Chapter 292 - Aftermath
"Urghk-!"
"Just what happened?"
Countless different sounds like this were echoing all the way around the Phantom's Land.
"My head….It hurts…."
Many students were saying that their heads were hurting while others were trying to remember what had just happened.
Most of their memories were bleak as if they were covered under the shadows. They felt like they had experienced something, yet at the same time, they all felt like the things they had experienced were no longer connected to them.
It was a very surreal feeling.
And that was no different with Ethan, as he also gradually woke up from his state.
Amidst the disoriented voices, Ethan gradually regained consciousness.
As he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in a different part of the Phantom's Land. His surroundings felt unfamiliar, and a dull ache in his head made it hard to focus.
"My head..."
Ethan touched his forehead, trying to calm the pain and make sense of his disoriented state. The memories of recent events eluded him, leaving only a vague sense of insects crawling on his skin and a subsequent blur.
"Just what happened?"
He attempted to recall what had happened, but the details remained elusive. It was as if he had lost something. A part of something that belonged to him, but at the same time not.
"Ah, I remember…."
Then, slowly, things started crashing down. He and his friends had just separated so that they could observe the Phantom's Land in a better and more efficient way. After all, recording their findings wouldn't be that hard.
"I lost my consciousness, didn't I?"
Then, he remembered how his vision blurred as if something external had entered his body. Considering this body as a Hartley and his lineage, it would be rather abnormal if he wasn't able to sense something was wrong.
"But, after that?"
As he collected the recent times, he realized that after he lost consciousness, something very dangerous happened. Even though he wasn't sure what it was, his instincts could feel it.
Something around him was missing.
'Something around?'
At that moment, he remembered where he was.
Looking around, Ethan noticed the confusion among other students who were also awakening. The aftermath of whatever had transpired left them disoriented, with fragmented memories and a collective sense of bewilderment hanging in the air.
'Wait? I can see the students?'
Maybe a tad bit slow, Ethan realized a very important thing.
He was able to see the students!
This revelation could mean only one thing.
'The fog disappeared.'
He instantly realized. There was no other explanation for that, as Ethan had been living in this place for a while and had adapted to it to a certain extent.
'Now that I am paying attention to it, I can no longer feel the oppressive atmosphere of Phantom's Land.'
He instantly realized. The fact that the mana around him was no longer oppressing him as before directly means that the mana phenomenon of Phantom's Land has now disappeared.
"Urghk-!"
Suddenly, a sharp pain assaulted Ethan from his chest, jolting him into awareness. He instinctively looked down, discovering claw marks on his chest, blood dripping from the wounds.
"What... what happened to me?"
Ethan's eyes widened as he assessed the extent of his injuries. More pain surged through his body, and as he examined himself further, he realized that almost every part of his body was covered in wounds.
"These wounds... were they caused by Phantoms?"
His mind raced to connect the pieces of the puzzle. The fog had dissipated, but it seemed that when he lost consciousness, the Phantoms, the spectral entities he had encountered before, took advantage of the opportunity to attack him.
'That would make sense.'
After all, Phantoms were the main reason why this place was considered dangerous and wasn't advised to be visited by non-awakened people.
"Did they retaliate when the fog disappeared?"
He thought soundly. In the absence of the mystical fog that concealed the Phantoms, they might have become more aggressive.
But then, as he looked around, he could no longer see or sense any phantoms around.
"No, that doesn't make sense. Ethan, are you stupid?"
He reprimanded himself. If the Phantoms weren't related to the fog, that would mean they could appear anywhere in the world regardless of this phenomenon, yet that wasn't the case.
"Rather, maybe because the fog had dissipated that we had been awakened."
Then he realized. If, somehow, the Phantom's Land was the reason for their loss of consciousness, that would also explain why he was awake when the fog no longer appeared. Probably, when he lost his consciousness, the Phantoms attacked him.
'The other students seemed to share the same conditions as me.'
As Ethan looked around, he noticed that many other students were in a similar condition, if not worse. Some were covered in more severe injuries, and the air was thick with a sense of urgency and desperation.
"This is bad... They're in real danger."
Ethan couldn't stand idly by. Despite his own injuries, he knew he had to act quickly to help those in need. Even though he was also not in good shape, compared to his counterparts, he was in a much better condition. Whether this was because he was a Hartley or for some other reason….
Nobody knew about it.
He reached into his Spatial Bracelet and retrieved a healing potion.
"Hey, hang in there!"
Rushing to the aid of a fellow student whose injuries seemed particularly severe, Ethan knelt beside them and carefully administered the healing potion into their mouth.
"Argh! My leg!"
At the start, the young student had a hard time just even drinking it, yet Ethan somehow managed to make him drink.
Following that, the potion began to take effect, closing wounds and alleviating pain.
"I hope this helps."
Though Ethan knew that the potion could only do so much, he did what he could to provide immediate relief. The Phantom's Land had become a perilous place, and he felt a responsibility to ensure the safety of those around him.
'What happened to others? Hope they are safe.'
He couldn't help but worry about her friends. Especially Caleb, as he was rather low-ranked in terms of combat. He sincerely hoped that Caleb would be able to hold his own ground.
–DING!
Just at that moment, he heard his smartwatch ringing.
–DING!
–DING!
–DING!
And it wasn't only his. He could hear the same notification from other students as well.
The sound echoed across the now-clear landscape, and to his surprise, Ethan realized that his own smartwatch was indeed functioning. With a sense of relief, he opened the watch and found a notification from their homeroom teacher, Eleanor White.
The message, though brief, conveyed a sense of urgency. Eleanor instructed the students to return to the town immediately. The town's location was shared in the message for those who were far away.
