《Villain Is on Vacation》


 Chapter 1 Boring Life. I Just Want To Rest

    ?

    As the sun set, mysterious twilight enveloped the city in its embrace.

    The asional chirp of a bird or rustle of the wind broke the stillness as if nature itself was awed by the beauty of the moment.

    The shadows from the buildings seemed to extend endlessly, deepening the already gloomy sky.

    When midnight arrived, the moon was visible among the stars in the night sky, while chilly gusts blew on the deserted streets with very few people around, and most stores had closed for the night.

    The dimmed streetlights flickered faintly, making it hard to see objects from a distance.

    Suddenly, the sound of a loud barking dog echoed through the emptiness, growing louder and louder with each passing moment. It was difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the barking, but it seemed to being from somewhere in the distance.

    From time to time, some cars were passing through the road. The atmosphere was serene.

    Amid this stillness, a man was stumbling along the quiet street alone. Like the moon among stars, he stuck out like a sore thumb.

    He had the appearance of a young man who had only recently begun to lead an adult life, someone who could support his nation by paying taxes one day.

    Although he didn''t look very handsome, he wasn''t some average guy either. He might look good if he took care of his body and appearance.

    However, heavy dark circles under his eyes on his face made him look tired and worn out. It was evident - he had not slept enough.

    You can tell from his attire and appearance that he just left his workce orpany after finishing his work there.

    He was making his way to his home now.

    With a quick nce, he attempted to decipher the hour and minute hands, but to his dismay, they seemed to be frozen in one ce.

    No matter how hard he tried to shake it or press the buttons, the watch remained stubbornly stuck at one particr moment.

    ''Useless.'' He muttered underneath.

    As he pulled out his smartphone to check the time, the bright screen disyed the digital clock indicating - [12:17 AM].

    He checked his schedule for the day and breathed a sigh of relief as he realized he had no pressing appointments for the morning.

    "From tomorrow, my vacation will start." As he remembered that, he smiled.

    It may look amusing as a twenty-five years old man was smirking at the thought of getting a vacation.

    At that moment, his phone began to ring, and the sound of a familiar song filled the air. "If I die young, bury me in the sand..." He quickly retrieved his phone from his pocket and answered the call.

    "Hello, Boss," he said politely, anticipating the reason for the call.

    "Hello, Rain. The thing is..." the voice on the other end trailed off, and Rain''s heart raced as he waited for the news.

    As he listened to his boss''s words, a grin spread across his face. "Thank you, Boss."

    Soon after, Rain''s boss hung up, "I can''t believe it. I''m finally getting a vacation, and even better, the ckpany is sponsoring it," Rain thought, feeling like he was on cloud nine.

    After all, he was just an ordinary employee in a ckpany, which made him work tillte at night.

    At that moment, he heard his phone buzzing, indicating that he had received numerous notifications. He checked his phone and saw - many messages had flooded hispany''s group chat.

    As he read through the conversation of his colleagues, he couldn''t help but smile bitterly. "How lucky they are to have families," Rain didn''t have anyone he could call his family.

    He was just an orphan - raised in an orphanage. Neither his biological parents nor anyone else had evere to find him or adopt him.

    Despite this, he often found himself wondering about his parents. Did they still exist? Or had they passed away?

    Rain had never attempted to find his parents, so he didn''t know anything about them. It''s because they never made any effort to search him, and vice versa Rain didn''t try to find them.

    "I don''t have the time to look for them anyway," He mused.

    He shook his head and focused on the good news - hispany sponsored a vacation for all employees. Even though he would be going alone, he was happy for getting the opportunity to take some time off work and rx.

    As Rain scrolled through the messages in thepany group chat, he noticed that everyone was making ns with their friends.

    "Friends, huh," he mumbled to himself.

    Rain tried to recall if he had anyone he could call his friends, but he couldn''t remember anyone in particr.

    Although he had many acquaintances, he was unsure whether he could call them friends or not.

    After receiving his university degree, Rain joined thispany. However, thispany was a firm that grinds you to death.

    Still, Rain didn''t have any other options. After graduation, he applied to manypanies for the job - however, he was rejected by most of them because of ack of "experience" and "connections."

    Rain doubted - he would be able to find employment anywhere that would pay him as much as thispany did.

    He lived his life juggling between work and hobbies.

    Most of his time was spent at work, making it difficult for him to indulge in his interests. It was a typical case of working for a ckpany.

    Every morning, he had to wake up early and rush through his morning routine to get ready for work.

    Rain noticed the bus leaving the station just as he was approaching it. "Oh, damn!" he eximed, realizing he was going to miss thest bus.

    Without thinking twice, he put his phone in the pocket of his trousers and started running after the bus.

    Rain was not a runner - he couldn''t even remember thest time he ran this fast. His legs were iling around, his arms were swinging wildly, and he looked like a person possessed. "I must catch that bus," he thought as he ran at full speed.

    As he was just close to his bus, he nearly tripped. He tried to control himself to not fell face-first on the road.

    However, he missed the bus.

    Feeling dejected, Rain watched the bus disappear into the distance. "Why me?" he sighed, knowing he had to take a taxi now. He couldn''t help but chuckle at how ridiculous he must have looked while running after the bus.

    Since his home was quite far from his workce, he had to take a bus to reach there.

    However, after missing the bus sometimes, it bes unpleasant as he has to take a taxi instead.

    Rain thought of walking slowly toward his home. In the hope, he might get a taxi while walking.

    "I am so tired."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Rain was tired after working. As he was going on vacation from tomorrow, he had toplete his pending work before leaving thepany.

    it wasn''t unusual for him to stayte at work, though.

    Despite this, he feltpelled to work as he got a bonus for overtime.

    He rarely got any holidays till now.

    He wished he had a [girlfriend] to spend his holidays with.

    However, he neither had any holidays nor any girlfriend.

    Given his limited holiday time, Rain preferred to spend his days off resting at home.

    Despite receiving a good sry and bonuses for working overtime, he had to save some of that for future expenses.

    The majority of his ie was used for living expenses, as renting a room in the city wasn''t cheap, and he had to pay various bills at the end of every month.

    Traveling was also a significant expense for Rain. While bus fare was his primary mode of transportation, he asionally had to book a special taxi after leaving the office during overtime, as it would get quitete and he couldn''t find any bus at that time.

    Food was another essential expense for him. Since he didn''t have the time to cook, he mainly relied on fast food and instant noodles to survive.

    The list of his expenses was quite long, and he had only one source of ie to manage various needs.

    Rain''s life was monotonous and didn''t seem to change anytime soon. He tried to change it, but unfortunately, he failed miserably.

    He had attempted to find a good ce near thepany, but it was of no avail.

    He also thought of buying a vehicle, but cheap ones weren''t good, and he couldn''t afford the better ones. Hence, he put a hold on that and started saving money for it.

    Although he learned cooking, afteringte from work, he barely had any energy to do anything else.

    As Rain walked down the street, he noticed that he was the only person around. The emptiness of the street was reminiscent of his life, whichcked the presence of family, friends, and a girlfriend.

    During his childhood, he did chores in an orphanage. Throughout his adolescence, he worked part-time jobs while pursuing his studies.

    Now, he was investing his youth in employment with a ckpany.

    As he walked further, he felt the weight on his shoulders increaseing.

    "I''m always busy, never getting any rest," he muttered to himself. "In the 25 years of my life, I have just worked to live peacefully, but I don''t know when I will finally get some rest."

    He shrugged his shoulders, feeling exhausted. "All I want is to sleep," he sighed.

    "I just want to lie down on my bed without any worries. After all, I also have to get up early tomorrow morning, so I can catch up with everyone in thepany."

    Rain had to get up early the next morning because his colleagues decided to go together on the vacation and they were going to meet in the early morning the next day near the railway station.

    As Rain walked alone on the street atte night, the cool air seemed to embrace him, making him shiver slightly.

    The dim streetlights flickered, casting an eerie glow on the pavement, and the asional gust of wind sent leaves rustling across the ground.

    Suddenly, Rain heard a loud rumble and turned to see a massive truck hurtling toward him.

    Its headlights shone like two blinding orbs, illuminating the darkness ahead. Rain''s heart leaped into his throat as he realized the truck wasn''t slowing down.

    Then, the sound of a horn came to his ears.

    BEEP

    BEEP

    BEEP

    Rain was pretty much annoyed by the sound.

    "Ah, It appears to be a truck." He mumbled.

    "Oh, it''s a truck after all. But why is it heading in my direction? And why is the driver only honking his horn?"

    Rain was confused by this.

    Time seemed to slow down as Rain watched, helpless, as the truck grew closer and closer.

    The screech of tires on the asphalt filled his ears, and he could feel the wind of the truck rushing past him.

    Just after a few moments, Rain was flying in the air after getting hit by the Truck.

    ''Will this truck-Kun take me to the afterlife?'' Rain wondered.

    He guessed he would soon die. ''That driver should have pressed the brake or maybe the brake wasn''t working? Still, It''s partially his fault.

    I''m hoping that the driving department will revoke his license.'' Rain thought, he didn''t want anyone else getting in an ident like him.

    ''Will I now be sent to a fantastical setting like that in novels and be the main character?

    What sort of a world will it be?

    Fantasy? Urban? Inter-gctic? Wuxia?

    I might get Reincarnated.''

    ''No, it appears that I have some vivid fantasies.''

    Rain chuckled. There was no way that things like this would happen in real life.

    ''My monotonous life ising to an end now. I will be free. I won''t have to do any overwork.

    No one will keep ordering me around.

    The most necessary thing is I can rest.

    All I want to do is sleep.''

 Chapter 2 Looks Like I Really Got Transmigrated

    ?

    After taking his first and final flight, Rain quickly came down to the ground.

    *THUD*

    However, he performed the crashnding, but it''s unclear if it was because of his first time or the result of his inexperience.

    Most of the ribs in his body were broken, and blood was flowing like a small stream from his wounded body. He sustained severe injuries. He couldn''t even move a single part of his body.

    ''Ahh. Goodness, gracious. This warmth is the finest. I guess I can sleep now.''

    For a moment, Rain even forgot that he was injured. However, soon he felt pain in his whole body.

    He couldn''t even turn his neck. So he just tried to see his surroundings by sifting eyeballs.

    ''Oh, I appear to be bleeding heavily.''

    There wasn''t a single speck of worry in Rain''s mind. Although it was painful, at the same time it was an opportunity to take precious rest from everything.

    ''So, based on this, I guess I might pass away shortly. Will I die at this young age?''

    ''I should have enjoyed my life more, took proper rest, and shouldn''t have overworked myself every time. Will I get a second chance? Maybe at that time I will try to enjoy my life and won''t do any tiring work. Still, I will get rest now.''

    Even on his deathbed, Rain was treating the street like a sleeping bed.

    At that moment, the road made of Asphalt was more soothing to him than a bed of cotton.

    He wasn''t bothered by the fact that he was dying nor he cared where the truck went after hitting him. Strangely, he found his soon-to-be death -a liberation from his monotonous life.

    ''There''s a chance that a miracle may ur and I''lle back to life with a bang.'' Rain thought. He soon started thinking about different scenarios like,

    ''I may be an heir of some secret ancient family, so some shadow-type group wille and save me by giving me an elixir,

    or my past life''s memories will suddenlye back to me,

    or a miracle doctor will treat me, then I will be cured by him.''

    Rain was making fantasies while dying but soon he just chuckled.

    ''Nah, just kidding. Nothing like this will happen.''

    As Rain was thinking all this, his body was getting colder per second. Soon, Rain''s consciousness started leaving his body.

    ''Ah, it''s all dark.'' The dazzling world, which was filled with colors - started losing its color. There was only darkness there.

    ''Seems like I passed away. I''m free to rest now. Let''s put my mind to rest and sleep. Maybe my next life will be filled with more colors.'' And like that, he closed his eyes.

    ***

    [Unknown ce]

    "Ah.."

    In a room, a boy around 19 years old was sleeping soundly. It looked like he was taking a rest after working hard.

    He rustled on the bed. It looked like he already took a rest and might wake up soon.

    He raised his torso and sat on the bed. He was still yawning. He rubbed his eyes and opened them gradually.

    Rain slowly opened his eyes, trying to make sense of his surroundings.

    As his vision cleared, he realized he was in an unfamiliar room. The room was modest in size, but it was clean and neat.

    The walls were painted in a warm beige color and some tasteful decorations were hanging on them.

    The marble floor was covered with a soft, cream-colored carpet.

    The headboard was made of dark wood and had intricate carvings that added to the room''s elegance.

    The bed was positioned against the wall, and arge window above it allowed natural light to flood the room.

    Rain looked around and saw - the room was furnished.

    There was a wooden wardrobe in one corner, a small writing desk in another, and afortable armchair near the window.

    A framed painting hung on the wall opposite the bed, depicts a serenendscape.

    ''Oh, where am I?''

    Rain didn''t think that he was in the hospital as he remembered - he died after getting hit by the truck and his current location also didn''t match any kind of hospital room or ward.

    As Rain sat up, he noticed the luxurious bed he had been lying in. It was covered with silky, white sheets and fluffy pillows. It was one of the finest quality.

    Although Rain quickly wanted to take sweet sleep on it, there were countless questions in his mind, and getting answers of them was necessary at this moment.

    ''Is it true that I passed away?'' Rain thought this because he remembered that he died after getting hit by the truck.

    Like how can he forget that thing? It was his first andst time when he died.

    ''So this is the so-called afterlife, then?''

    Rain was pretty much confused. Because it was different from what he heard.

    When he was on earth some people imed that a demon from hell would hold you ountable for all of your misdeeds after you pass away.

    Or you must cross the Styx River,<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Or you must consume some aunt''s soup.

    But when Rain saw his surrounding space, he didn''t find anything of this.

    It was a room.

    A simple but luxurious room.

    There were numerous pricey decorations and works of art. It was well organized. Everything was neat and clean. You can''t find even a speck of dust.

    Rain was kinda shocked as he never saw this kind of sight. He started pondering where he was and soon he concluded two possibilities. Either this is heaven or he is transmigrated like in those novels..

    Pretty fast, right? Rain didn''t waste much time in thinking.

    ''I have to find where I am,'' he thought to himself.

    Rain attempted to stand up from the bed, but his legs buckled beneath him, unable to support his weight.

    Frustrated and helpless, he tried again and again, but each attempt ended in the same result: he remained trapped on the bed.

    He couldn''t understand why his body was failing him so miserably. Was it rted to his recent death, or was something else at y? Panic gripped him, and he began to hyperventte, gasping for air.

    "Come on, Rain, you can do this," he said to himself, trying to calm down. But his attempts were in vain, and he remained stuck on the bed.

    "There ought to be someone close by," he reasoned, looking around for help. But the room was empty, and the silence was deafening. Rain felt a pang of loneliness and helplessness, which made him desperate for human interaction.

    "Hello? Is anyone there?" he called out, but his voice was hoarse and barely audible.

    Rain searched for a mirror, hoping to see his reflection and assess if he still had injuries from the ident.

    "Where''s a damn mirror when you need one?" he muttered, growing increasingly frustrated. He wanted to see if his face was still intact, or if the ident had left him disfigured. The uncertainty was too much to bear.

    Just when he was about to give up, he saw a reflection of an attractive man in the window. Rain''s heart skipped a beat, and his pulse quickened. "Who''s that? Is he here to help me?" he wondered, hopeful for the first time in a while.

    "Hello? Can you hear me?" he called out to the man, hoping for a response.

    As he was pondering the man''s sudden appearance, drowsiness struck him, and his vision started blurring. He felt his eyelids droop, and he realized he was losing consciousness. "No, no, stay awake, Rain," he whispered to himself, but his efforts were in vain. The darkness engulfed him, and he was left alone with his thoughts and fears.

    ''This is so annoying.'' Rain clicked his tongue and frowned.

    ''I will see what this is and if this ce is really heaven or not.''

    As he was getting sleepy, he didn''t bother much and thought he will rest for some time.

    Like that, Rain fell asleep again.

    ***

    After a while, Rain finally woke up.

    He opened his eyes, and slowly he tried to move his legs.

    Fortunately, this time he was able to move. He was happy about this. After all, even if he wanted to rest, living without moving looked boring to him.

    He got out of bed. He opened his mouth.

    "Ah..."

    ''I can speak and move now.'' Rain felt relieved.

    Rain thought that It was time to investigate that ce. There were many doubts.

    Like is this really heaven?

    Who is that man?

    What is the reason behind all of this?

    Then he started to approach that man. Rain''s eyes were filled with determination.

    As Rain noticed the man approaching him too, his heart started pounding with anticipation and curiosity. He could see that the man''s every move was an exact replica of his own, leaving him puzzled and bewildered.

    Although Rain had already guessed what was happening, he could''t ept it.

    The closer the man got, the more Rain''s confusion grew. His mind was racing with thoughts, he was gradually ecpting the reality.

    As that man had mirror like appearance or you can say it was just reflection of Rain.

    "Looks like I really got transmigrated."

    Rain finally epted the reality.

    ***

    �USome references�U:

    -?Meng Po (lit. ''Olddy Meng'') is the goddess of forgetfulness in Chinese Mythology, who serves Meng Po Soup on the Bridge of Forgetfulness or Naihe Bridge.

    This soup wipes out the memory of the person so they can reincarnate into the next life without any burdens of the previous life.

    -?Styx River is one of the rivers of the underworld.

    In Greek mythology, the Styx River is one of the five rivers that flow through the underworld. It is the river that separates the world of the living from the world of the dead. ording to mythology, when a person dies, their soul must cross the river to enter the underworld.

 Chapter 3 System

    ?

    Rain was left bbergasted when he finallyprehended that he had indeed been transmigrated.

    After all, who would have thought that such a thing could happen in real life?

    He stood in front of the mirror, gazing in amazement at the reflection staring back at him.

    He started observing his features in the mirror, he thought to himself, "It''s me? Really, it''s me," He reached out and touched his face, feeling the smooth and soft texture of his skin.

    Despite having an above-average figure in his previous life, Rain knew that it could notpare to his new appearance. This body was beyond perfect.

    Standing at around 180 cm tall, he wasn''t particrly tall, but he still had a good height. His "shiny ck hair had a hint of brown shade" to it, and it cascaded down in soft waves.

    His face was striking, with sharp curves that gave off a cold impression. His "ck eyes" were like deep abyss.

    His skin was blemish-free, and it was quite pale, adding to his overall look of elegance.

    Rain could hardly believe his luck; he had never seen himself so attractive before.

    Although Rain was not a fan of looks, it wasn''t a bad thing to have.

    After admiring his new physique for some time, Rain started thinking about his current situation.

    He thought he should calm down. He tried to remove every useless thought from his mind and calm himself.

    He took some deep breaths and calmed down himself.

    ''Who am I?

    Where am I?

    Why did I spend a full half day in bed?''

    There were countless questions in Rain''s mind, but not a single answer.

    ''Why am I sounding like some cliche protagonist of some third-rate Reincarnation novel?''

    ''It''s extremely unpleasant.

    If I am now in this body, then what happened to the former owner of this body?

    Did he die?

    If yes, then who killed him?

    I must know.''

    As a guy who had read fiction novels. Rain knew what would happen in these scenarios.

    Suddenly, Rain had a thought.

    ''Let''s check to see if I have any cheats first.''

    He believed that a calm mind was the key to essing his ability or figuring out what kind of ability he had.

    With this in mind, he sat on his bed and folded his legs into a cross shape. cing the back of his hand on his legs, he closed his eyes and began to meditate, focusing on his breath and letting his thoughts pass by like clouds.

    ***

    After a while, nothing happened. Yes, nothing happened.

    ''Yeah. It''s really unpleasant.''

    ?[...]

    At that moment, Rain overheard a noise. That surprised him.

    ''What was that sound?''

    ?[Appropriate Host found.]

    ?[Beginning the system binding...]

    Rain quickly understood after hearing these details. Soon some fantasies began to take shape in his mind.

    ''Looks like I have been transmigrated in some cliche novel. Now I am getting some parasite-like system too.''

    Rain was quite excited. Never in his boring life, something like this had happened.

    ''Let''s consider what kind of novel''s world this is for the time being.

    Urban? Wuxia? Fantasy? modern setting?''

    He began to scan his surroundings.

    Based on his analysis of his surroundings, it might be a modern fantasy novel''s world.

    ''Like I attend an op academy where I study sword and magic. Demons will appear to trouble the MC and also get beaten up by the MC. The Protagonist will create his harem. So intriguing.''

    ?[35% System Bounding..]

    Observing this, Rain pondered.

    ''So slow.''

    ''Perhaps this system is just garbage?'' Rain wondered. He was just guessing as it was taking too much time for processing.

    ?[It is advised to the Host that he shouldn''t poke fun at the system.]

    ''Oh, I guess it can read my thoughts like mentioned in those novels. Interesting.'' Rain smirked. This setting quite fascinated him.

    ''What if I do, then?'' Rain tried to provoke the system. He was curious about what the system would do to him.

    ?[Then, System will take several actions to convince the host of the system''s might.]

    Rain interpreted this as a joke.

    ''What even can you do?'' Rain raised his eyebrows and asked in return cockily.

    Unfortunately, it didn''tst long.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Suddenly, he felt a sudden jolt of electricity course through his body. The shock was powerful, and it caused his muscles to contract involuntarily, making him cry out in pain. His heart raced, and he felt a surge of adrenaline shoot through his veins.

    For a moment, everything went ck, and he felt disoriented and confused. As his senses slowly returned, he realized - he was lying on the bed, and his body was twitching involuntarily.

    ''Aaarhhh��''

    The pain was excruciating, and Rain struggled to catch his breath. He tried to get up, but his body felt weak and unresponsive.

    Rain tried to control his voice but the pain was hard to bear.

    ''This system shocked me with electricity. Are you behaving toward me in a mentally ill patient manner? You shit system.'' There was frustration in the eyes of Rain.

    ?[Language, Host.]

    ''It''s still happening, this garbage system.''

    ''Aarhhh''

    Following a few electric shocks, the system stopped its punishment.

    "..."

    ***

    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Rain managed to get to his feet. His body was shaking, and he could barely stand.

    ?[Completed System Bounding]

    When Rain heard this, he felt reassured.

    He was lying on his bed, and his hair was standing like spikes. His whole body was still trembling.

    ''Good. Finally.''

    Rain then uttered the phrase that every character who has possessed another character will utter.

    �d�T? Status ?�T�g

    ?Name: Rain /??

    ?Age: 19 years old

    ?Rank: -F grade

    ?Strength: -F (weakling.)

    ?Health: -F (need to go to the hospital for treatment.)

    ?Stamina: -F (Can''t evenst longer than one minute.)

    ?Charm: B+

    (Appears to be an angel. However, only in looks.)

    ?Intelligence: C+

    (Common sense that is a little above ordinary.)

    ?Mana: ...

    (It''s so insignificant right now that I can''t even measure it.)

    ?[Evaluation: A good-looking weakling with little moremon sense than average people. Even young kids can defeat you.]

    Rain was silent after reading his status.

    He rubbed his eyes, and after blinking a few times, he saw it again, but it was still the same.

    ''Hey, system what does this status mean?

    Are you serious?

    Why am I so weak?''

    Rain''s fantasy was crumbling in his heart.

    ''Wait. This appears to be the status of my previous life. Did I inherit stats from my previous life?''

    Rain assumed.

    ?[Host''s hunch is urate.]

    ''I guess it seems to make sense because I''ve spent most of my life working and studying. So my strength stat is disappointing,'' Rain admitted.

    ''But what are thosements?'' Rain saw some odd remarks about his status.

    ''What is this duration of stamina, exactly? I don''t believe I''m that weak.'' He felt like this remark was wrong.

    ?[Host. Please, cleanse out your dirty notions. I''m referring to physical exercise.]

    ''This deceitful system... '' Rain tried to curse, but remembering electric shocks, he controlled himself.

    ''About health. Yeah, I''ve been working a bit too hard in my life, and I have no idea why my body is also injured.'' He reasoned.

    ''The next is the charm. I suppose I''ve always had a good appearance. In my previous life, I was above average and now I am just perfect.'' Rain stroked his chin and smiled.

    ''I might not have much intelligence because I don''t know much about this world.'' Rain was content with this.

    ''Mana exists here? Thus, this might be a modern fantasy novel''s world.''

    Then he started noticing other details.

    ''Moreover, I am 19 years old.

    Good. I''m still fairly young.'' Rain didn''t want to be some infant or some old man after his death. So being young was good for him.

    However, Rain soon noticed his name in the status window.

 Chapter 4 Rain Holmes, A Mid-Tier Villain

    ?

    Rain''s brow furrowed as he stared at the status window, feeling a growing sense of confusion.

    His name looked odd in the status window, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off.

    Ignoring it could be dangerous because the majority of the time you ignore something it wille back to haunt him in the future.

    This is a standard thing in every fantasy novel.

    Rain didn''t want to raise any red gs.

    As he didn''t know what the abnormality in his name signifies, he made a system query.

    "System, can you confirm where I am? I seem to be in some sort of fantasy world," Rain asked.

    ?[Host is right.]

    ''Then why is my name the same as my previous life and what is that question mark? Shouldn''t I have a different name in this world?''

    ?[Host will soon know.]

    This answer perplexed Rain.

    He was tempted to pursue the system for answers, but after thinking rationally, he gave up.

    If the system didn''t want to answer, he didn''t want to waste his energy either.

    He realized that he needed to know where he was, and the best way to do that was to ess the memories of the previous body''s owner.

    "So, system, can you provide me with the memories of the prior owner?" Rain asked. He wasn''t sure if that system would do it or not. However, he still gave it a shot.

    ?[Yes. Host.]

    Rain was relieved to hear the system''s positive response. "Then let''s get started," he said, feeling a strange connection with his mind as he spoke

    ?[Initiating... Synchronizing...]

    ?[5%��]

    ?[34%����������]

    ?[55%������������������]

    ?[78%��������������������������]

    ?[99%����������������������������������]

    Rain felt a sudden throbbing pain in his head, and he winced in difort.

    The headache came on suddenly, and it was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. He tried to shake it off, but the pain only intensified.

    ''What is this headache?'' Rain asked himself.

    As he didn''t struggle to cope with the pain, heid down on the bed. He thought he wouldn''t get anything from struggling with pain.

    He wasn''t some cultivation novel''s masochist protagonist who liked to bear the pain. Rain put his head on the fluffy pillow and started thinking about taking rest.

    ''Maybe the memories of the prior owner areing.''

    ?[Synchronizing was sessful.

    It''s best for the host to put up with the difort.]

    ''Sweet dreams'', Rain wished himself.

    Just like that, Rain lost his consciousness.

    ***

    After some time, Rain slowly opened his eyes and blinked a few times to adjust to his surroundings.

    As he looked around, he realized that there was nothing in sight - no trees, buildings, or people. A vast, empty void that seemed to stretch out endlessly in all directions surrounded him.

    The emptiness of his surroundings made Rain feel alone and somewhat vulnerable. The absence of any discerniblendmarks or features made it difficult for him to orient himself or to form any sense of direction.

    All he could do was to stand there, taking in the emptiness around him and wondering what his next move should be.

    ''Where am I?

    Why are all the things ck?'' Rain''s mind was filled with doubts.

    ''Oh, there''s somebody.'' But then he immediately spotted someone.

    Rain sighed in relief.

    "You?"

    However, when Rain saw his face, he was astounded.

    "Why does he resemble me?" Rain was confused.

    ''It''s not "me," but the one he resembles is the former owner of this body.'' Rain tried to make up the answer.

    "You are somewhat correct, though."

    That man replied as though he knew what Rain was thinking.

    "My name is Rain, hello."

    Rain then gave the man a greeting.

    Even though Rain intended to question the man in great detail, he couldn''t help but feel a connection to the man. Like when he finally met him yearster.

    "I am also Rain." The man also introduced himself.

    "You also?"

    Rain was surprised after hearing that man''s name.

    "Yeah, Rain. Rain Holmes."

    ''Wait, it sounds simr...oh. It''s the... ''

    "Yeah, it''s the mid-tier viin of the novel you read. Rain Holmes, that''s me and you."

    Seeing that Rain was trying to remember something, that man answered. However, after hearing the answer, Rain was shocked to the core.

    "So now I am a viin?" Rain asked with surprise.

    "No, you don''t have to be a viin," Rain Holmes responded.

    "Good, because I won''t ept that," Rain replied firmly. "I will change everything regarding my fate and storyline of the game."

    "I understand. I also thought same thing," Rain Holmes said with a nod.

    "Yes, but why do you think we are viins? and how do you know the plot?" Rain asked doubtfully.

    "Oh, that''s because you and I are one and not two."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    That man said and grinned.

    "Don''t tell me..."

    When Rain was trying to say something, that man said on his behalf.

    "Wow, you''re quite clever, aren''t you?" The person standing in front of Rain remarked with a hint of amusement. "You haven''t been transmigrated, my friend.

    Instead, you have been reincarnated.

    Your current existence is nothing but a continuation of your previous life - a mere collection of memories and experiences that make up your ego.

    In simplenguage, you are my previous life, and I remembered it now."

    Rain Holmes exined.

    Rain looked at Rain Holmes with a mix of confusion and curiosity. "So you''re saying that I am your previous life, and that we share the same soul?" he asked, trying to wrap his head around the concept of reincarnation.

    "Yes." Rain Holmes nodded.

    Rain couldn''t deny that the idea was intriguing, and it did exin the inexplicable sense of familiarity he felt when he saw Rain Holmes for the first time. "But how is it possible that you have my memories?" he asked.

    "I don''t know much either.

    I was sleeping in my room and suddenly I felt my surroundings blur, I fainted." Rain Holmes said, he continued further,

    "When I opened my eyes, I was here in a void.

    I felt a connection between you and me. It was like some entity made this stage for us to get each other''s memories. As soon as I saw you, I got all of your memories." Rain Holmes spoke out everything he thought.

    "That entity might be ''System''," Rain remarked.

    "Could be," Rain Holmes agreed. "But regardless of how it happened, we now share memories and experiences. We are essentially one person now."

    "Do you find this satisfactory?" As Rain knew what will happen to him, he was quite concerned.

    "Of course. I am aware of what will ur in the future because of your hazy recollection; it''s my death." Even while talking about his future death there wasn''t much worry on his face.

    "I saw most of the events that will happen in the future, I really want to change them and live a good life. Until now, the only thing I did was work hard to live a happy life.

    But I didn''t know after going to the academy, that kind of thing will happen to me. So I need your help. With our experience and knowledge, we will live a happy life." Rain Holmes said.

    Rain nodded slowly, absorbing the information. It was a lot to take in, but somehow, it made a strange kind of sense. "So what happens now?" he asked.

    Rain Holmes smiled. "Now, we work together. We pool our memories, our experiences, and our skills, to create a better life for ourselves.

    And with the knowledge of the future events that we have, we can try to avoid making the same mistakes and create a better oue for everyone."

    "However, two egos can''t stay in one body at the same time. It will lead to some problems when you will get into higher ranks.

    Your body should be one with your soul. Mind at peace.

    I am also aware of your difficulties, and ultimately, we are both Rain, we have same soul, right?" Rain Holmes said with a smile.

    "Yeah." Rain nodded his head.

    "Treat me well," He said.

    "Me too."

    Rain Holmes smiled and shook his hand. As they made contact, Rain felt a strange sensation wash over him, like a merging of two beings into one.

    In a few moments, Rain Holmes faded into the background.

    ***

    [Rain''s Room]

    Rain was still lying on his bed. After some time, Rain slowly opened his eyes. There was rity in his eyes, like he found what hecked.

    Rain lifted his upper body and sat on the bed. He stood up, tried to walk, and did other things.

    He found that now moving his body wasn''t that ufortable.

    When Rain woke up the first time it was irritating but now, it wasn''t that irritating to move around.

    Rain thought there might be some changes in the system too. He was anticipating something good.

    �d�T? Status ?�T�g

    ?Name: Rain Holmes

    ?Age: 19 years old

    ?Rank: F Grade (-F -> F)

    ?Strength: F (-F -> F)

    ?Health: F (-F -> F)

    ?Stamina: F (-F -> F)

    ?Charm: B+

    ?Intelligence: B- (C+ -> B-)

    ?Mana: G+ (Null -> G+)

    After observing his status for some moments, Rain found some things have changed.

    Rain noticed that the question mark in the name disappeared - ''Rain Holmes'' was written there.

    My birthday is just one week after that.

    Although his current age was 19 years, he knew soon after a week he will turn 20 - the plot of the game will start progressing.

    Rain clicked his tongue. Now he got memories of his current life, he started hating the plotline more.

    He knew Rain Holmes'' emotions and memories were affectimg his thinking.Still, he also felt same about things.

    But after seeing his rank, Rain''s mood became worse. He lost his rank and now he was a weaklingpared to other people. He was conscious of his weakness.

    ''Due to reincarnation or because of something, my rank went from D- to F, but it''s alright.'' Rain didn''t know why his rank dropped.

    However, he was feeling much more secure as his health stat rose by one.

    Still, after seeing his mana stat, Rain thought it was too low.

    Even in the game, Rain never saw anyone with a G rank stat.

    ''It appears that I must take action. This is a fantasy world. If I continue to live like this, I will be crushed soon enough.'' Rain was determined.

    ?[Host.]

    Suddenly, a cold mechanical voice interrupted him.

 Chapter 5 Three Choices, Extra-Character System

    ?

    ?[Host.]

    "What?" Rain asked abruptly.

    ?[Host has sessfully finished Synchronizing.]

    "So what?"

    Rain was confused. He didn''t understand why the system was stating the obvious.

    ?[Now Host should choose one choice among the following three choices.]

    ''Oh�� ''

    Hearing this, Rain eximed.

    ''Looks like system has something more Interesting.'' Rain was excited to see the choices but he didn''t know these choices will change his life.

    Soon three choices appeared before him.

    ?[1. Supporting Character :

    Be a friend of the Protagonist. A character who will assist or interact with the protagonist and help to develop the plot or theme of the story.

    -Reward: Supporting Character halo,

    -Favorability of the protagonist (+30),

    -Favorability of all Heroines (+20),

    -Beginner fighting skills, Unknown.]

    ''Hmm. A Supporting Character who buzz around MC.'' After reading the first choice Rain had a very mild reaction.

    Then Rain saw the next choice.

    ?[2. Destiny Viin :

    Be the Enemy of the protagonist - steal all heroines, and opportunities from him. Atst, kill the protagonist.

    -Reward: Viin halo,

    -The enmity of the protagonist (+20),

    -The enmity of all heroines (+10),

    -Beginner fighting skills,

    -Appraisal skills (Master), Unknown.]

    ''Viin. This is kinda interesting.'' This choice intrigued rain.

    Still, Rain saw thest choice given by the system.

    ?[3. Extra character:

    Live a life of an extra character, just go with the flow of the storyline.

    -Reward: All character''s Favorability (+10),

    -Beginner life skills, Unknown.]

    Rain was silent after seeing this. Although he was confused why only these three roles and not any other.

    For example,

    -(Protagonist) - the main character in a story, often the hero or heroine, who drives the plot forward and faces the central conflict or challenge.

    - (Mentor) - a wise and experienced character who guides and teaches the protagonist.

    - (Foil) - a character who is simr to the protagonist in some ways but contrasts with them in others, highlighting their differences.

    - (Stock character) - a character who represents a conventional or stereotypical type, such as the mad scientist or the wise old wizard.

    - (Narrator) - the voice that tells the story, either as a character within the story or an omniscient, outside observer.

    But he was content with this. After all, it''s not like you get to choose choices like this every day.

    It would be great if you can also choose what role you want to y in real life

    ?[NOTE: From the Host''s choice, the system will be modified. Host cannot change his choice after choosing it. So please decide after some thinking.

    System will give host some tasks and afterpleting that tasks ording to the role. System will also give rewards to the host.]

    ''Oh, so now, I just have to choose my role. This is the best.'' Rain liked this setting. So he started thinking about which choice he should choose.

    Just after a few moments��

    "Okay. I choose. No.3 Extra character."

    ?[What? Host, are you serious?

    Don''t you want heroines by hugging MC''s thigh? You can - maybe get one of the heroines or sub-heroine and go to the road of prosperity.]<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Even system was surprised by hearing Rain''s choice and tried to convince him and change it.

    But��

    "Hah�� Who cares about MC, Heroines, and viins? They can do what they want. I don''t care about them. Just make me an extra character." Rain said in a cold tone.

    Rain firmly believed in his choice.

    Even if System again asks, Rain will still choose Extra-character.

    ?[Okay. Host is wise.]

    ?[System is starting modification to Extra-character System.]

    ?[Approximated time:- 6 hours]

    Hearing about System modification, Rain sighed in relief.

    ''Good. Now I can rx for some time.''

    Rain lied down on his bed and started pondering about the choices of the system.

    From these choices, Rain found how devilish the system was. Although the first two choices looked good- in reality, they were very dangerous.

    ''First. Supporting Character, are you kidding me?'' Rain scoffed.

    From his opinion, this was the most dangerous position. Most of the viins who came for the main characters will alsoe for you.

    Rain knew he would die if some viines at him sometime because now he was quite weak because of some weird nerf.

    Even if Rain was still D- rank, it would be still dangerous. There is also the chance that it would destroy the plot line. Not like Rain cared about it, though.

    There is also a chance you will be transferred to the Viin camp or sacrificed for the greater good of the protagonist.

    Even in every story, supporting characters are often not given as much depth or development as the protagonist or main characters, and may not have their own distinct arc or storyline.

    They will have less control over the plot and may be subject to the decisions and actions of the protagonist or other characters, and Rain didn''t want that.

    So for this choice, it''s [No].

    For Rain, bing a supporting character was like walking around with a time bomb.

    ''Second. Destiny Viin, even from hearing the name, I will refuse. Even if the rewards are good.

    In the plot, Rain was a mid-tier viin. But still, he died.

    So what about destiny Viin?

    What would happen to him? And even if I somehow manage to overthrow the protagonist, which is quite difficult.

    What will I get? Revenge?

    Even if I want it. It''s just a brainless and tiring process.

    Furthermore, the plot hasn''t even started, though.

    And about getting heroines?

    They are just hypocritical morons. I don''t need them.''

    In the end, the Antagonist is the character or force that opposes the protagonist and creates obstacles for them to ovee. Just some stepping stones.

    The main reason for not choosing these two choices is that this is just too much work for him.

    ''From my past life and current life, I never got rest. Even in my current life, I can see how much hard work I had to do to reach D- rank. I just want to rest.''

    That''s why Rain chose an extra character among the choice. It wasn''t only for that reason, though. There are other pros too.

    For example, Extras may have the opportunity to work with and meet other characters like hidden characters, viins, or even a character who didn''t appear in the story, which can be valuable for building connections in the industry.

    He can even go to some Viin''s house and drink tea with him. Not like he was going to do that.

    Extras may have more flexibility in terms of their storyline, while main characters have to y their part in the story.

    However, an extra character is free. He can go anywhere and anytime. Sometimes extra characters can even y some major roles, but only temporarily.

    Otherwise he won''t be an extra character anymore.

    ***

    After all these things, Rain was tired.

    He didn''t want to be bound by the storyline.

    ''Yeah, screw the storyline.''

    Thinking like this, Rain lied down on his bed. Feeling rxed on his bed, Rain felt his umted fatigue decrease.

    ''Wow. Sofortable.

    Good night to my first day in the New world.''

 Chapter 6 RPG-Game "Saga Of The Magical Knight"

    ?

    Reincarnation.

    A trending topic of every fantasy novel. Many people believe in it while many don''t.

    If you ask Rain about this, he didn''t believe in it either.

    However, it was just a moment ago. Now he might even start believing in it, too.

    "Aa.." Rain yawned.

    As Rain slowly opened his eyes, he felt a sense of calm wash over him.

    The room was still dark because there was still sometime before dawn and the only light was from the moon shining through the window.

    He took a deep breath and stretches his arms, feeling his muscles loosen up as he moves.

    He sat up in bed and looked around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings.

    Rain swung his legs over the edge of the bed and felt his feet touch the cool marble floor.

    For the first time in many days, Rain felt well-rested and at peace.

    ''So, in reality, I''m in a fantasy world now.'' Rain took a breath of fresh air.

    He still remembered what happenedst night, how he was struck by a truck and lost his life and then he was reborn here for some reason.

    At first, Rain thought it would be a dream, soon he will wake up from it and his boring life will again continue.

    However, it wasn''t really a dream.

    He reincarnated!!

    This situation still surprised him a little. It was simr to the fictional novels that he read in his previous life.

    ''But how does all of this work though?'' Still, Rain was curious about it.

    ''Is there any group of truck drivers who have an agency for transporting people like this? and you have been hit by a truck not get inside to truck for traveling?

    Who might be the owner of that agency?''

    Rain was deep in thinking but soon he snapped out of it. He felt that he won''t get any answers of these questions.

    Through the window, he saw that the sun had already risen.

    ''Ah, Good morning. It was such a cozy night. I had a restful sleep after a long time.'' Rain felt quite refreshed.

    He tried to see if "the system" was modified or not.

    He noticed that system was still under modification and it will take some more time.

    As there was still some time before the System will change, and no one will bother him because it is still early in the morning, Rain started to rephrase the story.

    As much as Rain wanted to sleep more but he needed to be stronger after getting his rank dropped. So he started thinking about the plot of the game.

    From his current life''s memories,

    Rain was sure that he could say that the world where he reincarnated into is the world of "The Saga of Magical Knight" game.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Yeah. That is the name of the game from Rain''s previous life, and he reincarnated in that shit. However, you might be thinking why Rain felt that game is [shit].

    It''s because the storyline of the game was also [shit].

    This game was adapted from the light novel under the romance fantasy genre.

    While some people might not know about it. There is also another word used for it. ''rofan''. If you read mainstream light novels you would know about this.

    This is one of the genres of light novels where the story is focused on how Mc and a group of women fall in love with each other but they just add some fantasy stuff. Many people like to read this type of novels.

    That light novel got famous because of its "good writing" and "story". Many people were a fan of it as you can expect from them.

    Fortunately, one of the nation''s bestpanies decided to make a game version of the popr light novel.

    Many people would be confused about -how Rain was rted to this in his previous life.

    ''I am rted to the core of it. I was one of the designers and programmers of this game.

    Yes, thepany that decided to adapt the work and make a game was thepany that I used to work at, that ''ckpany''. Ironically, thepany''s name was also ''The ck.''

    It was literally exploiting ckpany.''

    So as the designer and programmer of this game, Rain had to do the following works.

    First, Rain had to read all seven volumes of the light novel and many side stories several times to work without making any mistakes.

    After that experience, he became so efficient that he could score 90+ marks out of 100 on an exam about the story''s content.

    In order to make the program and design of the game, Rain''s team asked the author of the light novel and other rted people to check and redo all work.

    After all, somehow hispany respected the creator''s opinion.

    He and his team also yed that game as a beta-tester, in case of bugs in all routes. If there is, then they could remove them.

    To make the game more appealing, they added different routes to capture the heroines.

    However, this added a significant workload, leaving Rain with no time for rest.

    Don''t know if it was because the novel was popr or ourpany''s promotion campaign yed a role.

    The game got quite popr among everyone, and Rain got a decent amount of money as a sry and bonus.

    Yes, that''s why Rain didn''t leave his job.

    He was nning on going on vacation after work that day, but unfortunately, he was transported to this world by Mr. Truck and his reckless driver.

    ording to the plot, The protagonist of the story is a powerful, yet kind and gentle character who embarks on a journey to be even stronger by attending an academy.

    Throughout the story, he gradually ovees challenges and defeats various viins, making sacrifices along the way, including losing some supporting and extra characters.

    He also gains the admiration of beautiful heroines and achieves prosperity.

    However, among the viins, there is one who stands out - Rain Holmes.

    A mid-tier viin who is destined to die soon...

 Chapter 7 New Features & Skills

    ?

    After reminiscing about the plot, Rain pondered. "The world is currently in a mess, and the strong prey on the vulnerable," he thought.

    "Although this also urred in the world I left behind, it feels more overt here. You never know when some superpower might kill you." Thinking about the times when he died in the game, Rain''s face wrinkled.

    He didn''t want to die this time, without enjoying his life.

    He wanted freedom.

    He wanted his [vacation].

    "Therefore, I must develop remarkable strength and prepare well, for the plot will soon begin," Rain resolved. Determination burned in his eyes as he clenched his fists. He would do everything in his power to break free from the plot that had entrapped him.

    As Rain pondered his next move, a sound interrupted his thoughts.

    ?[Completed the system modification.]

    "Ah, good news," Rain thought to himself. "Let''s see what new features the system has and what rewards await me."

    �d�T? Extra Character System ?�T�g

    ?[Status]

    ?[Skills]

    ?[Plot progress]

    Rain noticed there were some changes in the system.

    There were some new tabs in the system.

    Rain thought he should check his status first.

    �d�T? Status ?�T�g

    ?Name: Rain Holmes

    ?Age : 19 years old

    ?Title : Reincarnator

    ?Rank : F grade

    ?Strength : F

    ?Health : F

    ?Stamina : F

    ?Charm : B+

    ?Intelligence : B-

    ?Mana : G+

    ?Luck : C (new)

    [TRAITS]:

    #Calm Thinker

    #Hard Worker

    #Extra-character

    ''Oh, so many new details.'' Rain eximed with surprise after seeing new details in his status. Although his stats were the same, still he can see that some new things were added.

    Rain saw that he got a new title, so he decided to check its details. He clicked on his title, soon exnation appeared before him.

    [Reincarnator: Can receive previous life''s skills and traits.]

    Rain was happy with the title as he thought - he would greatly benefit from it.

    ''Because I lived alone in my past life, I gained a lot of skills. My professional skills like - programming will also be a great skill in my arsenal. Even though the world has changed, technology is still used by the people here.''

    Then Rain started checking other things.

    He noticed that the new stat ''luck'' was unlocked. In his status window, there was a luck stat under mana.

    However, after reading its value, Rain shrugged his shoulders.

    ''It''s, uh, average. Not like Male leads or Female leads, who have high luck stat.''

    Rain guessed he shouldn''tpare himself with them as they were like children of heaven.

    ''It''s still higher than my other rubbish stats, though.''

    Then Rain saw his traits.

    ?[Calm thinker: Thinks Calmly. Even in a disastrous situation, you can make decisions calmly.]

    ?[Hard Worker: After hard work and training. Stats and Skill proficiency will grow faster than the normal rate.]

    ?[Extra-character: You who hold this title will not be bound by the plotline. You can go with the flow.]

    Rain was satisfied with the traits, as they were generated from daily activities.

    ''With calm thinker, I will be able to make my ns more thoroughly like thest life.''<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    After all, a Calm mind is your ultimate weapon against all battles.

    Rain was conscious that he has to cope with this difficult world from now on. Even if he became extra, he still has his identity - [''Rain Holmes''], which will attract many troubles for him.

    Because of his regr hard work in his previous life and this life, he got a hard worker trait. It was a good thing for him.

    Because he has to raise his status quickly after getting these nerfs, and the plot is going to start soon, too.

    And the best trait is Extra-character.

    ''Yeah, it is the best.''

    Why? Because of this trait, he can stay away from those main characters and plotline. From Rain''s point of view, they were just troublesome.

    Now let''s see.

    �d�T? Skills ?�T�g

    [Active Skills] :

    ?Swordsmanship- Beginner

    ?Marksmanship- Beginner

    [Passive Skills]:

    ?Calm mind

    [Life Skills] :

    ?Cooking- Intermediate

    ?Singing-Elementary

    ?Calligraphy- Elementary

    ?Appraisal-Beginner

    ?Drawing- Intermediate

    ?Programming- Intermediate

    ?Language-Advanced

    [Press here to expand the list��]

    ''Looks like I got a jackpot.'' Rain smirked as he looked at his skills.

    ''First, I think swordsmanship and marksmanship are from my current life.'' Rain assumed.

    In this world, most people use weapons like bows, swords, spears, and others. Among this, Rain is a Swordsman.

    Still, as self-defense, many people also learn marksmanship and the calm mind is from the Calm thinker trait.

    Life Skills were the genuine jackpot for Rain.

    ''Looks like system gave me my rewards.

    And some of them are also from my previous life. Maybe because of the Reincarnator title.'' Rain started observing everything in detail.

    Then Rain noticed something odd.

    ''But their proficiency is high. Perhaps, because of the system''s reward - they were upgraded?''

    ?[Indeed. Host.]

    There are also some arts & culture skills. That mighte in handy.

    Like musical instruments, etiquette, riding, driving, calligraphy, cooking, etc.

    After all, even if the world changed. People still need food, water, and air to live. Although you can live without them after bing a high-ranker.

    People get bored and they also do their daily entertainment activities. They watch movies, y games, engage in sports, listen to music, read books, or hang out with friends and family.

    Overall, entertainment ys a crucial role in people''s lives and is an important aspect of human culture.

    ''With these skills and stats making a n will be easier.'' He thought.

    However, who knows, there might be some variables.

    __________________________________________

    (Proficiency levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, Proficient, Master, Grandmaster.)

    At the lowest end of the scale is the beginner level, which typically denotes someone who is just starting, and has limited knowledge or experience.

    The elementary level is slightly more advanced, indicating a basic understanding of the subject matter but with room for improvement.

    Moving up the scale, the intermediate level suggests a greater degree of skill and knowledge, whereas the advanced level denotes a high level of proficiency and experience.

    Beyond this, there are the proficient and master levels, which are reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional ability and expertise in their chosen field.

    At the top of the proficiency level scale is the grandmaster level, which represents the pinnacle of achievement and denotes a rarefied level of knowledge and mastery.

 Chapter 8 Plot & Heroines

    Rain was reviewing his ''Status'' and ''Skills'' when he noticed a third tabbeled ''Plot Progress.'' Curiosity piqued, he clicked on it, and in a split second, a shimmering, translucent panel materialized before him as if summoned by his touch.

    "The plot is progressing," the panel disyed a message that read, "Progress: 0.001%."

    Rain breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that the plot had not yet been fully initiated.

    Based on his knowledge of the game, Rain calcted that he still had approximately 10 days before the plot would unfoldpletely. This gave him ample time to formte a solid n and execute it effectively.

    He couldn''t wait for the plot to start, so he felt an urgent need to make a n and initiate it before his 20th birthday, which was just seven days away.

    Rain was sure that he didn''t have much time.

    "Let''s get up and start making progress," Rain said as he got out of bed. When he looked at the clock, he saw that it was still early morning.

    Because of his previous life''s routine, Rain had developed a habit of waking up early. He decided to do some light exercises to start his day.

    However, as he began stretching, his whole body began to ache. It was then that he noticed some injuries on his body.

    Although the injuries were not severe, they were not minor either. Rain estimated that it would take around 2-3 days for them to fully heal, even with an awakened body.

    Rain tried to remember how he had sustained his injuries. After some thought, he soon recalled the incident. It had been the work of his fianc��e Emma Rose and his sister Kaya Holmes - both of whom were also the heroines of the game.

    "You might be wondering how they managed to beat me up," Rain joked, "It''s because I''m a viin. Well, partially the reason anyway. Let me tell you about them."

    He walked over to the drawer and retrieved a photo album.

    As he flipped through the pages, he saw many photos of himself with his loved ones - each one filled with happy memories.

    Eventually, he came across a photo of himself ying in the park with two girls.

    Rain looked at the girl standing on the left side of him and thought about Emma Rose - [First heroine].

    "She''s the daughter of the Rose family - one of the wealthiest families in the city.

    We were childhood friends, but I don''t think she considers me a friend anymore."

    Rain shrugged his shoulders.

    "Our parents are also friends and they arranged our engagement, which seems childish now.

    Even in the modern world, people still do that. I was happy, though - Emma was my first love, and we had yed together happily in our youth."

    However, remembering something his mood dropped.

    "But one incident changed everything. After one incident, Emma began to hate men, and our rtionship became distant as a result."

    Emma even partially started to hate Rain and this story continued like this until the Protagonist came and made Emma fall in love with him.

    Rain didn''t know how Emma, who hated men, fell in love with him and don''t think the protagonist is female. He is 100% man. Don''t ask how Rain knows, he just knows.

    Then he turned his attention to the girl on the right side of him - Kaya Holmes [Second Heroine.]

    She is Rain''s sister, but not from the same parents.

    She was the daughter of Rain''s father''s elder brother, and only a few months older than him.

    They were close and often yed together with Emma during their childhood.

    However, one day, her parents died in a [Monster Dungeon ident], and Rain''s father adopted her, whichplicated things.

    The reason being that her parents'' death was not an ident; it was a pre-nned conspiracy, known by many.

    As Rain remembered the tragic loss of his uncle and aunt, his felt sad.

    Kaya was still in shock after learning about the incident that led to her parents'' death. It was hard to fathom how such powerful people could meet such a terrible end.

    Determined to uncover the truth, she sought the help of Rain''s father, who had inherited the family head position after the death of his brother.

    Kaya asked him to investigate and bring justice to her parents.

    However, when Rain''s father finally shared the truth about the death of Kaya''s parents, it was devastating news.

    [Her parents had been victims of a terrorist attack by devil worshipers.]

    Despite Kaya''s plea for revenge, Rain''s father refused to take action.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He exined that, even with the power of their family, there would be many losses and casualties.

    This refusal caused a rift between Rain and Kaya, and things between them began to take a bad turn.

    ***

    Kaya was dejected after hearing this news. She made a goal to take revenge, but she knew she couldn''t do it alone.

    She needed the help of her family''s power, which was in the hands of Rain''s father.

    However, he had already refused, and even if he had agreed, others would oppose it. Kaya realized that her n for revenge had be impossible.

    She then decided that the only way to take back her family''s power and seek justice for her parents was to be the next family head. However, there was one obstacle in her path - [Rain Holmes.]

    Because he was also a contender for the next family head.

    They were close in age and talent, but Rain had the advantage of being a hard worker from childhood and the son of the current head.

    Kaya distanced herself from Rain, who she saw as an obstacle to her goals.

    She, Rain and Emma were childhood friends.

    However Emma, who had once been her friend, started hating Rain because of her engagement to Rain. This gave fueled Kaya''s hatred to Rain.

    After Rain''s fall from power, Kaya became the family head with the help of the protagonist.

    Together, they took revenge on everyone responsible for her parents'' death. Over time, Kaya and the protagonist fell in love and got married.

    "Happy Story, right?" Rain chuckled menacingly. He realized how messed up his life had be, as both Emma and Kaya hated him.

    He closed the photo album and thought about how he got injured.

    ***

    A few days ago, Emma asked to dissolve their engagement, and she came with the contract in hand.

    Although Emma''s and Rain''s parents had made a promise of marriage, Emma''s parents agreed to cancel the engagement.

    After that incident, Emma''s parents felt guilty and tried to make up for it by granting her every wish.

    However, Rain didn''t agree to cancel the engagement. How could he leave his first love?

    He tried to talk to Emma, but she was adamant about breaking off the engagement.

    Emma didn''t even speak to him and instead proposed a duel. With no choice left before him, Rain reluctantly agreed to the duel.

    The duel between Rain and Emmamenced shortly thereafter.

    Initially, they seemed evenly matched, but soon Rain began to gain the upper hand.

    Just as he was about to secure victory, Kaya helped Emma so that the engagement could be dissolved sessfully.

    Rain was caught off guard by Kaya''s sneak attack and soon found himself in a disadvantageous position.

    Both Emma and Kaya beat him ck and blue. However, due to the breach of the duel, Rain was dered the winner.

    Kaya exined that she couldn''t give her friend to someone like Rain and that''s why she breached the duel.

    Just when Charles was going to say something, some [Elders] of the family came and talked with Charles.

    As they were quite far from Rain, he couldn''t hear anything.

    After that, Kaya was "somehow" saved from the harsh punishment.

    This incident further dealt an emotional blow to Rain.

    ***

    "What can I even do? This is so stressful.''''

    Rain sighed.

 Chapter 9 Holmes Family

    ?

    Rain sat on his bed, feeling irritated after thinking about the heroines.

    He decided to examine his body and see if he could find out more about his injury. He carefully probed his limbs, feeling for any signs of pain or difort.

    As he did, he noticed that there were small bumps and bruises on his skin that he hadn''t noticed before.

    Curious, he used his fingers to trace the outline of one of the bumps. As he did, he felt a sharp twinge of pain.

    He gasped and pulled back, realizing that he had found the source of his injury - there were hairline fractures and microscopic cracks scattered throughout his body.

    "Although my injury isn''t severe, it''s enough to keep me from advancing in rank." He muttered. He wondered if he would be able to train with this injury.

    Rain knew that these injuries weren''t major, but they still needed to heal before he could make progress in his training.

    He sighed and reached into his closet, pulling out a bottle of elixir that he had purchased from a local apothecary. He hoped that it would help speed up his recovery so that he could get back to training and pursuing his goals.

    For a second, he thought it was a waste to use elixir on his injury however next moment he changed his mind.

    He felt he shouldn''t care about it, his family is quite rich. Thinking like that, he drank the elixir.

    *Gulp*

    As the potion flowed down his throat, he felt a surge of energy and determination coursing through his veins. Closing his eyes, he let out a deep breath, and as he did, he felt a warm sensation spreading through his body.

    To his amazement, Rain watched as his injuries began to heal at an astonishing rate. Not a single scar remained on his body. With renewed strength andfort, Rain began to exercise, feeling his muscles respond with newfound vigor."

    ***

    [2 Hours Later]

    During these 2 hours, Rain kept exercising non-stop.

    He was drenched in sweat and out of stamina. Therefore, he was just lying on his bed at the current time.

    ''I got quite sweaty after doing some light exercise. Perhaps that system was right about this body''s stamina. It really sucks. But that''s fine."

    Rain felt ufortable with sweat on his body, he decided he would take a bath and then he would do some quick checks in his room.

    Thinking like that, Rain soon entered the bathroom in his room.

    The bathroom was quite big for one person. It was bigger than the room Rain lived in a previous life.

    After a quick bath, Rain dressed up in new clothes. Although they were not expensive, they still looked great on him.

    Looking at the mirror, he said,

    "Even if all stats are low, the charm stat of mine is quite high."

    ''This body has the potential of reaching ''Grade A'' in charm stat, it will be quite worthwhile. Even though I am not a fan of looks, it is not a bad thing too.

    Still now is not a good time for that to be narcissistic.'' Just as Rain was thinking about his looks, someone knocked on the door of Rain''s room.

    *Knock*

    *Knock*

    "Come in."

    Rain answered calmly.

    "Good morning, Young Master!"

    Soon a young butler entered the room. His movements were fluid and graceful, indicating a certain level of training and discipline.

    He bowed and greeted Rain.

    When he lifted his head and saw Rain he was quite shocked.

    It was because the young master who was injured a few days ago was now smiling and standing quite healthy before him.

    "Young master?" Butler was confused.

    The young man with an above-average face. Brown hair styled in a very sophisticated manner and ck eyes, which were deep and piercing.

    He looked ordinarypared to Rain. However, if he goes around the city wearing his butler''s uniform, he will be sure in demand from the opposite sex.

    After seeing him, Rain started thinking about him.

    ''Mark, My personal butler.''

    In Holmes Family, every child gets their personal butler at the age of 15. Many families also follow this tradition.

    Because after awakening, it is the best time to bloom their talent in their early years, and by training, at that age, they can increase their strength rapidly.

    After getting old, it might decrease.

    So to increase their training time and make full use of time, they hire a butler. This personal assistant does all misceneous work on their behalf.

    They will also y with them and sometimes homeschool them.

    For Rain, it was Mark. <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    In the game, Mark also got harsh punishment for following Rain. Kaya fired him after bing family head.

    ''He is quite trustworthy. So, this time I will make sure no harm will befall on him.'' Rain firmly decided.

    "Good morning, Mark." Rain returned the greeting.

    "Young master, breakfast is ready. Lord and Madam are waiting for you in the dining hall." Mark stated calmly. There wasn''t any shock on his face now. You can say how well-trained he was.

    "Hmm." Rain said.

    After going out of the room, Rain and Mark walked through a quiterge hallway. That was Rain''s first time going out of his room after reincarnation.

    Rain looked around at the various decorations and artworks that adorned the walls, taking in the details of each piece as he passed by.

    The hallway was dimly lit, but the soft glow of the lights above highlighted the intricate designs of the artwork.

    As they continued to walk, they could feel the coolness of the marble floor beneath their feet and hear the faint echoes of their footsteps. While walking Rain was thinking about his family.

    Holmes Family.

    It''s one of the richest families among humans.

    Because in [Great Reshuffle], one of the 10 great heroes was a member of the Holmes Family, Aron Holmes.

    After the war, he did many things for his nation and his family. Unfortunately, he died in [The Demon War].

    Still, before dying he expanded the Holmes family''s influence to arge degree.

    So you can say - Holmes Family has quite a huge influence on humanity and even on the whole earth.

