《Gunner In A World Of Magic: A Progression Fantasy LitRPG》 1. The Prelude Darkness. It was the sensation that consumed him, creating an all-encompassing void. A suffocating darkness engulfed and threatened to devour him; it felt like he had fallen into an abyss of thick goo. All his senses felt heavy and muffled, and an acrid, nauseating odor assaulted his nose. Haah! He took a deep breath like he had just awoken from a sudden nightmare. His heart thundered in his chest like a trumpet, and he could feel his high blood pressure as clear as day. Murmur, murmur. He heard the sound of distant mumblings. He could barely make it out but instinctively discerned the voices were laced with confusion. It felt like his whole body was underwater, the voices sounding muffled and low-pitched. Haah! He took another long breath and suddenly felt his whole body loosen, his blood flow returning to normal, and the dark world finally subsiding. Bright daylight assaulted his vision, making him instinctively clench his eyelids and cover his eyes with his hand, slowly letting the brightness settle in as he looked around himself with a muddled expression. What he saw didn''t answer the many questions he had in his mind. People around him, primarily of his age but in various body shapes, sizes, and ethnicities, carried the same look he probably had on his face- full of confusion, anxiousness, and sheer dread. What''s going on? Where am I? He thought to himself, but there was no one to answer his questions. As the senses of his body returned, a shiver ran through his body, and he glanced down to find his bare feet resting on a cold, metallic surface. The metal beneath his soles felt foreign and unfamiliar; it was a material that had constant waves of light pulsating through it, almost as if it were alive.. The large stadium-like area was made out of this particular metal, and everyone around him stood on it. Soon, a circular stadium formed around them, tall walls made from the same silvery material beneath their feet. His eyes darted to the top of these walls, and what he saw surprised him. More people? Indeed, looking down at them, many stood in circular, tier-divided seats. He couldn''t make out their faces, but he could feel a weird sense of dread stemming inside of him as he looked at the eyes of these people reflecting in the sunlight. He couldn''t pinpoint his fears either, but it felt like they were ...appraising goods, deciding the worths of the people inside this overly grandiose stadium. Screech! Just then, a loud noise that felt like the feedback of a microphone being tested resounded through the stadium, making the already confused lot cower in fear from what was happening. "Hello, and welcome to Eldoria, Earth-dwellers," A clear and eloquent voice resounded throughout the stadium, making everyone turn their heads towards its source, "I am Martin, the host for this year''s Eldoria Inauguration Program." Eldoria? What''s that? It was the first time he had heard of such a thing, not to mention that they were being called ''Earth-dwellers.'' It didn''t sit right with him. Something was honestly wrong with this whole situation. Is this an elaborate prank? He mused but immediately shook his head. If it was a prank, this would definitely be on a level that can be considered a crime. "Who are you? Why have I been kidnapped? Answer me right now!" From his left, a youngster with muddy blonde hair and a sharp nose cried out, voicing the thoughts of people who shared his plight. That isn''t the wisest thing to ask in such a situation; it usually ends up badly. However, he grimaced when he heard the youngster. The blonde-haired guy seemed like the type of character that was used to set some sort of example. "Hoho, I am sure you are very confused with the situation you are in right now, but do not worry. No one will hurt you if you obediently listen to my explanation," This time, people could finally see the source of the voice: a middle-aged man in a designer red suit with a golden Monocle placed above his right eye, and a cane with a fancy dragon handle in his left hand. He was the epitome of exquisiteness and elegance, a salesman from a medieval-setting British drama. He adorned an amicable smile, but the impression it gave seemed cold and calculative. "Before I go ahead with any, it''s best that you see some things yourself to make it easier for me to explain," Martin said, as he raised his cane and continued, "First of all, try saying status. In fact, just think of the word." It didn''t take long before some people did it without questioning him, while others hesitated.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Luke Raynott Alignment: Neutral Title: None Class: None Specialty: Instincts of the Weak (Passive) Strength- 4 (Normal) | Agility- 5 (Normal) | Intelligence- 1 (Normal) | Divinity- 0 (Normal) | Luck- 1 (Rare) | Wisdom- 7 (Epic) Skills- None Overall rating- Extremely Disappointing
Luke observed the translucent blue screen in front of him. Like some futuristic hologram, it was highly detailed and realistic. This whole situation has been one strange thing after the other, and even though Luke felt highly weirded out by seeing the game-like status screen in front of him, it was nothing compared to the whole situation that had happened till now. And on top of that, the stats were abysmal, but that was the last of his worries. I am not even disappointed. He tried to convince himself that this might just be a weird dream, a mumbo jumbo of all the weird shit the internet had fed him, but to his dismay, this situation was too realistic. The acrid stench, warm sunlight, the voices around him, and the scene before him were all too realistic to be a dream. Then came the weird man with a cane. His speech was smoothly formulated, and although his words felt as out of context as any other in a dream, they weren''t unrealistic. Luke knew instinctively that this was a strange turn of events; everything happening in front of his eyes was real. His gaze moved from his own status screen to the status screens of the others. He checked them all, one by one, as Martin began to speak again. "What you see in front of you is a ''status screen.'' It''s supposed to show a person''s potential and talent. In this world called Eldoria, Magic and Monsters that you can''t see on Earth exist. Before you, many people have come to Eldoria from Earth," Martin said while he fixed his Monocle with his right hand, "None of you came here willingly, but the great Veridian Empire gives freedom and chances to everyone. Prove your worth, and let the esteemed guests here sponsor you." Martin pointed at the last tier of seats, which were ''rooms'' and not seats. It was like a VIP sitting area in a football stadium. He continued on to briefly let the people know more about this world. He was sympathetic towards them and how the esteemed guests, mainly the big guilds and noble houses, were here to select and sponsor prospective candidates as pre-investment." Although Luke tried to discern as much information as possible and catch on to things, he couldn''t understand everything with such limited knowledge. Not to mention that they had been mass isekai-ed to a different world that lingered in his brain like a fresh wound. But he could still get the gist of the things that Martin said. First, Martin did not summon them here, and neither did anyone else. It was a natural occurrence every year in Eldoria at various locations; a building was prepared around the site to keep the ''newbies'' in check and to ''pre-invest'' in potential candidates that might grow up to be powerful. Why isn''t anyone acting out yet? According to Luke''s vast knowledge of cliches, it was about time one of the newbies started acting out just to be put in his place. "You motherfuckers, what kind of sick joke is this? Do you know who I am? I am the son of James Cairon, a congressman; I can send you all to jail and have your heads hung even if this is some prank¨C" Thud! Splatter! Drip! His angry face rolled on the ground before the blonde-haired youth could even finish his retort. It was his head¡ªwith his face still making an expression as if he was shouting at others with anger and dread. Blood splattered around from his neck as his body fell lifelessly right next to him. Silence. Drip, drip! Only the sound of blood dripping from Martin''s fancy cane could be heard in the eerie silence as he floated in the air. Heuk! The people standing beside the blonde-haired youth fell on their butts, covering their mouths to hold back their screams and the urge to vomit. Ssskk! Luke sucked in cold air into his lungs, feeling his heartbeat rushing like a bullet train as he looked at the situation. He knew someone would get punished; it was to remind everyone else to not question their situation and quietly follow along with what Martin was saying. But he never expected to see someone die, brutally at that. He was too naive in thinking that the punishment would be anything lighter. "Ah, where were we? Yes, the token! Now, please come one by one and touch the tokens to display your status screens for everyone. Otherwise, people can''t see your status screen and hence won''t be able to gauge your potential," Martin said with the same crescent moon smile. Huh? What does he mean people can''t see others'' status screens? Luke couldn''t help but be perplexed. He could see the hundreds of status screens hovering above his vision as clear as day. Is this not the case for everyone? After a few rounds of trial and error, Luke managed to confirm that he was the only one who could see the status screens of others. It was clear now that Martin or the people in the stadium could only see their status screens if someone touched the small red token raised on a circular 10-inch podium. Luke had already confirmed the accuracy of the information he saw compared to the three-story tall screen that appeared when someone touched the red token. That made him realize something dire. I''m the third last when it comes to stats. My stats are absolutely trash. As someone who had played RPG games before, he knew precisely what these stats meant for a playable character, and hence, the realization that his stats were trash took only a short time to come. According to Martin, the ratings in front of the stats were the ''growth potential'' and speed of a person. It confirmed that not only did he have trash stats, but he also had the worst possible growth potential for most of his stats. Even the three people with lower stats than me have higher growth potential! Luke couldn''t help but feel a weird bitterness in his throat. He knew he was nothing special; he always knew that, but the fact that he was abysmally lower than the average person hit his small ego like a truck. The corner of his mouth twitched, a habit he had carried since childhood. He is unable to contain his smile in the face of adversity. It wasn''t that he was unafraid of the events that were playing out in front of him, but that he was so terrified that he didn''t know what else to do than fight it off with a smile. I don''t want to be labeled as trash. Luke decided. He didn''t know how he could avoid such a situation when his whole status screens would be held on display, but he needed to make sure that he stood out positively in one way or another. His instincts were screaming at him to do so. 2. The Continuance "Next!" Martin''s exquisitely mysterious voice rang out, calling forth the next candidate to show their newly discovered ''status screen'' via the small red token on the raised circular podium. The person in question, a meek-looking girl with hazel hair almost covering her face, jerked as she nervously moved forward. This was a reaction Luke had already seen many times in the past two hours or so. The fear stemmed from the fact that they had been transported into a new world and that a person died right after they voiced their displeasure and anger at the situation. I should just go ahead with it. Luke affirmed in his mind. He had been silently observing the situation for the past two hours and had gotten a rough grasp. As weird and unrealistic as the situation was, their new reality was the new planet Eldoria, and it was uncertain if they would ever return to Earth. Martin, who kept talking and showcasing us to the people in the ''higher'' seats and the ''VIP'' rooms, revealed much information through his talks alone. First and foremost, they were ''products''. Although Martin used a fancy term such as ''candidate'', they were being treated and shown like products to the people sitting on the higher seats of the stadium. In comparison, the people in the lower seats just whispered amongst themselves whenever a ''candidate'' showed his status screen. Until now, only ''two'' of these candidates were ''pre-selected''. Ram Rajput and Joshua Ambers. Ram had managed to make a person in the VIP seats move, and Joshua was selected by a person sitting on a higher seat. These two were instantly sent out of the stadium to the people who had ''sponsored'' them. If I were in their seats, I''d have selected these guys too. Luke mused as he looked at the nervous hazel-haired girl before him. By now, he knew exactly what was needed to move the people''s hearts on the higher seats. The girl is definitely going to get selected. Luke had already seen her status window beforehand. There was no way she wasn''t going to get selected. Just then, the nervous girl put her trembling hands on the token, making it jerk as her information popped out for all to witness. Jasmine Lakeshore Alignment: Good (Extreme) Title: None Class: None Specialty: Divine Halo (Passive) Strength- 8 (Normal) | Agility- 10 (Normal) | Intelligence- 14 (Epic) | Divinity- 20 (Legendary) | Luck- 1 (Epic) | Wisdom- 7 (Normal) Skills- Heal, To The Hurt (Passive) Overall rating- Absolute Genius "Oh my my," admiration couldn''t help but slip out of the composed-so-far Martin. Cough! He cleared his throat, "Ahem, dear guests. I''m sure many of you would be willing to sponsor such a splendid candidate. Please take your time and decide," a fierce chattering followed from the audience seats as everyone gaped at Jasmine with various looks and countenances. Some were wary, few were admiring, while many were eyes filled with greed. All in all, almost everyone was showing interest in the girl''s stats, even the people in the VIP seats. "20,000 Sils every academic year," someone from the VIP seats said authoritatively. Although Luke didn''t know the currency of this world, he could guess that the amount was pretty high, considering the audible gasps he heard from the lower audience seats. Jasmine was about 20 times more worth than Raj was ''sold'' for 1200 Sils a year and Joshua for 1000. It was worth mentioning that Raj had two Epic grade stats, and Joshua had Epic grade strength and Rare grade agility. "Uhh¡­" Jasmine, who was already nervous, started quivering uncontrollably as she fidgeted. "25,000 Sils." "27,000 Sils!" "29¡­.." "..." "50,000 Sils!" The intense bidding war closed on 50,000 Sils annually for Jasmine, bringing about a wave of exclamations from the people sitting in lower seats. The person who made the final bid Hmphed loudly as if to tell people how much better they were compared to others. This person was from the higher seats but not the VIP seats. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. === It will soon be my turn. Trepidation gripped Luke''s heart, but he dug his nails into his fists to calm himself down. I''ve done this many times and can do it again just as often, no matter if it''s on Earth or some other planet. More than half of the people had been evaluated so far, and the upcoming turn was his. After Jasmine, almost ten people were ''pre-selected,'' one of them having even higher stat potential than Jasmine. Good thing I''m after that fucker. Talented people were directly big assholes in Luke''s life. He had lost count of the times he almost got fucked over for being the less talented party. All the people behind Luke were still more talented than him, but he was relieved that the more talented ones had already been filtered out before him. The two people with lower growth potential than him had already gone and embarrassed themselves, garnering the audience''s scorn. My stats are even lower than theirs; I have a higher stat potential in the two most ignored stats. Great! Luke couldn''t help but feel bitter, but there was no point in being sour about something that was pre-determined. "Next!" Ah, it''s here. Haah! He felt a large amount of air entering his lungs as he took a huge breath. Straightening his backbone, he confidently walked towards the podium with a smile. Before putting his hands on the small token, Luke surveyed his surroundings one last time as he swung his head left and right as elegantly as he could. And then¨C "My name is Luke Raynott. I promise to work hard and make up for everything I lack, and I can guarantee that I''ll become a huge asset to whoever sponsors me. I''ll be in your care, dear future sponsor," Luke slightly bent his back while putting his right arm over his chest, his eyes faintly closed. He looked like the embodiment of a sincere butler; if only he were wearing one of those black vests, he''d perfectly fit the role. If charisma were a stat, I''d have ranked the highest. Tch. Luke couldn''t help but click his tongue, feeling a bit at a loss. The only thing he was talented at was being a handsome sycophant. His eloquence and decision-making skills were so polished that he became the leader of every group he had ever been a part of back on Earth. Surprise and curiosity flashed in the eyes of the spectators. Even his peers who had accompanied him from Earth were baffled by his actions. Until now, everyone was nervously following the orders, praying not to get ripped apart like the blonde-haired guy. Never in their dreams did they imagine someone bold enough amongst themselves to start spouting introductions in such a situation. The corners of Martin''s mouth curved upward, pleased at the thought of having such a fine ''good'' in his batch. People who could analyze the atmosphere and knew where to speak were highly valued anywhere, as they had the cunning to survive through their wits. "Hmm, now place your hand on the token," Martin cleared his throat and said, pushing his monocle up in expectation. "Gladly," replied Luke, trying to maintain his proud poker face. By now, many in the crowd were convinced that Luke would be a genius, maybe someone better than Jasmine or even Roy, who had two legendary stats. Soon enough, a huge holographic screen appeared above Luke''s head, and all his stats were bare in front of everyone''s eyes. "........." Silence. The expressions on the audience watching the status screen were worth a million Sils. Come on, you don''t have to be so blatant about it. The corners of Luke''s mouth kept twitching, his eyes squinted, and a drop of sweat formed on his forehead. He was trying his best to maintain his charismatic smile in front of thousands of eyes staring at him with disbelief and bafflement. "Pfft¡ª" Finally, after a minute of silence, someone from the lower seats couldn''t help but burst out laughing. Following him, most people in the stadium started snickering and laughing, amused by this unprecedented situation. "The dragon turned out to be a worm; he''s not even a snake. My god, ahahaha." "The way he was acting, I thought he''d be out to conquer the world tomorrow." Puahahah!" A feeling of embarrassment washed over Luke. His embarrassment could be compared to one''s shorts falling during a basketball match when the world was watching. However, it didn''t take him long to hide his displeasure from his face, a bright smile replacing it. He wasn''t foolish enough to think that someone would sponsor him immediately, much less a sponsorship as good as Ram or Joshua. But he was ''setting up the stage'' for the future. His gut feeling was telling him that this wasn''t the end. So he wanted to leave an impression on everyone present here, even if he had to resort to gaining infamy instead of fame. Fame is fame, be it negative or positive. I''ll work my way through it anyway. This wasn''t the first time Luke was faced with such a situation. Sure, his life wasn''t on the line on Earth, but losing hope meant being the same as dead, at least to Luke. Even when he figured out he had nothing particular in him, he had his brain and his tongue that could make or break a situation for him. Most people are born with tongues, but not everyone knows how and where to use them. This was a quote Luke fanatically believed in. "Ah, well. Let us proceed. You can step back. Next!" Martin, an experienced host, didn''t let this small disturbance bother him and swiftly moved to continue with the showcase. Well, I sure hope that did what I wanted it to do. Luke said as he slowly walked back towards the crowd of people who had already been judged. Just then¡ª "50,000 Sils per academic year," a clear, vibrant feminine voice sounded out from one of the VIP rooms. "Huh?" "''HUH?"'' Huh? Luke was equally surprised, just like everyone else. His poker face broke, and it didn''t fix itself this time. The same was true for the composed Martin. "Uh, esteemed guest. I''m extremely sorry, but can you repeat your words?" Martin asked cautiously. No matter how shocked he was, he couldn''t afford to tread carelessly against people from the VIP rooms. "I said 50,000 Sils per year for Luke Raynott. Do not make me repeat myself," This time, the voice sounded a bit annoyed, expressing displeasure. "Ah, yes. Yes. Escort Luke Raynott to the pre-selected gate," Martin didn''t dare to doubt that person''s words again and immediately gave out his orders to his subordinates. "Since when did you start being so clumsy as to forget basic rules? The final bid is only considered the final bid if no¨Cone bids for a minute. Why are you trying to end his bidding right after you received a bid?" a charismatic, old, yet powerful male voice resounded from one of the VIP rooms. This time, no matter how much he tried to wrap his head around the situation, Martin couldn''t understand what was going on, so he ended up blurting, "Pardon?". "60,000 Sils per academic year for Luke Raynott," the aged voice continued provocatively, "That''s my bid." Huh, what the fuck is going on here? Now, Luke couldn''t tell left from right as an infinite amount of confusion shrouded him. The same was true for the other people in the audience. 3. The Class Selection This is awkward. I feel like a fish at a cat convention. Luke couldn''t help but swallow uncomfortably as he wiped the single drop of sweat on his forehead with his sleeves. Darting his eyes around the majestic room, he realized the floor was made of fancy marble. The walls were fancily decorated with flowers and showcased various artworks. There were some swords and blades decorated in the showcase, too. The bulbs that lit up the whole room caught his attention the most. Upon careful observation, he figured they were just stones shining as bright as a bulb and carved in various designs. A row of comfy chairs was neatly placed on the marble floor around a circular glass table. It looked like a large dining room for some reason. Of these tables, precisely sixteen of them were occupied. Tap, tap, tap! Some of these people nervously tapped the ground with their feet, while the others just looked around in apprehension. Only a few people wore relaxed expressions as if they didn''t care about being suddenly thrown into a different world and treated like VIPs. Luke was one of them, of course. He was just as nervous as the guy tapping the floor with his feet but wasn''t anxious enough to show it to the people around him. These were all the people that were ''pre-selected''. Shhkkk! The sound of doors opening could be heard as the last door from the other side of the room slid open, and around twenty people came out from it. One of them was the graceful Martin in his high-class dress, guiding the others inside with a swooning smile. Luke''s body, which was well-trained in making good impressions on people in power, instinctively moved and stood up, and his head lowered slightly, almost like a nod, before his back arched straight, his eyes staring blatantly at the people. Luke''s effort didn''t go to waste as most of the people inside showed a slightly pleased expression. They had never met a lad who knew his etiquettes right. At least not yet. Luke''s presence turned out to be a positive influence on the rest of the group, or so it looked to the sponsors, as the rest of the group followed suit and stood up individually. "Esteemed guests, kindly take your seats beside your sponsored candidates," Martin rubbed his hands with a fawning smile as he guided everyone. Ah, I see now. That''s why the seats beside us were empty. Figuring out the reason behind the gaps in the seat, Luke patiently waited for his sponsor to come and sit beside him. Of course, since they were never exposed until now, Luke was just as clueless as to who his sponsor was, but he remembered to try checking the stats of everyone present. He sneakily moved his eye toward the person at the front, a man who looked to be in his early forties fashioning a goatee and a thin mustache. He had light brown colored hair, the same as Luke''s, and wore a simple black and white suit.
