Town of Simonite. Noon.

Ray walked alone to his house. Shirley's voice still echoed in his mind.

"If our fate intertwine, we'll definitely meet again." She said.

"If not, I'll just visit you after this haha." She said.

"You better feed the villagers when we pass by." She laughed.

Ray sighed when he reached his house. [Deception] activated.

"Mom I'm home!" Ray shouted cheerfully.

The door opened and a mid-aged butler walked out. He sneered at Ray as he passed by.

What? Who's that? Why was he there? What did he do to Ray's mother?

Ray ran into the living room and a green blob jumped onto his head. Ugh, a level 1 slime.

"You are back." Ray's mother squeezed out a smile. Her eyes were swollen with tears.

"What a rude guest." Ray said ambiguously. Should he know the butler? Should he know what's going on?

"Hmph, before your dad went missing, he behaved like a dog in front of me." May wiped her tears off with a handkerchief.

Ray cursed God-like Geniuses Corp in his mind. He did not mind hiding his identity, but there were barely any clues about Mr. Tragedy!

"I miss my dad..." He learned his mother's name from the mole-hawk man. He still had no idea what his dad's name is.

"Sit down. Your grandpa's butler left a message for you." May said with a wavering voice.

Ray nodded.

"As you know, some of your uncles were quite envious of your father, but they couldn't do anything when he was still around. After your father went missing for a while, they forced us out the family castle." May sighed.

"Usually when the children of the Mund family activate their dog tag, they would receive a pet and some starting fund. Although they gave you a slime and just one gold coin, don't be discouraged alright?" May sounded discouraged herself.

"What's the standard?" Ray sounded calm, but in reality, he could explode with anger.

"Oh that's the other thing. You will have to attend the annual youngsters' tournament at the Mund castle in a year. It's mandatory for everyone in the Mund family who just became an adventurer. Since the others most likely received level 10 guardian pets and a couple hundred gold starting fund, you may have a tough time." May said in dismay.

Ray's eyebrow twitched a bit. Ray finally understood why Mr. Tragedy challenged a level 15 warrior. The dude probably lost hope and didn't want a lame death by suicide. Under normal circumstances, if it was still Mr. Tragedy, the tournament would most likely be a public beating.

"I'm actually surprised that you managed to level up to level 3 in just a few days. You must have put yourself in so much danger..." May looked at Ray with caring eyes.

"I just went on a monster subjugation mission. It was really safe with higher level teammates." Ray said seriously. Much gratitude to the [deception] talent.

"You know what they say, there are many ways to get to the bottom of the cliff. The people who made it fasted won, but they lost their lives. Don't do anything hotheaded ok?"

What kind of saying is that?

Ray nodded like a good boy. He was a little touched by the motherly love. The last time he had this feeling was years ago, before he became a transfer student.

"Since you are level 3 now, you've met the minimum requirement to enter the Starlight Road. Your sister is there for her graduation test. She can probably help you." May advised.

Ray had a sister? His heart plummeted to the bottom of his guts. If he went, he wouldn't be able to recognize her... If he refused, what would be a good excuse? Oh no...

"Sounds good. I'll head off now." Ray said with a calm smile.

"Don't you want to take a break? You just came back..."

"Thanks ma, but time is short, I only got one year to prepare!" Ray ran off.

Ray paid a gold at the town teleportation altar and teleported to the Starlight Road.

With a flash, Ray appeared on an alter in the jungle. In the distant, a pillar of light towered to the heavens. The Starlight Road. With mixed feelings Ray stared at the familiar scene.

"Hey! Get out of the teleportation circle! Other people need to use it too you know!" A mid-aged operator shouted at Ray.

"Opps, sorry" Ray jogged out.

"First time?" The operator asked impatiently.

"First time." Ray smiled.

"I thought so. All you newbies just stare and stare. Here is the registration form. Let me explain to you briefly about this place..."

--- End of the Beginner's Village Ark ---