Chapter 12: Arcadia Hunter Academy (1)
Returning to the Academy was not a hard task. Since I had been unconscious until very early in the morning, when I finally reached the train station, the morning train services had already started.
Thus, hopping into the first train, I immediately reached the academy grounds.
"You are back quite early." It was the same gate guard that had sent me, so I just nodded to him in response and entered.
'6 A.M is Quite early for the students to be awake. Especially on the weekends.' I thought while walking quietly to my room. 'Then, I guess we can use the training facilities.'
I disliked being in other people's presence, especially while I was training or studying, so most of the time, I refrained from using the general facilities in crowded times.
Looking at the environment, I felt comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time. The tranquil ambiance of morning imbued the academy. The cool morning breeze, the empty roads that students had yet to fill…. I found comfort in that solace. But at the same time, the shining sunlight washing over me made me feel like I was exposed….
However, my eyes didn't pass the details over my sight… There were some drinks that were left on the ground… Some leftovers of food or some faint traces of fishy smell…
'No matter where you are, teenagers are still teenagers.' I thought, seeing the traces of nail marks on the tree….
All those information was something that I had not seen before, which showed how important my trait, Perceptive Insight, was.
But, none of their adolescent life mattered to me as I entered my room. After all, I had no right to live such a life.
******
After returning to my room and changing my clothes to light-hearted ones, I started thinking about how I should train my body and which path I needed to take.
'First, I should buy some products to make an increased training efficiency mixture.' I thought. It was a pretty common thing in the game for the veteran players to make their own potions. Since the game boasted quite a lot of details, instead of buying the general potions, making your own potion was a lot better most of the time for the detailed efficiency.
But, knowing which material to use for which effect was essential. This is why it was mostly used by veterans or those that liked to venture into the forums or wikis. And I was one of them.
Not everyone liked to delve too much into details, as they were some that just liked the fact of action or the combat mechanics.
'For the time being, using too advanced potions will do more harm than good. I need to push my body to its limits first.' But, of course, no matter how good you were at the potioneering, in the end, being natural was the best.
'Then, let's start with this one.' Choosing the potion that I wanted to go with, I ordered the ingredients on the internet. 'At least they are not that expensive.' I thought.
The mixture was a blend of ingredients that came from the dungeons and was known for their ability to enhance the circulation of blood, physical performance, and stamina.
Looking at my bank account, I saw 783 Valer was left. 'I also need to make money.' I thought.
No matter where you were, money was the most important thing in one's life. This applied more where you were in a world where dangers lurked everywhere and where strength was essential most of the time.
'But, I first need to build up my strength.'
Thinking that, I grabbed my equipment and left my room…
******
As I arrived at the training grounds, an imposing and tall building stood before me. A hub of activity and growth within the academy.
From the outside alone, it was pretty obvious that the amount of funds poured into the academy was enormous.
In a way, that was pretty normal, considering the students here were the future protectors of humanity.
Entering the building, a calm environment greeted me. Since it was still fairly early in the morning, there were not many students inside, aside from some hard workers that could be seen training.
The training building contained quite a lot of sections and segments for students to train efficiently.
Combat Arena – A vast, open space adorned with formations to protect students from injuring themselves severely. You could see some seniors fighting amongst themselves with sparks flying through everywhere.
Archery range – A dedicated area for rangers, complete with targets at varying distances.
Seeing the archery range, a thought arose within me. 'My skills are also suited for being a ranger.' I thought.
I hadn't considered it before since I had always been a close combatant, but my skills and my trait are much more suited to being a ranger. 'In the description, [Lunar Enigma} says amplifying projectiles with moon energy.'
'That means I can imbue arrows or throw projectiles with my mana. And my [Keen Eye] skill also enables me to have good eyesight.'
I thought. Just from these skills alone, I was suited for becoming a ranger. 'But, let's see my Trait first.' In a way, that might not be how it looked, and judging without knowing did not make any sense.
With that thought, I kept walking in the corridors of training rooms, with my eyes perceiving everything with more detail. There I saw a place fairly emptier than others.
Elemental Training Chambers – Specialized chambers designed to simulate different elemental environments, allowing students to acclimate themselves to various elemental conditions and practice their mana in different attributes.
Since it was a place that rather stimulated different conditions, it was expensive to use; therefore, most of the time, only higher-ranking students would be able to enter there.
After walking a little further, I reached the last open space.
A space filled with dummies all around. This place was for those who wished to practice their combat arts and increase their efficiency.
Dummy Center was the name of this place, as it stimulated one's arts in their mind.
"HA!"
/SLASH/ /SWOOSH/
There a shout entered my ears, followed by a couple of slashing sounds. Turning my gaze towards the source of the voice, I saw a long spear moving back and forth with a fast and precise speed.
My gaze fixated on the source of the commotion, and there he was— Ethan Harley, the protagonist of the game.
'Ethan Harley.' A name everyone would know if they played the game. His blue hair glistened with sweat as he gracefully moved, his spear a blur of motion. The sheer force behind each strike generated a gust of wind capable of inflicting damage on the training dummies.
"Huff…. Hufff…." As he stopped moving for a second, I could see a faint glimpse of his face.