    They also have many S-rankers, some SS-rankers, and the top S-ss guild, Azure Dragon.

    After walking through the hallway, Rain and Mark arrived at the Dining hall.

    They noticed thatpared to the hallway, the dining hall was decorated in moderation.

    The walls were painted in a soft beige color, and a few simple paintings were hanging on them.

    In the center of the dining hall, there was a long dining table made of dark wood. The table was set with elegant silverware, crystal sses, and china tes.

    At the left head of the table, a man was sitting on the chair.

    The man was tall, and he had neatly trimmed brown hair and a chiseled jawline. The woman was a stunning beauty with long flowing red hair and emerald-green eyes.

    As this was the main building, and in the main building, only the family head''s family lives. So you can guess the identity of the couple. They were the parents of Rain.

    "Good morning, Father and Mother." Rain walked towards the dining table and greeted his parents.

    After greeting them, he pulled a chair opposite of his mother and sat there.

    "Good morning, Rain," his parents said in unison.

    "So your injury got healed, huh?" Rain''s father, Charles Holmes, said.

    He was quite handsome and had an athletic build, standing over six feet tall with broad shoulders and a muscr frame.

    His hair was neatly trimmed and styled with a ssic, sophisticated look. His chiseled jawline and piercing brown eyes gave him amanding presence.

    You could say that Rain''s good looks were inherited from him.

    He is the current family head and also the guild master of the Azure Dragon guild. He is quite stern but also cares about his family. Likewise, he is also one of the SS rankers in the world.

    "Are you okay?" Rain''s mother, Ca Holmes, asked worriedly.

    She was beautiful, so much so that even heroines paled inparison.

    Her hair was equally striking, with long, flowing red hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves.

    Her face was angelic, with high cheekbones, a pert nose, and full lips. Her eyes were brilliant, like emerald green that sparkled with warmth and intelligence.

    She wore a flowing white gown that hugged her curves in all the right ces, exuding an air of effortless elegance and sophistication.

    Not only that, but she was an S-ranker and also came from a quite influential family.

    "Yes, Mother," Rain gently answered.

    From then on, they chatted a few times and ate breakfast.

    When they saw Rain looking for someone, Rain''s parents said that Kaya was under house arrest as a punishment. Rain didn''t make anyments on that.

    After eating breakfast, he left the dining hall. While Rain was going towards his room, he thought about his parents.

    "Although I am not close with my parents, they still care about me.

    Even after my viin awakening, they still supported me. If only I had heeded their advice in the past, maybe things would be different. It appears that some things will be changed from now on."

    While he was walking, from the opposite side a woman entered his sight and interrupted his thoughts.

 Chapter 10 First Meeting With Kaya

    ?

    Rain saw the womaning from the opposite side, and a name came into his mind - Kaya Holmes.

    ''Kaya,'' Rain muttered inwardly.

    Kaya had an air of grace and elegance around her.

    Her tall and slender figure exuded confidence and poise, and her "dark blue-colored hair" was long enough to reach her waist.

    Her "almond-shaped eyes were a bright shade of hazel" and held a mischievous glint that hinted at a yful nature.

    Despite her striking appearance, Kaya often kept to herself and came across as reserved and aloof. But those who knew her well understood that beneath her cool exteriory a "kind" and passionate" heart.

    She was the second heroine of the game, who was known for management and politics.

    She helped the protagonist quite a bit in the novel. She is very beautiful. Any man would be mesmerized after seeing her. However, Rain was different.

    ''The girl who is my sister and I cared for in my life, but she just deceived and backstabbed me.''

    It was quite painful for Rain.

    ''She is one of my death gs. I should just stay away from her.'' Rain decided it.

    "Good morning, Rain." Kaya gently smiled and greeted Rain.

    However, he knew that behind this smile she hates him so much that he can''t even think. This was just one of her facades. Rain knew the real nature of Kaya because he had already seen it in the game.

    "Good morning, Sister." Rain also greeted her with a smile.

    But deep down it was quite painful. Rain also cared for Kaya as much as Emma. He just wanted to live peaceful and a happy life with them.

    Still, they betrayed him. Even at thest breath, he thought they will have some regrets.

    However, they just made their love story with the Protagonist. Rain''s mood was already getting worse just from thinking about this.

    He didn''t want to make any people suspicious by changing his attitude towards, so he maintained his previous attitude.

    Although Rain wasn''t a good actor, he managed to pretend before Kaya.

    After that, Kaya said goodbye and left. It looked like she didn''t want to talk with him much. Looking at her from behind, Rain pondered.

    She didn''t even apologize to him for yesterday''s incident.

    ''Does she really have this much hate for me?'' Rain didn''t know what to do. At first, he wanted to avoid her, but it appears that there was no return at this point. He felt slightly remorseful.

    He had something he wanted to check.

    ''Kaya is dumbass, she is the greatest idiot.'' After thinking this, Rain turned his face to look at Kaya''s face.

    ''Let''s see her reaction. Looking at her expressionless and silent face. I can say she heard me or not.''

    Rain watched Kaya walking, her steps slow and measured. He observed her closely, noting theck of any change in her bodynguage or expression. Her face was calm and serene, and there was no indication that she had heard him.

    As he continued to watch, Rain concluded that Kaya was entirely unaware of his presence. He noted the way her gaze remained fixed ahead, not once flickering in his direction. It was as though he was invisible to her, a mere ghost in her world.

    Satisfied with his assessment, Rain took a deep breath and stepped forward.

    In his previous life, as a game designer and programmer, Rain had read quite an amount of novels. In some novels, there was a setting of eavesdropping. Like Heroines can hear Viin''s inner voice.

    When they learn about the plot, they may start siding with the viin instead of the protagonist.

    Rain did not like this one bit. He just wanted to check if such a scenario existed here.

    ''I thought if some heroines could hear my inner voice, it would be troublesome. But it seems like that only happens in those ridiculous novels. There''s no way these foolish women can hear me,'' Rain muttered to himself.

    He wanted to avoid that setting. After all, it would be quite annoying if heroines can hear his voice and start pestering him. It would be truly troublesome.

    He was now relieved that he can make his n, without any worry. After checking his doubts, he sighed in relief.

    Without wasting any more time on trivial matters, Rain strode purposefully towards his room.

    He needed to start nning immediately. Mark followed behind him, but Rain dismissed him as soon as he entered the room.

    As Rain decided, he started to make some quick checks in his room. He wanted to reorganize his room and find some things that may be useful for him in his current situation.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ***

    After some time, Rain finished inspecting every nook and corner of the room.

    Upon checking his room - he got some artifacts, potions, skill books, manuals, gifts given by Emma & Kaya, and some belongings.

    Rain gathered some useful things aside and started counting them.

    From counting, he came to know that he was able to gather "4 advanced low-tier" and "1 advanced mid-tier artifact". He also got around [500 gold coins] and some manuals about Swordsmanship & Marksmanship.

    These things were from Rain''s past training. However, now his rank has dropped, it will be quite useful for him to restore his rank.

    ''About 500 gold coins, this is quite a lot of money, huh.'' Looking at the pouch of gold coins, Rain remembered something.

    In the game, Rain was saving this money to give Emma an engagement ring. It may sound childish, but he wanted to give her something with his own money.

    These 500 gold coins were all - Rain''s earnings from hunting and other things.

    ''But now who cares about it? I am not going to give her a ring or something like that now.'' Rain scoffed.

    Rain felt it would be a waste of money to do something like that.

    He would rather buy some artifacts and skills with that money. Although Rain''s mood be worse, he still tried to think positively.

    While organizing things in his room, Rain remembered he can also ask for family support funds.

    In the past, out of pride, he didn''t ask for any money from his family.

    Each child in the family received a monthly allowance of approximately 50 gold coins for training funds, but he didn''t collect his funds for five years.

    Rain felt the urge to beat his past self.

    He realized that he had been too proud to ask for help, even in his previous life. How much easier it would have been if he had friends and family to rely on.

    A soft chuckle escaped from his mouth as he remembered his past life.

    Although Rain could have received funds from his family, he never used them because he thought it would be disadvantageous for Kaya.

    However, things were different now. Kaya could still be the family head, whether he wanted to or not.

    Rain shrugged his shoulders and sighed, realizing that it was none of his business.

    He guessed he had umted more than a thousand gold coins.

    "I always wanted to do some pay-to-win," Rain thought with a small smirk.

    "Looks like the n is going to be quite smooth." The thought of finally being able to achieve his goals was exhrating.

    _________________________________________

    Apparently, in this world currency is in the form of coins. Although it was the same as Rain''s previous world.

    However, things changed after the change. The whole currency and financial system were destroyed.

    So when new races came to the earth people of the earth got a new opportunity to introduce currency.

    As other races were familiar with the idea of currency in the form of coins. The coins currency was implemented.

    Like all clich�� novels, it''s

    100 copper coins = 1 silver coin,

    100 silver coins = 1 gold coin,

    1000 gold coins = 1 tinum coin.

    ording to living standards, you can say an ordinary family can live their life with 10 gold coins per yearfortably.

    Most of the daily necessities can be bought with copper and silver coins.

    Because of the magic, the production of crops and food increased, and the living standard of people rose. You can hardly see any beggars or poor guys.

 Chapter 11 Nexus

    ?

    After meticulously checking everything in his room, Rain''s mind raced as he contemted his training n to restore his old strength.

    After all, strength was essential to survive in this world.

    He felt he should visit the library in the main building to gain some general knowledge of this world.

    Despite having regained all of his memories, they remained hazy and indistinct, like two ovepping movies of his two separate lives.

    Rain had trained in swordsmanship and marksmanship from a young age, primarily for self-defense.

    However, after recovering his memories of his previous life, even his mastery of these skills somehow decreased. It was like everything was familiar to him but still unfamiliar.

    "My knowledge is quite limited now," Rain thought to himself. "Maybe reading about this world will help me to create a better training n, and I will remember some details of the plot as I read more books in the library."

    As Rain mulled this over, he suddenly remembered something.

    "Come to think of it..." he muttered to himself.

    "Nexus."

    That was the name of the academy that would be the center of the plot.

    "Saga of the Magical Knight" was one of those games where the protagonist goes to the academy to learn and grow stronger as the story progresses.

    Most of the main characters, supporting characters, and even viins would attend this academy.

    This world wasn''t a fantasy world at first. It was the same as the earth of Rain''s past life.

    However, some things happened in this world that changed everything.

    Many otherworldly races came to this world after that change. Their appearance was followed by a war.

    The post-war period was marked by significant changes, which affected people''s lives in many ways.

    It was a time of adjustment, as individuals and families tried to adapt to new circumstances and move on from the past.

    For many families who had been directly impacted by the war, this meant finding ways to rebuild and create a better future for themselves and their children.

    One of the ways - many families decided to do this was bying together to educate the younger generation.

    This was seen as a way to save time and resources, as well as to create a morepetitive environment for learning.

    By pooling their resources and expertise, families could create an academy that would offer a high-quality education to their children.

    In this environment, students would be encouraged to develop their talents and skills - to forge connections with others who shared their interests and aspirations.

    This would not only benefit the individual students but would also help to support mankind as a whole, by creating a generation of talented and motivated individuals who could contribute to the advancement of society in various ways.

    Overall, the decision to educate the younger generation together was seen as a positive step forward, as influential families worked together to build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

    It was a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity, and a testament to the enduring human spirit of innovation and progress.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    However, the underlying reason for this kind of education was not entirely altruistic, as these individuals were preparing themselves for the possibility of war breaking out again.

    The people had little faith in ''The Peace Treaty'', and they believed that they needed to be ready for any eventuality.

    Despite this, the coborative approach to education was an excellent way for people to ensure that their future was secure, both intellectually and strategically.

    Most of the students enroll in the academy after turning 20 years old, and to gain admission, they have to take an entrance exam.

    Based on their results, they will be ced in the appropriate ss.

    Rain was aware that the enrollment date for the academy was only 10 days away, and he was on a tight schedule.

    As the story unfolds, the protagonist will also join the academy this year, and he is highly talented, ranking first in every exam and event.

    The students will have to study at the academy for four years before graduating.

    However, Rain knew that those four years would be anything but peaceful.

    The academy will be in chaos, and the protagonist will face viins, demons, heroines, and friends.

    He will uncover the secrets and truths about the world, and the peace that has been maintained for years would be shattered, with the academy at the center of the events.

    Upon graduation, the protagonist and his party will y thest boss, defeating a monster that no one else could. Kinda cliche, though.

    After defeating thest boss, the protagonist will be a hero and live happily ever after with his harem or the route he chooses.

    However, every route has the same structure.

    Happy Ending.

    ''What happy ending? It''s a trash ending.'' Rain sat back in his chair and let out a sigh. After finishing the "Saga of Magical Knight" game, his reaction was one of disappointment.

    The game had promised multiple heroines, but Rain found that many of them were not the kind and gentle characters he had expected. Instead, they were often cheeky troublemakers.

    Throughout the game, many supporting characters sacrificed themselves for the sake of the plot.

    This was the story of the ''Saga of Magical Knight'' game, which ate Rain''s overtime in thepany.

    Although Rain didn''t want to criticize the game too harshly, there were many empty details in the game.

    -As the story progressed, many characters were forgotten entirely, like his parents.

    -Never have any viins got a redemption arc.

    -There were many empty details in the game. That''s why Rain wanted to get some knowledge of this world.

    Rain hoped that his every doubt will be cleared after reading books in the library.

    From Rain''s point of view, the plot of the game was troublesome. He wanted to stay away from the plotline as much as he could.

 Chapter 12 Plans Set In Motion

    ?

    As Rain pondered the intricate details of the Academy and the plot, he felt a twinge of irritation. "This is getting tooplicated," he thought. "I need to stay focused on what''s important." He took a deep breath and reminded himself of his ultimate goal.

    Rain didn''t want his thoughts to be clouded by all the intricate details.

    "Let''s calm down first," he told himself. He closed his eyes and took a few more deep breaths. Suddenly, his calm mind skill kicked in, clearing away any unnecessary thoughts in a short moment.

    As he opened his eyes, Rain felt a renewed sense of rity and purpose. "Now I can focus on what''s important," he said to himself, ready to continue his investigation with a clear mind.

    ***

    After calming himself, Rain made his way to the library.

    He walked down the long hallway, feeling his heart rate slow and his breathing bes more rxed.

    He knew his "Calm mind skill" was working.

    Finally, he arrived at the entrance to the library and pushed the door open, stepping inside.

    "Oh�� Library sure is big here, huh," Rain eximed to himself.

    As the son of the current head of the Holmes Family, Rain had ess to certain perks.

    The main building boasted a library, training ground, entertainment area, and other facilities.

    Additionally, there was arge mansion on the grounds, though only the family head and his family lived there.

    Rain was free to use these facilities as often as he wished.

    In the past, Rain had spent most of his time in the training area and rarely ventured into the library.

    This wasn''t because he was unintelligent or solely focused on physical strength - he simply preferred to train and improve his rank.

    Nevertheless, the library was impressive - it was the sole library of the Holmes Family and boasted more books than even the city library, where Rain often read in his previous life.

    The library was quiet and still, its book-lined shelves stretching as far as the eye could see.

    The musty scent of old paper filled the air, and the only sounds were the soft rustling of pages turning and the asional whisper of someone searching for a particr volume.

    Rain walked down one of the aisles, running his fingers along the spines of the books as he scanned the titles of the volumes.

    He felt a sense of calm wash over him, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the library.

    Selecting a book from the shelf, he settled into one of the chairs and lost himself in the words on the page.

    Despite the library''s tranquil ambiance, a few curious nces were cast in Rain''s direction as he entered.

    But after a brief inspection, other people returned to their reading, undisturbed by his presence.

    Rain sat quietly in the corner, poring over volumes on basic education studies.

    Rain was re-reading books on subjects he had learned during his childhood.

    He wanted to revisit and rephrase the knowledge he had acquired back then.

    In this world, when a child turns 10 years old, they undergo aing-of-age ceremony.

    For many families, the ceremony signifies the start of rigorous education for their children.

    High-ss families recognize the importance of education and spare no expense in ensuring their children receive the best education possible.

    They enroll their children in prestigious schools, known for their academic excellence, and hire private tutors to supplement their education at home.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The elite education provided to these children focuses not only on academic subjects but also on practical skills such as public speaking, leadership, and social etiquette.

    However, sometimes the pressure ced on children by their parents and society can be overwhelming, and they may struggle to meet the expectations ced upon them.

    Subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Language, Environment, History, and the Arts are considered essential for a well-rounded education, simr to Rain''s previous life. This education continues for five years.

    At the age of 15, most children awaken to their magical abilities.

    This is a natural process that the government closely monitors to ensure that children are properly trained in the use of their powers.

    Once awakened, the children are sent to high school to continue their studies, but the curriculum is different from ordinary schools.

    While academic subjects like mathematics, science, andnguage remain important, the focus gradually shifts toward practical training.

    Students learn how to wield weapons that suit their natural talents - some may excel with a sword, while others prefer a spear, axe, or bow.

    The training is intense but highly rewarding, as students develop their bodies and magical abilities.

    With Mana in their bodies, they can achieve feats that would be impossible for ordinary people, bing stronger, faster, and more agile.

    Within a span of 15 to 20 years, students in this worldplete their education in all advanced subjects.

    This isparable to earning a college degree in Rain''s previous world.

    Thanks to the power of ''Mana'', people can learn quickly, making this educational journey easier.

    Upon seeing the numerous books around him, Rain decided to study all of the theoretical portions andpare them to what he had learned in the game.

    He also nned to do physical training in his room, utilizing artifacts and potions to increase his training speed.

    Rain estimated that he could potentially reach rank E- if he gave his all, though this rank wouldn''tpare to his previous achievement, it was still a valuable aplishment.

    With little time to spare, Rain knew that getting involved in any plot would only bring more trouble than good.

    And so, Rain began his studies and training regimen, hoping to make the most of his time in this world.

    ***

    Rain spent most of his days studying in the library, pouring over books and manuals about swordsmanship and mana control.

    He found that many of the subjects were familiar to him, as he had been a schr in his previous life.

    This made studying easier for him, along with the fact that he possessed a calm mind and an exceptional memory.

    Despite the long hours he spent studying, Rain was alsomitted to physical training and mana control practice.

    He would often workte into the night, practicing until his body ached and his eyes were heavy with fatigue.

    When he became tired, he would take a break and meditate, using fatigue recovery potions to help him regain his strength.

    Once his energy was restored, he would return to his training.

    Rain also made use of artifacts and growth potions to enhance his progress, knowing that they were only effective in the lower ranks.

    His dedication and hard work paid off, as he steadily increased his stats and grew stronger with each passing day.

    Throughout all of this, Rain entrusted his assistant, Mark, with various tasks, confident in his abilities to carry them out sessfully.

    As Rain sat on his bed, exhausted from histest training session, he couldn''t help but grin mischievously. "I can''t wait to see what Markes up with," he thought to himself.

 Chapter 13 New World Arcadia

    ?

    Rain couldn''t wait to return to the library the next day. He strolled through the library with a sense of calm familiarity.

    He knew theyout of the shelves like the back of his hand, and he quickly found the thick tome he had read many times before - a history of the world.

    As he flipped through the pages, his mind wandered to the billions of years that had passed since the universe exploded into existence, and he recalled how the stars and gxies were formed.

    He knew about the eights that orbited the star named Sun, and how each one had its own unique features.

    He read about the terrestrials, the gas giants, and the ice giants, as well as the dwarfs and the asteroid belt thaty beyond the orbit of Neptune.

    As he turned to the chapter about Earth, Rain smiled to himself.

    He knew it was the third from the Sun and the only known to harbor life.

    He read about the formation of the oceans and the evolution of living creatures, including the humans that he was now a part of.

    As Rain read on, he grew increasingly bored with the familiar information. "This is all the same as my previous life," he thought, skipping ahead until he found the information he was looking for.

    As Rain scanned through the text, he quickly found the information he was searching for and began reading from the section that detailed the events that happened decades ago.

    ***

    Decades ago, Earth was on its way to developing into a technological civilization.

    However, there were several wars between countries, although they were rare.

    But then the disaster struck.

    Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, droughts, tsunamis, volcano eruptions, andndslides were happening more frequently over time.

    Many scientists believed that theck of resources was the cause of this, but that was only one of the factors.

    Even though rules and resource management were created, none could triumph over nature.

    The catastrophe grew over time until a true danger struck.

    It was an invasion by monsters.

    They were everywhere - swimming in the sea, descending from the sky, and even emerging from crevices in the ground.

    They began obliterating everything in their path, and a horrific scene yed out.

    Even with current technology, humanity was unable to handle this, and around one-third of the''s poption was wiped out.

    However, this was not the end of the general consequences.

    As someone once noted, "Problems sometimese in a package."

    After that, diseases began to spread, and many suffered severe or iplete injuries.

    Suddenly, additional fatalities urred, and it is estimated that about half of the poption of the earth perished based on the aftermath.

    But gradually, some energy began to circte in the Earth''s atmosphere, and people called it ''Mana.''

    Many people also started to get new ''superpowers'' and ''abilities,'' and they were called ''Awakeners.''

    ***

    "This is so cliche," Rain muttered as he read.

    ***

    While the majority of the surviving poption got awakened, gradually they started the war with monsters.

    That was called the ''Great Reshuffle,'' a fight for humanity that took many sacrifices, the blood of many warriors, and years to take back somend from monsters.

    After the war, mankind got some of theirnds back, and ten greatmanders emerged among them.

    They were called ten great heroes, and they contributed a major part to this war.

    People still remember to respect them for their bravery and heroism.

    ***

    "Hmm. Now I think one of the ten great heroes was also from the Holmes family, Aron Holmes." Rain mumbled.

    As he continued reading, he quickly realized that the majority of the content was useless.

    He started to skim through the pages, searching for anything relevant.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He found many articles about theories on [why monsters had appeared] and [why they had been awakened], but none of them offered any real answers.

    However, Rain knew the truth. Becauseter in the game''s plot, it was revealed that the monsters had emerged due to a [collision of dimensions].

    After scanning through the text, Rain finally found a chapter with information about how people''s lives had changed after the emergence of the monsters.

    He read about how gates, dungeons, and monsters had be a regr part of daily life. Some people had even formed groups such as guilds and associations.

    As time went on, new races such as Elves, Dwarves, Beastmen, and Giants began to appear from some of the gates.

    At first, humans were wary of these new races, but through negotiations, they started to ept them.

    These new races brought new technologies that helped further develop the world.

    However, conflicts arose when the dangerous race known as "demons" arrived.

    Each race had its unique characteristics:

    Elves were known for their pride and reserved nature,

    Dwarves for their directness,

    and Giants for their emphasis on strength and individuality.

    But Demons are aplex and multifaceted race, known for their love of power and dominance over others.

    While they often revel in the chaos and destruction they sow, it''s important to note that not all demons are the same.

    Different types of demons have unique traits and abilities.

    Some are more cunning and maniptive, using their powers of persuasion and deception to achieve their goals.

    Others are more overtly aggressive, relying on brute strength and raw power to get their way.

    Despite their differences, demons share amon goal: to dominate and control.

    They thrive on conflict and are often the instigators of wars and battles between different races.

    As a result, war was inevitable, causing chaos and turmoil for all involved.

    The war continued for over a decade until it finally came to an end, with the demons iming one-fifth of the earth''sndmass.

    Humanity was granted two-fifths of thend, another one-fifth was shared by the elves and dwarfs.

    The remaining territory was home to several minor races, such as cat, fox, and wolf-like beastmen, as well as towering giants who dwarfed all other races in size.

    Mermaids, nagas, andmias inhabited the sea, while Avians made their homes in the Sky City.

    All races came together following the war and signed a peace treaty in hopes of preventing future conflicts.

    Despite this, a sense of foreboding lingered in the hearts of many.

    They knew that chaos and war were bound to ravage thend once again, staining it with blood.

    ***

    After reading this much, Rain quickly scanned the remaining content.

    However, he didn''t find any useful information.

    Most of it was something he already knew. Feeling disappointed, he closed the old, leather-bound tome and stood up from the chair.

    He walked towards the bookshelf, his hand trailing over the spines of the books.

    He found the right spot and ced the tome in its usual ce with a gentle thud.

    Leaving the library, he started walking towards his room, his footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.

    As he walked, he pondered about the plot. He couldn''t help but feel amused.

    Because these people didn''t know that this wasn''t the same Earth it was anymore.

    The world was already heading in a new direction, yet to be explored.

    Although it may have still been called Earth, it was a new world altogether - one that woulde to be known as Arcadia.

 Chapter 14 Outdoor Training Starts

    ?

    Three days had psed since Rain''s grueling training regimen hadmenced. Lying supine on his bed, he mused on his strenuous efforts.

    His relentless dedication over the past 72 hours had epassed a tireless pursuit of excellence, working tirelessly both day and night. Yet he remained hopeful that his toil would bear fruit in the form of positive results.

    Amidst his reflections, Rain uttered amand, ''Status.'' Subsequently, a diaphanous window materialized before him.

    The appearance of the screen was no stranger to him, for he had often encountered it in the virtual world.

    �d�T? Status ?�T�g

    ?Name: Rain Holmes

    ?Title : Reincarnator

    ?Age : 19 years old

    ?Rank : E- Grade (F -> E-)

    ?Strength: E- (F -> E-)

    ?Health : E (F-> E)

    ?Stamina : E- (F -> E-)

    ?Charm : B+

    ?Intelligence: B-

    ?Mana : F (G+ -> F)

    ?Luck : C

    �d�T? Skills ?�T�g

    [Active Skills]:

    ?Swordsmanship - Beginner

    ?Marksmanship - Beginner

    ?Mana Control - Beginner (n)

    [Passive Skills]:

    ?Calm mind

    ?Concentration (n)

    [Life Skills]:

    ?Cooking - Intermediate

    ?Singing - Elementary

    ?Calligraphy - Elementary

    ?Appraisal - Beginner

    ?Drawing - Intermediate

    ?Programming - Intermediate

    ?Language - Advanced

    [Press here to expand the list��]

    [A/N : (n) means it is a new skill.]

    Rain looked at his status window and smiled. "Good. After three days of training, I''ve made so much progress," he thought to himself.

    He was pleased with the improvements he had made.

    Most of his progress was due to his [#Hard Worker] trait and the slow restoration of his old powers, which had diminished after he regained memories from his past life.

    Over the past three days, Rain had been fully immersed in studying the theories and manuals of Swordsmanship and Marksmanship.

    Finally, he had achieved a rank of E-Grade, which was the minimum requirement for enrolling in the academy.

    However, he still had a long way to go before he could reach his previous rank of D-.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He had been on the verge of bing a D ranker before his memories returned, and he was determined to get back to that level.

    [Only Rain measures Rank in (-) () (+). Everyone in this world measures them in the early, mid, and advanced stages.]

    ording to the plot and Academy''s ranking system, most of the first-year students are expected to be D-rankers. However, the protagonist, who is a C-ranker at the entrance ceremony, will be considered quite talented and appointed as the chief of the freshman year.

    Remembering this, Rain felt he still needed to work hard.

    He started observing his stats to track his progress.

    His strength, stamina, and health had increased and were now in the E range.

    Despite this, his intelligence stat remained at a B- grade as he had only rephrased his knowledge about this world.

    Therefore, it might be challenging to improve further.

    Among all the stats, his Mana, which was initially negligible, had also increased and was now graded F instead of G.

    Rain then shifted his focus to his skills.

    He trained relentlessly with a sword and swung it like a madman until his Swordsmanship had improved to an elementary level.

    Additionally, he acquired a Mana control skill by practicing how to manipte mana while reading books.

    Through hard work and his calm demeanor, Rain also gained a concentration skill that proved to be extremely helpful in both studying and training.

    He could concentrate for a short period, and although it sometimes caused him headaches, he could learn faster with it.

    Unfortunately, there was almost no change in his life skills.

    While Rain read books in the library and trained in his private area, rumors circted among the staff and others in the main building that he had be a bookworm after getting injured and feeling depressed.

    Rain''s parents, concerned about his mental health, asked him about it during breakfast.

    But he assured them, "It''s okay. I''m fine now, and since I just got healed, I don''t think training is a good idea. I''m studying for the academy entrance exam instead."

    They breathed a sigh of relief.

    Upon checking his status, Rain realized that it was time for outdoor training, now that indoor training was done.

    As Rain''s rank increased, he noticed that many of the artifacts he had umted were bing obsolete.

    So he decided to sell them and make some quick money.

    The potions he had used for training were finished, and he had almost read all of his manuals, so he returned them to the librarian.

    Now that Rain had sold some of his artifacts and returned his manuals, his room was much emptier.

    Rain was excited as he thought about his outdoor training n.

    He had been feeling restlesstely and decided that he needed to step up his training.

    After some time, he came up with a n that included the following steps:

    1. He nned to start with bodyweight exercises, as his stats were mostly E grade and needed improvement. He believed that weightlifting might help raise them.

    2. There were no hidden pieces at the academy for Rain, but all of the heroine''s routes had hidden pieces.

    Many of them were wasted or fell into the hands of some extras, so Rain nned to collect them.

    3. The third heroine''s capture route was near Rain''s city since she was his high school ssmate.

    They were just casual friends and nothing more. Therefore, he nned to collect some rewards from there, too.

    4. Rain needed funds to make his n a reality, and luckily, he received an allowance every month from his family.

    He would use those funds to his advantage. [Pay to Win]

    5. Lastly, he decided to keep his n secret from everyone. He knew that if anybody knew about his n beforehand, it would be annoying.

    As Rain reviewed his "outdoor training n," he couldn''t help but smirk.

    Although it was a good n, one thing troubled him.

    He had only four days left before his birthday, and he was tight on schedule. Thinking about it, Rain let out a sigh.

 Chapter 15 Preparation & Ring

    ?

    After making his outdoor training n, Rain started thinking about it.

    ''So first, let''s think about where should I first go?'' Rain thought.

    Hidden pieces, if you think there will be many of them. Even the bed on which you are sitting now and reading this shit. There might be some hidden pieces under it.

    Rain knew there were many hidden treasures to be found, from rare artifacts and powerful elixirs to unique skills and abilities.

    Soon, he started lining up his priorities. In the current situation, the thing he most needed was the elixir.

    It would help him restore his former rank.

    Living as a weakling was surely ufortable, and the freedom he wanted wasn''t free.

    At his current strength, it was nearly impossible to even think about getting freedom.

    But then Rain''s expression turned troubled. He remembered that he also had recipes for some elixirs. However, he wasn''t an alchemist.

    "I mean, who thinks about bing an alchemist while training with a sword? It would be great if I had some old man near me who could teach me, like in those novels," Rain grumbled inwardly.

    There wasn''t any trustworthy person who could make elixirs for him. It''s not like Rain didn''t know anyone.

    He knew many alchemists from the game. However, all of them were heroines, supporting characters, or extras, and he didn''t want to interact with them.

    Some of them even had annoying personalities.

    Soon, Rain''s forehead furrowed, and he scowled as he remembered one of the most annoying ones.

    "The most annoying one is the alchemist heroine. She tests her newly invented potions on living people in the name of fees." Rain clicked his tongue.

    He had died so many times due to her potions while ying the game, and he didn''t want to encounter her in real life. He didn''t like her at all.

    Although Rain didn''t want to judge her, she had been a bad ending for him, and he didn''t want to interact with heroines at all.

    After some time, Rain decided to collect an artifact, which was nearby. It''s because the ce where the elixir was located was slightly dangerous.

    "I''ll go there after collecting this artifact," he thought and made a quick note.

    "Let''s ask Mark to collect the ingredients for the elixir recipe. I''ll learn alchemyter in my free time and make some elixirs myself," Rain thought as he made notes.

    "Mark," he called through the inte. As the house of a high-ss family, it had an inte to call the staff. After some time, someone knocked on his room door.

    Knock

    Knock

    "Come in, Mark," Rain said.

    Mark entered the room and greeted him. "Good morning, young master. I''m here."

    "Good morning, Mark," Rain returned the greeting. "You don''t have to knock on the door every time. Sometimes you can just ask me before entering. After all, you are my assistant," Rain calmly exined.

    Mark nodded, feeling grateful to Rain for treating him with such kindness. "And get Father''s appointment. I want to meet him," Rain instructed.

    "Yes," Mark replied, slightly surprised, before leaving the room.

    ***

    [In Rain''s room]

    Rain was sitting on the wooden chair by his study table, engrossed in a book on advanced mana control.

    The pages were filled withplex ideas that he struggled to grasp, but one line caught his eye: "Breath mana naturally, like oxygen, letting it flow through your body. But be careful - this is risky until you have full control."

    The thought intrigued him, but he knew he wasn''t skilled enough to try it yet. He continued to read.

    After a while, Mark returned and asked for permission to enter before entering Rain''s room. "The lord agreed to meet you and wants to see you now," he said calmly.

    "Let''s go," Rain said, relieved that he could proceed with his n.

    As the family head, he was always busy, and he never knew when he would have a chance to speak with his father.

    Rain and Mark walked towards Charles'' study and eventually reached the door. Rain knocked twice, and a hoarse voice called out, "Come in."

    As Rain entered the room, he noticed many details in Charles'' Study.

    The room was organized, with wooden bookshelves lining the walls and filled with books of all shapes and sizes.

    A few paintings added a touch of color to the otherwise muted space.

    Charles was sitting at his desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and books, scribbling on a piece of paper. He looked up as he heard footsteps.

    "Good morning, how are you doing?" Charles asked.

    "Good morning, I''m fine. How are you, Father?" Rain asked. As he watched Charles working, Rain felt the urge to help him. However, he knew Charles wouldn''t let him, and might say to focus on training.

    "I''m fit and fine. So what brings you here today?" Charles asked, settling his pen down.

    Rain took a step forward and approached Charles. "I want all of my umted training funds," he said.

    Charles was shocked. He lifted his face and stared at Rain.

    After all, his son, who had always been proud and never asked for a single penny, was now asking for all of his umted funds.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Really? All of it?" Charles leaned forward in his chair, confirming it again.

    Rain''s funds had been umted for five years, and he never used a single coin from it.

    "Yes, all of it," Rain nodded.

    "Why?" Charles was curious about the reason for his son''s sudden change.

    "I want to go on outdoor training and I need your permission for [that] too," Rain stated as if it were obvious.

    "Is that so?" Charles leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. Although he was still dubious about it, since Rain had gone for outdoor training many times before, he didn''t pry.

    He was just happy that his son was changing.

    He had tried to prepare many things for Rain in the past, but Rain always refused, saying he would get stronger on his own.

    Charles thought for a while. "Now that he will go to the Academy, he might need money and new artifacts. Let''s give him some more things when he goes there."

    "Head butler, give Rain all of his due funds anding-age artifacts," Charles told the head butler over the inte. Then he turned to Rain.

    "And Rain, although my permission is granted for your outdoor training, take care of yourself," Charles said sternly, but the warmth in his voice couldn''t be hidden.

    Rain was moved by this.

    For the first time, someone was worried about him. It made him happy, but he only smiled slightly and said, "Thanks, Dad."

    After leaving Charles'' study, Rain went to the head butler and collected his allowance, which was around 3000 gold coins and one mid-tier space ring.

    He wanted to buy a mid-tier space ring to make hunting easier. With 3000 gold coins, he could buy a high Unique tier space ring that also had the effects of artifacts.

    There is a ranking for artifacts - normal, advanced, rare, unique, supreme, epic, legendary, mythical, and godly.

    Each ranking has low, mid, and high tiers.

    Most of the artifacts Rain had used until now were advanced or rare.

    In the game, after failing to talk to Emma many times, Rain saved all of his money and bought a ring for her as an engagement ring.

    However, he never got the chance to give it to her. In the end, after killing the viin Rain, the ring became a popr and sure hit drop in the game, along with a proposal letter. Many yers liked it.

    Most casual yers skipped or threw away the letter, but some seasoned yers read it, hoping to find some hidden clue.

    As Rain had the same name as the viin, he was curious about the letter. So he read it.

    The letter said:

    _________________________________________

    Dear Emma,

    Do you remember when we first met at our parents'' pic gathering when we were just five years old?

    I was sitting at the shore of theke, and you came from behind me and asked me to be friends.

    I was surprised, but you said I looked lonely, and we became friends that day.

    After that day, I never felt lonely again. We yed together every day and even got engaged. Every day was like a sweet dream.

    However, after your incident, we didn''t meet for almost two years, and I was so worried about you.

    I wanted toe to you, but I couldn''t. When we finally met at the ten-year-old ceremony,

    I was happy to see you, but when I tried to hold your hand as I used to, you looked at me with disgust and walked away.

    I didn''t know what had happened.

    I asked my parents why you acted like that, but they never answered.

    They just said I should stay away from you.

    So, I thought it may be my fault, and I came to apologize to you again and again, but you never forgave me.

    However, I believe that we are friends, right?

    I want you to know that I am still here for you, and I will wait for you for 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, or even 100 years, as long as it takes for us to be friends again.

    I promise not to bother you or pressure you. I just hope that one day, we can be friends again, like we promised in childhood.

    Thank you for being my friend once, and I hope you can forgive me one day.

    Love you

    Your childhood friend,

    Rain.

    _________________________________________

    Just like that, Rain started walking towards his room after taking his funds.

    He buried the memories of the letter deep in his mind. No one except him will know about it.

 Chapter 16 Hidden Pieces Hunting (1)

    ?

    As Rain collected his saved funds and mid-tier space ring, he walked toward his room.

    Before that, he instructed Mark to sell his old artifacts, as they held no further value to him.

    Once inside his room, he started preparing for his uing outdoor training.

    He aimed to collect at least three hidden pieces per day, as he needed to return before his birthday, which was only a few days away.

    After thinking about this n, Rain felt exhausted.

    He informed Charles that he would be gone for three days for outdoor training, and began packing all the food, money, and equipment he needed for hunting.

    He also took four 25-kg body weights to increase his stats and train his body.

    Rain asked Mark to bring him some potions and passed him notes with the ingredients for elixirs he knew.

    Some of them weremon, while others were rare.

    Maybe within four days, Mark would be able to get them all with the family''swork.

    ***

    After preparing everything, Rain came out of the mansion.

    There are many ways of traveling in this world. Like the Hyper Cycle, which looks like a cycle, Gctic Glide (full-speed trains), Quantum Racer (racing car), and Neuron Cruiser (airship), there are also teleportation portals in the main cities.

    Rain went to the parking area of the mansion where he saw many vehicles parked.

    So, he took his Space Sprinter bike and thought about how he had to take it to save some time, as he didn''t have much time left.

    Although he wanted to travel by Quantum Racer car, it would attract too much attention. Rain grumbled inwardly at the thought.

    At first nce, the Space Sprinter appeared to be a regr motorcycle, but upon closer inspection, it became clear that it was far more advanced than any traditional vehicle.

    The body of the bike was sleek and aerodynamic, with smooth lines and a futuristic, almost metallic finish.

    The tires wererge and sturdy, capable of withstanding any terrain or environment. There were no visible exhaust pipes, as the bike was powered by a sophisticated, environmentally-friendly energy source.

    In addition to its impressive appearance, the bike was equipped with various advanced features that allowed it to travel by road, sea, and air.

    It was outfitted with retractable wings and powerful thrusters, allowing it to take to the skies like a high-tech aircraft.

    It could also transform into a watercraft, with a waterproof hull and powerful jet propulsion system.

    Although Rain had never driven anything like this before, and even in his current life he rarely drove it, with the driving skill that he got from the system, it was easy to drive, even if it was his first time driving it.

    As Rain drove Space Sprinter, his thoughts turned to the location of the first hidden piece.

    His first destination was the F-ss Dungeon, where he hoped to retrieve an artifact.

    It had belonged to a bully who had caused trouble at the academy.

    "Although it''s just some advanced artifact, the effect is good for me now," Rain thought.

    After driving for a while, Rain arrived at the forest outside the city.

    Hended near the entrance and set out to find the hidden cave that served as a dungeon ording to the game''s instructions.

    "ording to the storyline, It should be around here," Rain mumbled.

    After a short search, he discovered the dungeon.

    It was situated in a remote and deste area, with a rugged and rockyndscape, cliffs, and dense vegetation.

    The entrance to the cave was concealed behind a thick curtain of vines and foliage, making it difficult to spot from a distance.

    However, since Rain knew about it beforehand, it was easy for him to find.

    Rain observed the dungeon and muttered to himself, "So here I am, F-ss dungeon Wolf''s den. There is one hidden passage that leads to the artifact."

    Rain pushed aside the overgrown grass and stepped into the cave, his heart pounding with excitement and trepidation.

    "Alright, I have got this," he whispered to himself, his voice echoing off the cave walls.

    As he entered the cave, darkness enveloped him, and he could feel the damp, musty air clinging to his skin, sending shivers down his spine.

    "Gross. Smells like something died in here," he muttered under his breath, pulling a headband with a shlight out of his space ring.

    He secured it firmly on his head and turned on the light, illuminating the narrow passageway leading deeper into the cave.

    The slick walls and loose rocks littering the ground made him cautious.

    "Slow and steady, looks like I have to watch my steps," he reminded himself.

    As he proceeded further into the cave, the passageway widened, revealing arger chamber.

    The dim light from a few flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the walls.

    He took off the headband and stored it in his space ring, his eyes adjusting to the dim light.

    The air was still stale, and the sound of dripping water echoed through the cavern, creating an eerie ambiance.

    The chamber was cluttered with piles of stones and debris, and several rough-hewn passages led off into the darkness.

    Suddenly, he heard the sound of footsteps. Rain unsheathed the sword he had received from his family and waited, heart, pounding.

    A pack of wild wolves appeared before him. Rain braced himself and said, "Time for some adventuring, I guess."

    He unsheathed the sword and leaped on the wolves to attack.

    ***

    After an hour, Rain slumped down on the boulder, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. "I''ve hunted wolves before, but these were almost too easy," he said to himself, looking down at his clothes; soaked in wolves'' blood, he hunted.

    Till now he spent an hour clearing the way and eventually discovered a secret passage leading to a hidden piece.

    As he reflected on the hunt, Rain couldn''t help but feel that the wolves in this area were easier to take down than usual.

    "Looks like proficiency for Swordsmanship will soon rise," He hoped, swordsmanship would soon break through.

    In his hand, he held a ne he had found earlier in the day.

    [Appraise]

    ?[Sn''s ne: Advance low-tier artifact

    This artifact confers numerous advantages on its wearer.

    In addition to boosting physical strength, the ne elerates the growth of the wearer''s abilities and aptitudes.

    With its help, individuals can master new skills and learn at an elerated pace, making them more effective and efficient in achieving their objectives.]

    Seeing the information about the artifact with an appraisal skill, Rain slightly smiled.

    "Yeah. This is what I wanted. It''s because, with my hard worker trait and this artifact''s effect, my power will restore quite fast." After that, Rain wore that ne around his neck.

    Excited to test out his newfound power, Rain stepped off the boulder he had been standing on and waited for his opponent. He wasn''t waiting for a girl or even a human, but a monster.

    The hidden artifact he sought was guarded by the monster.

    As he waited, Rain thought about the extra character; who had also acquired the artifact when the monster was absent.

    Unlike that extra character, Rain had different ns. He was determined to defeat the hidden monster.

    "Grr..."

    At that moment, Rain heard a voice and only turned to see a wolf with crimson-colored fur ring at him.

    Its bloodshot eyes suggested anger, perhaps because Rain had stolen an artifact or killed its kind cruelly.

    ?[Red Big Wolf: E rank]

    Looking at its rank, Rain thought it was only slightly stronger than him.

    Although heckedbat experience, he knew a strategy to kill it. He unsheathed his sword and attacked.

    SWOOSH

    Despite attempting to strike vital points, the Red Big Wolf easily dodged Rain''s attack and charged forward with bared teeth.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Its red fur bristled as it let out a deafening howl, sending shivers down Rain''s spine. He knew he had to act fast if he wanted to defeat it.

    "Come on, you ugly mutt! Let''s see what you''ve got!" Rain shouted, trying to goad the wolf into attacking.

    As the wolf charged, Rain sidestepped and aimed a swift strike at its side, hoping to make it stumble.

    However, the wolf was too quick and swiped its razor-sharp ws at him in retaliation.

    BANG

    Rain barely dodged the attack, but the force of the swipe sent him tumbling to the ground.

    He realized he had to keep dodging and couldn''t face the wolf''s attack head-on.

    "Hmm, he is fast," Rain thought as he got back on his feet.

    Grimacing in pain, he quickly scrambled to his feet just as the wolf charged again.

    "Come on, you overgrown furball, I''ve got a surprise for you!" Rain yelled as he readied his sword.

    This time, Rain was ready.

    As the wolf leaped towards him, he aimed a powerful blow at its chest, hoping to strike a vital organ.

    PUCHI

    The blow caused a deep wound, and blood started dripping from it.

    With a snarl, the wolfnded and spun around, aiming for a vicious bite at Rain''s neck.

    With a quick sidestep, Rain managed to avoid the wolf''s bite and aimed a swift strike at its hind leg, hoping to cause it to stumble.

    As he struck, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of satisfaction at the sound of the wolf''s pained yelp.

    The red wolf barely avoided his strike. It quickly recovered andunched itself at Rain once again, aiming a series of vicious swipes with its razor-sharp ws.

    Rain barely managed to avoid the attacks, but he knew he couldn''t keep this up for long.

    With a deep breath, Rain gathered his strength andunched himself toward the wolf, aiming a powerful blow at its head.

    He felt the impact reverberate through his arm as the wolf stumbled backward, dazed.

    Seizing his chance, Rain quickly aimed a swift strike at the wolf''s throat, hoping to deliver a fatal blow.

    "Awoo..." However, the red wolf howled. "Damn," Rain grumbled as the howl of a wolf pierced through the air.

    He knew that the wolf was calling its pack and it wouldn''t be long before they arrived.

    Rain barely managed to avoid the attacks, but he knew he couldn''t keep this up for long. "I need to end this quickly before the other wolves arrive," he thought, feeling the weight of the situation.

    With a fierce growl, a dozen wolves suddenly came running toward Rain.

    Rain grunted as he dodged the wolves'' attacks, his mind racing as he tried toe up with a n.

    "Dealing with wolves in a group is always a pain," he thought to himself.

    "I''ve got to take them down one by one, or I''ll be overwhelmed." He kept his eyes focused on the wolves, waiting for the right moment to strike.

    He dodged their attacks and aimed at their vital organs.

    One by one, many of the wolves fell to the ground, defeated.

    Breathing heavily, Rain stood over fallen beasts, he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

    But he still got some injuries.

    "Awoo.." The red wolf howled loudly, signaling its transformation into a berserk state.

    "Just ten seconds, and then this Wolf''s berserk phase will end and it will die." Rain decided to endure for ten more seconds.

    10...

    Its speed elerated, and Rain had a hard time defending against its attacks, while the remaining 3-4 wolves were also attacking him at the same time.

    9...

    But as the berserk red wolf lost its sanity, it began to attack the other wolves.

    8...

    As the red wolf started fighting the other wolves, Rain found an opening and started attacking them.

    PUCHI

    7...

    Just then, the red wolf attacked Rain. Caught off guard, he quickly pulled out the sword near him to defend himself.

    BAM

    6...

    Rain was thrown back and collided with some boulders.

    BOOM

    5...

    He took some quick breaths and turned his body in the air beforending, minimizing the impact. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured.

    4...

    The red wolf left the herd of wolves and started running toward Rain.

    3...

    Rain stood up and jumped on a boulder, then started running between the boulders.

    2...

    The Red Wolf kept the following Rain.

    1...

    THUD

    Now, the 10 seconds had ended, and the red wolf fell to the ground.

    Rain breathed a sigh of relief. He saw more wolvesing towards him, so he escaped from there.

    ***

    "Huff... Hah... huff..." Rain was short on breath after escaping.

    ''It was quite close.'' He was quite tired after fighting. Some of his bones were slightly cracked and he got some injuries. His dirty clothes were torn in many ces.

    There were sweat drops on his forehead.

    He took out a water bottle from his space ring and poured water on his head.

    It helped him to catch some breath and calm himself.

    He took out some potions and new clothes from his space ring.

    He gulped down potions and while he was changing into new clothes, he heard some notifications.

    ?[Congrattions to the host for killing a hidden monster for the first time.]

    ?[Swordsmanship mastery upgraded to Elementary.]

    ?[Reward: Butcher & Gather skill acquired.]

    After seeing this, only one line came into Rain''s mind.

    ''Reward for the hard work is always sweet.''

 Chapter 17 Hidden Pieces Hunting (2)

    ?

    ?[Congrattions to the host for killing a hidden monster for the first time.]

    ?[Swordsmanship upgraded to Elementary.]

    ?[Reward: Butcher & Gather skill acquired.]

    Rain finished changing into his new clothes and made his way to the nearby boulder.

    He pulled out system surface and saw that he had a string of notifications from the system.

    "So, after all this time, the system finally decides to respond," he muttered to himself, scrolling through the messages.

    Rain looked up at the notification that had popped up on his screen. "Hey, System, why did I get rewarded?" he asked, his forehead creased in confusion.

    ?[Host killed hidden monster which was not killed in the plot. So you got an achievement.]

    Perplexed, Rain leaned forward, his eyes scanning the message. "So, if I do things that didn''t happen in the novel, will I be able to get some rewards?" he queried the System.

    ?[Maybe or maybe not.]

    Rain frowned. "Hey, speak clearly." He didn''t like the way the System was avoiding or giving vague answers.

    ?[Information is blocked. Host doesn''t have the authority to check it yet.]

    "That means I''ll get the authority to check it in the future, someday," Rain mused aloud, trying to parse the context of the System''s sentence.

    "That''s great!" he eximed, pping his hands together. But soon, his enthusiasm faded.

    "But what is this authority? How do I get that?" Rain realized he knew nothing about the authority.

    ?[When the plot reaches a certain percentage, the host will get new features and upgrades in the System. There are levels of authority, and the host''s authority level will increase as the plot reaches milestones.]

    Rain nodded, digesting the information. "I see. Now, I remember when the System gave me three choices. The extra character choice said just go with the flow." He paused, thinking. "It would be nice to have more control over what happens, though."

    Rain made a surprised (��o��) face.

    ''I just have to survive the plot and as the plot progresses, I will get authorities. That''s why there is a [Plot Progress Tab].''

    Rain felt now all puzzles fall into ce.

    ''So if the plot made progress to a certain point then there is a chance that I will get some authority or new features will unlock in the system, right?'' Rain assumed.

    ?[Yes.]

    ''Good. Then, System, how much authority now do I have?'' He wanted to know that, so he can get any information from the system.

    ?[Host. You don''t have any authority now. In other words, its level is zero. After all, the plot hasn''t even started now.]

    "��" Rain felt his expectations were betrayed.

    ''It appears that I have to wait for the start of the plot to get authority. And with that, I may be able to ask the System some questions.''

    Although Rain was slightly disappointed, knowing that he will get answers to his questions someday made him feel motivated.

    After spending days in the library like a bookworm, Rain discovered that this world is slightly different from the game.

    That game had too many loopholes and plot holes, but now the world will fill all the empty spaces. Time will answer every question.

    There''s also a chance that his existence will make the plot crumble or even destroy the entire story. Not that Rain cared about it, even if it happened.

    Still, Rain decided to do things in moderation. He knew that the plot would not differ too much if he does some things systematically. However, he didn''t want any hassle.

    ''Although I don''t care, even if the entire story gets destroyed, it will be too much trouble if some things go in the wrong direction,'' Rain grumbled inwardly.

    Rain couldn''t help but wonder, "What if a viin was supposed to die but somehow managed to survive? That could cause a lot of trouble."

    He pondered the situation for a moment before considering whether he should take matters into his own hands and kill the viins himself.

    However, the thought of all that work made him hesitant.

    Instead, Rain thought about his other options.

    He knew that in order to keep things on track with the plot, he had to take into ount both variables and counter-variables.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    As he considered the best course of action, a mischievous smile yed across his face.

    He knew that he had the power to shape the story in his own way.

    Rain considered whether meddling with the protagonist would make him weaker, but he quickly dismissed the idea.

    The protagonist had a "cheat" that made him even stronger, so there was no need to worry about that.

    The more Rain thought about it, the more he became intrigued by the possibilities. He chuckled to himself, relishing in the thrill of it all.

    It was like ying a game, and Rain was determined to win.

    ''Now let''s check the reward.'' he started checking his reward for an achievement.

    �d�T? Skills ?�T�g

    [Active skills] :

    ?Swordsmanship- Elementary(^)

    ?Butchering-Beginner(n)

    ?Gathering-Beginner(n)

    Rain''s Swordsmanship mastery had ranked up because of his battle with the red wolf, but one wrong step could have cost him his life.

    After the fight, Rain drank potions to heal his injuries. They were not as effective as the elixir he drankst time, but they made him feelfortable.

    "Now my proficiency is just one step away from bing an intermediate swordsman," Rain sighed, shaking his head.

    He had been an intermediate swordsman before, but he got downgraded. When you attain intermediate proficiency in swordsmanship, you have the opportunity to learn various sword arts.

    Simrly, other weapon mastery areas such as archery, spear fighting, and axe-wielding also offer a variety of techniques to learn.

    However, it takes months to reach an intermediate level in any weapon mastery.

    It even takes a month to adapt to any weapon and gain elementary skill.

    As proficiency increases, it bes harder to advance. Therefore, most people in this world only use a few weapons.

    After treating his injuries, Rain decided to return to the ce where he fought the red wolf and try out his new skills.

    As he approached the area, he saw the corpse of the red wolf, along with the bodies of other wolves.

    Some people might be wondering, "Why is it still here?" and "Don''t wolves usually eat their prey?"

    Apparently, these wolves were different. After bing monsters, they could live without eating for months.

    Rain surveyed the scene before him. "Here it is. There''s quite a bit of blood, huh?" he observed. The sight was gory - the lifeless body of a red wolfy before him.

    "Time to put my butchering skill to use," Rain remarked as he approached the wolf''s corpse. He donned a pair of gloves and began to cut the body into pieces. "Good. This skill wille in handy for cutting monsters," he noted.

    After some time, Rain had finished butchering every wolf''s corpse.

    Using his gathering skill, he collected a variety of materials, including wolf meat, wolf pelt, and fangs.

    Although they were useless to Rain, he knew that many people would buy them for making weapons or decorative pieces.

    For his n, he needed too much money. So every penny counts.

    Leaving the dungeon, Rain retrieved his Space Sprinter from his space ring. "Now, I can get that elixir. Let''s go," he said, starting up the vehicle.

    ***

    Driving for some time, Rain reached the second location where he would collect a hidden piece.

    [Red (Blood) Mountain]

 Chapter 18 Red (Blood) Mountain

    ?

    Red Mountain, also known as Blood Mountain, got its name from a dark history that took ce decades ago during the ''Great Reshuffle.''

    At that time, this mountain was a battleground where countless people and monsters lost their lives, and the bloodshed was so intense that it stained the stones near the mountain with a reddish hue.

    If you n on exploring this ce, it''s important to be aware of the strong killing aura that still lingers in the surroundings.

    Without mental fortitude, this aura could overwhelm you and turn you into a mindless killer.

    But Rain knew he had to obtain the elixir now; there would be no point in returningter.

    This elixir was one of the hidden pieces in the mountain, which Kaya''s route had mentioned.

    In the game, an evil organization had conspired to kill Kaya''s parents, sessfully executing their n. However, suspecting that Kaya might seek revenge, they nted a spy in the academy and tempted him with the elixir.

    However, our protagonist killed the spy before he couldplete the mission and retrieve that elixir.

    Because of that, yers were left unsure of its whereabouts.

    Now, Rain was determined to obtain the elixir and other items from the mountain.

    He began at the foot of the blood mountain and climbed straight towards the top.

    However, halfway through, he stopped at the hillside, turned left, and began climbing the mountain again.

    After some time, he spotted a cave near somerge boulders and entered it.

    The dense killing aura of the mountain made the climb grueling and exhausting. "Going to this damn mountain is painful and tiring," Rain grumbled inwardly. "If it weren''t for the artifact that increased my strength and protection, I wouldn''t even be able to step foot on it."

    After fighting the red wolf and defending himself from the killing aura, Rain was quite exhausted.

    He caught his breath and drank a stamina recovery potion upon entering the cave.

    Rain stepped into the cave, and darkness enveloped him immediately.

    He reached into his space ring without hesitation and retrieved his headband with a shlight.

    As he wore it, the beam of light illuminated the immediate area, revealing the rough terrain of the cave floor.

    With each step, the beam of light from his shlight revealed more of the cave''s features.

    The walls were uneven, with menacing stctites hanging down from the ceiling like teeth.

    The air was thick with the musty scent of damp earth, and the sound of water dripping echoed throughout the cavern.

    As Rain''s eyes adjusted to the dim light, he detected something unsettling about the cave.

    Scattered throughout the cavern were the remains of both human and monster creatures.

    The skeletons of humansy scattered amongst the rocks, their bones picked clean by the ravages of time.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The remains of monsters were still rtively intact, frozen in death with their powerful frames.

    Rain could loot them as they might have some good things.

    But for now, he continued walking deeper into the cave, seeking what he came for.

    At the end of the cave, there was only a single skeleton, positioned like he was resting for thest time.

    Even from the aura of the skeleton, Rain could sense that he was an SS-RANKER when he was alive.

    In a show of respect, Rain bowed slightly before starting to search for any valuable items.

    After a few minutes, he found what he was looking for.

    The thing Rain got from him was a high-tier space ring, and the space inside it was quite wide.

    [Note: These are the storage sizes of the space rings.

    Low-tier space ring-around 1��1��1 meter space.

    Mid-tier space ring-around space equals a big room.

    High-tier space ring-around space equal to a house.

    There are also supreme-tier space rings that never appeared in the game.]

    Rain took a deep breath and surveyed the space ring, taking in the vast array of valuable items it contained, including documents rted to military operations and wars and various weapons for self-defense.

    But what caught his attention was the Foundation Building Elixir.

    Legend had it that the military''s general had acquired this elixir by killing the leader of an alien race.

    The elixir was so lucrative that even the gentlest and kindest students of the academy had been tempted to be spies for the evil organization.

    As Rain looked at the elixer, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of urgency.

    The elixir was the reason he hade, and he knew he had to act quickly.

    Only those below D rank could use it, and he couldn''t risk waiting for the evil organization to arrive and steal it away.

    But first, he wanted to pay his respects to the brave soldiers who had lost their lives. Rain carefully made a grave for them, bowing his head in respect before sealing the entrance to the cave with arge boulder, where he nned to spend the night.

    After clearing the cave and making the grave, the killing aura that had surrounded him began to subside. Rain found a ce to sit, and took out the bottle of the elixir.

    As he sat down, Rain looked at the bottle of the elixir in his hands and drank it in one gulp.

    The revolting taste of rotten milk filled his mouth, causing him to gag and choke, but he forced himself to drink it down.

 Chapter 19 Body Foundation

    ?

    As soon as Rain drank the elixir, an excruciating pain shot through his body, causing his bones to crack and his muscles to tense up.

    ck liquid oozed out of his pores, and it felt as though his body was being ripped apart from the inside out.

    "It hurts like hell," Rain thought, but he forced himself to remain silent, knowing that any noise could attract unwanted attention.

    After what felt like an eternity, the pain subsided somewhat, and Rain cautiously opened his eyes to assess the damage.

    He was covered in a thick, oily substance that smelled of rotten eggs.

    Bits of skin clung to his body, and he could feel a slick film covering his skin.

    "This is just like those Wuxia cultivation novels," Rain thought, marveling at the strange, otherworldly sensation coursing through his veins. "Maybe my rank has gone up."

    "First, let''s get a bath," he muttered to himself, trying to ignore the nauseating stench emanating from his body.

    Rain had known what to expect when he drank the elixir, so he had prepared a portable bathroom in advance.

    The bathroom was a small, copsible tent that he could easily pack up and carry with him on his adventures.

    As he scrubbed himself clean, Rain noticed several changes in his body.

    He had developed new muscles, and he could now clearly see six-pack abs and biceps.

    His body had be more toned, but not so much that he looked like a giant.

    Rain started flexing his arms, admiring the newfound strength.

    He could feel the tightness in his muscles, and he could hear the faint sound of sinews stretching as he moved.

    He also realized that he had grown two centimeters taller, and he felt a newfound ease and agility in his movements, as if his body had been waiting for this moment for years.

    He assumed that it was because his previous rank was restoring.

    As Rain basked in the afterglow of his transformation, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

    "Let''s see my stats then," he thought, eager to test out his newfound abilities.

    �d�T? Status?�T�g

    ?Name: Rain Holmes

    ?Title : Reincarnator

    ?Age : 19 years

    ?Rank : E Grade ( -E -> E)

    ?Strength: E ( -E -> E)

    ?Health : E+ ( E -> E+)

    ?Stamina : E ( -E -> E)

    ?Charm : A- (B+ -> A-)

    ?Intelligence: B-

    ?Mana : F+ (F -> F+)

    ?Luck : C

    Rain sat in the dimly lit cave, feeling the effects of the elixir he had consumed the previous night.