Albert Heisenberg Alignment: Neutral (Gray) Title: Transcendent Duke | ?? Class: The Revering Fist Specialty: ?? Strength- ?? (?) | Agility- ?? (?) | Intelligence- ?? (?) | Divinity- ?? (?) | Luck- ?? (?) | Wisdom- ?? (?) Skills- Roaring Fang | ?? | ?? Overall rating- A Monster Of Fists
"....." Luke immediately averted his eyes when he saw the man fiercely looking at him. Heh! Did he just snicker at me? Luke felt an ominous feeling rising in his heart. Note to self - Do not carelessly check others'' status. He felt his throat dry in an instant just by seeing that man. He did not dare to lift his eyes. "The kids this time sure are funny," Albert expressed in a slightly amused tone, which sounded more threatening than humorous to Luke. Just then, a hand was placed on Albert''s shoulder. "What do you think you''re doing?" an old man came out from behind Albert, glaring at the latter. Albert''s lips and eyes twitched, showing apparent displeasure, but he held it in, "Nothing? I didn''t think we were close enough to put hands on each other''s shoulders, General Garhan." "We certainly are not. So you better control your fierce eyes, lest you end up getting them gouged out," A heavy pressure descended in the whole room as a visible white aura leaked out of the white-haired old man''s body. He looked to be in his sixties, yet he looked full of life and had a threatening atmosphere. "H-haha. Dear guests, let''s stop this. At least for the sake of proceeding with the rules set by his majesty," Martin, who had experience dealing with people like them, mentioned ''His Majesty'' in his sentence, making both people staring daggers at each other calm down. Unhurriedly, the old man named Garhan roughly brushed past Albert as he sat on the seat beside Luke, his arms folded and his eyes closed. "......" Luke silently waited for every one of the sponsors to sit before he sat down, too. Following him, the others sat down, too. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. "Since everyone here has come a long way, you all must be hungry. Let us immediately start with the dinner," Martin clapped his hands lightly, and rows after rows of waiters started rushing into the room in an orderly fashion, dragging trolleys of food and refreshments along with them. Instantly, a sumptuous meal was put before everyone. Why is that chicken so big? And why does it have four wings? Luke couldn''t help but think as he looked at the two-foot-tall roasted chicken placed towards his right. He wanted to believe it was the meat of some sort of ostrich, but the name tag below every dish didn''t let him. Roasted Four Winged Falcon. Right. Luke silently dug his fork into what looked like a sausage and placed it in his mouth. His eyes widened, and a visible surprise could be felt on his face. Why is this so delicious? What is this? He looked at the name tag of the dish he had just eaten. Giant Leopard Crab Sausage. Blankly thinking for a while, he shrugged and broke one of the leg pieces out of the Roasted Four Winged Falcon. Mhmm, I can die in peace now. It tasted so good without even any seasoning. Not only that, he felt his whole body brimming with energy. What kind of steroids are they putting in there? He felt like he should bury that question in his mind. After an hour, when everyone was done with their food and the heavenly refreshments, another wave of silence flowed. By the time Luke ate, he had already sneakily scanned the majority of the people out. It wasn''t a surprise he couldn''t check most people''s information. The most he could see were their names and class; the rest was a questionable mess. "Since everyone is done with the feast, do I have the esteemed guests'' permission to continue with the class placement?" Martin, who seemed to have disappeared, suddenly appeared inside the room and said, his smile still clinging to his face, as if he was born that way. The people in question gave slight nods. This was a vital event for the future of the candidates they have selected. It decided the path that the candidates would be taking in the end. It was done in front of everyone so that they couldn''t hide information from each other regarding the early phases of their selected candidates. It was also a way for the emperor to keep these people with tremendous power in check. As soon as everyone agreed, a wall decorated with paintings and showcases suddenly shook and started sliding up, slowly revealing the large area below them. It was a large room that looked futuristic, brightly lit in blue color, and made out of metal from head to toe. Till now, they have yet to communicate with their candidates. They talked amongst themselves; at least some did, but they had yet to hear anyone talk to the people they had sponsored. Neither did the candidates talk among themselves. "Dear candidates selected by our gracious sponsors, please line up and follow me downstairs," Martin walked towards the newly opened space, his stick making tap sounds every time it touched the ground. Luke hastily grabbed a tissue paper placed in front of him, cleaned his mouth and hands, and stood up. Straightening his t-shirt and trousers, he walked towards Martin. Tch, if I knew I would get transmigrated, I''d have at least worn a suit. He thought sarcastically. The others joined him soon after, and the place they stood slightly shook, acting like an elevator that brought them downstairs. Upon reaching the bottom of the chamber, Luke realized just how vast it was. The walls were pulsating with a blue glow, seemingly made of shimmering stones. He could feel something magical from this whole atmosphere. Translucent, holographic screens were lined up in the air, and glass walls separated various small rooms with the same blue tinge. Martin brought everyone through the middle of it all and stopped in the dead center of the whole area. It was as big as a circular cricket ground. "Now, you''ll be going through a process called class selection. When you touch this Mana Core placed here, it''ll analyze your mana and help you by giving you options to pick from. Make a wise decision when selecting a class," Martin said, and as soon as he saw the confused expressions on the faces of the candidates, he continued, "Don''t worry. You can consult with your sponsor before picking a class." Everyone sighed in relief. The whole situation was confusing, and if they kept getting thrown into situations where they didn''t understand the explanation, they thought they''d go even crazier. "Now then, Roy Porter, put your hands on the mana crystal and let its energy flow into your body," Martin guided as Roy placed his hands on it. Minutes passed, and Nothing happened. "Is it supposed to take this long?" Roy''s overly sincere voice, covered in a layer of anxiousness, sounded. Looking confused, Martin shook his head and said, "No, it doesn''t. There must be something¨C" Before he could finish his words, the colossal mana core that was almost colorless started shining with a golden light. It was so bright that everyone momentarily covered their eyes with their hands.
Please choose a class from the following options. Sword Apostle Bow Apostle Spear Apostle Midnight Assassin Night Lancer ¡­¡­.. ¡­ .
And the list went on and on. Gasps could be heard all the way downstairs, and Rose Whitney, the person who had sponsored Roy, couldn''t control her lips from curling upwards. After quite some time, both Roy himself and Rose, his sponsor, decided to go with the Sword Apostle class. Their exchanges revealed that the Sword Apostle class''s final upgrade was a Sword Saint, the absolute being of the sword that once existed in the past and someone that everyone in Eldoria looked up to. Jasmine, who had a fairly long list of available classes, ended up selecting a class that would be a no-brainer for anyone who had ever played RPGs: Holy Maiden. Soon, almost everyone was done. And as if to make Luke further realize his standing, he was the last for class selection. I''ll fuck you up good in the future, Martin. Luke consoled himself, paying no heed to the smug smile on Martin''s face. He knew he wouldn''t get an amazing class like everyone who went before him, but he knew he''d be able to select the best one that suited him. Walking towards the large mana crystal, Luke slowly raised his right hand and placed it on the cold surface of the crystal. It didn''t even take half a second before the available list of classes came out for him.
Please choose a class from the following options. Gunner
"....." Feeling as if there was some mistake, he couldn''t help but instinctively pull his hands out and touch the crystal again. But every time, he saw the same window. After doing the same thing ten times, he finally saw a change in the notification panel.
Please choose a class from the following options. Gunner Gunner
Motherfuc¡ª Luke couldn''t even curse himself inwardly as another bout of laughter directed at him descended from above the chamber. 4. The Meeting Grit! Garhan''s teeth gritted audibly. His face visibly scrunched as he stared daggers at a brown-haired handsome fellow. This good-for-nothing ass-kisser! Garhan could feel his blood pressure rising rapidly, and he felt like he aged a hundred years more just due to looking at this useless guy''s face. His eyes then darted toward the red-haired woman. She had a slender figure, her whole body covered in elegant black clothing with golden embroidery. What highlighted her presence wasn''t her fair and delicate skin or the obsidian-color sword she carried around but her eyes. Her beautiful face looked unblemished, her eyes covered in a thick black blindfold covering half her face. Just that was enough to let people''s minds wander off, thinking about the mystery behind her blindfold. What lay beneath, and why was she concealing her eyes in the first place? However, to Garhan, this mysteriously beautiful woman was nothing more than an eyesore. She was the current head of the Redfern household, Sylvi Redfern. The Redfern house used a katana as its main weapon, well-known for its Delicate Sword Style in the whole Grencefert Continent. Opposing them was the Virendale household, with Garhan Virendale as its current head. While there was only a year''s age gap between Garhan and Sylvi, the latter still retained her youthful appearance, while Garhan looked like an old man, even with all the skin retention and hair loss medicine. Although the prideful Garhan would never accept his complex and instead always one-sidedly bickered with Sylvi regarding everything. From saying that the Verindale family''s two-handed sword method was better than Sylvi''s Delicate Sword Style to snatching the loser she bid on for himself. His inferiority complex towards her knew no bounds. Was she trying to mess with me? Garhan couldn''t help but think as he looked at the laughingstock of today, the candidate he has sponsored. Initially, he planned to get the best candidate from this time''s summoning, no matter how much money he had to spend. But he had never imagined that the Vixen, who had never attended a summoning before, decided to show up. Although he wanted to bid badly on the guy with dual legendary stats, he did not go forward with it. I''ll let you see the greatness of Virendales today was what he had thought back then, getting thrilled just imagining the face she''d make when he steals the person she bids on. What he hadn''t expected was for that old Vixen to have gone senile and bet on some random loser. Granted, he was someone who had shown exceptional adaptability, but what mattered the most in this world was inadvertently stats. Everything else was just a bonus, not the main focus. Not to mention, Garhan hated slithery bastards who only knew how to talk the most. Her directly offering 50,000 Sils a year for such a dud was already suspicious, but Garhan''s ego didn''t let him back off as he bid more. Even that Jasmine girl was auctioned for 50,000 Sils. How does this dud deserve 50,000 as a starting bid? Garhan held back his displeasure and kept bidding, but the bid surprisingly stopped at 85,000 Sils a year. For comparison, Roy, the guy with two legendary stats, went for 93,000 Sils a year. At this point, Garhan had thought of backing off. Even though his ego was big, he was still the head of the household, and he needed to keep his ego aside if it would end up harming the household''s finances. But the next bid he kept waiting for never came, and he ended up winning. This fucking Vixen. Garhan almost puked blood, feeling scammed. At some point, he even considered the possibility that she just wanted to mess with him. But he knew better than anyone else that she wouldn''t even bother doing something so childish. This whole rivalry that Garhan had ongoing was as one-sided as a lover''s unrequited love. Why the fuck did she want this¡­ this thing? Garhan disdainfully looked at the brown-haired guy in front of him, who was standing as cool as a cucumber even after all the mockery he was receiving from the others. Shameless wimp. That''s what he''s thinking, isn''t he? Luke thought as he calmly looked at the fuming face of Garhan, his sponsor. By now, he could easily read between the lines and guess his current situation. The old dude kept looking back and forth between him and the blindfolded woman so he could guess that she was the one who bid on him initially, and Garhan had just bid out of spite. He didn''t know their relationship but knew he''d eventually find it out. He threw Garhan at the back of his mind and looked at the blindfolded woman. I''d be lying if I said I wasn''t curious about the blindfold. Fortunately, Luke knew how to hide his curiosity well. But the thing that he couldn''t hide was his surprise. For others, he could see at least some information like their alignment, title, and class. But for her, the only thing he could see was her name. Why did she even bid on me? Cause of my face? Luke immediately scratched that narcissistic claim when his eyes inadvertently landed on her blindfold. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. A slight curve appeared on Sylvi''s face, and Luke didn''t miss it. Shudders ran down his spine as he realized how many types of people he''d now have to deal with, and he''d rarely find people weaker than himself. An hour later. The sun was already down, and Luke had now come out with Garhan, who had unpleasantly asked him to follow behind. Garhan told him to wait outside as he had some business to take care of. Step, step. As soon as he stepped outside, Luke couldn''t help but notice just how bright the night was. Moonlight illuminated the ground, wrapped with a thick sheet of trees. The only building structure he could see was the stadium he had left not long ago. Inadvertently, Luke''s head couldn''t help but tilt upwards. His crystalline blue eyes shined with a yellow and blue shine, reflecting the light spread by the two moons hanging close to each other in the night sky. Both the moons were of two different sizes, comparatively bigger than Earth''s moon. Hah¡­ He took a proper, relaxed breath for the first time since he came. The air felt like a luxury. It was free of any evident pollution and even carried a faint smell of trees and dirt. So, it is all real, huh? Luke already knew the answer to that. His rational mind would never confuse reality or dream. But for once, he wanted to feel shocked, alienated even. "It''s calm, isn''t it?" A clear, melodiously calm voice brought Luke back out of his thoughts. He recognized the voice. Heck, it''d be weird if he didn''t. The voice was so uniquely fascinating that Luke, who was used to sucking up to people, couldn''t figure out words to describe or praise it. Luke didn''t turn around immediately towards the voice as he kept staring at the moons, admiring the beauty of the two pearls hovering in the sky. "It is. I wonder for how long, though," Luke said meaningfully. He knew his life wasn''t going to be peaceful. It was the case even when he was on Earth. So he decided to enjoy every quiet moment that he could from now on. Heck, he wasn''t even sure how long he''d survive in this world. The old man looked so pissed at him that it wouldn''t be surprising if Luke disappeared from Eldoria before he even reached the said ''Academy'' he was sponsored for. "Garhan isn''t a bad man. He isn''t the worst you''d see, at least," Sylvi said with a subtle smile. Even if one looked at her face directly, they couldn''t discern her true intentions. "That''s reassuring," Luke chuckled at the half-assed attempt at consolation as he turned around, his light brown hair glistening under the bright moonlight, his crystal blue eyes dimmed from his shadow. Any woman would fall for such an effortlessly charming face. Alas, the woman in front of him had her eyes closed. Literally. "Would you tell me why you bid on me if I asked?" Luke knew the answer, yet he still asked out of genuine curiosity. Instead of answering his question, she moved slightly towards her left. Moments later, Garhan exited the gate and stared at Sylvi and Luke in annoyance. It looked like he wanted to say something as his mouth opened and closed a few times, but in the end, he just looked at Luke and said, "Come with me. We are moving." Moments later, a fancy wooden carriage covered with intricate patterns stopped before Luke. The mane of the two dark brown colored horses was shining like blue radium, making them look majestic. The carriage itself looked like a piece of art and was reasonably big. Even the wheels were beautifully crafted out of some magical metal. Putting his foot on the metallic step, Luke boarded the carriage after glancing at Sylvi. And she is gone. He felt a bit empty but didn''t let it bother him as he appreciated the craftsmanship of the carriage. The leather seat he sat on was soft and comfortable, the insides of the carriage having some kind of fragrance to them. "Don''t try anything funny," Garhan warned once before walking off towards his carriage, considerably bigger and pulled by four horses. Heh, don''t worry, old man. I''d be sure not to run away and leech off everything I can from you. Running was the last thing that''d plague Luke''s mind in this situation. He''d have run away the moment Garhan left him earlier if he wanted to, but he had already decided not to do something so stupid against someone so powerful. Running away was the last of his worries. How would he survive in this world if he actually ran away or something? He wasn''t confident in his survival skills inside a forest as thick as this. Not to mention, till now, no matter how much displeasure Garhan had shown him, it was clear as day that he wasn''t a bad person. Placing his right hand on the window, Luke leaned his head on it as he admired the rapidly passing scenery of this new world. Not realizing when all the fatigue from the day caught up to him, Luke''s heavy eyelids slowly closed on their own, his mind and body too exhausted to even think of fighting back the feeling. The suspension magic installed in the carriage ensured Luke didn''t feel the slightest discomfort during his time in the dreamlands. Virendale Mansion It took them exactly four hours to reach Virendale City, situated at the extreme west of the Rolhart Kingdom. Luke had woken up an hour ago. As soon as his body got a bare minimum of sleep, it automatically made him wake up on his own. When the carriage stopped, he opened the decorated wooden door and exited. In front of him was the giant Virendale Mansion, looking like something straight out of a fairy tale. It was a visually pleasing mansion, lit with yellow and blue lights. Luke couldn''t see the mansion''s end as the carriage stood right before the inner doors. Garhan was already out of his carriage, and Luke saw him walking off inside the mansion. "Young sir, please follow me. I''ll guide you to your quarters," a middle-aged butler politely asked Luke to follow behind him. Luke nodded and followed behind him, walking inside the grand mansion while appreciating its fashionable beauty. Walking towards the mansion''s second floor, the butler stopped and opened the door for Luke to enter. "Please rest for tonight. Food will be served in a moment. I''ll arrange some clothes appropriate for your size, so take a bath if you feel like it," The butler spared no effort in taking care of Luke before he gently closed the door and left. The room Luke was offered was something even seven-star hotels on Earth couldn''t offer. It was the embodiment of ''luxury'' and ''class,'' but Luke didn''t have the energy to admire it as he threw himself on the overly soft bed, immediately sleeping again while snoring slightly due to his head being stuck in a weird position. Beside his bed, a slender shadowy figure manifested out of thin air, veiled with a black mask. Taking out a small vial of golden liquid, it slipped directly into Luke''s mouth. Moments later, the figure disappeared while Luke, who had gulped down the golden liquid, peacefully snored. 