A face that exuded an air of confidence and determination greeted my gaze. Ethan's hazel eyes sparkled with a mix of intensity and warmth, drawing one's attention with their captivating depth. They seemed to reflect his unwavering focus and passion for his craft.
His chiseled jawline accentuated the contours of his face, adding a touch of ruggedness to his otherwise refined features. His perfectly styled blue hair framed his face, complementing his striking appearance. Even with the sheen of sweat on his forehead, his skin radiated a healthy glow, enhancing his overall attractiveness.
His bright hazel eyes were looking at his spear with a determined expression as he once again raised his weapon to the dummy.
"HA!"
And with a loud shout, he started spinning his spear and attacking the dummy once again.
'I forgot, he was such a guy.' I thought to myself, seeing his dedication in the morning.
Ethan Harley was the protagonist of the game who belonged to the renewed family of hunters. Hartley Family.
The Hartleys have a long-standing legacy of being elite hunters, respected for their skills and formidable lineage. Everyone belonging to this family always had a considerable position in the Hunter industry.
However, different from his family members, Ethan was considered a failure in the family at the beginning of the story since he was not able to awaken at first. Therefore, he was mostly ignored by his family members, at least in terms of fighting for succession, since most of them actually liked him and his good-natured personality.
But, as he approached the age of 16, he was able to awaken suddenly as he witnessed a young girl almost getting killed by a monster in front of his eyes.
Stepping up and putting his body in front of the little kid, he put his life forward even though he was a non-awakened person at that time. As his life flashed before his eyes, the cutting scene would enter as we would see Ethan's dream and awakening.
And that would be the start of the game. From there, the academy would start since his family would learn about his awakening and would send him to one of the best academies, arguably the best, in the world.
With him entering the prestigious Arcadia Hunter Academy, where he will receive rigorous training and education to become an even more formidable hunter. The academy serves as a central hub for hunters from all walks of life, allowing Ethan to interact with diverse characters and develop friendships or rivalries.
However, because he was someone that had recently awakened, he would start as one of the last-ranking students of the academy and would rise up in the ranks at a fast rate thanks to his hard-working and heroic nature. However, the skills he had learned from his father and his sisters were always there, differentiating him from others.
Despite his exceptional abilities, Ethan is portrayed as an easygoing and approachable individual known for his heroic nature and willingness to help others. He quickly gains a reputation for his sense of justice and willingness to put himself in harm's way to protect innocent lives.
His easygoing personality and charismatic demeanor make him popular among his fellow students and garner respect from both allies and rivals.
This is what kind of character Ethan Harley is at the beginning—a simple good guy that would do everything he could for the people to be saved.
'What a bullshit.' I thought, seeing his resolute face and bright smile. "Saving others…. Where were you at that time, then… Where were you all this time…" I mumbled to myself as I walked far away from the place where he was standing, reaching the end of the dummy section. The memories of my getting beaten haunted me. 'There is no way you wouldn't know.'
But I actually knew the answer and also knew he was not the one at fault.
'Those who wait to be freed do not deserve freedom.' As I remembered the phrase, I grabbed the dagger on my waist and started swinging it.
In the end, I could only blame myself for being weak….
Chapter 13: Arcadia Hunter Academy (2)
The dagger I had on my hand was nothing sort of fancy. It was the simple dagger supplied by the academy without having much to offer.
As I drew my dagger, I started practicing the dagger style while remembering the teachings of Garrett. While I was trapped in the necklace for a long time, I had nothing but my senses to pass the time.
Thus, I observed what Astron was doing, how did he train, and how his lessons went on…. And while he was training, sometimes I would catch glimpses of how others trained as well.
That alone let me have more insight into my training.
/SWOOSH/
As I swung my dagger, I started questioning myself.
What were the advantages of the dagger, and why was I using it?
Asking this question to myself, I got the answer not long after.
Because it doesn't require as much strength as other weapons.
The sword is the most popular weapon in the world since it is the most balanced out of all of them. It could adapt to the characteristics and techniques of its wielder, making it a weapon of choice for many, with its reach varying from the length of 60 cm to 100 cm.
Then goes the spear. Different from the sword, the spear has rather low skill requirements to use for starters, but it also doesn't have as much skill ceiling as the sword.
That is what most people would say, but if a spearman hears you saying that, you would probably be stabbed.
In any case, the advantage of a dagger relies on its short but intense range. Because the weapon is short, the power behind the swing will be higher for the same strength applied, but that means you are giving up the range, which is one of the most crucial things.
Then, you need to compensate for the reach of range with your speed. That is the reason why most Daggerists are actually agility-based on people. Because without having the ability to close the gaps, you cannot utilize the strength of your weapon.
However, at the same time, one also needs to possess extremely high dexterity to use daggers. Of course, that doesn't mean the sword or spear doesn't require dexterity. But, the dagger mostly relies on perceptive and crucial sudden moves to attack while catching your enemy off guard.
As I thought about that, I visualized the Basic Dagger Style I had been learning. In a way, this style was pretty good for starters, and mastering was not going to be hard.
Throwing a glance at Ethan's movements, I observed how he used his strength and positioned his center of gravity.
My eyes perceived every bit of his movements clearly as he was already getting tired with his speed lowering.
/SWOOSH/ /SWOOSH/ /SWOOSH/
The dagger started flying on top of the dummy at a fast speed as I started playing my moves in my head while my body followed my visions.