"Finally, some guidance. We need to get back to town."
Ethan, aware of the gravity of the situation, made a quick decision. With a last glance at the injured student, he gathered his belongings and prepared to lead the way back to the town. The disappearance of the Phantom's Land phenomenon now made everything unpredictable, and he was dying to know what had happened.
********
The moment the instructors and others had regained their consciousness, different from young students, they instantly composed themselves. They all had their fair share of experiences; thus, they were rather fast to adapt.
"This…."
From the injuries themselves, they realized they all had been attacked, even in their homes, safe from the phantoms.
That meant the other students could even be in a more severe condition!
"I am going to leave the Town to you, instructor Eleanor."
"Yes, you can leave it to me."
As some of the instructors immediately went to search for dangerously injured students outside of the town, Eleanor was present in the town square, coordinating with other instructors to set up a makeshift medical center.
Students with healing abilities were summoned to assist, creating an efficient and organized space for triage. The injured were quickly attended to, and the healing potions provided some relief.
Once the initial chaos settled, all the students gathered in the town square, their faces marked with a mixture of confusion and anxiety. Eleanor stepped forward, her expression serious yet composed.
"Students, I know this has been a harrowing experience, and I appreciate your resilience in the face of adversity. As you might have noticed, the Phantom's Land phenomena have disappeared unexpectedly. This means that the exam we were conducting is nullified."
A murmur of concern spread through the group. Eleanor continued, "We have already communicated with the academy and the government. Additional help is on the way, including specialized teams equipped to deal with the unique conditions of Phantom's Land."
She glanced at her smartwatch and continued, "Our immediate concern is ensuring everyone's safety. The healing process will continue here, and we will be providing further updates as soon as we receive more information from the authorities."
Eleanor's tone remained steady, attempting to reassure the students. "I understand that many of you have questions, and we will address them as soon as possible. Right now, focus on recovering from your injuries, and rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to ensure your well-being."
As Eleanor concluded her brief statement, other instructors circulated among the students, offering words of comfort and assistance.
The town, once a quaint and mysterious backdrop, now became a center for support and recovery.
Most students, though relieved to be back in a familiar and relatively safe place, couldn't shake the sense of unease. After all, just with this explanation, such future Hunters would never be satisfied.
They wondered about the abrupt disappearance of the Phantom's Land phenomena and the implications it held.
The mystery deepened, and they eagerly awaited more information from Eleanor and the incoming assistance.
Eleanor observed the unease among the students and decided to address their concerns further. She raised her hand, gesturing for their attention.
"Students, I understand that this turn of events has left many questions unanswered. I want to assure you that we are actively seeking more information, and we will keep you updated. For now, those of you who have received treatment or don't require immediate attention should proceed to your bungalows. This will allow our medical teams to operate more efficiently in the town center."
She paused, allowing the students to absorb her instructions. "If you have team members who are not present here, I encourage you to try and contact them. If you are unable to reach them, please report it to the instructors. We need to ensure that everyone is accounted for and safe."
Eleanor's gaze swept across the gathering, her tone firm yet empathetic. "Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining order and ensuring the well-being of all. The instructors will be available to assist you in any way possible. Trust that we are doing everything in our power to manage this situation."
As Eleanor finished speaking, the students, now with clearer instructions, began to disperse. Some headed towards the bungalows, while others grouped together to discuss the recent events. Instructors moved among them, offering guidance and support.
Ethan, still processing the sudden changes, made his way to the bungalows with a group of students. The town, once a place of mystery and excitement, now felt different. The fog had lifted, but a different kind of uncertainty hung in the air.
CREAK!
"Lucas!" Ethan exclaimed as he entered his bungalow, spotting his best friend sitting on the couch. The town, once a mysterious place, now felt filled with an odd tension.
"Hey, Ethan," Lucas replied, looking up from where he sat. His normally vibrant white hair seemed a bit disheveled, and there was a weariness in his eyes that Ethan hadn't noticed before.
Ethan approached him; concern etched across his face. "Where's Caleb? Is he okay?"
Lucas nodded, "Yeah, he's getting treatment. Some of us got pretty banged up out there. They said he'll be fine, though."
A sense of relief washed over Ethan at the news about Caleb, but as Lucas continued talking, a subtle feeling of unease crept in.
'What is this feeling?'
Something about Lucas seemed different, and Ethan couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"Lucas, you seem... different. Are you alright?" Ethan asked, studying his friend more closely.
Lucas looked away for a moment before meeting Ethan's gaze again. There was an intensity in his eyes that Ethan hadn't seen before, and it sent a shiver down his spine.
"I'm fine, just a bit shaken from everything that happened," Lucas replied, but his gaze seemed to linger on Ethan in an unsettling way.
Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed, something beyond just the physical toll of the recent events. It was as if a subtle shift had occurred in Lucas, and it left Ethan with a sense of discomfort.
"Lucas, are you sure you're okay?" Ethan pressed, trying to decipher the strange energy emanating from his friend.
As Ethan pressed further, trying to decipher the strange energy emanating from Lucas, for a split second, Lucas's eyes widened. He seemed almost startled, and an involuntary shiver ran through him. But just as quickly as it happened, he composed himself, smiling as if nothing had occurred.
"Puhahahahahahha….." And then he broke into a hearty laugh. "Maan….Were you scared?" Lucas replied, his tone light, just as usual.
But the unsettling feeling lingered.
Ethan couldn't shake off the unease, sensing that there was something more to Lucas's reaction. The subtle change in demeanor didn't go unnoticed, but before Ethan could delve deeper, Lucas chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood.