5. Introduction Mhmmm. The warm morning rays glowed brightly on Luke¡¯s fair skin. His silky light brown hair fell to his forehead, giving him an ethereal feel. Slowly opening his eyes, he lazily sat up and stretched his hand. Tch he clicked his tongue as his fuzzy mind remembered what had transpired yesterday, and it was indeed not a dream. Looking beside his soft bed, he could see a trolley of food placed there, covered by glass lids. Beside it was a moveable cloth rack filled with clothes that seemed rather lavish. They¡¯re putting in quite the effort. Luke could bet all of this was prepared for the person who was supposed to be here instead of him. ¡®He¡¯ was an accident that was caused due to Garhan¡¯s ego. Not that I am complaining. Getting out of the soft mattress, an equally soft floor greeted his bare legs. Without reservation, Luke opened the bathroom door and got inside. Looking at his own disheveled appearance, he couldn¡¯t help but feel out of place. The mirror reflected the figure of a handsome man who looked to be 20 years old. That was mostly due to his 6¡¯1 feet height and the slight stubble protruding out of his chin and cheeks. He was someone who only had his looks going for himself, so even back on Earth, he made sure to maintain them as much as he could. He had ended up with a sleeper build with his slender yet buffed body. His face was devoid of any blemishes, and the topping on it all was his bright crystalline blue eyes that seemed like priceless gems. Looking around in the fairly modern-looking bathroom, he realized how beautifully this world''s magic was ingrained. The shining blue showerhead was hovering at a decent height without anything holding it. ¡­how do I turn it on? Because there were no taps or buttons, Luke didn¡¯t know how to turn this thing on. After struggling to find a way to turn it on, he gave up and came out. He opened the door to go out and find someone who could help him, but to his surprise, two maids were already on standby. As soon as they saw him, they immediately bowed. ¡°Good morning sir, is there something you need?¡± One of the older-looking maids asked curtly. ¡°Well, how do I turn on the showerhead?¡± Luke gently caressed the back of his head in an attempt to look as sincere as he could. The old maid just told him to follow her and went with him inside the bathroom. ¡°On,¡± she said from a distance, and water started gushing out of the showerhead with no visible supply, ¡°Off,¡± and the water gushing out turned off. There was no way to manage how much water came out of the shower head though. Apart from saying on and off, even clapping twice was an acceptable trigger to turn the shower on and off. ¡°The master has invited you to have breakfast with him if you end up waking up early, use the clothes over there and come downstairs when you are done,¡± saying that the old maid left the room. Washing himself thoroughly by using the sweet-smelling soap, Luke picked up a random black cloth from the hoards of cloth and tried his best to wear it. It was a thin white shirt below a thick, soft jacket with straps to his left and cream-ish breeches with a pair of chocolate-colored leather boots. He couldn¡¯t find a comb, so he just made it with his hands and tried to set up his hair as well as he could before finally looking at himself from the dressing table placed beside the bed. After tidying his clothes and making sure he looked the best he could right now, he left his room and started walking the lavishly decorated long corridor towards the stairs. Reaching downstairs, he could finally take in a good look at the mansion and realize just how outrageously big and marvelously built it was. It was built with a white and blue theme, enhancing the overall look of the place. There were flowers and magical stones decorating the walls, and even the marble tiles below his feet just gave a high-class feel. He was soon guided by a butler to the dining area which was towards the left of the stairs. Luke¡¯s nose twitched unconsciously as he took in the mouth-watering fragrance of delicious food. In the large dining area, there was one long table on which there were neatly placed tablecloths and sets of silverware. In the chairs placed around the dining table, Garhan was sitting on the head seat placed at the end of the table. Beside him was a beautiful middle-aged woman with blonde hair. On the other side were two young men who looked to be around the same age as Luke and a woman who looked slightly older, in her mid-20s. Both of the guys had white hair, the same as the old Garhan, but the girl had blonde hair. That must be his family. Looking at the number of tables present here, he must have a lot more kids than just these. Let¡¯s see. Luke thought inwardly as he smiled at everyone who suddenly started looking at him with various expressions on their face as he said, ¡°Good morning everyone, hope you¡¯re all having a great day,¡± he bowed a little as soon as he said that, spreading out his warm greetings. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The middle-aged blonde woman smiled elegantly as she placed her hands on her mouth. The two young men gave a slightly displeased look but didn¡¯t say anything. Funny how they have the same look as Garhan. Luke thought as he looked at the beautiful woman sitting towards the right. She didn¡¯t react at all to his greeting, not even sparing a glance as she composedly ate her food. ¡°Be seated,¡± Garhan said in a calm voice, and instead of asking where he should sit, Luke just walked towards both of those young men and sat in the empty chair between them. Fufu. He could hear the sound of an elegant laugh coming out of the middle-aged woman. ¡°Are these your sons?¡± Luke asked in a polite tone as he bit down on the meat he had just cut from his knife. Having meat first thing in the morning wasn¡¯t something Luke was used to, but he didn¡¯t have the luxury to complain. Garhan looked visibly pleased and bloated as soon as he heard ¡®sons¡¯ instead of ¡®grandsons¡¯. After all, anyone would pass him as the grandfather of those kids. Which just reminded him of how he aged so fast compared to his peers. ¡°Cough, ahem. Yes, they¡¯re my youngest sons, Joe and Leo. That¡¯s my third daughter Rienna,¡± Garhan introduced curtly, and just when he was about to introduce the middle-aged woman, Luke cut him off, ¡°Ah, then this beautiful lady must be the love of your life.¡± The middle-aged woman visibly brightened up at being complimented, making Joe and Leo grit their teeth as they glared at Luke. This slimy bastard! Garhan hated people who could only talk the most since he himself didn¡¯t have much eloquence. As a war general of the kingdom, he was revered for his mighty strength, but eloquence was one thing that he lacked, and in the end, he ended up with the belief that a warrior should fight with their body, not their tongue. ¡°...yes, she¡¯s my wife, Rani, I¡¯ve a total of 7 kids, 4 of whom are currently not present here,¡± Nevertheless, he continued with the introductions. In the introductions, he briefly started to explain the world to Luke. As Luke had guessed so far, this was a fantasy world with every cliche involved. From swords and magic to ¡®mana¡¯ powered trains and cars, this world with a middle-European feel had it all. Garhan, who was a proud Viscount of the Rolhart kingdom, was a noble and a war general of the kingdom. ¡°Then, these ¡®Earth-dwellers¡¯, how do they end up here?¡± Luke asked a question that Martin had already answered right at the beginning, but he just wanted to confirm it once more. ¡°Till this date, no one knows how or why candidate summoning happens. All the countries of the Grencefert continent have just made a treaty to manage and educate these candidates that have higher potential and growth rate than an average Eldorian,¡± As expected, there wasn¡¯t a clear answer to it, but Luke caught on to something else from the discussion. ¡°Candidate summoning? Not ¡®Earth-dweller¡¯ summoning?¡± he asked promptly. They had been calling him and the others ''candidates'' a bit too much. He needed to know what it actually meant. ¡°Yes, some people call it candidate summoning, some call it cadet summoning. It can¡¯t be Earth-dweller summoning when there are people from all sorts of planets being summoned,¡± Garhan casually replied as he cleaned his mouth with the napkin tucked in his collar. So Earth isn¡¯t the only planet losing citizens out of the blue, huh? It didn¡¯t really come as much of a surprise after being isekai-ed himself. Luke had decided to take everything as casually as he possibly could, after all, this had happened. After getting to know more, he learned those candidates from other planets weren¡¯t even humans. Some were Orcs, some were elves, some were dwarfs, and many more things. They were summoned as a group to different locations, and the nobles and high-power people went to the auction of the race they preferred. Needless to say, as a person who wanted to fit in with everyone, even the weebs, Luke was well-versed in what all these creatures were. That¡¯s why, among the summons, humans from Earth were the least versed when it came to combat, as all the other races had at least some prior education in fighting and self-defense, as well as a basic understanding of mana. But humans had the most advantage when deciding a ¡®route¡¯ to take, so they were just as popular as any other race. Well, at least the talented ones are. Luke couldn¡¯t help but sigh as he looked at the displeased look Garhan was giving him. It seemed like he finally remembered Luke¡¯s disastrous stats and class from yesterday and was lamenting his luck. ¡°I¡¯ll be taking my leave first,¡± Rienna said as she gracefully stood up and left the dining area. Joe and Leo followed soon after. And Garhan left after giving a last look to Luke. The only person left was Rani and Luke, and the butler who was standing far away on standby. Well, this is awkward. Rani, who looked middle-aged, was still as beautiful as a flower. And she was the only person who hadn¡¯t blatantly ignored him or shown her displeasure. On the contrary, she was constantly smiling. After eating his fill, Luke looked around a bit awkwardly, trying to find a way to get out of this situation. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be so tense. Relax a bit. You don¡¯t always have to maintain that prim and proper attitude,¡± Rani¡¯s mature voice seemed to soothe Luke¡¯s anxiety as he felt a weird sense of belonging all of a sudden. Instead of enjoying the sudden surge of relief, he immediately checked Rani¡¯s status.
Rani Virendale Alignment: Good (??) Class: Lunar Witch Title: Witch of Remorse | ?? Specialty: ?? Strength- ?? (?) | Agility- ?? (?) | Intelligence- ?? (?) | Divinity- ?? (?) | Luck- ?? (?) | Wisdom- ?? (?) Skills- Silver Tongue| ?? | ?? Overall rating- A Crouching Tigress.
Sure enough, I can¡¯t let my guard around anyone here. Tch. Luke clicked his tongue as the seemingly warm and approachable Rani seemed just as dangerous as Garhan. ¡°There you go again, you really don¡¯t trust anyone do you?¡± Rani said as she continued to maintain her smiling appearance. Luke felt chills down his spine, feeling like she was directly staring at his soul. ¡°Ah then, I¡¯ll be taking my leave for now. Have a good day,¡± Luke stood up and hastily said as he walked out of the dining room. The old butler followed right after him. The old man had picked up quite an interestingly incompetent guy. Rani snickered slightly as she watched the retreating figure of the handsome young man. 6. Eldoria Eldoria. A mystical world filled with mysteries that Earth-dwellers could have never fathomed even in their wildest dreams. It was a world that had a richer culture, more history, and more mysteries than that of Earth, that was Eldoria. It had many names, from the Land of Dwellers to Gaia, but the most commonly accepted name and the one with historical value was the name ¡®Eldoria¡¯ itself. Hmm. Luke looked through the texts of the thick brown book that he held in his hand. It was a book titled ¡®Introduction to Eldoria¡¯ with bold fonts. It would have been a funny thing if Luke had read a book titled ¡®Introduction to Earth'' back on Earth, but this world had a different case. People were regularly summoned to this world at intervals, and those could be people from anywhere in the universe. There was a need to have this book for everyone that had come from another planet. It was what introduced them to this world and its unwantedly large culture. It¡¯s still weird how I¡¯m reading some totally foreign language as if it¡¯s English. Luke wondered as he tried to think back to the English letters. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t remember them. It was like someone had hard reset his brain and installed another language in their place instead of English. Ever since they all transmigrated, from their thoughts to every word they said was in Eldorian and not in English, and it freaked Luke out how he didn¡¯t notice he was speaking a different language until he saw this book. After having breakfast and his ¡®not-so-pleasant¡¯ talk with Rani, Luke rushed out but was later guided by the Butler, Charles, to this giant library inside the Virendale Mansion. Luke was more than happy to comply after hearing that he was set to be admitted to the prestigious ¡®Academy of Berch Gyara¡¯ and was to depart in a week¡¯s time. He didn¡¯t want to waste any time and learn as much as he could about the world and his unwanted transmigration, as well as, Just what the fuck is the Academy of Berch Gyara? His fingers flipped the thick pages of the book as seconds turned into minutes and then hours. Knock Knock! Luke heard a knock on the door of the private library, lifted his head, and turned it towards the sound. A sense of seriousness masked his handsome face, his crystalline eyes shining in the faint evening sunlight striking his face directly through the window. Neatly closing the book, Luke walked towards the shelf and took out two more equally thick books titled ¡®Introduction to Magic and its Applications¡¯ and ¡®The Academy of Berch Gyara - An in-depth study¡¯. Placing both the books neatly under his arms, he placed ¡®Introduction to Eldoria¡¯ back where he picked it from. As if in no hurry at all, he casually strolled towards the door and opened it, finding Charles waiting for him. ¡°The Viscount has invited you for dinner, he said you can decline if you¡¯re busy,¡± Charles spoke curtly. The corners of Luke¡¯s lips slightly turned upwards, making him look ever so more charming to the butler Charles. He really isn¡¯t a bad person, is he? Although Luke didn¡¯t feel it, he knew for sure that there might have been people watching him and reporting it to Garhan the whole day. Garhan must have not sent anyone during lunchtime to check Luke¡¯s sincerity, and it seems like Luke had passed his little ¡®shit-test¡¯. Eldoria, what a frighteningly amazing and intriguing world. By now, Luke had at least some idea about this world. And everything he learned today kept him so invested that he himself hadn¡¯t even thought about his hunger the whole day. He was amazed by the places, the Kingdoms, the Empires this world had. From the Three Steeples to the Mystic Mountains, the amount of information was overwhelming, but the sense of discovery just made Luke want to read on and on. ¡°Since it¡¯s the ¡®Viscount¡¯s invitation,¡¯ it¡¯d be impolite to reject it. Ask someone to take these books back to ¡®my quarters,¡¯ I¡¯d be needing them for the time being,¡± Luke smiled politely as he said, handing the heavy books to Charles. ¡°I see, I hope you have a pleasant evening. Do you want me to arrange for someone to guide you to the dining room?¡± Charles tried hard to hide his astonishment as he asked. ¡°There¡¯s no reason to. I¡¯m already aware of where it is, there is no need to bother anyone for such a short walk. I¡¯ll be heading there right now, I wouldn¡¯t want to keep the Viscount waiting, would I?¡± Luke gave a half-laugh as he walked off in the direction of the dining area, and the flabbergasted Charles just stood there for a while, still holding the books entrusted to him by Luke. ¡°Hah, really. This kid¡¯s something else. It¡¯s a pity he has such low aptitudes,¡± the old Charles couldn¡¯t help but sigh with pity and disappointment as disappeared from his spot. === Taking a large breath in, Luke straightened his posture as he walked towards the dining area which was a lot more bustling than it was in the morning. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Around ten or so people were seated at the table as they talked amongst themselves when suddenly their chatter stopped. They all stared at Luke, and he responded back with a slight nod of his head as he walked towards the empty seat between Joe and Leo and sat down, making the silence go even louder. He slowly scanned the new faces, Blonde, blonde, white, white, blue, and black ''?'' He immediately linked the blonde and white-haired folks to be Garhan¡¯s products, but his apprehension rose when he saw the two different hair colors in the mix. Inadvertently, he looked towards Rani, and be it coincidence or intended, she was looking towards him, and their eyes met, instead of averting it, Luke gave her a look that asked Are these yours? You suspicious woman and the smile on her face answered Luke¡¯s question. So she¡¯s not an adulterer that brought Luke back to the question of who these people were. This time, Luke turned his gaze towards Garhan who gave him a displeased glare back before clearing his throat. ¡°Ahem This is Jessica, this is Nora, that¡¯s Perry, Clint, Irine, Walter,¡± he pointed one by one starting from the white-haired Jessica, blondie Nora, to the black-haired Irene and the blue-haired Walter. Far too many names to remember, yikes. Luke complained inwardly, but on the outside, he was nodding to everyone. But of course, not many of them returned the friendly gesture. ¡°Irene and Walter are Earth-dwellers like you. Irene came in the summoning 10 years ago and Walter 5 years ago,¡± Garhan went on with his introductions, making Luke go Ah! As he realized why he felt a bit warm towards them. ¡°They¡¯re already graduates, and they were both in the academy¡¯s top 100 in their respective academy years,¡± Garhan said with a tinge of pride, almost making it seem like he was showing off, ¡°I¡¯ve never picked bad candidates from the summoning, not until recently,¡± his voice was filled with resentment towards the end of the sentence. After that, they finished the dinner like mutes, no one saying even a word. Luke was waiting to escape this weird situation as soon as the dinner ended, and escape he did as he gave a simple farewell to everyone and ran away to his room. Phew! He heaved a sigh of relief as he walked towards his bed. He immediately noticed the books placed on the dressing table beside his bed. ¡°Time to learn all that I can,¡± grabbing the book ¡®The Academy of Berch Gyara - An in-depth study¡¯, Luke ferociously started to turn the pages as his worldview and knowledge started to expand at a rapid pace. His fingers kept moving as pages turned and turned, making time fly by. Six more days flew by, and during all that time, apart from eating and taking care of nature calls, all Luke did was train his physique in the morning like he used to in the gym and spend the rest of the day reading books and preparing as much as he could for the academy. Luke now stood in front of the mirror of his dressing table, tidying his clothes as his hands moved around his collar and helms to get rid of every crease. Setting his hair in a curtain style from his newly acquired wooden comb, Luke finally felt content looking at himself. He even put on a light fragrance that smelled like a mixture of lily and orchids. As he turned around, he could see the leather suitcase that was prepared for him by Charles, his newly made old friend that was handy as he was humble. Somehow, Luke felt very refreshed this morning, but after realizing that the moment to leave Virendale''s mansion was right in front of him, his heart couldn¡¯t help but get a bit anxious. Of course, he¡¯d never show it on the outside and ruin his week-long hard work of leaving a bit of an impression on Garhan. Walking out of his room to the gate of the mansion was enough for his muscle aches to kick in. His whole body was sore from overworking and training more than he could, but according to him, it was all worth it since his stats had increased visibly in that short period of time, even if it was a minuscule amount.