I paid attention to the positioning of my center of gravity, the timing of my strikes, and the fluidity of my footwork as I kept practicing the basic dagger style.
I focused solely on perfecting my dagger style. As I executed each maneuver, I felt a sense of alignment with the weapon, as if the dagger and I were becoming one.
That was how the proficiency stat on the status panel would look since the more you improve yourself, the better you would feel with your weapon in your hands.
*******
"Huff..... Huff…. "
As I breathed heavily in front of the dummy, I closed my eyes. My arms, legs, and hands were aching from the constant swings I had been doing.
'My body has improved.' Reflecting on my progress, I acknowledged the improvements in my physical capabilities. In the past, I would have grown tired after merely an hour of training, but now my stamina had increased.
'Status.' Taking a deep breath, I summoned the status window before me. Its appearance was familiar, displaying my current progress and skills.
-----------------------
- Basic Dagger Style (Common Grade) - %12 --> 20
- Basic Nonarmed Combat Style (Common Grade) - %29
------------------------
Looking at the window before me, I knew it would be like that. 'The dagger mastery has increased rapidly.' I thought to myself.
That was probably because I was able to put up a use for the information I had obtained after observing everything inside the necklace.
'My movements are getting smoother as well.' I thought.
/RUMBLE/
However, at that moment, my stomach grumbled loudly. "Yeah… I forgot I hadn't eaten anything for a while." I mumbled as I put the dagger into my waist once again.
'Let's stop for a while.'
With that thought, I left the training grounds after taking a quick shower to clean myself.
'The daily life had already started.' As I walked on the academy grounds filled with students, I thought. The way they walked with smiles and the way they talked to their friends of them reminded me of her smile.
But, this time, I just looked at the students as my eyes observed their movements, their bodies. If it was before, I would divert my gaze, as I would feel suffocated; in fact, I was still feeling uncomfortable. But that didn't matter. 'No more escaping….' Because I could no longer continue like this….
/BUZZ/ /CHATTER/ /CHATTER/
Arriving at the bustling cafeteria located in the heart of the academy, the sounds of chatter and buzzing activity enveloped me. It was a popular gathering place for students, especially during this mid-morning hour. The aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air, tempting my senses.
Taking a moment to scan the array of options, I sought out a meal that would not only satisfy my hunger but also enhance my training. My eyes landed on a dish called "Tempered Snow-Oat Bowl." The product was described as a blend of nourishing components that aim to restore energy and enhance physical abilities.
Since the meals inside the student cafeteria were all free for the students, I did not need to contain myself in any case; thus, I ordered the finest meal that would suit me.
Approaching the cafeteria personnel, I placed my order. "One Tempered Snow-Oat Bowl and the juice of Mock Rye," I requested, my voice steady.
With a gentle smile, the young cafeteria worker nodded in response to my request. "Of course, I'll have it ready for you in no time," she replied warmly, trying to create a cozy atmosphere amidst the busy surroundings as she tapped on the screen to receive my order.
The smile on her face would melt every other people's heart and make them comfortable, but not mine, as I could see the glimpses of shallow wounds underneath her sleeves and clothes.
'Domestic Violence….'
The ring on her hand showed she was in a relationship with the man, but from the small circular marks on the finger, it was obvious that the ring was played regularly. She was also trying to hide the scars underneath her clothes. At the same time, her gaze averted constantly, and the faint smell of Pozzeet Paste which was an herb used for suppressing pain, entered my nose.
And lastly, one little movement would be enough to prove that.
/FLINCH/
As I raised my hand at a rapid speed to scratch my head, I saw her flinching, which was enough to show that she had developed unconscious fear of such movements.
'In the end, everyone has their own pain in their life.' As I thought that, the woman signaled the meal.
"Here, it is ready." As she handed me the carefully prepared meal, our eyes met briefly, though she diverted it after the very second.
After all, not everyone wanted to be saved. She was not a named character in the game, and neither did I know her name, so in the end, she was a stranger to me.
Taking my place at a corner table, I sat alone, savoring the flavors of the nourishing meal. My observations extended beyond the confines of my own thoughts as I observed the students engaged in lively conversations, their laughter and camaraderie filling the space.
However, soon my attention was gathered on one table. A table that was filled with students who were attracting all the attention on themselves.
Three boys could be seen there, talking amongst themselves.
'Ah… Right, the main cast liked to eat in the academy.' I thought, silently observing their reactions.
The first young man was a guy with blue hair and hazel eyes talking to his friends. It was Ethan, the main protagonist.
The man beside him was a man with white hair and a handsome face that would rival the face of Ethan in terms of handsomeness.
'Lucas Middleton.'
Was the name of the young boy. He was the current best friend of Ethan, as he had known him from childhood. He also came from the renowned hunter family, rivaling the Hartleys. ,
If the family of Hartleys is known for their spear skills, then the Middletons are known for their sword skills.
He is an individual that likes to laugh a lot and likes to joke, making the atmosphere comfortable.
He and Ethan grew up together until this point, and I know Ethan considers him his best friend.
"Heh…. Then what else has he done?"
"Well…. He just spitted on him and then left… It was too funny. HAHAHA…."
Looking at the smile on his face as he looked into Ethan, nobody would suspect him of being someone bad, but I knew.