    As he counted his gains, he couldn''t help but smile to himself.

    "My rank has risen," he thought to himself. "I''m stronger and have more stamina now."

    He ran his fingers over his skin, which had be much smoother and paler since he had started taking the elixir. "My charm has broken through to A-," he said, admiring his appearance. "I look better than ever before."

    Rain knew that the elixir had also helped heal some of the hidden injuries he had sustained during his intense training sessions, although he was aware that there were still hidden injuries that affected his body.

    "Even elixirs can''t heal everything," he muttered to himself. "But at least it''s something."

    As he continued to assess his gains, Rain felt a surge of relief when he realized that his Mana had increased.

    "I''ll be able to use it more freely now," he thought, feeling a sense of excitement.

    In this world, Mana wasn''t just for mages; many people like Rain use it for body strengthening and mana swords as well.

    After that, he began examining the items he had acquired from the corpses he had encountered inside.

    Among them was a high-tier space ring, which he knew was incredibly valuable.

    He also had a collection of mid-tier and low-tier weapons, but many of them were broken or rusted, and he didn''t have much use for them.

    After considering his options, he decided to sell most of the weapons to make some extra money.

    However, there was an unexpected gain. He got a gun! Yes, a gun!

    After the change, one reliable guns became less powerfulpared to other weapons, causing most people to stop using them.

    However, some high-ranking families still train their children to use guns for self-defense. Moreover, there were also magic guns and hi-tech gun but people rarely use them.

    Rain was trained in using guns and had intermediate skills in marksmanship. However, like his proficiency in swordsmanship, he found that his proficiency in Marksmanship also decreased.

    But now he possessed an artifact gun and decided to use it in battles.

    ?[Thunder Eagle: Rare mid-tier<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    This artifact is highly coveted for its unique and powerful abilities that make it an invaluable tool for long-range attacks.

    One of the most significant benefits of the Thunder Eagle is its ability to significantly increase the uracy of its wielder''s attacks at long ranges.

    In addition to its uracy-enhancing properties, the Thunder Eagle possesses the ability to stun its targets with a thunder bullet.

    This is an incredibly potent effect, as it can leave opponents vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

    The stun effectsts for a few seconds, allowing the wielder tond additional attacks or escape.]

    Rain examined the details of the gun, noting that while it wasn''t as rare or special as some other weapons, it was still a good firearm.

    He made a mental note to upgrade it in the future, envisioning the benefits it would bring.

    With this gun, he could excel at long-range shooting and improve his marksmanship, and his hunting speed would increase as well.

    After carefully checking the area, Rain left the cave, knowing he still had many hidden treasures to uncover elsewhere.

    He didn''t want to stay on the mountain any longer, as the killing aura there had the potential to corrupt his mind or put him in danger.

    "I don''t know when that evil organization wille to raid this ce," Rain thought to himself. "If I happen to run into them, it could mean game over for me. They''re a bunch of lunatics, after all."

    ***

    After descending from the mountain for about an hour, Rain reached the foot of the Red Mountain.

    Even though his rank had improved, it was still dangerous for him to wander around here, and he knew the dangers increased the higher he went on the mountain.

    "Someday I''lle back here, but not now," Rain resolved, gazing up at the top of the mountain.

    Once he had left the mountain behind, he took out his Space Sprinter from his space ring and breathed a sigh of relief.

    "Fortunately, I didn''t run into anyone," he thought.

    "Next stop: Silver Mine. Let''s go."

    ***

    After a few days since Rain had left Blood Mountain, the air was still heavy with the stench of death.

    Although the mountain was supposed to be quiet, today there was an unusual disturbance.

    A group of individuals, cloaked in ck coats with strange markings, made their way up the mountain.

    Their faces were obscured by hoods, and they left destruction in their wake, showing no mercy to monsters, trees, or rocks.

    As they approached the cave where Rain had once resided, the leader, a tall and muscr man, barked out orders.

    "Check every nook and cranny. Search everywhere. Bring anything you find to me first."

    Without hesitation, the group began to scour the area, digging up the graves that Rain had made and even taking the bones of the deceased for experimentation.

    Suddenly, one of the members called out to the leader, "Elder, there is something written over here."

    The tall man approached the person, his eyes bright with curiosity.

    "Show me. It could be an important clue to a legendary artifact or hidden information. Step aside."

    The person pointed to a boulder, where some words had been engraved.

    As the tall man read the inscription, his expression grew increasingly intense.

    [ "Your greed has crossed the line. You shouldn''t havee here. However, I knew you the sole regret of the universe will surelye here. Take this advice from your true Father. Smash this stone and return to your pigsty, you uncultured swine. How much I wished I had used protection when I spent that night with your mother, Elder Burion. You should know..."]

    Elder Burion''s hands shook as he read the message. He didn''t even finish before he bellowed, "Who was the bastard that wrote this?"

    Veins bulged on his forehead as he infused his leg with mana and smashed the stone with all his might.

    "KABOOM!!"

    Suddenly, a loud rumble shook the cave. Above them, boulders broke loose and tumbled down, crashing into the rocky ground with deafening force.

    The sound was overwhelming, a cacophony of destruction that seemed to surround them.

    Panic gripped Elder Burion as he looked for safety. But it was toote.

    The ground beneath him gave way, and he was thrown into the air as the cave exploded around him.

    Debris and dust filled his vision, blinding and choking him.

    As the dust settled, he struggled to regain his senses.

    His body was battered and bruised, and a sharp pain throbbed in his leg.

    He forced himself to his feet, using his shlight to survey the disaster around him.

    The cave had copsed, with rocks and debris strewn everywhere.

    A massivendslide had urred, blocking off the exit and trapping him and his team deep within the cave.

    His heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation.

    He was alone, injured, and trapped with no way out.

    The acrid scent of dust and rubble filled his nostrils as he cursed the one who triggered the trap that sealed their fate.

 Chapter 20 Silver Mine

    ?

    After leaving Blood Mountain, Rain was driving his vehicle to the silver mine.

    While driving his vehicle, he remembered something.

    ***

    [Previous Night]

    Last night when Rain was in the cave, he got an idea about something.

    He also had a deep hatred for the evil organization - which was responsible for the death of his uncle and aunt and wanted to take some revenge. He also knew that those guys wille here, and they will even take the bones of the dead ones.

    In Rain''s eyes, they were scum that should be erased from the earth. So he wrote a greeting message to the ones who woulde here. He also ced a bunch of mana grenades that he got from dead bodies.

    These mana grenades will st if they came into contact with a slight amount of mana or are smashed with strength.

    "Hehe. Hope those guys like my gifts." Rain smiled mischievously.

    ***

    [Current time]

    Rain didn''t care what would happen because of his actions. He did what he wanted. Now he was halfway through the Silver Mine.

    ''Silver Mine.''

    In terms of games, you can say it''s a field-type dungeon. As monsters, there are only golems.

    In the game, some NPCs got an unknown ore. They didn''t know what it was or the use of that ore. In the end, they just sold it to a nearby cksmith.

    Coincidentally, that cksmith was a wandering dwarf. After seeing an ore at a nce, he knew what it was - [''meteor ore'']. So he bought it.

    With that ore, he made his best creation - a high-tier legendary sword. However, nobody used it ever.

    It''s because that dwarf was stingy and never sold it. Even when Protagonist asked to sell it, he just declined.

    However, now Rain will take that ore and make a magnificent sword.

    After some time, Rain arrived near the silver mine.

    He stored his vehicle in a space ring and wore a concealment robe. It was the Rare mid-tier artifact that Rain used for outdoor training.

    Because as Holmes Family''s heir candidate, he quickly gets attention everywhere he goes.

    ''I don''t know what kind of weird shit wille out. If I hang around here without concealment robe.'' Rain started walking towards the hunting field.

    After checking with the hunter booth, he entered the silver mine.

    As the phenomenon of awakening began to spread across the world, there was a corresponding increase in criminal activity. In response, several governments banded together to create the Hunting Management Association, an organization tasked with regting and monitoring the activities of hunters.

    The association established hunter booths near various hunting locations, such as dungeons, gates,byrinths, and ruins, which were essible only with a valid hunting permit issued by the association.

    In addition to overseeing hunting activities and issuing permits, the Hunting Management Association also provides emergency assistance to hunters.

    However, even with this much authority, they were still helpless when ites to high-ranking guilds such as the Azure Dragon Guild, which possess significant power and influence in the huntingmunity.

    With his father''s influence, Rain was able to get a counterfeit Hunter ID card. He used this ID card whenever he went to train outside. As he didn''t like anyone to bother him, it was very useful for him.

    Still, the Hunting Management Association''s presence and authority had a significant impact on the world of hunting and adventurers. Still, it was clear - some powerful hunters operated outside of their jurisdiction.

    Rain wondered what role he might y in thisplex and dangerous world.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    As Rain traveled through the area, he overheard some adventurers discussing a matter that seemed to be rted to him. This piqued his curiosity.

    "Hey, did you hear about the heir of the Holmes Family?" A middle-aged man with a receding hairline and thick-rimmed sses asked.

    He had a small potbelly and wore a button-up shirt that looked several sizes too small for him.

    His pants were pulled up too high, revealing white socks that reached his calves.

    "Oh, Rain Holmes, right?" A young woman with long blonde hair, heavily made-up eyes, and bright pink lipstick responded.

    She wore a tight, low-cut top that exposed her cleavage, and a short skirt that barely covered her thighs.

    Her high heels were so tall that she struggled to maintain her bnce.

    "Yeah, apparently he got beaten by the Diamond of Rose and Kaya Holmes, haha," A young man with short, spiky hair and a leather jacket chimed in.

    He had arge tattoo on his neck and several piercings on his ears and nose. He wore ripped jeans and ck boots that looked like they had seen better days.

    His arms were crossed, and he had a cocky grin on his face as he spoke.

    "And there are also talks about engagement annulment and heir change," a Young woman with blond hair added.

    "Well, maybe all people know how Rain Holmes licks Emma Rose, and Kaya is hardworking, so it''s gonna happen." The middle age manmented.

    The group erupted inughter, and mockingments directed at Rain. It was not an umon sight for Rain to be the subject of ridicule and scorn.

    After all, it''s the same. People tend to get happy about seeing someone''s misery.

    ''Oh, this misery. Everyone wants to be my enemy.'' Rain just started humming a song.

    ''Looks like Kaya spread some bad rumors again,'' Rain guessed.

    Because Rain only trained most of the time, he did not have many friends in his life either. It wasn''t like he couldn''t make friends. It''s just Rain didn''t want to.

    While Kaya has a wide socialwork, she can spread this through her ssmates - she always spreads these negative rumors.

    ''Calm down, Rain. Just [3 days], then my n will work.''

    Rain walked deeper into the silver mine. He didn''t care about those groups of weirdos.

    ***

    [In the silver mine]

    Then for some time, Rain chased the golems, trying to take them down with his weapon. He fired the gun, but the bullets bounced harmlessly off the golem''s metallic exterior.

    It became apparent that ordinary bullets were ineffective against the golems. Rain then injected the bullets with Mana to make them more potent.

    After some time, Rain reloaded the gun.

    As Rain continued to hunt the silver golem, he reloaded his gun and was relieved that he had got plenty of magazines with Thunder Eagle.

    It wasn''t like there were infinite bullets in the gun. Rain thought he would need to buy some magazines for ''Thunder Eagle'' soon.

    He thanked his luck that he didn''t have to wander into the market to buy magazines for the gun.

    The golems in this world were like those found in RPGs.

    Rain knew that if he could crush the golem''s core, he would be able to defeat it.

    He continued to search for the golem''s weak spot, all the while dodging the creature''s attacks and firing his gun.

    With this hunting, Rain''s mana sense and control improved.

    After a long and exhausting hunt, Rain finally found the meteor ore.

 Chapter 21 Lohar, The Stingy Dwarf

    ?

    Just like that, after hunting some golems, Rain finally found the meteor ore.

    Looking at the meteor ore, Rain thought that now he had got the ore, he should leave the silver mine and can make a good sword from it.

    However, like an alchemist, Rain didn''t know any Forger either.

    In the game, there were many forgers around the Protagonist. Even though they couldn''t bepared to this stingy dwarf that made the legendary sword but they were still good in the general sense.

    Among them, the most remarkable among them was that alchemist heroine''s best friend. She was the best Forger in the academy and just like that alchemist, Rain doesn''t like her either.

    Because just like her friend, she was annoying.

    She was a freaking muscle-head. She just gets angry and beat the shit out of you if she didn''t like you.

    In the game, the Protagonist has to spar many times with her to befriend her. Then she will forge types of equipment for you. As she is also a Heroine so she is also a big No.

    In the end, Rain decided that he would just go to that stingy dwarf. He just has to somehow convince him, so he will make a sword for him.

    ***

    After getting out of the silver mine, Rain saw quite a crowd at the exit.

    There were many stalls selling various items such as potions, weapons, and armor.

    People were busy haggling and purchasing goods from vendors.

    The most peculiar thing about the market was the fact that hunters bought monster corpses alongside regr items.

    In this world, hunting was considered one of the most important professions.

    Thus, around every hunting field, there were numerous facilities avable for hunters and other visitors, including markets, restaurants, inns, public baths, and entertainment areas.

    Together, they formed a mini city.

    As Rain walked through the market, he saw all types of people gathered.

    There were hunters, merchants, adventurers, and even regr townsfolk. Despite their differences, they all shared amon interest in the hunting profession.

    The air was filled with the sounds of bargaining, shouting, andughter, creating a lively atmosphere.

    However, Rain didn''t stop anywhere. He continued on his way toward the big market.

    Upon arrival, he surveyed the many shops but didn''t stop at any of them.

    Instead, he made his way to thest alleyway, where there were fewer people and most of the shops looked old and rundown.

    Among them stood a particrly dpidated shop, which looked almost abandoned.

    However, Rain didn''t hesitate and entered the shop.

    As he entered, he was greeted by the sight of many rusted weapons hanging on the walls and lying on the shelves.

    It seemed as though this shop had not seen any customers in quite some time.

    But what caught Rain''s attention the most was the sight of a beer-drinking dwarf sitting in the corner.

    "Yeah, he is that dwarf," Rain thought to himself.

    ***

    Meet Lohar, the legendary wandering stingy dwarf.

    Lohar was a stout and sturdy dwarf, standing about four feet tall. His stocky, muscr body suggested a lifetime of physicalbor as a forger.

    The muscles in Lohar''s forearms were well-developed, likely a result of his years working as a forger.

    His rough, calloused hands were evidence of the hard work he had put in over the years.

    Broad shoulders and thick, powerful arms with visible veins indicated his strength.

    Lohar''s face was weathered and rough, with a thick, unkempt beard and mustache.

    His hair was a deep reddish-brown with a few strands of gray interspersed.

    His eyes were sharp and observant, piercing blue in color.

    Currently, Lohar appeared bored or disinterested, as if he had seen it all and was unimpressed, with a jug of beer in hand taking asional sips.

    ***

    Rain couldn''t understand why, even though Lohar was a legendary forger, he ran a rundown shop in a remote alley.

    It reminded him of the clich��s he had read in his previous life. Maybe the author was a fan of clich��s.

    Rain thought, "The protagonist wouldn''t be able to find this shop if he didn''t have heaven''s luck."

    Rain remembered the scene in the game where the protagonist met Lohar. One time, he was just helping to catch a thief. After chasing the thief all around, he caught him.

    However, while he was doing that, he saw Lohar''s shop and thought to buy a new weapon. That''s how he met the dwarf.

    While all that was visible in the shop were rusted weapons, it wasn''t because Lohar was some moron or amateur.

    No, he was little stingy and never showed his valuable items to others.

    Rain was truly wondering, "I don''t know sometimes whether he is a goblin or a dwarf." To see his valuable items, one must present something of equal value.

    yers affectionately dubbed Lohar the Legendary Wandering Stingy Dwarf due to his single appearance in the plot.

    He only appeared in that storyline scene. yers tried find quests regarding him but never got a single one.

    ***

    "Good day, sir." After waiting for some time, Rain politely called out to the cksmith.

    "What do you want?" Lohar replied rudely, catching Rain off guard.

    "I''m in need of a custom-made weapon. Can you please make one for me?" Despite wanting to speak informally, Rain still maintained his polite tone.

    Lohar scanned Rain from top to bottom before dismissing him with a curt response. "Go home, youngster. Business is closed for today."

    Lohar had no interest in making cheap weapons for inexperienced fighters.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    In his opinion, Rain was just a random weakling who had only recently started training with swords.

    Lohar waszy, he had decided to open his shop in the market anyway.

    There was no particr reason why he had chosen this location, other than the fact that he wanted to open a shop.

    He didn''t care about other particrn details.

    Rain sighed as he thought to himself, ''I forgot about the straightforwardness of the Dwarfs.''

    But, will he give up?

    NO.

    "Please, sir. It''s really important for me." Rain said.

    Lohar frowned, not impressed by Rain''s persistence. "What kind of weapon are you looking for?"

    Rain smiled. "I was hoping for a weapon made from this unknown, shining ore I found." He took out the meteor ore from his space ring and showed it to Lohar.

    As Lohar looked at the ore, there was a spark in his eyes for a moment. However, he controlled his expressions.

    "That ore is just a normal ore. You won''t even able to make good sword from it. Buy a good sword from my storage, I will take that ore and some money as a payment." Lohar said in grumpy tone, like he had no choice.

    "Is that so?" Rain smirked at Lohar''s words. He raised his one eyebrow and looked at Lohar while grinding, "Do you think I believe it?"

    "How would I know about that? I can''t read minds." Lohar chugged the jug of beer.

    "Oh, but I think I can read expression of people, and your expression is telling me this is ore isn''t that much useless." Raid said.

    ''Till how much you will put up the act, stingy dwarf?'' Rain thought.

    "Okay, you win. I don''t have time to waste on y of words and wits. I rather drink beer or work." Lohar grumbled, as he streched his tiny hands. "Show me that ore."

    Rain put the ore in Lohar''s hand.

    Lohar inspected the ore with great interest, a glint in his eyes. "As I guessed, it''s meteor ore. You have great luck, brat. Where did you find this?"

    "I found it lying on the road," replied Rain.

    Lohar looked at Rain with eyes saying, "Who are you trying to fool?"

    "Brat. Your luck is good, only I would be able to make a good weapon from this." Lohar smirked.

    "Follow me. I will also give you some good wine." Lohar gestured for Rain to follow him, hearing this Rain was quite happy.

    ''Yes. Mission sessful.''

    Lohar opened the back door of the smithy and took Rain there.

    ***

    Lohar''s smithy was a bustling workshop, with the hiss of hot metal filling the air.

    The building itself was made of rough-hewn stone and brick, with arge chimney rising from the roof to vent the smoke and heat from the forges within.

    The entrance was a heavy wooden door, with a small window set into it that allowed a glimpse of the fiery orange glow emanating from within.

    Inside, the space was divided into two main areas.

    The first was arge forge room, dominated by three roaring furnaces that zed with intense heat.

    Bellows stood beside each one, operated by assistant robots who tirelessly pumped air into the mes, keeping them hot enough to melt metal.

    Around the room, a variety of tools hung from pegs on the walls, including hammers, tongs, chisels, and anvils.

    Beyond the forge roomy the main work area, where Lohar did his crafting.

    Here, long tables were strewn with scraps of metal and half-finished weapons, while shelves along the walls held stacks of raw materials, including ingots of iron, steel, and other alloys.

    Despite the heat and noise, the atmosphere in the smithy was one of focused concentration.

    "Now, show me your weapon style so I can make a weapon that suits your fighting style," Lohar told Rain upon entering the smithy.

    After Rain performed some basic swordsmanship moves and swung his sword, Lohar said, "Hmm, your Swordsmanship mastery is quite low. I will make a weapon that suits your body. After you be proficient in Swordsmanship, upgrade your weapon."

    He then brought a cup of wine from his collection and gave it to Rain. "Drink the wine, and I will make your weapon," Lohar slightly smirked before leaving Rain alone.

    Lohar, being a dwarf, had an impressive collection of wine in his smithy.

    The shelves lining the walls were stacked high with bottles and barrels of all shapes and sizes, each containing a different vintage or blend.

    The wine Lohar gave to Rain was one of the most prized wines in his collection, a [100-year-old blueberry wine] that was said to have powerful effects on those who drank it.

    As Rain sat down at one of the rough-hewn tables, he stared at the cup of blueberry wine.

    The liquid was a deep shade of purple, almost ck, and had a rich, fruity aroma. Its effects included rapid mana increase in the lower stages.

    -In the game, the protagonist didn''t get any weapon from Lohar.

    -Lohar gave him only one cup of wine for showing a good artifact to him, just the protagonist''s luck.

    However, Rain knew that he could get the maximum benefit from it.

    Rain drank the whole cup of wine in one gulp.

    After drinking the wine, Rain immediately felt a cool sensation in his throat and a rush of energy coursing through his veins.

    The wine seemed to increase his mana rapidly, giving him a burst of power that he had never experienced before. He felt like he was drunk.

    That was the first time Rain drank wine after getting his past life memories.

    Still, Rain started to practice mana control to maximize benefits, and soon he fell asleep.

    While Rain was asleep, Lohar was still working.

    He was too excited to work on meteor ore, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. His concentration was at its peak.

    He sat beside the furnace, and the fire in the forge burned hot into the night, casting flickering shadows across the walls of the smithy.

 Chapter 22 Nightmare & Nandaka Sword

    ?

    In a room that looked like an Infirmary.

    The room had a sterile smell, and the air was thick with the sound of medical equipment beeping in the background.

    A boy and a girl were talking to each other. If somebody looked at them from far away, they will think they are such a cute couple who love each other dearly.

    The boy was injured, and the girl was taking care of him. Bandages were wrapped around the boy''s right hand. There were a few scratches on his face. Although it might not look like it, a few of his bones were also fractured.

    The girl''s hand was holding the boy''s, and her other hand was gently wiping his forehead with a damp cloth. The boy''s face was twisted in pain, but as soon as he saw the girl''s face, he tried to smile.

    If anyone saw this, the wholesome scene would melt their heart.

    However, if you go near them and listen to the contents of their conversation. You will think that reality is often disappointing.

    "Rain, I won the duel. So now our engagement is annulled." Emma said coldly.

    "��" Rain''s face contorted in pain once again, but this time, it wasn''t physical.

    Yeah, this pair of boy & girl is Rain and Emma.

    "And I love #&#&#. So don''t pester me anymore." Emma said in a sharp voice. It felt like she was giving a warning to Rain.

    Emma coldly said.

    "��" Rain didn''t say anything. However, he couldn''t hide his disappointment. He had been in love with Emma for so long, and now it was all over.

    Emma just snorted and walked away.

    In the entire conversation, Rain was just listening and never uttered a word.

    ***

    Rain was still lying in the bed of the infirmary. However, this time isn''t of Emma. Kaya was in the room.

    She was standing beside Rain''s bed with her hands folded.

    "Rain. Elders and the Family head have decided - you will be not able to participate for the head position anymore." Kaya said tly.

    Seeing his confused expression. Kaya, with contempt in her eyes, said,

    "Because of your notorious personality, the reputation of the family is ruined. You also lost the duel. There are also more talented people than you in the family and academy. Just take care of yourself, don''t bother to think about others.'''' (Kaya)

    Then she snickered and walked away. Soon, she left the room.

    Again, in the entire conversation, Rain was just listening and never uttered a word.

    He was alone in the infirmary, lying on the bed silently. But deep inside, the rage was filling in his heart.

    ''So Kaya is also in love with that guy, and even wants to add him to the family.'' He clenched his fists so much that his nails dug into his firstyer of skin, and fresh blood started flowing from his palms.

    HATEFUL.

    THAT GUY IS HATEFUL!!

    HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE.

    HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE.

    HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE.

    I WILL KILL HIM.

    I Will JUST KILL HIM!!!

    Killing intent was flowing out of Rain''s body.

    ''Yes, after I kill him - Emma, Kaya, and everybody wille back to me.'' Rain smirked.

    ''That guy took everything from me.

    My 1st position in the academy,

    My fianc��e,

    My sister,

    My friends,

    Now he will also enter my family.

    What if he also took away my parents?

    No, that can''t be happening��

    NOOOO!!'' Rain bit his lower lip and gritted his teeth.

    ''So before that, I will kill him anyhow.''<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Rain with a fierce look on his face, first time decided to kill someone. But who knows, maybe it won''t be hisst time to think about killing someone.

    Soon surroundings became dark...

    ***

    [Lohar''s Smithy]

    A half day passed since Rain drank the wine and Lohar started working on Rain''s weapon.

    At the current moment, Rain was lying on the floor of Lohar''s smithy. Rain''s face was twisted in pain as if he was experiencing a terrible nightmare. His back was covered in a cold sweat, which glistened in the dim light of the room.

    Soon, Lohar came with apleted sword. He quickly wanted to hand over the sword to Rain. However, when he saw Rain lying on the floor. He put aside the sword and came near Rain.

    "Hey, Brat. Wake up." Lohar called out to Rain, hoping to rouse him from his slumber. But there was no response from Rain. He remained motionless on the ground, his breathing shallow andbored.

    ".....''''

    When Rain still didn''t respond,

    Lohar walked near Rain and gave him a powerful football kick.

    "Here, take this kick." He muttered underneath. He just kicked him. It was a powerful football kick. Even modern strikers would pale in front of Lohar.

    The force of the kick had sent Rain flying a few meters away, and he had crashed on the floor.

    *BAM*

    The impact of the kick had jolted Rain awake, and he had quickly sat up, rubbing his sore back. Lohar had stood over him, a smirk on his face, clearly pleased with himself for waking Rain up in such a dramatic fashion.

    "Hey, old man, what are you doing?" Rain was bewildered. He red at Lohar. Never in his dreams, had he thought that someone would wake up him like this.

    "This is not your home brat, don''t you have manners? You shouldn''t sleep at someone''s ce without their permission. Don''t sleep here and take this." Lohar warned him and gave the shining double edge Longsword to him.

    Rain quickly got up from the ground, his back was still hurting however he endured. He took the sword from Lohar.

    There was a dark ck sheath on the sword. Rain unsheathed the sword and observed it.

    The sword had a sharp and curved de with a golden hilt, studded with precious gems. The sword was emitting a brilliant radiance and was adorned with intricate carvings depicting various scenes of mythology.

    The sword looked like so magnificent and awe-inspiring weapon, it looked like it was embodying the divine powers of Lord Vishnu. Its appearance was so magnificent that it can even mesmerize its beholders.

    After observing the sword for some time, Rain just performed some basic sword moves.

    *SWOOSH*

    It was quitefortable. Rain felt that with this sword he could cut anything.

    "Brat. This is one of my best works." Lohar said proudly.

    "But due to your swordsmanship mastery and rank being low, I just made it [unique high-tier]." However, looked at Rain and said this. Rain felt like Lohar was ming his poor sword skills and because of that, he couldn''t create the great weapon.

    "It has the potential to be a legendary weapon. Like I told you, just upgrade it after you will have be a proficient swordsman and stronger. Okay?" Lohar said causally. He didn''t care whether Rain does it or not.

    Rain nodded.

    "This sword is double-edged and suitable for your body. So you can use it for a long time. It can also be used as a mana sword." Lohar snatched the sword from Rain and performed some basic sword moves.

    After that, the sword started shining.

    Like, some people use their aura and fight, and then it''s called Sword Aura.

    But if you use mana, it will be a mana sword. However, not all metals are suitable for mana swords.

    So this was quite a surprise for Rain.

    "What''s the name of this sword, old man?" Seeing the shining sword, Rain asked Lohar.

    "Nandaka (source of joy)" Lohar said proudly.

    ''That''s good a name,'' Rain remarked.

    This was Rain''s first meeting with his partner, which waster called.

    "The de shimmers like a star in the night, a symbol of power and a harbinger of might."

    [Note:- ''Nandaka'' is the weapon of Hindu Mythology God, Vishnu. Which fits with the description of Sword. You can also search for it.]

 Chapter 23 Was That Dream?

    ?

    After looking at the sword for some time, Rain stored it in his space ring.

    "Thanks for the sword, old man." Rain smiled and thanked Lohar.

    "No need to thank me. I also got a precious opportunity to work on a meteor ore," Lohar said like it was a casual matter for him.

    "By the way, old man. Can Ie again when I want to upgrade my sword?" Rain asked. He didn''t know any better forger than Lohar, who can work on Nandaka. If Rain can assure that Lohar will work on [Nandaka] next time, too. It will be great.

    "Nah. You can''t." Lohar shook his head. He took a jug of beer from the table and took a mouthful of sip from it.

    "Why?" Rain inquired.

    "Because I won''t be there." Lohar scoffed.

    "Where will you be? Tell me. I wille to meet you." Rain said this with determination.

    Lohar was surprised to hear this. He smirked.

    "I don''t know where I will be. I am a wandering dwarf. Today here and tomorrow somewhere else. No permanent address. Hahahaha" Loharughed.

    "Brat, do you know howrge this world is? How many kinds of wine there is in this world? There are many ces to visit. Many striking beauties can destroy the country. You don''t know it. "

    Lohar said excitedly.

    Rain nodded his head. After hearing things from Lohar, he also wanted to travel around the world.

    "When can I meet you next time, old man?" Rain asked the final question. If he had any deadline, he can prepare for it.

    "Brat, I don''t have a fixed schedule. I live on whims and do what I want. If there is fate, we will meet again." Lohar tapped Rain''s back.

    "Okay, old man. It''s time to take my leave. We will meet again if there is fate." Rain turned and just when he was leaving. Lohar tapped his shoulder.

    "Wait. It''s not time for your leave." Lohar said.

    "How so?" Rain tilted his head.

    "You haven''t paid your bill yet, useless brat!!" Lohar threw a bill on Rain''s face.

    Rain caught the bill and saw the amount. After seeing it, his face became blue.

    ***

    After paying the payment (2000 gold) of the sword to Lohar, Rain came out of the shop.

    He slowly started walking.

    Remembering the details of the sword, He thought.

    ''That''s a good sword. However, just too expensive.'' It cost him whopping 2000 gold coins.

    He started thinking about the benefits he got after drinking the wine.

    Now his Mana was also at E rank.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    His mastery over Mana Control has be Elementary.

    After hunting with Thunder Eagle Rain''s mastery over Marksmanship was on the verge of breaking through Elementary.

    However, Rain was more concerned about another thing.

    It was about the dream he show in Lohar''s Smithy. He was truly wondering what the hell was that dream.

    As he didn''t want to make a fuss at Lohar''s shop. So he acted like it was nothing, but that dream was strange to him. Rather than a dream, it was like [a nightmare].

    Rain felt that this wasn''t just some mere coincidence, because the scene he saw in the dream was the same as the scene that happened in the game. This chain of events was making him suspicious. Like something odd was going on.

    The scene that he saw in the dream was the same scene where Rain gets his first Viin awakening. For a moment, he felt hard to control his emotions.

    In that scenario, Emma challenged Rain to a duel. As parents or any outsiders weren''t allowed in the academy, no one could do anything about that.

    Emma gets resources from her family like crazy. Moreover, after some fruitful encounters, she became stronger than Rain. You can also call it "Heroine''s luck".

    On the other hand, Rain shouldered everything on himself.

    Still, he gave her a tough fight.

    However, in the end, he lost.

    After the duel, Emma canceled the engagement because she won the duel, and Kaya also smeared many dark stains on Rain''s reputation with some rumors.

    So, taking advantage of his vulnerability, Kaya also gave him a blow and he got disowned by his family.

    Although he kept getting support from his parents. So don''t think it''s their decision. Other family members, like elders, decided on this, and Charles reluctantly had to agree.

    ***

    After recalling the details, Rain started pondering.

    ''So what was the reason behind this? Why did he see that dream now?

    There are some possibilities, like not in a game but in a novel. Yes, the game was adapted from a novel. There might be something hidden in the novel.''

    Rain continued thinking about other possibilities.

    ''There''s also the chance that the author wrote the story but not published it.

    There is also a chance that this is the effect of the Reincarnator title.

    And this is not 2nd, but my 3rd life. And my first life was in a novel? Looks like things are not simple now.''

    Then, Rain thought about thest possibility.

    ''There is also the chance that Lohar mixed something weird in the wine.''

    To find out about that, Rain asked the system.

    ''Hey, system, check my body status and tell me if there are any abnormalities.''

    [Yes. Host.]

    After some time...

    [Abnormalities are found in the Host''s condition.

    Drunken, Confusion, Hallucinations.]

    ''Wait, so all of that was because of that wine?'' Rain was astonished. He didn''t think that something like this will happen because of drinking wine.

    ''That Old man didn''t tell me the side effect.

    However, why was only I got affected by the side effect?

    On the other hand, the protagonist of the game did it easily. Is this viin''s fate?

    Looks like the yers were right about him. That stingy dwarf never gives anything free.'' Rain was slightly ticked off because he didn''t know about the side effects. It''s because something like this didn''t happen with the protagonist when he drank wine in the game.

    ''I will remember it. Wait for me, you old man. I will take my revenge for making me those nightmares.''

    Still, Rain tried to think from another perspective. Although Rain was thinking this, he didn''t believe in the system either. There wasn''t any guarantee that the system was telling the truth.

    ''But it''s also good. Now I am motivated.

    I will change my bad ending.'' Rain clenched his fist. He hid his face with a hood.

    ''Let''s go to take today''s third hidden piece.'' Just like that, he disappeared into the darkness of the night.

 Chapter 24 Night Hunting

    ?

    As the saying goes, every coin has two sides, and this can also be said about most things in life.

    It ismon to observe opposites in many areas, such as in nature or human behavior.

    For instance, water and fire represent opposing elements of nature. Simrly, we can contrast white and ck, smooth and rough, and rich and poor.

    These are just a few examples of how opposites can manifest themselves in different ways.

    It is also essential to acknowledge that if there is brightness in the world, there is also darkness. Sadly, many people can''t see the darkness that exists, but it is still there.

    The changes have brought about an increase in the ugliness of people, which is evident in rampant terrorism, murders, kidnapping, and robbery. Crimes had increased everywhere.

    While there have been some improvements now due to the Hunter Management Association. Still, it is unrealistic to expect - we canpletely eradicate these [negative] activities from our society.

    Nheless, it is crucial to continue striving towards creating a better world where everyone can live without fear of crime or violence.

    So, there are many local bandit gangs in the neighborhood area and one of the local bandit gangs looted a corrupt high-ranked official''s house a few days ago.

    Luckily, they got many good things. Although, it''s a good thing that they looted corrupt officials. However, bandits are also no good either.

    Now Rain was going to raid their hideout.

    He knew it was not worth it to take great pains and go there alone, he wanted to go there alone. Even though he can inform the Authorities and be a good citizen. Perhaps, he might get some rewards too. However, he won''t do that.

    So why was Rain going there alone now?

    Because there is a [skill manual] among the things in "Bandits'' hideout".

    ''Shadow Sword art.''

    ''Yeah. I am going to take that [skill manual] because, in the game, it was mine.'' Thinking that, Rain started to remember what happened in the plotline.

    Apparently, in the game that bandit gang auctioned that [skill manual] sessfully - without getting caught, and Rain bought it at a very high price.

    However, you may be wondering why the poor Rain paid a high price for it.

    Because someone pitted him.

    Due to Rain''s poor luck, a heroine was also present at the auction. ''Merchant Queen.''

    After Rain and she got into an argument, she started bid war with him and made him pay double the price.

    ''Argh.'' Rain clenched his fists.

    Just like these scenarios, she ruined Rain''s ns many times in the game.

    Rain wanted to crush her business. However, now wasn''t the time.

    Although Rain didn''t want to take any revenge on her as that happened in the game, there was still some anger within him. Thinking like this, he started walking on the silent streets, the sound of his footsteps echoed in the quiet night.

    ''Hah... At midnight, I am alone walking.

    This sure brings memories of past life.''

    As he continued his solitary stroll, his mind drifted back to the days gone by.

    He remembered how in his past life - afterpleting work every day, he was walking alone to his home.

    While other people used to walk with their friends, theughter and chatter used to fill the air.

    However, for Rain, it was just silence.

    Even now, all he had was the sound of his breathing and the pitter-patter of the dusk on the pavement.

    It was a lonely feeling but somehowforting, too.

    As he walked on, the memories of his past life washed over him like the darkness in the sky, a reminder of what once was and what could never be again.

    He will be different from what he was in the past.

    ***

    [SOMEWHERE IN THE FOREST]

    The moon was high in the sky, casting a pale glow over the forest. Amid the forest beside a small cave, a small campfire crackled and popped, surrounded by a group of rough-looking bandits. They lounged on logs and stumps, passing around a bottle of cheap whiskey and exchanging crude jokes.

    "Hey, boss, we sure catch big this time. From now on we don''t have to raid any vige. But I still want to taste women." (Bandit 1). One of the younger members spoke up eagerly.

    "Just wait for some time. After we auction these things, we will buy some elixirs. We will increase our power with them and with new power, we will enjoy the city''s women. Nobody can stop us right now. Hahahaha." said the bandit gang''s leader, a grizzled man with a scar on his cheek.

    "Hahahaha." (Bandit 2)<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Hahahaha." (Bandit 3)

    "Hahahaha." (Bandit 4)

    "Hahahaha." (Bandit 5)

    "Hahahaha." (Bandit 6)

    "Hahahaha." (Bandit 7)

    The others nodded in agreement, their eyes glinting in the firelight. They chattered excitedly about their previous heists, bragging about the valuables they had stolen and the people they had killed.

    "Let''s toast for our new life that will start from tomorrow." The leader grinned and shouted, you can see he had some golden-colored teeth.

    They raised their bottles in a toast,ughing like viins as they drank to their sess. The night grew darker around them, but they were unconcerned - they were the ones who lurked in the shadows, striking fear into the hearts of anyone who crossed their path.

    *TAP*

    Suddenly, a round-shaped object appeared out of nowhere and fell right in between the group of bandits. All of them stopped whatever they were doing and stared curiously at the object. They were trying to figure out what it was.

    And then, without warning, the object exploded with a loud BOOM. The explosion was so powerful that it killed many of the bandits instantly. While others were left badly injured and screaming in agony.

    "Argh��" (Bandit 5)

    One of the bandits, Bandit 5, cried out in pain as he fell to the ground.

    "Please save me... Boss..." (Bandit 1)

    Another, Bandit 1, pleaded for help from his boss, his voice filled with desperation.

    The scene was chaotic, with smoke and dust everywhere. The bandits who were still alive tried to scramble away from the st site, some limping or crawling due to their injuries. The silence that followed the explosion was broken only by the groans and cries of the injured bandits.

    The leader of the bandits was the least injured. With his willpower, he stood up and started searching for the enemy that was hiding.

    "Who the fuck are you?" The leader of the bandits demanded, his voice was filled with rage. But before he could even finish his sentence, a bullet came out of nowhere and pierced his skull.

    The gunshot echoed through the area, followed by a loud BANG and a sickening THUD as the leader''s lifeless body hit the ground. Suddenly, gunfire erupted from all sides, and the air was filled with the deafening sounds of weapons being fired.

    *BANG*

    *THUD*

    And with this, gunfire continued.

    *BANG*

    *BANG*

    *THUD*

    *BANG*

    *THUD*

    The bandits tried to fight back, but they were hopelessly outmatched and injured severely from the st a few moments ago... One by one, they fell to the ground, their bodies riddled with bullets. The sound of gunfire continued for what seemed like an eternity, but eventually, it stopped.

    When the smoke cleared, all the banditsy dead on the ground, their weapons scattered around them. The mysterious figure stood alone, their face shrouded in shadow, and a feeling of silence and stillness descended upon the scene.

    Soon all bandits died.

    He removed the hood from his face. It was Rain.

    "Yup good. Just quick and easy." Then Rain came to the scene. He felt it was too anti-climatic.

    Rain thought it was a good thing that he prepared a mana grenade earlier. He was proud of his presence of mind.

    ''But this is quite natural, huh. I feel something ufortable about killing, but not that much. In those novels, how those MCs feel like vomiting, I don''t feel that much. Just want to spit something.'' Rain spat on thend while walking.

    ''Maybe this was because of my new memories? Oh, there is also a Calm mind.'' Rain made a hunch.

    ?[Host is indeed correct.]

    System assured Rain.

    ?[Congrattions to Host for clearing the bandit gang alone.]

    ?[Reward: Skills- Lock pick and pickpocketing.]

 Chapter 25 Treasure Trove Of The Bandits

    ?

    ?[Congrattions to Host for clearing the bandit gang alone.]

    ?[Reward: Skills - Lock pick and pickpocketing.]

    Looking at the system notifications, Rain thought.

    ''Oh, looks like - if you do some things out of the plot, you can get rewarded.'' He eximed.

    ''What a bullshit.'' Rain''s eyebrows twitched.

    He was perplexed because he only got the skills of thieves. He thought that system should have given some better skills.

    So Rain assumed that maybe the reward would be rted to the achievement. For example, killing bandits would give you skills for robbery.

    ''So if I kill those bitchy heroines in the future, will I be able to get their skills also?'' Now his imagination was running wild.

    ''Wow. Even if they have the worst personalities, their skills are top-notch.'' But then he just shrugged his shoulders.

    ''No, let''s drop this idea. It will partially deviate the plot line, they are much stronger and luckier than me, and it is quite tiring.

    How much work do I have to do for just them? Nah.''

    Rain felt that the skills he would gain in return for killing heroines weren''t worth the trouble he would go through for it. He wasn''t even sure whether he would get skills or not. Then Rain checked his new skills.

    ''So, this Robbery skill will surelye in handy someday, maybe I can rob the treasury of that [merchant queen]? Yeah, that will be a good idea.'' He made an evil smile.

    ''Just, kidding. Even master robbers can''t prate her defense, only Hero can prate her defenses.Fufu.'' Rain chuckled.

    He made his way toward the corpses of the bandits, trying not to step over the fallen weapons that littered the ground. The stench of death filled the air as he approached the bodies, their faces frozen in expressions of surprise and fear.

    He began to search them one by one, rifling through their pockets and bags in search of anything valuable.

    It didn''t take long for him to find the first space ring, a glint of light-catching his eye as he pulled it from the bandit''s finger.

    He continued his search, finding several more rings among the bodies, but only a handful of the bandits had possessed one.

    He also scoured the area for any hidden safes or stashes, eventually uncovering a small cache of loot that the bandits had hidden away in the cave.

    Rain spent some time sorting through the spoils of his raid, checking the contents of each space ring and examining the skill manuals and low-tier artifacts he had collected.

    He set aside the potions and 2000 gold coins, knowing that they would fetch a good price on the market. As he worked, he took care to avoid disturbing the remains of the bandits - a macabre reminder of the violence that had taken ce.

    Satisfied with his haul, Rain lit a match and set fire to the area, watching as the mes quickly consumed the bodies and belongings of the fallen bandits.

    He turned and walked away from the smoldering ruins, feeling a sense of satisfaction at his sessful raid.

    Looking at the things that he got, he thought to sell all of them except some of the skill manuals and potions.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Rain got quite good skill manuals like [''Shadow Sword Art''] - which he wanted to get.

    However, Rain''s Swordsmanship mastery was still at the elementary level.

    So he couldn''t learn it now.

    He had to wait till he reaches intermediate mastery.

    That time, he will also be able to learn the Holmes family''s sword art.

    Still, there were some things that he could learn now.

    ''Shadow Walk'' & ''Hawkeye''

    These are the two manuals that Rain got after looting bandits. It was an unexpected gain for him.

    Although they are not high-quality skills, after some days ofbat experience, Rain knew that he needed a good footwork technique to increase his speed.

    With Hawkeye skill, he will be able to see the target from long range. It will be beneficial for Marksmanship.

    As Rain was leaving the scene, he thought he had already collected most of the hidden pieces, only a few hidden pieces were left now from the list.

    It was a good thing as he had to return home before evening to set his n in motion. Rain hastened his walking speed as he was in a hurry.

    ''Ah. Now only 2 days left before my birthday, huh.'' Rain sighed.

    Then he started walking towards the next location for a hidden piece. It was a cold and lonely night.

    But you may be thinking, why is Rain going there now? Can''t he go there in daylight?

    The answer is No. He can''t.

    Because that ce is where you can only go at night.

    [BLACK MARKET]

    Notmon, but ck market.

    ''But hey man, this ck word still makes me tired. It reminded me of my ''ckpany.'' Rain thought.

    Even though he cursed every time for overwork - the working staff, environment, and sry were sure nice there and they were about to go on their sess tour for the game, including all staff. Rain felt nostalgic after remembering them.

    However, he died. Just before a day of vacation, he died after getting hit by a truck. Rain clenched his fists. Veins were popping on his forearms. He was regretful for not being able to go on vacation.

    ''I will surely rx in this life. Just you wait, I will get my rest.'' He was determined to take a rest in this life.

    ''Now let''s think about the ck market.'' Like that, Rain started recalling details of the ck market.

    For Rain, the ck market was a necessary destination in his quest for a rare and valuable item. He knew that the risks were high, but he was willing to take the chance to obtain what he was after.

 Chapter 26 Black Market

    ?

    Whenever someone asks about the definition of a ck market, most [stupid] people will give a simple answer that it is a market that only opens at night.

    However, this is not entirely urate as not all night markets are considered ck markets. There are also underground ck markets that operate 24/7.

    In reality, a ck market refers to an economic activity that operates outside of government-sanctioned channels. It is a market where illegal goods and services can be found and transactions ur "under the table."

    These markets are not subject to government control and regtion, which is why they are often referred to as shadow or underground markets.

    Like every world of fantasy novels ck market also exists in this world. Here ck markets exist in every city. Although they are not officially sanctioned, they are open to anyone willing to take the risk of participating in them.

    You can enter by hiding your identity if you can. Rain wore a mask and covered his face and entered the ck market.

    After all, he might get into some trouble if someone recognized him here.

    There are no passcodes to enter the ck market. You only need to know the way to reach there. To enter the ck market he had to go through sewerage and find the hidden passage. It was a very bad experience for him.

    The scene was dark and murky, with the sounds of hushed whispers and shuffling feet filling the air. Rain found himself in the midst of a ck market, an underground economy that operated outside the boundaries of government regtion.

    The ck market was a bustling hub of activity, with numerous stalls and shops offering a wide range of goods and services.

    These products varied from illegal substances and stolen items to legal items such as potions, artifacts, skill manuals, elixirs, and rare ingredients or materials. The trade that took ce here was unregted and without any control, leading to a wild market where anything could be traded.

    Unfortunately, the ck market was not limited to legal items. Illegal items such as drugs and even ves could also be found among the products on offer.

    The ck market was a ce where anything could be bought or sold, with little regard for the ethical implications of such transactions.

    However, the ve selling was just one time Easter egg of some other fantasy. There is no very in this world. It''s just one man got the ability to make ves, but he will be killed by the Protagonist in the future.

    However, Rain didn''t care about anything. He was there for getting some artifacts and potions not to do social services.

    Looking at the surroundings, the ck market had the same appearance as those night markets of Rain''s previous life. However Rain knew he shouldn''t believe in the appearance, it''s all different.

    As he made his way through the throngs of shady characters, Rain kept a watchful eye out for any sign of danger. He knew that the risks were high in a ce like this, with the potential for violence and betrayal lurking around every corner.

    Despite the risks involved, there are many reasons why individuals might choose to participate in a ck market. Some might be seeking to avoid government restrictions or taxes, while others may be looking for a product or service that is not avable through official channels. Sometimes you can even see other races visiting the ck market.

    In this type of market, there is no oversight and no ountability. Instead, participants rely on trust and reputation to make deals and conduct business. Because of theck of regtion, the prices of goods and services in a ck market can be significantly higher or lower than their official market value, depending on supply and demand.

    The ck Market operates under its own set of rules and regtions, distinct from those found in legitimate markets. Each ck Market is overseen by a moderator who manages its operations and takes amission from both vendors and buyers.

    However, participating in the ck Marketes with significant risks and consequences. The moderator must often share their profits with powerful families and government officials, operating in the shadows of legality.

    Despite these risks, the ck Market does provide some benefits to society. For instance, it can offer employment opportunities for individuals who might struggle to find work in traditional markets.

    Additionally, the ck Market provides ess to goods and services that are otherwise unavable to certain individuals, such as high-quality elixirs.

    ***

    Upon entering the ck Market, Rain began to search for a hidden item while hoping toe across some unexpected treasures.

    Despite only having beginner-level appraisal skills, which were not as advanced as those of MC and heroines, Rain believed they might still be able to identify valuable items. However, he was also aware of the risks of being scammed and remained cautious while browsing through the various stalls and small shops.

    <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The ck Market was not a ce known for its trustworthy individuals.

    Violence, counterfeit goods, and even death were all possible oues of getting involved in the shady dealings that took ce there.

    As he navigated the crowded stalls and vendors, he remained alert and cautious, carefully negotiating prices and watching his back.

    As Rain made his way through the crowded market, the sounds of haggling and bargaining filled the air. The vendors were all vying for his attention, shouting out their wares and promising the best deals.

    But he was not easily swayed by their words, and he kept a sharp eye out for any signs of deception. He could see - most things were fake and counterfeit with appraisal skill.

    As he wandered deeper into the market, the crowds began to thin out, and the stalls became more spread out. He was now in the heart of the ck Market, where the true treasuresy hidden. It was a ce where only the bravest and most cunning could survive, and Rain was ready to test his mettle.

    ***

    After spending three hours at the ck Market, Rain hadpleted his tasks and left the bustling marketce. He decided to rent a room for the night at a nearby inn to rest and reflect on his first experience there.

    As hey on the bed, his mind wandered back to the day''s events. He had managed to gather most of the hidden pieces, as well as some elixirs, potions, and artifacts from the list. Remarkably, he had encountered no troubles during their time at the ck Market.

    ''After all, I am not some Protagonist of the novel. I am just a mere extra (former viin).'' Rain thought.

    It''s because with shadow walk and Hawkeye, he just walked past like a breeze, and he also turned his back on troublesome characters from a far distance.

    The things he got from ck Market were the following:

    ?[Marlin''s ring: Rare low-tier

    The Marlin''s Ring is a highly sought-after artifact due to its unique ability to increase the mana control and sensitivity of its wearer. This means that the wearer of the ring would have a greater ability to control and manipte their mana, which could be extremely useful inbat situations. Additionally, the increased mana sensitivity would allow the wearer to detect mana flows and energy more easily, making it easier to identify enemies or hidden dangers.]

    ?[Guardian''s Belt - Rare mid-tier

    The Guardian''s Belt is a powerful artifact that provides its wearer with a protective shield that can be activated up to three times per day. This shield is capable of protecting the wearer from attacks that are below the C rank level, which can make a significant difference inbat situations. With this artifact, the wearer can effectively defend themselves against weaker enemies and reduce the damage taken from iing attacks.]

    ?[Panther Boots - Rare low-tier

    The Panther Boots are an artifact that provides a significant boost to the wearer''s speed, increasing it by 20%. This can make a tremendous difference in bothbat and nonbat situations, allowing the wearer to outrun enemies or quickly traverse challenging terrain. With these boots, the wearer can move quickly and efficiently, giving them an advantage in many different scenarios.]

    He also got some elixirs and potions.

    Like Troll''s blood, giant''s strength, etc.

    Rain quickly drank them.

    With this, his stats increased but not that much, so he can see them in the status panel.

    But it will show the difference when he fully absorbs them. So for it, he has to train.

    ''And now I''m going to take thatst hidden piece of my n.''

    [Uncleared new F-ss gate nameless grave.]

    Overall, Rain felt satisfied with his aplishments at the ck Market and was already nning his next visit. But for now, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift off to sleep, ready for whatever challenges awaited him in the future.

 Chapter 27 F-Class Gate : Nameless Grave

    ?

    One day, in the early morning near the outskirts of the city, a patrolling team stumbled upon a new "F-ss gate" that had not been cleared yet.

    After assessing the situation, they quickly reported it to their superiors, and a hunter team was dispatched to clear the gate. The team sessfully cleared the gate, and the gate disappeared immediately after.

    The team did note across any high-tier artifacts, elixirs, or skills, but instead, they discovered some advanced low-tier artifacts and remains of monsters.

    Despite theirck of significant findings, the team did not suspect any foul y or miss anything crucial during their clearing of the gate. They deemed the mission sessful and left the area.

    However, there was one magical thing in the gate that has the power to make it boil - [''The Growth Elixir.'']

    At first nce, some might dismiss it as a low-ss elixir that only aids in faster growth for individuals with low ranks. However, that is only partially true.

    The version of the [Growth Elixir] Rain took during his training was a low-quality one that only worked for individuals under the D rank.

    However, the advanced version of the [Growth Elixir] is avable now and has a much broader scope.

    It works for all individuals under the C rank and has an extended duration of one week,pared to the previous elixir that only worked for three days.

    The power of the Growth Elixir is not to be underestimated. With its ability to enhance one''s skills and abilities, it has be a highly prized possession in the fantasy world.

    Warriors and adventurers would be willing to go to great lengths to obtain this elixir, and its scarcity has made it even more valuable.

    Then you might think - the people who discovered the object might have fought over it or sold it. But this was not the case. In fact, the hunting team that stumbled upon it didn''t even bother to take it.

    They considered the object to have a foul smell and discarded it immediately, without even touching it.

    However, their assumption that the object was not of great significance was incorrect as it turned out to be an item found in an undead monster-type gate, which would exin the putrid smell emanating from it.

    In the given scenario, a reader posed a question to the author out of curiosity, asking about the contents of a bottle.

    However, the author casually replied that the bottle contained an advanced version of the [Growth Elixir]. This response left the readersughing at the stupidity of the hunter team.

    In addition, this scenario gate was briefly mentioned in a newspaper article for only a few seconds, In the story scenes of the game.

    Despite its brief mention, this gate was actually one of the most well-hidden secrets.

    At that time, Rain was amazed by the readers who were able to notice and pick up on even the smallest details, such as the brief mention of the gate in the newspaper.

    As Rain waited for the gate to open, he felt a mix of nervousness and excitement.

    He had been nning this for some time, and now that the moment was finally here, he couldn''t help but feel a rush of adrenaline.

    He tried to calm himself and took a deep breath, reminding himself to stay focused.

    After taking a short nap at the inn to recharge his energy, he left and traveled to the area in his space sprinter.

    As he drove, he reviewed his n in his head and tried to visualize every step he would take once he reached the gate.

    He knew that this was a risky endeavor, but the reward was worth it.

    Once he arrived at the location, he found a hidden spot far from the gate and used his Hawkeye to monitor the surroundings for any signs of movement.

    He felt a sense of relief as he observed the area, knowing that he had found the perfect vantage point to remain undetected.

    As he waited, he felt his nerves start to fray.

    Every sound and movement made him jump, but he forced himself to remain calm and focused.

    And then, he saw it. The gate started to open, and his heart leaped with excitement.

    He knew that this was his chance, and he couldn''t waste any time.

    He sprinted towards the gate, his heart pounding in his chest.

    He slipped inside, relieved that he had made it in unnoticed. He allowed himself a moment to catch his breath, knowing that the hard part was still ahead.

    As soon as Rain entered the gate, he was struck by the eerie and unsettling atmosphere.

    "This ce gives me the creeps," he muttered to himself, his voice muffled by the face mask he had retrieved from his space ring.

    The air was thick with the stench of decay and rot, making it difficult to breathe.

    But Rain was okay as his mask also had the functions of a gas mask.

    The darkness was almost imprable, but Rain was prepared.

    He activated the night vision on his face mask and peered into the distance.

    "There it is," he said under his breath, spotting the massive structure in the distance.

    It was made of dark, rough stone that looked ancient and weathered as if it had been standing there for centuries.

    Rain knew that this was his destination, the ce where the boss monster resided.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The terrain inside the gate was deste and barren, with no signs of life or vegetation.

    "What a depressing ce," Rain thought to himself as he navigated the rocky and uneven ground.

    The jagged stones made it difficult to move, but he pushed on. "I can do this," he muttered to himself, determined to reach his goal.

    The only signs of any animals or creatures were the asional carrion birds circling overhead, ominously looking for their next meal.

    "I have to be careful," Rain thought, aware that he could easily be the next victim if he let his guard down.

    Rain tried to recall the details about the gate from the game. "Let''s see," he muttered under his breath.

    "The author didn''t exin much about this gate, but he did mention that there are undead monsters and the boss monster is an E-ss undead monster Duhan.

    It''s supposed to be a challenging fight, but I think I''m ready for it."

    Rain''s heart started pounding in anticipation. He wanted to test out his new sword and the skills he had been honing for a long time.

    He reached into his space ring and pulled out his new sword, which gleamed in the dim light.

    With a deep breath, Rain unsheathed his new sword, Nandaka, and took a step forward.

    He could see some undead monsters in the distance, their eyes glowing with an unnatural red light.

    They stood motionless as if waiting for something or someone to approach them.

    Rain''s heart started to pound in anticipation.

    He had spent countless hours training for this moment, and he was eager to put his skills to the test.

    He couldn''t help but wonder if his new sword would be enough to defeat the powerful boss monster.

    As Rain approached the undead monsters, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of dread creeping up his spine.

    "These things look even more terrifying in person," he thought to himself.

    "But I can''t let fear hold me back. I''ve trained for this, and I know what I have to do."

    As he walked forward, he heard the shuffling of feet behind him.

    Turning quickly, he saw a group of zombies lurching toward him.

    Without hesitation, he raised his sword and charged toward them, his movements fluid and precise.

    The zombies lunged at him with outstretched arms, but Rain was too fast for them.

    With a quick flick of his wrist, he sliced through their flesh, sending their limbs flying in all directions.

    The stench of rotting flesh filled his nostrils, but he pushed on, determined to clear out the monsters in this dungeon.

    As he continued to move through the dungeon, he encountered a group of skeletons that rose from the ground.

    Their bony fingers grasped for him, but Rain was quick to evade their attacks.

    He used his sword to strike their bones, shattering them into pieces.

    "But I have to crush skeleton skulls to kill them. It''s very creepy," Rain remarked to himself.

    Next, he faced a swarm of rats that rushed at him from all directions.

    He swung his sword in wide arcs, cutting through the vermin with ease.

    The rats squealed in terror as they met their end at the tip of his de.

    As he moved deeper into the dungeon, he faced even more terrifying creatures - bats that screeched and swooped down at him from the ceiling.

    However, Rain killed the bats with ease using his Thunder Eagle skill.

    He felt that his aim had also be more urate since his mastery in Marksmanship was now at the Elementary level.

    Soon, ghouls emerged from the shadows, their gnarled teeth bared in hunger. But Rain was undaunted.

    He fought with all his might, his sword moving in a blur as he sliced through his enemies.

    The undead monsters fell before him, one by one until the dungeon was almost empty.

    Looking at these horrors made him feel like he was trapped in a horror game. "This is insane," he thought to himself.

    Rain was grateful that he had a calm mind and was able to keep his cool.

    He knew that anypse in judgment could result in his demise.

    "Looks like only Boss monster is left now." Rain thought as he looked at massive structure at little distance.

 Chapter 28 Boss Monster: Dullahan

    ?

    After dispatching most of the monsters in the vicinity, Rain began to advance towards the location of the Boss monster.

    Although he was feeling weary and drained from the battle, he knew he had to move quickly to clear the gate before someone notices the gate.

    As Rain approached the massive structure towering in the distance, he noticed the intricate carvings that adorned the rough stone walls.

    The images depicted warriors engaged in battle with monstrous creatures, their faces etched with determination and fear.

    The entrance to the structure was arge, ominous gateway, guarded by two stone statues of snarling beasts.

    The air around the structure was thick with foreboding energy as if warning Rain of the danger thaty ahead.

    However, will Rain turn his back?

    No.

    He entered through the gateway cautiously.

    The area was arge circr chamber, dimly lit by flickering torches mounted on the walls.

    The stone floor was worn and uneven, with cracks and crevices that seemed to writhe with shadows.

    In the center of the chamber stood a raised tform, upon which the Duhan was perched, its body wreathed in a shimmering ck aura.

    Rain narrowed his eyes, studying the monster from afar. The Duhan was, even more imposing up close, its body towering above him as he approached.

    The monster was a Duhan, a low-ranked creature without a horse to ride. Nevertheless, it had the appearance of a headless undead knight, much like those found in RPG games.

    Its body was d in rusted battered armor, and it carried a worn and damaged sword.

    The exposed neck area is typically depicted as raw and bloody, with ckened veins visible beneath the surface of the skin.

    Instead of eyes, there were empty eye sockets which added to the creature''s eerie and otherworldly appearance.

    "It''s so scary, it would be great if this was some horror movie," Rainmented.