Luke Raynott Alignment: Neutral Class: Gunner Title: None Specialty: Instincts of the Weak (Passive) Strength- 6 (Normal) | Agility- 8 (Normal) | Intelligence- 5 (Normal) | Divinity- 0 (Normal) | Luck- 1 (Rare) | Wisdom- 11 (Epic) Skills- None Abilities- None Overall rating- Extremely Disappointing
He had seen the most significant growth in his Wisdom and Intelligence stat, while the slight increase in Strength and Agility, of course, was still nothing compared to the others with talent, but it was a very satisfying improvement for Luke. He attributed the drastic increase in his wisdom to reading books as it was related to a person''s knowledge and decision-making skills and could be used for learning things faster. He wasn¡¯t sure how his intelligence increased so much, as he knew well enough from the books that it doesn¡¯t increase at all unless one starts to do some sort of ¡®Mana Training¡¯ or uses any magic. It bothered him quite a lot, but he couldn¡¯t figure it out so he decided to put it at the back of his mind and focus on what was in front of him. So you came huh? All that hard work was indeed worth it then. Luke barely controlled his lips from curving upward as he saw the stalwart figure of the energetic gray-white-haired old man in front of him. Garhan, the viscount of Virendale was standing in front of the carriage that was supposed to escort Luke to the academy. As soon as Garhan saw Luke, he folded his hands and said with a stern tone, ¡°Do not get ahead of yourself. I am only doing all this so that the others don¡¯t see Virendales as someone weak. Be sure to try to learn as much as you can but do not try to overcome the gap in talents and fight people you cannot, it¡¯d only make the Virendales a laughingstock for everyone.¡± Aww man, he¡¯s just like a tsundere father at this point. Luke couldn¡¯t help but chuckle as he slightly bowed his head and listened to everything Garhan had to say. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, even if I do not look the strongest, all I would ever attach to your name would be more fame and glory. And I won¡¯t partake in any actions that might make a fool of myself,¡± he assured Garhan, who looked content with his answer. ¡°With that snake-like nature of yours, I am sure you would never gamble on losing a war,¡± Garhan said as he put his sturdy hand on Luke¡¯s shoulder and fixed the carp broch attached to his dark blue jacket, ¡°Now go, I¡¯ve arranged a squad of six to escort you safely to Berch Gyara.¡± Luke appreciated the thought put into his safety and gave one last look to the blue and white themed mansion before climbing the luxurious carriage. Soon after, the healthy horses neighed signaling the departure of Luke Raynott towards the Academy of Berch Gyara. 7. Provocation Silence¡­ The calm of the wind was as loud as ever, which made Luke question if he was actually traveling. The horse carriage made no noise whatsoever as it rapidly moved from a narrow path in the woods. As he looked out of the carriage window with his face resting on his knuckles, he admired the beauty of the slowly darkening forest¨C indicating the advent of the night that was soon to befall. His left hand inadvertently moved towards his mouth, covering it as he yawned loudly. The whole day had been as boring as it could get, and although he had spent most of it reading books, he was still getting bored out of his wits. There were a total of three carriages breezing through the forest, the most lavish one being the carriage that Luke was boarded in, the other two were the carriages for his ¡®Escort Knights¡¯, assigned for his safety by Viscount Garhan. An hour went by, and now the sky was completely dark, with the two moons and millions of stars lighting up the night sky. ¡°Sir, we have reached the free city of Windel. We¡¯d be resting here for the night,¡± the coachman¡¯s voice entered Luke¡¯s ears as the latter finally shook his drowsiness off and peered out of the window. What greeted him was the silhouette of a beautiful city illuminated by the modest moonlight and the twinkling of countless lanterns. The city walls, although not towering, looked sturdy and as the carriage got closer and closer, one could make out the guards stationed around every corner of the wall. As the carriage finally stopped by the bronze city gate, it was approached by guards. After a few simple exchanges with the coachman, the guards let the carriage pass through. The dirt road was now replaced with a well-made cobblestone road, and shops and houses lined up the sides with the road intersecting and branching off at many places. The loud chattering of people finally broke Luke out of his boredom as he looked around from inside his carriage. It was the first time he had seen so many people and a city since he came to this world, so he looked around with curious eyes. From the shouting of the vendors to the banter of the customers, from couples walking hand in hand to kids running around in the market as their parents chased after them. No matter the world, the people are the same. As soon as he saw that, his vision was blocked for a split second by something that looked like a pomeranian¡¯s tail. Unconsciously, his eyes followed this distraction and what greeted him was amazement and surprise. He already knew the types of people that existed in this world, and he was well aware that it was a norm here, but as someone from Earth, he couldn¡¯t help but be surprised as he saw a dog-like man with furry ears and tails walk away as he chatted with a fellow dog-like man. Although scarce, there were still quite a few people of the same kind walking around in the city, even some of the vendors were of the same species. Canthros! The name for these Eldorian dog species that was amicable and lived like any other humans. There were also Kobolds that were classified as a ¡®monster¡¯ species instead of an Eldorian species but belonged to the same dog-species subcategory. It truly is a different world. No matter how many times Luke got a reality check, he kept getting surprised at seeing things that were not possible on Earth. Although all the buildings in the city were mostly one or two storeys tall, there was a fairly large figure that would be noticeable from throughout the city. It was a clock tower as big as a twenty-storey-tall building. Luke¡¯s carriage moved towards that exact tower and stopped right below it. On the opposite side of the tower was a three-storey tall building that looked lavish and well-lit, and on its gate was a signboard that said Lily Inn. It was the most famous inn of Windel and was owned by the governor of Windel itself. A faint scent of lilies assaulted Luke¡¯s nose even while he was still in his carriage. ¡°Sir, you¡¯ll be resting here for the night,¡± one of the escort knights came in front of Luke¡¯s window and informed politely, the latter just nodded his head and got off the carriage, entering the grand lounge of the Lily Inn. Just as soon as one would enter, they¡¯d be able to see the beautiful receptionist, and towards the right was a wide bar area. On the left was a beautifully decorated staircase that led to the upper floor. ¡°Welcome dear guests, do you want me to arrange a table for you or would you like to register for a stay?¡± As soon as Luke and the knights entered, a waiter hurriedly came to them. The guy kept fidgeting as if wondering what was going on. Ah, he is looking at the carp-insignia on their vests! Luke noticed and couldn¡¯t help but respect Garhan a bit more, it seemed like the Virendale household was pretty famous. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°Don¡¯t be on edge, we are here to get a room for Sir Luke, he is the candidate of Sir Garhan this year,¡± the knight said in a powerful voice as he moved towards the reception. The blue-haired beautiful girl at the counter immediately gave her greetings. ¡°I¡¯ll arrange one of the VIP rooms for Sir Luke then, just give me a moment,¡± the receptionist immediately called for the room service using a crystal and told them to clean up a room on the third floor. ¡°How much is the price per night¡¯s stay?¡± Luke asked politely. He wanted to gauge the value of ¡®Sils¡¯, this world''s currency, and compare just how well off he was. Since he was ¡®sponsored¡¯ for 85,000 Sils a year, he currently had a bank account under his name that had around 80,000 Sils in it, the other 5,000 was sort of a security hold by the Academy and would be returned to the student if he graduates, otherwise it¡¯d be kept with the academy. ¡°Sir, you do not have to pay¡ª¡± Luke cut the words of the knight who was trying to stop him from paying with a subtle squinting of his eyes and gestured for the girl to speak. ¡°It¡¯d be two Sils a night including the dinner and breakfast, of course, we¡¯ll also be providing a guest room for your escorts in the same amount,¡± the receptionist said in a polite tone. ¡°I see,¡± Luke replied quietly, but he was bubbling inside with the revelation. I am fucking rich. He thought after a quick calculation that this hotel could easily be compared to a five-star hotel in a 2nd world country, and hence a quick calculation made him realize that 2 Sils was roughly worth around $1000 on Earth. I¡¯ll receive 85,000 Sils every year? Just how rich is Garhan? Now, Luke¡¯s resolve to get better and prove himself to Garhan was at an all-time high. Luke slowly walked towards a sofa placed in the lounge of the reception and sat down, making the knight and receptionist look at him with questioning eyes. ¡°What? I¡¯m tired so I''m resting here. Arrange the room as soon as you can,¡± Luke said as he closed his eyes, pretending to rest. The knight who thought that he¡¯d be saving some money from the travel expenses since Luke was apparently going to pay for the stay, couldn¡¯t help but feel bitterness swell up in his heart as he handed over 2 Sils to the still bewildered receptionist. Do you guys really think just because I am rich I¡¯d be wasting my money? Luke couldn¡¯t help but snort inwardly as he kept his eyes closed in an attempt to not meet eyes with the knight. Just then, he heard loud footsteps and couldn¡¯t help but slightly open one of his eyes as he looked toward the source of the commotion. A young man who looked to be around the same age as Luke entered the building along with a knight. The man had purple hair and black eyes, and his black clothing looked noble as he walked with his knight. Both the knight and the young man had an eagle insignia imprinted on their vests, indicating that they belonged to some noble household. ¡°Hey, scoot over,¡± the young man said in a commanding tone as he walked towards Luke, his face carrying a taunting smile as he looked down at Luke. Luke finally opened both of his eyes properly and looked at the young brat with a deadpan expression before he shifted to one side of the sofa. The purple-haired guy looked at him with confusion, as if bewildered why he listened to it without retaliating. His surprise wasn¡¯t baseless as there were three more empty sofas placed around the lounge, yet he came to Luke and asked him to scoot over, which was basically a declaration of dominance. ¡°You really don¡¯t have a backbone, huh? The rumors must be true then,¡± Luke¡¯s ears perked up as soon as he heard the word ¡®rumors¡¯ and he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sudden realization. Everyone that was present back then had seen his trashy stats, not to mention the people during the class selection had the chance to witness an even trashier side of him. It was almost guaranteed that rumors about a trash candidate that was sponsored 85,000 Sils a year must have spread to anyone keeping an eye on the summoning situation. Hah, my life just keeps getting more difficult. He couldn¡¯t help but sigh inwardly as he mentally prepared himself for more ¡®young master¡¯ moments. But this one definitely isn¡¯t a young master''s moment. Luke looked at the purple-haired guy with the same deadpan look as before. In the past seven days, he had learned and felt more about his ¡®Instincts of the Weak¡¯, and apart from being able to see the status screens of others, it had a lot more underlying effects such as being able to sense a person''s intentions, albeit vaguely. He¡¯s trying to rile me up on purpose to see my reaction. He wasn¡¯t trying to act out just because he wanted to. He was ¡®sizing up¡¯ Luke in a way, that¡¯s what his ¡®instincts¡¯ were telling him. ¡°Refrain from acting out young lord Lucas,¡± Garhan¡¯s knights immediately came out and stood before Luke, making Lucas¡¯s knight stop him from being brazen. ¡°Tch, you guys are no fun,¡± Lucas clicked his tongue mischievously as he gave a final wink to Luke and went towards the reception with both his hands behind his head. Yikes, I don¡¯t want that to happen again. Getting winked at by that guy felt worse than transmigrating to another world. Luke couldn¡¯t help but maintain his deadpan face while swallowing his disgust. ¡°Your room has been prepared sir,¡± the receptionist came as she handed him his ¡®keys¡¯, it was a card similar to hotel cards from modern Earth. I guess she doesn¡¯t want the scene to escalate. The receptionist had drops of sweat forming on her head as she urged him to get escorted to his room. Well, I have no interest in mindlessly fighting anyone either. Luke just followed behind an escort from the hotel and a knight from Garhan as he reached his room on the third floor. There were a total of four rooms on the third floor, and all these rooms were well separated in the large corridor. Luke¡¯s room was on the left side of the stairs. Entering the room, he bid farewell to the knight as both the knight and escort walked off, leaving behind a Luke admiring his ¡®room¡¯ which would easily qualify as a suite on Earth. The large room was dimly lit, and the interior looked posh and appealing. The design was subtle, yet it gave off a ¡®noble¡¯ air. There was a king-sized bed placed in a corner of the room, and even though the room had much to offer, Luke just took out a few books and started turning pages on his bed instead of admiring the room that was still a cut below the room that he had in Virendale. In the large yet quiet room, only the sound of Luke¡¯s page-turning resounded. 8. Lucas Atredius Knock Knock! The subtle sound of knocks resonated in the drowsy Luke¡¯s ears. He wasn¡¯t asleep. In fact, he had woken up an hour ago, but for some reason, he couldn¡¯t shake off his sleepiness. I should read in moderation, less sleep means less focus. He covered his mouth with the back of his hands as he yawned. For some reason, even his yawning looked pleasant. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m coming,¡± he replied as he stood up. He was wearing a loose white shirt and pajamas, his hair a beautiful mess. He walked towards the door and put his hand on the doorknob. Opening the door, he saw the small and slim figure of the receptionist girl standing close to him. Since she was considerably smaller than him in height, it seemed like Luke was looking down on her. Eeek! She made a surprised sound as she backed off instinctively, the tiny heart in her chest beating like drums as blood rushed to her rosy cheeks. She couldn¡¯t help but think about all those overtly and otherworldly handsome main characters she had read about in those romance novels and imagine herself as the meek little female protagonist. ¡°What can I help you with?¡± Luke¡¯s crystalline blue eyes seemed to be staring right into her soul as she took a moment to calm her wild thoughts before gulping and spouting meekly, ¡°The breakfast buffet has been prepared for everyone downstairs, it¡¯ll end in two hours.¡± ¡°Ah, is that so?¡± Luke seemed a little surprised by the fact that they had breakfast buffets here, ¡°Can I not get food sent to my room? You see I haven¡¯t even changed out of my pajamas yet.¡± The girl took a long look at Luke from top to bottom in his frilly pajamas and her heart couldn¡¯t help but beat again as she said with her head down, ¡°I am sorry dear guest, the breakfast model is the same for even the VIPs, I hope you understand.¡± Luke scratched the back of his head as he made a disappointed face, ¡°It can¡¯t be helped then. I¡¯ll be down after a bath,¡± he gave a polite smile to the fawning receptionist before he closed the door and sighed loudly. Fuck this sleepiness! He sighed again loudly as he entered the bathroom. To his surprise, this one had pipes and a proper water tap as well as a shower that was connected to normal knobs. The no-pipe water supply must be a super rich only thing He wondered as he took off his clothes and hung them in the hanger. Looking at his body in the mirror, he didn¡¯t know if he was hallucinating, but it seemed more ¡®ripped¡¯. Like it had gotten more shapely in the mere week he had spent in this world. Nah, it¡¯s probably just my imagination. The changes didn¡¯t look too severe, so he shook it off as his delusion. After he was done bathing, he wore a different pair of clothes and neatly folded the used pair and put it in his other suitcase. He only had a few pairs of traveling clothes, and his other clothes would mostly consist of the academy uniform, so he didn¡¯t bother over-packing stuff. After combing his hair and putting on some perfume, Luke gave himself a final check before finally descending the stairs to the ground floor. There was a large number of food varieties placed on tables near the huge pub counter, and hoards of people chatted as they placed food on their plates and found themselves a seat. As soon as Luke descended, some people glanced his way and then continued doing what they were doing, while some of the female population kept taking glances again and again while smiling and talking amongst themselves. Let¡¯s just have something light and get ready to leave. He didn¡¯t want to waste much time in the hotel as he was aware that it¡¯d take at least another two days to reach the academy. Finding himself a fancy clay plate, Luke put three pieces of what looked like sausages, a glass of some yellow-colored juice, and some bread as he started looking for a seat. Looking around, most seats looked occupied. He noticed a seat with only one person sitting with their back toward him and decided to claim the other end. He put his place down, and then it finally came to him, the person sitting in front of him, ¡°What a coincidence,¡± Lucas chuckled mischievously as his eyes squinted playfully. Of course, my goddamn luck, Luke¡¯s brows knitted together for a moment before he adopted his poker face. Without saying anything, he sat down and used the fork and knife neatly placed on the table to peacefully eat the sausages. ¡°Hey hey, don¡¯t ignore me,¡± Lucas blurted out with annoyance before he coughed and sat back in his seat. After some time in silence, he said calmly, ¡°I was drunk last night, sorry for what happened yesterday,¡± his tone seemed forced but the sincerity was still visible. ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Luke said as he took a sip of the juice, and his face distorted in disgust, ignoring the weird taste of the juice, he asked, ¡° So do you usually like to test people¡¯s patience when you¡¯re drunk?¡± Lucas seemed surprised for a second before he smiled and shook his head, ¡°Nah, I was just curious about the ¡®trash¡¯, no offense intended,¡± he raised both his hands in a ¡®surrender¡¯ motion. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°None taken,¡± Luke said as took off the plastic covering the glass of water placed on the table and immediately drank the water to get rid of the bitterness in his mouth as Lucas watched all this in amusement. ¡°Name¡¯s Lucas Atredius, the 4th son of Count Atredius from the Atredius county. It¡¯s about seventy miles from Virendale,¡± the purple-haired young man introduced himself formally for the first time as he drank his crimson-colored drink with visible pleasure. Luke gave an envious gaze to his drink before flatly introducing himself, ¡°Luke, the ¡®trash¡¯ that everyone¡¯s talking about.¡± ¡°Aww come on man, stop sulking,¡± Lucas couldn¡¯t help but feel slightly annoyed. If people currently saw the two of them chatting, they¡¯d feel like these two have been long-time friends with each other. ¡°It¡¯s Luke Raynott, the candidate of Viscount Virendale,¡± Luke took a bite of the soft bread and finally got rid of the weird aftertaste of the yellow-colored drink, ¡°So, what is it, what was yesterday¡¯s fiasco all about?¡± ¡°A fiasco, huh?¡± Lucas couldn¡¯t help but smile, ¡°Well, you must have heard of the saying, ¡®birds of a feather, flock together¡¯, right?¡± ¡°Yes, I have,¡± Luke ate his bread while looking at Lucas from the corner of his eyes, already knowing what the latter¡¯s intentions were ¡°What about it?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard a similar saying too,¡± Lucas smiled mischievously as the both of them looked at each other properly for the first time, ¡°Trash can sniff out trash.¡± === I should make a habit of checking everyone¡¯s status. Luke affirmed in his mind as he followed Garhan¡¯s knights back to his carriage. After having a surprisingly eventful meeting with Lucas the ¡®pretend young master¡¯, he was ready to leave for the academy. After sitting in the majestically decorated carriage, Luke couldn¡¯t help but think about Lucas¡¯ stat window.