I knew what kind of person he was. The future villain and the future backstabber of Ethan, and the person who played the biggest role in his character development….
Since he was someone that actually liked the feeling of being praised and looked up to, he always stayed close to Ethan. Since whenever he was with him, he could secretly boast his abilities, making himself good. Because Ethan was not an awakener.
However, that would change as the guy he always looked down and felt he was above would actually become the most talented person in the academy. And as Ethan would improve himself, Lucas would not.
Resulting in him getting envious of his progress and eventually volunteering to become a villain just for the sake of getting rid of Ethan and once again becoming number one. He would sell his soul to demons, becoming a puppet for them at the end.
"Grrr….." I grumbled…. Even seeing his face and remembering about the demons were enough to make me mad after all….
The man standing beside Lucas Middleton bore a stark contrast in both appearance and demeanor. His short, dark hair was meticulously trimmed, giving him an air of disciplined precision. His bulky physique spoke of strength and endurance, while his serious face seemed to carry a weight of responsibility.
"Hey, Lucas… Don't shout; you are bothering others…."
"Sigh… You are no fun, Carl…."
'Carl Braveheart.'
His name was Carl, a figure of quiet steadfastness and unwavering loyalty. Grey eyes, filled with a depth of wisdom beyond his years, revealed a soul that had weathered its share of hardships. Unlike the boisterous laughter of his companions, Carl seldom laughed, his focus and seriousness setting him apart.
He was the future best friend of Ethan after Lucas betrayed him, and he was also the one that would help him regain his trust in humans and his friends.
He was the definition of Knighthood, as he always stayed firm on his duties. He was the epitome of discipline. Even though his face was not as handsome as Ethan, he still had this charismatic aura over himself.
He was also someone that came from a renowned family of Bravehearts, as his family was rooted in a former knight family in the world before man came.
He is a righteous individual like Ethan, as he, too, likes to help people.
Just as I was observing their talks, suddenly, I felt everyone's attention was directed to another source….
"Ethan, we can sit here, right?"
And there I could see three beautiful girls….
Chapter 14: Arcadia Hunter Academy (3)
"Ethan, we can sit here, right?"
The conversation between Lucas and Carl came to a momentary pause as the attention of everyone in the vicinity shifted towards a new presence. Turning my gaze, I saw three captivating young girls approaching the table with an air of confidence and elegance.
"Ah, Julia…. Of course, you can…"
'Julia Middleton.' I thought, seeing the girl—the twin sister of Lucas. She was also another childhood friend of Ethan and the first heroine candidate of the game.
White hair cascaded down to her shoulders, contrasting beautifully with her vibrant blue eyes. She was undeniably blessed with exquisite beauty, capturing the attention of those around her effortlessly.
With my eyes, I could see the calluses on her hands, showing her rigorous training. Different from her twin's real face, she was someone that liked to train very hard. She was a girl with ambitions, especially when it came to fighting, as she loved wielding swords.
Even though her figure was good, the fact that I could not see any opening in her posture and her tender muscles that were on display was enough to show how strong she was in real life.
And normally, she was a bit dumb that was not academically bright, but she at least knew how to behave herself.
"Thanks, man!" Well, I guess that was not entirely true, as I saw her hand hitting Ethan's back.
As she sat down, the other two following her also did.
The second girl, Irina Emberheart, exuded an aura of fiery passion and power, giving a vibe of intensity to students.
Her vibrant red hair cascaded down her back, matching the intensity of her personality. Her eyes, a striking shade of yellow, seemed to flicker with an inner flame, hinting at the immense magical potential she possessed. Even though I had missed it before, now I could see the faint traces of fire ashes flying through her hair, showing her unintentional use of fire magic.
Irina hailed from a renowned family deeply rooted in the Arcadia Dominion, a place where magic is valued the most, their name synonymous with greatness in the realm of magic.
She was a skilled Fire Mage who controlled the elements with elegance and precision. Her ability to wield fire, a destructive yet captivating force, made her a formidable opponent. Whenever she had cast a spell, flames would swirl around her fingers, obediently following her every command.
And her personality was also as fiery as her fire magic. She was someone that was hot-blooded and was easy to anger, but at the same time, she was passionate about everything she was doing.
Irina was academically gifted and excelled in her studies, demonstrating a sharp intellect and deep understanding of the magical theory that earned her the title 'Fiery Genius.'
She had an intense desire for knowledge, which was comparable to the fiery flames she could manipulate. This propelled her to investigate the enigmas of magic and exceed the expectations placed upon her.
And lastly, the third girl, Lilia Thornheart, possessed an ethereal beauty that turned heads wherever she went.
Her striking green hair flowed gracefully down her back, a vibrant contrast against her captivating red eyes. At first glance, she appeared to be a gentle and delicate presence, but beneath her soft exterior, I knew there laid a mind as sharp as an arrow's point.
Lilia stood out from her peers with her intelligence and cunning. She had a knack for observation and analysis, allowing her to assess situations and develop effective strategies. Her mind was like a well-oiled machine, constantly evaluating and calculating the best course of action.
'This is what makes her more dangerous than others.' I thought, slightly lowering my gaze and trying to erase my presence. Predicting her actions was difficult due to her intelligence.