    He started to make a strategy to kill the Duhan.

    The Duhan was known for its medium speed, high strength, and stamina, but had low intelligence.

    "Long-range attacks would be the most effective, but since I am not a mage and gunshots would not do much damage as the Duhan is wearing the armor." Rain pondered as he stared at Duhan.

    "I guess I can only go for closebat," He decided to attack his opponent, the Duhan.

    Without wasting any time, he threw a mana grenade toward the Duhan, which exploded with a loud boom.

    Taking advantage of the Duhan''s momentary confusion, Rain swiftly approached it and struck with his sword.

    The de glimmered in the light as it sliced through the air,nding a powerful blow on the Duhan''s body.

    However, the Duhan was not an easy foe to defeat. It retaliated with a series of swift and deadly attacks, its movements as fast as lightning.

    Rain was barely able to dodge the Duhan''s attacks, his heart pounding in his chest.

    "That head is sick," He noticed that the Duhan was carrying its head under its arm, he felt like two eyes from the otherworld were staring at him.

    Rain was barely able to dodge the Duhan''s attacks and was getting cold sweats as his heart pounded in his chest.

    He thought, "I can''t keep this up forever. I need to find an opening and take this guy down."

    Rain''s feet danced across the ground as he evaded each attack, his eyes never leaving the Duhan.

    He kept his cool, waiting for the right moment to strike.

    And when it came, he lunged forward with his sword, the sharp de cutting through the air and connecting with the Duhan''s body.

    The Duhan let out a bone-chilling screech as it stumbled back, the sound echoing through the air.

    Though it was an undead creature, it could still feel pain.

    The Duhan summoned a group of low-grade undead to attack Rain, hoping to catch him off guard.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    But Rain was ready for anything. He quickly retreated and threw a mana bomb toward the Duhan, causing a massive explosion that decimated the undead army.

    As the smoke cleared, Rain and the Duhan faced each other once again.

    The Duhan charged forward, his eyes wild with fury. Rain braced himself, his sword at the ready.

    Rain prepared himself for the battle against the Duhan.

    The undead monster charged at him with its sword held high. Rain swiftly dodged to the side, feeling the rush of wind as the sword missed him by mere inches.

    The Duhan continued its onught, swinging its sword with deadly precision.

    Rain evaded each attack with ease, his footwork precise and his movements fluid. He waited for the right moment to strike.

    Finally, he saw his opening.

    As the Duhan thrust its sword forward, Rain lunged forward with his own sword, slicing through the air and striking the Duhan''s body with all his strength.

    The Duhan stumbled back, but quickly regained its footing and charged at Rain once again.

    The battle continued like this for what felt like an eternity, each opponent exchanging blow after blow.

    Rain''s movements were agile and graceful, while the Duhan''s were brutal.

    The sound of swords shing echoed through the air, filling Rain''s ears with a deafening roar.

    Finally, Rainnded the decisive blow, striking the Duhan''s body with all his strength and bringing it down for good.

    The Duhan let out one final scream before copsing to the ground, defeated.

    "Huff... Hah... Huff..." Rain''s chest was heaving with exhaustion and he was covered in cuts and bruises from the battle.

    Despite his injuries, he managed to collect his rewards from the boss monster and make a swift escape through the portal.

    The portal was a mystical gateway that led to different parts of the world.

    It was activated by defeating boss monsters like the Duhan and only remained open for a short period.

    As he emerged from the portal, Rain quickly mounted his Space Sprinter and rode away.

    After traveling some distance he stopped his vehicle, turned his head, and saw that the gate disappeared.

    He was relieved to see the gate disappear behind him, as it usually did after defeating the boss monster.

    Nheless, he knew that there was a chance for the portal to malfunction if the gate isn''t cleared for a long time. Therefore, he was grateful to the patrolling teams that monitored the area.

    Finally, Rain arrived at the Inn where he had stayed the previous night. He took a rxing bath and rested for a while. Thefort of the bed was so inviting that he quickly fell asleep.

    After several hours had passed, Rain emerged from the Inn where he had been staying.

    He had managed to sell all of the items he had obtained from the portal, except for the growth elixir, which he decided to keep forter.

    As he walked towards his Space Sprinter, Rain thought to himself, "I might need this growth elixir in the future. It''s better to save it forter."

    He decided that it was not the right time to use it, and he needed to focus on executing his n.

    He had justpleted his outdoor training, and with the elixirs, he had obtained from the ck market, his Rank had risen to E+, which was an average level at the academy.

    Rain grinned to himself and muttered, "Finally, my Rank has increased. Now, I can get closer to achieving my goal."

    Rain had just finished his "three days" of outdoor training, and his birthday was approaching in "two days".

    Rain thought to himself, "My birthday is in two days. I must prepare for the final phase of my n before then."

    With this thought in mind, he started driving his Space Sprinter toward his home.

    Rain couldn''t help but feel excited as he anticipated the oue of his n. He chuckled inwardly, confident that everything was going ording to his calctions.

    "I can''t wait to see the results of my hard work and nning," Rain thought to himself.

 Chapter 29 First Meeting With Emma

    ?

    While Rain was driving his vehicle toward his home, he heard some system messages. As he was driving, he decided to read them after he arrives at his home.

    After driving his vehicle for some time, Rain reached his home in the evening.

    He was relieved that he arrived at his home, just in time.

    Before entering his home, he stored his concealment robe and artifacts in the space ring, so that nobody get suspicious of him.

    After all, he didn''t want to drown into the questions from anyone.

    Rain parked his Space Sprinter in the parking area of the mansion.

    He remembered that he had got some system messages while he was driving. So he opened System to see the messages.

    ?[Congrattions to Host for clearing the F ss gate alone. You have managed to do an unprecedented feat. The worth of apuse.]

    ?[Reward: Skills - Unyielding Mind (Passive Skill) ]

    ?[It''s detected that host has Calm mind skill.]

    ?[The fusion of two skills willmence now.]

    ?[Calm mind + Unyielding Mind = Imprable Mind defence (Passive Skill)]

    Rain was astonished after reading all of the notifications. He thought that system was stingy and didn''t give rewards this time.

    However, he didn''t think system would give him a new skill.

    Rain opened the skill window to see a description of his new skill.

    ?[Imprable Mind defence (Passive Skill): This skill provides a high level of mental fortitude, enabling an individual to resist external influences and maintain a strong, clear mind. An individual with an imprable mind defense can withstand various forms of mental attacks, such as mind control, hypnosis, and mental maniption.]

    ''So awesome,'' Rain was satisfied after reading the skill. With this skill, he will be able to do many things more.

    He closed the system windows and started walking towards the entrance of the main building. While he was walking, he observed other vehicles parked in the garage.

    ''Compared to my vehicle, other people''s vehicles here are sure fashionable and high-tech versions. It''s because I never cared about those things in the past.

    But now maybe I should also buy a new vehicle soon.'' Rain was quite happy, he was thinking of buying a new version of [Quantum Racer].

    Thinking about his new vehicle, Rain left the garage and started walking towards the mansion.

    As soon as he entered the mansion, he noticed two girls having a conversation in the lobby.

    Their beauty wasparable to that of "A-ss" actresses in Rain''s previous world.

    One of the girls was Rain''s sister, "Kaya Holmes", who had her hair styled in an up-side braid and was dressed in a dark blue outfit. Her smile was mesmerizing and could easily win the hearts of many men.

    However, we shouldn''t see the person''s outer shell. In her mind, there are only rants to kill that evil organization and for that this mad woman will do anything.

    [Someone said,

    "Nice words and a nice appearance don''t conclude that someone is nice. Sometimes the nicer they look, the more deceptive they are." ]

    Rain was not surprised to see his sister in the mansion because she lived there with him.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    However, he was taken aback by the person she was conversing with - "Emma Rose". Emma was Rain''s childhood friend, fianc��e, first love, and "number one heroine". Her "pink hair" was tied in a ponytail, and she had a gentle and cheerful face, reminiscent of a rose.

    Despite her beauty, she had a hidden strength and toughness, just like the thorns on a rose.

    From Emma''s appearance, Rain was reminded of a heroine from an anime he had watched in his previous life, who was also stunningly beautiful, terribly dumb, and useless.

    He initially thought he wouldn''t be affected by the beauty of Emma and his sister, but he was proven wrong. It wasn''t an attraction that he felt towards them, but a deep sense of emotion and nostalgia.

    As Rain watched the two women talking, his mind was consumed with thoughts of what would happen next. He knew that the future held many challenges and obstacles for him, but he was determined to face them head-on.

    As soon as they saw Raining from the entrance, the two girls stop talking and the atmosphere took a sharp turn for the worse.

    Emma''s smile disappeared, and her face became filled with contempt and disgust. This was a striking contrast to her earlier demeanor, and it didn''t suit her at all.

    Kaya, on the other hand, wore a mocking expression that didn''t suit her face either.

    The two girls quickly walked away into Kaya''s room, mming the door in Rain''s face. Rain was left standing there, feeling confused.

    ''Although I don''t want to brag. Butpared to others I am more handsome and even if I am ugly, it''s rude to m the door in someone''s face.'' Rain was thinking about his human rights and morals.

    Soon Mark came and greeted him, and then Rain came out of his thoughts and started walking towards his room.

    He looked a little absent-minded.

    After getting into his room, he dismissed Mark andy down on the bed.

    Rain was thinking about Emma.

    ''Emma Rose.''

    Diamond of the Rose family.

    Although not as influential as the Holmes family, the Rose family was still a force to be reckoned with, as they had an A-ss guild and several sessful business ventures.

    Her parents and Rain''s parents were ssmates in the academy so they became friends. While attending social gatherings and outing parties, Rain, Kaya, and Emma also be childhood friends.

    After seeing this, their parents made an engagement contract.

    Everyone was happy.

    But one incident changed everything.

    When Emma was just a young girl of 7-8 years old, a horrifying incident urred that would change her life forever.

    During a school trip, she was kidnapped by a man with a disturbing attraction to young girls. It is unclear what the school staff was doing at the time, but Emma''s father arrived just in time to save her from the man''s advances.

    In a fit of rage, Emma''s father killed the viin on the spot, putting an end to the traumatic incident.

    However, the damage had already been done. Emma was left with deep emotional scars from the traumatic experience. Her family, seeking to protect their reputation and prestige, kept the news of the incident under wraps. As a result, many people remained unaware of what happened to Emma that day.

    The incident had a profound impact on Emma''s mental health. She began to harbor a deep-seated hatred towards men and stopped attending school altogether. Her parents, feeling guilty about what happened to their daughter, began to indulge her every wish to make up for the trauma she had endured.

    Years passed, and when Rain saw Emma at her 10-yearing-of-age ceremony, he longed to talk to her and rekindle their friendship.

    However, Emma''s heart had been consumed by a deep hatred for men, and she rejected Rain''s attempts to talk to her. Despite this, Rain persisted in his efforts to reach out to her, but each rejection only served to deepen Emma''s animosity towards him.

    In her eyes, Rain became nothing more than a licking dog, and their rtionship was now on verge of getting over.

    As Rain reflected on these memories, he drifted off to sleep realizing that his friendship with Emma was now only a thing of the past.

 Chapter 30 Painful Memories & First Tears

    ?

    [In Rain''s Room]

    Rain was lying on the bed, deep in slumber, with a peaceful expression on his face.

    His body was still, and his breathing was steady, indicating that he was in a state of profound rest.

    While thinking about Emma and his past, Rain didn''t know when he slept.

    Even though Rain had been consuming potions and elixirs, his mind was exhausted and stressed from the intense training that he had been undergoing.

    His mental fatigue and stress had umted over time, and he desperately needed a break.

    As a result, he slept soundly on his bed, oblivious to the world around him. In his exhausted state, he had not even had dinner, which only contributed to his already depleted energy levels.

    At some point, Mark entered the room to check on Rain. However, Rain did not respond to his calls, and because of that Mark entered the room.

    Upon entering the room, Mark saw that Rain was in a deep sleep.

    After seeing Rain''s state, Mark simply left the room without disturbing him deciding that he needed rest rather than anything else.

    In the middle of the night, Rain was stirred awake from his slumber by the constant nagging of his thoughts about the plot, Emma, Kaya, and the heroines.

    Unable to find sce in his bed, Rain decided to venture outside and go for a walk.

    To avoid making any noise, he used his "Shadow walk" technique and made his way quietly to thekeside.

    Even though he just got this skill yesterday, as he used it in Nameless Grave many times. His was somewhat adapted to it.

    This was Rain''s favorite location, and it happened to be conveniently located near his home.

    Once he arrived, he settled down by the shore, taking a moment to sit and reflect.

    The tranquility of theke''s surroundings and the calmness of the night gave him a sense of peace, providing some much-needed respite from his worries. Rain started thinking.

    ''I was introverted from childhood. In my previous life, I didn''t have parents. Neither they came to me nor I found them.

    However in this life, I have parents, and they care about me. I know they have difficulties with Kaya, uncle, and aunty''s death. But what about me?''

    One of Rain''s death gs was also his rtionship with his parents.

    His parents didn''t want to feel Kaya ack of parents and they knew Kaya''s hate for Rain.

    Still, they did nothing. If only they did something, his and Kaya''s rtionship would be different.

    ''They also didn''t do anything about Emma. If they had told me about Emma and canceled the engagement abruptly.''

    ''We still would be friends.'' Rainmented.

    As he thought this, he felt how dumb it sounded.

    ''No, it''s just my imagination.'' Then he just shook his head.

    ''When they told me to stay away from Emma, I didn''t listen. Now I''m questioning my decision. I don''t think Emma, who seems to "hate men", would ever want to be friends with me. Why was I so foolish?'' He couldn''t help but question himself, wondering why he had made a foolish mistakes.

    Rain''s second death g was Kaya,

    even for her parents'' revenge, she did everything to make fall him into the abyss.

    Even in the plot, Rain knew everything she did, but he forgave her. He thought - she did it for her parents.

    He believed - after she takes revenge for her parents, they will be good siblings like they were in childhood.

    ''But...

    Was it naive to think like this?'' Rain questioned himself. Nothing like this happened in the plot.

    And Rain''s third death g was his ssmate Arya Hillson, a Third heroine and only heroine with whom he was somewhat friendly.

    After his rtionships with Kaya and Emma turned sour, Arya was his only friend.

    She was from amon family, still Rain became friends with her.

    However, she never took his side and just snuggled in the arms of the Protagonist.

    ''Was I the only one who thought that we were friends?'' Although he didn''t have much rtionship with Arya he still felt bad.

    Thest nail in the coffin was Emma.

    The first friend of Rain.

    Rain''s first & only love. His fianc��.

    If you ask whom Rain trusted most, it would be Emma.

    ''Looks like in every world pink-colored hair heroines are heartbreakers, huh��'' Rain just smiled wryly.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ''Although only some things have happened till now.

    Will I be betrayed and killed by them in the future? Still, thinking about the plot in the game makes my heart ache.''

    Rain''s chest hurt just by thinking this.

    ''Why? Even in my previous life, I was lonely and never had parents.

    Even if I don''t say it, I also wanted a happy family. I also wanted friends. But I couldn''t make them. Seeing those greedy eyes of people, I often get scared.''

    Rain''s feelings were graduallying out.

    ''I also wanted to love someone.

    But the man who never got a single shred of love, how can he love someone else?

    After everything, my emotions died.''

    Even in his past life, Rain never felt like this.

    ''I just lived like a machine and kept working in the ckpany. In the end, I also died lonely.

    I am also lonely in this life. It appears that like our name we are the same, huh. As his ego said, we are not two but one.

    After all, Rain Holmes & Rain are a single person, who lived a different life.'' Rain chuckled at himself.

    Then he started thinking about future events.

    ''Day after tomorrow on my birthday,

    Emma will give me an engagement dissolvment contract as a gift.

    I also have the old dissolvment contract she gave me before the duel. Now I will have 2 of them. It will be like pairs.'' Rain felt funny about this. A pair of contracts might look beautiful.

    ''Kaya will also make fun of me.

    Yeah, she will beat me up duel and this time it would be solo. Because in the game, Rain at that time was still injured. She will also start making her faction after this in earnest.''

    Although now he was healed, thinking about whether he will be challenged or Kaya wille up with another plot. Rain feltplex feelings.

    ''And my parents will do nothing.

    Just like my every birthday, they will host a huge, grand ass party and give me money as a gift.

    Still, I don''t think I can''t say about this. After all, I was the fool who said - Kaya is not apetitor, she is my sister. So treat her kindly whatever she does to me.''

    Rainughed at himself.

    ''How foolish I was? What kind of bug bit me to say this?'' Rain wanted to beat his past self.

    ''You can say this will be the worst birthday for me. Even thinking about it. It pains me.''

    Looking at theke, Rain recalled that this was the ce where he first met Emma.

    That''s the reason that this was his favorite ce.

    Rain downcasted his face, and started staring at his reflection in theke.

    Then he saw that a handsome man was crying there.

    ''Looks like for the first time in two lives I cried, huh.'' Rain muttered inwardly.

    "Hey Mark, you did the job I told you?"

    Rain knew that Mark was hiding behind the tree. He follows him for security reasons many times. That''s why he took Charles'' permission before outdoor training, so nobody would follow him.

    "Yes, you master."

    Mark grimly answered. It looked like he didn''t think - Rain knew he would follow him.

    "Hey, Mark, you know, even with getting a chance to (reincarnate and) live happily ever after.

    I can even resolve myself to do bad things, you know? And bing a viin in everyone''s eyes.

    I can even withstand being hated by those around me, even my loved ones.

    (Even died by hands of them whom I love.)

    Even if they hate me, I just hopelessly love them.

    But... This Loneliness is hard to bear."

    After saying this, Rain quickly wiped the tears, and with a bright smile he said,

    "Let''s go, There are many things to do."

    After some time, Rain returned to the room and sleptfortably.

    Rain felt that shoulders were light like some heavy weight was lifted from there.

    The pressure he endured till now by himself was lifted. The chains of rtionships were not binding him now. He was truly free from everything.

 Chapter 31 [Marks POV]

    ?

    In the hallway of the Holmes Family mansion, a young man in his early twenties, with a lean and athletic build was walking.

    He was wearing his butler''s uniform. He carried himself with an air of confidence and authority,manding respect from those around him. His movements were fluid and graceful, indicating a certain level of training and discipline.

    In the silent hallway, his footsteps can be heard.

    *TAP*

    *TAP*

    *TAP*

    His Brown hair was styled in a sophisticated manner, and his deep ck eyes looked piercing. Although he wasn''t much handsome however Butler''s uniform added a unique charm to him.

    His name is Mark.

    ***

    Hello. I''m Mark. I''m a man of few words.

    Currently, I am working as a butler for Rain Holmes, who is the heir to the wealthy Holmes family.

    Despite his high social status, he treats everyone with kindness, which is why I admire him greatly.

    Young Master Rain seems to have everything in life, yet he still works hard every day.

    However, I havee to realize that beneath his sessful exterior, he is quite lonely.

    His parents are often too busy to spend time with him, and he has no close friends to confide in.

    He takes on everything by himself and rarely asks for help, which makes me wonder if he is either too proud or too scared to let others into his life.

    Young Master Rain''s tireless work ethic takes a toll on him, and it''s hard to watch him in this state.

    Sometimes, I feel like reaching out and trying to befriend him, but I know that there is a line I cannot cross as his butler.

    It''s my duty to maintain a professional distance, but it hurts me to see him struggle with loneliness.

    I wish there was more I could do to help him, but I am confined by the limitations of my position.

    Thinking that, Mark sighed.

    As Young Master Rain''s personal butler, I couldn''t believe what had happened yesterday.

    Apparently, Lady Emma, his fianc��e came here in early morning.

    She came to disturb our morning because she wanted to break their engagement contract, and when he refused, she challenged him to a duel.

    At first, the fight was evenly matched, but as it progressed, he started to gain the upper hand.

    Then, out of nowhere, Lady Kaya, his sister, intervened and attacked him. The two women were able to overpower him, leaving him badly beaten and injured.

    It was heartbreaking to think that his injury might not heal till the Academy entrance exam.

    As his loyal servant, I felt frustrated that there was nothing I could do to help.

    Again, Mark sighed.

    After that, Lady Kaya argued that she didn''t want to see Young Master Rain engaged to Lady Emma.

    I don''t know what happened but she was only given a light punishment and ced under house arrest.

    So ridiculous!

    Ahem... where are my manners. Sorry for the inconvenience.

    But I can''t do anything. She does these things many times, and Lord is always unfair to him.

    ording to some of the older staff, Lady Kaya''s parentless status has resulted in preferential treatment from the Lord.

    It''s ironic because he is treated well too, but it''s not the same.

    They don''t treat him rudely, they give him plenty of money and things.

    Despite the seemingly good treatment he receives, he remains isted and withdrawn.

    I can''t help but wonder if this is due to his pride or immaturity.

    He has always been the type to take everything upon himself, even when it''s not necessary, and this stubbornness makes it difficult for others to assist him.

    He doesn''t take it first, sometimes they forced him, but slowly they also gave up.

    They also said that Lady Kaya, Lady Emma, and he were once close childhood friends.

    However, due to some idents, their rtionship was damaged.

    It''s a sad situation, and I wish there was something I could do to help him.

    With a heavy heart, I made my way to Rain''s room to check on him.

    Let''s see the young master''s condition.

    I knocked on the door while sighing.

    He might be sleeping, still let''s see his condition.

    *Knock*

    *Knock*

    "Come in."

    As I approached the door, I heard a manly voice from inside.

    "Good morning, Young Master!" I greeted him and entered the room.

    But when I saw him, I was shocked to find him standing. How had he healed so quickly?

    "Young master?" I asked, still taken aback by his unexpected recovery.

    "Yeah, good morning, Mark," he replied with a smile. It was the first time in my ten years of working for him that I had seen him smile.

    He looked like an angel, and I couldn''t help but think that any girl who saw him would be a fan.

    We left his room and made our way to the dining hall, where he had breakfast with his parents.

    They talked for some time, but as usual, he remained cold and distant.

    From afar, I watched him and sighed.

    He should try to open up to others, I thought.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    After breakfast, he ordered some strange things, which I assumed were part of his training.

    Let''s do it then, I thought, eager to help him in any way I could.

    ***

    [After some days]

    Lately, the Young Master has been spending most of his time in the library, buried in books.

    The staff in the main building whisper that he seems depressed, but when his parents asked him about it, he simply replied that his injury had not yet fully healed and that he was focused on preparing for the uing entrance exam.

    So that''s the reason, I see. There is no way he doesn''t train every single day.

    Still, I couldn''t help but wonder if there was more to it than that.

    He was always a hard worker, and I knew he wouldn''t let his injury stop him from training.

    Perhaps there was something else going on that he didn''t want to share with anyone.

    ***

    One day, to my surprise, he took some of the funds he had never touched and headed outside for some training.

    It was unexpected, but at the same time, hearing that he was going to train, I realized that it was a usual thing for him.

    It appeared that his training mode was back, and he never seemed to rx.

    Seeing how hardworking he was, I couldn''t help but sigh in admiration.

    Soon, he left for his outdoor training without me.

    I was surprised as he got permission for training outside alone.

    Usually, whenever he went to train outside in the past, a smallbat team including me followed him in shadows to protect him in unforseen circumstances.

    ***

    After a few days, I saw the Young Master in the corridor.

    Oh, Looks like he returned. It was fast. I eximed inwardly. Because in the past it took him around more than week to return from outdoor training.

    I was about to greet him when Lady Kaya and Lady Emma appeared from around the corner.

    The moment they saw the young master, they quickly scurried into Lady Kaya''s room and mmed the door shut.

    The Young Master had a bewildered expression on his face, and his bodynguage seemed to suggest that he was hurt by their actions.

    I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should say something tofort him, but I didn''t want him to stand there alone.

    So I greeted him, and he seemed relieved to see me.

    He sighed and rxed his shoulders, and his face lost some of its previous tension.

    After we exchanged a few words, he headed back to his room and slept.

    He didn''t evene down for dinner, and I couldn''t me him.

    The training and the encounter with Lady Kaya and Lady Emma must have taken a toll on him.

    As he walked down the hallway, I could see that he was dragging his feet and that his eyes were downcast. He lookedpletely drained.

    I sighed, watching the young master disappear around the corner. It was clear that he had been pushed to his limit to train this time.

    ***

    However, at midnight, he slipped out of the building undetected, his footsteps silent on the creaky floorboards.

    I suspected where he was going. As his trusted aide,

    I knew him better than anyone.

    He had a habit of seeking sce at theke when he was feeling low.

    I trailed him, making sure to keep my distance so as not to disturb him.

    We walked for about ten minutes before we reached theke.

    It was a secluded spot, surrounded by dense foliage and the only sound was that of the waterpping against the shore.

    Rain walked to the water''s edge and sat down on arge rock, his feet dangling over the edge.

    He stared out at the dark water, lost in thought. I couldn''t see his face clearly in the darkness, but I could tell he was in pain

    I hid behind the tree, careful not to make any noise that might disturb him.

    It felt like I was intruding on a private moment, but I couldn''t just leave him alone in his sadness.

    As I watched him, I couldn''t help but feel sorry for him. The weight of his troubles seemed to be bearing down on him heavily, and he looked so small and vulnerable.

    His bodynguage spoke volumes - shoulders slumped, head bowed low. He looked lonely, and it broke my heart.

    After a while, he suddenly spoke. "Hey Mark, you did the job I asked you to, right?" His voice was soft and distant. I was taken aback. Had he known I was here all along?

    "Yes, young master," I replied solemnly, trying to keep my voice steady.

    I stayed hidden behind the tree, not wanting to intrude on his moment of solitude.

    He eyes were still fixed on his reflection in theke, and I could feel his sadness from where I stood,

    "Hey Mark, you know, even with getting a chance to live happily ever after.

    I can even resolve myself to do bad things, you know? And bing a viin in their eyes.

    I can even withstand being hated by those around me. Even if they hate me, I just hopelessly love them.

    But... This Loneliness is hard to bear."

    He turned to me then, standing up from the rock he had been sitting on.

    In the dim light, I could see small tears glistening in his eyes, even as he managed a small smile.

    I could feel his pain, and I knew that he needed someone to talk to.

    He said something, but I didn''t remember. Heughed softly, but it was a hollow sound.

    This week, I have seen his smile and tears. What a rare urrence.

    I wanted to reach out to him, to offer some kind offort, but I knew that wasn''t what he wanted right now.

    So I just walked silently beside him as we made our way back to the building.

    As we walked, I couldn''t help but think about the beauty of theke at night.

    The moon''s reflection on the water was like a painting, and the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze made for a peaceful, calming atmosphere.

    It was a stark contrast to the turmoil in his heart.

    I could only think one thing at that time,

    ''The Brightest smile

    Hides the deepest secrets,

    And The Pretty eyes

    Cried the most tears.''

 Chapter 32 Rains Birthday Party

    ?

    Today, In [Karoon City] arge number of people employed by the Holmes Family woke up before dawn.

    The reason behind their early start is that it happens to be the "20th birthday" of the sole heir to the Holmes Family, Rain Holmes.

    Although Rain was still a candidate for the head position, people thought that as he was talented and hardworking, he will surely be the family''s head in the future.

    While every birthday is special, the 10th and 20th birthdays hold significant importance in this world.

    This is because after turning 10 years old, children begin to learn and explore the world in a more structured and formal way. As a result, it is considered a major turning point in their lives.

    This is crucial because education is a crucial aspect of a person''s life. Without it, one''s ability to contribute to society and support themselves is severely hindered, which can have negative effects on the people around them.

    Simrly, when someone turns 20, they are considered to have reached a new milestone and are expected to have matured significantly.

    It is believed that after reaching this age, individuals are ready to take on more significant responsibilities, such as entering the workforce or pursuing higher education.

    In this world, turning 20 years old marks a significant milestone, as it is the age at which individuals can enroll in an academy to learn practical knowledge.

    Acquiring practical knowledge is crucial for leading a good life in this world because without power you are nothing.

    Enrolling in an academy after turning 20 years old provides individuals with a chance to gain practical knowledge and skills that can help them achieve their goals.

    Consequently, many people grandly celebrate this asion.

    However, when the person in question hails from a high-ss family such as the Holmes Family, the celebration is taken to another level and is akin to a royal banquet.

    The guest list for such an event is exclusive, including high-ranking officials, wealthy merchants, and representatives of other races.

    Despite being invited, representatives of other races often do not attend such events.

    With arge number of guests expected to attend, preparations for the uing party were underway.

    Given the size of the Holmes Family''s mansion and the surrounding area, there was a lot of decorating to be done to create an inviting atmosphere.

    The team in charge of the decor was working tirelessly to ensure that every corner of the mansion looks beautiful.

    The team was using flowers, balloons, and colorful decorations to create an inviting ambiance. They even decorated the surrounding area to match the grandeur of the mansion.

    In addition to the decorations, the food was also a significant aspect of the event, the ingredients used were fresh and expensive, and each dish was meticulously prepared to cater to the guests'' taste buds.

    To keep the guests entertained, a wide range of performers had been hired, including dancers, singers, and other entertainers.

    The performers were the best of the best, and they have been rehearsing for weeks to ensure that their performances are wless.

    Additionally, amodations had been prepared for guests who may be tired or inebriated throughout the event.

    To ensure that everything runs smoothly, a team of high-ranking individuals was on standby to address any potential emergencies.

    With so many people eagerly anticipating the event, it promises to be an unforgettable experience. It felt like it was some major event of a game.

    As the sun began to set, the anticipation for the party started to build, and the Party hall slowly filled with guests.

    Although the event had not officially begun, the attendees were eager to make the most of the evening and had made an effort to dress in their finest attire.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The women were adorned in beautiful dresses and wore sparkling jewelry, while the men looked dapper in their suits and ties.

    As people arrived, they were weed by the warm glow of the hall, which had been decorated with beautiful lighting and ornate decorations.

    The attendees mingled with each other, exchanging hugs and greetings, and engaging in conversations about thetest happenings around the world.

    The atmosphere was charged with excitement and energy, as people caught up with old friends and made new ones.

    As the night wore on, the partygoers began to explore the various areas of the drawing hall.

    Some found a cozy corner to settle into, while others gathered inrger groups, chatting andughing over sses of wine or cocktails.

    The room was filled with the sounds of chatter andughter, which reverberated off the walls and added to the festive ambiance.

    The entertainment for the night was a highlight of the party.

    Many talented singers took the stage, belting out beautiful melodies that had the audience captivated.

    The dancers, too, were a sight to behold, with their graceful movements and impable timing.

    The performers put on a spectacr show that left the attendees spellbound and wanting more.

    Throughout the evening, the guests also indulged in a variety of delicious foods, which were served in a buffet-style arrangement.

    There were plenty of options to choose from, ranging from gourmet appetizers to sulent entrees and decadent desserts.

    The quality of the food was exceptional, and many guests remarked that it wasparable to that of a high-ss restaurant.

    The gathering resembled a congregation of influential people, and upon viewing the whole spectacle, the only word thates to mind is ''extravagant''.

    It felt like Karoon City had be the center of activities.

    It seemed like a disy of wealth and opulence, with no expenses spared.

    If Rain had been present, he may have scoffed at the glimmering lights and asked for them to be turned off, or suggested that they start eating instead, deeming the event a frivolous waste of money.

    He would have said,

    "For me, it''s overwhelming to see so many people present. From the main characters to the supporting characters, viins, and even extras, this scene is causing me stress."

    However, fortunately, or unfortunately Rain was nowhere to be found, and he was, after all, the birthday boy.

    His absence had everyone specting about his whereabouts and why he was not present at his birthday party.

    [Note: Karoon City is the name of the city where the Holmes family lives.]

 Chapter 33 Massive Shock

    ?

    As night fell, guests began to gather in the drawing hall to celebrate Rain''s birthday.

    The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as they chatted and mingled with one another.

    However, there was a growing concern among the attendees regarding Rain''s absence, and everyone began to wonder where he could be.

    In one corner of the party hall, Rain''s mother, Ca, and his father, Charles, were conversing with each other.

    "Hey, Charles, have you been able to find Rain?" Ca asked, her voice trembling with worry.

    "No, I can''t find him anywhere. I have checked everywhere, even his room is locked," Charles replied, his brow furrowed with concern.

    They searched everywhere in the mansion and other areas, but they couldn''t find Rain anywhere.

    Ca''s anxiety deepened, and she started to pace around the room.

    "Hey Charles, do you have any idea where Rain could be?" she asked again, her voice shaking with fear.

    Charles shook his head, his expression grave. "I don''t know, Ca. I''ve been looking for him everywhere. We need to find him."

    As he spoke, Charles felt a growing sense of dread. Rain was his son. The thought of anything happening to him filled him with fear and anxiety.

    He had been busy arranging the party and didn''t have any idea where Rain could be. "Have you tried calling him?" Charles asked.

    Ca''s voice shook with fear as she replied, "I have, but his phone is switched off. Why do you ask? Do you think I''m stupid?" She put her hands on her hips and red at Charles.

    "It''s not like that. I just wanted to confirm something," Charles said, shaking his head.

    "I tried calling him too, but got the same result. I thought maybe he blocked my number because he''s still angry about what happened with Kaya a few days ago." He shrugged his shoulders.

    "Don''t worry about that now. We can apologize to him when we find him. Let''s focus on finding him first," Ca said, trying to be supportive.

    Ca took a deep breath and tried to push her fear aside. She knew that panicking wouldn''t help the situation, and that they needed to stay calm and focused.

    Charles nodded in response.

    After thinking for a moment, Charles suggested, "Let''s ask Mark." Ca nodded in agreement, and they started walking quickly toward where Mark was.

    ***

    [In the Party Hall]

    The male attendees of the party hall were all focused on a particr group huddled in the corner.

    They whispered and nced furtively at the women, who were engaged in lively conversation.

    Despite their stunning appearance, the women seemed to be enjoying each other''spany more than the attention of the men.

    "Hey Emma, do you know where Rain is?" A girl dressed in fancy clothes and jewelry asked.

    Emma turned to the girl, her expression cool and distant.

    She wore an exquisite high-ss dress, adorned with essories and pieces of jewelry thatplemented her appearance.

    Her pink hair was elegantly styled, slightly curled, and flowed down her shoulders. Light makeup entuated her beautiful features, making her look like a morous idol.

    But her demeanor was aloof, and she spoke in a clipped tone. "No, I don''t know."

    In reality, Emma didn''t want toe to the party. Her parents had insisted, and she couldn''t say no.

    She had hoped to find Rain quickly, give him the engagement dissolution contract, and leave.

    As she scanned the crowd, she couldn''t find Rain.

    "He is still not here." She mumbled inwardly.

    On the other hand, Kaya stood near Emma, chatting with the group. She dressed modestly, wearing minimal makeup and jewelry.

    Her natural beauty shone through, captivating the attention of many men in the hall.

    Kaya''s appearance was not as shy as Emma''s, but her simple and elegant style exuded a certain charm that was hard to ignore.

    However, Kaya''s thoughts were focused on making Rain ept a challenge and publicly humiliating him.

    A sly smirk appeared on her face, and her eyes sparkled mischievously as she plotted her next move.

    She took a sip of her drink and surveyed the room, looking for Rain.

    But she couldn''t find him.

    "When will hee?" She wondered.

    Arya Hillson stood on the sidelines, listening quietly to the group''s conversation.

    She was Rain''s ssmate and friend, known to some as the Third heroine among the yers.

    Arya was undeniably beautiful, with long, silky yellow hair that flowed down to her waist and bright red almond-shaped eyes that contrasted against her pale skin.

    Her features were delicate and refined, giving her an air of elegance and grace that drew people towards her.

    Her expressionless face, on the other hand, seemed almost sculpted from marble, with high cheekbones and a pointed chin that gave her a regal and sophisticated appearance.

    Herrge, almond-shaped eyes were a bright red, which contrasted beautifully against her pale, porcin skin.

    Her features were delicate and refined, giving her an air of elegance and grace that drew people toward her.

    Despite her physical beauty, Arya was reserved and introverted, preferring to observe rather than participate in social events.

    She had good grades and potential, but her humble background made her feel out of ce in high-ss settings.

    She longed for a different life, but her fear of rejection and failure held her back.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    As she watched the group of people talking, she couldn''t help but feel envious of their confidence and ease in social situations.

    She wished she could be more like them, but the thought of putting herself out there was too overwhelming.

    However, just like in every cliche novel, she got tangled with the Protagonist in the novel.

    Although they started as strangers, they eventually fell in love with each other, leading to a happy ending.

    There were many sub-heroines, support characters, and even low-ss viins and extras in the drawing hall.

    You can say, it was like the pre-gathering of all characters before starting the plot.

    The crowd at the party was eagerly anticipating Rain''s arrival.

    However, their reactions varied. Some were visibly annoyed and frustrated, while others were enjoying their food with a sense of carefree joy.

    A few individuals were fixated on observing the girls present at the party, and others were awestruck by the luxurious atmosphere.

    Despite the overall excitement in the air, there were a select few who sensed that something was off.

    They found it peculiar that a high-ss birthday party such as this was runningte, as it was not in line with the usual practices of such events.

    As they waited, their curiosity grew and they began to wonder what could be causing the dy.

    ***

    On the other side of the party, Charles and Ca rushed to the ce where Mark was stationed, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors.

    When they finally arrived, they saw Mark helping the staff and managing the party with ease.

    "Greetings, Lord & Madam," Mark greeted them with a bow, his voice calm andposed despite the chaos around him.

    "Okay, Mark. Do you know where Rain is?" Ca asked, her voice filled with concern.

    Mark''s expression softened as he heard Ca''s worried tone.

    "Oh, the young master just said he went to prepare gifts for everyone this morning. He said he will be back soon," he replied in a determined tone, trying to ease Ca''s worries.

    Charles, however, couldn''t hide his frustration. "Can''t he just send someone else to do these things?" he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "That boy never fails to amaze me."

    Ca put a reassuring hand on Charles''s shoulder, trying to calm him down. "Don''t worry, dear. He wille back soon. He is a good child. Don''t scold him when he returns," she said, her voice soothing and gentle.

    But Ca''s reassurance did little to ease her own concerns. "Why isn''t he at the party? This is not like my Rain. Something must have happened to him," she mumbled, her voice filled with worry and fear.

    Just as they were discussing this, their phones started ringing along with Emma and Kaya''s.

    *BUZZ*

    *BUZZ*

    *BUZZ*

    *BUZZ*

    *BUZZ*

    The notification on their phones was like a spark in the jungle, catching everyone''s attention.

    It was a message from the ''Connect'' app, which was the world''s equivalent of Instagram and Twitter.

    The message was from Rain Holmes, and it was his official ID.

    "Sorry, I can''te tonight to the birthday party. Please don''t waste your time trying to find me. After some time, I will answer your questions, but for now, don''t try to find me."

    As the message was read, each person had a distinct emotional reaction.

    Some individuals appeared saddened by the message, their faces drooping with disappointment.

    Others were visibly angry, their eyes shing with frustration.

    Several people seemed worried, their brows furrowed with concern.

    A few people may have even been filled with joy or confusion, their expressions a mix of emotions.

    ***

    In apletely different location,

    far from where the message was being read, the sun was shining high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the surroundingndscape.

    The sound of waves crashing onto the shore could be heard in the distance, creating a soothing atmosphere.

    On the sandy beach, an attractive man dressed in a beach shirt and shorts loungedzily on a hammock strung between two trees.

    He gently swayed back and forth on thefortable, feeling the gentle breeze on his face.

    With a satisfied expression, he eximed, "Now I can finally get some sweet rest."

    It was clear that he was content and enjoying his much-needed rxation time.

    That man was Rain Holmes.

 Chapter 34 Great Gifts (1)

    ?

    "Sorry, I can''te tonight to the birthday party. Please don''t waste your time to find me. After some time I will answer your questions, but for now, don''t try to find me."

    Apparently, Rain sent this message to��

    Charles (His father),

    Ca (His mother),

    Mark (His butler),

    Kaya (His sister),

    Emma (His fianc��e).

    Upon seeing this massage, everyone''s reaction was different.

    ***

    [Charles'' POV]

    "You bastard! Son of a bitch!" he shouted, his face contorted with anger and his voice raised in a rage.

    But his wife interrupted him, her eyes narrowing and her body tense with fury. "Darling... who are you calling a bitch?" Her voice was cold and cutting, her tone sharp with disapproval.

    Ca''s voice was innocent, but her words cut deep, and Charles felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. He was suddenly acutely aware of the weight of her disapproval, and he couldn''t help but feel a sense of fear creeping over him.

    "Rain told us not to look for him, but where on earth could he be?" Charles fretted, his mind racing with worry. His voice was strained, and he sounded almost desperate.

    Ca shared his concern. "I just hope he''s okay andes back soon," she said, her eyes fixed on Charles. Her voice was firm but gentle, and there was a note of tenderness in her tone. "And don''t you dare scold him when he returns, understood?" Her gaze was unwavering, and there was a hint of warning in her words.

    Charles nodded, shuddering under her gaze. He felt small and helpless, but he knew that he had toply with her wishes. "Y-yes," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

    ***

    [Emma''s POV]

    "Oh... So he''s noting today. I wonder where he could be," remarked Emma, her tone tinged with disappointment because she couldn''t break off the engagement.

    But then she quickly added, "Still, it doesn''t matter right now. I''ll just enjoy the party and leave early." Her voice was bright and cheery, as if she was determined to make the best of the situation.

    ***

    [Kaya''s POV]

    Kaya''s mind raced with questions. "Hmm, so he''s noting?" she asked herself, her tone filled with uncertainty.

    "Why isn''t heing?" she wondered aloud, her puzzlement growing.

    "Where could he be?" Kaya asked, her thoughts racing as she tried toe up with answers.

    "And why did he specifically ask not to be found?" Kaya added, her confusion deepening.

    "Could he still be injured?" Kaya contemted, her mind searching for clues.

    "Or did his injury not fully heal?" Kaya queried, trying to piece together the puzzle.

    "This all seems strange," Kaya thought to herself, her curiosity piqued.

    "But regardless, why bother with the truth? Let''s just spread some rumors," Kaya suggested mischievously.

    Soon, the rumors started to spread like wildfire...

    �� Rain hurt himself during training.

    �� Rain is scared toe to the party.

    �� Rain is not at home.

    �� Rain looks down on others.

    And many more rumours.

    If Rain was here, he would think,

    "Who the hell came up with this dumb shit?"

    ***

    [Mark''s POV]

    Mark let out a sigh, "The young master would be so lonely alone." He didn''t know where Rain was. Still, he thought, "There might be some reason for this. Let''s wait."

    Although Mark''s guess that Rain was alone was correct. However, Rain was alone for different purposes, which Mark was not aware of.

    ***

    In the Party Hall, there was an air of anticipation as everyone eagerly waited for Rain to arrive so that the party could begin.

    The hall was beautifully decorated with balloons, streamers, and colorful lights, adding to the festive atmosphere.

    However, as time went on, the party was already runningte, causing some individuals to be irritated and angry.

    <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    They felt like their time was being wasted, and they began to wonder when the party would finally start.

    As they waited, some people began to indulge in the food and drinks that were set out on the tables.

    Others chatted amongst themselves, trying to figure out what was causing the dy. There was a sense that something was unusual, and this only added to the tension in the room.

    Suddenly, Charles appeared, causing everyone to turn their attention to him.

    He announced that Rain was sick and would not be able to attend the party.

    Apparently, Rain had overexerted himself while training, and this had led to his illness.

    The news shocked many people, and negative rumors began to circte about what could have caused Rain''s illness.

    Despite the disappointment of Rain''s absence, people began to enjoy themselves as the party continued.

    Gifts were exchanged, and blessings were bestowed upon Rain.

    Charles graciously epted the gifts on Rain''s behalf, thanking everyone for their kindness.

    The party was meant to celebrate Rain''s birthday, yet he was unable to attend.

    After several hours of merriment, the party finally came to an end.

    The staff of the Holmes Family began to clean up the drawing hall, picking up the discarded decorations and wiping down the tables.

    Although the party didn''t go exactly as nned, people still managed to have a good time and celebrate Rain''s birthday.

    However, as the night progressed, many of the guests started leaving early, and only a handful of people stayed behind in the mansion.

    Among them was Emma, who had no choice but to stay reluctantly since her parents were also staying there.

    As the night grewter, Rain didn''te back yet.

    Charles and Ca decided to look for him tomorrow through their secretwork.

    Although Ca was still worried, she decided to wait for some time as Rain might return.

    Some of the other people were also worried.

    However, in the end, they also went to bed - thinking Rain would return soon.

    However, In the early hours of the morning, around 5 am, the phones of five individuals, Charles, Ca, Emma, Kaya, and Mark, all began to ring simultaneously, sounding like rms.

    Drowsy and half-asleep, they checked their phones to find a message.

    The message was simr to the one they had received the previous day from the same app and person. Rain Holmes.

    And the content was...

    "Good morning, I left a gift for you in my room. Collect it from Mark."

    Although they were initially disoriented and thought it might be a dream, they soon realized that it was a genuine message from Rain.

    Curiosity piqued, they began to walk towards Rain''s room while thinking about something. There were many questions in their mind.

    What''s the return gift?

    Did hee back?

    Why didn''t hee to the party?

    Where was he?

    What was he doing?

    And only Rain can answer their questions now.

    ***

    Meanwhile, on the other side,

    Rain was fast asleep,pletely oblivious to the chaos he had caused.

    He was enjoying the warmth andfort of his bed, lost in his dreams.

    "��sofy��"

    Rain snuggled in his bed.

 Chapter 35 Great Gifts (2)

    ?

    "Good morning, I left a gift for you in my room. Collect it from Mark."

    They were confused but soon headed toward Rain''s room. They were filled with anticipation and curiosity, wondering what the gift could be and why Rain had left it for them.

    As they arrived at the door of Rain''s room, they saw that Mark was waiting for them. He opened the door of the room and they entered the room.

    Upon entering, they were taken aback by the sight before them. The room was spotless, with no signs of anyone living there. There were no decorations, art pieces, or even photos on the walls. The color of the walls had been changed to white, giving the room a sterile, empty feel.

    The group was puzzled by the state of the room. They wondered where Rain was and what had happened here to make the room look so abandoned.

    They had expected to find Rain in his room, but he was nowhere to be seen. They were filled with a sense of unease as they looked around the room, trying to make sense of what they were seeing.

    As they continued to explore the room, they noticed that there were no personal belongings or mementos in the room.

    It looked as if no one had lived there for years. This added to their confusion and they began to wonder if Rain had left the room intentionally empty.

    But there was only one thing in the middle of the room.

    It was an ordinary medium size box. They were confused.

    Why is that box here?

    Were their gifts in this ordinary box?

    Looking at everyone''s expression, Mark thought that they will just keep standing there the whole time, so he walked to the box and opened it. There were envelopes in the box.

    Yes. there were five envelopes in the box with each one''s name on them.

    There was also written on them to open it alone.

    Then they saw each other''s faces and hurriedly left the room after taking an envelope with their name.

    ****

    [After some time]

    As they got in their room, like perfect timing, their phone rang.

    Now they were slightly scared of this sound. Whenever they heard this sound on this day, they got a surprise. When they checked their phone they saw the notification and they were shocked to see it.

    Because it was from the ''Connect'' app.

    It said,

    [User ''Rain Holmes'' has changed his name to ''Rain''.]

    [User Rain has Unfriended you.]

    [User Rain has Unfollowed you.]

    [User Rain has removed you from his followers.]

    [User Rain has blocked you.]

    This series of messages sounded like thunder to them. They were bewildered and this made them want to open envelopes quickly.

    Like what it is in this?

    In the envelope, there were some papers and a pen drive and on the pen drive, there was only one video.

    ***

    [On The Unknown Ind]

    Rain was lying on his bed and checking the messages that wereing from his phone.

    "So by now, everybody should have got their ''great gifts.''

    I wish I was there, so I could see their reactions. But unfortunately, I am not there, so disappointing." Rain just shrugged his shoulders like he missed a great opportunity.

    ***

    [Holmes Family Mansion, Karoon City]

    In Kaya''s room, Kaya was staring at the paper and pen drive with confusion.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Just what is he thinking?" After reading the notifications she was bewildered. She was confused.

    "Why is he making distance from me? Not only to me but also to everyone. He even changed his name." She inserted the pen drive into the virtual projector.

    "Let''s see the video first." She decided and started the video.

    The screen was ck.

    "Hey, is this an empty video?" Kaya was puzzled.

    Just when Kaya thought about closing the video, the screen slowly started to gain color.

    A handsome man was sitting on a chair.

    Shining ck hair with a brownish shade. Smooth and pale skin like jade, and you can see his well-honed muscles. He was just like a Greek male god.

    Even Kaya was mesmerized by the appearance of the man.

    ''Rain'' There was only a single name in her mind.

    "Hello, you can see me, right? So you may be Kaya.

    You should have got my message by now that from now on I''m Rain. Just Rain. You know the meaning of this, right? From now on, I am not a member of the Holmes Family anymore."

    Rain just said this causally, but it was shocking news for Kaya. Although she made some assumptions about Rain doing that. She never thought in her dreams that it would be true.

    "Yeah, I fell out of the Holmes family and I have given you a copy of documents regarding this. If you want to see the real one, you can take them from fa�� No, Dad."

    Rain corrected himself at the end of the sentence.

    "Now, you can be Head. That''s what you always wanted, right? Well, now I am no longer a candidate for the Head position. Your roadblock is gone.

    Now you no longer have a brother. Now let me call for you for thest time What I always wanted to say, Best Of Luck, Sis."

    Rain with a bright smile said and just like that video ended.

    But In Kaya''s eyes, It was unbelievable. She just checked every document rapidly, but everything was true.

    "I have got what I always wanted. But why do I feel like I lost something more precious? It''s ufortable." Kaya''s feelings wereplicated after watching the video.

    [Hey, sometimes the closer the person you think is, the farther he gets away from you.]

    ****

    In the guest room of the mansion,

    Emma was just staring at the envelope nkly.

    At first, she wanted to throw away it in the trash. But after getting Rain''s messages, it piqued her curiosity.

    "What''s in it? What should I do?

    (Sigh�� ) let''s open it. If it''s something precious like every time then I will Just give it to Mom & Dad. Maybe it will be useful for them."

    When she opened it. She was shocked.

    It was the thing she wanted the most but didn''t expect to be given by Rain.

    Then she quickly started the video.

    "Hi. Emma. You got my gift, right? I hope you like it.

    Yeah, that''s the engagement dissolvment contract which you gave me before the duel and I signed it. Now you are free."

    Then Rain paused and after some time continued,

    "In the past, I didn''t know, but now I know that you hate men and you also hate me the most." Rain made a wry smile.

    "But what can I do? I tried everything, but I just lost everything. So yeah, you''re free." Rain shrugged his shoulders.

    "And sorry for bothering you in the past. I am also no longer a member of the Holmes Family. So don''t worry about your family.

    At this moment, maybe my Dad also had gotten the news. Our parents will always be friends. So don''t me yourself. Emma, I always wanted to say something to you.

    I loved you."

    Rain with a sad smile said. Seeing Rain''s smile, even Emma who hates men was just dazed.

    And just like that video ended.

    Soon she recovered from the shock, but she''s feeling an emotion she can''t describe, but she can only say

    "It''s Unpleasant��."

 Chapter 36 Great Gifts (3)

    ?

    [Charles'' room, Holmes Family Mansion, Karoon City]

    Charles was sitting at his desk, his eyes fixed on the envelope lying in front of him.

    He had been waiting for this moment for what felt like hours, ever since he had got the envelope and instructed him to open it alone.

    He was excited and nervous at the same time, wondering what secrets the envelope contained.

    Just as he was about to reach out and break the seal, Ca entered the room without warning.

    Her sudden appearance startled Charles, and he instinctively drew back, his hand still hovering over the envelope.

    "Ca, why are you here now? Didn''t Rain say to open the envelope alone?" Charles asked.

    In response, Ca didn''t say anything. She silently gave him the letter. Charles started observing the letter. Soon he found that there was something written in Rain''s handwriting on the letter. He thought this may be the letter Rain left for Ca.

    Charles was curious about what was written there, he started reading it.

    ''Sorry, Mom. I don''t have anything to gift you. WASTED.''

    Charles stared at Ca with sympathy. He was just going tofort her but Ca shook her head and gestured him to read below that sentence.

    There was awkwardness on her face.

    Charles was confused by Ca''s behavior. Still, he started finding something in the letter.

    Soon, he saw that something was written at the end of the letter. There was written that.

    ''Just kidding. Your gift is in father''s envelope. Because I know you just can''t stay far from father, right? So just go.''

    After reading this, Charles started staring at his wife''s face with a mischievous smile, and seeing that, Ca started blushing.

    "Hey�� Hey�� Don''t stare at me like that!" Ca said hurriedly, she continued,

    "Who wants to stay with you? That''s a lie okay? don''t believe it, okay? Humph." She puffed her cheeks.

    Ca looked so cute that Charles wanted to hug her tightly but he controlled himself because checking the envelope was more important now.

    Charles with a smile opened the envelope, but seeing the contents of the envelope, his smile disappeared in a second.

    There was a letter and a pen drive in the envelope. In the pendrive, there was only a single video. He immediately connected the pendrive to the virtual projector and started the video.

    Soon video started,

    "Oh, recording started, huh." Rain said this line like he was an amateur in photography.

    "So there must be Dad and Mom also, huh. Fufu." Rain made a mischievous smile, he just looked like he was having fun after pranking Ca.

    "So you must have read the contents of the documents, that''s right. I''m breaking off with Holmes Family. Now I''m free and also no longer a candidate for the head position."

    Rain dered naturally like it wasn''t that hard for him.

    "Oh, and I also terminated my engagement with Emma.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    But please don''t make your rtionship bad with Emma''s parents because of this. You also know it''s not her fault.

    You knew from the beginning, right? But never told me."

    Hearing this, Charles and Ca were shocked because they didn''t expect this.

    "That''s why you told me to stay away from her. My stupid past self didn''t know your intentions.

    However, now I know that she hates men and also me." Rain shrugged his shoulders.

    Yeah, Charles and Ca, many times told Rain to stay away from Emma, but Rain just ignored that advice.

    "So, Emma is now free and now you can also support Kaya wholeheartedly.

    After all, I know you are still guilty about uncle''s death and couldn''t take away revenge." Rain made a wry smile.

    Seeing this, Charles'' face wrinkled and Ca just started crying, small tears streaming down her cheeks, leaving wet tracks behind them.

    "I know that you are worried about me, but don''t worry. I''m fine here. Now it''s time for the return gifts." Rain changed his expression and said with enthusiasm.

    "Dad, please check the envelope one more time. There will be a low-tier space ring there."

    As Rain told, Charles checked the envelope again and there was really a space ring. Charles started checking the contents of the ring. He was shocked after seeing them.

    "In the ring, There will be a recipe for Body strengthening elixir. Don''t worry, this is an advanced version of the current product in the market. It will increase your strength permanently to some extent. You can use this to sell it in the market and make your monopoly."

    Rain smiled proudly.

    "Dad, do you like my gift? And mom, you are the most beautiful women I have seen. But there is still a gap." When Rain said this Ca was confused. Although she liked when people praised her, but Rain never told her anything like this.

    "So in the space ring, there is also a Body foundation elixir, although it''s somewhat mid-tier.

    But It will make you more beautiful and your foundation will be firm. So In some time, you will have strength on par with dad."

    When Rain said this, Charles and Ca were astonished. They didn''t think that their son would give this much valuable gifts.

    To general people, Body foundation elixir was a myth. Even for a high-ss family like the Holmes family obtaining one was too hard and the recipe of that elixir was unknown.

    "Yeah, SS-RANKER. I know it''s your dream to be an SS-RANKER and stand alongside Dad. So in some time, you can beat dadck and blue. Dad, be careful to not upset mom." Rain tried to warn Charles funnily.

    The couple just smiled at their son. They were happy to see their son like this.

    "Thanks for everything.

    I know you are busy with my well-being and because of some idents, you couldn''t spend time with me.

    But I am always grateful to you.

    Love you, Mom & Dad."

    Soon video stopped.

    After seeing Rain''s gentle smile, Ca started sobbing.

    And Charles hugged her.

    But there were also some tears in his eyes.

 Chapter 37 Gift For Mark

    ?

    [Mark''s POV]

    On the night of the birthday party, Rain didn''t Return.

    Although Mark was worried about Rain.

    As he has to wake up early to work, so he slept.

    But at 5 am, his phone rang like an rm.

    He checked that in, half-asleep.

    There was the same notification from the same app and a message from the same person.

    ''Rain Holmes.'' The sender of the message.

    And the content was like��

    "Good morning, I left a gift for you in my room. Collect it from Mark."

    Rain was that muchzy that he sent the same message as everyone to Mark, too.

    Seeing this message, Mark was confused.

    After all, Rain had never told him anything about this.

    After some confusion, he started walking toward Rain''s room.

    Soon, he arrived at the door of Rain''s room. But nobody was there.

    In the message, there is a written collect them from Mark. So Mark thought there will be other people too.

    Mark waited for them at the door.

    Soon, Charles, Ca, Emma, and Kaya came.

    Although Mark was slightly surprised by seeing them, he almost expected that it might these people who will get Rain''s gift.

    After that, they entered Rain''s room.

    After entering the room, They saw that room was spotless, with no signs of anyone living there. There were no decorations, art pieces, or even photos on the walls. The color of the walls had been changed to white, giving the room a sterile, empty feeling.

    The whole room looked like nobody lived there for some years.

    It was neat and clean.

    ''How? When I came before, it was not like this.'' Mark was shocked after seeing the condition of the room. He came to Rain''s room every day to clean it, and when he was going toe here yesterday morning Rain told him that he will do it by himself.

    ''So this is the ''cleaning'' that Young Master referred.'' Mark mumbled.

    There was an ordinary box in the middle of the room. Seeing that nobody was going to open that, Mark volunteered himself and opened the box. He was impatient to see what was there.

    There were envelopes in the box.

    Yes. there were five envelopes in the box with each one''s name on them.

    There was also written on them to open it alone.

    Then every person in the room saw each other''s faces and hurriedly left the room after taking an envelope with their name.

    After getting an envelope with his name, Mark also left Rain''s room.

    Remembering Rain''s tears and now clean room. He knew something was weird. So he quickly came to the staff dorms.

    Every staff member of the Holmes Family lives here.

    He gets into his room. It was an ordinary room still better than the room Rain lived in a previous life. Mark sat on his single bed and opened the envelope, there was only a paper and pen drive.

    There was only one video in a pen drive.

    He quickly started the video,

    "Hello. Mark.

    The one, You are seeing now, is Rain. Not Rain Holmes. Yeah, you have seen a message, right? Now I am no longer a member of the Holmes Family.

    So you are not my personal butler from now on."

    Mark was shocked after hearing this.

    "As you might have guessed, I break off with Holmes Family and I also canceled my engagement with Emma." Rain said.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Now I''m also free. I can do what I want. Isn''t it great?" Rain said it with enthusiasm.

    "Oh, and that paper is a bank check, you will get 500 gold coins if you deposit it in the bank. Take this as my gratitude for all these years you were with me." Rain smiled, he was very grateful to Mark.

    "I know you started working here from age of 10. After training until the age of 15, you became my personal butler. You are truly a man of few words. Sometimes I thought you can''t speak. Fufu." Rain chuckled.

    "But I know you were always worried about me." Mark was moved to tears after hearing this.

    "Even if our rtionship was just Master & servant. But you always respected me. You always followed me silently, watched me training hard silently. For standing alongside me, you also trained hard.

    Now just take some rest. I am very thankful to you for all of this." Mark couldn''t control his emotions, tears kept flowing from his eyes. The efforts he put into his job were never recognized. Although Mark never said it, he also wanted to be praised.

    After that Rain just smiled and continued,

    "Don''t worry about your job. Dad will not fire you. If you want freedom, you can also resign. But I know you want to work with the head butler, your father. So All the best." Rain cheered for him.

    "I know you don''t have any friends.

    So make some friends. Because you know being alone is hard." Rain made a wry smile.

    "Umm.. you know Mark, I always wanted to be friends with you. If I get a second chance, will you be friends with me?"

    At that time, the video ended.

    Seeing the video, Mark just started crying and He answered like he was talking to Rain.

    "Yes, Young Master�� No. Rain."

    Apparently, Mark is the son of the Head butler in the Holmes Family. So he had worked hard from childhood. From the age of 10, he was working.

    Although his father told him not to push too hard but Mark wanted to be like his father. His father raised him all alone.

    He knew his mother died while giving him birth. He didn''t know the feeling of losing someone, but his father was his entire world.

    So he tried hard to make him proud. Still, he never knew when he became alone.

    Getting a friend like Rain was the best gift Mark could ever have.

    ***

    All five people got the gift from the Rain and It was the gift they wanted most.

