The gravel road beneath his worn shoes crunched softly as he walked, the scent of pine and earth lingering in the morning air. Birds fluttered above, and the distant sound of a flowing river welcomed him.
After nearly a day's journey on foot, Cassian finally stood at the crest of the hill that overlooked Serenia.
The city was beautiful—its white stone buildings glimmered in the sunlight, nestled between gentle hills and winding rivers. Waterways crossed the town like silver threads, feeding lush gardens and flowered courtyards. It looked peaceful. Dreamlike.
Yet Cassian's green eyes, glowing faintly with a soft light, saw more than beauty. There was tension in the air. Whispers. Merchants hurried past the worn-out healers on the roadside, ignoring their offers. Even in this city of calm, the truth was clear: healers were tolerated, not treasured.
And he was one of them now.
As he approached the city gates, a sudden soft, melodic voice echoed in his head like a whisper carried by wind.
"How is this life treating you, Cassian? You're doing quite well, for someone who used to lie and cheat with a smile. Why haven't you checked your status yet?"
He stopped mid-step, blinking.
"Status…?"
A translucent window suddenly shimmered into view before his eyes, hanging in the air like a reflection on glass.
[Name]: Cassian
[Age]: 17
[Race]: Human
[Class]: Healer(Rare)
[Level]: 1
[HP]: 60/60 | [MP]: 120/120
[Stats]
Strength: E
Agility: D
Intelligence: B
Vitality: D+
Charm: A
Willpower: A+
[Traits] :-
[Kindhearted] – Always compelled to help those in need.
[Selfless Soul] – Struggles to act against the good of others.
[Special Trait : Power of Belief]-
"When your intentions are pure, and your heart unwavering—your belief will grant what you wish."
[Restriction]: You are forbidden from overcharging for healing. Violating this rule will trigger divine punishment.
He stared at the floating screen in disbelief. "What the hell is this…?"
The voice chuckled.
"Ah, a little heads-up would've helped, right? Don't worry—this world works a little like your games. You'll get used to it. But remember, Cassian… your kindness is not a weapon to trade. It's your punishment and your path."
And then the voice faded away.
Before he could even begin to process it, a loud voice barked out near the gates.
"Hey, you! Stop right there."
Cassian turned, eyes meeting a pair of city guards clad in dull steel armor. One of them stepped forward, hand resting on the hilt of his short sword.
"ID or travel card?" he asked.
Cassian shook his head. "I don't have one…"
"No documents?" the other guard narrowed his eyes. "Then we'll need you to pay a processing fee for a temporary pass—10 silver."
Cassian blinked. He had no money. His body had rejected even the few coppers his parents offered him.
"I—I don't have any. I came from a small village. My family is poor. I thought… if I came here, I could find a job. Maybe send money back home."
The guards looked at him skeptically. His plain clothes and tired face certainly backed up the story. But still…
"Sorry, kid," the first guard said with a sigh. "I've seen too many like you. Some runaways, some thieves, all with the same sob story. I can't take the risk."
Cassian's heart sank. He clenched his fists, frustration boiling inside him.
Just like that… everything stops? Before it even begins?
Was this body cursed to always be stepped on?
But before the bitterness could fully settle in, a gentle voice rang behind him like a summer breeze.
"Are you the one who wants a job here?"
Cassian turned slowly, eyes wide.
To be continued...