"Hey, Ethan, it seems I was able to trick you again, huh?" Lucas said, a playful glint in his eyes. "Do you think something like this would be able to shake me, huh? Who do you take me as?"
Ethan, though still concerned, couldn't help but smile in response to Lucas's attempt at humor. Perhaps it was just the stress of the situation playing tricks on his mind. The mysteries of Phantom's Land had already proven to be more profound than anyone had anticipated, and the recent events had taken a toll on everyone.
"Yeah, yeah, you got me again," Ethan said, trying to shake off the lingering unease. "Just take it easy, alright? We all need some time to process everything that happened."
"Yeah….Process…."
Chapter 293 - Aftermath (2)
In the middle of the Phantom's Land, Irina, Astron, and Sylvie were facing Eleanor.
"So, you are saying you know what happened here?" Eleanor asked. After the initial chaos and confusion passed, everything started falling into order. The students, who were outside of the town and critically injured, were found by the instructors and urgently formed student teams.
Following that, the help from the government and the closest city came as well. Now the situation was controlled, and Eleanor could have a breather since the officials and the vice-headmaster were also here.
At least that was what she thought, but well, life never played as she wished. And now she had heard one of the strongest claims of the recent three days.
"Yes, that is right, Instructor," Irina replied, keeping her composure in front of Eleanor's stern face. After all, she had her own experience of being in front of strong people, considering her mother. So, she was rather relaxed.
As for Astron, inwardly, he was also relaxed. Even though his relationship with Eleanor wasn't as good as others, recently, she hadn't been picking on him that much. It could even be said that she forgot about his existence completely.
And that meant, rather than negative, her opinion somehow naturally became neutral.
Though, Sylvie was a little different. She was a little shaky while standing in front of Eleanor since what had happened here meant talking about her powers. However, she was also well aware that they needed to report this matter as the scale of what happened here was way too big, and eventually, many experts were going to be involved in this matter one way or another.
Thus, Astron had advised her to at least explain it to the academy, as he was well aware that the academy knew about Sylvie's awakening, and they could better find a way to conceal it from the government.
Eleanor scrutinized Irina's expression, her eyes narrowing as she awaited a detailed explanation. Irina, with a calm demeanor, began narrating the events from the beginning.
"It started when we were exploring the Phantom's Land. Everything seemed normal initially, but as we delved deeper, I lost consciousness at some point, and when I woke up, the situation had escalated."
Eleanor's gaze remained fixed on Irina, studying her reactions and the nuances in her story. Irina, however, kept her composure, recounting the events with precision.
"During the chaos, Sylvie was the one who pulled me out of that distorted state. At that moment, I regained my consciousness and control over my actions. The awakening was a significant factor in neutralizing the threat within the Phantom's Land."
Eleanor's brow furrowed slightly as Sylvie was mentioned. She shifted her attention to the third member of the group. She seized Sylvie from head to toe, but she didn't show much reaction on this part.
Eleanor's brow furrowed slightly as she shifted her attention to the third member of the group.
"Sylvie, care to explain your part in this?" Eleanor prompted.
Aston analyzed her reaction as he looked into Eleanor's face. There, he could see one important thing.
'She wants to make it seem like Academy wasn't well aware of Sylvie's abilities.'
It made sense since if Sylvie knew the academy was well aware of her powers, she might get wary of them.
'She is also probably testing her awareness.'
This situation could also prove a good indication for future events where Sylvie needed to navigate through to hide her specialty for her own sake.
Sylvie, feeling a bit uneasy, took a deep breath before speaking. "Yes, Instructor. When Irina lost consciousness, I could somehow sense her presence within the distorted realm. It was as if a part of her was trapped in a different plane. After sensing, I used my mana to reach out to her and pull her back."
Eleanor's expression became more serious as Sylvie continued her explanation. She realized the significance of Sylvie's involvement in stabilizing the situation and how much her powers were used. She was sorting her thoughts to report to the chairman.
"Irina's awakening within the Phantom's Land was crucial in preventing a potential disaster. It allowed us to tackle the threat and eventually neutralize it," Sylvie added.
Eleanor nodded thoughtfully, piecing together the information she received. Yet, at the same time, she couldn't help but narrow her eyes.
"Why hadn't you chosen to wake up some other instructors?"
Sylvie hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing her words. "Instructor, I… I didn't have much control over the situation. It felt instinctive, like an impulse. Irina was the one I sensed most prominently, and it felt urgent to bring her back. I wasn't aware of the full scope of what was happening."
Eleanor continued to scrutinize Sylvie's response, searching for any signs of deception. The delicate balance between concealing Sylvie's true capabilities and ensuring her cooperation in the future was crucial.
"It's understandable," Eleanor acknowledged, her tone neutral. "Given the circumstances, your actions were commendable. However, be mindful of your abilities and their implications. We will discuss this matter further during the debriefing at the academy."
Sylvie nodded, relieved that her explanation seemed to satisfy Eleanor.
Astron, however, couldn't help but notice the careful dance of words and intentions taking place.
'She is saying this to Sylvie so that in the future, she can take this as a ground for academic perceptiveness. This will most likely be an attempt to lower her guard and make her more reliant on the academy. After all, if Sylvie thinks the academy is easy to fool, she will act more carelessly, revealing more.'
Eleanor was a seasoned instructor, adept at handling delicate situations, and she was subtly guiding the narrative. Astron inwardly praised her for how she managed to control her words.
"Then….What happened after that?" Eleanor turned her attention to Irina and Astron, looking directly into their eyes. She had a hunch that these two were at the center of events now. "And, how were you able to wake Astron up, and why did you choose him?"