    Kaya �C a chance to be head

    Emma �C engagement dissolvment

    Charles �C bing free from the worry of Kaya and some fund source

    Ca �C stands alongside her love (she was also worried about getting aged)

    Mark �C bes friends with Rain.

    But they were still not happy.

    After all, Rain left like this.

    Rain''s birthday passed.

    All people left who stayed as guest Holmes Family mansion. [Like Emma]

    But then a new storm came.

    Rain Holmes changed his name to Rain on social media and blocked many peoples many people too from his ount.

    The most shocking thing was most of them were his close rtives.

    Now, everybody knew something is definitely happening behind the scenes.

 Chapter 38 Rains Plan

    ?

    On an isted ind, far from the Holmes Family''s Mansion in Karoon City, stood a modest two-story house.

    The in exterior featured a small garden in front and a gravel driveway leading to the entrance.

    Inside, the sparsely furnished hall held only a wooden table and a couple of chairs.

    A staircase led up to the second floor, where the bedrooms were located.

    The master bedroom was thergest, with a king-sized bed dominating the room''s center.

    Despite its elegance, the room was in disarray. Sheets and pillows were scattered as if the man had tossed and turned all night.

    Clothesy in a pile on the floor, and an empty pizza box sat on the nightstand beside the bed.

    Yet, despite the chaos, the room held a certain charm. Arge window overlooked the garden, and a chandelier hung from the ceiling.

    The man in the bed was a sight to behold, with chiseled features and a strong jawline.

    His messy hair fell in waves around his face, and his toned body was visible under the rumpled sheets.

    He slept soundly, undisturbed by the disorder around him.

    His breathing was slow and steady, indicating that he was in a deep slumber.

    It was unclear how long he had been asleep, but it seemed he had exhausted himself before finally sumbing to sleep.

    His clothes and the pizza box hinted that he had been upte, working or partying, and had finally crashed in the early hours of the morning.

    Despite the mess, the man''s peaceful expression suggested that he was at ease with himself and the world, at least for the time being.

    After some time, Rain slowly opened his pair of ck eyes.

    The sunlight streamed in through the window of his portable house, and he blinked as his eyes adjusted to the brightness.

    "Good morning," he said with a yawn, rubbing his eyes.

    As you may have guessed, Rain who had been imprisoned by the plot before, finally got his freedom.

    He stretched his arms and scratched his head, feeling the stiffness from a long night of celebrating.

    Still, he was able to get a good sleep.

    He was so happyst night after gaining his freedom.

    "This bed is sofortable, and this portable House is also good." Rainmented.

    Yeah, the bed on which Rain slept was an artifact.

    ? [Comfy bed �C Rare high-tier

    ��The artifact is made of high-quality materials, including a sturdy wooden frame and a soft, plush mattress.

    ��The bed has a simple yet elegant design, with clean lines and a neutral color palette that suits any decor.

    ��The mattress is covered in a luxurious fabric that feels cool to the touch and provides excellent support for the body.

    ��When used, the Comfy Bed works its magic by quickly restoring the user''s stamina.

    ��But the bed''s real magic lies in its unparalleledfort. The mattress is so soft and supportive that it feels like sleeping on a cloud.

    ��The fabric is breathable, preventing the user from bing too warm or sweaty during the night.

    ��The bed''s frame is also designed to be sturdy and stable, ensuring that the user is not disturbed by creaks or wobbles during the night.]

    And the portable mansion, where he was staying both of them were bought by Rain from the ck market.

    When he went to collect the hidden pieces from ck Market, he liked them from the first sight.

    "The ck Market sure has some good things." Rain couldn''t help but remark.

    Still, it was surprising how Rain got on this unknown ind.

    ***

    After studying like a bookworm in the library for a few days, Rain gained all the basic knowledge of this world.

    He also remembered the whole plot.

    Therefore, he noted down everything in some books as a PDF in the system.

    However, afterparing it with the real world, he concluded that there were some loopholes and plot holes in the game''s plot.

    For example, some things happened without any exnation, as if they were written that way just because the author wanted them to.

    Rain knew the reason for some of these plot holes from his memories, but he realized that the world would fill these gaps naturally, even if he didn''t want to be involved with the main characters.

    So, he came up with an idea that he would not affect them directly but indirectly.

    Before he got involved with them, he would intentionally be indirectly involved with them.

    Then, Rain started thinking about restoring his rank.

    ***

    After outdoor training, his rank was now E, and he was just on the verge of breaking through E+.

    Although he stillcked something, it was bearable.

    He started working on his n, which was to cut all of his death gs.

    After all, as someone said,

    "There is always a cause for every effect."

    But what if you remove the cause?

    Rain pondered how to prevent his death in the game and came up with a solution: he would remove the cause of his death by giving his former acquaintances what they wanted.

    After he died because he was getting in the way of what they wanted.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Kaya desired the head position of the family, while Emma wanted to terminate the engagement.

    Rain''s parents didn''t ask for anything, but they were troubled by not being able to help their friends (Emma''s Parents).

    Charles felt guilty about his inability to do anything about his brother''s and sisters-inw''s death.

    Despite his sympathy for his parents, Rain was determined to cut ties with them to avoid future trouble.

    He also decided to break off with the Holmes Family, too. He did all of this to gain his freedom because even if he cut ties, his every action would still be monitored, and cutting ties with them would give Kaya some relief.

    Some old dogs of the Holmes family would continue to pressure him to work if he stayed, so Rain left to avoid further problems.

    However, It was worth noting that the things he gave to everyone weren''t his, but rather the Protagonist''s.

    ***

    In the storyline, Kaya and the protagonist got married, making him the head of the family.

    Emma also married the protagonist, and Rain''s engagement was dissolved as a result.

    Rain was disowned by his family, even though his parents silently supported him from behind the scenes.

    But all of it was futile.

    Rain remembered how much his mother cried after hearing news of his death.

    In the absence of Rain, his father became the temporary head of the family, while Kaya held the main position.

    However, Rain''s parents were never seen in the novel or the game again.

    "In this life, I should at least make those people guilty for what they did." Rain had decided.

    He vowed to live a happy life, never forgiving those who wronged him.

    He intended to be their heart disease, a constant reminder of their misdeeds.

    Regarding Arya, Rain had helped her enter high society, and she fared well.

    Although he didn''t hate her, he didn''t particrly like her either.

    He recognized that, without his support, she would have been vulnerable to mistreatment by arrogant members of high society.

    "I wonder how long she willst before the protagonist saves her. Will she break down before the protagonist saves her?" Rain wondered.

    In his previous life, Rain had learned from Mark''s side story that Mark had always wanted to be friends with him.

    Therefore, this time, Rain decided to make that wishe true.

    "I''m d I could help Mark avoid a bad ending. He deserved better," Rain thought.

    Rain also gave his mother an elixir that he had obtained from one of the corpses in Blood Mountain.

    Although the elixir was of lower quality than the one he had consumed, Rain hoped that it would help his mother be an SS-ranker.

    He knew that strength would be essential in theing years as the world descended into chaos.

    "I hope this elixir will help my mother. She''s always supported me, and I want to do what I can for her. After all, this might be thest time I help her." Rain thought.

    Rain also gave the elixir recipe to his father, which would provide more funds for the family.

    However, the main reason he gave his father the recipe was that someone else had used it to rise in the plot.

    It was a Merchant Queen, and Rain felt a sense of satisfaction in stealing her chance.

    Although she still had many opportunities, this would dy her rise.

    Rain enjoyed causing trouble for the heroines. "I can''t help but feel a little pleased that I caused problems for the Merchant Queen.

    It''s fun to mess with the heroines and see them struggle," Rain thought.

    ***

    [A day before Rain''s birthday]

    Rain woke up early in the morning and prepared all the necessary envelopes and videos.

    He had asked Mark to find a goodwyer to help him gain some knowledge, but the real reason was to sever ties with the Holmes Family without anyplications.

    Soon thewyer came, he looked like a wimpy dude walking beside Mark.

    After dismissing Mark, Rain consulted with awyer to dissolve the engagement contract and cut Emma out of his life.

    Thewyer was shocked when he saw the contract, but Rain paid him generously to ensure that it would remain a secret.

    Although Rain knew that thewyer might not keep quiet, he hoped that it would buy him some time before the plot started, and the news wouldn''t leak.

    Well, he needed to give some little extra money for that. Still, you can say pat to win always wins.

    ***

    "Clean." After spending a few hours cleaning up his room, Rain felt satisfied that no trace of his previous life remained there.

    He gathered all his belongings and stored them in a space ring.

    He ced an ordinary box in the middle of the room, knowing that nobody would dare enter without his permission.

    After that, he called out Mark and talked with him a bit.

    Soon Rain came up with a random excuse to tell Mark and left his home on foot, leaving his vehicle behind to avoid being tracked.

    Looking back at his home, he felt a tinge of sadness. "This might be myst time at home. Goodbye," he whispered to himself.

    Rain knew he had to go far away so that nobody could find him.

    As he moved far for his house, he removed the tracking chip from his body, which every high-ss family install in their children''s body.

    Although it was supposed to be for their safety, Rain didn''t need it anymore.

    "I would be more safe by staying away from here." He thought as he started moving while wearing concealment robe.

 Chapter 39 Leaving The Plot

    ?

    [E-ss Dungeon, Goblin''s Nest]

    The Goblin''s nest was a dark and dampbyrinthine of tunnels and chambers, dug deep into the earth.

    The walls were rough and uneven, coated in ayer of slime and grime.

    The air was thick with the stench of rotting food and goblin filth.

    Currently, a group of adventures was exploring this dungeon.

    They crept through the narrow tunnel, weapons at the ready.

    They could hear the goblins ahead, chattering andughing amongst themselves.

    Sir Cedric, the leader of group gestured for the others to spread out, and they fanned out, ready to attack.

    As they rounded a corner, they were met with a group of goblins, armed with crude spears and knives.

    The goblins snarled and leapt forward, and the adventurers charged to meet them.

    Sir Cedric stepped forward, his shield raised, and engaged the goblins head-on.

    L darted around the edges of the battle, using her short sword to strike from behind.

    Thorgrim stood back, his holy symbol glowing, and chanted a prayer to turn the goblins away.

    Elenor unleashed a burst of magical energy, sending several goblins flying.

    Grimgor charged into the fray, bellowing a battle cry, his great axe cleaving through goblins left and right.

    The goblins fought back fiercely, but the adventurers were well-trained and well-armed, and slowly pushed them back.

    As thest of the goblins fell, the adventurers paused to catch their breath.

    They had won the day, but they knew that there were more dangers ahead.

    With weapons still at the ready, they continued deeper into the goblin''s nest, ready to face whatevery ahead.

    While they were moving they noticed a man wearing a Concealment robe wandering around.

    "This man looks shady I should stay away from whatever he would be doing." Cedric thought inwardly.

    After going a little far from that man, he contacted the hunter association and reported about the man.

    As Cedric was one of the hunters associated with the hunter association, a team was dispatched.

    After a few moments, the hunter team arrived at the dungeon.

    As they moved cautiously with Cedric''s team.

    After conversing a bit, Cedric led them to where he spotted that man.

    However, they didn''t find that man there.

    Rather they saw corpses of goblins.

    "Maybe these goblins were hunted by that man?" Lmented.

    "Maybe, let''s follow the trail," Cedric spoke.

    As they followed the trail, they found more and more corpses of goblins.

    Eventually, they arrived at the location of the boss monster: Hob-goblin.

    However, when they entered the boss''s room, they were shocked.

    The Hob-goblin was already killed. Around his dead body, many corpses of goblins were lying.

    But the more surprising thing was, that man wasn''t there.

    It was like he disappeared into the air.

    ***

    [Some time ago]

    After leaving his home, Rain journeyed to the Goblin Nest, which was not far from Karoon City.

    He needed to escape from everything, and this was his chance.

    "Sometimes, in certain areas, a mysteriously one-time-use teleportation portal will open, and you will be transported somewhere," Rain thought to himself.

    However, this was a side effect of dimension collision; the main root behind every problem.

    This was exined by the author, and as an example, he gave the name of one gate.

    Coincidentally, that gate was in the goblin''s nest.

    Rain had learned about a hidden passage in the Goblin Nest that led to the portal.

    Once he used the portal, it would disappear, and he would be transported to an inhabited ind.

    [This information was given by the author in a Q&A session.]

    "So even if people check where I am, they will think myst location was the Goblin Nest." Rain chuckled, thinking about the reactions of everyone.

    While he was thinking, he saw a group of adventures. Somehow the leader of that group looked at him warily.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Why does he look at me like that? Does society discriminate against the viins?" Rain wondered.

    As known the route beforehand, he didn''t take much time before arriving at the hidden passage.

    He only had to take care of a few small goblins and arge, fearsome goblin.

    Since the materials from the goblins were not important, Rain did not bother to take them.

    He didn''t want to be noticed by the adventurers who might be lurking in the area because things might get troublesome if anyone else noticed him.

    As he walked into the hidden passage in the boss room, he finally reached where the portal was.

    After defeating therge goblin, Rain searched the room and noticed a loose stone in the wall.

    "Here is the cliche hidden room."

    He pushed on the stone and it revealed a small opening.

    "The author should have used some creativity." He clicked his tongue.

    Cautiously, he entered the passage and walked through the narrow, winding tunnel. The walls were covered in moss and the air was damp and musty.

    After a few minutes of walking, he emerged in a small room where the teleportation portal was located.

    It was hidden behind arge stone statue and was almost invisible to the untrained eye.

    Rain carefully approached the portal and studied it for a moment.

    He remembered what the author had said during the Q&A session and stepped confidently into the portal, knowing that it was his only chance to escape from everything.

    "This is my key to escape," Rain said to himself.

    As he stepped through the portal, he felt a sudden rush of energy as he was transported to another dimension.

    The air crackled with electricity, and his senses were overloaded with a barrage of strange sights and sounds.

    On the other side, that portal vanished without a trace.

    When Rain opened his eyes, he found himself on a vast and unfamiliar ind, surrounded by a dense jungle.

    The air was thick with humidity, and he could feel beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

    Rain took a moment to survey his surroundings.

    The ind was expansive, featuring dense forests and towering mountains that rose to kiss the sky.

    The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm and inviting glow over thendscape.

    The weather was perfect for rxation, with the sun''s rays providing just the right amount of warmth without being too hot.

    Rain wasted no time in getting to work, setting up the portable mansion that he had purchased from the ck market.

    The mansion was a lightweight, foldable structure that could be assembled easily, but also had sturdy and durable materials that could withstand the harsh elements of the wild.

    It had a simple design with white walls, a blue roof, and a wooden door.

    As he set up the variousponents of the house, Rain thought about his decision toe to this ind.

    He had been feeling overwhelmed and exhausted after a "long" journey, and he needed a break from everything.

    The mansion would be his sanctuary, a ce to rest and recharge his batteries.

    After finishing the setup, Rain sat down on the beach, taking in the sights and sounds of his new surroundings.

    He felt the warm sand beneath his feet, and the cool ocean breeze blowing through his hair.

    The waves gentlypped at the shore, creating a soothing rhythm that was both peaceful and calming.

    "Now my birthday party would have started. Maybe there would be all the main characters." He mused over as he thought about the birthday party.

    "Still, who cares not like I would have gained anything after meeting them. Let''s send them a message."

    He clicked his tongue and sent them a message saying he won''te to the party.

    And he also set a timer for the next message in the morning.

    "May their morning be good." Rain "wished" honestly.

    As he looked out at the vast expanse of the sea, Rain felt a sense of relief and tranquility wash over him.

    He knew that he had made the right choice ining to this ind.

    "Things are just starting. I am looking forward to it." He was expecting many things from his n.

    Things are just starting. I am looking forward to it." He was expecting many things from his n.

    He was looking forward to exploring the ind and discovering all of its hidden secrets, from the lush forests to the rugged mountain peaks.

    The fresh sea air was invigorating, and the salty scent of the ocean was refreshing.

    As he thought about his ns, Rain knew that this was just the beginning.

    He was expecting many things from his time on the ind, and he couldn''t wait to see what the future held.

 Chapter 40 Rains Vacation

    ?

    After setting a timer for his message, Rain walked towards his mansion.

    The mansion''s impressive facade, with its grand columns and ornate carvings, had always made Rain feel proud and aplished.

    As he stepped inside, Rain felt a sense of relief and liberation wash over him. He had sessfullypleted his mission, and now he could finally rx.

    Rain began unpacking his belongings, carefully setting up each item in its rightful ce.

    Some of the things he had purchased before leaving, while others he had taken from his room.

    As he arranged his things, he felt a surge of excitement and joy at the thought of being free from his previous obligations.

    He had been working tirelessly towards his goal, and now he could finally enjoy the fruits of hisbor.

    Rain took a deep breath and exhaled. He looked around and said to himself, "Finally, I''m home. I can rx now."

    Rain couldn''t contain his excitement. "Isn''t this great? I think I should celebrate."

    Rain then decided to celebrate his newfound freedom by indulging in some of his favorite activities.

    He walked over to the sound system and yed some of his favorite music. The sound echoed throughout the spacious mansion, filling every room with its melody.

    The music was crystal clear, thanks to the high-quality sound system that Rain had installed.

    It created a surreal atmosphere that enveloped him, and he closed his eyes, letting the music take him away.

    As Rain swayed to the beat, he said, "This is what I''ve been waiting for. Freedom and music. There''s nothing better than this."

    Rain sang along to the lyrics and danced around the room.

    He couldn''t help but marvel at the sound barrier around the house. "I made sure to install a sound barrier too, so there''s no chance of sound leaking outside. It''s just me, my music, and my freedom," he thought to himself.

    Next, he went to the kitchen and cooked himself avish meal, taking his time to prepare each dish with precision and care.

    He opened a bottle of fine wine and poured himself a ss, savoring the taste and the aroma.

    ***

    After his meal, he sat down in hisfortable armchair and watched a movie, immersing himself in the story and losing track of time.

    The screen was huge, and the sound was excellent, enhancing the cinematic experience.

    As the movie ended, Rain decided to explore the mansion, admiring the luxurious decor and the magnificent views of the surroundingndscape.

    "In my previous life, all of these luxury would have been impossible. I guess I should be grateful that I got a second chance to enjoy my life." Rain smiled as he felt better.

    The mansion had arge terrace, and he went outside to enjoy the fresh air and the stunning scenery.

    He spent some time reading his favorite books, listening to more music, and enjoying the peace and solitude of his new home.

    Rain felt a rush of excitement while doing these activities.

    "I didn''t know these things would be this much fun." He muttered as he gazed out at the sparkling sea, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him.

    In his life except training hard he didn''t do anything. Entrainment activities were just waste of time for him.

    His obligations as son of the family head never let him do anything. However, now he could he anything he liked.

    Suddenly, his mischievous side kicked in, and he turned to his smartwatch to check the time.

    As he tapped the watch face, the screen lit up, disying the time. "1 AM," he muttered to himself.

    He smirked as he thought about the people back in Karoon City, who were four hours ahead of the ind''s timezone.

    "Waking up early has be a habit for me," he thought to himself with a chuckle.

    "But shouldn''t other people also have this habit? why not have some fun with it?" With that, he began to type out a message on his phone, a mischievous glint in his eye.

    He felt confident that he could get away with a little prank, and the thought made himugh even harder.

    ***

    Even though the world now seemed like a fantasy, it was still a technological civilization before the catastrophe.

    Therefore, machines like mobile phones, TV, refrigerators, and other devices still existed.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    However, magic had not canceled out science but instead strengthened it by eliminating many of its inefficiencies.

    With the work" everywhere, Rain decided to create chaos with his phone, knowing that some people might be trying to track him through it.

    He found it amusing that they had forgotten that he was a programmer in his past life and that with the system''s reward, his skills were on the verge of breaking through to advanced proficiency.

    He wasn''t only skilled in programming though. He knew "little" hacking, too.

    He might be able to hack the government in the near future.

    ''Let''s add it to the to-do list. I might also hack heroine''s phones and uncover their dark history.'' Rain made an evil smile.

    He was wondering what would be in the phones of the heroine and other main characters.

    Rain tapped the ''Connect'' app on his phone, the colorful icon lighting up his screen.

    It was a social media tform that reminded him of a mix between Instagram and Twitter,plete with live-streaming capabilities.

    He scrolled through his profile, and removed his family name from his username.

    He looked at his profile, feeling a twinge of nostalgia as he looked at his old username same as his previous life.

    ''Now I am just Rain. Like my previous life,'' he thought, feeling a sense of relief and freedom wash over him.

    He updated his username and cut all connections with the main characters and anyone rted to the plot.

    It was time to disappear for a while and let the rumors fly.

    Rain walked back to his room, the plush carpeting under his feet feeling soft andforting.

    He copsed onto his bed, feeling a wave ofziness wash over him.

    "Now I am free," he thought, staring up at the ceiling.

    He had four days before the entrance exam of the Academy, and he nned to enjoy his freedom until then.

    "NOW I AM FREE TILL IT.

    SO LET''S START MY VACATION." He shouted excited.

    ''I am free. Just free.

    Oh, there is a tree, a long green tree.

    I can rx, but can''t have s*x.

    I was a viin but now the viin is on vacation.''

    Rain was humming a song and dancing on the beat.

    ?[Host your singing is good but the lyrics are trash.]

    ?[System can''t stand listening to your trash song. So it reluctantly rewards you.]

    ?[Reward:- Writing (literature) - Beginner level skill have been acquired.]

    ?[Host, please make good songs in the future.]

    "...," Rain had a nk expression on his face, unsure of how to respond.

    "Okay. I know it''s trash. I was just venting my stress," he said, feeling embarrassed.

    Feeling hungry, Rain got out of bed and decided to prepare some food for himself.

    As he rummaged through his supplies, he realized that he had purchased food in bulk before leaving, so he wouldn''t have to worry about running out anytime soon.

    He chuckled at his foresight and took out a readymade pizza from his high-tier space ring, which kept the pizza warm even after a long time.

    As he sat down to enjoy his meal, he put on some music and started to sway to the beat, feeling the rhythm pulse through his body.

    He lost track of time, fully immersed in the moment, and eventually drifted off to sleep, content and satisfied with the delicious food and the music.

 Chapter 41 Enjoying The Vacation (Extra )

    ?

    The next morning, Rain woke up feeling refreshed and ready to start his day.

    "It''s my second day at this ind." Rain mused. "I wonder what those people might be doing now." He couldn''t help but smile.

    He had already fulfilled his obligations after giving them gifts so he wasn''t much worried.

    He looked around his luxurious mansion and felt grateful for the freedom he had achieved.

    He decided to explore the ind and see what it had to offer.

    As he set out on his adventure, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the new experiences that awaited him.

    While walking, he said to himself, "My cooking is so good."

    Rain felt proud of his cooking skills as he reminisced about his previous life.

    He remembered how he had to rush through his meals in his previous life, often not having enough time to prepare food.

    At that time, he had intermediate level cooking skills, but he rarely got time to cook a perfect meal.

    This time, He had also been rewarded with some life skills by the system, which made him confident in his abilities as a cook.

    Now, he had the freedom to experiment with new dishes and take his time enjoying them.

    "It''s like I''m running a 5-star restaurant," he thought, "and the food is so good that I can''t resist indulging in it."

    As he explored the ind, Rain felt a sense of excitement and adventure that he had never experienced before.

    He realized that he had always wanted to do these things but had never found the time or opportunity to do so in his past life.

    However, his current circumstances had awakened his adventurous spirit, and he was eager to explore everything the ind had to offer.

    As Rain explored the ind''s vast terrain, he found himself drawn to the dense forest thaty at its heart.

    "I wonder what kind of wildlife lives in there," he said to himself.

    The forest was a veritable paradise, teeming with life and filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.

    The leaves of the trees rustled gently in the breeze, and the chirping of birds echoed through the trees.

    Rain took a deep breath and felt the cool air fill his lungs. He knew that he was exactly where he wanted to be.

    "At least it''s not polluted as the air from my previous life."

    The forest was a vibrant and colorful ce, with nts and flowers of every shade and hue.

    Rain marveled at the variety of wildlife that he encountered on his excursions into the forest, from yful monkeys swinging through the trees to graceful deer grazing in the clearings.

    He was also careful to avoid the more dangerous creatures that lurked in the shadows, such as venomous snakes and predatory beasts.

    Rain loved the sense of tranquility that the forest provided.

    The gentle rustling of the leaves and the quiet hum of insects created a soothing atmosphere that calmed his nerves and allowed him to reflect on his new life on the ind.

    Despite his excitement, Rain was cautious, as he knew that there might be monsters lurking around.

    He knew there were low-grade monsters on the ind, so he kept his guard up and remained vignt.

    As he encountered some of these creatures, he fought them off with his newly acquiredbat skills and was able to gather fresh meat from the beasts he had in.

    He felt grateful for his abilities and looked forward to discovering more about the ind''s wildlife.

    As he wandered in the forest, he found some herbs like [Dream root], [Stardust rose], [Enchanted Thyme], [Blood mushroom], and many more.

    He was also able to gather some fruits like [Blueberry] and [Moon berries].

    As he had gathering skill, it was easy for him to find these things.

    Looking at the herbs, Rain thought.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ''I have many elixir recipes and Mark collected most of the ingredients. So I will try alchemy in my free time.''

    As he explored deeper into the forest, Rain discovered hidden waterfalls cascading down the rocky cliffs and crystal-clear streams flowing through the lush undergrowth.

    The beauty of the forest was a constant source of inspiration for Rain, who spent hours sketching and painting its many wonders.

    "Isn''t this good chance to test out my painting skill?" Rain smiled as he took out painting tools from his space ring.

    As Rain had got painting skill from the system, he was able to draw a good painting.

    After storing that painting in his space ring, Rain climbed to the top of a majestic waterfall and took off his clothes before leaping into the river below.

    The experience was exhrating for Rain, who had always wanted to try such an adventure after watching survival videos in his past life.

    Although he was initially frightened, he was now thrilled to have conquered his fears.

    As he swam with his basic swimming skills, Rain marveled at the underwater world full of cute creatures he had only seen in photos before.

    "So beautiful."

    It was like a new world had opened up to him, and he was eager to explore more.

    After some time, Rain left the river and used magic to dry his body before continuing his journey across the ind.

    The ind was full of breathtaking sightseeing points, including a vast valley, a mountain, and a river, among others.

    As the day drew to a close, Rain made his way to the top of small cliff to watch the sunset.

    From this vantage point, he could see the ocean, and as the sun slowly set, the water was painted with a golden hue.

    As it was gettingte, Rain made his way to his new home.

    ***

    Upon arriving at his home, he started cooking his dinner. With his cooking skill soon a delicious dinner was ready.

    After enjoying a delicious homemade dinner, As Rainy on the shore, gazing up at the stars, he felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over him.

    The sky was clear, and the stars shone brightly, illuminating the night sky.

    With his Hawkeye skill, Rain could see the stars in intricate detail.

    He saw the bright constetions such as Orion, Ursa Major, and Cassiopeia, and he marveled at the intricate patterns they created in the sky.

    He saw shooting stars streaking across the sky, leaving a trail of sparkling light in their wake.

    He was fascinated by the Milky Way, a vast, hazy band of light that stretched across the sky.

    It was as if the entire gxy wasid out before him, and he felt humbled by the enormity of it all.

    Rain spotted severals in the sky, including Jupiter, Venus, and Mars.

    "Technology is so developed here. Those annoying people might fighting for the gxies now." Rain murmured as he gazed at the sky.

    He could see the stars twinkling brightly, almost as if they were winking at him from the sky.

    As he continued to gaze up at the sky, he noticed a faint glow in the distance.

    It was the Northern Lights, a stunning disy of natural beauty that he had never seen before.

    The colors shifted and danced across the sky, creating a mesmerizing disy that left him in awe.

    Rain felt a deep sense of connection with the universe as hey there, taking in the beauty of the night sky.

    He felt small and insignificant inparison to the vastness of the universe, but he also felt a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of it all.

    As the night wore on, Rain watched the stars slowly fade from view as the sun began to rise. It was a beautiful end to a perfect day.

 Chapter 42 PLOT Starts

    ?

    Rain has been living a peaceful and fulfilling life on the ind for quite some time now. His disciplined routine keeps his body and mind in top shape.

    Every morning, Rain wakes up early, energized and ready to start his day.

    He begins with light exercises to warm up his muscles, feeling the burn as he moves. Then, he takes a refreshing shower and prepares himself a healthy breakfast, savoring the taste of fresh fruits and whole grains.

    After eating his breakfast, Rain sets out to explore the ind.

    He straps on heavy weights, feeling the added challenge in his muscles, and sets off on his journey.

    As he wanders around the ind, he hums a tune to himself, taking in the beauty of his surroundings. The lush greenery, crystal clear waters, and colorful wildlife all inspire him.

    Rain has also noticed that his height has increased, now standing at around 185 cm.

    He thought the elixirs he drinks may be the cause, but he was not sure.

    Either way, he''s grateful for the extra height and the boost it gave him in his adventures.

    As he explored the ind, Rain often encountered monsters.

    At first, they were a challenge, but with time, he''s honed his skills and now takes them down with ease.

    He knew that each battle, his proficiency and stats were increasing, making him stronger and more capable.

    Rain has been working hard and had recently achieved the E+ rank, which brought him one step closer to restoring his former rank.

    He was proud of his achievements and was determined to keep working hard to reach his goals.

    During his exploration, Rain gathers some herbs and makes a map of the ind.

    He takes great care in noting down all the details he observes and marking the areas he has already explored.

    In just three days, he has covered around 5% of the ind, but he knows that it will take several more months to explore the entire ind andplete the map.

    In the evening, after returning to his house situated in a quiet corner of the ind, Rain kicks off his shoes and heads straight to the kitchen to prepare his dinner.

    He always tries to make new dishes every day, scrolling through recipes on his phone and experimenting with different ingredients.

    Despite the challenges of living alone on the ind, Rain enjoys cooking and takes pride in his culinary skills.

    However, some people may doubt that Rain willg behind the academy students and even Extras will be more powerful and knowledgeable than him in the future.

    But it wasn''t worth to be worried about.

    In fact, he has a secret weapon that many are unaware of.

    Rain has managed to acquire recordings of all the academy''s lectures, covering every major and topic that the students study during their time there.

    In the academy, it ismon practice for students to purchase recordings of lectures they have missed due to absence or other reasons.

    Despite never having stepped foot inside the academy, Rain managed to get ess to these recordings through his friend Mark.

    Although it''s technically illegal to own these recordings without attending the academy, with the help of the Holmes family''s power and some extra money, Rain was able to obtain them with ease.

    Rain was not concerned about money as he has found ways to sustain himself on the ind.

    He still has extra money after spending on many things.

    It''s because he received money from many sources like he had sold the gifts he received in his childhood from Kaya and Emma, the loot obtained from killing bandits, corpse loot from Blood Mountain, and monster remains from his hunting expeditions.

    He has also saved his allowance and cleaned out his bank ount where his parents had stored money for his future self.

    He got around 3000 Gold coins from selling gifts from Kaya and Emma,

    2000 Gold coins from selling loot obtained from bandits'' hideout,<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    800 Gold coins from selling corpse loot of Blood mountain,

    andstly 500 Gold coins from selling monster remains.

    As he had saved 500 Gold coins from the past training which he got after checking his room,

    3000 Gold Coins that he got from his umted family funds (50 x 12 x 5 = 3000).

    He also sold the artifacts he used in past as they were useless to him now. He got 500 Gold coins from them.

    The main thing was that there were whopping 10,000 Gold coins in his bank ount which his parents saved for him However Rain took all of it. He didn''t even leave a single penny!!

    Although Rain was earning many coins. He also spent money like some prodigal prince.

    He utilized a total of 2000 Gold Coins to purchase a diverse range of home appliances.

    Among the appliances that he bought were a high-definition television for entertainment purposes, a refrigerator to store perishable items, a variety of kitchen appliances to make cooking easier and more efficient, a personalputer to perform work-rted tasks, and a sound barrier to enhance the audio quality of his music and movie experience.

    With these appliances, he can enjoy afortable and modern lifestyle while fulfilling his everyday needs.

    He also bought Virtual Combat Stimtion for future purposes. It costed him 2500 Gold Coins, He bought a Comfy bed and a Portable House in a discount deal so it only costed him 4500 Gold coins.

    He used around 1500 Gold coins to buy elixirs and potions for training, and also stockpiled food, enough to run for several months.

    Even after spending this much money, Rain still has more than 10000 gold coins.

    Although Rain collected some hidden pieces from nearby ces.

    But as his time was tight and his strength was also weak, he didn''t collect all of them and only some good ones that were suitable for him.

    There are also some hidden pieces in the academy, but they have their owner.

    Rain didn''t get a single damn thing from the academy in the story. He just got some scraps and useless things from the academy.

    Furthermore, He died during the summer vacation of his second year at the Academy.

    This was also one of the reasons that Rain didn''t want to go there.

    Although Rain can still take some hidden pieces, and from shares of Main characters.

    But not now, because he has to be at least C rank for doing that and this ind also has many good things that he might be not aware of.

    The author of the novel never mentioned anything about this ind in the novel.

    So discovering new things will be quite thrilling for Rain.

    After eating dinner, Rain just watches Academy''s lectures and does mana control training.

    After some hours, Rain gets tired and then he sleeps.

    That''s how he is doing on the ind.

    Just like that, three days passed.

    ''From tomorrow plot will start. I don''t know what surprises will be there for me. It will be interesting.'' Rain was quite excited about the start of the plot.

    ***

    At the next morning, the world outside was still shrouded in a grey mist, and Rainy soundly asleep in hisfortable bed.

    He waspletely unaware of the approaching day, lost in his dreams of adventure and excitement.

    But suddenly, a sharp voice pierced the peaceful silence of the morning, jolting Rain awake like an rm.

    ?[PLOT PROGRESS STARTED.]

 Chapter 43 Authority, New Features

    ?

    [Next Morning]

    Rain enjoyed afortable and peaceful sleep until a sudden, sharp noise jolted him awake.

    The sound acted as an rm, interrupting his sleep and alerting him to something unusual happening.

    Rain sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes and trying to shake off the grogginess of sleep.

    He looked around his room, but everything was just as he had left it the night before.

    ''What was that noise? Why did it wake me up?'' Rain thought, feeling confused and disoriented.

    After checking the time, he realized that it was still morning and muttered to himself that he had overslept a bit. "I should set up rm system."

    To figure out what had happened, Rain checked his system notifications.

    After a few moments, he noticed something unusual that drew his attention.

    "Oh, so it looks like the plot has started," Rain muttered, rubbing his eyes and yawning.

    As he scrolled through his system notifications, he couldn''t help but get surprised.

    ?[Congrattions to the Host for making it till starting of the plot.]

    ?[Plot progress will start now. Please make your best effort to survive till the end.]

    ?[Authority level 1 has been granted. System Store is now unlocked.]

    "As expected." Rain smiled as he read the system notifications.

    He had always expected to gain the Authority once the plot started.

    Ever since he learned of its existence, he was sure it would be his someday.

    He wasn''t surprised when it finally happened, as he had anticipated it.

    "Maybe the next upgrade wille at 5% plot progress, around three months from now," Rain thought to himself.

    "By then, I''ll have explored more than half of this ind and restored my Rank." He pondered the general idea of when he would attain the next level of authority.

    "But with just Authority level 1, I won''t be able to get much information." Rain shrugged his shoulders.

    ''Still, I should at least try a bit.'' He thought inwardly.

    "Will the plot end after the Protagonist graduates from the Academy and kills thest boss monster?" Rain asked the System.

    ?[Affirmative. The plot will end after the Protagonist ys "thest boss monster".]

    Hearing the System''s answer, Rain felt like it was ying a game of words with him.

    "Wait a minute, why are you emphasizing thest boss monster? Don''t tell me that it''s different from the game," Rain said, concern creeping into his voice.

    If thest boss wasn''t the same as the one in the game, what else was different? Rain had many questions swirling around in his mind.

    ?[Insufficient Authority level. Information cannot be conveyed.]

    "So what level of authority do I need to get the information?" Rain asked.

    ?[Level 6.]

    "Damn. That means I''ll need 75% progress before I can get any answers," Rain muttered, feeling frustrated.

    Waiting for the System to give him the answers felt like a waste of time. He sighed heavily.

    "Let''s try asking something else." Rain clicked his tongue. He felt system was trying to be mysterious.

    "Can you exin the System Store to me?" He asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

    ?[The System Store is just like any other store. You can purchase anything with equal change or points.]

    System replied in its usual monotone.

    "How can I get points?" Rain asked eagerly, his interest piqued.

    ?[As the plot progresses, the Host will be given points.

    For every 1% of plot progress, the Host will receive points ording to the form: plot progress * 100.

    ?[Host can also sell things to get points. There also other ways to increase points. Such as survive major events, increase influence on the plot, andplete tasks or achievements.]

    System exined.

    Rain checked his points, but he had zero. Disappointment crept into his voice as he thought, "The plot just started, and I don''t have any major influence on it yet."

    He guessed that his previous achievements, like killing the Red Wolf and destroying the Bandit''s hideout, might not have counted.

    Rain decided to exchange or sell things for points, but he was irked to hear that he had to influence the plot.

    After all, wasn''t the System''s name Extra-character System?

    "Does an extra character have to influence the plot these days?" He wondered.

    Rain had run away from the plot, and now he was being told to get involved. It felt ironic to him. Nheless, it was within Rain''s ns.

    "System, you may be smart, but I''m smart too. I''ll involve myself in the plot, not directly, but indirectly," Rain said with a smirk.

    As he thought about his options, excitement bubbled up inside him. He couldn''t wait to see what the future held. "When the Academy starts, I''ll try different things to increase my influence on the plot indirectly."

    Rain let out a low, mischievous chuckle. "And there will be a news leak soon, thanks to my absence from the entrance exam."

    Rain nned this a long time ago. However, he didn''t think he would be able to amass points with that.

    Excitement bubbled up inside him as he considered his options. Rain couldn''t wait to see what the future held.

    Then Rain decided to check the new feature.

    As he focused on the new feature, a transparent screen appeared in the air before him.

    �c�������T[System Store]�T�������f

    ?[Valuables]

    ?[Skills]

    Rain''s eyes widened as the screen appeared in front of him.

    It looked like he was ying a RPG game, which excited him even more.

    He quickly checked the two options disyed on the screen - Valuables and Skills.

    Rain raised his hand and gestured to the system to open the skills section.

    A holographic screen appeared in front of him, showing a list of skills avable in the System Store.

    The section was divided into different categories, such asbat skills, magic skills, and utility skills.

    Each category had multiple options for purchase, ranging from basic skills to advanced ones.

    �c�������T[System Store - Skills]�T�������f

    ?[Combat Skills]

    - Fighting. 100 pts

    - Martial Arts. 200 pts

    - Archery. 500 pts

    - Swordsmanship. 1000 pts

    - Spear Mastery. 1000 pts

    - Shield Mastery. 1500 pts

    - Magic Defense. 2000 pts

    - Spellcasting. 5000 pts

    ?[Press here to see more skills]

    ?[Crafting Skills]

    - Alchemy. 200 pts

    - Forging. X pts

    - Enchanting. X pts

    - Tailoring. X pts

    - Carpentry. X pts

    - Cooking. X pts

    ?[Press here to see more skills]

    ?[Utility Skills]

    - Climbing. 20 pts

    - Underwater Breathing. 50 pts

    - Mining. X pts

    - Navigation. X pts

    - Animal Handling. X pts

    - Disguise. X pts

    - Stealth. 1000 pts

    - Healing. 2500 pts

    - Stalking. 3000 pts<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ?[Press here to see more skills]

    Rain scrolled through the skills menu, carefully reading each description and cost.

    He was fascinated by the vast array of skills avable to him, ranging frombat skills like archery and swordsmanship to crafting skills like alchemy and tailoring.

    He even found some useful utility skills like underwater breathing and navigation.

    Rain was impressed but also a bit overwhelmed by the number of skills avable to him.

    He wondered which ones would be most useful to him in the future.

    He decided to think it over ande back to the skills menuter.

    After exploring the possibilities in the Skills section, Rain switched to the Valuables section to see what he could purchase. He followed the same process as before.

    However, he was slightly surprised after looking at the valuables section.

    �c�������T[System Store: Valuables]�T�������f

    ?[Weapons]

    ?[Armor]

    ?[essories]

    ?[Consumables]

    ?[Misceneous Items]

    "Wait, what''s this?" Rain looked at the line written at the end of the hologram screen.

    ?[Type the name of the thing you want,

    the system will charge ountable points.]

    "This feature is really useful. I noticed there''s a simr tab in the skills section, which means I can purchase any skill or item from the store." Rain thought, feeling excited about the possibilities.

    He was impressed with this feature, which reminded him of some search engines he had used before. It was quitefortable to search like this.

    As he browsed through the options, Rain couldn''t help but wonder what he should search for next.

    ? ?? [Search]

    "Hmm," Rain pondered for a few moments as he gazed at the screen. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before a smile slowly spread across his face.

    "Let''s check if you can get it," he said as his fingers glided across the virtual keyboard.

    Rain typed "Panties" into the search bar and hit enter.

    ?[Searching contents with keyword....]

    ?[Host, there are many types of panties. Like briefs, bikinis, G-strings, thongs, boyshorts, and many more.]

    ?[Should I disy all of them or do you want to see a specific one?]

    Rain was amazed by the system''s ability to search for various items and skills.

    "Disy all of them," Rainanded, curious about the search results that woulde up.

    Within moments, a list of search results appeared on the screen, providing an extensive range of options to choose from.

    �c�������T[Search Results]�T�������f

    ? Brand new panties (Any colour)

    Points Required: 10

    Image: [insert image here]

    ? Wornout panties (Any colour)

    Points Required: 50

    Image: [insert image here]

    ? Kaya''s panties

    Points Required: 1000

    Image: [insert image here]

    ? Emma''s Panties

    Points Required: 1000

    Image: [insert image here]

    ? Any Heroine''s Panties

    Points Required: 1000

    Image: [insert image here]

    .

    .

    .

    .

    ? Ca''s Panties

    Points Required: 99999

    Image: [insert image here]

    ****

    The search results appeared in a new window in front of Rain, simr to the way search engines disy results.

    The window was divided into multiple sections, with each section containing a different type.

    Like every heroine, sub-heroines, viiness, and other female characters.

    Each section had a detailed description and a picture, along with the points required to purchase it.

    Rain felt like he became some degenerate person. Still, he read til the end.

    "What?" Rain eximed, his eyes widening in shock as he scrolled through the search results.

    His heart sank when he saw thest item on the list : his mother''s underwear.

    He couldn''t believe what he was seeing and felt a mixture of anger and disgust rising within him.

    "What the f**k?" Rain shouted, his voice echoing through the empty room. He was outraged that the system could have something so personal and intimate of his mother''s in their store.

    He quickly started calling out to the system, demanding answers.

    "Hey, system, why do you have my mom''s underwear?" Rain''s tone was using and angry.

    "You are a thief!" he continued, feeling vited by the fact that the system had ess to his personal belongings and those of his family.

    "Pervert!" he spat out, disgusted by the thought of anyone else having ess to his mother''s undergarments.

    "Bastard!" Rain shouted in frustration.

    ***

    After a few moments of yelling and cursing, Rain stopped to catch his breath.

    "And why is the price so high?" he asked, his voice shaking with disbelief and anger.

    ?[Language Host.]

    ?[The system told you that it can bring anything you want.]

    ?[Regarding information about price. Insufficient Authority. Information locked.]

    Rain''s frustration only grew as he heard this.

    ''What level of Authority do I need to know this information?'' he asked, his tone more forceful than before.

    ?[Max level]

    ''This useless system!'' Rain shouted, his voice echoing through the room. He wanted nothing more than to smash the screen in front of him.

    But then, a response from the system caught him off guard.

    ?[Just kidding, Host. System doesn''t sell these things.]

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [Note: This is the information for when which level of Authority will unlock.]

    Level 1 - Plot Progress 1%

    Level 2 - Plot Progress 5%

    Level 3 - Plot Progress 10%

    Level 4 - Plot Progress 25%

    Level 5 - Plot Progress 50%

    Level 6 - Plot Progress 75%

    Level 7 - Plot Progress 99%

    After killing thest boss. It will be Max Authority.

 Chapter 44 New Skills

    ?

    After cursing the system for a while, Rain decided to buy some skills from the system store.

    �c�������T[System Store - Skills]�T�������f

    ? Skill: Underwater Breathing

    �� Description: Enables the user to breathe underwater for a limited time.

    �� Points Required: 50

    ? Skill: Climbing - Beginner

    �� Description: Learn the basic techniques of climbing and improve overall grip strength. It''s Parkour.

    �� Points Required: 20

    ? Skill: Alchemy - Beginner

    �� Description: Learn the fundamentals of alchemy, including basic potion-making and transmutation.

    �� Points Required: 200

    ***

    To purchase the skills, Rain converted his gold coins into points using the system''s exchange rate.

    One point was equal to 10 gold coins. It was a bit expensive, but he knew he needed these skills to survive on the ind.

    ''Underwater breathing and climbing wille in handy during exploring the ind,'' Rain thought to himself.

    ''And with Alchemy skill, I can make potions and elixirs. After all, I have many recipes for elixirs and potions.''

    However Rain noticed there were only beginner level skills.

    "I will ask to system about thister." Rain mumbled.

    With his skills acquired, Rain started following his daily routine on the ind.

    He had created this routine to keep himself on track and ensure he made the most of his time here.

    He woke up early in the morning and performed a series of physical exercises to keep himself fit and healthy.

    He started with a warm-up of jumping jacks and stretching, followed by a 1 hour run on the beach.

    After his run, he did some strength training with a pair of dumbbells he had found on the ind.

    He did three sets of 10 reps for each exercise, including bicep curls, tricep extensions, and shoulder presses. This took him around 20-30 minutes.

    ''Nothing like a good workout to start the day right,'' he thought as he finished up and headed for a quick shower to refresh himself.

    Once he was feeling clean and energized, Rain would proceed to cook himself a delicious breakfast and enjoy it, savoring the vors of the food and the satisfaction of taking care of himself.

    He spent around 30 minutes on breakfast and rxation before starting his day of exploration on the ind.

    One of the things that Rain enjoyed the most was exploring the ind he was on.

    The salty sea air filled his lungs, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore was music to his ears.

    During his expeditions, he would gather herbs that he could use for various purposes such as medicine or cooking.

    Rain was always amazed at the different kinds of nts that grew on the ind, each with their unique properties and uses.

    He made sure to take note of their locations in his journal, so he could find them again in the future.

    He would also hunt monsters that roamed the ind, both for the challenge and the reward of obtaining valuable resources.

    Rain loved the thrill of the hunt, the adrenaline rush he felt when he finally took down a tough foe.

    It reminded him that he was alive, and that every moment on this ind was precious.

    In addition to that, he would also take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the ind, often mapping out new areas that he had yet to explore.

    Rain marveled at the sheer diversity of the ind''s flora and fauna, and he was grateful for the opportunity to witness it all firsthand.

    As the evening approached, Rain would return to his house and cook himself a hearty dinner, savoring the fruits of hisbor.

    The smell of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, and Rain''s stomach rumbled in anticipation.

    He always made sure to cook enough food for the next day as well, so he wouldn''t have to worry about itter.

    He would spend some time watching lectures from the Academy, which were a source of knowledge and inspiration for him.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Rain was fascinated by the different schools of magic and the various applications of mana. He hoped to one day master all of them.

    Rain would also practice his mana control, honing his magical abilities and strengthening his connection with Mana as he read in the manual.

    He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, feeling the energy flow through his body. It was a peaceful and calming experience, one that he looked forward to every day.

    Finally, after a long day of exploring, learning, and improving himself, Rain would retire to hisfortable bed, ready to rest and recharge for another day of adventure and self-improvement.

    As he drifted off to sleep, he couldn''t help but feel grateful for this ind and all it had to offer.

    Good night. Sweet dreams��

    Fin. The end.

    ***

    While Rain went about his daily routine on the ind, life in the outer world continued to bustle with activity.

    As the sun rose over Dawn city, countless young men and women began to make their way towards the bustling metropolis.

    For this was the heart of humanity, the center of civilization, and home to one of thergest cities in the world.

    Nestled within its towering wallsy the prestigious ''Awakeners Training Academy, Nexus,'' the most esteemed institution of learning for mankind.

    ***

    After the monster invasion, much of the earthy in ruin, forcing humanity to flee for their lives.

    However, a turning point came with the ''Great Reshuffle'', a time when some cities were liberated from the monsters'' clutches.

    Dawn City was one of the first cities to be freed, and as a symbol of the new dawn, it was aptly named.

    The restoration of Dawn City was swift, thanks to the resilience and perseverance of its people.

    As a result, many disced individuals flocked to the city, seeking refuge and hope.

    Dawn City quickly became a bustling metropolis, and a beacon of hope for the millions who had lost their homes.

    After the ''Great Reshuffle'' ended, a new government was formed with influential public figures, representatives from former superpower countries, and the ten greatmanders who yed pivotal roles during the upheaval.

    Their top priority was to develop new cities and facilities to rece those that were destroyed.

    In a unanimous decision, they dered Dawn City the capital of humanity.

    However, peace did notst long as a demon invasion soon ensued.

    In response, the government saw the need for an institution to teach practical skills to young people.

    Thus, the Awakened Academy, Nexus was established in Dawn City, with several secondary branches established in other cities in the following years.

    Despite the other branches, the one in Dawn City remained the gship and the most prestigious.

    Aspiring students from all over the human country flocked to the Academy, eager to prove themselves worthy of admission.

    ***

    The streets buzzed with chatter and excitement as people from all walks of life converged for this momentous asion.

    It felt almost like a small festival, with strangers exchanging greetings and sharing stories of their journeys.

    Despite the festive atmosphere, security remained tight.

    Authorities knew that caution was necessary to maintain order and safety in a world where danger lurked around every corner.

    Guards patrolled the streets, ensuring that the entrance exam proceeded without incident.

    For these young men and women, this was the opportunity of a lifetime.

    They had worked hard to get here and knew that the road ahead would be even more challenging.

    But they were determined to seed, to prove themselves worthy of the honor and prestige that came with being a student at the Nexus.

    And so, with hearts full of determination, they stepped boldly into the unknown, ready to face whatever challengesy ahead.

 Chapter 45 Rumors

    ?

    There were two parts to the entrance exam:

    1. Theoretical knowledge: Written exam (100 marks) ??

    2. Practical knowledge: Combat exam (100 marks) ??

    As anyone could think, you have to fill bunch of papers with answers in the theoretical exams.

    While in the practical xam, you have to show your skill against the mana puppet - which is programmed with stats.

    After you fight against that mana puppet with your full power, AI will make a detailed report from the data it collected during the fight.

    The entrance exam for the region''s best academy was a highly anticipated event, attracting a wide range of influential people from various backgrounds.

    Among the attendees were several heirs of wealthy families, including Kaya and Emma.

    The children of high-ranking individuals, such as CEOs, politicians, and diplomats, also arrived to take the exam.

    Despite the excitement and buzz surrounding the event, the absence of one notable figure caught the attention of many.

    Rain Holmes, known for his cold demeanor and striking good looks, was a well-known and admired figure in the region.

    With over 1 million followers on the popr ''connect'' app, he had be a social media celebrity in his own right.

    As the attendees noticed Rain''s absence, whispers and spections filled the air.

    Some attendees murmured that he may have been sick or injured, while others wondered if he had personal issues preventing him from attending.

    A group of students gathered around, discussing how strange it was for such a prominent figure to miss an event like this.

    One group of attendees huddled together, wondering if Rain had already been epted into the academy and didn''t need to take the entrance exam.

    Another group spected that he may have decided to attend another academy, despite the prestige of this one.

    Yet, other attendees suggested that Rain was simply too arrogant to attend an event where he might not excel, and that he may be avoiding the exam altogether.

    As the rumors continued to circte, some attendees began to discuss the possibility of a secret party for Rain''s birthday, leading to further spections and excitement among the attendees.

    Which some moron (Kaya), who spread the rumours didn''t bother about anything.

    And the second & third moron kept their mouth shut (Emma & Arya) about it.

    Because only these three were close to Rain, people started to ask them,

    - Why he didn''te to his birthday party?

    - Why he changed his name to only Rain?

    - Why he blocked everyone?

    - Why didn''t hee for the exam?

    - Will hee to Academy?

    So more rumors started to spread, with people connecting the dots and specting on what could have happened to Rain.

    Whispers and suggestions were exchanged among the attendees, each one more dramatic than thest.

    Kaya and Emma were irritated by the questions and decided to leave the exam center afterpleting the exam.

    Meanwhile, Arya, who was unaware of the situation, was overwhelmed by the barrage of questions and eventually fainted.

    Regardless of the reason for his absence, Rain''s reputation and social status only added to the intrigue surrounding the event.

    As the students waited for the exam results to be announced, many remained more curious about the sudden absence of Rain than the exam itself.

    ***

    After three long days, the results of the entrance exam were finally announced, and they were a mixed oue for the students who had taken it.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Unfortunately, only a small percentage of them had passed, leaving many others feeling disappointed and frustrated.

    While, others were happy to get in the ss they wished.

    The academy offers different sses based on the student''s academic performance, ranging from D, C, B, A, to S sses.

    Aristeia (S ss) has 50 students.

    Proteus (A ss) has 50 students.

    Meson (B ss) has 100 students. (2 subsses)

    Telos (C ss) has 150 students. (3 subsses)

    Anoikis (D ss) has 250 students. (5 subsses).

    Kaya''s heart skipped a beat as she stared at the results of the entrance exam.

    It wasn''t because she had a lower ranking than expected.

    What truly shocked her was the ring absence of Rain''s name among the sessful candidates.

    "Rain... noting to the academy?" The words escaped her lips, tinged with disbelief.

    When she initially heard that Rain hadn''t appeared for the entrance exams, she spected that he might be taking them somewhere else. But that turned out not to be the case. Rain was nowhere to be found.

    Kaya wasn''t the only one taken aback by this revtion. Emma, Arya, Charles, Ca, and all the others who knew Rain were equally stunned.

    They were left bewildered and curious about his absence.

    As the realization sank in, a wave of questions and concerns washed over them.

    What had happened to Rain? Why hadn''t he taken the exams? Their minds spun with possibilities, and the once-familiar future suddenly seemed uncertain and iplete.

    At the same day the entrance ceremony was held, casting a veil of anticipation over the academy grounds.

    Students filled the halls, their voices a mix of excitement and nervousness.

    As they entered the grand auditorium, adorned with banners and emblems representing the academy''s esteemed history, the atmosphere buzzed with an electric energy.

    The vice headmaster, a distinguished figure with amanding presence, stepped onto the stage, and the room fell silent.

    "Hello, My name is Alex Brownie. I''m vice headmaster of this academy."

    His voice resonated through the hall as he weed the new students, emphasizing the significance of the journey they were about to embark upon.

    "As you begin your time at this prestigious institution," the headmaster dered, "remember that the true measure of sess lies not solely in individual aplishments, but also in the strength and support of themunity that surrounds you."

    Kaya couldn''t help but nce around, her gaze trying to find Rain.

    She expected he might have got at least admission before the entrance exam.

    The vice headmaster continued his speech, highlighting the academy''s values of camaraderie, determination, and integrity.

    However, Kaya wasn''t least bit interested in boring speech.

    She knew she had to uncover the truth behind Rain''s absence.

    Soon, the student who scored highest marks in the entrance exam was called. As usual, he also gave a boring speech.

    After the ceremony, the students dispersed, each making their way to their assigned ssrooms.

    As they left the hall, still talking amongst themselves about Rain''s absence and other rumours.

    It was then that an unexpected person stepped forward, offering to rify the rumors.

    To everyone''s surprise, it was Rain himself.

 Chapter 46 Streamer Night Soul

    ?

    [Next Morning]

    Rain woke up feeling energized and excited about the new day.

    "Today''s the day," Rain said to himself with a determined tone. "I''m going to start to influence the plot indirectly."

    Already three days had been passed since the entrance exam of the academy.

    Today, the results of the exams were good to dered. Moreover, entrance ceremony would be held.

    As Rain thought about this, he paused for a moment, considering his n. "I''ll have to be careful, but I know I can do this," he continued, speaking aloud to himself.

    However, before that, he hadt oplete his morning routine.

    He stood from his bed and started his physical training.

    As he stretched his limbs and did a series of vigorous exercises, Rain felt his muscles awaken and his heart rate increase.

    "I can feel my bodying alive," he thought, "ready to take on whatever challenges the day may bring."

    Stepping outside for some fresh air, Rain breathed in deeply and let out a contented sigh. "There''s nothing like the ocean breeze to clear my head and center my thoughts," he mused.

    Returning to his home, he took a quick shower to rinse off the sweat and grime from his body.

    As the warm water washed over him, Rain closed his eyes and savored the sensation. "This moment of peace and tranquility is exactly what I need to prepare for the day ahead," he thought.

    Aftering out of the bathroom, he changed his clothes and entered kitchen.

    Cooking himself a nourishing breakfast, Rain felt his energy levels rise. "With every bite, I''m fueling my body and mind for the adventures that await me," he said to himself.

    Afterpleting his breakfast, he cleaned the kitchen and dishes.

    **

    As he set out on his daily adventure, Rain''s mind was alive with curiosity and wonder. "There''s so much to discover and explore on this ind," he thought, "and I''m determined to see it all."

    He gathered herbs, hunted monsters, and mapped out the ind''s terrain, Rain felt a sense of satisfaction and aplishment. "I''m making progress every day, and that''s all that matters," he thought.

    At noon he returned to his home, because there was still much work to be done.

    It was influencing the plot.

    "But that''s okay," he thought, "because I''m ready for whatever challenges maye my way."

    ***

    In the storyline, the protagonist ranked 1st in the entrance exams.

    As the chief of the freshman year, he had all the power and influence. Rain, on the other hand, ranked second.

    This marked the beginning of his inferiorityplex, as he constantlypared himself to the Protagonist and felt like he was always one step behind.

    At first, they were justpetitors, pushing each other to be the best. But as time went on, theirpetitive spirit turned into a bitter rivalry.

    They became enemies, constantly trying to one-up each other at every turn.

    Rain was one of the most well-developed characters in the game, with aplex backstory and motivations.

    However, he was relegated to the role of the viin, causing misery and chaos everywhere he went.

    Many yers didn''t like what happened to Rain and wished he could have some happiness.

    But now, Rain knew the whole plot.

    He has a chance to change his fate and find his own happiness.

    Checking the Academy''s site, Rain saw that everything was happening just as it did in the game.

    �c�������T[Nexus Academy Forum]�T�������f

    ?[Topic: Thoughts on Rain Holmes]

    Hey everyone,

    I was just wondering what your thoughts are on Rain Holmes? I''ve heard a lot of different opinions about him, and I''m curious to know what the general consensus is.

    Personally, I think he''s a really interesting person. I mean, he''s the heir of the Holmes family, and yet he''s always been overshadowed by other students at the Academy. It''s like he''s constantly trying to prove himself, but he never quite manages to catch a break.

    What do you guys think? Is Rain just misunderstood, or is he really as bad as people say? Let''s hear your thoughts.

    [Comments:] ?

    - Who is Rain Holmes?

    - Upstairs, do you live under a rock?

    - Yeah, I used to live under a rock. One day it fell on me, and I barely survived.

    - ....<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    - I know about Rain Holmes, isn''t he the heir of the Holmes family?

    - Yeah, he is. Here''s a photo of him.

    @Attachment(hotmale27.png)

    - Damn, he''s so hot

    - By the way, I''ve heard he''s quite talented.

    - Upstairs, check your sources, he isn''t just somewhat talented, he''s incredibly talented.

    ording to my sources, he''s an intermediate swordsman and an Advanced D rank.

    - Wow, then I might not even stand a chance against him.

    - Still, why didn''t hee to the academy?

    - Maybe he got special admission without taking the exams...

    - ording to the rumors, he''s been missing since his birthday party...

    - That''s suspicious.

    - Regardless of his talent or social status, we shouldn''t judge someone who''s missing.

    - Yeah, I agree. We should hope he''s found safe and sound.

    -He is just trash and weakling, I heard that he was beaten up by his fiancee and his sister. A pathetic man.

    -Upstairs, You are pathetic.

    Your whole is family is pathetic.

    Your lover is pathetic.

    Even your future children will be pathetic.

    -Bro cool down... Btw, I think the he has any lover or talent to make children.

    - Exactly, fighting 2vs1 isn''t fair. Let''s give him the benefit of the doubt.

    - Do you think something bad happened to him?

    - Maybe. We don''t know what goes on behind closed doors, especially in big families. Let''s hope for the best.

    .

    .

    .

    ***

    Rain chuckled as he looked at the Academy''s forum, knowing that the rumors about him had spread.

    He decided to make good use of the situation and quickly opened his Connect app on his smartphone.