Lucas Atredius Alignment: Neutral (Gray) Class: Mage Title: None Specialty: Riling up (Passive) Strength- 4 (Normal) | Agility- 9 (Rare) | Intelligence- 15 (Rare) | Divinity- 2 (Normal) | Luck- 4 (Rare) | Wisdom- 9 (Rare) Skills- Wind-creation (1¡î) | Wind Blades (2¡î) | Silver tongue (Passive) Overall rating- Disappointing
He understood what he meant when he said ¡®Trash can sniff out trash¡¯. Not only was he weak, he didn¡¯t even have a single Epic stat. Although his stat composition was still better than Luke, his overall rating was just ¡®Disappointing¡¯ instead of ¡®Extremely Disappointing¡¯. So I am like trash amongst trash? Another disappointing revelation that mattered as little as the first one to Luke. The important thing was what he talked about with this purple-haired fella. First of all, he was going to the same place Luke was headed, The Academy of Berch Gyara. He was also a first-year at the academy similar to Luke, the only major dividing factor among them was he was an Eldorian nobility. His lineage was purely Eldorian, and there were no other-worlders in his family apart from the candidates that his father picked once a decade. Lucas also talked about how Luke would instantly be isolated from everyone else considering his reputation as the trashiest candidate this year, and how it¡¯d be better for him to stick with Lucas so that they can have each other''s back. Luke was well familiar with such a situation and knew what exactly Lucas¡¯ offer meant. It was an alliance invitation, it was an invitation to join him during the period they¡¯d be studying at the academy. To Luke who knew nothing about this word and was sure to be treated badly, it wasn¡¯t a bad offer, but he didn¡¯t take it immediately. Binding himself to someone whom he just met was as dumb as it could get. More importantly, he had no plans of staying the weakest forever. When he thought about that, Luke¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t help but wander towards one of his briefcases aligned in front of him. It was a small briefcase, approximately 1.5 feet in width. However, this small briefcase contained something that was essential for Luke¡¯s growth. It was a Gun that Garhan had arranged for him. In Eldoria, Guns were in a weird position where they were considered valuable and trash at the same time. To be specific, a gun was more of a valuable decoration in this world. It has been an old tradition in Eldoria to put Guns as showcases in one''s house if they wanted to show off wealth. These were Guns that were elegantly designed and adorned with ornaments, they were meant to be used as showpieces rather than a weapon. That didn¡¯t mean Guns weren¡¯t utilized whatsoever as weapons, in fact, they were heavily utilized, but not by powerful people. Average flintlock guns and rifles are used as weapons by the armies of various kingdoms. Only the cannon fodder and foot soldiers who had no talent at all in mana wielding and swordsmanship were given guns to fight in battle. The current state of development in regards to firepower and guns, in general, was stuck at flintlock guns and rifles just because they were only usable till the point one didn¡¯t have enough mana. After a person or a beast had an elementary level of mana, guns were as useless as toys when used as a weapon. Mana was an all-powerful source that inhabited Eldoria and many other worlds. Sadly, Earth wasn¡¯t one of them. A beginner beast''s body was strong enough to stop any kind of bullet from penetrating its defense. The same was true for everyone that could use mana. Anyone can create a thin layer of mana with magic and stop bullets. And hence, no one even bothered to take Gun-crafting as a whole to any other level. It was far too inefficient when the all-powerful mana existed, something that allowed people to use magic, even without a catalyst. What a dilemma. Luke silently shook his head as he kept studying more in the carriage. Two days went by like a passing breeze, and at dusk of the second day, the carriage finally stopped. Luke had fallen asleep while reading a book, so he wasn¡¯t able to feel the sudden stop. Knock Knock! A knock at his carriage¡¯s door immediately woke him up as he shook off his drowsiness, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked, trying to sound as awake as he could, but he failed miserably. ¡°We are here at the South Academy Gate station. This is as far as we can escort you,¡± A knight¡¯s voice came from outside the carriage. Luke finally got a hold of what was happening and immediately straightened his clothes and hair, wiping his face with a handkerchief before opening the carriage door and getting off. What greeted him was a place filled with hordes of people and Semi-people. 9. Train to Academy Right after Luke left the hotel. A young man with purple hair, black eyes, and an extravagantly noble attire went back to his VIP room in the Lily Hotel. The person who was supposedly one of his knights in full metal armor followed behind him to his room. If someone saw this scene, they¡¯d call it blasphemy for a knight to enter the resting chambers of a noble, but here the case didn¡¯t seem as simple. Inside the lavish hotel room, the metallic knight took off her helmet. Her silky dark black hair immediately came flowing out as if it had been freed from the shackles that bound it. Her eyes had a unique ashen color to them, and her skin created a heavy contrast with her hair. She had pale white skin, and if someone took a closer look at her cascading black hair, they¡¯d see her long and pointy ears peeking out of her hair. ¡°I¡¯ll report to my dad,¡± Lucas said as he warily looked at his ¡®knight¡¯. He took out a communication crystal and started trying to connect with his father. The knight took out a communication crystal of her own as she started to connect to someone too. After a brief conversation with his father, Lucas walked towards his bed and sat on it, patiently waiting for his ¡®knight¡¯ to finish her talk. ¡°Good work today, keep an eye on him the entire time you¡¯re at the academy,¡± after finishing her call, the black-haired beautiful woman said, her voice sharp and clear. Lucas barely hid his annoyance as he just nodded his head. The knight handed him a small vial filled with golden liquid before disappearing into particles of shadows. === Haah! Luke let out a large sigh as his eyes darted around the grand train station. It was called the ¡®South Gate Station¡¯ of Berch Gyara. The grand and intricate structure of the station was a marvel in itself. Towering arches of polished marble framed the entrance, with beautifully detailed carvings of legendary ¡®heroes¡¯ and mythical creatures adorning its surface. The station¡¯s platform was enormous, stretching out like a grand courtyard with cobblestones and cemented pathways leading to various platforms. Luminescent crystals hovered above the pillars and the carvings, casting a soft, ethereal glow near the area, acting as light sources for the station. The air was filled with a discordant mixture of voices. Noble children, easily distinguishable by their fine garments and insignias of their houses stood in small clusters, their laughter echoing with an air of arrogance. They were surrounded by servants, some of whom were hurriedly ensuring that their masters'' luggage was properly secured. Every so often, a noble would cast a fleeting glance at a candidate, sizing them up as potential competition or allies. Candidates, on the other hand, wore expressions ranging from nervous anticipation to steely determination, at least that was the case for the human candidates. They clutched their acceptance letters and belongings close, often exchanging stories of their journeys and the tests they had faced. Their attire was diverse, reflecting the various regions of Eldoria they hailed from. The station was a fusion of races. Tall, elegant Elves with their pointed ears and ageless beauty stood in stark contrast to the stocky, robust Dwarves who were engaged in animated discussions, their voices deep and resonant. Orcs, with their greenish skin and powerful builds, were scattered around, some practicing with their weapons while others chatted amicably with fellow students. The beastmen, a diverse group in themselves, added to the vibrant tapestry. Holy¡­ Luke couldn¡¯t help but lightly place his right hand on his mouth as lightly as possible, maintaining his cool act as he took in the view in front of him. This is as fantastical as it could get. Before coming here, he never thought he¡¯d be met with such a situation even before he reached the academy. All the fantasy creatures that he had only ever read and seen on TV through CGI and graphics stood right in front of him in the flesh, better than any CGI could ever make them. ¡°Sir, here take this,¡± one of Garhan¡¯s knights handed over a card similar to the room key that he had gotten back in Lily Hotel, ¡°It¡¯s your luggage card, we have already arranged for most of your luggage to be shipped through the delivery train. You can carry the handbags with you.¡± Luke finally realized that by the time he was admiring the grand railway station, most of his luggage was already gone, including the small suitcase that contained the only weapon he had. Fuck! he couldn¡¯t help but curse inwardly. It¡¯s okay, not like I¡¯d need a weapon when I am simply about to travel on a train, right? For some reason, he felt like he had just jinxed himself, but he shook off the strange feeling. Turning around, his eyes scanned the group of knights that were in charge of his safety. They had taken their job seriously the whole time and did it as it was expected of them. Even though Luke was grateful, he couldn¡¯t express it or show any weakness. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. So he did the second best thing, ¡°Good job everyone,¡± he said in a clear and fairly audible voice, ¡°Here keep this and let loose for once,¡± he took out one of the few cash notes he had with himself and gave it to the knight that seemed to be leading others. It was 10 Sils. Although the number seemed small, it had a great value, enough for the always passive-looking knights to make a baffled expression. The knight accepted the money without any resistance and bowed his head, ¡°Have a safe journey, young sir,¡± his voice contained a tinge of sincerity, ¡°Take care of yourself at the academy,¡± saying so, the knight turned around in an orderly fashion before they all hopped onto their carriages and disappeared turned back. So I¡¯m finally all alone? Luke looked towards his hand that held a medium-sized briefcase, it had some paper currency, two pairs of clothes, a comb, perfume, a mouthwash, and two books. There was literally nothing that he currently had with him, nor was there anyone to accompany him. His legs moved in a steady fashion as he walked on the cobblestone ground. There were magical screens floating at a distance of 20 meters, telling the time of departure towards the main academy. The Berch Gyara Express Time of Departure: 9 pm | On time Luke moved his left hand and put it inside his jacket pocket, trying to find something. Soon, he took out a fancy pocket watch that seemed to be made out of gold and looked at the time. 7.19, there¡¯s still almost two hours left. Thinking so, he carefully put his pocket watch back in his jacket as he gave another glance at his surroundings. In the center of the station stood the magic train, a magnificent construct of enchanted metal and crystal. Its sleek, elongated body shimmered under the station''s lights, reflecting hues of deep blue and silver. Intricate patterns, reminiscent of ancient runes adorned its surface, glowing faintly with dormant magic. The engine, though currently silent, had an imposing presence with its ornate design, hinting at the immense power it held within. Luke couldn''t help but marvel at the blend of magic and machinery, a testament to the world''s unique mastery over arcane technology. Luke settled into a plush seat on the platform, the cushioning surprisingly comfortable. He pulled out a book from his briefcase, its cover worn from frequent reading. As he delved into its pages, he became oblivious to the world around him. Every so often, a few pairs of eyes would linger on him, some curious, some speculative. His noble attire and unfamiliar face made him an enigma. Whispers floated around, but none dared approach the mysterious, handsome stranger engrossed in his book. The time seemed to fly by, and before he knew it, a melodic chime echoed throughout the station. A voice, clear and enchanting, announced, "Dear passengers, the Berch Gyara Express will be departing in 15 minutes. Kindly proceed to board the train." Luke marked his page and gently closed the book, placing it back into his briefcase with care. He rose gracefully, adjusting his jacket and taking a moment to scan the platform. The crowd had begun to move, a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation in the air. With a deep breath, he began his walk towards the train, his steps measured and light. The card in his hand indicated his compartment and seat number. As he climbed aboard, the interior of the train took him by surprise. It was a blend of luxury and magic. The walls were adorned with intricate patterns, glowing faintly, illuminating the space with an ambient light. Plush seats, similar to the one he had been sitting on at the platform, were arranged in a spacious manner, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The floor was carpeted with a rich, deep blue fabric that seemed to shimmer with every step he took. Each compartment was separated by a translucent curtain, which seemed to be made of some ethereal material. It provided privacy while also allowing one to see the mesmerizing landscapes of Eldoria as the train would travel. As Luke made his way to his assigned seat, he couldn''t help but marvel at the attention to detail. Every fixture, every seat, and even the handles were crafted with precision, reflecting the grandeur of Eldorian craftsmanship. Luke had barely settled into his seat, the plush cushioning molding to his form, when the curtain to his compartment was gently pulled aside. A soft voice, melodious and clear, broke the silence. "Excuse me." He turned, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still. The girl who stood before him was the epitome of ethereal beauty. Her hair, a cascade of silvery-gray, flowed down her back like a shimmering waterfall, catching the ambient light of the compartment in a mesmerizing dance. Her eyes, a deep shade of gold, held an otherworldly glow reminiscent of the first rays of dawn breaking over a tranquil sea. Her features were delicate yet striking - high cheekbones, a straight nose, and lips that held the faintest hint of a rose''s blush. Her attire, though simple, accentuated her slender frame, the fabric moving with her like a second skin. For a split second, their eyes locked, and a myriad of emotions played out. Surprise, appreciation, and a hint of curiosity. From her widened eyes and slightly parted lips, it was evident she was as taken aback as he was. Perhaps she hadn''t expected her travel companion to be a male, let alone one with such a captivating presence. The moment, though intense, was fleeting. Both regained their composure almost simultaneously, the brief lapse in their guarded expressions mended. She gracefully placed her handbag next to Luke''s briefcase on the overhead rack and took the seat opposite him. The silence that followed was thick, neither seemingly knowing how to break it. After what felt like an eternity but was merely a few minutes, she cleared her throat, her voice steady yet soft, "It seems we''re to be travel companions. I am Alice Winterheart, second daughter of the esteemed Duke Winterheart,¡± she said in a neutral tone, slightly nodding her head as a way of greeting instead of shaking hands, ¡°and you are?¡± ¡°I¡¯m Luke Raynott, a candidate selected by Viscount Garhan,¡± Luke replied calmly, and it didn¡¯t take a genius to catch the split change in Alice¡¯s expression before she returned to her usual face. Of course, she knows me, dammit! ¡°Ah, so you¡¯re Luke?