As the heir to the future strongest guild, Olympus Vanguard, Lilia carried a weight of responsibility on her shoulders. The legacy of her guild, renowned for its power and influence, loomed large over her aspirations. She was a capable leader with the necessary qualities to guide others with grace and wisdom.
Beyond her intellectual prowess, Lilia was a respected figure on the academy campus. Her charisma and charm captivated those around her, earning her the title of the campus belle. She was adored by many, admired not only for her beauty but also for her intelligence and strength of character.
Because she was different from her group, she was a girl with elegance overflowing from herself; she always got the attention of other students around her.
As the group of six settled at their table, their presence became the subject of hushed whispers and intrigued gazes from the surrounding students. The conversations swirled with curiosity and speculation.
"Did you see that? Ethan, Lucas, and Julia are all sitting together! They're like the holy trinity of the academy!"
"Irina Emberheart is with them too. I heard she's an incredibly talented Fire Mage. She can summon flames like no other!"
"And Lilia Thornheart... She's not just a pretty face. I heard she's the future heir of the Olympus Vanguard. They're the strongest guild in the region!"
"It's amazing how they all have such unique skills and backgrounds. They're practically a dream team!"
"Did you know that Lucas and Julia are twins? They're like a package deal, always looking out for each other."
As the whispers and the speculations continued, I raised my body from my seat. Since I had already finished my meal and the cafeteria was slowly getting crowded by the students.
'In the end, it doesn't matter what they are doing.' After all, I got work to do.
Just like that, I once again walked towards the training grounds, this time to test my [Lunar Enigma] trait.
********
"Hey, where were you, Ethan? I was looking for you everywhere?"
Julia asked with a smile on her face as she was looking at the blue-haired boy. "I wanted to finish the fight, couldn't yesterday." Even though her face was smiling, her eyes were different as they were burning with fire.
"Well, I was just on the training grounds as always," Ethan answered as he gave an awkward smile. Dealing with this girl was hard for him, as she always wanted to fight whenever it was possible.
"Training grounds? I checked there, but I couldn't see you?" Julia said as she poked her meal.
"I was not in the dorm facilities. I used general training grounds." Ethan answered nonchalantly as he, too, dived into his meal.
"Ah, so that's why... But why did you go there? I don't like training when everyone's eyes are on me. It feels like I'm a monkey in a circus whenever they're all watching," Julia expressed her discomfort, her face showing a mix of frustration and exasperation.
Of course, the academy had some benefits for higher-ranking students. And giving access to special facilities was one of them.
"Julia… You need to get used to it… You are the 3rd rank now; of course, everyone is going to look at you." Butting into the conversation, Lilia answered as she elegantly picked up a bite from her sandwich.
"I know, but it is still uncomfortable. Anyway, why did you go to the general training grounds?"
"I just felt like a change of atmosphere, maybe? I don't know, to be honest. I just felt like going there."
"Heh, don't tell me you were scared…."
"Yes, yes…I was scared of course…."
"Julia, did you forget how he beat you in the duel yesterday." As Lucas opened his mouth with a smile, he mocked his sister.
"Shut up, Lucas," Julia retorted her tone firm, putting an end to the banter.
"Tsk, being harsh on your lovely brother," Lucas replied, mockingly playing the victim.
"Lucas, just shut up, okay," Julia said, her voice now tinged with a touch of irritation.
"Yes, yes," Lucas acquiesced, a mischievous glint still present in his eyes.
"Ah, today I saw something different," Ethan interjected, his curiosity piqued as he raised his head.
"Something different? What do you mean?" Julia asked, intrigued by the change in topic.
"You know that guy in our class who doesn't talk much, right?" Ethan inquired.
"Who do you mean?" Julia pondered, trying to recall the person.
"The one who sits behind us," Ethan clarified.
"Oh, that loser?" Julia replied, her tone dismissive.
"Loser?" Ethan repeated, questioning Julia's choice of words.
"I mean, that lower-ranked student. What was his name? Acron? Astris?" Julia struggled to remember.
"Astron," Lucas corrected.
"Yeah, Astron, whatever. What about him?" Julia prompted.
"I just saw him training," Ethan answered, his tone filled with slight intrigue.
"So?" Lucas interjected, his voice feeling uninterested.
"I felt like he changed, somehow… The vibe he was giving was different…." However, there was a reason why Ethan was the main character of the game. He was someone who had exceptional institution and sixth sense since he would get over quite a lot of life and death-situations thanks to this.
And his senses were tingling….
"Like what?" However, that was not the case for others. After all, everyone at this table came from good backgrounds, and they had their fair share of deals with lower-ranking people.
"I don't know…. At first, he looked gloomy, but today it felt like he somehow had a purpose?"
"Heh? Now, you are even scared of the last-ranking student." Lucas teased, a smirk playing on his lips.
"It is not like that…." Just as Ethan was about to talk, suddenly, a voice interjected into their conversation.
"Trash like Astris or whatever shouldn't even be on our radar. Why are you wasting your time talking about someone so insignificant?" Irina interrupted, her tone dismissive and her nose held high.
Her interruption caused a momentary pause among the group as they turned their attention to the fiery-haired mage. Ethan, ever the peacemaker and hero he was, tried to defuse the tension.
"Now, Irina, there's no need to be so harsh. Astron may have his own struggles, but that doesn't mean we should disregard him entirely," Ethan reasoned, his voice carrying a hint of reproach.
