Chapter 33: First Steps

"...So I’m the weakest?" His question hung in the air, unanswered.

"Oh, d-don’t worry!" she said quickly, trying to reassure him. "Your guardian is a high-ranking adventurer and a Dragon Man, so he’ll take care of you for life!"

That’s not exactly comforting, thought Shen Xinghui.

Disappointed but not entirely surprised, he tried to brush it off.

He hadn’t expected much from his stats anyway.

"But don’t lose hope!" the rabbit girl added, brightening her tone. "With experience, your level and stats will increase. And skills like knowledge and learning are measured differently here. We also have a robust support system for people from other worlds, so you’ll have plenty of resources to rely on!"

She placed several brochures in front of Shen Xinghui.

They detailed various programs, including academic support schools, job assistance centers, and artisan training programs.

"These facilities offer tuition loans if you choose to enroll," the rabbit girl explained.

"Loans?" Shen Xinghui repeated, frowning.

So, it wasn’t free.

That made things more complicated.

"Yes. After graduation, you’ll be expected to find employment and repay the loan from your earnings. Oh, but the costs for dormitory living during your studies are fully covered," she added cheerfully.

Shen Xinghui hesitated.

He was technically a college student, but not particularly passionate about academics.

His grades were average at best, and he wasn’t especially skilled with his hands, creative, or brimming with brilliant ideas.

This could be bad—he really might not be good at anything.

"You’re good at cooking, aren’t you?" Ignatius suggested, giving Shen Xinghui a thoughtful look. "That could be a path worth considering."

"Really? There are apprentice positions for cooks!" the rabbit girl said enthusiastically. "Those don’t require school enrollment. It’s a live-in arrangement, and the government doesn’t provide loans in that case."

"Oh..." Shen Xinghui mumbled.

It didn’t sound bad, but something about it didn’t sit right with him.

Cooking was a hobby he enjoyed, but if it became a job—an obligation—he worried he might grow to hate it.

He sighed inwardly.

What was wrong with him?

Sensing his indecision, Ignatius gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder, his gaze warm and understanding.

"We’ll visit the church after this to have your skills evaluated," he said. "You can decide your path once you know more."

"Skills?" Shen Xinghui asked, tilting his head.

"Skills are hidden, special abilities," the rabbit girl explained. "They can enhance physical strength, unlock magical potential, or even grant the ability to craft unique items."

Oh, right.

Those sorts of things exist in this world too.

If he had some hidden talent, it might open up new possibilities.

Shen Xinghui nodded his head and decided to put his hopes in the skill evaluation.

"Lastly, please put this on your wrist," the rabbit girl said, handing him a bracelet.

It was a golden band with a blue gemstone embedded in it.

Shen Xinghui slid it onto his wrist, but it was far too loose.

Just as he worried it might fall off, the bracelet suddenly shrank and adjusted snugly to fit perfectly.

"It won’t fall off, no matter how much you move," the woman assured him. "It automatically resizes to fit you, and it’s waterproof and resistant to damage—even in the bath."

What kind of material was this thing made of?

Shen Xinghui couldn’t help but marvel.

Regardless of the questions swirling in his mind, he realized this was his first step into life as a resident of this new world.

Finally, he was moving forward.

...

Shen Xinghui was led by Ignatius to a grand, cathedral-like structure that was resembled a church.

The imposing building made him hesitate.

Was it really okay for an outsider like him to enter?

As Ignatius gently guided him inside, Shen Xinghui noticed that the interior was surprisingly quiet lively.

Many people were praying before a statue of a deity, while the others chatted casually as they sat on the rows of benches.

It felt less like a solemn place of worship and more like a welcoming community gathering spot.

Following Ignatius deeper into the building, they arrived at a hallway lined with private rooms.

In front of each door stood women dressed as nuns, their cheerful smiles inviting visitors inside.

"Hello! Are you here for a skill evaluation?" one of the nuns asked brightly.

"Uh, um..." Shen Xinghui stammered, unsure how to respond.

"We are," Ignatius answered for him. "He’s a visitor from another world and just completed his residency registration."

"Oh my!" the young nun exclaimed, her expression lighting up with surprise and curiosity.

Her cheerful demeanor instantly put Shen Xinghui a little at ease as she ushered him inside one of the rooms.

"You’ll be on your own here," Ignatius said before staying outside.

With a slight sense of apprehension, Shen Xinghui stepped into the dimly lit room.

At its center stood a large crystal, roughly the size of a person’s head, with a transparent glass panel hovering just above it.

"Please, have a seat. Don’t worry; there’s nothing to be afraid of. Just relax," the nun said, her voice gentle and reassuring.

"O-okay," Shen Xinghui replied, his nerves evident.

He managed a small smile in return as he sat down on the chair positioned in front of the crystal.

"Now, place your hand on the crystal," the nun instructed.

"Like this?" Shen Xinghui asked hesitantly, resting his hand on the smooth surface.

"Yes, that’s perfect. We’ll start by checking for warrior skills," she explained with an encouraging nod.

The glass panel above the crystal began to display a rapid stream of text, names of various classes flashing by at incredible speed.

Swordsman, Magic Swordsman, Spearman, Archer, Mace Wielder, Pegasus Knight, Dragon Slayer, Assassin, Axe Warrior...

"Huh?" Shen Xinghui muttered as the text suddenly stopped, leaving the panel completely blank.

"It seems you don’t possess any warrior-related skills," the nun remarked with a smile that was both apologetic and kind.

Shen Xinghui laughed nervously. "Well, that’s not surprising. My stats are pretty bad, after all..."

"Let’s move on to check for magic-related skills next," she said, unfazed by his self-deprecating tone.

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