¡± noticing that she was caught, she didn¡¯t try to hide the fact that she knew him as she continued, ¡°Well. I guess there¡¯ll only be a select few who haven''t heard your name by now.¡± A giggle almost escaped her lips, looking at the supposed ¡®trash¡¯ that everyone was always talking about these days. It was the first time she had seen such ¡®pleasing¡¯ trash. 10. Pressured The silence between Luke and Alice was palpable, but neither felt the urge to break it. The train''s rhythmic hum and the occasional distant chatter from other compartments were the only sounds accompanying them. Outside, the landscape morphed quickly, leaving behind a moonlit scenery that left a lasting impression on Luke¡¯s eyes. The journey was a wonder in itself. It was the first time for Luke to travel in a train without a track, not to mention one that could run through water and fly through terrains. The whole journey made him clench his butt unconsciously as if he was on a roller coaster ride. He didn¡¯t show any change in his expression to Alice or to even himself as he calmly took in the night¡¯s scenery. When the train finally halted, Luke could see it from his window. The large floating words ¡®Main Academy Station¡¯ announced the name of the station. The grandiosity was immediately striking. It was a behemoth compared to the South Gate Station, with its vast platforms and ornate designs. This was the heart of the Academy transport system, connecting every corner of the vast academic grounds. ¡°The Berch Gyara Express has reached its destination, passengers on board please make your way out,¡± a clear and enchanting voice announced, informing everyone to deboard the train. Alice, with swift grace, was off the train almost instantly, her silhouette quickly blending with the crowd. Luke took a more measured and leisurely pace, his eyes scanning the vastness of the station, trying to take it all in. Spotting an employee, his legs turned towards him, approaching him concerning his luggage. The man, after a quick glance at Luke''s attire, asked to see his ¡®pass¡¯, and after taking a quick look, he responded, "Your belongings, sir, will be sent straight to your room. No need for worries,¡± his voice was respectful. Luke''s gaze followed some students, their arms laden with bags, their faces showing signs of fatigue. The contrast was clear. While they grappled with their baggage, he was unburdened, all thanks to Garhan''s meticulous planning. I am so grateful! Luke almost shed an imaginary tear, almost. After quickly thanking Garhan and his seven ancestors within his mind, Luke followed the translucent sign at the station and made his way out. In its own way, this world is way more advanced than Earth. Luke couldn¡¯t help but admire the structure of the station as he walked towards the exit. From the materials used to the translucent signboards that seemed to be floating in midair, he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at everything. Emerging from the station, Luke was immediately greeted by the bustling activity of the night. The vast open space outside the station was illuminated by floating orbs of light, casting a soft glow over everything. A large, sleek vehicle resembling a tram stood ready, with a signboard flashing "Academy Transport" in bright letters. A tall spectacled figure, wearing a uniform with a badge that read ''Guide'', was directing the flow of students towards the tram. "All newcomers, please proceed to the academy transport! It will take you directly to your assigned dormitories," he announced in a booming voice. Luke, not wanting to dilly-dally, followed the guide''s instructions and boarded the tram. The interior was spacious, with cushioned seats and large windows that offered a panoramic view of the academy grounds. As the tram started moving at a gentle pace, his eyes couldn¡¯t help but dart around, noticing that most of his co-passengers were non-human races. Their unique features, from elongated ears to scales, from furry tails to canines, announced their various races. Throughout the whole ride, Luke played a game with himself, trying to identify every race currently sitting in the spacious tram. As the seats were quite scattered, he was able to see most of the people from his seat. Of course, he did his best to not seem like a country bumpkin. After a short ride, the tram halted in front of a grand building with a red and gold-colored sign that read ''C-Ruby & C-Gold Dormitories''. The structure was an architectural marvel, with tall spires, intricate carvings, and shimmering glass windows. It looked more like a luxury hotel than a student dormitory. Stepping off the tram, Luke was once again reminded of his privileged status. I truly do not belong here, but I shall gladly take what I am offered. According to the academy guidebook that was offered to them when they entered the tram, the C-Ruby and C-Gold dorms were reserved for candidates with the highest sponsorships. As he entered the lavish lounge of the dormitory, he was met with a sea of faces. Most of them were non-human, their unique features standing out prominently. I guess most candidates worth spending the big bucks on are the non-humans, huh? The few humans present were scattered around, their expressions a mix of awe and nervousness. The atmosphere in the lounge was tense. Everyone seemed to be waiting for something or someone. Conversations were hushed, and there was an air of anticipation. Luke''s gaze was drawn to a Canthros man standing in the center of the lounge. His dog-like features were accentuated by his muscular build, and he exuded an aura of authority. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Everyone, please remain here. We are waiting for the rest of the candidates to arrive," the Canthros man announced his voice firm. The underlying message was clear: no one was to move until he said so. Luke found a spot near a window and settled down, taking the opportunity to observe his fellow candidates. The diversity was astounding, and he couldn''t help but wonder about the stories and backgrounds of each individual. As the minutes ticked by, the lounge filled up, and the atmosphere grew even more electric. ¡°Ah, this really! Why do you all need to be so annoying?¡± a loud voice broke the silent silent atmosphere, giving birth to hushed chattering as all eyes landed on the source of this commotion. The sudden outburst drew everyone''s attention to a towering figure. Standing at a staggering seven feet, the orc''s green skin seemed to shimmer under the ambient lighting of the lounge. His muscular physique was evident even under the loose-fitting clothes he wore. Thick, black hair cascaded down his back, contrasting starkly with his skin. His face, though rough and marked with a slight scar, bore a look of sheer impatience. But what stood out the most were his protruding tusks, curving upwards from his lower jaw, giving him an imposing and somewhat menacing appearance. "Why are we even waiting here? I''ve had enough of this nonsense! Just let me get to my room!" he bellowed, his voice echoing throughout the lounge. His impatience was palpable, and his agitation was clear to everyone present. Luke, observing from his vantage point, couldn''t help but draw a quick conclusion. Just like the textbooks said; Orcs, despite their impressive physical prowess, often lacked the patience and temperance that other races possessed. Their shorter fuses were well-known, and this tall fella seemed to be no exception. The Canthros man, who until now had maintained a calm demeanor, approached the agitated orc. "Sir, I''d advise you to show some patience. We''re all waiting for a reason," he said, his voice calm yet firm. But the orc wasn''t having any of it. "I don''t care about your reasons! Send me to my room right this instant!" It was then that the atmosphere in the lounge shifted dramatically. The Canthros man''s eyes narrowed, and his voice dropped several octaves, becoming cold and threatening. "I suggest you calm down, or you''ll regret it." Suddenly, an invisible pressure filled the room. Kuhk! It was suffocating, like a heavy weight pressing down on everyone''s chests. Luke''s eyes widened in shock, his breaths coming in short gasps. He could feel his heart pounding loudly in his chest, the fear evident in his eyes. This was a world where power spoke volumes, and he had just been given a demo of what the weight of that sentence meant. The realization of his own vulnerability in this world hit him like a truck. Around him, others were faring no better. Many were visibly trembling, their faces pale. The orc, who had been so defiant moments ago, was now on his knees, his body quaking, his bravado completely shattered. As quickly as it had come, the pressure lifted. The Canthros man, having made his point, looked around the room, his gaze lingering on each individual for a moment. "Let''s all remain calm and wait. It won''t be much longer," he said, his voice returning to its earlier calm tone. The room was silent, save for the collective sighs of relief from its occupants. The message was clear: power and hierarchy were everything in this world, and one would do well to remember their place. Fucking hell! Luke felt like his head was stuffed in water and pulled back out. He slowly took huge breaths. His sweat-soaked head moved around, his eyes darting left and right in the extravagant yet gloomy lounge, looking at the similar faces of horror and relief. Sometime after, the last tram arrived, its doors sliding open to release a few more students into the lounge. They looked around, their expressions a mix of curiosity and confusion, clearly unaware of the tense atmosphere that had just dominated the room moments ago. Their eyes darted around, trying to gauge the reason behind the palpable silence and the uneasy expressions on the faces of their fellow candidates. Clearing his throat, the Canthros man stepped forward, drawing the attention of the newcomers and the rest of the room. "Greetings, candidates. I am Lorian Threx, the dorm supervisor for C-Ruby and C-Gold dormitories." His voice, though calm, carried an underlying authority that demanded respect. "You are the cream of the crop, the elite candidates who have been sponsored generously. Your accommodations are second only to those exceptional performers from both candidates and Eldorians in their second and third years." Lorian continued, outlining the dorm rules. "Firstly, curfew is set at midnight. Anyone found outside their rooms post-curfew without a valid reason will face penalties. Meals will be served thrice a day, with breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m., lunch from 12 to 2 p.m., and dinner from 7 to 9 p.m. Any form of fighting or destruction of property within the dorm premises will result in strict disciplinary action. Respect your peers and the facilities provided to you." He then produced a stack of sleek wristbands seemingly out of nowhere, distributing them to each candidate. "This is your Academy Wristband. Wear it at all times, even during baths. It will be central to your activities here at the academy. Your sponsored funds have been synced to it, eliminating the need for physical currency." Luke, intrigued, slipped the wristband onto his wrist. As he touched its smooth surface, a translucent screen popped up in front of him, displaying his personal details, status, and various academy-related information. It was like a miniaturized, advanced version of the emblem they had interacted with upon their arrival in this world. He couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the magic engineering of this world. Lorian''s voice brought him back to the present. "Tomorrow, you may rest until late. The academy''s activities will commence at 12 p.m. Ensure you report to the academy hall for first-years by 12:15 p.m. sharp." With the briefing concluded Luke made his way to his room. The door slid open to reveal an opulent space with a plush bed, ornate furniture, and a large window that offered a panoramic view of the academy grounds. The room was bathed in a soft, golden hue from the chandelier hanging above. To his relief, he noticed his luggage neatly placed beside a luxurious wardrobe. Though he had made it a habit to read before heading to bed, the day''s events had taken their toll on him. Without a second thought, he threw his body on the plush bed, slipping under the covers, letting the comfort of the soft cushion envelop him as he drifted into a deep, restful sleep. 11. First Day The Next Morning Luke cracked his fingers and yawned loudly, stretching his body as he woke up in the morning. What¡¯s the time? His fuzzy brain wondered, almost panicking that he might miss the first day of the academy. Ah yes, it will start late. As some of the details of the night returned to him, he fell back on his bed comfortably. After a while, his eyes were staring at the intricately beautiful chandelier hanging by the tall and decorated ceiling. There wasn¡¯t a hint of sleepiness in his eyes. ¡°Fuck!¡± he rubbed his eyes as he stretched once again, sitting right up. Right in front of his vision was something akin to a French cartel clock attached high up a wall. 6:37 a.m. He repeated mentally as he couldn¡¯t help but regret the fact that he was a bit too early. Sigh! After lamenting over it, he had no choice but to move on as he moved his body out of the bed, scratching his arms as he walked towards the bathroom. After brushing his teeth and making sure every corner was clean, he zipped up his casual jacket, giving himself a quick once-over in the full-length mirror that adorned one wall of his overly extravagant dorm room. Satisfied, he stepped out, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpet that lined the hallways of the C-Ruby dormitory. As he descended the grand staircase leading to the lounge, he noticed a solitary figure engrossed in a book. It was Lorian, the Canthros dorm supervisor. Every time he flipped a page, his well-built bicep muscles flexed. The man glanced up as Luke entered the room, their eyes meeting for a brief moment before Lorian returned to his reading, seemingly uninterested in small talk. Luke gave a respectful yet quick nod before moving on. The lounge was otherwise empty, its lavish furnishings untouched, almost as if waiting for the day to truly begin. Luke decided not to disturb the quietude and headed for the exit, his sneakers squeaking softly against the marble floor. Stepping outside, he was greeted by the crisp morning air, tinged with the scent of blooming flowers. The gardens surrounding the dorm buildings were immaculate, a testament to the academy''s attention to detail. Manicured lawns stretched out like green carpets, punctuated by flower beds that showcased a riot of colors. Trees lined the pathways, their branches swaying gently in the morning breeze. Luke started jogging, his pace steady but unhurried. As he moved, he couldn''t help but marvel at the beauty around him. The gardens were not just well-maintained; they were a work of art, each plant carefully chosen, each flower bed meticulously arranged. And the air¡ªoh, the air was like a fragrant symphony, a blend of floral notes and the earthy smell of damp soil, all carried on the wings of a fresh morning breeze. An hour later, he made his way back to the dorm, his body flushed from the exercise but his mind was clear and focused. Just as he was about to enter the dorm building, a soft chime sounded in his ears, followed by a holographic notification that appeared in front of him.
Congratulations! You have met the requirements to unlock additional functions. ¡®Quest¡¯ and ¡®Sub-quest¡¯ have been added to the system.
Luke looked at the screen, and his mouth opened slightly. Ah! Of course, there are quests if there¡¯s a status window. Is there a shop too? Luke called out a few times but nothing like a shop window ever opened. Hmm. He mused a bit. Suddenly, another window popped up.