But before Ethan could argue any further, Lilia Thornheart, the ethereal campus belle, chimed in with a composed tone.
"Irina does have a point, Ethan. We shouldn't waste our time on someone who clearly lacks the potential to stand alongside us. Our focus should be on our own growth."
"He-" Just as Ethan was about to talk any further, Julia interjected again.
"Just end this shit already…. I am bored…." In the end, in front of the overwhelming Julia, Ethan decided to end this talk as the topic was changed.
Though, they never knew the young man they had just ignored would bring a lot of trouble to them….
Chapter 15: Arcadia Hunter Academy (4)
After I left the cafeteria, I made my way towards the training grounds once again, as I was feeling refreshed after eating my meal.
'Now, I should train while using my trait and try to understand how to use my mana.'
Mana control was one of the most important but, at the same time, hardest things for a hunter. Since most of the time, hunters would awaken their mana later in their life; it would come as a different type of energy, like another limb suddenly being added to one body.
Therefore, it was very hard for people to master the usage of mana of any attribute. That alone shows how talented Irina is, as she is able to easily manipulate the fire mana even without constantly thinking about it.
Just like that, I entered the general training grounds again as I made my way toward the combat rooms.
'I won't be able to stay there for a long time.' I thought to myself, seeing the people that had already started piling up inside the combat rooms. 'But, let's make it as much as time we can.'
With that thought, I entered the combat room, and the room opened with a FUSH sound.
Different from the dummies I had trained at that time, combat rooms were designed for students that wanted to have alone time inside while combating the moving robots designed for close combat.
Following my entering, a robotic sound welcomed me. It was the AI of the training room as it would adjust the quality and the difficulty of the training room to desired strength.
Hearing this, I pondered for a second. 'For now, with these stats alone, even challenging 1st stage might be hard.' I thought. 'But, still, let's assess myself first.'
"Adjust the difficulty to the second stage."
The second stage meant one simple thing. The average stats of the robots would be 2 for all stats.
As the countdown was finished, the lights turned off, with a bunch of moving robots appearing in front of me, their number consisting of five. Grabbing my dagger, I took my position and got ready to combat.
"Huff… Bring it on…."
/TOK/ /TOK/ /TOK/
The robots sprang forward with mechanical precision, their movements synchronized and calculated. Their metallic limbs whirred and clanked as they closed in on me, their glowing eyes fixed on their target.
However, different from before, I was able to see their moves.
/SWOOSH/
Reacting swiftly, I relied on my enhanced speed and reflexes to evade their initial strikes. Even though my body was weak, that didn't mean it was slow. With agility honed through countless hours of training, I dodged their relentless assaults, smoothly sidestepping their advances.
/CLANK/
However, at some point, I was not able to dodge the attack anymore, so I raised my dagger to parry the strike.
'Aim for the center of momentum and divert the energy.' I thought as I positioned my dagger in a way that wouldn't confront the full strength.
And it was successful. With precise and smooth control, I parried the attack of the dummy as I kicked it in its face.
/CLANK/ /CLANK/
With each clash, I observed the robots' patterns and weaknesses, capitalizing on their predictable movements.
/SWOOSH/ /SLASH/
And, going for the attack, I tried to slash the robot in the opening, but my dagger wasn't able to pierce through its barrier.
'I knew it… My strength was not enough for stage two.' I analyzed it immediately. However, that didn't discourage me. 'That means if I can't use mana to imbue my dagger, I won't be able to damage it.'
With that thought, I tried to manifest my mana on the dagger just as I did on the way, imagining to command mana.
/SWOOSH/
However, that was not successful, as I was about to take a punch in the face.
The punch was imminent, closing in on me with lightning speed. Instinctively, I used my skill [Dash] as mana instantly flowed through my body, and I felt my speed increase.
/SWOOSH/
Instantly twisting my body, narrowly avoiding the blow. The force of the punch created a gust of wind that ruffled my hair, a reminder of the danger that loomed in the combat room.
'Huh, that was close.' I thought to myself, seeing the gust of wind. The robots were no joke.
'But, it is fun.' Though feeling the combat, I felt alive once again as the thrill and adrenaline changed my feelings slightly.
As the intense fight continued, I found myself struggling to manifest my moon-attribute mana. The robots relentlessly attacked, closing in on me with precision and speed. Their metallic limbs struck with force, testing my reflexes and endurance.
/TOK/ /TOK/ /TOK/
I focused my concentration, trying to channel my mana into my dagger, but the process proved more challenging than I anticipated because I was not familiar with the usage of mana and its manifestation.
Then one might ask me why I wanted to try it on the combat right now. The answer was simple because the most effective method of learning is frequently through encountering pain and peril.
/CLANK/
I took a couple of hits from the robots, their strikes connecting with my body. The pain jolted through me, momentarily breaking my concentration. Yet, it acted as a motivator, enhancing my resolve to conquer the challenges in front of me.
With renewed resolve, I channeled my inner strength. It felt like feeling the pain inside me resonated with the weird energy inside me, my thoughts turning into a crimson color. It was weird like my body wanted blood.
As I evaded another attack, I focused my thoughts on the dagger, visualizing that crimson glow of moonlight enveloping its blade.