Irina took a deep breath before explaining, meeting Eleanor's gaze steadily.
"After Sylvie brought me back, I found myself near our bungalow. Astron was still unconscious inside, and we couldn't wake him up through conventional means since Sylvie didn't have any sufficient mana left inside herself.
Therefore, I thought of using a spell called 「Phantasmal Transfer」 to use it to reach Astron's dream and bring him back."
Eleanor nodded, absorbing the information. Her focus shifted between Irina and Astron, a silent acknowledgment of the significance of the unfolding events.
Irina continued, "As for why we chose Astron, he was the lowest rank in proximity. With Sylvie's mana, we have observed that lower-ranking individuals were easier to pass through, and we thought it would be a quicker and more efficient way to bring him back since more mind would be better than zero."
Of course, what she had said wasn't all true. There were many lies mixed in there, yet this was a more logical response. After all, Astron himself had purposefully handled this part of the speech.
Eleanor's gaze shifted between Irina and Astron, a subtle hint of amusement playing in her eyes. "Better than zero, you say? Well, I wouldn't be so sure of that," she remarked, her words laced with a hint of sarcasm as she threw a quick glance at Astron. His response was a nonchalant shrug, seemingly unfazed by her comment.
The tension in the air eased as Eleanor chuckled, acknowledging the complexities of the relationships within the academy. "Well, regardless of rank, you managed to bring him back successfully. Impressive, Irina. Using a spell-like 「Phantasmal Transfer」 is no small feat, especially considering its high ranking."
Astron could sense the underlying tone of surprise and acknowledgment in Eleanor's words. Irina's proficiency in magic and her quick thinking were earning her commendation even from someone like Eleanor, whose praise was sparingly given.
Eleanor's squinty remained undiminished as she continued to take notes about their explanations. She needed to listen to everything they had said first to report the authorities, especially the headmaster.
"Then, what happened next? How did you two manage to solve the problem, and what was the source of this disturbance?" Eleanor inquired, her stern gaze focusing on Irina.
Irina met Eleanor's gaze, and for a moment, her eyes darted to Astron before she continued her explanation. "After waking Astron up, we quickly assessed the situation. With both of us awake and alert, we realized it was nearing the time when Phantoms usually go berserk. Astron and I have good senses, and we sensed an abnormal convergence of energy spreading across the Phantom's Land."
Astron nodded, confirming her statement. Then he spoke for the first time. "It was a distinctive surge in energy, not typical for this region. We knew something was off, and with Irina's capabilities and my combat experience, we decided to investigate immediately."
Eleanor listened attentively, her stern expression hinting at a sense of approval for their proactive approach. "Continue."
"We started tracing the energy surge to a cavern. Yet, tracing wasn't easy. Countless different phantoms blocked our way, and we had a hard time breaking through their barricade."
"Hmm…." Eleanor nodded thoughtfully. "This makes sense, considering the phantoms most likely obeyed whatever the reason for this state was."
"This was what we thought as well, but thankfully, since I and I had been on the same team from the start of the semester, we coordinated quite well and managed to break the horde."
Irina continued with the narrative, "Once we reached the cavern, I sensed the overwhelming energy of the enemy within. It was much stronger compared to the phantoms we had encountered before. At that moment, I made a quick judgment that the enemy might be too formidable for Astron to handle alone."
Astron interjected, "Irina decided that I should guard the cavern entrance to prevent more phantoms from interfering while she faced the enemy inside. I was able to sense the energy inside and noticed that it was the only logical decision."
Eleanor nodded, understanding the tactical decision, yet she was still impressed. Considering Irina's past behavior, she rather thought she would barge in.
'She changed….But, still…The idea must have come from him.'
Yet, even then, Eleanor was no stranger that Astron did have a good sense of awareness and leadership. Especially in such situations since she had analyzed and graded his previous dungeon explorations.
"A wise choice to divide your roles based on your strengths. Continue."
"As I entered the cavern, I encountered a demon inside, conducting a ritual of some sort. It seemed recently awakened and lost control, causing the disturbance in the Phantom's Land. At least, this is what I suspect."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow at the mention of a demon. "A demon in the Phantom's Land? "
"Yes. It was a demon."
"I see."
"The battle with the demon was fierce, but I was able to defeat it with my abilities," Irina finished, her tone reflecting the intensity of the encounter."
"That's highly unusual. We'll need to investigate the circumstances of its presence here. What happened after defeating the demon?"
Astron continued, "The demon's defeat triggered an explosive reaction, leading to the collapse of the Phantom's Land's whole phenomenon. Yet, we were unable to immediately return back since we had already exhausted ourselves to the maximum."
"I see." Eleanor nodded, piecing together the sequence of events. "Your actions have averted a potential disaster, but the appearance of a demon raises questions about the stability of the Phantom's Land. We'll need to conduct a thorough investigation. Thank you both for your detailed report. I will ensure that the academy takes appropriate measures in light of this incident. You are dismissed."
Chapter 294 - Aftermath (3)
"Are you happy now?"
Entering the bungalow, Irina asked, looking at me.
"I am satisfied."
I replied. This whole thing went just as we had expected. Irina had taken the credit for defeating the demon while Sylvie also played her role correctly.
Of course, she didn't do it perfectly, but it was still within my expectations. In any case, this whole thing was somehow disturbing, and I had yet to have alone time to check the things I needed to do.
After everyone lost their consciousness and we all somehow entered that dreamlike state, things progressed very differently compared to the game.
'This whole thing will change the future a lot.'