A New Quest has been issued: Pass the first grading test with a B or above grade. Failure penalty: None Reward: +2 Dex, Magic Infused Bullets (x6)
¡°Finally!¡± Luke almost jumped in joy, but he noticed a few people in the lounge and controlled himself. He couldn¡¯t help but feel elated. So far, he had received no skills or anything even close to that after gaining his class. Now he would be getting some bullets. He didn¡¯t know how good they were, but he assumed that it was going to be better than average gunpowder bullets. After all the reading he had done previously, he had obviously learned all there was to learn about guns in this world. Sadly, there wasn¡¯t much to learn to begin with. In the past, people had made magic bullets and tried to utilize guns, but the method was far too inefficient when compared to just using magic directly, so no one even tried to research more and find better ways to utilize it. In the end, it ended up becoming something that was handed out to foot soldiers. Even archers who used normal bows and arrows were more valued than gunners, as they could buff their bows and arrows, as well as their bodies with magic. Luke turned back toward his room. The first order of business was a bath, I stink, and then breakfast. After a refreshing shower, Luke donned the academy''s official suit. It was a tailored ensemble in deep navy, adorned with a golden logo on the left breast pocket¡ªa stylized ''BG'' entangled with arcane symbols, signifying the academy''s focus on both academics and magic. Looking at himself in the mirror, he nodded in satisfaction at this world''s sense of style. It suited his taste. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The dorm''s dining area was a spacious hall with high ceilings and ornate chandeliers. Long tables were arranged in neat rows, each covered with a pristine white tablecloth. A buffet was set up at one end, offering a variety of foods that catered to the diverse student body. Luke filled his plate and took a seat, savoring the flavors as he thought about the day ahead. At precisely 12 p.m., a sleek tram arrived to ferry the students to the academy building. The vehicle glided smoothly, and within minutes, they were standing in front of a colossal structure. The academy building for first-years was humongous, a blend of gothic spires and modern glass facades. It was as if someone had taken a medieval castle and given it a futuristic makeover. They were led to the academy hall, a grand auditorium with a vaulted ceiling and intricate murals depicting various magical scenes. The seating was unlike anything Luke had ever seen. Chairs of varying sizes and shapes were arranged in semi-circular rows, accommodating the diverse anatomies of the student body. From large, cushioned seats for the bulkier races to sleek, low-profile chairs for smaller beings, the hall was a testament to the academy''s inclusivity. The inauguration program began, and Luke quickly realized it was as dull as any college orientation he could imagine. "Well, that was as exciting as watching paint dry," he mused, grateful when it finally ended. Most of the useful information they were told could be found on their wristbands anyway. He found his classroom and was immediately struck by its sheer size. The seating arrangement was even more diverse than in the academy hall, a clear indication of the variety of species that would be sharing the learning space. As he scanned the room, a few familiar faces caught his eye. There was Roy, engrossed in conversation with a group of students, and Jasmine, looking nervous, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for a friendly face. And then there was Lucas, who upon making eye contact, offered a smile and a wave. His eyes curved in a way that made him look as scheming as ever. Luke nodded back, his gaze shifting to the ¡®commotion-orc¡¯ from yesterday. The guy was slumped in his seat, his face buried in his palm, clearly annoyed. Lastly, he noticed the silver-haired beauty talking amongst the girls in the class while maintaining a prideful attitude. She didn¡¯t notice his entrance and continued to chat with her newly made friends. Luke found an empty seat and sat down. Just then, the door opened, and a man in his late 20s walked in. He had dark gray hair, neatly combed back, and wore a pair of stylish glasses. "Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Professor Elric Voss, and I''ll be your homeroom instructor for this year," he announced, his voice carrying a tone of authority mixed with approachability. Is there no one who¡¯s not good-looking? Luke couldn¡¯t help but feel annoyed. He felt like he was getting robbed of his only redeeming trait. He had seen so many good-looking people since he came to this world that he was starting to feel like his face and his smooth talking might not be as effective as they were back on Earth. Sigh! A sigh couldn¡¯t help but escape his lips as he lamented the loss of one of his few trump cards. Professor Elric Voss navigated through his wristband''s interface, projecting the curriculum onto the classroom''s holographic screen. "For the first year, we''ll focus on theory and practical applications. After that, theory takes a backseat," he explained, his voice a blend of authority and warmth. "There are two major exams, numerous mock tests, and practical evaluations. If you''re not sponsored, this is your year to prove your worth and start earning Sils.¡± According to Elric, Berch Gyara had various earning programs for the students unfortunate enough to not receive sponsorships even in the second round. Most of their living expenses and such were made free for the first year, and they could start earning within that year. And then they could start paying for things from the second year going forward if they weren¡¯t selected for sponsorships even after a year. Luke listened intently, his eyes occasionally drifting to Roy, who seemed equally engrossed. The financial dynamics of the academy were becoming clearer. Sponsored students like himself and Roy had a leg up, not just in resources but in the academy''s social hierarchy as well. "As for today," Elric continued, "we''ll start with ''Magic and Its Applications.'' I''ll give you an overview so as not to overwhelm you on your first day." The class unfolded smoothly. Elric''s teaching style was engaging, his voice modulating to emphasize key points. Luke found himself nodding along, some information confirming what he''d read, while other insights were entirely new. The concept of ''magic gathering systems'' and the various methods to enhance mana and skills were particularly enlightening. When Elric mentioned elixirs, fruits, and mana crystals that could accelerate one''s magical growth, Luke''s eyes widened. These were shortcuts, yes, but fraught with risks if not properly understood. The class concluded, leaving the Earth students visibly fascinated. In contrast, the natives of Eldoria, as well as orcs and such seemed unimpressed, already familiar with the basics of magic. "Lunch break, everyone. Good luck, and see you soon," Elric said, exiting the room and leaving a buzz of conversation in his wake. Just then, Luke felt a poke on his arm. Turning, he met the eyes of the guy sitting next to him. A smug, almost malevolent smile stretched across the young man''s face. "Hey, aren''t you the guy with the trash stats that got a high sponsorship?" the guy asked loudly, enough to gather the attention of the others around. Luke''s eyes narrowed slightly, his lips curling into a half-smile that didn''t quite reach his eyes. Ah, the first prickly interaction of a normal academic year. He had been noticing the glances he was getting and the murmurs of people trying to confirm if he was the same Luke they had heard of. "Seems like my stats are interesting enough to get people talking," Luke responded, his voice tinged with a casual indifference that belied his alert mind. "Guess I am a bit famous, huh?¡± The guy''s smug smile faltered for a moment, clearly not expecting such a relaxed response. "You call that being famous? You¡¯re more like a clown around here." Luke chuckled, "Well, every clown needs a circus. Glad you¡¯re right here beside me." The room erupted in suppressed laughter, and the guy''s face flushed a shade of red that almost matched the academy''s logo. Luke gave him a final, dismissive glance and stood up, his movements fluid and unbothered. "If you''ll excuse me, I have better things to do than entertain jesters." With that, Luke coolly walked out of the classroom, his steps leading him to the academy''s canteen. The dining area was expansive, with rows of tables and chairs set under a high, vaulted ceiling. A variety of food stations lined the walls, offering an array of dishes that catered to the diverse student body. Luke picked up a tray and filled it with a selection of foods that caught his eye. Finding an empty table, he sat down, ready to dig in. Just as he was about to take his first bite, a figure approached him. It was Jasmine, the hazel-haired girl who had looked so nervous earlier. She hesitated for a moment before taking the seat opposite him. Luke raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised. "Jasmine, right? Didn''t expect to share my first meal here with company. To what do I owe the pleasure?" 12. Mock Test ¡°Can I sit here?¡± the nervous Jasmine asked politely, making Luke chuckle as he said teasingly, ¡°You don¡¯t ask that after sitting first.¡± Jasmine seemed embarrassed as her body visibly fidgeted before her head slumped. ¡°Don¡¯t sweat it,¡± Luke said in a kind tone. She reminded him of his friend¡¯s sister, and his brotherly instincts couldn¡¯t help but make him tease her. Now seeing her embarrassed, he felt a bit bad, ¡°So, why are you sitting here? Did you not make any friends yet?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t see anyone sitting with you,¡± Jasmine said meekly in an attempt to protest, ¡°How can I even make friends in such a situation?¡± The corner of her eyes visibly filled with tears as she said, ¡°How can you remain so calm in this situation? We have suddenly been thrown away from our world, our family, our life into this world,¡± It felt like she had a lot of complaints swelled up within her and wanted an outlet to let it all go. But she immediately composed herself as she realized they were sitting in the canteen. People were passing by them and could hear her, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll just find another seat,¡± she picked up her food tray and was about to leave as Luke¡¯s warm voice rang out, ¡°It¡¯s fine, stay seated here.¡± Jasmine¡¯s beautiful brown eyes shook for a moment as she decided to sit down again. For minutes, none of them said a word as both ate their lunch in silence. As Luke¡¯s hands kept moving from his plate to his mouth, he said without looking up, ¡°I¡¯m not calm or anything. I¡¯m just as baffled and anxious as you are about this whole situation,¡± his head finally moved up, and his crystalline blue eyes locked with Jasmine¡¯s, making her almost lose track of her thoughts at his somber face that looked as out of this world as this whole situation, ¡°I just don¡¯t want to make myself seem weak in front of anyone here.¡± As Luke kept staring right into her eyes sincerely, her heart fluttered as she ignored his gaze, a bit embarrassed. After a while, her hands naturally reached towards the hair that was coming to her eyes, making her tuck it behind her ears. After a momentary silence, her lips moved again, ¡°Still, don¡¯t you miss anyone? I can¡¯t help but keep thinking about my mother and sister. They must be so worried,¡± her eyebrows creased. After a momentary wait, Luke started eating again as he flatly said, ¡°I don¡¯t have anyone like that. I¡¯m an orphan.¡± ¡°Oh dear, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Jasmine¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as her hands reached her agape mouth. Her heart felt conflicted as her eyes stared down at Luke. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Luke said as he put his fork down, ¡°Then let¡¯s go back to the class. Lunchtime should be over soon.¡± Jasmine immediately looked at the wristband instinctually and realized Luke was right. She didn¡¯t know when time passed by so quickly so she immediately stood up. Her plate still had food remaining. She felt bad about not finishing up her food, but there was not much time left so she went ahead and put the plate on the counter and walked back to Luke. Luke looked at her momentarily before he chuckled inwardly, walking back towards the classroom. ¡ª¡ª As Luke and Jasmine re-entered the classroom and took their seats, the atmosphere shifted almost immediately. The door creaked open to reveal a man who was the antithesis of Professor Elric Voss. This new figure was gaunt, his face etched with lines that suggested he rarely, if ever, smiled. His eyes were like shards of ice, and the aura he exuded was one of stern, unyielding severity. "Good afternoon, students," he began, his voice devoid of warmth. "I am Professor Yorth Vale, and I will be your guide in the Study of Practical Combat." The room fell into a hushed silence, each student absorbing the weight of his words. The atmosphere grew dense as if the air itself had thickened. "Your theory classes," Professor Vale continued, "are but stepping stones. The true essence of your education here will be practical in nature. Prepare yourselves. We will proceed to the academy training grounds for an immediate mock test. The test will be to subdue a wild beast." A ripple of shock spread through the room. Jasmine looked toward Luke, her eyes wide and filled with a mix of disbelief and apprehension. Luke, ever the picture of calm, kept his gaze fixed on Professor Vale, his face betraying no emotion. Inside, however, his mind was a whirlpool of thoughts. A mock test? Now? The announcement was abrupt, but it was also a vivid reminder that this academy wasn¡¯t a literature haven like the colleges on Earth. The Earth-dwellers in the room, who had never so much as thrown a punch in a regulated setting, were visibly shaken. Their faces were canvases of dread, each one contemplating the gravity of being thrust into combat with wild beasts. Even the Eldorian nobles, who had been groomed in combat arts from a young age, were not immune to the tension. Their hands twitched nervously, some fumbling with their wristbands, others gripping the edges of their desks. The training was one thing; facing a live, potentially lethal creature was entirely another. In stark contrast, the orcs in the room seemed to come alive. Their eyes sparkled with a ferocious kind of joy, and their knuckles cracked audibly as they clenched and unclenched their fists. For them, this was not a test but a long-awaited opportunity, a chance to demonstrate their prowess. As the students began to rise from their seats and follow the professor out of the class, Jasmine naturally made her way towards Luke as she started walking beside him. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she leaned slightly toward Luke. "Is this really happening?" Luke''s eyes finally shifted to meet Jasmine''s. "It appears so," he replied, his voice as steady as ever. "Seems we''re in for a rather... unconventional education." He sneakily glanced at her, bringing up her status window.
Jasmine Lakeshore Alignment: Good (Extreme) Class: Holy Maiden Title: None Specialty: Divine Halo (Passive) Skills: Heal | To the Hurt (Passive) | Holy Blessing Strength- 8 (Normal) | Agility- 11 (Normal) | Intelligence- 16 (Epic) | Divinity- 25 (Legendary) | Luck- 2 (Epic) | Wisdom- 7 (Normal) Overall rating: Absolute Genius
What in the world?! Luke couldn¡¯t help but be taken aback. It hasn¡¯t even been that long, and she already had so much improvement in her stats. She even gained a new skill in that time frame. Talent huh. He clicked his tongue as he looked at the nervous girl walking beside him. The students made their way to the training grounds. The area was expansive, a sprawling facility situated away from the main academy building designated for first-year students. It was equipped with an array of training apparatuses, from archery targets to combat dummies, and an assortment of weapons neatly arranged on racks. The grounds were a testament to the academy''s commitment to practical education. Professor Yorth Vale stood at the center of the facility, his stern gaze sweeping over the students as they gathered around him. "This mock test is designed to assess your survivability skills against beasts," he announced, pointing to a section of the grounds partitioned by large transparent glass rooms. "You will pick your weapons from that section," he gestured toward an area laden with various types of weapons, "and enter one of these rooms." His next words sent a chill down everyone''s spine. "Don''t worry excessively about injuries. We have healers on standby capable of restoring even severed limbs." The tension was palpable. Students exchanged uneasy glances, the gravity of the test settling in. Even the usually stoic Luke felt a twinge of anticipation, though he masked it well. His eyes briefly met Jasmine''s, who looked like a deer caught in headlights. Five students were the first to be called to pick their weapons. They entered one of the glass rooms, their hearts pounding in their chests. The first group of five students nervously stepped into the glass room, their hands clutching their chosen weapons with visible trepidation. Among them was Grukthar, the orc who had caused a commotion on the first day. He wielded a massive, double-headed axe, its blade gleaming ominously. The other four students held an assortment of weapons¡ªswords, daggers, and staves¡ªbut their hands shook, betraying their anxiety. The cage at the other end of the room opened and out slithered a creature that looked like it had been pulled from the depths of a nightmare. The Thornback Wyrm was a grotesque amalgamation of scales, spikes, and muscle. Its body was covered in chitinous blue armor, with spikes protruding like miniature spears. Its eyes were blood-red orbs that seemed to glow with an inner fire, and its fangs were long, curved, and venomous. Despite its fearsome appearance, the creature was wounded, and magical belts encircled its body, glowing with a subdued light. Professor Vale began to speak, his voice amplified so all could hear. "This is a Thornback Wyrm. Normally, it''s a creature you wouldn''t want to encounter in the wild. However, this one is wounded and restrained by magical shackles that can be activated to subdue it. Its primary weakness is the underbelly, less protected by its armor. Your task is to subdue it using any means you see fit." As the cage door lifted completely, the Thornback Wyrm let out a guttural, ear-piercing screech that reverberated through the glass room. The four nervous students froze, their eyes wide with terror. Two of them fell on their butts, paralyzed by fear. Another dropped his sword, the clattering sound echoing loudly. Grukthar, however, was unfazed. With a snarl that rivaled the Wyrm''s, he lunged forward, his massive axe raised high above his head. The creature hissed and lunged at him, its fangs aimed straight at his throat. But Grukthar was quicker. With a swift sidestep, he dodged the attack and swung his axe down with incredible force, aiming for the creature''s less-protected underbelly. The axe made contact, tearing through scales and flesh with a sickening squelch. The Wyrm let out a screech of agony, its body writhing in pain. But Grukthar wasn''t done. With a roar, he yanked the axe free and swung again, this time aiming for the creature''s head. The axe blade sank into the Wyrm''s skull with a crunch, silencing its agonized cries once and for all. As the creature''s body went limp, the magical belts activated, glowing brighter as they tightened, ensuring that the beast was truly subdued. Grukthar turned to look at his trembling classmates, who were now picking themselves up from the ground. A smirk spread across his face. "Weaklings," he snorted, before striding out of the glass room, his axe slung casually over his shoulder. Outside the room, Jasmine flinched at the Wyrm''s final screech, her body shaking involuntarily. Luke, ever the picture of calm, watched as Grukthar exited the room. The orc''s raw power and skill were undeniable, and it was a stark reminder of the varying levels of combat experience among the students. Hah! How unfair. Luke complained inwardly but knew there was no use doing so. After the spectacle of Grukthar''s combat prowess, several more groups were sent into the glass rooms to face their own wounded beasts. Each encounter was a mix of triumph and failure, setting a clear standard with the skill levels of different individuals. After the orc, only one other person stood out, and it was a female Elf who used a sword. Finally, it was Luke''s turn. He glanced at his teammates and couldn''t help but scowl inwardly. Among them was the guy who had called him "trash" during lunch. The guy caught Luke''s eye and smirked, clearly pleased with the opportunity to embarrass him in front of everyone. Luke walked over to the weapons section, his eyes scanning the array of swords, daggers, and staves. There were only a handful of guns. They were flintlock pistols, reminiscent of 17th-century firearms. Flintlock pistols were muzzle-loaded, single-shot firearms that required a lengthy reloading process. After firing, the user would have to manually pour gunpowder into the muzzle, followed by wadding and then the bullet. The hammer, which held a piece of flint, would then be pulled back. Upon pulling the trigger, the flint would strike a steel plate, creating a spark that ignited the gunpowder. It was a cumbersome and time-consuming process, which probably explained their unpopularity. As Luke picked up one of the flintlock pistols, examining its weight and balance, a notification popped up in his field of vision, making him widen his eyes. 13. First Showdown Achievement Unlocked! Touch a gun for the first time! Rewards: +2 Dexterity
A new sub-quest has been generated: You have finally kickstarted your journey as a true Gunner! Pass the mock test. Quest clear condition: Kill or subdue the beast. Quest failure penalty: None Quest completion reward: [Gunner Craftsmanship (Normal)]
Luke''s eyes widened momentarily as the notifications flashed before his eyes. But almost instantly, he masked his surprise, his face returning to its usual calm demeanor. He gripped the flintlock pistol and made his way to the entrance of the glass room, waiting for his other teammates to pick up their weapons and come. As he stood there, his mind raced. Are these achievements and quests common to everyone? No one has mentioned them so far. He decided to keep silent about it for now. The last thing he wanted was to become a subject of curiosity or, worse, experimentation. Curiosity piqued, he focused on the gun in his hand, willing its status screen to appear. To his astonishment, it worked.
Flintlock Pistol Type: Firearm Attack Power: 25-30 Base physical pierce damage (+bullet damage) Scaling: Dexterity D+ Accuracy: 45% Details: A single-shot, muzzle-loaded firearm. Requires manual reloading after each shot. In bad condition due to a lack of repairs. Rarity: Common Durability: 25/100
Luke''s eyebrows furrowed. The gun''s durability was disappointingly low, and it was evident that it hadn''t been maintained in ages. He approached Professor Vale, requesting permission to select another firearm. The professor''s icy gaze met Luke''s, and after a brief pause, he nodded, but not without a stern warning. "This is your first and last exception." Luke quickly scanned the other guns, but his heart sank further. Each flintlock pistol he examined had similar stats¡ªbelow-average damage, low durability, and clear signs of neglect. In stark contrast, the melee weapons around him gleamed with care, their edges sharp and their handles sturdy. With a resigned sigh, Luke picked up the original pistol he had chosen and rejoined the group. By now, everyone had armed themselves. The guy who had been giving him disdainful looks, whom he now recognized as Trenton, held a longsword and shield. Trenton''s eyes met Luke''s, and he let out a mocking snicker. Luke couldn¡¯t help but feel his guts cringing out at the situation. Young master type B template 4. He thought as he ignored Trenton completely and looked towards the professor for instructions. "Now, enter," Professor Vale commanded, his voice echoing across the training ground. Luke took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the pistol in his hand and the palpitations in his heart. He stepped into the glass room. The moment Luke and his team stepped into the glass room, a deafening howl echoed through the chamber, causing the very ground beneath them to tremble. The source of the noise was a massive creature at the far end of the room. It was a wolf, but not like any wolf they had ever seen. This beast was easily thrice the size of a regular wolf, its fur a deep shade of midnight blue, streaked with silver. Its eyes glowed a fierce, fiery orange, and even from a distance, the team could see the saliva dripping from its sharp, elongated fangs. Despite the visible wounds and gashes marring its body, the beast exuded an aura of raw, primal power. Professor Vale''s voice cut through the tension, "This is a Silvermane Wolf. A low-tier magic beast known for its agility and brutal strength of its jaw. Its hide is thick, making it resistant to most physical attacks. However, its forehead is its weak point. Aim your attacks there if you wish to subdue it." The room was thick with tension. Every student''s heart raced, their eyes locked onto the menacing form of the Silvermane Wolf. Luke''s grip on his flintlock pistol tightened. He had watched previous groups from a distance, analyzing their strategies and the behaviors of the beasts they faced. But now, up close and personal with this monstrous creature, the fear was palpable. His heart pounded loudly in his ears, each beat echoing the dread he felt. His legs felt like they were encased in lead, refusing to obey his brain''s commands to move. "Three... Two... One... Go!" Professor Vale''s voice rang out. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. As soon as the glass gate that stopped the Silvermane Wolf was pulled up, it wasted no time. With a powerful leap, it lunged toward the group, its growls resonating with murderous intent. Thud! Two of the students, paralyzed by fear, fell backward, their weapons clattering uselessly to the ground. The beast ran straight towards Luke, lunging above him as it pounced on the students that had fallen on the ground behind him, sensing easy prey. One of its massive paws came crashing down on a student''s chest, instantly drawing blood. The student''s scream of pain was chilling, making shivers run down Luke¡¯s back as cold sweat trickled down. Luke''s mind raced. The weight of the pistol in his hand was both a comfort and a curse. He knew he had to act, but the fear was overwhelming. The sight of the injured student, the smell of fresh blood, the guttural growls of the beastial Wolf ¨C it was all too much.