/SWOOSH/
Finally, with a surge of determination, my mana manifested, coating the dagger in a soft, silvery but crimson light. It wasn't as powerful as I had hoped, only strong enough to damage the surface of the robots' metallic skin, but it was progress, nonetheless.
'The medium is not suited for the mana.' In the game, not every weapon was suited for every type of attribute after all.
/SLASH/
I unleashed a flurry of swift and precise strikes, aiming for the vulnerable joints and weak points of the robots. With each successful hit, the moon-imbued dagger left marks and scratches on their metallic frames. Though it wasn't enough to incapacitate them, it weakened their movements and disrupted their attacks.
/CLANK/ /CLANK/
The fight intensified as I balanced my evasive maneuvers with calculated strikes. The robots, hindered by the moon-imbued dagger, became more predictable, allowing me to exploit their weaknesses further. I danced around them, a nimble shadow moving with purpose and determination.
/SLASH/ /THRUST/ /SPIN/
With each passing moment, my mana control improved, the moon energy flowing more smoothly through my veins. The once feeble manifestation grew stronger, enabling me to deliver more substantial blows to the robots. It felt weird like the more I attacked with the crimson color imbued dagger, the more I felt my pain lessening like I was healing.
And that resulted in the imbued mana growing weaker with each second, and that resulted in me getting attacked once more. At the end of the day, it was a vicious cycle of pain.
/SWOOSH/ /SWOOSH/
With that one couple of strikes, I ended the clash, as the robots crashed all of them falling into the ground…..
"Hufff…. Huffff…."
As the training room fell into silence, I took a moment to catch my breath, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle upon me. The red glow around my dagger faded slowly, giving me a feeling of accomplishment, despite the lingering pain.
I knew that my mana control still required further refinement. The red moon-imbued energy had both helped and hurt me. It made my powers stronger but also drained my energy and caused me pain. It was a delicate balance that I needed to master, but at the same time, I couldn't help but ponder about the reason why the glow was crimson.
'I feel like there is quite a lot to this trait. Somehow, my intitution tells me it will become something complex later on…. I need to understand it first.'
With a deep breath, I pushed myself up from the ground, my body aching but my goal unwavering.
Since the academy was filled with students, for the combat rooms inside the general training grounds, the demand was high, thus, the academy needed to adjust such a rule.
Hearing the voice of the AI, I raised my body as I spoke.
"Yes. Adjust the difficulty to stage 2 once again."
The countdown began, and as the lights dimmed, the robots came to life, their mechanical forms moving with calculated precision once again.
Just like that, I kept training until I finished my tries…
Chapter 16: Arcadia Hunter Academy (5)
"Sigh…. I am tired…." I mumbled to myself. I had been training non-stop in the presence of the robotic golems for a while.
Time seemed to blur as I engaged in a relentless battle, pushing my physical and mental limits.
Minutes turned into hours as I pushed myself further. I faced wave after wave of robotic opponents, adapting and evolving with each encounter. My mana control improved with every swing of the dagger, the crimson moon-imbued energy becoming more refined and potent.
But eventually, my body could no longer keep up with the demands of the intense training. Fatigue settled in, weighing down my every movement. It was a sign that I had reached my limit for now.
The only thing left for me was to return to my room. After all, no matter how much I wanted to train, I also needed to rest my body.
With that thought, I started walking to my room. The sun had already reached its peak, showcasing that the busiest time of the day had come. The academy grounds were filled with students' talks.
'How noisy.' I never was a morning person; after all, I preferred staying up at night. Adding that, my muscles were sore, and my mind was buzzing with the exhilaration of the training session; my mood was slightly bad.
After reaching my room, I immediately saw a bunch of packets there. 'Ho… The delivery is sure fast.' I thought.
The materials I ordered were nothing fancy. There were three different herbs to be used for brewing an elixir named 'Aetherside Elixir.'
Even though the name was fancy, its effects were actually pretty simple. Imbued with the elixir, the individual experiences a harmonious symphony within their biology. It increased the efficiency of one's training in three ways.
'Neural pathway strengthening' enhances the ability to swiftly acquire new skills and tactics, while 'cellular resonance enhancement' allows for more efficient absorption and utilization of mana, fueling their training endeavors. Simultaneously, 'regenerative acceleration' accelerates tissue repair, reducing downtime and enabling more frequent and intense training sessions.
In a way, it was basically one of the best elixirs that was there for the sake of training. But, there was one downside to it. It was the fact that your muscles and your head would hurt quite a lot after the training reached its end. Since its effects reach the cellular level, the pain would also reach….
Then, we have the second brew. A brew to increase the recovery efficiency. "Renewal Draught." This brew would help one's body to recover at a rapid speed, as Cellular rejuvenation is accelerated, allowing for swift healing of wounds and injuries. The elixir's mana-infused properties harmonize with the individual's mana flow, stimulating a deep sense of vitality and renewal.
Energy conservation mechanisms are amplified, allowing the body to efficiently allocate resources for regeneration and repair.
In a way, these two brews were what I needed. As I grabbed the herbs, I started smashing all of them while extracting their essences.
Then, the only thing left for me to grab was the juice of Mock Rye that I brought from the student cafeteria.
As one of the best Academies in the world, the meals inside the academy were heavily tended towards the efficiency of one's improvement. Therefore, in a way, they were actually a type of elixir on their own.
