
The Shiresus is a fire-attribute beast monster. It says the long hair on their lower legs contains their flammable sweat. They'll set fire to their lower legs when they feel threatened. The fire on their leg could reach 1900-2400 °F.
The other kid seems more excited than nervous about becoming a summoner, just like I am. Meanwhile, the girl in front of me, who wears glasses and has her hair in a ponytail, gives off a nerdy vibe. She has been reading a book she brought with her ever since we left the city.
*She glances back*
Uwaah, that's scary. I immediately look away. I didn't mean to stare at her. She didn't have to look that angry, though.
*peek* She still stares at me. What am I supposed to do? It's getting more awkward.
"Are you—?" A shout from another kid sees Motia's wall gate cut her off. Like the other kids, she tries to look at the gate, forgetting the word she was about to say. I've been wondering about what she was trying to say for a while.
"Wait, where are we going? Isn't the city gate right there?" the kid sitting close to the driver asked as he took a detour.
"Oh, you didn't know? That gate does lead to the city, but the school isn't there. You see, the Summoner Academy is the largest school of its kind in history. The king at the time saw that many people aspired to become monster card summoners, so he decided to establish a school for them in the city where he resides, Motia. Each year, the academy continues to expand. It grew so large that it now covers half of the capital, and the north gate will take you right to the academy," the driver explained.
After passing through the north gate, we followed the main road to the Academy. Along the way, we saw many buildings. The driver explained that all of them were student dorms, divided by the road: the northwest side is for the boys' dormitory, while the northeast side is for the girls' dormitory.
When we arrived, we saw carriages from various cities all across the continent. As soon as we stepped out, we mingled with other kids from different towns. Now, I can't tell which kid is from my city, and I lost sight of her as well.
It was extremely crowded, resembling an ocean of children. All the kids excitedly rushed inside! Meanwhile, I stood there, captivated by the enormous size of the building's hall.
"Kyaa!" a voice exclaimed as someone bumped into my back. I turned around and saw a girl with half-black, half-white hair, wearing a black dress, sitting on the floor.
"I'm so sorry, are you okay?" I asked as I reached out my hand to help her get back on her feet.
"I'm fine, but why are you still standing there? Everyone else is already inside," she said.
"Whoa! You're right," I said as we both rushed toward the door.
I'm going to repeat it: for those just joining us, there are four attributes to choose from: fire, water, nature, and electric. You may select any attribute for your starter monster. Please line up according to the attribute you wish to choose. We will provide you with a random monster egg based on the attribute you select. After that, register your name, and we will give you the monster dex and the key to your room. Once everything is complete, you can go to your designated room and rest. Everything will be explained tomorrow at 8 am in the assigned classroom," said someone from the podium.
I quickly move to the water attribute, forgetting about that girl. Now I wonder what she picked while I waited in line. Since I arrived late, the line was quite long, and it took a while before it was my turn to get an egg.
"What's your name?" the registrar asked.
"Rain Sapphire," I replied.
"Sapphire! No wonder you chose the water attribute. Well, this is your Monster Dex, and this is your room: northwest C Building, number 37," she said.
After everything was finished, I was exhausted and couldn't think of anything else. I decided to go to my room.
"Hey! Did you just finish registry, too?" came a similar voice from behind. It was the girl from earlier.
"Yeah, the line takes forever, it's very exhausting," I replied. "Whose fault is that? Standing there when everyone gets inside," she said. I giggled at her response.
"What did you choose? She asked, staring at the egg I was holding. "I choose water." "Great! I chose Electric. I've beaten you already," she said, smiling widely as she showed me her egg.
"I don't think we've introduced ourselves properly yet. I'm Novelle Dust. I'm from Sanya. What's yours?" She asked.
"Rain Sapphire, I'm from Tsulskia," I replied.
"Sapphire! Like Marshall Sapphire, the Water Guild Master!" she exclaimed, shocked to hear the word "sapphire".
"Yeah, that's my father,"
"No way! No wonder you chose water,"
"What about you? Why did you choose the electric?" I asked.
"Hmm, well, you have blue hair, so I thought you'd probably chosen water," she replied.
"Really? Are you serious? That's the reason,"
"Who knows?" she giggled.
"It has been fun, Rain, but I need to find my room before I collapse from exhaustion because someone made me get the last egg."
"Hey, I'm sorry, okay."
"Bye, see you tomorrow, Rain," she giggled, leaving me behind.
After watching her leave, I started walking to the dorm I had selected. And began looking for my room before I collapsed, as she had said.
The C building is closer to the gate than the hall, which is killing me. Fortunately, Room 37 is on the second floor, which is much better than the third or fourth. At least I won't have to climb up as many stairs!
As I enter the room, I feel too tired to think about anything except setting the egg down on the table and lying down. Thinking about it, a lot has happened today, and knowing there will be even more starting tomorrow. Thinking about it exhausts me so much that I suddenly close my eyes.