Even if the things were different from the game and the knowledge from it wasn't completely reliable, it was somehow acceptable to some extent.
Yet, this whole Phantom's Land incident is much more of a scale different from others.
With Belthazor's disappearance, many things will change.
'Well, it is not that important.'
Even if the events are not predictable, at the very least, there is some other information that wouldn't be changed.
"Oh….Our prince is satisfied. Should we cut a cake?"
Irina's sarcasm laced her words, but I merely shrugged it off. Now, I was not in the mood.
"Tch."
And sometimes, mere gestures would prove to be a better answer than any words.
"Umm…." At that moment, Sylvie interjected, looking at me. "What will happen from now on?"
It seemed she was still slightly insecure about how the academy would react to her explanations.
"They will probably wait for a while until the investigation is finished. If what we have told them matches with their findings, they will make it official."
I replied. I had already explained this to her, but knowing Sylvie, it was understandable that she would react in such a manner.
Sylvie threw me a quick glance before turning her attention to me and asking, "W-Will my name be on the papers?"
Her voice was a little shaky, yet from her body language, it wasn't that hard to see that she was rather feeling excited.
'I guess this will be her first time.'
Sometimes, I tended to nearly forget that Sylvie came from a rather small village as well. In a sense, she was also one of the most common people, yet at the same time, she was the future Saintess.
'One really can't understand the world.'
Just as I was thinking to myself, Irina, with an amused smile, couldn't resist chiming in. She grabbed Sylvie's cheeks, saying, "Oh, Sylvie, you're so cute when you're innocent."
Sylvie, clearly embarrassed by the attention, averted her gaze shyly. I couldn't help but feel a slight feeling at their interaction.
'They became rather close.'
It was a lot different before compared to how Irina and Sylvie were in the previous tests. Irina was a rather stiff and fiery girl, so outsiders most likely had a hard time interacting with her for the first time. And Sylvie was not someone with an incredibly high self-esteem like Julia either.
'Then, I guess Irina is getting better at reading the room.'
Irina's teasing and Sylvie's modest reactions created a dynamic that was oddly endearing, but at the same time, it could be explained as her attempt to relieve Sylvie.
Irina reassured Sylvie, "Yes, your name will likely be mentioned. You played a crucial role in all this, Sylvie."
After witnessing their playful interaction, I felt that it was a good time to leave. As the atmosphere lightened, I decided to take advantage of the situation.
"I think I need some rest," I declared, feeling the weight of the recent events and the mental strain from unraveling the mysteries of Phantom's Land.
Irina looked at me for a moment, and then, with a nonchalant tone, she said, "Sure. Do whatever you want."
I nodded in acknowledgment, appreciating the permission she gave. Following that, I entered my room and closed the door.
'Finally, I have some alone time.'
I thought. From the moment I had finished Belthazor, I knew something inside me had changed.
No, even before that, from the moment I had woken up from that dreamlike state, I knew for a fact that I felt different.
It was as if something inside me felt more complete than anything else, and I knew that something definitely had changed.
'Status.'
Following that, I called the status window in my head, and instantly, the long-awaited panel appeared right before me.
------------------------------------------
▶Name: Astron Natusalune
▶Occupation: Weapon Master (level 2 --> 3)
▶Talent Limit: 7.5 --> 9
▶Passives:
- Vengeful Bane
- Bloodline Resonance
- Psychic Cognizance
▶Attributes:
Variable Attributes:
Strength: 3.25 --> 3.57
Dexterity: 3.90 --> 4.17
Agility: 4.20 --> 4.49
Constitution: 3.25 --> 3.57
Intuition: 4.35 --> 4.64
Magical Power: 4.65 --> 4.97
Mana Capacity: 3.65 --> 3.90
▶Traits:
- Perceptive Insight (Epic)(Unchanging)
- Lunar Enigma (????) (Growth Type) (Stage 1)
- Shadowborne (Legendary) (Growth Type)(Stage 1 --> 2)
▶Arts:
- Lethal Arsenal Ascendancy (????)(%22 --> 29)
▶Skills:
- Eyes of Hourglass
▶Body Imprints:
▶Bonds:
- Aurora Raven (Rare)(Growth Type)
- Celestalith, The Transcendent Eclipse
--------------------------------
I observed the changes in my status window meticulously, each line unveiling new information about the transformation I had undergone.
The details unfolded like a map of my newfound capabilities and potential.
'Hmm….The Weapon Master's level increased once again.'
That meant the advancements in my occupational prowess. The Weapon Master class had ascended to level 3, signifying a deeper understanding of weaponry.
'That was the feeling of grasp? It is rather interesting.'
For the first time in a while, I, for some reason, felt interested in how the status window worked. In a sense, I could feel like this change was the feeling I got after waking up from that dreamlike state.
'Was it because of the parallel world? What even happened?'
I could sense the potential for more profound mastery over a broader array of weapons, making me a more diverse force. It was hard to understand the reason completely, but some questions were bound to be non-answerable.
Yet, aside from the weapon master, my talent limit also increased.
'This increase is quite high.'
Considering how hard it was for any awakened to increase their talent limits, I knew there was no way this was because I had beaten Belthazor.
No matter how good of a passive skill [Vengeful Bane] was, every passive skill had its limits to some extent, and they were in no way strong enough to be remarked as game changers most of the time.
Thus, I doubted the increase in my talent limit came from the passive.
'Most likely the result of that state as well.'
It seemed that whatever happened was quite significant. I tried to recall it, but once again, I was not that successful at all.
However, that wasn't the end. In front of me stood another passive skill, a new one.