    "From now on, I will live stream as ''Night soul'' every second night," he typed and posted it.

    Rain was certain that social media would be buzzing with the news.

    He wasn''t wrong; the post quickly went viral, spreading like wildfire across different social media tforms.

    Everyone seemed to be talking about it, sharing it with their friends and family.

    Rain''s close rtives soon heard the news as well. They were surprised by the sudden announcement.

    It had only been a few days since theyst heard from him, and now he was saying that he would be doing live streams and bing a streamer.

    As the news continued to spread, many people started to wait eagerly for Rain''s first live stream as Nightsoul.

    - "Mystery man revealed: Heir to the Holmes family to be a live streamer"

    - "Training addict turns to streaming: Rain Holmes announces new persona as Nightsoul"

    - "From swordsman to streamer: Rain Holmes shocks the inte with live streaming ns"

    - "Holmes heir to grace screens: Rain Holmes announces entry into streaming world"

    - "Exclusive: Rain Holmes breaks silence, reveals new venture as Nightsoul streamer"

    Everyone had different reactions to the announcement.

    Some were excited to see what Rain had in store, while others were skeptical and doubted his abilities as a streamer.

    Despite the mixed reactions, there was no denying that Rain''s announcement had caused a stir in the online world.

    People were eager to see what he had to offer, and the anticipation was palpable.

 Chapter 47 Reactions

    ?

    [Holmes Family Mansion, Karoon City]

    "Now what is he doing?" Charles asked, looking at his phone''s screen.

    "I waited for him, and he didn''te. He didn''t even go to the Academy." Hu mumbled as he scatched his head.

    In the past days, he tried find Rain in every way he could, but he couldn''t.

    He also ordered the informationwork of the Holmes family to lookout for Rain.

    However, they only found a few traces of him near E ss goblin''s nest.

    It was like he evaporated in the air.

    "We can''t even contact him. He just blocked me, and he even blocked you. We tried to find him, but couldn''t. He really never fails to amaze me." He let out a resignful sigh.

    It was already a week since he left the home without any prior notice.

    Even though he left that gifts and video afterwards, Charles was worried.

    "Calm down, Charles. You know he is a good boy." Ca, who was sitting beside Charles, triedfort him.

    "There must be some reason behind all this. We are also guilty of him for Kaya & Emma''s incidents." In past few days, she also wanted to help in looking for Rain.

    However, after Charles insisted her she had to stay at home.

    "Just where is he? I hope he is fine." Ca wished earnestly.

    She wanted to apologize to him.

    She knew there was barely any chance to get any forgiveness.

    ''Even if he doesn''t forgive me, I hope from now on he does what he wants and gets his happiness.'' She thought inwardly.

    After absorbing the elixir that Rain had given to her, Ca had be even more beautiful.

    With her kind and gentle personality, she looked like a goddess. Her foundation had also be firm. Maybe she would soon break through to SS-RANKER.

    If Rain were here, he would shout, ''S-grade charm!''

    But Charles was there. He couldn''t take his eyes from her at first.

    He became even more overprotective of her.

    ***

    [Staff dorms, Holmes Family Mansion]

    "Wow, this post by Rain is interesting. I wonder how he''s doing," Mark said to himself, smiling as he scrolled through his friend''s social media ount.

    Same as Rain''s parents, he also made a dummy ount and started following Rain''s ID.

    Mark was Rain''s butler for 5 years. However, he first saw Rain ten years ago when he first came to Holmes family Mansion.

    Mark always enjoyed seeing what Rain was up to.

    As he looked at Rain''stest post, Mark couldn''t help but feel a twinge of sadness.

    Rain had left the house a week ago, and Mark missed his friend''spany.

    They used to spend hours without talking. Rain kept training and Mark watching him from behind the scenes.

    After Rain had left, Mark had started his training to inherit the head butler position at the Holmes Family mansion.

    Mark''s family had been in service to the Holmes Family for generations, and Mark had always known that one day, it would be his turn to take on the responsibility of being the head butler.

    Mark took his training seriously, spending long hours studying the intricacies of etiquette, table setting, and household management.

    He didn''t neglect his physical training either. He was already D ranker at the age of 22. Although it wasn''t as surprising as Rain and other main characters.

    Mark was also somewhat talented and hardworking.

    He knew that bing the head butler was a great honor, but he also felt the weight of the responsibility that came with the position.

    As he closed Rain''s social media ount, Mark couldn''t help but wonder what his friend was up to.

    He hoped that Rain was doing well and that they would be able to catch up soon.

    Until then, Mark knew that he had to focus on his training and be ready to take on the mantle of head butler when the time came.

    ***

    [Emma''s POV]

    Unlike everyone else, Emma wasn''t interested in Rain''s matter.

    She was relieved because she got to break off the engagement.

    Although it was unexpected, it was good oue.

    ''It''s good for both of us.'' She mumbled as she slept.

    She was too tired after the entrance ceremony.

    ***

    [Arya''s POV]

    "Finally, everyone will get their answers," Arya sighed in relief as she received the news.

    The weight of constantly being bombarded with questions about Rain had been a heavy burden on her, and now she could finally exhale.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Today is a good day," she cheered, a smile breaking out on her face.

    Passing the entrance exam for the academy''s Dawn City branch had been a great aplishment for her, and now she wouldn''t have to deal with people constantly pestering her with questions about Rain.

    Being one of the few people who was close to Rain, Arya had been overwhelmed with people asking her questions.

    Unlike Kaya and Emma, who had escaped from social scrutiny, Arya had been an easy target for the curious people.

    It had been exhausting to constantly field questions about Rain, and she had often wished she could escape from the attention.

    "It was tiring to constantly answer questions about Rain," she thought, her voice tinged with frustration.

    However, despite her annoyance with the constant inquiries, she couldn''t help but feel curious about Rain''s whereabouts.

    "Maybe I should watch the recording of the live stream somewhere afterwards," she mused to herself, a small twinge of excitement in her voice as she contemted the possibility of finally getting some answers.

    ***

    [Kaya''s POV]

    As Rain''s sister or you can say ex-sister, how could Arya would not take interest in Rain''s matter?

    She was curious. Very much at least.

    Kaya stared at the post made by Rain on her second phone.

    She had to buy it because he had blocked her on her main ount, just like everyone else.

    Apparently, you could only make one social media ount a smartphone.

    "So now this," she muttered to herself, her voiceced with confusion and frustration.

    "He left his family, canceled his engagement, and now he''s quitting training to be a streamer," she said, scrolling through the post.

    "I wanted to be head, but he has so much potential. Why is he giving up everything?" Kaya couldn''t help but wonder.

    Although she didn''t like Rain bing the family head and because of that she used many tricks, she wasn''t going to expel Rain from the family.

    Rain had too much potential, he was loyal and kind. Also she was indebted to her uncle and aunty.

    Therefore, she was confused that why he break off with the family and ran away.

    But soon she remembered a thing and couldn''t help but feel anger.

    A few moments ago, she tried to watch the live stream.

    However, as she tried to watch the livestream, she encountered a problem.

    Rain had blocked her on this ount too, leaving her seething with anger.

    After cursing him for a while, she made the decision to buy a new phone and create a new ount.

    It was a hassle, but it was the only way she could keep up with Rain and find out what was going on.

    Kaya wasn''t alone in her frustration.

    Others who had been blocked by Rain had also gone to simr lengths to keep up with him.

    It was a testament to his influence and poprity, but it was also a source of annoyance for those who were left out in the cold.

    ***

    If you think only these people were curious about Rain, then you are think wrong.

    The news of his disappearance had only spread throughout the world.

    Many enemies of Holmes family were trying to find him, so they could use his life as a bargaining chip.

    Some people were simply curious. Even hunter association tried to find him because he disappeared from one of the dungeons.

    "He surely knows something about the dungeons." The head of hunter association couldn''t help but think about it.

    That''s why they were also trying to find information about him.

    The ck market was gettingmissions about information regarding Rain. However, even they were unable to find about him.

    Like this, Rain scratched pride of main information agencies.

    But who in the right mind would have thought, Rain was on the ind.

    ***

    While everyone was dumbfounded about Rain''s whereabouts, he was making preparations to start the live stream.

    Rain sat in front of hisputer, his heart pounding with excitement and nerves as he prepared to start his first live stream.

    He had been preparing for this moment for some time, practicing hismentary and fine-tuning his gamey to make sure he could put on a good show for his audience.

    As he booted up his streaming software and checked his settings, he couldn''t help but feel a little nervous.

    Rain took a deep breath and hit the "start streaming" button.

    The screen flickered to life, and he could see the chat room beginning to fill up with viewers.

    He smiled and waved at the camera, introducing himself.

    "Hello, I''m Rain. Aka Night Soul."

 Chapter 48 First Live Stream & Eye Of The Storm

    ?

    As promised, Rain''s livestream began precisely 30 minutester.

    As the camera focused on him, the audience immediately took notice of his striking appearance.

    With a chiseled jawline, piercing ck eyes, and a head full of dark, wavy hair, Rain exuded an air of effortless cool.

    Dressed in a simple white t-shirt and a pair of snug-fitting jeans, Rain looked every bit the part of the trendy, young gamer.

    He was perched on a sleek gaming chair, his long legs crossed casually in front of him.

    The glow of hisputer screen cast a soft blue light across his face, emphasizing the sharp lines of his cheekbones and the fullness of his lips.

    As he settled into his gaming setup, the camera zoomed out to give viewers a glimpse of his well-toned physique.

    After a few moments of silence, the chatroom erupted in a frenzy of activity, with viewers moring for Rain''s attention.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #Wetgirl: So handsome�� I am already wet��

    #fiercecat: Upstairs, get off your hands. He is mine.

    #Yami-chan_is_best: You normie explode!

    #I.am.single: This man is surely handsome.

    #Sunny_day: Wow, he''s definitely a looker.

    #Curious_cat: I wonder he is virgin or not.

    #Music_lover: He''s got that certain je ne sais quoi, don''t you think?

    #Fashionista: His outfit is not on the point. He should wear better and fashionable clothes.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    The chatter in the chatroom was all about Rain''s looks. The girls were practically swooning over him, while the guys looked on with envy and jealousy.

    The girls from the academy were particrly disappointed that Rain hadn''t shown up in person.

    They had heard so much about him and were eager to see him perform.

    But for now, they would have to content themselves with watching him on the livestream.

    "Hello, everyone. My name is Rain, and I''ll be livestreaming every other night under the name ''NightSoul''," he said.

    He introduced himself with a smile and a wave, his voice sounding smooth and pleasant to the ears. It was effect of the singing skill Rain got from the system.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #life_is_best: Wow, Rain''s voice is incredible. He''s got some serious talent!

    #detective''s_child: Did you guys notice that he just said Rain, not Rain Holmes? I wonder why he''s not using his full name?

    Maybe he got thrown out of his family.

    #Sweetangel: I heard that Rain was never thrown out of the family, so I don''t know where Detective''s Child got that idea.

    #Idon''t.care: Upstairs, what do you know? Maybe you''re just a fangirl who can''t see the truth. Hmph.

    #Fierce_lion: Hey, bastard, what did you say? �������� I will just ����������!!

    #mystery_writer: I wonder what Rain''s life is like behind the scenes. It would make a great story.

    #social_butterfly: I heard that Rain is really cold in person. It''s hard to believe, considering how confident he seems on camera.

    #musiclover101: Hey Rain, where are you streaming from? The background looks awesome!

    #academyfan: Why didn''t youe to the Academy, Rain? We were all hoping to see you there.

    #detective''s_child: Rain, why didn''t you use your full name? Are you not a part of the Holmes family anymore?

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    "Okay, calm down guys," Rain said in a reassuring tone. He then exined, "Just to rify, my family did not disown me, but it''s true that I am no longer a member of the Holmes Family."

    Chat started flooding with questions asking for the reason behind Rain''s decision.

    "I made the decision to break off with them because I wanted my freedom."

    With a smile on his face, Rain spread his hands out, expressing his newfound sense of freedom.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #life_is_best: Ah, now it all makes sense.

    #catgirl: It''s understandable, wanting to break free from something.

    #i.like.seas: Freedom is important to everyone, I suppose.

    #mystic_knight: Interesting. I''m curious, though - what made you disappear in the first ce?

    #sunnydays: I''m happy for you, Rain. You deserve to live life on your own terms.

    #gamergirl: Wow, I didn''t expect to hear such a big announcement on a gaming stream.

    #bookworm: I wonder what it''s like to be part of a wealthy family like the Holmes''. Must beplicated.

    #foodie: All this talk about freedom is making me hungry. Anyone else want to order pizza?

    #musiclover: Rain, can you sing us a song to celebrate your newfound freedom?

    #horrorfan: I hope you didn''t break off with the Holmes'' because of some dark family secret.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    The chatroom was abuzz with questions about Rain''s disappearance from the public eye.

    "Okay, I will exin the reasons for my disappearance from the public," Rain said.

    As he spoke, the audience listened intently. "You know as a child of a high-ss family, everyone has high expectations from you. Your actions will be monitored. You have to prepare as an heir candidate."

    Rain let out a sigh. "It''s quite tiring. You can''t make friends with many people because they might not approach you, and you can''t approach them directly. I don''t even have a single friend."

    The audience was silent, perhaps empathizing with Rain''s situation. Some viewers typed out their thoughts in the chat.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #Sweetangel: Poor boy�� sob��sob��

    #sunflower: That sounds really lonely.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    #music_lover: Yeah, I can imagine how hard it must be.

    #bookworm: But why disappearpletely?

    #adventurer: Yeah, why not just take a break?

    #detective''s_child: Hey, you''re lying, man. As I researched your information beforehand, you have three friends - Arya Hillson, your ssmate; Kaya Holmes, your sister; and Emma Rose, your fiance��. See?

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    "Okay, you are quite informative." Rain said, his tone calm and collected. "But let me tell you the truth," he continued, his voice gaining a hint of frustration.

    "Arya Hillson and I are just ssmates. We had never met anywhere else than school," he exined, his words punctuated by a sigh.

    "About Kaya," he hesitated, his expression troubled. "Although we are siblings, our rtionship isplicated," he admitted, his tone conveying a sense of sadness.

    "And the main thing about Emma Rose," Rain paused, his voice heavy with emotion. "Is that we broke off our engagement contract a week ago," he revealed, his words tinged with regret.

    As he finished speaking, Rain nced at the live chat, wondering how his "pretending" words would be received.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #life_is_best: Maybe they were just ssmates who happened to be in the same ce at the same time.

    #i.like.seas: Complicated? What does that mean?

    #fasttrack: Wtf! Breaking news��

    #Wetgirl: So now my hubby is single, huh. Fufu��

    #mystic_knight: "Oh no, I''m sorry to hear that. Are you okay?"

    #life_is_best: "That must have been tough. But now you''re free, right?"

    #Ye_fan: You are a true man who never bows to anyone. I approve of you.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    After this, the live stream continued for 20-30 minutes.

    During the live stream, Rain answered numerous questions from the chat room participants.

    Some asked about his daily routine, while others were curious about his personal preferences, such as his favorite color.

    But there were also questions that Rain didn''t feelfortable answering, like whether he was single.

    "Okay. Now it''s time to turn off the live stream. From now on, I will stream every second day at night." Rain said.

    Before he shut off the camera, Rain scanned through the chat onest time. He noticed that some viewers had already left, but others were still typing away.

    "Thank you all for tuning in today. I appreciate all the questions and support." he said, his voiceced with gratitude.

    "Goodnight, Sweet dreams." Saying this, he closed the live stream.

    However, a new storm was rising, and he was at the eye of the storm.

    ***

    After closing the live stream, Rain headed to the kitchen to cook his dinner.

    As he prepared another new Korean dish called "Bibimbap" which was a mixed rice bowl with vegetables, meat, and egg, he couldn''t help but think about the impact of his live stream on social media.

    "Now I''ve thrown every piece of news on social media. They''re going to have a lot of fun in the academy. It''s so satisfying," he thought to himself, a smile forming on his lips.

    "I''ll definitely grow my fan base with all this hype. I can also talk about the academy''s events as a former Holmes Family heir and indirectly influence the plot for now." He thought as he put small piece meat in his mouth.

    "However, from the second or third year, I might have to get involved in the plot directly." Rain assumed. He knew that after he influence the plot indirectly many times, some variables will surely arise.

    "But not now. The situation isn''t that bad yet. I''ll be stronger while enjoying my vacation." He smiled and continued his dinner.

    After enjoying his dinner, Rain went to bed, feeling content and happy.

    He fell asleep soundly on hisfy bed, ready to face whatever challenges woulde his way in the future.

    ***

    On the other side, the news about Rain started trending on social media with the hashtag #PoorRain.

    Many people sympathized with him and criticized those who had made his life difficult.

    One user, who imed to be Rain''s friend, wrote a 5700-word post about how lonely Rain was and how he didn''t have any friends.

    The post garnered a lot of attention, and many people started messaging Ca, Charles, Emma, and Kaya to ask about Rain''s situation.

    It was interesting to note that nobody seemed to care about Arya.

    Ca was crying uncontrobly and couldn''t respond to the criticism.

    Charles, on the other hand, felt the need to address the situation on social media.

    He posted a message saying, "Yes, it''s all true. It''s our fault, and we take responsibility for it.

    However, it''s not like our family has the only strict standards out there, and they are in ce for the safety of our children.

    As for Rain''s engagement, it was entirely his and Emma''s decision, and we did not interfere with it."

    His response managed to calm down some of the criticism, but not all of it.

    Both the Holmes and Rose families used their influence to try and take the news down, which resulted in a slight decrease in the hype on social media.

    However, by then, the news had already spread to a considerable number of people.

    Kaya, who was known for spreading rumors about Rain in the past, was now under suspicion from everyone because of Rain''s statement, "We are siblings, but our rtionship is kindaplicated."

    She received a lot of criticism, and her followers began to decrease rapidly.

    In response, she said, "Every sibling has aplicated rtionship, so let''s not make small things bigger."

    She then posted a childhood photo of her and Rain ying in the park, but she alsomented how their rtionship had beplicated.

    Despite the constant messages flooding her inbox, Emma remained soundly asleep.

    The cancetion of her engagement with Rain was a mutual decision, but many people knew there was more to the story.

    Rumors were spreading like wildfire, and old ssmates were sharing stories of Rain''s struggles with training alone and Emma''s cold treatment towards him.

    As the night wore on, the spection and gossip continued, fueling the fire of #PoorRain''s trending status.

 Chapter 49 First Day Of The Academy

    ?

    [Topic: Which is the world''s best educational institution?]

    As a reader, you might wonder what makes an educational institution the best in the world.

    Is it the quality of its professors, the range of programs offered, or the prestige of its degrees? There are many factors to consider, and different rankings may prioritize different criteria.

    Give your opinions in thements.

    �T�������T�������T

    As Rain looked at this post he couldn''t help but scroll down and see the opinions of other people.

    He saw there were a lot ofments under the post. But most of them only answered one name.

    [Nexus]

    It was the world''s greatest training institute that boasted state-of-the-art magic, science, and engineering.

    It was located on the north side of the Dawn City. However, it waspletely separated from the city.

    Still, it was a funny thing that it got attacked by Viins many times in the plot.

    "Haha.." A smallugh came out of Rain''s mouth.

    As the morning dawned, the tension from the previous day began to dissipate, and Rain fell back into his usual routine.

    However, before continuing his routine Rain was checking some posts about the academy across the forum.

    As he looked at the information about the academy, he remembered details about it.

    "It was just like a gutter." There was only an opinion Rain had about the academy.

    "I wonder how the first day of the new semester will go." He mumbled. "Those excited students won''t know their life is going to change from now on." A smile appeared on his face.

    He turned off his phone and resumed his routine.

    He woke up early in the morning (4 am), feeling the cool ind breeze brush against his face, and stretched his muscles.

    The sound of the waves crashing against the shore nearby filled his ears, and the salty smell of the ocean breeze made him feel invigorated.

    Hepleted his morning physical exercise, feeling his muscles flex and contract as he moved.

    Once he was done, he took a quick shower to freshen up after breaking out into a sweat.

    The warm water felt refreshing against his skin, and the scent of his soap mixed with the saltiness of the air.

    Afterward, he went to the kitchen to cook breakfast, which he ate while savoring the serene ind surroundings.

    He could taste the freshness of the eggs and the slight tang of the herbs he added.

    "The ssess should have been started at this point." He mumbled as he eat his breakfast.

    �T�������T�������T

    As the sun slowly rose over the campus, a bustling energy filled the air.

    Many students arrived early to start the first day of the semester.

    The campus was filled with eager faces, excited chatter, and the sound of footsteps hurrying to their sses.

    The grounds were alive with the sound of rustling leaves as the gentle breeze blew through the trees.

    The smell of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers wafted through the air, as the students made their way towards the various buildings.

    Students chatted along the way as they walked toward their ssrooms.

    In the distance, a group of students could be heardughing and joking around, clearly excited to see each other again after the long break.

    They hugged and high-fived each other, catching up on each other''s summers and making ns for the new semester.

    Surprisingly, these students weren''t carrying any books or bags.

    All of those materials were stored in the smartwatch given by the academy.

    There were many buildings on the academy campus.

    However, the ssrooms were situated in the main building at the center of the academy campus.

    However, the students can''t walk to their ssrooms all the way. It''s because the whole academy campus was asrge as Tokyo City in Rain''s previous life.

    This huge area contained thousands of students, of which around 2000 were first-year students.

    Furthermore, Nexus also included training instructors, cafeteriadies, store workers, cleaners, recruiters, government associates, engineers, security, doctors, and researchers who all took care of the students.

    All these individuals added up to a total poption of around 50,000.

    That''s why there was a Nexus bus service.

    It ran every 10-15 minutes around campus. There were dozens of buses like that.

    Nexus'' semester began inte January. Currently, it was 8:AM.

    Many students in the ssroom were still sleepy and yawning.

    They would have preferred to stay cooped up in their dorms if it wasn''t the first day of the semester.

    Some seats were empty and some were filled. Most of the students were talking with each other.

    "Do you know, this year''s first rank is frommoners?"

    "If only Rain Holmes came here, he would have ranked first."

    "Heh. That guy just ran away and became streamer. He might be just a weakling."

    Some students were talking about the rankings of the current year.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Hey, the uniform of Aristeia ss is so cool."

    "Yeah, the uniform of Anoikis ss looks in."

    While others were talking about the ss.

    There were many buildings in the academy campus, but as today was the first of new semester, the students were going to their corresponding ssrooms.

    �T�������T�������T

    [First Year Aristeia ss, Nexus, Dawn City]

    The ssroom was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including touch-sensitive screens on the walls, holographic workstations, and advanced sensors to track learning methods.

    Each student had a holographic workstation installed in their smartwatch that projected a 3D virtual hologram.

    This allowed them to see live demonstrations of martial arts techniques, anatomy of the human body, and historical events.

    The workstation was equipped with advanced sensors that tracked their learning methods, providing real-time feedback and analysis of their performance.

    The ceiling was covered in a web of fiber optic cables that emitted a soft glow, creating a calming atmosphere in the room.

    The ssroom was abuzz with chatter as a group of girls animatedly discussed their favorite topics.

    "Hey, did you see the live stream of Rain yesterday?" asked one of the girls.

    "Yeah, I saw it. He''s so handsome. I wish he''de to the academy," replied another girl, garnering enthusiastic nods from most of the group.

    "Nah, that''s impossible this year. He didn''t even take the entrance exam, and the academy doesn''t ept transfer students. Maybe he can join us as a freshman next year," chimed in a third girl.

    The news elicited dejected sighs from the other girls.

    "Yeah, that would be great," said one of them excitedly. "We''d be seniors, and he''d be a handsome junior."

    "But I don''t think he''ll evere here," interjected a fourth girl, sounding somewhat pessimistic.

    The others looked at her with concern. "Why not?" asked the first girl.

    The entire group of girls turned their attention toward a particr member, who immediately caught their eye.

    This youngdy was strikingly beautiful, with luscious silver hair cascading down her waist and piercing blue eyes that shone like diamonds.

    Her delicate features were akin to that of a porcin doll, leaving the girls in awe of her beauty.

    The name of this charming girl was Daisy Pacyfer, and she was ranked ninth among her peers for the current academic year.

    Interestingly, she was one of the Viiness in the game.

    Despite being the center of attention, Daisy remained poised and collected, exuding an air of elegance and grace that left the other girls in the group mesmerized.

    "I mean, the person in question is Rain, a young man who apparently left his home and family to pursue his freedom without any regard for wealth or status.

    So, what is his reason foring here?" Daisy asked, her tone of voice filled with curiosity and excitement.

    Coincidentally, Emma was also sitting nearby. Maybe her luck wasn''t good.

    She listened to her ssmate''s words with growing annoyance.

    She had heard enough about Rain already, and the constant questions about their rtionship were starting to get on her nerves.

    She frowned as Daisy continued, "ording to rumors, he is at least an advanced D-grade ranker, and he might have even broken through a C grade."

    Hearing this, all of them were surprised.

    "He could easily rank in the top 3 among the freshmen. Still, he didn''te." One of the girlsmented.

    "Why? It''s because he doesn''t have any connection here or any reason toe." Daisy exined nonchntly. "As he said, he has no friends, his rtionship with his sister isplicated, and he also��"

    Suddenly, she turned her face to Emma and smirked, as if provoking her.

    -canceled his engagement with his ''Fianc��e''. Yeah, so we just have to enjoy the live streams." Saying this, Daisy giggled.

    Emma felt her annoyance turn into anger as she realized that her ssmate was trying to get a reaction out of her.

    Ignoring her ssmate''s taunt, Emma took a deep breath and tried to calm down.

    She knew that she needed to be careful about what she said on social media, or else the rumors about her rtionship with Rain would only continue to grow.

    Later that day, Emma logged onto her social media ount and found that it was filled with questions about Rain.

    She felt a mix of frustration and embarrassment as she read through the messages.

    She didn''t want to talk about her rtionship with Rain, but it seemed like everyone else did.

    After a few minutes of scrolling through the messages, Emma decided to post a short message in response.

    She wrote, "Yes, we broke off and have no furtherments." She hit the post button and hoped that would be the end of it.

    In end, she decided to take a nap for a few minutes.

    The students began to file into the ssroom one by one, eagerly taking their seats in anticipation of the day''s lessons.

    Finally, the professor arrived, and the official start of the first ss of the semester was signaled.

    The students readied themselves for what was toe, settling in and leaning forward in their seats with excitement and curiosity.

    The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation, and the students were eager to begin their journey of knowledge and growth.

 Chapter 50 First Class

    ?

    A strikingly handsome man made his way into the ssroom, his confident stridesmanding the attention of all present.

    Standing tall and proud near the podium, he introduced himself in a calm and collected voice.

    "Hello everyone. My Name is Kevin Brownie. I am an A-ss ranker and I will be your ss teacher this year. I will also take yourbat practice ss."

    The mention of his A-ss ranking elicited murmurs of admiration from the students, who were curious to learn more about their new ss teacher.

    Despite his impressive credentials, Kevin''s face remained stoic and devoid of emotion as he stood there.

    The weight of his words hung in the air, leaving the ssroom in a state of hushed silence.

    He had piercing blue eyes that shone with sharp intelligence, his dark grey hair was styled neatly and professionally, emphasizing his no-nonsense attitude andmitment to his work.

    He was wearing a white shirt that hugged his frame, his sleeves were rolled so you can see muscles in his forearms.

    Many girls already became his fangirls at the moment.

    ''So handsome, but not as much as Rain.'' However, most of them thought this in their mind.

    "You can read the rules and regtions of the academy in the forum. I don''t have time for that." He said nonchntly as exining rules was bothering for him.

    "Today''s the first day, so there won''t be any special training. But I hope all of you did your morning training. It''s not my concern though." Kevin spoke nonchntly.

    "Now all people will start introducing themselves ording to their ranks." He said.

    The room fell silent as a tall and strikingly handsome man rose to his feet.

    His dark blue hair shimmered in the light, reminding one of the depths of the night sky.

    His ck eyes were piercing and intense, but what truly caught the attention of those present were the silver pupils that shone like tiny stars within them.

    He was like a shining star amidst the darkness, a stark contrast to the cold and reserved demeanor of Rain.

    As if to emphasize his celestial nature, the man''s surname was Astaseul, a name that evoked images of the cosmos and the infinite expanse of the universe.

    The students couldn''t help but be drawn to his presence, curious about the mysteries thaty behind the alluring facade of this enigmatic figure

    "Hello, my name is Ken Astaseul, and I am a skilled sword user. I hope we can all get along." Ken introduced himself with a polite smile, hoping to make a good impression.

    As Ken stepped forward, the girls in the ssroom shrieked in excitement, but the boys regarded him with suspicion, thinking he might be a public enemy.

    "Quiet," Kevin said, his voice carrying a subtle authority that immediately silenced the ssroom.

    "Next up is rank 2," Kevin continued, folding his hands.

    He turned his attention to a girl who had been waiting patiently. "Please introduce yourself."

    "Hello, I''m Emma Rose," the girl said in a cold tone. "I specialize in fire magic and draggers."

    As Emma spoke, many boys stared at her, and the girls began whispering amongst themselves.

    Emma noticed their reactions but chose to ignore them and took her seat.

    Daisy, a student sitting nearby, clicked her tongue disapprovingly as she watched Emma''s introduction.

    "Hello, my name is Martha Woodstalker," a mysterious girl wearing a half-mask and a hood stood up introduced herself. Her golden eyes shone brightly, but her hourss figure was the only noticeable physical feature. Many people were dazed by her expressionless introduction.

    In contrast, Kaya''s introduction was cheerful and inviting. "Greetings, I''m Kaya Holmes, a saber user with a slight talent for water magic. I look forward to getting to know you all and working together!"

    After all of the top 50 students in S-ss had introduced themselves, Kevin addressed the ss, reminding them that they would be spending most of their four years together.

    "Remember them, if any idents do not happen, most of your four years in the academy would be with these people. So get along well," he said.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The students started ncing at their desk mates and other students, hoping to form positive rtionships and seed in their studies.

    "As I have said, I will be yourbat ss teacher. As you may have guessed, I don''t n on wasting your time teaching you theories and turning you into memorization machines," Kevin announced, his piercing gaze scanning the room.

    "From this moment on, you will gain experience and practical knowledge. No amount of memorized sword techniques will matter if you can''t even cut through a monster. Therefore, my ss will focus on practical lessons."

    The students sat up a little straighter, intrigued by Kevin''s approach.

    As he turned to leave the ssroom, the rest of the students followed suit, making their way to the designated training ground.

    �T�������T

    The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow upon the area.

    The training ground was expansive, with targets and dummies set up for practice.

    The S-ss students gathered together, buzzing with excitement for their firstbat practice with Kevin.

    Despite the heat, Kevin''s piercing gaze never wavered.

    "Okay, everyone. Take out your weapons, and those who don''t have any, select from there," Kevin shouted loudly.

    As Kevin began to give instructions, the students eagerly took out their weapons, either from their space rings or from the storage provided.

    For those without weapons, there were plenty of options avable to choose from.

    Ken took a longsword from the storage. It was a simple longsword made out of copper.

    Like him, many young men chose swords.

    There were many types of swords in the storage.

    Interestingly, some females also chose swords. One of them stood out, choosing a heavy longsword.

    Kaya took out a copper saber from her storage ring, while others chose their weapons such as bows, spears, axes, and magic wands.

    Emma chose to practice her magic, so she also took out her magic wand.

    "Now, you will start practicing realbat. People who have a group can spar among themselves and people who are alone can train with dummies. So start now, I will give you pointers ording to it," he announced with a booming voice.

    As the students began to train, Arya found herself alone without a partner to spar with.

    She hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do, before steeling herself and approaching one of the dummies.

    She shed at the dummy with her rapier relentlessly, her face set in determination.

    Meanwhile, the rest of the ss sparred with one another, exchanging blows with a mix of aggression and camaraderie.

    Kaya, in particr, showed an impressive talent forbat, her saber shing as she expertly disarmed her opponent.

    Kevin watched the students closely, providing feedback and advice to each one in turn. "Remember to focus on your form and footwork," he advised one student, while encouraging another to be more aggressive.

    As the training session came to an end, Kevin dismissed the ss, reminding them to practice and review the pointers he gave them.

    "And don''t forget to apply for the correspondingbat major ording to your talent and mastery of weapons," he added, gesturing towards a stack of pamphlets on the tform.

    The students gathered their weapons and belongings, some chatting excitedly about the ss while others walked silently, deep in thought.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

 Chapter 51 Underwater World

    ?

    As the first light of day crept over the horizon, diligent students poured over their books, eager to gain knowledge and excel in their studies.

    Meanwhile, Rain, a natural wonder, slumbered peacefully in his abode, surrounded by the soft sound of waves and the gentle patter of droplets on his roof.

    But his tranquility was suddenly shattered by a jarring disturbance from the outside world, jolting him from his sleep.

    ?[Congrattions to host for getting 1 point.]

    ?[Congrattions to host for getting 1 point.]

    ?[Congrattions to host for getting 1 point.]

    ?[Congrattions to host for getting 1 point.]

    .

    .

    .

    Rain was abruptly awoken by the incessant ringing of the notification sounds, echoing loudly through the silent room and cutting through the peaceful stillness of the early morning.

    Each ring seemed to pierce through the air and prate his consciousness, jarring him awake from his deep slumber.

    The sudden noise startled Rain from his sleep, causing him to jolt upright and fall off the bed, his back aching as it touched the floor.

    "Ahh," Rain groaned, finding the sound very annoying.

    As someone who trained a lot and worked hard every day, he liked to have quiet sleep.

    "In the end, Rain couldn''t bear it anymore and said with a cold tone, "Can you stop it now? You won''t get any better if you keep that kind of crap up." The system soon stopped ringing.

    "Ah, so annoying in the morning," Rain mumbled, knowing that the system had intentionally done this to wake him up and annoy him.

    After being disturbed in his sleep, Rain wasn''t in the mood to sleep in again either.

    Instead, he decided to check the notifications from the system.

    As Rain started checking the system''s notifications, he found out that he had earned some points.

    "Oh, looks like I influenced the plot somehow. But I only did what was already mentioned in the story, just earlier," he thought, puzzled by the unexpected reward.

    He had given gifts to some of the characters before the point system was unlocked, so he assumed it didn''t count as an achievement.

    Moreover, he also had done many "good deeds".

    "Why am I getting these points? Shit system." Rain asked the system bluntly, but all he got was an unhelpful response.

    ?[Insufficient Authority. Information blocked, Shit Host.]

    With no further exnation, Rain was left to his own thoughts. "This system doesn''t tell me anything. Looks like I messed up something. What could it be?" he wondered, annoyed by the ambiguity. Unexpected things were the only thing he disliked.

    "It will be troublesome if some weird thing sticks to me." Rain grumbled.

    After some time pondering the issue, Rain couldn''te up with a definitive answer. Although he had some assumptions, there was no evidence to back them up.

    In the end, he gave up and decided to focus on what he wanted to do instead.

    "I will think about it carefully. For now, let''s focus on getting stronger. If I am stronger, nobody can mess with me and I can enjoy life," he resolved, determined to stay ahead of the plot.

    After exploring this ind for the whole week, Rain had already adapted it there.

    He opened System menu and checked his status.

    �T�������T�������T

    �d�T? Status ?�T�g

    ?Name : Rain Holmes

    ?Age : 20 years old

    ?Title : Reincarnator

    ?Rank : D- grade (E -> D-)

    ?Strength : E+ (E -> E+)

    ?Health : D- (E+ -> D-)

    ?Stamina : D-(E -> D-)

    ?Charm : A-

    ?Intelligence: B (-B -> B)

    ?Mana: E+ (F+ -> E+)

    ?Luck: C

    [TRAITS]:

    #Calm thinker

    #Hard worker

    #Extra-character

    �T�������T�������T<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Rain stared at his status screen, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Finally, I''ve regained my previous rank," he thought to himself.

    As he explored the ind, Rain faced numerous challenges, each one testing his strength and stamina.

    He pushed himself harder with each passing day, determined to be the best reincarnator he could be.

    "I can''t give up now. I need to keep going," he muttered under his breath as he struggled to lift the heavy body weights.

    At night, Rain settled down to watch the theory lectures, his mind calm and focused.

    He absorbed the material easily, his intelligence increasing with each passing day. "This is fascinating," he said to himself as he watched a lecture on mana control. "I can''t wait to put this into practice."

    As Rain practiced manipting his mana, he felt the energy flowing through his body, exhrated by the sensation. "This is amazing," he whispered to himself as he cast his first spell sessfully.

    Rain felt a surge of pride and determination. "I''vee so far in just a week," he said aloud, a smile spreading across his face. "But I still have a long way to go. I need to keep pushing myself."

    After checking his status, he checked his skills.

    �T�������T�������T

    �d�T? Skills ?�T�g

    [Active Skills]:

    ?Swordsmanship - Elementary

    ?Marksmanship - Elementary

    ?Mana Control - Elementary(^)

    ?Shadow walk - Beginner (n)

    ?Hawkeye - Beginner (n)

    ?Pickpocketing - Beginner(n)

    ?Lock picking - Beginner(n)

    ?Climbing (Parkour)- Beginner (n)

    ?Alchemy - Beginner (n)

    [Passive Skills]:

    ?Imprable Mind defence (n)

    ?Concentration

    ?Underwater breathing (n)

    [Life Skills]:

    ?Cooking - Intermediate

    ?Butcher - Elementary(^)

    ?Gathering - Elementary(^)

    ?Writing (Litrature) - Beginner (n)

    ?Singing - Elementary

    ?Calligraphy - Elementary

    ?Appraisal - Beginner

    ?Drawing - Intermediate

    ?Programming- Intermediate

    ?Painting - Elementary (n)(^)

    ?Language - Advanced

    [Press here to expand the list��]

    �T�������T�������T

    Rain had acquired the alchemy skill from the system store and dedicated time to perfecting it.

    However, his progress was unsatisfactorypared to others, as he struggled to create potions of decent quality and frequently ended up with iplete ones.

    Despite these setbacks, Rain remained persistent and continued to practice his skills.

    One day, Rain decided to take a break from his training and venture out to explore the ind.

    He was eager to test out his newly acquired underwater breathing skill and nned to do something different that day.

    With his trusty weapons, the ''Nandaka'' sword and the ''Thunder Eagle'' gun, Rain set out to explore the ind''s underwater depths.

    As he passed through the forest, he gathered herbs and fruits whenever he stumbled upon them.

    Since he needed System points now and wanted to save his gold coins in case of an emergency, he found it necessary to collect these items.

    Additionally, herbs were necessary for alchemy practice, while rare fruits provided good nutrition for his body.

    Because Rain had made a map while exploring the ind, he was able to find his way quickly without getting disturbed by any monsters.

    �T�������T�������T

 Chapter 52 New Trouble

    ?

    After walking for a while, Rain finally reached the river''s edge.

    His body was slightly drenched in sweat, and he was eager to cool off in the refreshing water.

    As he approached the cliff overlooking the river, he noticed a few people swimming downstream.

    Rain quickly scanned the area to ensure that he was alone before proceeding to undress.

    He then retrieved his swimsuit and underwater goggles from his backpack and carefully put them on.

    Once he was fully prepared, he took a deep breath and leaped off the cliff, plunging into the cool water below.

    ''It''s so thrilling.'' Rain thought inwardly.

    As he descended into the water, Rain felt a familiar rush of excitement and adrenaline that he always experienced when he jumped into the river.

    Rain began to explore the underwater world thaty before him.

    As he swam through the vibrant and diverse aquatdscape, Rain marveled at the various sea creatures that swam alongside him.

    Schools of colorful fish darted around him, and exotic coral formations lined the riverbed.

    Every time he explored underwater, he discovered new and exciting features of the submerged world.

    As Rain swam in the river, he was surrounded by a myriad of creatures that he had never seen before.

    Schools of colorful fish swam past him, their scales shimmering in the sunlight.

    However, he decided not to provoke them as he would be in trouble if they had any powerful backers.

    He saw crabs scuttling along the riverbed and spotted several small turtles perched on rocks, basking in the warm sun.

    Deeper down, he spotted a group of eels peeking out of a crevice in the rocks, their heads swaying in the current.

    He also saw starfish clinging to the sides ofrge boulders and watched as a group of sea urchins gently swayed in the water.

    It was a magical and mesmerizing world that Rain had never experienced before.

    The water grew murky as Rain swam further downstream.

    He hesitated, then pushed himself to explore deeper. "Come on, Rain, you can do this," he muttered to himself.

    Suddenly, arge shadow appeared beneath him.

    He looked down to see a giant catfish swimming past him. "Whoa, that''s a big one," he said in awe, marveling at the sheer size and power of the creature.

    As he continued to explore the underwater world, Rain encountered other fascinating fish such as carp, pike, and trout.

    "Wow, their colors are so vibrant," he said to himself, admiring their beauty and grace.

    He saw several crayfish scurrying along the riverbed and was surprised to see arge freshwater m nestled in the sand.

    "I never knew there were ms in this river," he thought to himself, feeling a sense of wonder at the diversity of life in the water.

    At one point, he came across a small waterfall that led into a pool of crystal-clear water. "This is incredible," he said out loud, unable to contain his excitement.

    He dove down and saw several baby turtles swimming in the shallow water. "Look at them go," he said with a smile, watching them curiously as they paddled around him.

    Rain felt like he was in apletely different world as he swam in the river.

    "I can''t believe I''ve been missing out on this my whole life," he thought, feeling grateful for the opportunity to explore this new environment.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Filled with excitement, he set out to find anything useful that he could bring back to the surface. "I wonder what other treasures are hidden down here," he said to himself.

    �T�������T�������T

    Rain had been exploring the river for some time when he came across some aquatic nts that had transformed into herbs due to the world''s changes.

    As he examined the nts more closely, he noticed that they had medicinal properties and could be valuable for him in the future.

    He carefully collected the herbs and stored them in his space ring.

    As he continued to explore the river, he caught sight of something glittering in the distance.

    Curiosity piqued, Rain swam towards the object, eager to see what it was.

    As he drew closer, he was surprised to find a gleaming pearl the size of a fist.

    The pearl was so beautiful that it seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.

    Rain''s heart raced as he caught sight of the unexpected object.

    "Eh? No! That can''t be here�� Why is this thing here?" he thought, unable to believe what he was seeing.

    Countless questions raced through his mind. What was that thing doing there? How did it get there?

    "This is surely troublesome." He frowned as he looked at pearl from close distance.

    There was something strange and otherworldly about it.

    He could feel an energy emanating from it that made him feel uneasy. "This is not just any pearl," he thought to himself.

    "This thing is dangerous." He clicked his tongue.

    Feeling a sense of danger, Rain knew he had to get out of there as quickly as possible. "I need to get out of here. It''s not safe," he thought urgently.

    Without bothering to change out of his swimsuit, he raced towards home, dodging and destroying anything that came in his way.

    He clutched the sword tightly in his hand, shing everything in his way.

    "Is enjoying life peacefully that hard?" He sighed as he ran.

    �T�������T�������T

    [After a few moments]

    Rain rushed into his house, panting heavily, and mmed the door shut behind him.

    His heart was racing, and he felt as though he had just run a marathon.

    Still, he didn''t stop and went to his room.

    His eyes darted around the room, checking that everything was as he had left it.

    The familiar surroundings brought some calmness to him.

    He staggered over to his bed, copsing onto it, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.

    "Whoa, that was too close," he muttered to himself. "I can''t believe I almost got caught into this trouble. This Mermaid''s Pearl is nothing but trouble."

 Chapter 53 Mermaids Pearl

    ?

    Mermaid''s Pearl.

    It was a small, shiny, iridescent object that served as an identification card for mermaids.

    It was also a way for them to keep their society hidden from other races.

    As he sat on his bed, he pondered the other races that inhabited the world.

    There were the Dwarfs, who lived in the mountains and were skilled at mining and crafting.

    The Elves, who lived in the forests and were known for their archery skills and magic.

    The Giants, who lived in isted areas and were feared for their immense strength.

    The Orcs, who lived in ns and were renowned for their prowess in battle.

    And the Avians, who resided in the sky and could fly with their wings.

    Rain''s thoughts drifted to the sea creatures that inhabited the vast oceans.

    There were the Mermaids, who used the pearls to identify themselves and prevent other races from infiltrating their society.

    The N��gas, who were serpent-like creatures with the ability to shapeshift.

    And the Lamias, who were half-woman and half-snake.

    �T�������T�������T

    Long ago, in the world where mermaids lived before they came to Earth, they were frequently abducted by other races.

    Their beauty, enchanting voices, and unique bodies made them valuable materials for tailoring and alchemy.

    Even their tears were highly covetedmodities.

    To put an end to this, the mermaids devised the Mermaid''s Pearl system.

    The pearl serves as a key to their underwater city, located in the deepest parts of the sea. Without it, no outsider can enter.

    The Mermaid''s Pearl is not just a safeguard against outsiders; it is a symbol of the mermaid culture and traditions.

    It identifies them as mermaids and represents their way of life. It is said that the pearl has magical properties that help to protect their society from external threats.

    The mermaid society is unique and cherished by its people.

    They go to great lengths to preserve their privacy and security, as they have a deep understanding of the dangers that exist in the outside world.

    �T�������T�������T

    "I need to find out - from where that pearl came from and why that thing is here."

    Rain furrowed his brows, a mix of curiosity and concern evident on his face. His eyes darted back and forth, as if searching for clues in the surrounding environment.

    "It could be fake," he muttered to himself, hoping for the best. "That would be the best scenario."

    His voice held a hint of wistfulness, as if he were daydreaming of fantastical scenarios.

    But deep down, he knew that was unlikely. The pearl was too precious, too valuable to be a fake.

    "Maybe some mermaid lost it," he thought, trying to stay optimistic. "That''s not too bad, right?"

    But even as he spoke the words, he knew it was wishful thinking.

    The mermaids were fiercely protective of their pearls, and losing one would be a grave mistake.

    "And then there''s the worst scenario," he whispered, barely able to bring himself to say the words. "Somebody died. And the pearl remained there��"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The thought made his blood run cold. If someone had died, it meant there was danger, and Rain had unwittingly stumbled upon it.

    He knew he had to act quickly, but he wasn''t sure what to do.

    He needed more information, more clues to figure out what was really going on.

    Mermaids are often depicted as beautiful and alluring, with a fish-like tail and the ability to breathe underwater.

    They are usually portrayed as yful and curious, but also fiercely protective of their underwater homes and their fellow kind.

    Rain paced back and forth in his room, thinking about the pearl and what it could mean. "If those fishes track that thing. They will just explode the whole ind," he muttered to himself, the thought alone enough to make him feel worried.

    He frowned, "How unlucky can I get? I just wanted a quiet vacation."

    Suddenly, he had an idea. He turned to the system and asked, "Hey, system. How many points will you take for telling me which possibility it is?"

    The system replied without hesitation.

    ?[200 pts.]

    Rain cursed under his breath. "You ck merchant."

    He didn''t have that many points, but he was desperate for answers. "Then let''s exchange with materials I hunted. How much will it cost?"

    ?[Everything.]

    Rain was taken aback. He knew the system was purposely trying to drain his points. "Calm down," he told himself. "I can hunt for more materials. Gold coins are for emergencies."

    After a moment of contemtion, Rain gritted his teeth and said, "Okay. Take it."

    ?[Thank you, Host, for purchasing. Please use our services again. The answer is....]

    The system trailed off, seemingly enjoying the tension.

    "Hey, you fraud!" Rain shouted. "You''re just like people who take a loan from a bank and then leave the country. You cheated my money... I will-"

    But before he could finish his sentence, the system cut in,

    ?[No.3, correct answer is number 3.]

    Rain''s mouth hung open in surprise. "Wait. It answered. But why so slow? Were you making fun of me?" he demanded.

    "So annoying," he muttered, clicking his tongue.

    As he calmed down, Rain started to think about the system''s answer.

    "So some idiot killed the mermaid, and there''s a chance those fish wille to this ind at any time."

    He began brainstorming solutions to the problem, determined to protect himself.

    He knew that time was of the essence and he needed to think fast.

    Rain furrowed his brows as he pondered over the situation.

    He knew that time was running out and he needed to act fast. "I have toe up with a n quickly before the situation esctes any further," he concluded, feeling a sense of urgency.

    ***

    Rain pondered for a few time, finding for any solution. But all of them felt useless.

    After some time, Rain''s face brightened as he got some idea.

    As he considered his options, Rain''s expression turned serious. "So now I have four choices about this situation," he thought to himself, weighing the pros and cons of each.

 Chapter 54 Lets Do Something

    ?

    Rain had four options.

    "First, let''s wait for those fishes," he said, but then quickly shook his head. "But I don''t think it''s a good idea."

    Rain''s eyes widened as he imagined the mermaids doubting his story, making him the prime suspect in their eyes.

    "There''s a high probability that the mermaids would doubt my story," he said, his voice filled with concern.

    Rain''s heart raced as he thought about the potential consequences. "They might even attack me, resulting in fatal consequences," he added.

    The thought of telling the mermaids the truth also crossed Rain''s mind, but he found it to be absurd.

    After years of being hunted and tormented by other races, the mermaids had lost their trust in outsiders.

    They were skeptical and untrusting of anyone who was not one of their own.

    Rain knew that he was just a weak and defenseless being in front of them, and they could easily overpower and do whatever they wanted with him.

    "Second, let''s throw that troublesome thing somewhere far away. But where? And what if the fishes still track it down? It''s too risky," Rain muttered to himself, his eyebrows furrowed in deep thought.

    He considered the idea of throwing the mermaid''s pearl away, but he quickly dismissed it as foolish.

    "No, that won''t work. The mermaids are too smart to fall for that. They''ll know that it''s not lost or misced. They''ll find it, and then they''lle after me."

    Rain''s mind raced with different scenarios, each one ending in disaster. "I can''t risk my life by touching that pearl. It has some kind of power, and I don''t know what it could do to me."

    Rain could almost feel a shiver running down his spine as he imagined trying to touch the pearl and being pushed back by an invisible force.

    He sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on him. "I need to think of something else, something that won''t put me in danger."

    Like that, Rain dismissed the second choice and started pondering about the third option.

    "Third, let''s run away from this ind," Rain muttered to himself, considering his options.

    But just after a moment of thinking, he began to doubt this idea. "But where should I go from here? There is nond anywhere near this ind! Even if I seed in running away, how can I escape the mermaids'' detection?"

    He knew that the mermaids were incredibly skilled in the water and could easily track him down if he tried to swim away from the ind.

    And if he tried to build a raft or some other makeshift vessel, it would likely be too slow and too visible for him to make a sessful escape.

    Rain''s mind raced with thoughts and worries as he weighed the pros and cons of this idea.

    As much as he wanted to flee from this dangerous situation, he knew that running away was not a viable option.

    So, he quickly dismissed the idea of running away and continued to consider other possibilities.

    Rain was left with only one choice, the fourth and final one.

    He felt his heart pounding in his chest as he opened the system store and began to search for something that could help him.

    "Come on, there has to be something in here that can get me out of this mess," he muttered to himself, scrolling through the options.

    He quickly navigated to the "Valuables" section and typed in the keyword "Teleportation," hoping that something useful would appear.

    Rain''s eyes widened as the search results flooded his screen, giving him hope that he might find a way to escape the ind.

    With his heart racing, Rain began to skim through the list of items.

    He knew that he had to find something that was suitable for him and could teleport him far away from the mermaids.

    After a few moments of searching, he finally found something that caught his attention.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    ?[One-time Use Teleportation Door

    - Type: Artifact

    - Usage: Instant travel to any desired location

    - Range: Limited to user''s knowledge of the location

    - Activation: Think of the desired location

    - Limitations: One-time use only, bes useless after activation

    - Mechanism: Creates a portal that connects user''s current location to desired destination

    - Complexity: Simple, no setup or calibration required.

    - Note: the artifact''s range is limited to the user''s knowledge of the location they wish to travel to. If the user is unfamiliar with the area, they may not be able to visualize it urately enough to use the artifact.]

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Rain felt nostalgic after reading about the one-time use teleportation door.

    He remembered watching an anime in his childhood where the characters used a simr artifact to travel to different ces.

    However, when he saw the price of this thing, all of this nostalgia disappeared.

    ?[Price: 2000 points.]

    His heart sank as he read the price tag of 2000 points.

    Rain rubbed his eyes and blinked several times, hoping that it was just a trick of his mind, but the price remained the same.

    His eyes widened with shock. "2000 points? How am I supposed to gather that much?" Rain bit his lower lip, feeling the weight of despair setting in. Despite the odds, he refused to give up.

    "Hey, system, is there any way for me to gather that much money?" Rain asked, his voice quivering with hope.

    As the system remained silent, Rain''s curiosity grew. "There must be some way," he thought.

    Finally, the system responded.

    ?[There is one way.]

    The words were like a light in the darkness for Rain, giving him a glimmer of hope. "Which one?" he asked eagerly.

    ?[Give me your everything.]

    The system responded, causing Rain''s heart to skip a beat.

    "Everything? Even my clothes?" Rain asked incredulously.

    ?[Yes, even your clothes.]

    Rain''s face fell as he realized the gravity of the situation. He hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "Let me give you one thing."

    With a sly smile on his face, Rain raised both of his middle fingers in the air and dered, "Fuck off!"

    His expression was one of defiance and frustration, as he refused to give up his dignity and self-respect for the sake of a teleportation device.

 Chapter 55 Mermaids Story

    ?

    Rain sat on thefortable cushioned chair on his terrace, gazing out at the vast expanse of the sea before him.

    The salty breeze ruffled his hair and clothes, carrying with it the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

    The sun was slowly setting, casting a warm orange glow across the sky and reflecting off the water, painting the sea in a palette of soft pastel colors.

    As he watched the waves rise and fall, Rain felt his mind start to ease.

    The worries and stresses of the day began to fade away, reced by a sense of tranquility and calm.

    He began to hum a soothing tune under his breath, letting the melody flow through him like the sea breeze.

    "??Lost and unsure,

    I''m caught in this whirlwind.

    Can''t see the way ahead,

    Feels like I''m at my wits'' end.??

    ??Everything I had,

    It slipped away too soon.

    Now I''m here all alone,

    In this endless afternoon.??

    ??Can''t escape the pain,

    It''s like a vice grip tight.

    Can''t run from my past,

    And the demons I must fight.??

    ??But I''ll keep moving on,

    Step by step, day by day.

    I''ll find my way back up,

    And the light will guide my way.??"

    The sound of the waves was hypnotic, a rhythmic luby that soothed his soul.

    Rain closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin and the coolness of the breeze on his face.

    He breathed in the salty air deeply, feeling his lungs fill with the freshness of the sea.

    ?[Good Song. Host. Giving you writing (L) skill was good decision.]

    "..." Rain stayed silent and stared in the sky.

    Now, he didn''t even have the energy to get angry at the system.

    He had developed some resistance towards the system''s remarks, repeating a calming mantra to himself. "Calm Rain, calm. You can do it," he encouraged himself.

    But the system wouldn''t stay silent.

    ?[No, you can''t do anything.]

    It retorted, shattering the resistance Rain had built in just half a day.

    Frustrated, Rain decided to take a gamble.

    "Hey, system, how many points for the information on that stone?" he asked in an exhausted tone.

    ?[1000 points.]

    "So expensive. With this many points, I could even buy some good skills," Rain clicked his tongue.

    But he was still determined to make ast gamble. "Okay, there might be a chance. Give it to me," he said in a small voice with every ounce of mental strength he had left.

    ?[Thanks, host, for purchasing from our services. Please visit us again.]

    The system said in a mocking tone.

    Rain felt like the system was poking fun at him, but he had experienced this many times before.

    He didn''t fall for the system''s teasing.

    He eagerly waited for what the system would say next, his mind racing with possibilities.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    When the world changed, it was a time of great upheaval and transformation.

    New races emerged from the gates.

    One of the most significant neers was the mermaids.

    These beautiful and mysterious creatures had long lived in the depths of the ocean, but they were now seeking new opportunities and experiences onnd.

    As they negotiated with mankind for permission to live on earth, they encountered many obstacles and challenges.

    Some humans feared and mistrusted them, while others were fascinated by their unique qualities and abilities.

    Eventually, the mermaids were able to establish a presence onnd and began to explore different regions in search of a suitable ce to settle.

    Among the mermaid scouts was a young woman named Luna.

    She was adventurous and curious, with a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.

    As she traveled through variousndscapes and encountered different cultures, she kept a careful record of her observations and impressions.

    One day, Serene came across a small ind that immediately captured her heart.

    It was a ce of breathtaking beauty, with crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and a sense of peacefulness that she had never experienced before.

    She spent several days exploring the ind, taking note of its unique features and contemting the possibility of making it her home.

    However, when she returned to her mermaidmunity and proposed the idea of settling on the ind, she faced opposition from some of her fellow mermaids.

    They argued that the ind was too small and isted, and that it would be difficult to sustain a viablemunity there.

    Despite her protests and arguments, her proposal was ultimately rejected.

    Although she was disappointed by this oue, she remained deeply attached to the ind and made a special request before she died.

    She asked that her body be buried on the ind, and that a pearl be ced on her grave as a symbol of her love and respect for the ce.

    Over time, however, the mermaids who followed in her footsteps forgot about the ind and her legacy.

    The ce fell into neglect and obscurity, and her grave became overgrown and forgotten.

    Even on her grave, her name was covered with weed. And because of that, it was difficult to read.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Rain leaned back in his chair, listening intently as the voice spoke. The story the system was telling him sounded like it was taken straight out of a children''s cartoon.

    "Interesting," Rain said, his curiosity piqued. "What''s her full name?"

    ?[Luna Amber.]

    Rain let out a chuckle. "The story was quite long. Now I know why you said it was the third choice. But why didn''t you tell me earlier?"

    ?[You didn''t ask, Host.]

    Rain raised an eyebrow. "Touch��. I guess you just wanted points, huh? Typical capitalist," he joked.

    As he sat there, Rain felt a strange sense of familiarity wash over him when he heard the name Luna Amber. He closed his eyes and tried to recall the memory.

    "Amber is a good surname. It means river," he muttered to himself. "But wait, Luna Amber... Something''s familiar here..."

    Suddenly, it hit him like a bolt of lightning.

    "What the hell..." Rain''s eyes widened in surprise. "That alchemist heroine, Eva Amber, also has the same surname." He remembered.

    "So they might be rted, and that''s why she had the Amber surname?"

    As the pieces fell into ce, realization dawned on Rain, and he let out a gasp. "So she''s a descendant of those fishes? That''s why she was so annoying to deal with in the game. She also has goodpatibility with water magic. It all makes sense now. It''s like someone filled in a nk line."

    "The world really is filling in the plot holes," he mumbled to himself as he looked up at the sky, trying to peer through it and see the essence of the world.

    Rain sat there for a few more moments, lost in thought.

    The story had given him a lot to consider, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to it than he had initially realized.

    Eventually, he stood from the chair and made his way back to his room.

    As he copsed onto his soft,fy bed, Rain''s mind continued to race.

    He thought about Luna Amber and her connection to Eva, wondering what other secrets and surprises the world had in store for him.

 Chapter 56 Climbing [Extra ]

    ?

    Rain woke up feeling rejuvenated in the evening, after a much-needed nap that helped him shake off his tiredness.

    The room was filled with the warm glow of the sun, and he felt refreshed and ready to take on the rest of his day.

    He sat up slowly, stretching his arms and legs, feeling the pleasant sensation of his muscles loosening up after a restful sleep.

    As he swung his feet over the side of the bed, he noticed his slippers waiting for him on the floor, as if they had been anticipating his awakening.

    He slipped his feet into them and stood up, feeling the plush carpeting cushioning his steps.

    "Scamming System." He cursed the system silently, but quickly got ahold of himself.

    He knew that cursing the system wouldn''t get him anywhere, and it would only bring trouble.

    This incident was a wake-up call for Rain that he was in a fantasy world and needed to be stronger.

    Otherwise, someone would soon crush him under their palms.

    He had already spent so much money in a single day - all the materials he had hunted, the herbs, and other things he collected, as well as 10,000 gold coins.

    He had also spent 2,700 gold coins in the past to buy three skills.

    "If things kept going like this, I will soon run out of money and resources." He thought inwardly.

    He took out the map he was making while exploring the ind.

    Currently he was in the southern area of the ind.

    When Rain came on the ind for the first time, he started making the map.

    From thepass he found he was in the southern area of the ind.

    In the southern area lies a long, sandy beach, where sea turtlese toy their eggs during the nesting season.

    However they weren''t ordinary turtles. As you can expect they are monsters. However they were docile ones.

    After changing into his casual attire and making the necessary preparations, Rain set out to continue exploring the ind.

    At the moment, he was going towards North. There was mountain range in the north part of the ind.

    "Let''s try out this Parkour skill. Maybe I can find something useful up there," he thought to himself with excitement.