And the juice I had grabbed was something that I would use in this potion, and it was something pretty expensive. Now, the only thing that was left for me was heating the Mock Rye juice and mixing the potions, then drinking them.
After consuming the elixir, a surge of energy coursed through my body. But along with the energy came an intense sensation of pain.
"Kurgh-"
It felt as if every muscle and fiber within me was being stretched and tested to its limit. The regenerative properties of the Renewal Draught intensified the sensation, amplifying the discomfort.
"Grrr….."
I gritted my teeth, enduring the pain as the elixirs worked their magic. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead as I felt the rejuvenating effects taking hold. The pain, though excruciating, was a necessary sacrifice for the accelerated healing and regeneration that would follow.
With each passing moment, the pain gradually subsided, giving way to a deep sense of renewal and vitality. The elixirs' potency began to stabilize within me, allowing me to regain control over my body and mind.
"Hufff…. Huffff…"
Knowing this process was going to be my routine for a while, I stood up. Even though it was very effective, relying on elixirs for recovery was not something I would be able to do for a long time. 'I can use them for at most two weeks.' I thought, remembering the game.
If you keep relying on potions for such cases, your natural recovery skills will regress, resulting in negative effects in the long run.
"But, I feel like my body is refreshed…." With that thought, I left my room as I once again made my way towards the training grounds while grabbing my equipment…..
*******
With my equipment in hand, I made my way back to the training grounds; however, on the way, I needed to buy something for today's night.
Reaching the entrance of the academy's shop for students, I pushed open the glass door and stepped inside. The shop was brightly lit, with sleek white display cases showcasing an array of magical items. The sound of soft electronic music played in the background, creating a pleasant ambiance.
Then immediately started looking for the items that I would need.
'Holy Radiance Scroll and a Thunderstrike Orb'
As I saw the two commonly used lower-tier items, I looked at their prices.
Holy Radiance Scroll: 250 Valer
Thunderstrike Orb: 200 Valer
Seeing the two materials that would cost me my remaining fortune, I knew it was my last shot. But, after all, it was a very important thing for me.
I called over a shop attendant, a friendly young mage dressed in the academy's official uniform. "Excuse me, I would like to purchase the Holy Radiance Scroll and Thunderstrike Orb, please."
The shop attendant nodded with a smile and reached for the items, carefully retrieving them from the display case.
After a moment, the shop attendant presented the items to me in a stylish bag with the academy's emblem embossed on it. "Thank you for your purchase," she said, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "I hope these items aid you in your magical endeavors."
Nodding my head, I made my way toward the training grounds once again. After all, today was going to prove very important…..
*******
Reaching the training grounds, the familiar atmosphere greeted me as I stepped into the open space, filled with the sounds of clashing weapons and the shouts of determined hunters.
I scanned the area, searching for an available spot to resume my training. Since I had already exhausted my tries for today's combat training, I could only practice my techniques against the dummies, which was essentially not preferable.
But still, the training grounds were bustling with activity; students engaged in various forms of combat, honing their skills and pushing their limits. Finally, I spotted a vacant section towards the corner, away from the main crowd. It was a small, secluded space that offered privacy and focus. Without hesitation, I walked towards it, preparing myself for another round of intense training.
In a way, actually, I knew quite a lot of arts that were out there which were a lot higher grades than this one.
But there was a reason why I am not getting them right now. It is because I want to strengthen my basics.
Even though there are other unique and higher-grade combat arts that one could find in the game, most of the time, knowing the general arts of the weapon you need to use would actually increase your comprehension skills of the related arts.
Thus, it was a general rule for the players to first finish comprehending common grade arts. Since, in a way, basics were actually one of the most important things when it came to such things.
Just like that, I started training with my daggers as I slashed and slashed while remembering the techniques of the common dagger style. The general dagger style had four types of techniques, or standings, whatever you want to call.
'First technique. Whispering Thorn.' A stand that emphasizes finesse and precision.
'Second technique. Shadowblade.' A stand that mostly combines agility and stealth elements.
'Third technique. Piercing Gale.' A stand that emphasizes speed and momentum, utilizing quick and powerful thrusts with a dagger.
'Final Technique. Serpent's Dance.' This technique focuses on fluidity and evasion, utilizing agile and unpredictable movements with the dagger. The Serpent's Dance technique involves swift and twisting motions, mimicking the slithering movements of a snake, combining three styles into one.
All of them had their own types of strengths. But in the end, they were basics one needed to master.
Just like that, I again started my training. After all, training my body like this also increased my body parameters, which I would like to improve.
******
"I feel like I improved quite well…." I thought to myself as I looked into the training dummy that I had been slashing for a while.
My control over my mana was also slowly getting better and better, even though I felt like the strength of my enhancements was not that strong.
After the training session at noon, I grabbed a meal for myself, then came to the training grounds once again and started training. This would be today's last training since tomorrow I was planning to get myself a bow and test my marksmanship.
'I feel like either the medium material is not strong, or my mana is not suited for constant enhancements.' I thought. Today was to determine my trait [Lunar Enigma] since, as the name implied, it was an enigma for me.
'Then, let's stop for now.' Just as I thought about that, I felt three people's presence around me.
"Ah… The fish is here too…." I mumbled….