Summoning

As the sun rose on a new day, all the students were already up and ready. However, no instructors arrived to inspect them or take them to the training ground for their usual morning exercises. Despite this, many students could still be seen running and exercising on their own, maintaining their routines.

Ryan was among them, jogging alongside others. However, the atmosphere was different today—relaxed. Students greeted each other warmly, chatting as they exercised.

After finishing their workouts, they took baths and headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. The mood was lively as they happily discussed their upcoming departure from the camp and the chance to finally enter the city.

As breakfast was underway, an instructor entered through the cafeteria doors. A hush fell over the room as all eyes turned toward him. Throughout their time at the camp, instructors had never stepped foot in the cafeteria, making this an unusual occurrence. Curiosity filled the air as the students waited for him to speak.

The instructor cleared his throat and addressed them. "Good morning, students. As you all know, today marks the end of your time at the camp. You will be leaving after lunch. However, before you depart, each of you will have a brief meeting with us.

After lunch, return to your dorm rooms and remain there. We will call you one by one."

With that, he left, and the students resumed their activities, though a sense of anticipation lingered.

---

By afternoon, lunch had ended, and the students waited in their dorms for their turn to be summoned.

One by one, names were called. Every twenty minutes or so, another student was sent to meet with the instructors. Eventually, Ryan's name was called. He stood up, took a deep breath, and followed the instructor's directions to Head Instructor Oliver's office.

Inside the room, Oliver and Instructor Rus sat behind a wooden desk. Ryan knocked, requested permission to enter, and stepped in. Oliver gestured for him to take a seat, and he complied, settling into the chair opposite them.

Instructor Rus was the first to speak. "Ryan, you performed exceptionally well in academic studies and above average in physical training. Do you understand why we trained you?"

Ryan answered without hesitation, repeating what had been drilled into them throughout their lessons. "To serve as the arms of Viscount Andrew and protect Pearl City alongside him."

Rus clapped his hands lightly. "An excellent textbook response. Now, let's talk about what comes next."

Oliver took over, his voice firm. "First, since you have no memory of your past, you should forget about returning to wherever you came from as you were orphan with no family members waiting for you in your previous house and room owner may already have kicked you out as you were living on rent and haven't paid him for 6 month. Find a new place to stay outside the city.

Every student leaving this camp is given the same cover story—you were dismissed from Viscount Andrew's estate. No one will question this, as his estate frequently hires and fires workers. If anyone asks why you were let go, stick to that explanation."

Oliver's gaze sharpened. "Second, you are never to speak of this training camp, Viscount Andrew, or anything related to your time here. If any information is leaked, you won't be able to prove your innocence. And trust me, you will be hunted down."

He let those words sink in before continuing. "Third, you will cut all ties with Viscount Andrew's estate. Any future interactions will take place at a designated location—Star Bar on Star Road.

When you arrive there, order a Night Tequila of nobles grade in a private room. The bartender will know what to do, as no one could afford that in outer city and those who can afford it are living in inner city"

"After settling into your new place, report to Star Bar and provide your address. That's how we'll send you messages and assignments. You are to visit every week for updates, supply pickups, and new tasks."

"At minimum, you will receive one mandatory task every three months. Completing it is necessary if you want to receive your next dose of medicine. You may also take on additional tasks for payment, with rewards based on difficulty."

Oliver's expression turned deadly serious. "And most importantly—do not even think about betraying the Viscount. You've been administered a special drug that requires a dose every three months. The only source is here. If you try to run or get smart, you won't survive."

Ryan's stomach clenched at the revelation. So, that's their leash on us…

Rus then pulled out a bundle of clothing and a small bag, setting them on the table. A distinct clinking sound came from within the bag—coins.

"Here's a change of clothes—the ones you arrived in. And this," he tapped the bag, "is 20 silver coins. I hope you haven't forgotten the value of money, but let me remind you—a middle-class family earns around 3 silver coins a month. This is half a year's wages. Consider it a generous gift from Viscount Andrew."

He leaned back. "After leaving, you should head to the Outer City Housing Administration to find a place to rent. Beyond that, you're on your own."

Oliver gave a final nod. "You're dismissed."

Ryan took the clothes and money, then exited the office. His time at the camp had officially ended.

---

Stepping outside, Ryan saw two instructors standing near the camp's front gate. A carriage was parked beside them, with four students already seated inside.

As soon as Ryan appeared, the carriage driver grunted, "Alright, last one's here. We're leaving now."

One of the students inside waved. "Hey, you! Get in. We'll be dropped off at different locations in the Outer City."

Without a word, Ryan climbed into the carriage and took a seat. As the carriage began to move, he glanced around at his fellow passengers. Their faces were familiar, and a quiet excitement filled the air.

For the first time in months, they were going home.

Watching their eager expressions, Ryan couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. Though he had no memory of his past in this world, he suddenly missed his real home—his life on Earth. His parents. His friends.

A wave of melancholy settled over him.

How are they doing?

For a moment, he allowed himself to dwell on the

thought. But he knew—this wasn't the time for nostalgia.

His new life had just begun.