'Psychic Cognizance, huh? What a weird name.'
I thought as I opened the description of the passive.
-------------------------
Passive: Psychic Cognizance
Description: Upon recent triumph over a demonic adversary, the user, Astron Natusalune, has unlocked a new passive skill known as Psychic Cognizance. This innate ability empowers him with a heightened understanding of psychic magic, souls, and the intricacies of the mind.
Effect: The user's mind becomes attuned to the subtle currents of psychic energy, allowing him to comprehend psychic phenomena with remarkable clarity and depth. This newfound cognitive acuity extends to the realm of souls and the complexities of the mind, enabling him to grasp related concepts and intricacies more rapidly and with enhanced detail.
Benefits:
Psychic Mastery: The user gains an intuitive grasp of psychic magic, facilitating quicker learning and mastery of psychic abilities.
Soul Insight: The User's understanding of souls deepens, allowing him to perceive and analyze the nuances of soul-related energies and phenomena.
Mindful Precision: When dealing with matters of the mind, the User's cognitive prowess enables him to unravel complexities and discern patterns with heightened efficiency.
Manifestations:
Enhanced Psychic Sensitivity: The User's senses become finely tuned to psychic energies, allowing him to detect and interpret psychic phenomena in his surroundings.
Soulbound Clarity: The intricacies of souls reveal themselves more vividly to the user, aiding him in interactions with soul-based entities and phenomena.
Mental Alacrity: The speed at which the user comprehends and processes information related to the mind accelerates, providing him a distinct advantage in mental engagement.
Note: As with all passive skills, the effectiveness of Psychic Cognizance will further evolve and grow as the user continues his journey, delving deeper into the realms of psychic magic, souls, and the mysteries of the mind.
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The revelation of the new passive skill, Psychic Cognizance, intrigued me.
'Interesting. Was it because Belthazor had a Psychic Attribute?'
I asked myself. If that was the case, that would make sense that [Vengeful Bane] had provided me with a new passive regarding its attribute. Even though I wasn't able to test it before, I had my hypothesis regarding this, and it seemed it was true.
But, the new passive's effects were far-reaching, enhancing my understanding of psychic magic, souls, and the complexities of the mind.
'Is it related to the strength of the enemy?' That completely made sense. If the enemy was stronger, the more power I could rip off them as a percentage. It seemed the math worked as a percentage for [Vengeful Bane].
Adding the note about the effectiveness evolving and growing with further exploration of psychic magic, souls, and the mysteries of the mind hinted at the untapped potential.
'It seems my main focus of magic in the future is determined.'
I was already considering using magic as a means of utility rather than combat since, in terms of combat, I wasn't lacking in any means. But this gave me a bigger motivation now.
Coming into my variable attributes, the increase was normal.
'My normal training and the stats I had absorbed from Belthazor only turned such an increase, huh?' ((N1))
If my stats were to increase just as previously every time, I would be the strongest at some point, yet passive skills had their limits, just as I had explained. Therefore, it was most likely to stay like this in the future as well.
'But, I think I can increase my lacking strength and endurance more now. For some reason, I feel like those parts of my talent limit had increased, though I have no way of confirming it.' ((N2))
However, out of all those, there was one that had somehow become different from usual. At least, it's different from how it used to be.
'[Dash] disappeared.'
My skill [Dash] had disappeared. Such cases were not normal and rarely happened. For a skill to disappear, there were two different reasons.
One, an external force sealed the skill somehow or had stolen it.
Two, the skill had merged into another [Skill] or [Trait].
If the first tone were to happen, that awakened would most likely be in danger, and as for the second one, that meant their skill was strengthened.
Looking at it from my position, the second one seemed to be the case since [Shadowborne] had also increased its stage.
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Trait: Shadowborne (Stage 2)
The user had met the conditions to advance to the second stage.
Conditions:
- Spatial Understanding
- Understanding of Mobility
- Understanding of Shadows
Description: Astron Natusalune's innate trait, Shadowborne, has evolved to Stage 2, unlocking the extraordinary ability known as Umbral Step.
This advancement signifies a profound mastery over manipulating shadows, enhancing Astron's mobility and opening the gateway to seamless teleportation through shadowy realms.
Umbral Step: With the newfound mastery of Shadowborne Stage 2, the user gains the ability to execute Umbral Step. This remarkable skill allows him to teleport short distances through shadows, enabling swift and strategic movement.
By seamlessly traversing between shadows, Astron can disappear from one location and reappear in another, introducing an element of surprise to his maneuvers and facilitating both offensive and defensive strategies.
Integration with Dash Skill: The disappearance of the Dash skill from Astron's stats is a result of the synergy between Umbral Step and Dash. While the Dash skill no longer appears separately, Astron retains the ability to move at double speed, maintaining the swift bursts of movement characteristic of Dash.
This integration allows for a seamless combination of traditional swift movements and teleportation through shadows, providing Astron with a versatile and dynamic set of mobility skills.
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As I looked into the panel, everything seemed to fit in my head.
'The spatial attribute from Belthazor merged with [Shadowborne] and improved it to the second stage. That means, for me to advance in my traits, I need to somehow increase my understanding of the next stage, without knowing about it…..'
In the game, if you want to improve your character, you need to spend your character points. Yet, the real world is a lot different from it.
But, then, there was no use in complaining….
After all, all of these improvements were quite insane…..
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N1: The increase also shows the results from his training
N2: For talent limit, every stat has its own limits for each individual, and their average is shown on the status window.
Chapter 295 - Aftermath (4)
–I see. So, that is what happened here?"
"Yes, that is exactly what the three students exclaimed."
