The New Era Beckons

The hearty breakfast concluded, and Ash found himself in the family hall. As a six-year-old, having a room to himself was already a source of excitement, even if it lacked the sophisticated gadgets of his past life.

Devoid of a personal computer or phone, Ash sought information about this world through the television. Seated on the sofa, he fumbled with the remote, eventually managing to switch on the TV.

Lo and behold, the screen flickered to life, presenting a news segment that caught Ash's immediate attention. The news anchor, with a tone of significance, proclaimed, "Get ready for the selection trials of the best school in the city – 'The New Era.' Happening at the end of the month, it's an opportunity for young talents to shine!"

The animated visuals showcased the sprawling campus, state-of-the-art facilities, and the promise of an exceptional education. The trials seemed to be the talk of the town, and for Ash, this revelation added a new layer to the unfolding narrative of his reincarnated life.

His father, noticing the rapt attention, approached and sat beside him on the sofa. "What's got you so captivated, champ?"

Ash, momentarily engrossed in the vibrant images on the screen, replied, "Dad, they're having selection trials for 'The New Era.' The best school in the city!"

His father chuckled, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, 'The New Era.' It's a prestigious school, alright. You thinking of trying out, little man?"

The concept of school selection trials was both novel and intriguing to Ash. In his previous life, academic pursuits had taken a backseat to his scientific endeavors. Now, the prospect of a new beginning in this football-centric world carried a certain allure.

"I... I don't know, Dad. But it looks amazing!" Ash responded, his gaze fixed on the television.

His father, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, said, "Well, we've got some time to think about it. If you decide to give it a shot, we'll be right there cheering you on."

The warmth in his father's gesture bridged the generational gap, creating a moment of shared enthusiasm. The trials, an unexpected twist in the narrative, now held the promise of shaping Ash's early experiences in this world.

The vibrant images on the TV screen had captivated Ash's attention, unveiling the prospect of 'The New Era' and its upcoming selection trials. However, the allure of the trials overshadowed his initial intent to gather more information about the world around him.

With the news segment concluded, Ash, fueled by excitement, rose from the sofa and darted away in search of additional insights into the trials. The absence of gadgets like a computer or phone redirected his quest to the magazines available.

Meanwhile, in the hall, Ash's father watched his son's departure with a mix of amusement and curiosity. As Ash disappeared into the house, his father turned to his wife, voicing his worries about the potential financial strain of 'The New Era.'

"You know, the fees for these prestigious schools can be quite steep," he mused, a slight furrow on his brow.

His wife, sharing in his concern, replied, "I've heard 'The New Era' is one of the best, but the expenses..." Her voice trailed off, the weight of financial considerations hanging in the air.

As Ash's father observed his wife's expression, he reassured her, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. If Ash clears the selection and manages to secure a scholarship, we'll make it work. Otherwise, our old alma mater, Lakeside Academy, isn't a bad option either."

The mention of Lakeside Academy, suggested as Ash's father reminisced about his own school days, brought a nostalgic smile to his face. "It's a good school with a solid foundation. Even if 'The New Era' doesn't work out, Lakeside would offer a great education for Ash."

The couple, now on common ground, nodded in agreement. The uncertainties of their son's journey unfolded before them, and the discussion around education and its associated costs became a testament to the parental concerns that transcended the realms of reincarnation.

As Ash delved into his newfound world, the decisions made in the family hall reverberated with the promise of future chapters. The trials of 'The New Era' and the potential financial hurdles served as the backdrop to a familial journey, uniting the threads of past and present in the fabric of Ash Rivera's reincarnated life.