Tch! The sharp sound of Trenton''s tongue clicking echoed in the tense atmosphere, a stark contrast to the growls of the Silvermane Wolf. Even as his body quivered, a whirlwind of thoughts swirled in his mind. He had envisioned this moment differently, a stage where he would showcase his superior skills, honed by years of rigorous training in a prestigious knight family. But the reality was a stark contrast. The sheer aura of the Silvermane Wolf was enough to shatter any semblance of confidence he had mustered. But pride and ego are stubborn entities. The memory of the orc''s triumph flashed in his mind. If that brute could do it, why couldn''t he? The very thought fueled a surge of determination. He was Trenton Ignis, the heir to the Ignis lineage. He couldn''t falter here. With newfound resolve, Trenton gripped his shield tighter and, in a swift motion, hurled his sword at the beast''s exposed back. The blade whizzed through the air, its trajectory perfect. But when it made contact, there was no satisfying thud of metal piercing flesh. Instead, the blade merely rebounded off the wolf''s thick hide, causing mere strands of its fur to flutter to the ground. The beast''s head snapped around, its fiery eyes locking onto Trenton with a mix of surprise and fury. "Damn it!" Trenton''s voice was a mix of frustration and fear as his sword clattered to the ground, the recoil proving too much for his already shaky grip. The wolf''s growl grew deeper, more menacing, as it lunged at Trenton, who could do nothing but raise his shield in a desperate attempt to protect himself, gripping it tightly with both of his hands. The beast''s paw came crashing down with a force that seemed to shake the very ground. Its claws dug deep grooves into the shield, and Trenton could feel the sheer power behind the blow, making his arms tremble from the impact. But the wolf wasn''t done. With a snarl, it clamped its jaws onto the shield, yanking it away with such force that Trenton was sent sprawling, his back hitting the cold floor. The room echoed with the eerie sound of the shield skidding across the floor, but it was soon overshadowed by another, more unfamiliar noise. Tap, tack! Trenton, now defenseless on the ground, turned his head slightly, his eyes widening in surprise. There stood Luke, his face pale but determined, holding the flintlock pistol. It was aimed squarely at the beast''s head, though his hands trembled noticeably. The weight of the moment was palpable, with every heartbeat echoing like a loud drum in the silence.
Luke''s heart raced, the weight of the pistol in his hands feeling both reassuring and terrifying. What a mess, he thought, cursing his situation. The Silvermane Wolf''s menacing presence was overwhelming, but he had no choice. Taking a deep breath, he steadied his trembling hands as best he could and pulled the trigger. The room was filled with a deafening bang, echoing off the walls and momentarily drowning out the growls of the beast. Time seemed to slow as Luke watched the steel bullet fly, narrowly missing the wolf''s head and drilling a hole through its left ear. Dark red blood spurted out, staining the pristine floor of the glass room. I''m dead was the immediate thought that flashed through Luke''s mind as he locked eyes with the now-enraged Silvermane Wolf. The beast''s growls grew deeper, more threatening, its attention now solely on Luke. The injured Trenton, lying vulnerable on the ground, was forgotten as the wolf''s bloodshot eyes bore into Luke with murderous intent. A blue screen appeared in front of him, but in this situation, he immediately hid it from his vision. Luke''s instincts kicked in. He began to move, dodging and weaving, trying to put as much distance between himself and the rampaging beast. Each of the wolf''s lunges was met with a swift sidestep or a desperate roll, the gap between them closing with every passing second. "Trenton!" Luke shouted, his voice echoing in the chamber. "Get its attention! I need time to reload!" But Trenton, still reeling from his earlier encounter, seemed paralyzed, his gaze fixed on the unfolding chaos. It was then that another voice pierced the tension. "I''ll distract it! Trenton, grab your shield!" The voice belonged to a blue-haired girl, previously frozen in fear. With newfound determination, she began chanting, her hands moving in intricate patterns. "By the flames of Eldoria, heed my call! Burn!" A small, fiery orb materialized in her hand, its glow illuminating the room. With a swift motion, she hurled it at the Silvermane Wolf. The fireball struck the beast''s flank, causing it to yelp in pain and surprise. Its attention immediately shifted from Luke to the blue-haired girl, its low intelligence evident as it charged at the new threat, completely disregarding its earlier prey. The girl''s eyes widened in fear, but she held her ground, readying another spell. Trenton, spurred into action by her bravery, scrambled to his feet, retrieving his discarded shield. He positioned himself between the wolf and the girl, ready to defend her. Luke, meanwhile, was frantically trying to reload his pistol. The process was cumbersome, requiring him to pour gunpowder, pack it down, and then load the bullet. Every second felt like an eternity, especially with the raging beast just meters away. The Silvermane Wolf, now focused on the blue-haired girl and Trenton, lunged again and again, its attacks relentless. Trenton, using his shield, managed to deflect most of the blows, but the force behind each attack was pushing him back, making it harder to maintain his stance. The girl continued her incantations, sending more fiery projectiles at the beast, each one slowing it down but not enough to stop it completely. The situation was growing dire, and Luke knew he had to act fast. With the pistol finally reloaded, he ran towards the beasts as he slid under his legs and belly, his head right under the threateningly large head of the wolf. Without hesitation, he aimed the pistol right between its neck and chin and pulled the trigger. ¡°ARRGGHHH!¡± Luke¡¯s ear-piercing voice rang out as he looked at his bloodied and battered right hand, flesh missing from the bones and a broken pistol falling on his face along with his own blood. Another blue screen sprung in front of him, but the unbearable pain that he felt immediately knocked him out, his consciousness fading away. ¡°Haah¡­ this piece of shit¡­ pistol¡­,¡± he didn¡¯t forget to curse the pistol before his vision completely darkened.
A loud silence flowed. The corpse of the mighty Silvermane wolf lay beside the unconscious body of its killer. Trenton and Roxy looked at the handsome yet bloodied face of Luke in silence. ¡°Healers!!¡± Professor Vale¡¯s loud voice brought everyone out of their reverie, and a few people instantly rushed inside the glass room with a stretcher. This day recorded the first-ever Gunner student of Berch Gyara. A student who took down a Silvermane Wolf with a gun. 14. Aftermath Hazy, fragmented memories clouded Luke''s vision, making it difficult to discern where he was. The dull throb in his head was a constant reminder of the disorientation he felt. The room around him seemed unfamiliar yet eerily reminiscent of a past he had tried so hard to bury. Where am I? He wondered. A gruff voice, dripping with disdain, pierced through the fog in his mind. ¡°Hey you little shithead, are you still sleeping?¡± The voice was like a rusty nail being dragged across a chalkboard, evoking memories Luke had fervently wished to forget. His heart pounded against his ribcage, each beat echoing the terror that gripped him. The cold sweat that formed on his brow and trickled down his spine was a testament to the raw fear that consumed him. As he tried to piece together his surroundings, he didn¡¯t even realize that he was no longer in his adult body. His hands, small and marred with bruises, clutched at a tattered shirt. The young, vulnerable child was gripping his heart trying to minimize the sudden pain. His breathing became ragged, each inhalation a struggle. The weight of the memories threatened to crush him, and he felt a familiar dread rise within him. The source of his fear soon became apparent as a disheveled man loomed over him. The man''s unkempt brown hair bore a striking resemblance to Luke''s, but the cold, malevolent eyes were nothing like his own. The man''s face, contorted in anger, was framed by a scruffy, overgrown beard littered with remnants of his last meal. ¡°I-I¨C¡± Luke stammered, his voice barely a whisper, choked by the fear that gripped him. His small fingers wrapped around his throat as if trying to force out the words that refused to come. The man''s face twisted further in rage, his eyes narrowing to dangerous slits. ¡°What I-I?! You got nothing else to say to me? Huh? HUH??¡± In his fury, the man raised a grimy bottle, its contents sloshing menacingly. The intent was clear: he was about to strike the defenseless child before him. Instinctively, Luke''s hands shot up to shield his face, bracing for the impending blow. The terror in his eyes was palpable, the raw fear of a child cornered by a monster. Suddenly, the oppressive atmosphere was shattered by a sharp intake of breath. ¡°Huffff!¡± Luke''s eyes snapped open, and he found himself sitting upright, drenched in sweat. The remnants of the nightmare still clung to him, making his heart race. He clenched his fist, anger, and resentment burning in his eyes. He gripped at his loudly beating heart, waiting for the unexplainable pain to go away. Moments passed as his beating heart finally calmed down, and he instinctively turned his left palm. Shock! That was all he could feel. The unsightly scar that was supposed to be there had gone as if it never existed. Memories of his first day at the academy of a new world suddenly started to surface as he remembered how he had blown away his right hand. Again, his head moved instinctively as he opened and closed his right hand, forming a fist to check. ¡°Oh, you are awake?¡± An aged male voice came from his left as his eyes followed. An old man in a white dress came inside, his back hunched yet his eyes still looking as lively as ever. After he was broken out of his reverie, Luke finally took a look around the place he was currently at. It was sterile and white, the kind of place that was designed for healing and recovery. It was one of the many wards of the academy clinic, a place where students were brought after sustaining injuries during their training or missions. The walls were adorned with soft, calming colors, and the windows were draped with light curtains that allowed the golden rays of the setting sun to filter in. The room was filled with the faint scent of medicinal herbs, a comforting aroma that hinted at the healing magic that permeated the place. Luke''s gaze shifted to the neatly made bed beside him, the sheets crisp and white. On a small table next to the bed lay his belongings, neatly arranged. He remembered the fierce battle with the Silvermane wolf, the adrenaline, the fear, and the momentary lapse in judgment that had resulted in his hands being blasted. The memory was still fresh, and he flexed his fingers, marveling at how they felt as good as new. A chuckle from the old healer brought him back to the present. "You should be more careful, young man," The old man said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But then again, that''s what I''m here for." Luke bowed his head slightly, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you for healing me, sir." The old healer waved his hand dismissively, his laughter echoing in the room. "It''s just my job, lad. And please, just call me Wang. ''Sir'' makes me feel ancient." Luke smiled, "I''ll remember that." Wang glanced at the clock on the wall, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "Good heavens! It''s already 6:30 pm! You''ve been asleep for hours. You should get going; the academy grounds can be a bit tricky to navigate at night." Luke nodded, quickly gathering his belongings. "Thank you again." As Luke stepped out of the room, Wang watched him go, a thoughtful expression on his face. He stroked his beard, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and pity. "Such a young soul, just what kind of suffering has he gone through to make those expressions while sleeping," he murmured to himself. "May the goddess Eve watch over him and guide his path." The clinic''s corridors were quiet, the only sound being the soft footsteps of Luke as he made his way out. The events of the day weighed heavily on his mind. ¡°I really need to do something about this whole gun situation before blowing up my entire body next time.¡± He had already let go of his nightmare and was back to recapping his fight with the Silvermane wolf. His first fight in this world. It was nothing like he had planned, nor was it satisfactory, but he was glad to have come out of it alive. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Should I just start dual-wielding guns? Or keep one extra with me?¡± They were possible options, but Luke shook his head. It didn¡¯t solve anything in the long term. It was like being able to fire two extra bullets before the ultimate reload. If he was in a situation where he had to fight multiple enemies or an enemy that wouldn¡¯t go down in just a few bullets, this wouldn¡¯t help him much. For the short term, carrying more than one gun seemed like the right idea, but he¡¯d definitively need a better method for the long term. Just then, he remembered the translucent screens that had popped up in front of him before he lost consciousness. He instantly brought back those screens with a mere thought.
Sub-quest completed: You have finally kickstarted your journey as a true Gunner and have passed the mock test! Quest clear condition: Kill or subdue the beast. Quest status: Completed! Quest Reward: [Gunner Craftsmanship (Normal)] has been acquired!
Achievement Unlocked!: Fire a gun for the first time! Rewards: +2 Dexterity Master of Guns (Beginner) (Passive)
The evening sun cast long shadows on the academy grounds, painting the world in hues of orange and gold. Luke''s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, primarily about the rewards he had just discovered. But as he stepped out of the clinic, another matter demanded his attention. Trenton, with his back against a tree, looked up as Luke emerged. The setting sun illuminated his features, revealing a mix of apprehension and determination. As their eyes met, Trenton pushed himself off the tree and approached Luke with a brisk pace. Luke''s internal monologue was dripping with sarcasm. Of course, just what I needed. Another typical young master encounter. He rolled his eyes inwardly but kept his face impassive, not giving Trenton the satisfaction of seeing any reaction. "Hey, wait!" Trenton called out, but Luke continued walking, his strides purposeful and steady. "Wait up! I''m not here to cause trouble." Trenton''s voice had a hint of desperation, making Luke pause and turn. The sight of Trenton, slightly out of breath and scratching his head in embarrassment, was almost comical. Luke''s eyebrows quirked up in mock surprise. Could it be? He mused dramatically in his mind. Seeing that he had Luke''s attention, Trenton took a deep breath, his face reddening slightly. "Look, I was out of line earlier. I shouldn''t have mocked you, especially given how things turned out in the combat test. So... I''m sorry." Luke tilted his head, feigning deep thought. "Oh?" he drawled, clearly enjoying Trenton''s discomfort. Trenton sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I was just being petty because of your high bid, that¡¯s more money than what my noble father has spent on me till now. Well anyway, we would''ve been toast without you. So, thanks." A slight smirk played on Luke''s lips. A reasonable person in this world of mad folks? Miracles do happen. He mused. "If you''re genuine, then we''re good." Relief washed over Trenton''s face as he followed Luke who had already started walking again. "Great! By the way, you''re in the C-ruby dorm, right? I''m in B-gold. We can share a tram since they''re close." Luke shrugged, his earlier amusement fading. "Do as you wish." Trenton, not one to be deterred easily, grinned. "Come on, don''t be so standoffish. Let''s be pals." Luke shot him a sidelong glance, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You know, I was half-tempted to shoot you earlier. Count your blessings." Trenton gulped, the playful atmosphere suddenly charged with tension. "You''re joking, right?" The two continued their banter as they boarded the tram, the vehicle humming to life and carrying them towards the dorms. The journey was short, and soon Trenton alighted, waving Luke goodbye. As Luke approached the C-ruby dorm, he noticed a few familiar faces from his class in the lounge. Their curious gazes followed him, but he paid them no mind, his thoughts already on the rewards he had yet to explore. He made a beeline for his room, shutting the door behind him with a soft click. Collapsing onto his bed, he let out a deep sigh. Soon after, he opened up the details of the rewards he had gotten.
Master of Guns (Beginner): Type: Passive Skill You''re on the path to becoming a true gun master! Passive effects: Additional 5% range on top of a gun''s range. Bonus 5% damage to every ranged attack. Additional 25% damage multiplier on critical hits.
Gunner Craftsmanship: Type: Class Skill Rarity: Normal As a gunner in this world of uneducated wand-wielding monkeys, it is your own duty to make sure you carry out the best weapons in your hands! Active skill: Repair (Unlocked) Active skill: Enhance (Unlocked) Active skill: Craft (Locked) [Unlock conditions: Better understanding of guns]
The description of [Master of Guns (Beginner)] was pretty straightforward, but the description of [Gunner Craftsmanship] was very vague. And no matter how much he tried, the system just won¡¯t give him more details. A better understanding of guns? Well, let¡¯s try what we can for now. And hence, Luke¡¯s eventful day came to an end. The next morning, Luke woke up, almost forgetting that from today the academy¡¯s time would be from 8 a.m. in the morning. Thanks to his habit of waking up early, he made it just in time, even though he had to sacrifice his morning jog for that. Amazingly enough, everyone else was on time too. Soon after, their homeroom professor, Elric entered. ¡°Today¡¯s going to be a long day, I wish you all the best of luck,¡± Elric said in a passive tone, making a hushed chattering erupt in class. Trenton, Luke¡¯s seat neighbor tried to talk to Luke too, but the latter just gave him an uninterested stare and focused towards the professor. ¡°Silence. Today is the day you select your first partners that you might be with throughout your life.¡± Elric¡¯s words caused even more confusion amongst the otherworlders, but the native Eldorians finally seemed to have caught on to something as their faces lit up with joy. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s exactly as your fellow classmates have assumed. Today is Professor Martha¡¯s class, and you lot will be doing your first familiar summoning.¡±