Inside the now-changed office of the Phantom's Land, Eleanor faced the hologram right in front of her face. With the removal of Phantom's Land's conditions, she could utilize any type of mana artifact just as she wished.
The first thing she did after getting the testimony from Irina and the others was to contact the headmaster about what they needed to do.
–Hmm….Things got a little troublesome here…"
The headmaster's voice echoed from the artifact, seemingly troubled.
–With the involvement of a demon, we can no longer hide this case as we wish." He continued his words.
"Then, what shall we do?" Eleanor asked. She had been getting pressured by Mage Towers, the Hunter Association, and the government. Thus, she was getting a little restless as well.
All three were interested in what happened in Phantom's Land. Mage Tower was undoubtedly interested in the phenomenon itself, while the other two were interested in what transpired exactly.
The Phantom's Land was something that had been bothering the government for quite a long while, as it was akin to a bomb that could explode at any moment.
In the past, countless different cases where such phenomena had caused a disaster out of nowhere without any warnings.
Thus, it was undoubtedly important for the government and its safety.
–Hmm….." The headmaster hummed, seemingly thinking about it.
–If we go completely identical to their testament, it will be a lot harder for us to hide student Sylvie's powers." And he spoke.
The fact that Sylvie had been in the middle of many different incidents and her prowess was already gaining quite a bit of attention from the authorities.
Despite the fact that the headmaster was trying his best to keep the information within the walls of the academy, there were undoubtedly many personnel who weren't completely under his control.
Different factions existed in the academy, even now, and they were likely keeping tabs on this incident.
"Then, should we reveal that she wasn't affected by the spell?"
–We can do that…..I will handle it."
"Understood."
Just like that, the call was finished.
*******
The headmaster, using the mana artifact, initiated a holographic communication with the government officials.
–Headmaster Jonathan."
From the hologram, a cold voice echoed, facing the imposing figure of the headmaster in his own room.
–We wish to know what happened inside the Phantom's Land."
Headmaster Jonathan inclined his head respectfully as he addressed the government officials through holographic communication.
"Of course, Minister Veridian, Director Harlow, and General Thornfield. I appreciate your swift response to this matter. Allow me to provide a comprehensive overview of the events that transpired within the Phantom's Land."
Minister Veridian, the head of the Department of Magical Affairs, scrutinized the holographic image with a stern expression. Director Harlow, responsible for Supernatural Anomaly Investigations, maintained a neutral demeanor. General Thornfield, overseeing Paranormal Defense Forces, observed the proceedings with a keen eye.
"As we delved into the Phantom's Land, unforeseen magical anomalies occurred, resulting in a critical situation. Student Sylvie, possessing unique healing abilities, played a pivotal role in mitigating the immediate threats to her fellow students, Irina and Astron."
The headmaster proceeded to narrate the version carefully constructed to divert attention from Sylvie's true capabilities.
"However, due to the extensive use of her powers, Sylvie experienced a temporary loss of consciousness. Rest assured, we have taken measures to ensure her well-being, and she is currently under observation by our medical staff."
Minister Veridian interjected, –Headmaster Jonathan, we understand the need to protect our 'students.' However, the presence of a magical anomaly within the Phantom's Land is a matter of great concern. Can you provide details on the origin and nature of this anomaly?"
The headmaster maintained his composed demeanor as he responded, "Our preliminary investigation suggests that the magical anomaly was an internal disturbance within the Phantom's Land itself. It was not caused by external entities or influences. Our experts are conducting a thorough analysis to understand the specifics of this unique occurrence."
Headmaster Jonathan continued his narrative, addressing the government officials with a tone of candor and transparency.
"The origin of the magical anomaly within the Phantom's Land is currently under investigation. Early assessments lead us to suspect that the manifestation of the Phantom's Land itself may have been influenced by the presence of a demon."
He took a moment to gauge their reactions before elaborating further.
"According to the firsthand accounts of students Irina Emberheart and Astron Natusalune, after waking up within the Phantom's Land, they sensed a powerful energy converging into a specific space. Following this energy, they encountered a demon conducting a ritual of some sort."
Minister Veridian's expression grew more serious while Director Harlow furrowed her brow in contemplation. General Thornfield maintained his stoic demeanor, awaiting more details.
"Student Irina Emberheart engaged in a battle with the demon and successfully defeated it. The subsequent collapse of the Phantom's Land was triggered by the defeat of the demon, resulting in the dissipation of the magical anomaly."
The headmaster chose his words carefully, emphasizing the students' role in averting a potential catastrophe while downplaying the involvement of external entities.
As he finished his words, all three officials fell into silence for a second, and following that, Minister Veridian turned his attention to the other two, Director Harlow and General Thornfield.
–Do you have any words about this?" And he asked.
–I don't." General Thornfield was the first one to respond. Since he had already been notified by the investigation team, he was sent to Phantom's Land. "Just as the Headmaster recounted, our investigation team also reported the existence of the demonic energy in the cavern, where the energy was the most potent."
General Thornfield continued his explanation, addressing Minister Veridian's inquiry with a composed demeanor.
–Traces of fire magic were found throughout the cavern, indicating a confrontation had taken place. The body of the demon was located, burnt beyond recognition."
He paused momentarily before providing further details.
–Our analysis indicated that the demon attempted to flee the scene, but it was intercepted and defeated by student Irina Emberheart. The utilization of fire magic in the confrontation aligns with the findings in the cavern. We also obtained confirmation from Matriarch Emberheart, who identified the magical signature as belonging to the Emberheart family."
General Thornfield exchanged a glance with Director Harlow, emphasizing the cohesion between their reports and the information provided by the academy.