    "Maybe that forger heroine''s ancestors lived here in the forest? And I will see their remains. Just kidding," Rain joked to himself.

    As Rain embarked on his exploration of the ind, he took the opportunity to gather herbs while also hunting monsters.

    �T�������T

    He made steady progress until he found himself at the base of a towering mountain.

    Gazing up at the height of the peak, Rain was struck by its sheer magnitude.

    The mountain stood tall and imposing, dominating thendscape with its rugged and jagged peaks that pierced the sky.

    Its sides were covered in thick forests of evergreen trees that clung to the steep incline, creating a lush and verdant backdrop against the rocky terrain.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The lower slopes of the mountain were dotted with boulders and scree, while the higher elevations were nketed in snow and ice, giving the mountain an otherworldly beauty.

    "Wow, this mountain is incredibly tall!" he remarked, impressed by the daunting sight before him.

    Without hesitation, he began to scale the mountain, carefully navigating each treacherous step as he ascended higher and higher.

    "This is going to be tough. But I have to keep going. Who knows what kind of treasure awaits me at the top?" he muttered to himself, determined to reach the summit.

    Despite the difficulty of the climb, Rain remained focused and determined, eager to see what secrets awaited him at the top of the mountain.

    ''''Oh, looks like I am an adventurer. It reminds me of a certain show where a man starts his survival in the forest.

    He sleeps in the forest after building his tent. He eats insects and sometimes hunts." Rain felt nostalgia as he remembered his previous life.

    "Wow, my hidden adventurer is rising." Rain eximed in joy.

    As he ascended the mountain, he made some interesting discoveries along the way.

    He spotted an unusual herb that he recognized from his alchemy studies and quickly collected it.

    "This herb can be used for healing potions. I could sell it or keep it for future use," he thought to himself.

    He also stumbled upon a herb named "Dragon Leaf". After a brief moment, he quickly picked up that herb too.

    Suddenly, as he reached a steep cliff, he was amazed to see some enormous nests perched on the edge.

    "Those nests are huge. They must belong to some kind of powerful bird monster, possibly a D or C rank," Rain muttered to himself in wonder.

    He contemted the idea of trying to take down the monster but quickly dismissed the thought.

    "I''m not ready for a fight with a flying monster. I need to be more prepared and better equipped," he reasoned with himself.

    Eventually, Rain made his way down from the mountain, feeling a bit disheartened that he couldn''t reach the summit.

    Despite this, he remained determined to continue his exploration and discover new things on the ind.

    "Looks like there might be some powerful monsters on this ind. There might even be A-ss monsters," Rain assumed.

    He recognized that he was only exploring the outer perimeter of the ind and understood that there was much more to uncover.

    "I still can''t go to the cener part of the ind."

    With this realization, he made a conscious decision to proceed with his exploration slowly and carefully, instead of rushing and risking his safety.

    �T�������T

    After a fruitful day of gathering herbs and spotting bird nests, Rain returned to his home.

    As he felt sweaty and tired from his adventure, he took a refreshing shower to wash off the dirt and cool down.

    He then felt hungry and decided to cook himself a meal, utilizing some of the ingredients he had gathered earlier in the day.

    He was going to make some good meal using his cooking skill.

 Chapter 57 Cooking [Extra ]

    ?

    [This is just edited version of past chapter]

    Rain entered his well-decorated kitchen, filled with various appliances. He looked around at his many kitchen tools, feeling like a scientist in aboratory.

    "Let''s make some delicious Chinese food today," he thought, rubbing his hands together in excitement. "But what should I choose: noodles or rice?"

    He stood there for a moment, pondering his options. "Rice? No, too boring. Noodles? Hmm, which ones? So many options," he thought, scratching his head.

    Suddenly, his taste buds spoke up, demanding Ramen. "Ah, yes, Ramen it is," Rain thought, nodding his head in agreement.

    He grabbed a knife and started chopping a variety of colorful vegetables and fresh herbs for added nutrition and vor.

    As he chopped, he couldn''t help but feel like a samurai warrior, slicing through his enemies.

    Once the noodles were boiling, Rain heated a pan and added a generous amount of butter.

    As the butter melted, he added freshly minced garlic paste, savoring the aroma. "Mmm, smells like heaven," he thought, closing his eyes for a moment.

    He then added brown sugar and chili kes, followed by vinegar and lemon juice, and sprinkled some salt to taste.

    "I''m a master chef," Rain thought, feeling proud of himself.

    In another pan, he stir-fried the veggies and herbs until crisp and tender.

    "This is the fun part," Rain thought, tossing the vegetables in the air like a pro.

    He then added them to the pan with the noodles and sauce, allowing them all to cook together for a few minutes.

    "I can feel the vors melding together like a beautiful symphony," Rain thought, imagining himself as a conductor.

    Finally, Rain transferred the Ramen to a serving bowl, cracked an egg, and added it to the center for added vor and texture.

    "Vo! My masterpiece isplete," Rain thought, admiring his handiwork.

    And just like that, Rain''s delicious homemade Ramen was ready to be enjoyed.

    Rain approached the dining table with the bowl of steaming Ramen, his mouth already watering at the sight of it.

    He pulled out a chair and sat down, taking a deep breath to savor the aroma of the homemade dish.

    As he picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of the Ramen, a wave of vors exploded in his mouth.

    "Oh my goodness," he thought to himself, "This is better than takeout! No more overpriced, soggy noodles for me."

    He chuckled to himself, thinking about all the money he would save by cooking his own food.

    In his previous life, he had to each ramen for lunch sometimes. Moreover, if luck was bad then he had to order takeout.

    They were truly bad days for Rain.

    At the current time, Rain savored each bite of the Ramen, letting the vors wash over him in a delightful wave.

    The buttery garlic and sweet brown sugar created a rich and savory base that made his taste buds dance with pleasure.

    The chili kes and vinegar added a subtle tangy spice that tickled the back of his throat, and the lemon juice provided a refreshing note that bnced out the other vors perfectly.

    With each bite, Rain couldn''t help but let out a contented sigh.

    "I could eat this every day," he thought to himself, imagining a future where he was never without his homemade Ramen.

    But he felt he should eat different dishes every day and try new things.

    He grinned to himself, feeling like a true culinary master.

    As he finished thest bite of his meal, Rain felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him.

    "Who needs takeout when you can make something this delicious?" he thought, feeling proud of his cooking skills.

    �T�������T

    As Rain savored the vors of his homemade ramen, his mind wandered to the start of the academy, which he had missed earlier that day.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    In this story, the majority of the main characters will be in the prestigious S-ss.

    However, not all of the characters will start out in this ss; some will need to work hard and prove themselves before they can transfer to S-sster on.

    One of the teachers for this ss may be a man named Kevin Brownie.

    Although he''s technically a supporting character, he also serves as their practicebat teacher.

    Despite his somewhat cold and silent demeanor, Kevin was well-known among the female yers for his kind and handsome appearance, and he even had his own fan club.

    "Now I remember, there were also some fan clubs about me."

    He chuckled to himself, realizing he had a fan club of his own and was considered the second most popr character after the male lead.

    But little did he know, he had a few other kinds of fan clubs as well.

    He recalled that during the first ss, each student would introduce themselves and spar among themselves, but he wondered if anything noteworthy had urred on the day of his absence.

    As he ate, he pondered the potential impact of his absence on the day''s events. "First Emma," he thought, "let''s not say anything about her. She probably wouldn''t care about anything."

    ''''Second Kaya," he continued, "she might have thought about me, but she would still have doubts about things happening. Besides, she was getting criticism on social media, so my absence might have only contributed a few points."

    "And then there''s Arya. We''re just casual friends, so I don''t think my absence would have affected her. She might have been alone because of hermon background, but she''ll make friends soon enough."

    Rain even checked the rankings of the first-year students in the academy, only to find that his name wasn''t on the list.

    It was the same as it was in the storyline. It''s just that everyone got one rank higher.

    ***

    Rain finished his meal and opted to clean up the dishes himself instead of using magic.

    He didn''t want to bezy and dependent on magic, so he washed the dishes by himself every day.

    As he scrubbed the tes and utensils, he felt a sense of satisfaction inpleting a simple task with his own hands.

    Once the dishes were done, he retreated to his room and powered up hisptop.

    He scrolled through a variety of online lectures, ranging from history and math to science, geography, and mana control.

    The soft glow of the screen illuminated his face as he absorbed each lesson, eager to expand his knowledge.

    The mana control lectures, in particr, were incredibly helpful to Rain.

    With each passing day, he felt his mana capacity increase and his control over it grew stronger.

    He practiced the techniques he learned from the lectures, focusing on his breathing and mental focus.

    Next, Rain turned his attention to alchemy. He set up a small workstation on his desk and carefully mixed together various ingredients, following the instructions from his textbook.

    Although he was still a novice at alchemy, he recognized that it was an excellent exercise for improving his mana control.

    After hours of training, Rain was exhausted. He carefully stored all of his equipment and ingredients in a space ring, then copsed onto his bed.

    The soft sheets enveloped him as he sighed in relief, grateful that the hectic day hade to an end.

    As he closed his eyes, Rain couldn''t help but remember the duel he had with Ken in the game.

    "I wonder what will happen with the duel?" He wondered.

    Just as he was about to drift off to sleep, Rain remembered that he had missed his scheduled live stream that day.

    "Oh, looks like I forgot it because of the mermaid pearl issue."

    He checked his social media ounts and saw that many of his followers had been asking for it.

    "I didn''t think I would gain this many fans," he mumbled to himself.

    He resolved to schedule another live stream for the following day, then closed his eyes and let himself sumb to slumber.

 Chapter 58 Second Live Stream (1)

    ?

    [Third Day of New Semester - Dawn City]

    The third day at the academy was in session, and the students were actively participating in various activities.

    They attended their sses with enthusiasm and dedication.

    Meanwhile, at the ind, Rain, who wasn''t part of the academy, was sleeping peacefully in hisfortable bed as he had no particr schedule to adhere to.

    As the day progressed, the students continued with theirbat practice, learning various techniques and strategies to defend themselves in real-life situations.

    While they were busy practicing, Rain was relishing his homemade breakfast, which he prepared with great care and affection.

    Later in the day, the students attended their theory sses, where they gained knowledge about various subjects.

    At the same time, Rain was exploring the ind, which was full of breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife.

    After the lectures were over, the students went to different areas of the academy, depending on their interests.

    Some went to the library to study, some to the training ground to practice, and others to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat.

    On the other side of the ind, Rain was taking a refreshing shower after returning home, content with the peaceful and rxed day he had spent.

    The students were in their room, studying and reviewing their notes to ensure that they were well-prepared for uing exams or assignments.

    Meanwhile, Rain was enjoying his delicious, home-cooked dinner, savoring every bite of the vorful meal.

    However, after a while, several people received notifications on their mobile devices.

    It was unclear what the notifications were about, but they were significant enough to grab people''s attention.

    Some students quickly checked their phones, wondering what was going on, while others continued to study or rx.

    As it turned out, the notifications were about a popr online personality named NightSoul who was about to start a live-stream in ten minutes.

    Everybody put a hold on what they were doing and started joining the live stream.

    ***

    [After 10 minutes]

    As Rain''s figure appeared on the screen, the chat began to stir with excitement.

    A few seconds passed, and thements section was already filled with messages from fans, eagerly waiting for Rain to say something.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #fiercecat: Lier.

    #i.am.single: Lier.

    #i.like.seas: Upstairs, the correct spelling is "liar."

    #Sweetangel: Lying is not a good thing to do.

    #Fierce_lion: I smell something fishy. Oh, wait, it''s just your lies.

    #Wetgirl: You lied to me, and it hurts.

    #Moonie: Come on, guys, let''s not make lying a habit. Otherwise, you''ll end up in politics.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Rain''s eyes narrowed as he scanned the barrage ofments flooding the chat.

    The sheer number ofments using him of lying was rming.

    Rain''s eyebrows furrowed as he tried to make sense of the situation.

    Why were so many people using him of something he didn''t do?

    He tilted his head in confusion, looking straight into the camera.

    "Why are you calling me a liar?" Rain asked, his voice calm but firm.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The chat seemed to pause for a moment, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for his response.

    Then, as if on cue, the golden letters appeared on the screen, drawing everyone''s attention.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [Detective''s_child has donated 10 Gold coins.]

    [You said you would livestream every other night, so logically you should have done a livestream yesterday. However, you didn''t. Can you exin why "Mr.Liar"?]

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Reading the chat, Rain remembered that he had promised to livestream the previous day.

    However, he forgot because he had been troubled with the Mermaid pearl, and was exhausted after exploring.

    "Sorry for the missed stream," Rain said politely. "I had some urgent work to take care of. I''ll try to livestream on schedule from now on." Thanks to his charm, most of the audience forgave him.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #Wetgirl: Aww, it''s okay hubby. I know you''ve been busy. Just give me a virtual kissy and all is forgiven.

    #heaven_emperor: As the Heavenly Emperor, I must forgive you. But remember, there are consequences for breaking promises.

    #Ye_fan: I''m not one to bow to the heavens, but I''ll let it slide this time.

    #Sweetangel: Of course we forgive you, Rain! Everyone makes mistakes.

    #White_daisy: What kind of work were you doing that was so important, Rain?

    #catgirl: Yeah, spill the tea, Rain! We''re all curious.

    #Coffee_addict: I forgive you Rain, but only if you promise to share your coffee with me.

    #TheRealSlimShady: Will the real Rain please stand up? We need to know who''s been telling the truth!

    #SassyPants: Rain, you better watch out or I''ll start spreading rumors about you!

    #TheOne: Rain, you''re lucky I''m feeling merciful today. But next time, watch out for my wrath!

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Soon, many people in the chat were asking what kind of job Rain had been doing that made him miss the livestream.

    Rain knew he needed toe up with a good excuse, since he couldn''t tell the truth about his mermaid pearl encounter.

    "I was actually just practicing my guitar and working on my painting skills," Rain exined, pulling out a canvas he had painted when he first saw the waterfall.

    It wasn''t a masterpiece, but it showed a beautiful scene of the waterfall and the surroundingndscape.

    The chat responded positively, with many viewersplimenting Rain on his painting and asking him more about his interests in music and art.

    Rain smiled, happy to have found a way to connect with his audience beyond just exploring.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #Leo: You still have a long way to go, child. Keep going and improving your skills!

    #Wetgirl: I want it... I want it... I want the painting. It''s so pretty!

    #Fierce_lion: This is a good painting, Rain. You have talent.

    #user436: Trash painting.

    [User 436 has been kicked out of the livestream.]

    [User 436 has been banned from the livestream.]

    #painting_lover: I love the way you''ve used colors in this painting, Rain. Can you tell us more about your technique?

    #art_enthusiast: I think theposition is great, Rain. Did you have a specific idea in mind when you started painting?

    #catgirl: Wow, Rain. I didn''t know you had such hidden talents! Keep it up.

    #punny_person: Looks like you''re making a ssh in the art world, Rain. Keep it up!

    #Wetgirl: Come on, Rain. Just one little kissy and I''ll be happy. And I''ll even let you keep the painting!

    #Fierce_lion: Wetgirl, stop bothering him. Rain, just ignore her. She''s always like this.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

 Chapter 59 Second Live Stream (2)

    ?

    Rain''s fingers carefully wrapped around the edges of the canvas, making sure not to smudge the paint.

    He smiled at the painting for a moment, admiring the small details he had added, like the way the light from the waterfall danced on the rocks below.

    As he stored the painting in his space ring, Rain couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief wash over him.

    "Alright, let''s talk about something else," he said, turning back to the camera with a grin. "What do you all want to hear about?"

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #Sweetangel: Tell us about your favorite ce to visit.

    #Fierce_lion: What''s your favorite food?

    #catgirl: Do you like cats?

    #Wetgirl: Do you have a girlfriend?

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Rain chuckled at the various questions popping up on the screen.

    "Alright, let''s start with the first one. My favorite ce to visit is definitely the mountains. There''s something so peaceful about being surrounded by nature."

    As Rain was discussing the new topic, he noticed the golden letters popping up on the screen again, capturing everyone''s attention.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [Wetgirl has donated 100 gold coins.]

    [Take off your clothes.]

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #detective''s_child: This Wetgirl must be really rich.

    #i.am.single: But is the live streamer actually going to take off his clothes?

    #fiercecat: TAKE OFF!

    #moonie: Hey guys, don''t force him. It''s not appropriate.

    #Sweetangel: I don''t think that''s appropriate.

    #White_daisy: Wetgirl is living up to her name.

    #Fierce_lion: This is not that kind of live stream, people.

    #catgirl: Maybe Rain could do a cosy instead?

    #heaven_emperor: I will donate 1000 gold coins if Rain doesn''t take off his clothes.

    #leo: Come on, let''s keep it PG. We can''t have children watching this.

    #user691: I donated 5 gold coins, can I request Rain to do poll dance?

    - [User 691 has been kicked out of the livestream.]

    - [User 691 has been banned from the livestream.]

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Rain turned his attention to the chat and saw Wetgirl''s generous donation.

    "Wow, thank you so much for the super chat, Wetgirl," he said with a grateful smile. "I really appreciate your support."

    A few secondster, Rain read anotherment that caught his eye.

    "Take off your clothes," it read. He couldn''t help but chuckle at the boldness of some of his viewers. "Alright, alright," he said, ying along. "But only the upper half."

    He stood up from his chair, and with a mischievous grin, pulled off his white t-shirt.

    The camera caught a glimpse of his toned torso before he put his shirt back on. "There you go," he said, sitting back down. "Happy now?"

    As Rain took off his white t-shirt, the camera captured a brief glimpse of his toned body.

    Viewers couldn''t help but notice his chiseled six-pack abs and the defined muscles of his arms and chest.

    His skin, a healthy shade of fair, looked smooth and wless in the dim light of the room.

    Even though it was only a moment, it left asting impression on those who were watching the livestream.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #Wetgirl: Gulp... I want your babies. I want them so bad!

    #fiercecat: He''s got a killer bod, no doubt about it.

    #Sweetangel: It''s clear that he''s worked hard to achieve that physique.

    #fierce_lion: What a shameless guy! I, too, have a great body.

    #I.don''t.care: Don''t brag about your upstairs when, in reality, you probably just have a big beer belly.

    #life_is_best: Rain''s got it all �C good looks, a great face, and a body to die for.

    #MasterOfDisguise: If only I had abs like that, I could finally be a superhero.

    #LazyPanda: I don''t know about babies, but I''ll take some of those abs.

    #SillyGoose: His six-pack abs have more curves than my life.

    #SarcasticShark: Congrats, you have a nice body. That''s one more thing I can be jealous of.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    "Okay, I hope this doesn''t be a regr request." Rain''s voice held a note of embarrassment as he acknowledged the Super Chat from Wetgirl.

    Many viewers in the chatroom seemed to agree, some expressing their support for Rain''s decision, while others were disappointed that they wouldn''t be seeing more of his body.

    Nheless, a few resourceful viewers managed to take screenshots of Rain''s shirtless pose before he quickly put his shirt back on.

    "Now, let''s move on to other things. Feel free to ask me questions or give me some fun challenges," Rain said, trying to change the topic.

    After this, the live stream continued for some time.

    Untill the golden letters appeared on the screen again.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [Sweet angel has donated 50 gold coins.]

    [Where are you right now?]

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Rain''s viewers were always curious about where he was located, but no one knew for sure.

    Despite the efforts of even the Holmes Family, with their vast resources andwork, they couldn''t locate him.

    When the message from Sweet Angel appeared on the screen asking about his whereabouts, the chat room exploded with excitement.

    "Should I tell you?" Rain asked with a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

    He leaned in closer to the webcam, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yes or no?" he pondered, tapping his index finger on his chin.

    After a few moments of dramatic silence, Rain leaned back in his chair and let out a low chuckle.

    "I''ll give you a hint," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "The ce where I am is... well, let''s just say it''s a secret."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He smirked and raised an eyebrow, as if daring his audience to try and guess.

    "I can''t reveal all my secrets, can I?" Rain added, still grinning. "But don''t worry, I won''t tell anyone. Fufu."

    He leaned back even further in his chair and chuckled to himself, clearly pleased with his teasing answer.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #Fierce_lion: THIS BAD BOY.

    #Wetgirl: Rain looks so good when he smiles. And that expression on his face�� Bad Rain is also good. Ah�� Ah��

    #Fiercecat: I like bad boys, but let''s keep it PG, people.

    #Detective''s_child: ording to my observations, Rain is sitting in a room that might have a green screen, but after checking with the best illusionists, I confirmed that he''s in a real room. However, he''s hiding somewhere that even the Holmes Family can''t reach, which could be on another continent.

    #Fierce_panda: Rain is so elusive, even the Holmes Family can''t catch him! Maybe he''s secretly a ninja?

    #Silly_bear: I don''t know about ninja, but Rain definitely has some serious stealth skills!

    #Sassy_sloth: Rain''s hiding ce is probably guarded by dragons and unicorns, that''s why no one can find him.

    #Curious_kangaroo: Has anyone tried looking for Rain in Narnia or Hogwarts? Just a thought...

    #Witty_walrus: Rain''s location is a closely guarded secret, just like the recipe for KFC''s chicken!

    #Cheeky_chipmunk: Rain''s probably just hiding in in sight, disguised as a potted nt or something.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    "Oh, your analysis is quite good. And you are partially right, but not totally," Rain replied mischievously.

    "I am indeed somewhere where Holmes Family can''t reach, but not in another continent."

    As he spoke, Rain couldn''t help but think to himself, ''I''m in the middle of the sea.''

    He was on the unknown deserted ind.

    Again, Live stream continued. Rain talked with viewers until the golden letters appeared.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [i.like.seas has donated 20 gold coins.]

    [Why did you start live-streaming?]

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    This question piqued the interest of many viewers.

    They wondered why a training addict from the Holmes Family would start live-streaming.

    Rain rubbed his chin, pondering the question. "Hmm, why did I start live-streaming?" he muttered, lost in thought.

    As he reflected, he wondered if he had started live-streaming just because the system instructed him to do so in order to influence the plot, or if he had done it because he was feeling lonely.

    Had it been a genuine decision of his own?

    "Well, I guess I started live-streaming because I wanted to show the world that even a Holmes Family member like me could have a little fun," Rain finally answered with a smirk. "And I''ve got to say, it''s been quite entertaining so far."

    Rain continued, "Even though I have got freedom, living alone can be boring, you know."

    He paused for a moment, thinking about his reasons for starting the livestream.

    "Now, I have to live by myself, so I also need money. And as an heir candidate of the Holmes Family, I have expertise in many fields. So, I became a streamer."

    Many people now had an idea why he started streaming. "Now, support me wholeheartedly," Rain said with enthusiasm.

    He continued streaming for another 20-30 minutes, during which he yed some online RPG games.

    The audience was astonished by his gaming skills, as he won every game easily.

    "And now it''s time to close the stream. Let''s meet again at this time after tomorrow. Thanks for watching," Rain said, bidding goodbye and ending the live stream.

    ***

    "Phew.." Rain sat back in his chair and let out a deep sigh.

    His stream had gone well, but he couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that something was missing.

    Why was he really doing this? Was it just for the money, or was there something more?

    As he pondered these questions, Rain''s mind wandered to his past.

    He had been raised as a heir candidate of the prestigious Holmes Family, but had been alone most of the time.

    Now, he was living alone in the middle of the sea, enjoying his vacation.

    He couldn''t deny that he missed thepany of others. For example, Mark and his parents.

    The solitude was starting to get to him, and he often found himself lost in his own thoughts.

    But at the same time, he relished his newfound freedom.

    He was finally able to live life on his own terms, without the pressure of the Holmes Family weighing him down.

    Rain shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He knew he needed to focus on his training.

    "It''s not like this will continue like this. Someday I will have to leave this ind. I should get stronger till that day."

    With a deep breath, Rain stood up and stretched. He headed to his training room, eager to lose himself in his work.

    As he began his exercises, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. This was what he was good at, what he was meant to do.

    Hours passed as Rain trained, his mind focused solely on his mana control.

    When he was finally finished, he copsed onto the floor, exhausted but satisfied.

    For a brief moment, he allowed himself to bask in the sense of aplishment.

    But as hey there, catching his breath, his mind once again began to wander.

    Rain pushed the doubts aside, telling himself he was overthinking things.

    He hade this far, and he wasn''t about to give up now. With a determined grin, he picked himself up off the ground and headed back to his bed room.

    He dragged himself to his bedroom, feeling every muscle ache with each step he took.

    As he reached his bed, he fell onto it, relieved to finally rest.

    Rain closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. His mind wandered, thinking about the events of the day.

    He couldn''t help but feel a sense of loneliness as hey in his bed, realizing that he was nowpletely on his own.

    The Holmes Family, who had once held such power over his life, were now a distant memory.

    Rain''s thoughts drifted, and he began to imagine what his life would be like if he had never been born into the Holmes Family.

    Would he still be a viin, or would he have found a different path in life? The uncertainty of it all weighed heavy on his mind.

    Finally, after what felt like hours of tossing and turning, Rain fell into a deep sleep.

    As he drifted off, he hoped that tomorrow would bring some rity and purpose to his life.

    But for now, he let himself sink into the darkness, hoping for sweet dreams to carry him through the night.

 Chapter 60 Swordsmanship Breakthrough

    ?

    Next day, Rain woke up early to continue his daily practice with the sword.

    The sun was barely up, casting a soft orange glow on the horizon.

    With a deep breath, Rain grabbed his wooden sword and headed to the open field where he had been practicing for weeks.

    His dedication and consistency had paid off as he achieved a breakthrough in his Swordsmanship Mastery, reaching the Intermediate level.

    The hard work and endless hours of training were finally paying off.

    As a result of his progress, he was now able to learn the sword arts.

    The thought of learning new techniques made Rain''s heart race with excitement.

    Currently, Rain was practicing the Holmes Family''s swordsman art.

    The movements were fluid and graceful, a dance of steel that required both physical and mental discipline.

    Being a high-ss family, the Holmes Family possessed a wealth of knowledge on the subject, with manuals avable for each level of expertise.

    Rain had studied each manual meticulously,mitting every detail to memory.

    Before getting his previous life memories, Rain had already achieved Intermediate mastery in Swordsmanship.

    Therefore, he had ess to all the manuals and was practicing ording to their instructions.

    However, after getting his previous life''s memories and system, his mastery of Swordsmanship degraded.

    Rain struggled to reconcile his current knowledge with the new information he had received.

    The same thing happened with his Mana Control and Marksmanship. Because of that, Rain had to train from scratch.

    The frustration and disappointment of losing his skills were overwhelming at times, but Rain refused to give up.

    He was determined to reim his former mastery and surpass it.

    He stood on the grassy field, his eyes focused on the wooden sword in his hand.

    With a deep breath, he felt the cool air fill his lungs and began to move his body in fluid, practiced movements, following the instructions outlined in the Holmes Family''s sword manual.

    The first move was a basic cut, designed to test his form and bnce.

    He raised his sword, feeling the weight of it in his hand, and then brought it down in a smooth, controlled arc.

    The wooden sword sliced through the air with a satisfying swish, and Rain nodded in approval.

    He continued through the manual, practicing a variety of moves, from thrusts and parries to feints and flourishes.

    Each one required intense concentration and careful attention to detail, but Rain reveled in the challenge.

    As he practiced, he couldn''t help but think of his past life and the skills he had developed.

    Although he had once been a intermediate swordsman, he had to start from scratch in this new world.

    But with each passing moment, he could feel himself getting stronger, more skilled, and more confident in his abilities.

    By the time he finished practicing for the day, Rain was sweating and breathing heavily, his muscles aching with exertion.

    But he felt alive, invigorated by the rush of adrenaline and the thrill of the fight.

    He knew that he still had a long way to go before he could truly call himself a master swordsman, but he was willing to put in the work.

    For Rain, the path to greatness was a journey worth taking.

    At that moment, a message rang in his ears.

    ?[Congrattions Host. Sword of Recognition (Holmes Family''s sword art) acquired.]<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Seeing the message, Rain''s lips slightly raised up.

    As evening approached, Rain left the grassy field and made his way back to his house.

    Although he had made progress with his swordsmanship, he knew that he couldn''t let his guard down.

    It would be dangerous to stay there in night.

    After that, Rain headed to the beach to practice the Shadow Sword art.

    Rain stood on the sandy beach, the sound of the waves providing a soothing background to his training.

    He gripped his sword tightly, taking a deep breath to steady himself before beginning to practice the Shadow Sword art.

    He started with a basic move, slicing his sword through the air in a swift and precise motion.

    He repeated the move several times, each time focusing on his form and technique.

    Then he moved on to more advanced moves, incorporating twists and turns to keep his opponent guessing.

    As Rain continued to practice, he became more and more fluid in his movements.

    His sword seemed to dance through the air, leaving a trail of shadow in its wake.

    He waspletely immersed in his training, his mind focused solely on the art of the sword.

    The sun began to set on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the beach.

    Rain was exhausted but exhrated, his body and mind both pushed to their limits.

    As he continued to practice, he tried to incorporate the "Shadow Walk" footwork into his moves.

    This was a technique he had learned from a skill manual he obtained from a bandit hideout, allowing him to move swiftly and silently, undetected by his opponent.

    He disappeared into the shadows with a step, reappearing a few steps away. The sand shifted beneath his feet as he moved, and he continued to practice this technique until he became more confident in its use.

    As the sun had already set, Rain wanted to continue his training.

    He gripped his sword and used the "Shadow Walk" and "Shadow Sword Art" simultaneously, attacking a nearby boulder and scratching it heavily.

    In a blur of motion, he disappeared and reappeared somewhere else.

    ?[Congrattions, Host. Shadow Sword Art acquired.]

    ?[You are now capable of utilizing some of the true essences of the Shadow Sword Style. A grand feat for an intermediate swordsman.]

    ?[Reward: Original manual of Shadow Sword Style, 200 pts]

    Rain''s eyes widened in disbelief. Had he really acquired the Shadow Sword Style manual?

    Despite his excitement, he knew his current proficiency wasn''t high enough to learn the advanced techniques contained within.

    With a quick nce, he stored the manual in his space ring for safekeeping.

    As he began to make his way home, Rain couldn''t help but feel a sense of aplishment.

    The salty sea air filled his nostrils, and the sound of his footsteps echoed against the pavement.

    Despite his fatigue and hunger, he was content knowing he was getting stronger with each passing day.

    Perhaps it was the rush of adrenaline, or maybe it was the satisfaction of achieving a milestone, but as he walked into his home that night, Rain couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride in his progress.

 Chapter 61 Gossips

    ?

    As Rain''s powers grew stronger, his online presence became the talk of the Academy.

    ***

    [First Year Proteus ss, Nexus, Dawn City]

    A group of students huddled together, discussing Rain''stest live stream.

    "Hey, did you guys catch his NightSoul stream yesterday?" one curious make student asked, a hint of excitement in their voice.

    "Which one, Noah?" Noah''s friend replied, looking a bit confused.

    "Simon, you are so forgetful. The recent one where he said many things about himself," a chatty girl interjected, grinning widely.

    "Yeah, Daphne. it was impressive," an Noah nodded, eyes wide with amazement.

    Noah, a freshman in the A ss, had an above-average face with a unique look.

    He had a slim and fit build, with toned muscles that suggested he was active and athletic.

    However, he did not have the overly muscr look of a bodybuilder.

    One of his most notable features was his dark green hair, which contrasted against his light skin tone.

    His yellow eyes added to his distinct appearance, making him stand out from the crowd.

    "His body was like a work of art. Does anyone have a screenshot?" Daphne asked, her eyes scanning the group eagerly.

    "I was too busy watching to take one," the chatty girl admitted, shrugging her shoulders.

    "If you really want one, somebody''s selling them on the Academy forum," Noah informed them, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

    Hearing this, Daphne opened the academy forum and started searching for the relevant post.

    In a few moments, she found that post.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Title: Shirtless Photo of Rain/NightSoul.

    Post:

    Hello everyone,

    I''m selling shirtless photos of Rain/NightSoul for 1 silver coin per photo. I have different angles avable, so please let me know which ones you''d like to purchase.

    You can find the photos in the @Attachment folder_Rain''s_pics.

    I hope you enjoy the photos! Let me know if you have any questions.

    Best regards,

    Seller.

    ?Comments:

    - "Hey, this guy is sure quick! He took photos from different angles in just five seconds!"

    - "Yeah, and now he''s probably rolling in money."

    - "But 1 silver coin is kinda cheap, don''t you think?"

    - "Up there, you kind of live in a different world."

    - "Hey, but I also want a photo of Rain''s mischievous smile."

    - "Yes, me too!"

    - "Me too!"

    - "Oh, somebody made a fan club of NightSoul. Let''s join it!"

    - "I''m already a member there. There are so many photos of him, like from school, high school, yesterday''s stream, and many more."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    - "Looks like the president is a super fan of NightSoul."

    .

    .

    .

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Nexus, a renowned academic institution, provides various dormitories for its students to reside in since living on the premises of the academy is prohibited.

    These dormitories are assigned based on the academic performance of the students.

    The "ck Turtle" dorms are allocated to students in lower grades and feature basic living arrangements with minimal facilities.

    In contrast, the "White Tiger dorms" offer more luxurious living quarters for B-ss students, includingrger rooms and additional amenities.

    The "Red Phoenix" dormitory is reserved for A-ss students, offering one bedroom, a hall, and a kitchen that provide more privacy and independence.

    S-ss students reside in the Blue Dragon dormitory, which features an entire building dedicated to their living quarters, including two bedrooms, a hall, and a kitchen.

    The most luxurious living arrangements are reserved for the top 10 students of the year, who live in the Golden Dragon dormitory.

    This exclusive dormitory offers an entire floor with private facilities such as training spaces, pools, andrger rooms, creating a truly luxurious living experience for the students.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [Second Year "Golden Dragon" Dorms - 5th Floor, Nexus, Dawn City]

    Currently, a red-haired girl with two pigtails and a lollipop in her mouth was staring at the screen, her eyes gleaming mischievously as she thought about the photos she had taken.

    "Fufu. It was a good thing that I snapped his photos. It sure gave me some pocket change to buy candies." She giggled to herself, her cheeks dimpling.

    "Now that I think about it, his body sure looks good." Shemented as she looked at those photos.

    She is the future Merchant Queen, Lily Rochegne. Rank 5th among second year students.

    As she thought about the photos she had taken, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction at her quick thinking.

    Lily Rochegne, the future Merchant Queen, was a beautiful girl with a petite body structure.

    Her fiery red hair was styled in two yful pigtails that added to her youthful and carefree appearance.

    She had a small nose, full lips, and bright, sparkling eyes that were always curious and mischievous.

    Despite her small frame, Lily was stunningly beautiful, with a wlessplexion and delicate features.

    Her skin was smooth and pale, with a subtle hint of rosy blush on her cheeks.

    She had a lean and toned body, with a small waist and curves in all the right ces, giving her a feminine and alluring look.

    After some time, she found out that everyone stopped buying photos.

    "Eh? Why nobody is buying photos now?" Lily furrowed her brow in confusion, her eyes scanning the forum for any clue.

    Soon, she found out that someone had made a fan club of Rain.

    "Let''s see." Lily decided to see what kind of fan club it was. Soon she found out about that fan club''s website and joined it.

    "Oh, They sure have so many photos of him." Lily''s eyes widened as she saw many photos of Rain.

    Seeing this, she gave up selling photos and removed her post.

    "Okay, looks like I can only take this much. After all, many people were watching the stream. Many people would have his photos." She shrugged her shoulders and let out a sigh, her mischievous smile fading away.

    "Let''s follow this club and that guy. It would be fun." She perked up again, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she thought about the new possibilities.

    Lily didn''t know this decision was going to change her entire life.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

 Chapter 62 Encounters

    ?

    [First Year "Golden Dragon" Dorms - 1st Floor, Nexus, Dawn City]

    In a dimly lit room, a girl sat staring at herptop''s screen. There were hundreds of photos on disy, all of them featuring Rain.

    "Phew. Now I have created this fan club," she muttered to herself with a sense of satisfaction. "Rain would be never alone. Many people will know him."

    A smile slowly crept onto her face as she scrolled through the pictures.

    She stopped at a shirtless photo of Rain and began to observe it closely.

    "His body is so good," she said to herself, her eyes scanning every inch of his toned physique.

    "His face and skin are more beautiful than women''s. Just wait, Rain. Your friend will be strong."

    "Then I wille to meet you and I will protect you from bad girls. Fufu." She giggled.

    Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a notification from the fan club she had created. She eagerly opened it and read through thetest posts.

    "Wow, so many people are joining the club! Rain is going to be so popr," she eximed, her face lighting up with excitement.

    But then a thought urred to her. What if other girls tried to get close to Rain? What if they wanted him for themselves?

    "No, I can''t let that happen," she said, her expression turning serious. "I have to protect Rain at all costs. He''s mine."

    As she continued to scroll through the fan club''s posts, she noticed someone hadmented on hertest photo of Rain.

    It was a girl who had written, "Wow, he''s so hot! I wish I could meet him in person."

    The girl''s face twisted with jealousy and anger. "No one else can have Rain. He''s mine," she muttered under her breath.

    But then a small voice in her head whispered, "What if Rain doesn''t want you? What if he likes someone else?"

    The girl''s expression turned dark, and she clenched her fists. "No, I won''t let that happen. Rain is mine, and he always will be."

    With a determined look on her face, she closed herptop and started changing into the academy uniform.

    She kept dreaming of the day when she would finally meet Rain in person and make him hers forever.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [Unknown Deserted Ind]

    Rain was sleeping peacefully when a sudden chill ran through his body, waking him up.

    "What is this chill?" Rain thought to himself. "It looks like someone''s staring at me constantly. I have to be cautious."

    He sat up in bed, listening intently for any sounds. He couldn''t hear anything out of the ordinary, but the feeling of unease persisted.

    "Is someone here?" Rain whispered to himself, his heart racing. "Or is it just my imagination ying tricks on me?"

    He checked the room and windows but found nothing unusual.

    "Maybe I''m just being paranoid," he thought, trying to calm himself down. "But I can''t shake off this feeling that something''s not right."

    Rain decided to stay awake for a while, keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings. As the night wore on, the feeling gradually subsided, and Rain was finally able to fall back asleep.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    As the day drew to a close, it became apparent that almost every female student at the Academy had acquired a shirtless photo of Rain.

    Shockingly, nearly half of them were now part of his dedicated fan club, driven by a fervor for a glimpse of his chiseled physique.

    Even girls who had previously shown no interest in Rain had be caught up in the craze, all vying for a chance to see his body.

    The frenzy had reached such heights that it seemed as though everyone was talking about Rain''s shirtless image.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [Training Area, Nexus, Dawn City]

    Nexus is a leading academic institution that provides students with ess to a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities.

    Among these facilities is a dedicated training area, which is aprehensive and well-equipped facility designed to cater to a wide range of training needs.

    The spacious training ground provides an ideal space for practicingbat techniques, sparring with partners, and perfecting martial arts forms.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    It is equipped with various state-of-the-art equipment, including multiple punching bags, kicking pads, and agilitydders, to help students develop their fighting skills.

    As Ken Astaseul focused on his weightlifting routine in the Nexus training area, hw looked like his mind was upied with thoughts.

    Despite his lean appearance, his toned and defined forearms were a testament to his hard work.

    The onlookers kept ncing at him time to time.

    Suddenly, an athletic-looking man with vibrant orange hair approached him.

    Ken paused mid-lift, slightly taken aback by the unexpected interruption.

    The man''s face was a mix of confidence and excitement as he spoke.

    "Ken Astaseul, I request a spar with you. Will you ept?"

    Ken''s eyebrows furrowed, expressing his confusion. He had seen this man in the entrance ceremony.

    James Andre. Rank 7 among first years.

    However, he didn''t know him personally.

    "Yes?" he responded, setting down the weight on the floor.

    "Thanks for epting it. Let''s go," the man said, a grin spreading across his face as he grabbed Ken by the arm and pulled him into one of the private training rooms.

    Onlookers watched the scene with bewilderment, some of them raising their eyebrows or whispering to each other.

    As they entered the room, Ken took a moment to assess his surroundings.

    "Private training room, huh." He mumbled. He didn''t look much suprised by sudden turn of events.

    The room was rtively small, with a mat covering the floor and various training equipment lining the walls.

    In addition to the training ground, Nexus also provides private training rooms that students can use to practice alone or with a partner.

    These rooms are equipped with mirrors to help students improve their form and technique.

    The rooms are also soundproofed, providing a quiet and private space for students to train.

    Ken turned to face James, unsure of what to expect.

    His expression was a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty as he followed the orange-haired man.

    James was a tall and muscr man with bulging muscles that rippled beneath his tanned skin.

    His striking orange hair was styled in a messy, unkempt manner that added to his rugged appearance.

    He had a square jawline and a chiseled face with prominent cheekbones, giving him an above-average appearance.

    However, despite his rough exterior, his deep-set eyes held a gentle expression, and his voice was surprisingly soft when he spoke to Ken.

    "You know," James said, stretching his arms above his head with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes, "I was thrilled to fight stronger opponents when I came to the academy."

    A grin formed on his face as he continued, his body swaying from side to side in a loose warm-up motion, "Kaya Holmes, Emma Rose, Eve Amber... these people were at the top of my list of fighters I wanted to challenge."

    His expression turned pensive for a moment before he added, his body now bending down to touch his toes, "Oh, I guess there was one more name, Rain Holmes."

    A hint of disappointment crept into his voice as he straightened his posture and continued, his fists clenched and released intermittently,

    "I wanted to fight him too. ording to rumors, he was expected to be the chief this year. However, when I heard that he wasn''ting to the academy, I felt a pang of letdown."

    A small sigh escaped his lips as he rotated his shoulders, loosening the muscles, before he looked at Ken and said, his body bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet, "Fortunately, you appeared."

    Ken raised an eyebrow, mirroring James''s curiosity, his body mirroring the same bouncing movement, and replied, his hands flexing and curling into fists, "Yeah, I''ve heard that name countless times until now. I wonder how strong he is."

    After a few moments of stretching and warm-up exercises, the spar began.

    This chance encounter had the potential to lead to a new friendship or perhaps a future conflict. Only time will tell.

    [Read "I fall in love with the Goddess" chapter after this. You can find it at the end of the volume. Sorry for the inconveniences.]

 Chapter 63 I Fall In Love With The Goddess

    ?

    As the day of the live stream approached, there was a flurry of activity in Rain''s fan club.

    Members eagerly anticipated the event, sharing their excitement on social media and nning watch parties with fellow fans.

    Meanwhile, the students at the academy were fully immersed in their studies.

    They pored over textbooks andb equipment, honing their skills and striving to excel in their sses.

    When they weren''t studying, they enjoyed the various aspects of student life, such as hanging out with friends, attending club meetings, and participating in extracurricr activities.

    Rain, on the other hand, went about his usual routine, unaware of the unusual attention that was beginning to umte around him.

    As the scheduled time for the live stream drew near, the excitement and anticipation among Rain''s fans and viewers began to mount.

    Finally, at nightfall, the much-awaited live stream began.

    ***

    Rain''s face appeared on the screen, dressed in a bright red t-shirt and sporting a headset on his head.

    His fans let out a collective gasp of excitement as he beamed at the camera, his usual charm shining through.

    "Hello, viewers," Rain greeted them in a cheerful voice, his smile widening.

    "NightSoul is here, and I''m ready to rock your world." He adjusted his headset andunched into his performance, his fingers flying over the keyboard as his voice filled the room.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #fiercecat: Hello, Nightsoul.

    #Wet_one-chan: Hey, can you please meet me? We will make some babies together.

    #life_is_best: Upstairs, looks like your imagination is running wild. Please control yourself.

    #detective''s_child: I recognize this ID. Apparently, Wetgirl''s previous ID was reported several times, leading to its termination. This is her new ID.

    #friend_of_precip: So, this girl has returned?

    #humor_master: Looks like Wetgirl''s ID got terminated more times than aputer program stuck in an infinite loop!

    #jokester_007: Wetgirl''s new ID is like a phoenix rising from the ashes of her old ID!

    edian_life: Looks like Wetgirl''s ID was too hot to handle for the moderators!

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Rain adjusted his camera and microphone, preparing to start his stream.

    He greeted his audience with a smile and said, "Okay, let''s start the stream now. As a reminder, you can ask any questions or perform any task during this stream. I''m happy to engage with you all and make this a fun and interactive experience."

    He took a deep breath and continued, "However, I want to set some ground rules. Let''s avoid any excessive tasks likest time. I want to make sure everyone has a chance to participate, but we also want to keep it within reason."

    The chat started to fill up with messages and questions from his audience.

    Rain read them out loud and provided his answers, always keeping the conversation light and engaging.

    As he spoke, golden letters began to appear on the screen.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [Fierce cat has donated 5 gold coins.]

    [Your voice is so good. Please sing a romantic song.]

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    The chatroom exploded with the barrage of ''Yes'' chants.

    Rain was thrilled by the response and felt a surge of excitement.

    Apparently, after singing in his free time, his singing skill had upgraded to intermediate.

    "Okay, thank you for the super chat fierce cat," said Rain, expressing his gratitude as usual.

    "I had written a song for someone a long time ago, but that person was never able to hear it. I will sing it here," Rain said as he stood from his chair and brought out his guitar.

    After adjusting his position, he started singing.

    As he sang, the notes from his guitar and the emotions in his voice filled the room.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    "Spring had just begun,

    I sat by the Lake, enjoying the sun.

    Then I heard a voice, from behind,

    That shook my heart and opened my mind.

    At that moment,

    At that moment.

    I fell in love with the Goddess,

    But that love left me feeling helpless.

    I didn''t know what to do,

    I didn''t know what to do.

    I wanted to speak my heart out,

    But she walked away, leaving me with doubt.

    I longed to hold her hand,

    But her touch felt as cold as sand.

    Should I give it a try?

    Oh, should I give it a try?

    I fell in love with the Goddess,

    But that love brought me stress.

    I didn''t know what to do,

    I didn''t know what to do.

    I knew the road ahead would be tough,

    But I was determined to make her love.

    Now I know! Now I know!

    That the Goddess''s heart was as cold as snow.

    Autumn arrived, and I made up my mind,

    To go against the wind, and leave doubt behind.

    With a Red Rose in hand, I proposed,

    Hoping my love for her would be disclosed.

    Trust me my friend, Trust me my friend.

    I gave it my all, I gave it my all.

    But...In the end, all I did was fall, just fall.

    She was my everything,

    But I couldn''t do anything.

    I loved the Goddess, but she was out of reach,

    So we lived in a world that only we could breach.

    We lived in our own world,

    Our love, forever unfurled."

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    The audience was captivated by his performance, listening intently to the heartfelt lyrics of the song.

    When he finished, there was a moment of silence as everyone absorbed the beauty of the moment.

    Rain smiled, feeling a sense of aplishment and joy. "Thank you all for listening," he said, before he put away his guitar and satfortably on the chair.

    "So, what did you all think of the song?" Rain asked, looking out at the chatroom. "I wrote it thinking about someone special, so I don''t know if it''s any good."

    For a moment, the chatroom was silent as everyone processed the emotions they felt from the song. But then, after some time, the chatroom exploded with positivements.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #i.am.best: Encore!

    #fiercecat: Encore! I love this song! You should definitely write more.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    #life_is_best: Encore! You have such a beautiful voice, Rain. Thanks for sharing it with us!

    #sweetangel: Encore!

    #fierce_lion: I was okay. So Encore.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    The chatroom was filled with requests for an encore.

    "Sorry, guys," Rain chuckled, "But that was a one-time only performance. I hope someone recorded it. If not, I''ll post a digital version online. But as for an encore, I''ll have to disappoint you."

    There was a brief moment of disappointment in the chat, but it quickly shifted to praise for Rain''s performance.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #Wet_one-chan: "It was so good, it made me wet..."

    #i.don''t.care: "Take care of your hygiene issues upstairs. And the song was good."

    #Sweetangel: "It was so good!"

    #Fierce_lion: "Hey, upstairs! My singing is also good. Want to listen?"

    #Ye_fan: "Simp spotted, guys! Let''s purge him."

    #Heaven_emperor: "This entity does not recognize the existence of simps. From now on, you shall cease to exist."

    #Fierce_lion: "You guys are just a bunch of old single farts."

    #Sarcastic_sloth: Wow, Ye fan, way to bring down the mood. Let''s just enjoy the singing, shall we?

    #Snarky_snake: @Heaven emperor, I didn''t know you were so powerful. Can you make my ex disappear too?

    #Silly_seagull: @Fierce_lion, I think you''re mistaken. These are not old farts, they''re vintage!

    #Witty_whale: Rain, your singing is so good, it made me forget that I have work tomorrow... I guess I''ll just have to call in "sick"!

    #Cheeky_chimp: @Wet_one-chan, that''s a little TMI for us. Keep it PG!

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Rain grinned at the positive feedback. "Thank you all for your kind words. I''ll definitely be singing more songs in the future."

    As Rain basked in the positive feedback, a heated argument erupted in the chatroom.

    Some viewers were squabbling over which song was the best, while others were insulting each other''s music taste.

    Rain chuckled at the chaos unfolding on the screen. "Looks like we have some passionate music fans in the chatroom today," he remarked.

    Suddenly, a message in bold golden letters appeared on the screen, drawing everyone''s attention.

    The viewers eagerly waited to see what it said.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [White_Daisy has donated 10 Gold Coins.]

    [But for whom did you write this song?]

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    A wave of anticipation rippled through the viewers. Even those who were previously fighting stopped to pay attention.

    Rain grinned mischievously. "Oh, I just wrote it for my first love. As for their name, guess if you can. If anyone guesses correctly, I''ll give them a reward."

    Some girls in the chat were jealous and started booing, while others eagerly submitted their guesses.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    #Wet_one-chan: I bet it''s me!

    #Sweetangel: No way!

    #i.am.best: It''s obviously his fiancee. Or you can say ex-fiancee.

    #Jealousguy: This is so stupid. Why are we even wasting time on this? Just sing another song already.

    #Boredwatcher: Yeah, I agree. Let''s move on.

    #Randomviewer: Can we please talk about something else? This is getting boring.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    As Rain waited for more guesses toe in, golden letters suddenly appeared on the screen.

    Soon, a message in golden letters appeared on the screen, adding to the excitement.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [Detective''s_child has donated 10 gold coins.]

    [I will find that girl''s name.]

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    The chatroom was in an uproar as many viewers recognized Detective''s_child as someone who had previously solved hidden mysteries.

    Excitement and anticipation hung in the air as they waited to see if the detective could uncover the name.

    "Thank you for the super chat," Rain said with a grin, clearly enjoying the attention.

    "Let''s see who will win the reward." The viewers leaned in closer, eager to see who woulde out on top.

    It wasn''t clear what the reward was or how much it was worth, but that only added to the excitement of the moment.

    Rain''s expression was smug as he stoked the viewers'' curiosity.

    ***

    [30 minutester ]

    During the live stream, Rain yed a popr MMORPG game and interacted with his viewers, answering questions andmenting on the game''s features.

    He also shared some tips and tricks for leveling up quickly and how to get rare items.

    As he yed, he engaged with the chat, discussing strategies with other yers and sharing funny moments from the game.

    In addition to ying the game, he also showed off some new equipment he had acquired, and encouraged viewers to donate to his channel to support his gaming adventures.

    It was time for Rain to end his live stream.

    "Bye, good night, and sweet dreams," he said to his viewers as he closed the stream.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    After Rain closed the live stream, he got busy in his schedule.

    Meanwhile, in Dawn city, the academy was in an uproar, but he was too focused on his own training to pay much attention to what was happening outside his own world.

    As Rain announced that someone had recorded his song, and also made a post to sell it.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [Topic: Exclusive Real-Time Recording of Rain''s Latest Hit Song!]

    Hey music lovers!

    I''ve got a treat for you - an exclusive real-time recording of Rain''stest hit song! This is a one-of-a-kind recording that you won''t find anywhere else.

    Comment below if you''re interested in owning this unique piece of music history. It''s only 50 copper coins, and I''ll send it to you as soon as payment is received.

    Don''t miss out on this opportunity to own a special recording of Rain''s music!

    Best,

    Merchant Queen

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Lily leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile spreading across her face as she watched the screen. "This is going to make me a fortune," she thought to herself.

    When Rain was singing the song, Lily had been quick to capture the song in real-time and was now looking to cash in on the hype.

    She couldn''t help but wonder if Rain''s other fans had also recorded the song. "They''re such a dedicated bunch," she mused, tapping her fingers on the desk. "No, they are crazy bunch," she shook her head as she remembered that fan club.

    "But I''m the only one with the business savvy to turn this into a profit."

    As she scrolled through her social media feed, Lily couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. "I knew this was going to be big," she thought. "And now I''m the one who''s going to benefit."

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    In fact, the president of Rain''s fan club at the academy had also recorded the song, but she was too busy listening to it on repeat to think about sharing it.

    "His voice is so good," she thought to herself. "The way he says ''love'' sounds amazing. But who is that girl? Maybe I should start saving money for super chats for his next song. That would be great."

    However, the fan club president waste to upload the song to Rain''s fan club.

    By the time she did, the song had already gone viral on social media and had started trendin

    After listening to the song, many people were now guessing about the identity of Rain''s first love.

 Chapter 64 Charles Worries

    ?

    [Holmes family''s Mansion, Karoon City]

    In one of the opulent rooms within the grand Holmes Family Mansion, Ca and Charles lounged on their luxurious queen-sized bed, enveloped by the silky white fabric of the headboard behind them.

    The room was adorned with elegant furniture and d��cor, and the muted light filtering in from the ornate window gave it a warm, inviting glow.

    Just a few moments ago, they had watched Rain''s livestream on their phones [which they bought specially to watch Rain''s livestream].

    But Ca was still trying to make sense of the things Rain had said. She turned to face Charles, her brow furrowed with confusion.

    "Could that girl possibly be Emma?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "If so, why did Rain call off the engagement?"

    Charles shifted ufortably beside her, his brow furrowed in concern as he contemted his response.

    His eyes were downcast, avoiding Ca''s gaze, as if he was grappling with some inner turmoil.

    "Honey, not everyone is as kind-hearted as you are," he said finally, his tone serious.

    Ca could hear the sadness and worry in his voice, as if he was burdened by some heavy secret.

    "Rain may have loved Emma, but she never reciprocated his feelings," Charles continued, his voice heavy with regret.

    "It''s hard to understand why, but sometimes people just can''t return the love we give them."

    Ca nodded slowly, her mind still racing with questions. She tried to read Charles'' face, but his expression was inscrutable, as if he was lost in his own thoughts.

    "As hard as it is to ept, not everythingsts forever," Charles said softly, his eyes meeting Ca''s for the first time. "Sometimes people just start to ignore you and dislike you for no reason at all."

    She couldn''t help but wonder when Rain had stopped liking Emma, and if there was anything she could do to help.

    Ca''s forehead creased with confusion, and she shifted closer to Charles, seeking reassurance. "Then why didn''t you intervene between them?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

    Charles let out a deep sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly. He looked at Ca with a mixture of regret and hesitation in his eyes before responding.

    "If things had be serious and escted, I would have stepped in," he said, his voice low and measured.

    Ca could sense the weight of his words.

    She reached out to touch Charles'' arm, her fingers seekingfort.

    "However, thest time I tried to intervene, the family elders didn''t approve," Charles continued, his voice barely above a whisper.

    He nced around the room as if someone might be eavesdropping.

    "You have no idea how many wolves are eyeing our family," he added.

    As they spoke, the room was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the sound of their breathing.

    Charles'' words lingered in the air, and Ca''s mind raced with questions.

    She wanted to know more about these wolves and what they were after, but she believed that Charles would tell her soon.

    Ca''s eyes searched Charles'' face for answers as she expressed her concern.

    "But what can we do about Rain?" Her tone was filled with worry, and her face showed a deep frown of confusion.

    "I think it''s better that he left the family," Charles responded.

    "The elders never appreciated Rain''s talents, and I suspect that some of them may have ties to an evil organization." He spoke seriously, and his eyes showed a hint of frustration and anger.

    Even when Rain was beaten up by Emma and Kaya, he couldn''t do anything because of those elders.

    Ca''s confusion was evident, and Charles decided to confide in her. "We are both SS-rankers," she said.

    "Who can defeat us?" Her voice was tinged with unease, and she bit her lip anxiously.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Unfortunately, my brother and sister-inw died because of the schemes of the evil organization," Charles replied.

    "I cannot risk anyone else''s life. Until I identify the traitor, we cannot take action." He shrugged his shoulders, but his expression showed the weight of the burden he carried.

    Ca nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation.

    She could see the pain in Charles'' eyes, and she knew that he was doing everything in his power to keep their family safe.

    Ca''s brow furrowed with concern as she asked, "What about Rain''s engagement with Emma?"

    Charles let out a deep sigh, his eyes betraying a hint of sadness. "It''s better that he called it off," he exined.

    "I knew that Emma was not going to reciprocate his feelings, but like you, Rain is a kind-hearted person who still tried."

    Ca''s heart sank at Charles'' words. She couldn''t imagine the pain Rain must have felt when he realized that his love was unrequited.

    "That must have been so hard for him," she murmured, her voiceced with sympathy.

    Charles nodded solemnly. "Emma''s hatred only grew, and there was a time when even I became angry at her," he admitted. "That''s why I didn''t interfere with their duel. I hoped that Rain would move on."

    Ca could see the pain in Charles'' eyes as he spoke about the past. She reached out and gently took his hand, offering himfort. "I''m so sorry, Charles," she said softly. "I had no idea."

    "It''s okay," Charles replied with a small smile. "We can''t change the past, but we can make sure that Rain has a better future."

    Ca nodded in agreement. However, before she could speak, Charles interupted her.

    "Now, I am also concerned about Kaya. I cannotprehend her actions or where she got these strange notions," Charlesmented, his tone serious.

    "She knew it would be a breach of the duel if she made a sneak attack on Rain," Charles said, his voice serious and his brow furrowed with worry.

    "She still did it. Even if there was a chance of harsh punishment," he continued, shaking his head in disbelief.

    Charles looked at Ca, searching her face for a response. "Don''t you think it''s weird?" he asked, his concern evident in the creases on his forehead.

    Ca nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "It is indeed strange. I never would have thought Kaya capable of such behavior," she said, her voice reflecting her concern.

    As Ca listened to him, her eyes widened with shock.

    She couldn''t believe what she was hearing from Charles. She looked at Charles for confirmation because she felt what she heard was pretty much dumb.

    "It''s true." Even Charles had hard time epting that.

    "About Rain, don''t worry about him much," he said, his tone reassuring.

    "Now Rain has be a real man. He will find someone better than Emma. We will properly apologize to him, too," Charles added with a hint of determination in his voice.

    Ca nodded in agreement, feeling relieved for Rain.

    "Will you help me?" Charles asked, looking at Ca with hopeful eyes.

    "Of course, darling," Ca replied, giving him a warm smile.

    As she leaned in to hug him, Charles'' face softened and he returned the embrace, a small smile forming on his lips.

    "And about Emma and Kaya, those two brats. I also have to solve their problems, otherwise, they will get into some trouble. Although it was circumstances, Rain suffered somewhat," he said with a wry smile.

    Ca chuckled softly, "Darling, you are the best."

    As she gave him a small kiss on the cheek, Charles'' smile grew wider, and he pulled her in for another hug.

    �T�������T�������T

 Chapter 65 After The Stream

    ?

    [Staff Dorms training area, Near Holmes Family''s Mansion, Karoon City]

    There was a staff dormitory at the backside of the Holmes Family''s mansion.

    In that dormitory there were some facilities. For example, training area.

    At the current moment, there were only two people in the training area.

    They looked like a pair of father and son.

    However, unlike the wholesome atmosphere, they were shing their wooden swords fiercely.

    Mark stood side by side with his father, their swords poised in preparation.

    Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead as he engaged in spar with his father.

    His movements harmonized through years of practice.

    In the midst of the training session, Mark''s mind briefly wandered to the memory of Rain''s recent live stream.

    As his father swung his sword, Mark''s thoughts intertwined with the memories of Rain''s captivating performance.

    Although he felt a little bad when Rain said he didn''t have any friends.

    "Maybe he doesn''t know I am ready to be his friend." Mark thought.

    The image of Rain''s vibrant voice and the passion he exuded on stage lingered in Mark''s consciousness, intertwining with the significance of his own training.

    "I have to get stronger so I can wee him when he returns."

    With each swing and parry, Mark''s admiration for Rain''s hidden talent grew stronger.

    He couldn''t help but feel a renewed sense of pride.

    The bond between Mark and his father, forged through countless training sessions and shared aspirations, resonated deeper within him.

    "Stop." His father stopped him after some time. "Let''s take break you are looking distracted."