"Everything reported by student Irina Emberheart and the other two students matches the evidence we found in the cavern. The demon's attempt to escape and subsequent demise align with the sequence of events described by the students. It appears they played a crucial role in neutralizing the threat within the Phantom's Land."
Minister Veridian, though still stern, nodded in acknowledgment. "Director Harlow, do you have anything to add to this assessment?"
Director Harlow, maintaining her neutral expression, responded, "Minister Veridian, General Thornfield's report accurately summarizes our findings. The students' accounts and the evidence collected align, indicating a successful resolution of the situation within the Phantom's Land. We will continue our investigations to ensure a complete understanding of the anomaly and its origins."
At that point, Minister Veridian interjected, his face turning serious. "Director Harlow, General Thornfield, I appreciate your diligence in this matter. However, effective immediately, this matter shall no longer be investigated any further. The case is to be closed."
Director Harlow appeared surprised by the abrupt decision and questioned, "Minister Veridian, may I inquire about the reason behind such a directive? The anomaly within the Phantom's Land and the involvement of a demon raise concerns about our security protocols. Closing the investigation prematurely may leave crucial questions unanswered."
Minister Veridian's expression remained stern, and he offered no explanation. "Director Harlow, the details of this incident, particularly the involvement of a demon, must be kept hidden. Any further investigation into this matter is to cease immediately. No questions asked. The government deems it necessary to suppress certain information for the greater good."
Director Harlow persisted, "Minister Veridian, understanding the potential risks is essential for ensuring the safety of our jurisdiction. Closing the investigation without a clear reason compromises our ability to address vulnerabilities and protect our citizens, as well as to find possible ways to fight with the demons."
Minister Veridian's tone became more authoritative, "Director Harlow, this is not open for discussion. The government has made its decision. Cease the investigation and ensure that this information does not reach any unauthorized individuals."
He then turned his attention to the headmaster, "Headmaster Jonathan, you are to contact the three students involved in this incident immediately. They are to be informed that the details of what transpired within the Phantom's Land must remain a closely guarded secret. Failure to comply will result in the application of Valerian Clause 29.
The government will not tolerate any breach of confidentiality, and traitorous actions will be dealt with accordingly."
With that ultimatum, Minister Veridian concluded the holographic communication, leaving the headmaster on his own inside his room.
"Just as expected from them….Rotten bastards…."
The headmaster shook his head, looking at the sky. "The future of the humanity seems to be bleak…."
He couldn't help but think to himself as his arms and legs were bound to one place and could only gain this much time.
"Let's hope the future generations can fight whatever is to come."
With those, he changed the contact of the hologram and contacted Eleanor White.
******
Following the day everyone woke up, life in the ex-Phantom's Land returned to normal immediately.
Most students were waking up like they normally used to, as their injuries were all healed. Miraculously or not, not a single life had been lost in this incident.
Even though some students were in serious condition after they had been unconscious against the phantoms, they were still in the scope of being able to be saved. Therefore, the academy had certainly gotten over a very possible disaster.
Yet, one girl wasn't happy with what she had heard from Professor Eleanor.
"We need to keep the appearance of Demon secret? After all of the things that happened, they dared to ask that?"
She certainly had every right to be angry about it. After all, they had risked their lives to combat that demon only to keep its identity hidden.
"Tch. So annoying."
And that was the reason why she had woken up in such a bad mood. She wanted to burn something so bad at that moment, yet she remembered that she was not alone right now.
'Yeah, that guy and Sylvie are here. I shouldn't probably do that.'
Deciding that she needed to get some fresh air, Irina stood from her bed and got out with her pajamas.
Irina stepped out of her room, and in an instant, the tantalizing aroma of a delicious meal wafted through the air, instantly diverting her thoughts.
The scent was so captivating that it cut through her annoyance, leaving her intrigued. Irina followed the inviting aroma with her eyes, only to see the 'that guy' in front of the stove, stirring a pan with practiced ease. The enticing fragrance filled the room, and Irina found herself momentarily forgetting her earlier discontent.
'Yeah…He could cook, I forgot.'
Even though it had just been two days, she couldn't help but feel like everything that had transpired had been longer than that.
Irina watched from the side as Astron, calm and composed, worked on the stove, the tantalizing aroma of a delicious meal enveloping the room. The rhythmic clatter of utensils against the pan seemed almost like a soothing melody. It was a surprising sight, given his typically stoic demeanor.
As she stood there, captivated by the culinary spectacle, Astron's purple eyes met hers. Irina stiffened, momentarily caught off guard. Despite the unexpected eye contact, she managed to compose herself.
"Morning," she greeted, her voice a tad more subdued than usual.
Astron turned his attention from the stove, meeting her gaze with a nod. "Morning," he replied calmly, his tone devoid of the tension from their previous conversation. The air in the room felt different—more relaxed.
'Isn't he angry about that? He had defeated the demon, yet they want him to keep it secret.'
Irina found herself caught in a strange mix of irritation and curiosity.
"I am not mad."
At that moment, his voice echoed.
"What?"
And Irina couldn't help but be surprised.
'Can he read minds now?'
"It is all over your face."
"Really?"
"Yes. You should work on your expressions."
"…..I think it is you with abnormal eyes…."
"That might be true."
"It is definitely true."
"If you say so."
Just as Irina continued to talk with him without any purpose or whatever, she couldn't help but think.
'For which reason do I feel calmer when I am with him?'
Yet, she couldn't find the answer to that at all, and just like that, the trip to the Phantom's Land had ended as all the students were returned to the academy.