    "Sorry." Mark bowed his head and apologized.

    "Don''t repeat it next time." Mark''s father said sternly.

    After that, both of them started a conversation about the spar they had just now.

    "Father," Mark spoke up between their exchanges, "I can''t help but be amazed by Young Master Rain''s talent. His voice, it''s truly something special."

    His father''s eyes met Mark''s briefly, a knowing smile ying at the corner of his lips. "Indeed, son. Young Master is gifted in more ways than one. But remember, talent alone is not enough. It takes dedication and perseverance to excel."

    Mark nodded, absorbing his father''s words. He stood from his seat. "I understand, Father. Young Master''s performance reminds me of the importance of pushing myself for his sake."

    "Let''s continue." His father also stood up.

    Soon, both of them continued their spar.

    "I wonder when I would meet you again, Rain." Mark thought inwardly.

    In the midst of their training session, Mark''s father''s phone rang, interrupting the flow of their practice. He nced at the caller ID and furrowed his brows, recognizing the name disyed on the screen. "It''s Mr. Charles," he murmured, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and anticipation.

    Mark''s curiosity piqued, and he lowered his sword, giving his father a questioning look. "Mr. Charles? What does he want?"

    His father pocketed the phone and turned his gaze towards Mark. "He specifically asked to speak with you, Mark. It seems there''s something important he wishes to discuss."

    A mix of excitement and apprehension washed over Mark. As aspiring head butlers, Mark and his father held great respect for Mr. Charles, the esteemed head of the Holmes family. His personal involvement was a rare urrence, indicating the significance of the matter at hand. "Me? But why?"

    His father''s eyes softened with pride. "You''ve shown great promise, Mark."

    Mark nodded, his mind racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. He quickly wiped away the beads of sweat from his brow andposed himself. With each step towards the house, he could feel his anticipation grow.

    As Mark entered the study where his father had taken

    "Mr. Charles awaits your presence," his father said, his voice filled with pride and trust. "Remember everything you''ve learned, Mark. This is your chance to prove yourself."

    Mark''s grip tightened on the phone, his heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and determination. With a nod to his father, he brought the phone to his ear and took a deep breath.

    "Good day, Mr. Charles. This is Mark, at your service. How may I be of assistance?"

    "Come to my study. I am thinking of opening a new firm and I need some staff." Charles'' voice came over.

    After that, he hung up the call.

    While Mark wondered what would have happened.

    �T�������T�������T

    [Rain''s Fan Club''s President''s Pov]<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "That girl is definitely Emma," the girl''s eyes narrowed with an intense, possessive gleam.

    A twisted smile curled on her lips, a mix of obsession and determination coloring her expression.

    "I will never forgive her for making Rain sad," her voice took on an unnerving tone, filled with a mixture of anger and possessiveness.

    Her eyes darkened, revealing a hint of a sinister intent behind them.

    She clenched her fists tightly; her knuckles turning white as her grip tightened.

    "How could she do such a thing?" she hissed through gritted teeth, her voiceced with a dangerous edge.

    Her body trembled with a mixture of rage and disbelief.

    Her hands shook uncontrobly as she struggled to contain the boiling emotions within her.

    "But now everything is okay," she whispered, her voice taking on a disturbingly calm and serene tone.

    "I am his friend," she stated, her voice dripping with possessive adoration.

    "I will protect him from anyone who tries to hurt him," her voice took on a menacing tone, a dangerous edge present in every word.

    "We will be friends forever," she murmured softly, her voiceced with a dark and obsessive longing.

    "Fufu," she giggled softly, herughter tinged with an eerie and unsettling quality.

    "You think you can take him away from me? No one will evere between us," she whispered, her voice filled with a chilling determination.

    "I''ll make sure you regret ever crossing paths with him," she seethed, her voice dripping with venom.

    Her body tensed, ready to unleash her dark intentions. Her fingers twitched, yearning to bring harm to the one who dared to hurt Rain.

    "Don''t worry, Rain. I''ll keep you safe from anyone who tries to harm you. Even if it means getting rid of them," she said, her voice filled with a sickening sweetness, masking the darkness beneath.

    She looked at Rain''s photo for thest time before turning her phone off.

    ***

    Kaya tossed and turned in her bed, unable to find sce in sleep.

    Restless thoughts swirled through her mind, keeping her awake. She couldn''t shake off the haunting melody that had filled the air earlier that evening.

    It was Rain''s voice, soaring with unexpected beauty and emotion.

    The lyrics of the song resonated within her, especially the mention of a sereneke and a girl who callously ignored him.

    In her mind, Kaya reyed the scene from earlier that night.

    As usual, she was watching Rain''s stream. However she didn''t expect Rain to sing a song.

    He stood there, pouring his heart out through his music, baring his soul for all to hear.

    The intensity in his eyes as he sang spoke volumes, but it was the vulnerability that struck a chord within her.

    She had never seen this side of Rain before, and it moved her deeply.

    As the song reached its poignant conclusion, Kaya felt a pang of realization.

    It was as if the lyrics were a mirror reflecting the truth. The girl Rain sang about, the one who had ignored him and led him to give up on her, it was someone she knew.

    The revtion hit Kaya like a weight, the guilt slowly pressing down upon her heart.

    ***

    Meanwhile, Emma found herself restlessly pacing in her room, unable to find respite from her racing thoughts.

    Rain''s voice echoed in her ears, his song reying over and over again in her mind. The lyrics struck a nerve within her, resonating with an unspoken truth.

    Emma closed her eyes, desperately trying to make sense of the emotions swirling inside her.

    The mention of ake in the song evoked vivid memories of shared moments with Rain, moments that now seemed tainted.

    She recalled instances where she unintentionally ignored his feelings, too preupied with her own worries to notice the depth of his emotions.

    As Rain''s voice faded in her mind, Emma''s eyes snapped open, her realization hitting her like a jolt.

    The girl Rain sang about, the one who had unknowingly caused him pain, it was someone familiar

    .

    The weight of guilt settled upon her, a heavy burden she couldn''t shake off.

 Chapter 66 Observing The Plot (1)

    ?

    [Unknown Deserted Ind]

    "Hah..." Rain let out a heavy sigh, the weight of exhaustion evident in his voice, as he finally closed the streaming application on hisputer. He had just finished a nerve-wracking session, pouring his heart into a new song he hadposed. A myriad of thoughts raced through his mind as he contemted the impact his music would have on his public image.

    "It''s always a wonder what those people will think after listening to my songs," Rain pondered silently.

    Despite his nonchnt attitude towards what others thought of him, Rain knew the significance of molding his public image. It wasn''t about pandering to the masses or seeking validation, but rather about influencing the plot.

    There were already numerous stains on his reputation, most of which were unfounded rumors that barely held any weight with the discerning public.

    Yet, a few rumors managed to prick at his consciousness. Two in particr lingered in his mind:

    - The rumor that Rain Holmes had an excessive fondness for Emma Rose.

    - The notion that Kaya Holmes, Rain''s sister, was more deserving of the position of family head than him.

    Rain was clueless about the origins of these rumors.

    Initially, he suspected Kaya herself to be behind the whispers, fueled by sibling rivalry and a desire to undermine his standing. However, upon further reflection, Rain realized that Kaya would never do anything to harm her friend, Emma.

    Spreading such rumors would only hinder Emma''s chances of breaking off the engagement, and Kaya would never be the cause of such pain for her.

    "Still, I can''t help but doubt it," Rain muttered, a furrow forming on his brow. The source of these rumors remained a mystery, leaving him with a nagging sense of curiosity. Were they spread by the general public, fueled by gossip and intrigue, or was there a more sinister conspiracy at y?

    "I will uncover the truth soon enough," Rain resolved, his mind already busy concocting ns to unravel the web of deceit.

    As he contemted his future prospects, an idea began to dance through his thoughts, beckoning him with its potential.

    "Perhaps," Rain mused aloud, "if I extend the duration of my streams, I''ll be able to captivate and engage my audience for longer periods of time. This could trante into more followers and exponential growth. And with that, I will have the power to influence the plot of my own life."

    The notion sparked excitement within Rain, yet his demanding training regimen and the urgent need to improve his rank left him with precious little time to focus on expanding the length of his streams. As much as he yearned to delve into this new endeavor, practicality won over for the time being, forcing him to set aside his streaming ambitions and prioritize his immediate goals.

    He changed into the training clothes and went to training area.

    ***

    With unwavering focus, he engaged in a series of rigorous warm-up exercises, meticulously designed to prepare his body for the challenges ahead.

    Stretching his muscles, he performed a series of lunges, twists, and leaps, gradually awakening his senses and priming his body for action.

    Next came the intense physical drills. Rain practiced intricate sword techniques, repeating the motions with precision and fluidity.

    Sweat dripped from his brow as he tirelessly honed his agility, speed, and strength, pushing himself to surpass his previous limits.

    But Rain''s training was not confined to physical exertion alone. To truly master the art of swordsmanship, he engaged in mental exercises as well.

    He delved into the depths of concentration, sharpening his focus and developing an acute awareness of his surroundings.

    Visualization exercises allowed him to envision his desired oues, strengthening the connection between mind and body.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Ugh, my training is so intense. I barely have any time for anything else. But I can''t let it hinder my progress. I need to be stronger", Rain thought determinedly.

    After finishing his routine, Rain settled in to listen to academy lectures and learn more about swordsmanship.

    "These lectures are my chance to expand my knowledge. I need to absorb as much as I can and apply it to my swordsmanship", Rain contemted.

    Even though he became intermediate swordsman, it wasn''t enough.

    There were still stronger people than him.

    "I might not be the best yet, but I won''t let that discourage me. I''m determined to get better. I also need to find some effective mana control techniques to enhance my abilities", Rain resolved in his thoughts.

    While he could buy them from the System, he wanted to keep that as ast resort. However there was''t any good mana breathing tique.

    "I wonder what is going on in the academy," Rain mused, his curiosity piqued.

    "The halls must be filled with eager students, instructors imparting their wisdom, and the vibrant atmosphere of learning."

    Around 10 days had been passed since the start of the plot, marking a significant passage of time.

    Curiosity gnawed at Rain''s mind as he pondered the far-reaching consequences of his actions and the extent of his influence on the plot.

    A furrow formed on his brow, betraying a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

    Afterpleting his training and attending a few lectures, Rain left the training area, a sense of fulfillment lighting up his face.

    Covered in sweat from his intense training session, Rain promptly took a refreshing shower and changed intofortable, casual attire.

    He let out a contented sigh, feeling the weight of exhaustion lifted from his shoulders, his features rxing into a state of tranquility.

    Making his way to his room, he settled into thefort of his chair at the desk.

    A glimmer of anticipation danced in his eyes as he powered on hisptop, eager to delve into the online realm.

    "Let''s see how much dirt there is in the gutter this time," Rain said with a mischievous smile, his eyes glinting with anticipation, as he retrieved hisptop and entered the Academy''s forum.

    Rain retrieved hisptop and opened the Academy''s forum, his face brightening with anticipation.

    His eyes scanned the screen, a mix of excitement and curiosity reflecting in his expression.

    He was ready to immerse himself in the world of discussions and updates, eager to connect with like-minded individuals.

    ***

    [ Read Rain''s fan club chapter after this. you can find it at the end of this volume.]

 Chapter 67 Aryas Diary

    ?

    In a few moments, Rain''s eyes fell upon the name of the club''s president: Arya Hillson. Despite his calm demeanor, Rain couldn''t help but be taken aback by this revtion.

    "Arya? So she''s the one behind all this?" Rain murmured, his thoughts racing to make sense of the situation. "Arya, my stalker? This is beyond unexpected."

    The absence of any hints or indications in the game or the novel only added to Rain''s confusion. How could a heroine be so obsessed with a viin like him?

    "No, it doesn''t make any sense," Rain pondered, his mind grappling with the implications. He contemted whether his live streams and actions had somehow triggered this unsettling behavior, even though he couldn''t recall any direct interaction with Arya.

    "This is unsettling. I should take some measures to ensure my safety," Rain decided, his calm demeanor masking an underlying unease.

    Without hesitation, Rain set his hacking skills into motion. With the "Rain''s Fan Club" website unconnected to the Academy forum, it proved to be an easy target for his expertise. Skillfully, he breached the website''s security, infiltrating its core with a meticulously crafted virus.

    The virus, like a dormant predator lying in wait, blended seamlessly into the website''s code. It was designed to activate upon future ess, spreading its digital tendrils through the club''swork, disrupting their activities and rendering their online presence inoperable.

    Satisfied with his efforts, Rain knew that his actions would temporarily restrict or potentially shut down the club''s activities. However, a lingering feeling of unease remained, as if there was something more sinister lurking within the group.

    "Well, for now, their activities will be limited. But I can''t let my guard down," Rain concluded, making a mental note to remain cautious in dealing with this potentially unsettling group. The dormant virus he imnted was a safeguard, a digital sentinel watching over his virtual domain.

    As Rain contemted Arya''s recent behavior, a mix of curiosity and concernpelled him to delve deeper into the situation. "What could have happened to Arya? Has she transformed into some sort of pervert or obsessive stalker?" he wondered aloud, his mind swirling with questions. Determined to find answers, he decided to embark on a thorough investigation.

    With his hacking skills at his disposal, Rain swiftly essed Arya''s phone using her identification. While he couldn''t shake off a sense of unease at invading someone''s privacy, he recognized the necessity of this intrusion to uncover the truth.

    As the digitalndscape of Arya''s phone unfolded before him, Rain''s eyes scanned through the contents, searching for any clues or suspicious activities. He found himself navigating through various sections, each offering a glimpse into Arya''s world.

    Opening the photo gallery, Rain was met with a collection of images. Much to his expectation, the majority of the photos featured himself. A mixture of emotions washed over him, ranging from bewilderment to a strange sense of ttery.

    Moving on to the messaging app, Rain discovered a flood of messages directed to him. The count disyed 1000+, a staggering number that left him astounded. His curiosity piqued, he delved into the messages, scrolling through the extensive history.

    The messages spanned a wide range of topics, from seemingly innocuous exchanges to heartfelt confessions and derations of admiration. Rain couldn''t help but be taken aback by the intensity of emotions expressed in the messages. It was evident that Arya''s fascination with him extended far beyond casual admiration.

    While he had gained insights into Arya''s infatuation, the true motivations behind her actions remained elusive. The more he delved into this intricate web, the more he realized that there was aplexity to the situation that he had yet to unravel.

    "This is the abyss. I shouldn''t go any further," Rain murmured, his voiceced with a hint of caution. Despite his reservations, a glimmer of curiosity enticed him to explore further, leading him to stumble upon Arya''s electronic diary. It was a delicate decision, one that required a delicate bnce of respect and intrusion.

    With a mixture of trepidation and fascination, Rain opened the diary, allowing himself a glimpse into Arya''s innermost thoughts and experiences.

    Each entry painted a picture of her life, revealing personal details ranging from her daily routine to her school schedule. It was an intimate look into her world, one that Rain couldn''t help but acknowledge as an intrusion into her privacy.

    As Rain journeyed through the pages, he came across mentions of their past.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Dear Diary,

    Middle School - Grade 8

    Today was another ordinary day at school. We had sses, lunch break, and some after-school activities. Nothing particrly exciting happened. I did see Rain in ss, though. He''s my ssmate, and we''ve known each other for a while. We talk and together sometimes. He''s a bit mysterious but also very charming. I wonder what he thinks about me.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Rain''s eyes widened, and he leaned in closer, absorbing every word with a mix of surprise and anticipation.

    "Mysterious yet charming, huh."

    He couldn''t help but wonder what she truly thought of him. He started skimming through the entries.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Dear Diary,<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    High School - Grade 10

    I can''t believe Rain and I are in the same high school. It feels like fate brought us together. We''ve be friends, and it''s been amazing. We hang out during breaks, and even study together sometimes. Rain is so talented and popr. I''m grateful to have him as a friend.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    As Rain read Arya''s diary entry, a mixture of emotions washed over him.

    "I can''t believe we were once friends... or at least, that''s how Arya perceived it."

    A bitter smile formed on his face as he reminisced about their high school years, his eyes clouded with a hint of sadness.

    "Friends...."

    The mention of Arya''s gratitude for having him as a friend stirred up a feeling of disappointment within Rain, his brows furrowing and his gaze turning distant.

    "Grateful to have me as a friend? If only they knew how many times I trained alone, pouring my heart into my passions..."

    The stark contrast between Arya''s perception of their friendship and the reality of Rain''s experiences left a bitter taste in his mouth.

    "Our friendship was never what she thought it was."

    While relief washed over him that there were no signs of Arya''s previous obsession in the current entries, a lingering unease settled within Rain.

    "No signs of obsession... for now. But this shifting tone, it makes me wonder if it''s just a temporary calm before the storm."

    Rain couldn''t help but brace himself for whatever was toe, as the shift in tone hinted at a potential change in their dynamic.

    Add Rain''s emotions and facial expression when he speaks.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Dear Diary,

    Yesterday was Rain''s birthday. Aa his friend and ssmate, I was invited in the birthday party. I expected Rain to be there, like he always has been in the past. But he didn''t show up. It was disheartening. I tried reaching out to him, but he had blocked me. I don''t understand why he would do that. Did I do something wrong?

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    As Rain read Arya''s diary entry about his birthday, a mix of emotions washed over him. Confusion, frustration, and a tinge of guilt yed on his face.

    "So, Arya noticed my absence and tried to reach out..." Rain snickered as he saw this.

    He didn''t send any message to Arya because he didn''t have much reaction to her. Furthermore, she had neutral reaction with Rain in plotline. Neither hateful nor likable.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Dear Diary,

    I found out that Rain blocked many people, not just me. I guess I shouldn''t take it personally, but it still hurts. It feels like he doesn''t care about our friendship anymore. I tried to convince myself that it''s not a big deal and that I should move on.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    As Rain read Arya''s diary entry about his decision to block multiple people, he felt she was too slow to see things.

    "She didn''t notice anything?" He couldn''t help but wonder.

 Chapter 68 Ants Colony (1)

    ?

    As Rain drifted off to sleep, the chaos he had caused at the fan club continued to ripple throughout the Academy.

    Confusion and frustration gued the club members as they tried to ess their website, only to find themselves locked out.

    Soon number of members in club started decreasing. Whenever they opened website, the virus started working.

    Rain did a praiseworthy work.

    Despite filingints, they were unable to resolve the issue on their own. Eventually, an administrator intervened, promising to help them resolve the problem.

    With a masterful touch, the administrator was able to shut down the old website and create a new, more secure one for the club.

    However, the incident did not go unnoticed by others at the Academy, and rumors began to spread that someone had deliberately sabotaged the website.

    As word of this spread, Rain''s actions became the talk of the town, and he quickly became the club''s number one enemy.

    Meanwhile, Rain continued to sleep soundly, blissfully unaware of the chaos he had caused.

    Even if he were aware, it was unlikely he would care. He had aplished his mission.

    ***

    The academy was bustling with activity, as students went about their daily routines of attending sses, participating in extracurricr activities, and socializing with their peers.

    However, there was a sense that something was off.

    Despite the lively atmosphere, the main heroines of the story, Emma and Kaya, seemed to be less influential than before.

    They were not as involved in the protagonist''s life as much as they were in the game, and even though the MC was surrounded by other interesting characters, the heroines still showed little interest in him.

    On the ind,

    Rain was checking his status window.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    �d�T? Status ?�T�g

    ?Name : Rain Holmes

    ?Age : 20 years old

    ?Title : Reincarnator

    ?Rank : D- grade

    ?Strength : D-

    ?Health : D-

    ?Stamina : D

    ?Charm : A-

    ?Intelligence : B

    ?Mana : D-

    ?Luck : C

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    After a few days had passed finally stats rose, Rain noticed some significant improvements in his physical training.

    This made him think that monitoring his body weight could be helpful in achieving his fitness goals. Thus, he decided that he needed to purchase new weights to continue his training.

    Meanwhile, he also noticed that his mana levels had improved, as he had been diligently following the Academy''s lectures on the subject. As a result, his mana control proficiency had increased, and he was now able to practice more advanced techniques.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    �d�T? Skills ?�T�g

    [Active Skills] :

    ?Swordsmanship - Intermediate

    - Sword of Recognition/ Holmes Family''s Swordsmanship (Grade: A)

    - Shadow Sword art (Grade : A)

    ?Marksmanship - Intermediate (^)

    ?Mana Control - Intermediate (^)

    ?Shadow walk - Elementary (^)

    ?Hawkeye - Beginner

    ?Pick pocketing- Beginner

    ?Lock picking - Beginner

    ?Climbing (Parkour)- Beginner

    ?Alchemy - Beginner

    <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    [Passive Skills] :

    ?Imprable Mind defence

    ?Concentration

    ?Underwater breathing

    [Life Skills]:

    ?Cooking - Intermediate

    ?Butcher - Elementary

    ?Gathering - Elementary

    ?Writing (L) - Beginner

    ?Singing.- Intermediate(^)

    ?Calligraphy.- Elementary

    ?Appraisal - Elementary(^)

    ?Drawing - Intermediate

    ?Painting - Elementary

    ?Programming- Intermediate

    ?Language- Advanced

    [Press here to expand the list��]

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Rain''s dedication and hard work were paying off, as he saw significant improvements in his skills, which he was using frequently.

    He had been practicing both of his Grade A sword styles diligently, and was satisfied with his progress.

    While he knew where to acquire a Grade S style, he acknowledged that he still needed to improve his overall strength before attempting to learn it. He would die if he tried to bite more than he can chew.

    In addition to his sword skills, Rain''s marksmanship proficiency had also improved to an intermediate level, thanks to his practice and study of gun techniques and technology. While he knew where to find more advanced training, it would require significant effort to obtain.

    His dedication to mana control had also resulted in an intermediate proficiency, allowing him to perform more advanced techniques.

    During his exploration of the ind, he had utilized his shadow walk ability frequently, which had also improved.

    Furthermore, his appraisal skill had improved as he discovered and examined various herbs and materials.

    Rain''s proficiency in other skills such as alchemy, climbing, and hawkeye were also expected to improve with time and practice.

    Rain felt that he has to get somebat experience to raise his rank and he had one good ce in his mind for it.

    Soon, Rain prepared everything for hunting and started walking towards forest.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Few days ago, as Rain continued his exploration of the ind, he stumbled upon an ant colony, which he realized was a prime hunting spot.

    At that time he thought he will return there after making his preparations.

    However, this was no ordinary colony. The insects here had undergone mutations and had be monsters, ranging in grades from F to D.

    There was even a possibility of encountering a C-ss mutated monster, making it a treacherous location to navigate.

    The colony wasplex, consisting of different types of ants with specific roles, such as ve ants, working ants, ant guards, and the queen ant.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Soon Rain arrived near Ant Colony. He hid behind the boulder.

    Despite the risks, Rain decided to venture into the ant colony. Before doing so, he drank a Growth Elixir that he had discovered as a hidden treasure.

    He saw some lower-grade ants near the entrance of the Ant colony.

    He took out Thunder Eagle from his space ring.

    With his Thunder Eagle gun in hand, he began shooting at the lower-grade ants.

    As Rain learned his lesson in passed at Silver mine while fighting silver golem.

    Rain infused mana into his bullet, which enhanced its piercing power, enabling it to easily prate through the skulls of the ants. However, the nearby ant guards quickly took notice of this abnormality and started to gather around the area. Realizing that he was now faced with closebat, Rain had to rely on hisbat skills to defeat them.

    He took out something from his space ring.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    [Stun Bomb]

    - Rarity: Rare-high tier

    - Description: When thrown, the Stun Bomb emits a blinding sh of light and a deafening noise that confuses and disorients nearby enemies, rendering them unable to move or attack for 2 seconds.

    - Effectiveness: The Stun Bomb''s effectiveness may vary depending on the strength of the enemy. While it can be highly effective against lower-tier enemies, high-tier enemies may have a higher resistance to its effects, making it less effective orpletely ineffective against them.

    - Price: 50pts

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

 Chapter 69 Ant Colony (2)

    ?

    Rain was holding stun Bomb in his hand.

    Despite having lost points to the system for the mermaid stone, Rain has been hunting relentlessly and streaming his exploits to earn more points.

    In addition, he also received a bonus of 100 points for making progress in the game''s plot.

    With the points he had earned, Rain decided to invest in some stun bombs, which he believed would be useful in his uing battles.

    Using his quick reflexes, Rain threw a stun bomb at the area where the guards were gathering, causing them to be disorientated and stunned for a brief period of time.

    He then unsheathed his sword andunched into battle, utilizing his Shadow walk and Shadow Sword Art techniques to quickly dispatch the guards.

    Shadow Sword Art enabled him to move like a shadow, almost imperceptible to the naked eye, making it nearly impossible for the ant guards to anticipate his movements.

    On the other hand, Sword of Recognition allowed him to channel his mana into his sword, imbuing it with incredible power and uracy.

    With that, he could strike his opponents with pinpoint uracy, even in the heat of battle.

    As the stun effect wore off, the guards regained their senses and began attacking Rain, spouting acid from their mouths.

    However, Rain was quick on his feet and adeptly dodged their attacks while shing back with his sword, using his Sword of Recognition technique tond precise and powerful blows.

    In the end, Rain emerged victorious, having sessfully defeated the ant guards.

    After that he entered the Ant colony. As Rain entered the ant colony, he immediately noticed theplexwork of tunnels and chambers, which seemed to go on for miles. The air was thick with the smell of decaying organic matter, and the ground was covered in a thickyer of dirt and ant carcasses.

    Despite the eerie environment, Rain was determined to push forward. He knew that he needed to be on high alert, as any misstep could result in encountering a mutated monster or a group of ant guards.

    Rain had adopted a strategic approach towards hunting in the ant colony. He began by eliminating the low-ss ants and gradually moved towards the guards. Once the guards gathered around, he would throw the stun bomb and finish them off with his sword. Rain repeated this strategy for a while, using up all his stun bombs and killing most of the ant guards.

    As he ventured deeper into the colony, he encountered small groups of ants every now and then. He fought them off with ease and continued his exploration. However, his continuous efforts had left him fatigued, and he had sustained some minor injuries in the process.

    Feeling drained, Rain sought refuge behind a nearby boulder and retrieved some potions from his space ring. Thanks to his knowledge of alchemy, he could make low-grade potions to help him recover.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    As Rain rested behind the boulder in the ant colony, he couldn''t help but notice the eerie appearance of the ce. The walls of the colony were made of mud and seemed to be covered with a slimy substance. The air was humid, and the smell of damp earth filled his nostrils.

    He observed the ants as they scurried back and forth, their movements synchronized, as if following a predetermined path.

    Some were carrying bits of leaves and twigs while others dragged along small insects as food for the colony. Rain noticed that the ants varied in size and shape, with some being bigger and bulkier than others.

    As he looked around, he noticed that the colony was home to a variety of creatures. Strange-looking bugs and insects could be seen crawling up the walls and ceiling, and he could hear the faint sound of water dripping in the distance.

    He also saw some openings in the walls that seemed to lead to other chambers within the colony.

    After taking a much-needed break, Rain resumed his hunting mission, determined to make the most of his time in the ant colony.

    Rain continued to explore the Ant colony and eventually stumbled upon the Ant Queen, who was surrounded by a group of worker ants, guards, and queen guards.

    Knowing that he would have to take them all on, Rain first searched for a blind spot before slowly taking out low-ss ants with his Thunder Eagle. However, it wasn''t long before the other ants became alerted and started to gather.

    To take them down, Rain used low-grade mana grenades that he had purchased from the ck market for hunting. He had mid-tier mana grenades as well, but he felt that using them would be overkill and might even cause the colony to copse.

    After throwing the mana grenades, most of the ants were killed, leaving only the Queen guards and the Queen Ant alive. Rain took advantage of the confusion caused by the grenades and rushed towards the Queen Ant.

    As Rain approached the Queen Ant, he was met with resistance from her guards. The Queen Guards, having been alerted by themotion, quickly formed a protective circle around their queen. Rain quickly realized that he had to take them out before he could reach the Queen Ant.

    Rain drew his sword and charged towards the guards. The guards were massive, with hard exoskeletons that made them difficult to prate. But Rain''s sword was coated with poison that he had collected from poisonous herbs on the ind. The poison weakened the exoskeletons of the guards and made it easier for Rain to sh through them.

    The guards fought fiercely, spewing acid from their mouths and striking with their strong mandibles. But Rain was quick on his feet, dodging their attacks and striking back with his sword. He used his Shadow Sword Art technique to increase his speed and agility, allowing him to outmaneuver the guards and deliver lethal blows.

    Despite their strength and size, the Queen Guards were no match for Rain''s skill and determination. One by one, they fell to his sword. With the guards taken care of, Rain turned his attention to the Queen Ant, who was now vulnerable without her protectors.

    Rain''s sword strikes, nowbined with the poison coating, proved to be too much for the weakened Queen Ant, who was left vulnerable after losing her guards. After collecting all of the corpses, Rain decided to leave the Ant colony.

 Chapter 70 You Dont Know

    ?

    After collecting all the corpses of the ants, Rain was about to leave the colony and head back home.

    However, he stopped abruptly and thought that there could be some valuable items in the colony that he could use to his advantage. With this idea in mind, he decided to further explore the ant colony.

    He made his way deeper into the colony, killing any ants he encountered along the way.

    As he ventured deeper into the ant colony, Rain noticed something glinting in the distance. Curious, he made his way towards it and found a deposit of valuable ores. However he didn''t have mining skill neither he had tools for mining.

    He also stumbled upon a patch of herbs that could be used for alchemy, which he carefully gathered and stored in his space ring.

    As he continued to explore, he came across a group of ant eggs. Rain, who had no use for the eggs, crushed them without a second thought. He reasoned that it was better to prevent them from hatching into more ants that could cause trouble for him in the future.

    Rain was thrilled with the amount of valuable resources he found during his exploration of the Ant colony.

    He was particrly excited about the ores and decided that he would need to buy mining skill from System store to extract them efficiently.

    This would not only help him gather the valuable resources but also earn him some points by exchanging them.

    He meticulously searched every corner of the colony, making sure not to miss any potential treasure.

    The discovery of rare herbs and the crushed eggs of ants made him even more determined toe back again.

    However, Rain knew that it was gettingte and the forest could be dangerous at night.

    So, he decided to leave ande back another day to continue his exploration.

    ***

    Once he arrived at his home, Rain immediately took a shower to clean off the sweat and dirt from his body.

    Afterward, hey down on his bed, feeling content and satisfied with his sessful mission.

    "Today was a good haul. There are so many corpses. Hey, system. Exchange them for points."

    [Okay. Host.]

    ''How much will I get?''

    [700 points added.]

    Even if Rain cleared whole ant colony, he only got 700 points.

    However, he thought that these points he can buy some good stuff.

    ''Let me first buy mining skill.(100 pts)

    Here it''s.'' Soon Rain bought the mining skill.

    [Congrattions to Host for acquiring Mining Skill.]

    Rain decided to save his points for the time being, thinking that he might need them in the future. He then went on to prepare and have his dinner.

    After having his meal, he realized that it was time for him to start his live streaming session. Following his usual routine, he reminded his viewers that the stream was about to start in 10 minutes.

    Once the 10 minutes were up, Rain started his live stream.

    ***

    #King07 : Hi��

    # I.am.best : Hello, NightSoul.

    # Wet_onee-chan : NightSoul is still so handsome. I want it��

    # I_don''t_care: Hey, why don''t someone ban upstairs?

    ***

    As soon as Rain started live stream. People started chatting and greeting Rain.

    "Hello, NightSoul is here." Rain as always greeted his audience.

    "So first things first let''s see who gets reward?" Rain asked.

    As Rain announced in the past live stream he will give reward to who guess the identity of his first love.

    ***

    Soon golden letters started appearing on screen.

    However it was not one time. It kept appearing. More than 100 of people gave donation.

    "Okay. Stop. Stop." Rain stopped his audience to give super chat as he can''t chat with them all day about his first love.

    Soon golden letters stopped appearing on the screen.

    "Let''s see who is first?" Rain started checking through settings that who was the first viewer that did the super chat.

    "Oh, it''s detective''s_child. Let me give you privilege, so you can write chat." Rain said.

    Soon detective''s_child started typing��

    #detective''s_child : I think right answer is Emma Rose.

    As soon as answer came. Many people started typing in chat like ''me too.'' ''I also thought so.''

    While the people who were close to Rain also thought this. But Rain calmly asked.

    "Why do you think so?"

    #detective''s_child : Apparently, you and Emma was in engagement. but only some people know you are also childhood friends.

    Soon many people in chat was surprised. Because they didn''t know this. After all, Emma and Rain never mentioned this. While people who are close to Rain especially Emma and Kaya''s expression hardened.

    Because they never got to be like childhood friends. However, Rain was still calm.

    "So what?" He asked.

    #detective''s_child: And as you mentioned in song. You fell in love with the Goddess, she was cold and ignored you.

    ording to my investigation Emma also ignored you in public. Even when you persuaded her result was same. In the end your engagement with Emma was cancelled.

    Reading this many people gasped.

    Emma and Kaya were feeling ufortable. While Arya clenched his hands and gritted her teeth. Many people in the chat started cursing at Emma.

    Still Rain silently answered.

    "Oh is that so? Then your answer is wrong." Rain said tly.

    Then Rain took back privilege from detective''s child. But chatroom that was lively was now silent. Soon, Many people started asking.

    ***

    #detective''s_child: No. That can''t be. You are lying.

    #life_is_best: Is that true?

    #White_daisy: Then who is it? Why it can''t be Emma?

    #Wet_onee-chan: See I told you? He is only mine.

    <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ***

    Chat room was still exploding.

    "So you are asking, ''why can''t it be Emma?'' But let me ask you something."

    "Why it can be Emma?" Rain asked.

    Chatroom was now silent. Like they are listening to Rain''s story.

    "There is no reason for Emma to be my first love.

    First, if Emma was my first love. Why would I break my engagement? It''s not like she can force me to break the engagement. After all Holmes Family have more power than Rose family." Viewers felt there was logic in Rain''s words.

    Rain continued his story,

    "And It''s not like we are childhood friends. We were childhood friends. After childhood Emma didn''te to meet me any time. She just ignored me."

    "Then why would I love that kind of girl? It''s not like she has anything. My family has more power, I am more talented than her, even I can find more beautiful girl than her." When Rain said this, viewers felt that Emma couldn''t be his first love.

    "It''s just our parents made engagement contract when we were kids. So I was doing my duty as her fianc��. So I tried to talk to her. However she still ignored me. Maybe she didn''t like me that much. So we cancelled our engagement. Isn''t it good thing?" When Rain finished his story, viewers were in shock. They was litterly surprised. Then soon People started to agree.

    ***

    #fiercecat : Yeah. You deserve better.

    #detective''s_child : Indeed. Your reasoning is correct.

    #king07: This is surprising.

    #Wet_onee-chan: Be mine. I will treat you much better.

    ***

    But people who were close by Rain was extremely shocked.

    "Then Rain didn''t like me? We aren''t even childhood friends. He was just doing his job as my fianc��?" Emma was puzzled.

    ***

    "Then Rain didn''t like even Emma one bit? Then maybe he also knew my schemes? And who is his first love?" Kaya wondered.

    ***

    "Darling, looks like we were wrong. Rain didn''t like Emma?" Ca turned her face towards Charles and said.

    "You are naive, Ca. Are you an idiot? This brat is just lying. We many times told him to cancel engagement. But he refused like crazy. Do you think anyone who do that?" Hearing this Ca felt it was reasonable, Charles continued.

    "Now he is denying.

    It''s just one of characteristics of Men. They never admit their failed love. It''s good that this brat has be a true man." Charles was proud of Rain.

    "Oh, is that so? By the way I am not an idiot. I was just confirming with you." Ca just angrily rebuked Charles and puffed her cheeks. Seeing her like that Charles just pinched her.

    "Yeah. Yeah. You are very smart." Charles patted her head gently.

    "Then, husband. Can you tell me how many times you failed in love?"

    Ca asked with smiling face. However Charles knew she was not really smiling.

    "No, you are my first love andst love." Charles was panicking.

    "Oh, then you are lying? Like a true man?" Ca tilted her head.

    "Fuck. Damn. No, I will take mana oath if you want." Charles suggested.

    "Then there was someone after me? You have affair, huh." Ca made expression like she was thinking something.

    And soon Ca restricted Charles.

    "No, No. that''s not." Charles shook his head and kept denying.

    That day Holmes Family''s head was throughly interrogated for the first time.

    ***

    Back to the live stream....

    Golden letters appeared on the screen.

    [friend_of_precip has donated 10 gold coins.]

    "So what about your first love?"

    ***

    Even though Arya didn''t doubt Rain much. But she was more concerned about Rain''s true love.

    "Oh, about her. Let me tell you...

    While talking Rain slightly smiled, seeing his pure smile many people was awestruck.

    "Like I told you we met on the shore of Lake. It was near my house. But we never talked. It was love at first sight. However we just asionally met.

    As we grew older. I tried to approach her. But we just walked past and she just ignored me. I didn''t have courage to talk with her. It''s because she was kinda cold. So I was scared.

    Still I gathered my courage and tried to propose her. But she just left and went somewhere far. I never met her again after that."

    After listening to this many people were sad and many people who was doubtful of Rain started believed him.

    But then a golden letters appeared on the screen.

    ***

    [White_Daisy has donated 20 gold coins.]

    "Then why don''t you propose her here? Maybe she might see it sometime."

    ***

    Soon in chatroom barrage exploded. People started chanting Yes. Yes.

    ***

    You don''t know

    How much I care about you.

    You don''t know

    How I always think about you.

    You don''t know

    How my eyes only has you.

    You don''t know

    How much I love you.

    So to let you know please be my girlfriend."

    ***

    Hearing Rain''s heartfelt confession many people''s heart throbbed.

    After that talked with his audience and engaged in small talk before diving into the game. He started by showing his current progress, the items he acquired, and the new skills he learned. As he yed, he provided insights into his strategies and thought process.

    Soon 20 minutes passed and it was time to close the live stream.

    "Okay. Let''s meet at next Stream. Now good night and sweet dreams."

    Rain quickly closed live stream.

    However his words was still lingering in everyone''s minds.

 Chapter 71 Complicated Things

    ?

    "Okay. Let''s meet at next Stream. Now good night and sweet dreams." As it was time to close the live stream, Rain quickly closed live stream.

    "Phew. That was nerve wrecking. It was a good thing I already made some story from novels I read in previous life." Rain sighed in relief.

    Rain thought that as he was doing more live streams he will gain more points now on.

    With those points he could also grow stronger. As he had already taken that growth elixir, he just have to train day and night. He assumed that after a week his rank might be D+."

    As Rain was too tired after hunting in the Ant colony, he skipped his night training and decided to sleep. He also had to woke up early next day.

    He soon changed in his pajamas andy down on hisfy bed.

    And Rain slept.

    After seeing his stream��

    Many people had different reactions.

    [Ca''s POV]

    "Charles what if Rain said is true?" (Ca)

    At now Charles was out energy because of Ca''s questions.

    After taking some breaths, Charles answered.

    "There is low chance he is saying true. But even if it''s true. As I told you don''t think too much about that.

    We also has some work. Let''s think about what to do from now on.

    First, I am thinking of making Rain''s past ount clear. Although he took all of the money we put in the bank ount for him, he might need some money again. So let''s gather some money for him. As now he wants to live alone, he might need some resources." Charles exined.

    Ca kept listening silently.

    "I have already contacted Rose family. As breaking of the engagement was initiated from them, I got somepensation from them. After all those geezers spoiled Emma enough. With these, it is Rain''s money." Ca thought how cool her husband was.

    "Second, the recipe he gave is already in production. I named the ownership on Rain''s name. We will give him, this whole potion business. After all living without penny would be hard." Charles show the production details to Ca. She was very impressed by all of this.

    "However, what about the elders, won''t they know if we give money to Rain?" Ca asked worriedly. After learning the things from Charles about family, she was on alert.

    "Oh, about those color-changing elders they already made a thing about making Kaya heir candidate. They didn''t notice anything." Charles scoffed.

    "Hmm. It''s good. However you said you were going to solve problems of Kaya and Emma, how are you going to do that?" Ca asked.

    "I had already done much in the past. It would be great if Rain had broke off the engagement early, still it''s good. He is kind." Charles felt nostalgia as he remembered what Rain said when he told him to break the engagement with Emma."

    [Past Scene]

    "Rain, you know, you should gave up the engagement with Emma. She doesn''t like you, Mommy and Papa will find better bride for you." Charles said to 10 years old Rain.

    "No, I would never gave up on her. Never Ever!" Little Rain said with determination.

    Back to the current scene,

    "At the end even that kind child has give up. Although I agreed with elders about making Kaya family head. However I put wsome conditions, to fulfill that conditions it will take more than 3-4 years.

    After all I can''t give her family head position now. With her mentality she will sure cause ruckus if she bes family head now." Charles shrugged his shoulders.

    "Now Rain have already smeared her reputation in social media. She will sure get hard time to fulfill the conditions.

    Well, then we will see what she does." Charles was curious what she will do.

    [Mark''s POV]

    He utterly denied all things about Rain in his mind. After all he was the only one who saw how Rain trained, and he had Only Emma in his eyes.

    So he didn''t bother much thinking about it and kept training for head butler position.

    [Kaya''s POV]

    "So he didn''t like Emma?" Kaya was shocked. He didn''t believe it at first untill she heard Rain''s exination.

    She wondered who was the girl that he mentioned in his live stream.

    Although she felt everything was weird. However Rain''s reasoning was also strong. After all, after her incident Emma didn''t gave Rain speck of love. No one would like cold iceberg unless he is some weirdo.

    "But wasn''t he training addict? When did he learn ying guitar, singing, painting?"

    As she was thinking things. A letter came flying. There was her family seal on it.

    "Oh, there is news."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Because there is chance on leaking news on technology, most of high family direct send letters via space magic.

    After opening, it. She slowly started reading.

    While reading at first her face brimmed with joy, but soon it hardened till she read the whole letter.

    After reading it she burned the letter.

    "So I can now be heir candidate. But I have to fulfill conditions.

    1. Became A ranker.

    2. Family support will be halved.

    3. Clear your reputation.

    Note: Previous heir candidate was also like this." These conditions were written in the letter. Kaya felt the writer was taunting her by writing that note.

    Kaya thought that she can an A ranker. She knew it would take at least 2.5 years to achieve her goal, but she was determined to make it happen. She believed that with the support of her family and intense training, she could make progress before deadline.

    However, her family had halved their support, making it difficult for her to continue training. Kaya was stressed by this, as it would slow down her progress.

    Furthermore, she was struggling to clear her reputation. She had been receiving a lot of hate from Rain''s fans and the public, and it had been overwhelming for her.

    She realized that she couldn''t do it alone and needed help.

    Kaya hoped for a moment that Rain would mention her in his stream, as it could potentially put a stop to the negative attention she was receiving. However, she soon dismissed that idea.

    She thought it was unlikely to happen, as Rain had not mentioned everything she had done to him. She was grateful to him for that.

    Kaya always admired Rain''s talent and hard work, despite the fact that he had not received support from his family or you can say he didn''t take support from the family he was able to reach almost C rank.

    She had also noted that despite rumors about Rain, his reputation had remained unscathed. Kaya had been impressed by this and wondered how he had managed to achieve sess without letting his reputation suffer.

    She sighed.

    "How did you do it? Rain." Kaya mumbled.

    [Emma''s POV]

    "So he liked someone else and still he agreed for engagement."

    She mumbled.

    "Why does it felt bad?" She was puzzled.

    "Yeah, we have no rtionship. We broke off the engagement. We are not childhood friends now neither even friends.

    I don''t even know where he is right now?

    Where did he go?

    Did he go to meet his love?

    Will they live in same house?" Emma kept thinking.

    [Arya''s POV]

    "Who is she?" She trying her best to find the identity of the girl.

    "There is someone else in his life. But wasn''t I his only friend?"

    "No, He said he didn''t meet her or even talked her. So how can they be friends." She soon realised, she was happy knowing she was only friend of Rain.

    "Yup, I am only friend of him." She soon recalled how sad Rain looked in his live stream while talking about his first love.

    She tried to think of the ways to make him happy.

    "Should I be his lover?" Random thought crossed her might.

    "But this is so embarrassing." she blushed. "And will even Rain ept it? After all I didn''t help himst time." After some time, she thought she will think about it after some time.

    "However I will protect him from now on. First let''s start searching for the enemy who hacked Rain''s Fan club website." She was too much frustrated by the imbecile that hacked her precious Rain''s Fan Club''s website. She pledged that she will kill that person for sure.

    However, there was also a girl, who was thinking about Rain''s live stream and his confession.

    "So he said that he also liked a girl." She mumbled.

    "Strangely enough our stories sounds same. I also met him near theke and fell in love at first sight.

    However I thought he liked Emma and there was already rumors of their engagement. So I stayed away from him. I went to different school, started living in different city. In the end I couldn''t control myself, so I went to hiding in my family base." She recalled what happened until now.

    "Is the girl he fell in love with me?" She said.

 Chapter 72 Academy Life (1)

    ?

    The atmosphere at Today Academy was as bustling as ever.

    The students were engrossed in conversations, some discussing their coursework and academic schedules, while others indulged in gossip and idle chatter.

    The ambiance was reminiscent of the lively college days, and it was something that Rain, if he were here, would have surely enjoyed.

    However, he was not present, and his absence was felt by those who knew him.

    Amidst all the chattering, one topic that seemed to be particrly popr was Rain''s live stream that took ce the previous night.

    The group of random trio as always was talking about Rain''s live stream.

    "Did you watch it?" A random student asked.

    "Is it necessary to ask same question everytime? Don''t you get tired by asking it. How many time I have to say, Yeah. It was good?" A random student''s friend from the same group was outraged.

    "Chill dude. Chill. Live stream was good. However I hope he increases his streaming time. 20-30 minutes are too short." A random student expressed his opinion.

    "I agree about that too." A random girl as always interjected.

    "It''s because you both aren''t studying. Focus on studies more. He is being considerate to us by doing short streams." A random student''s friend scoffed.

    "Yeah. Your point is valid. However, for your kind information, let me remind you we both scored in top 100 in entrance exam." A random student said with smug look.

    A random girl puffed her chest proudly.

    A random student''s friend from the same group couldn''t refute.

    In the academy, some people started using Rain''s confession as reference and started proposing.

    And there was one guy who did it near main building.

    He nervously walked towards the main building, his heart beating so loudly he could almost hear it. He had nned this moment for weeks, and now that it was finally here, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of overwhelming excitement mixed with anxiety.

    As he approached the building, he saw her standing there, looking as beautiful as ever. He took a deep breath and walked up to her, taking her hand in his.

    "Hey," he said, smiling at her.

    "Hey," she replied, returning the smile.

    He cleared his throat, trying to calm his nerves,"I want to say something to you."

    "What is it?" The girl tilted her head as she was puzzled.

    He dropped down to one knee and pulled out a bouquet of colorful from his space ring and said,

    "You don''t know

    How much I care about you.

    You don''t know

    How I always think about you.

    You don''t know

    How my eyes only has you.

    You don''t know

    How much I love you.

    So to let you know please be my girlfriend."

    Tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded yes, and he gave her that bouquet. They hugged and kissed, and he felt like he was on top of the world.

    As they walked away from the main building, hand in hand, he knew that he had made the right decision. He was excited to start this new chapter of their lives together, and he couldn''t wait to see what the future held for them.

    If Rain was here he would have felt his confession was being misused.

    __________________________________________

    On the other hand, Lily was troubled by something.

    Although she wanted to make some money by Rain''s Confession video.

    However then she suddenly remembered something and her expression be worse.

    From this you might think she remembered something unpleasant.

    Yeah, it is.

    Yesterday, she received a copyright im from Rain for using his videos, photos, and songs without Rain''s permission.

    She was required to hand over most, if not all, of the earnings she had made from selling Rain''s work to him. This left her feeling frustrated and annoyed. She had deleted all posts about selling Rain''s content, so she was curious about how Rain found out. She didn''t know how he found out.

    <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "And why he is onlying now to take his money? Can''t he send copyright im earlier?" She was confused.

    She was quite irritated with it.

    However, she was not the only one who was irritated because of Rain.

    Arya was also kinda irritated.

    Arya discovered that someone hacked her phone and deleted most of Rain''s photographs from her phone, and she was in the process of restoring them. However, she was having difficulty in it.

    Furthermore, despite the fan club being restored, it had fewer members.

    As a result, the club members'' hatred for that hacker was growing, and they were questioning his actions.

    After all, many people didn''t return. Slowly hatred for that enemy who did this was growing.

    Kaya was training and considering how to restore her reputation. She still didn''t find any way.

    And Emma, she was in daze. Most of the hatements was deleted from her social media ount. Now people knew Rain didn''t love Emma. People''s anger decreased quite a bit.

    Rain had broken up their engagement, blocked her on social media, and disappeared without exnation. Emma''s world had been turned upside down by the bizarre chain of events. Rain didn''te to his birthday party, and now he was saying he didn''t love her and was interested in someone else.

    Now no one even knows where he is and he even had became a famous streamer.

    "What is true? Didn''t he say in the video that he loved me? Was that lie?" Emma''s mind was mess.

    She didn''t know which thing was true however after hearing Rain''s reasoning she also felt some doubts.

    Many people also tried search for Identity of the girl. However they couldn''t.

    So they started doubting Rain.

    Many people also started making fake ount of the girl, and asking Rain for reply.

    But these people didn''t know that there was really that girl.

    Even Rain didn''t know. However when he would know about it, it will be great sight.

    __________________________________________

    [Third Party''s POV]

    The S ss of the academy was a futuristic ssroom, equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The walls were made of touch-sensitive screens, allowing students to interact with the lesson material in a more immersive way.

    Each student had a holographic workstation installed in the smartwatch that projected a 3D virtual hologram where they could see live demonstration ofbat techniques and other things.

    The workstation was equipped with advanced sensors that tracked their learning methods, allowing for real-time feedback and analysis of their performance.

    The ceiling was covered in a web of fiber optic cables that emitted a soft glow, creating a calming atmosphere in the room.

    Some of the students chatted, and asked questions, the room''s AI system detected their conversations and disyed relevant information on the screens, includingbat strategies, historical battles, and notable martial artists.

    Other students in the ss were engaged in their usual chit-chat, as they often did.

    Many of them had already formed their own groups, and were deep in conversation with their peers.

    However, the day''s agenda was different, as they were scheduled for abat practice ss.

    The students were anticipating the arrival of their professor, Kevin, who was expected to enter the ss soon.

    In the ss, on first raw of the desks a handsome boy was watching demonstration of Sword Arts in his smart watch. Soon, someone tapped his shoulder.

    "Yo Ken, you still learning?" A muscr guy came and asked.

    "Yeah. James. I felt bored while waiting for Professor Kevin. So I thought of watching some demonstration of Sword Arts." Ken exined.

    "Yeah, What do you think Professor Kevin will teach us today?" James asked curiously.

    Ken turned off the hologram and turned his face towards James.

    "As long as I think, he is trying to gouge our current level. Like at first he let us spar among ourselves then let us fight in virtual reality dungeon. Today he might give us some training or he will give us pointers on what he noticed." Kenmented.

    "Wow, you are so sharp!" James eximed.

    "Nah, even idiot would be able to notice that." Ken said casually.

    "Yeah and because I am not idiot I wasn''t able to notice that." James remarked.

    Hearing this, Ken''s forehead was filled with ck lines.

 Chapter 73 Academy Life (2)

    ?

    As the students were immersed in their conversations, they suddenly fell silent as the door to the ssroom creaked open.

    All eyes turned towards the entrance, as Professor Kevin strode in with a confident gait, his piercing gaze scanning the room as he took in the sight of his students.

    "Good morning, everyone," Kevin said, his voice firm and clear, filling the room.

    "Good morning, Professor Kevin!" the students replied in unison, eager for the day''s ss.

    "I hope you''re all ready for some intensebat practice today. We have a lot to cover, and I expect nothing but your best effort," Kevin said clearly, his eyes scanning the room.

    The students nodded, some with excitement and some with a bit of trepidation, knowing that the ss would be challenging.

    "Let''s go, it''s time for ss. Follow me," Kevinmanded, leading the way to the training area.

    Soon, they entered a vast space with various training equipment and obstacles, perfect forbat practice. Kevin walked to the center of the area, where all the students could see him clearly.

    "So now, after observing your performance in the VR dungeon, I have noticed something. Most of you have too poor stamina, especially mages and some special individuals. A good warrior or mage needs a good body. So, from now on, you all have to do physical training every day," Kevin exined, his eyes sweeping across the students.

    The students'' faces fell, realizing that the training would be more intense than they had initially thought. Kevin continued, "And here is a mana-restriction bracelet. You all have to wear it. You can''t use mana to enforce your body."

    He distributed the bracelets to every student, and some of them looked pale and nervous, except for a few who seemed to be taking it all in stride.

    "Now, first we will start with running. Let''s begin," Kevin said, and the students started running, sweat already pouring down their faces.

    After an hour, most of the mages were on the floor, exhausted. Only a few students were still running, including Ken, James and a particr girl.

    "Okay. Stop," Kevin called out, and they all stopped running, gasping for air.

    "Let''s meet tomorrow, here," Kevin said, before leaving the training area.

    "Ken, you sure have good stamina," Jamesmented, impressed by his friend''s performance.

    "Huff...hah...huff...you...too," Ken replied, barely able to catch his breath.

    Amy, a muscr girl with short dark red hair, came over to them,plimenting Ken on his stamina.

    "Although you look like weakling however you sure have good stamina." Amy said.

    Amy was a striking girl with short, fiery red hair that framed her sharp features. Her body was a testament to her athletic prowess, with toned muscles and curves that made even the boys feel a bit envious.

    Her C-D sized chest added to her already stunning figure, making her the epitome of an athletic beauty.

    Her face was angr and defined, with piercing green eyes that seemed to hold a spark of mischief.

    Her full lips were usually curved up in a friendly smile, making her even more approachable.

    Afterplimenting Ken, She left to help another student who had fallen to the ground.

    As the students left the training area, some were whispering about the tough training they had just experienced. Ben, in particr, stared fiercely at Ken, feeling envious of his performance and how he was praised by a beauty.

    Martha, on the other hand, looked unphased by the training, having stopped running earlier because she found it boring.

    "Lucky you, Ken. She is famous muscle beauty Amy Duras. She is ranked 5th among the freshman this year. You sure are a worthy friend of mine," James said, pping Ken on the back as they left the training area, their bodies aching from the intense physical exercise.

    ***

    In a dormitory room of the Academy, there was a red-haired girl named Lily Rochegne, who was engrossed in staring at the screen while sucking on a lollipop with two pigtails on either side of her head.

    As she was staring at the screen, she couldn''t believe that a man had sent her another copyright im.

    She knew it was within thews, but she couldn''t help but wonder how the man had found out that she had sold his photos, videos, and songs without his permission.

    She felt disappointed because even though the money she earned from it was meager, it was still her source of ie.

    She gave up thinking about it, realizing that she couldn''t do anything about it, and instead shifted her focus on finding a new source of ie.

    If only Lily knew not only Rain gave her copyright im for selling his photos, videos, songs, etc., but he also used her opportunity to make money through the elixir recipe that she would have discovered, she would have surely cursed Rain to death.

    But instead of dwelling on the past, Lily decided to focus on finding new ways to make money. She came up with the idea ofunching merchandise in the name of "NightSoul," and decided to send a contract to Rain proposing a partnership. Lily believed that they could both invest money in materials and share the profits equally.

    With determination, Lily quickly began to draft an electronic contract, her fingers tapping rapidly on the keyboard. After a few minutes, the contract was ready, and she reviewed it, satisfied with the terms.

    She smiled as she e-mailed the contract and additional information to Rain, feeling hopeful that he would agree to the proposal.

    ***

    [Rain''s POV]

    Rain was sitting in his room, listening to lectures and trying to focus on his studies.

    Suddenly, he felt a vibration on his wrist and saw a notification on his smartwatch. He wondered who could be messaging him at this time of the day, and then he noticed that he had received an email from someone named Lily.

    Rain was curious about the email, and he opened it to find a proposal for a business partnership with Lily.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    After that he started reading it.

    "Wow. It''s good proposal. I also wanted tounch my merch, but I didn''t have anyone to manage it. The idea of sharing 50/50 profit while investing money together was also good. I would have agreed for this proposal If only it was sent by someone else." However, Lily was different case. Rain had some good idea for fun, he had a evil smile on his face.

    He started typing something on hisptop and sent to Lily.

    ***

    [Lily''s POV]

    She felt a sense of anticipation and nervousness as she waited for his response. She hoped that he would agree to the proposal and that they could start working together soon. However soon she got a reply from Rain.

    She was curious so started reading it.

    "Oh, you are that girl who sold my things around. Thanks for giving me money.

    And about merchandise, thanks about giving that idea, too. I kinda forgot that. Now I willunch it soon. You don''t have to worry about it, I will not give you a single coin from the sellings."

    After reading the email, Lily clenched her small fists in frustration. The tension in her body was palpable as she tried to control her emotions.

    In that moment, the lollipop in her mouth broke under the pressure of her teeth.

    *CRACK*

    "This guy is openly mocking me. I will show you what I can do. I will destroy...."

    Just when Lily was thinking about how to destroy Rain. Another email came.

    "Hey. You wanna destroy me.

    However can you even find me?

    Do you even know where I am?

    And children should not think about things like violence. They should eat lollipop and y in park. So they can grow properly."

    This time, all hell break loose.

    "YOU BASTARD!! HOW DARE YOU MAKE FUN OF MEEE!!" She roared in anger. Just when she was going to block Rain, another emaile.

    Although she was angry she still read it.

    "Don''t be angry. Let me give you something. How about 80/20 profit from sales? Feel honoured."

    Lily was now having hard time to control her anger. ''Feel honoured'' sounded like he was taking her as a peasant.

    "Don''t be angry like child. How about 55/45 ratio. 55% mine and rest is yours. But you have to manage everything and thanks for agreeing. Bye Bee."

    After reading this, Lily somewhat gained her rationality.

    "This is good offer. Okay I will agree with this." She sent reply to the email.

    "Just you wait. When I meet you in future I will crush you." She mumbled.

    "And what is Bye Bee? Is this the new trend?" She started searching about the term.

    ***

    [Rain''s POV]

    "It would have been great If I could see her expression." Rain chuckled.

    "Still it''s good opportunity for me to make some money.

    Although Lily is like money grubber but she is still Future Merchant Queen. With her expertise I will make more money." Rain was expecting good amount of money.

    He thought that with the money he will earn, he can get more system points and get stronger faster.

 Chapter 74 Academy Life (3)

    ?

    As the day drew to a close, the Academy emptied out and only a handful of people remained.

    Among them was Ken, who had just finished his training for the day and was on his way back to his room.

    It was amon sight to see Ken practicingte into the night, as he was a dedicated protagonist who took his training seriously.

    As he walked through the deserted corridors, Ken''s attention was drawn to the sound ofmotioning from a nearby alleyway.

    Being naturally curious, he followed the noise and soon came upon a disturbing scene - a group of boys were viciously beating a single student.

    "Hey, Lowlife. How are you now?" A tall man sneered. He was tall and lean, with scruffy, unkempt hair and a perpetual scowl etched onto their face. He wore a leather jacket, ripped jeans, andbat boots, giving off an intimidating vibe.

    "Why did you even bothering to the Academy?" A man with buzz cut asked, arms crossed. He was shorter than the other guy but still exuded a tough aura. He eyes were sharp, with a menacing re that could scare off anyone who dares to cross him. He wore a in white t-shirt, a leather vest adorned with various studs and spikes, and ck boots with metal buckles.

    Tallest man among the group stepped forward, a cruel smirk on their face. "Remember, Lowlife. No matter what you do, you''ll always be just a Lowlife. So you should feel honored to have been beaten up by us."

    He has shaggy, tousled hair that fell into his eyes. He had a muscr build, suggesting that he spend a lot of time at the gym, and was covered in tattoos from head to toe. He wore a ck hoodie with the hood pulled up, obscuring most of his face, and baggy cargo pants tucked into military-style boots.

    There was half a dozen of group of boys was obscuring the view so anyone won''t disturb them.

    The student was silently taking beating from them.

    Seeing this Ken''s blood started boiling.

    Without hesitation, Ken rushed to intervene and put an end to the violence.

    He came before them and shouted.

    "Stop."

    Kevin stood near them.

    "Oh, who are you?" One of the boys from group asked.

    "You don''t know him? He is chief of freshmen this year." A short guy answered.

    "Ah, that lowlife."

    "Yeah, he is also lowlife. Can''t you see how he stopped our noble activity." A guy with noble aura and expensive clothesmented.

    "But wouldn''t he be strong as Freshman?" The short guy was scared.

    "Hey, are you scared from this lowlife? No way. He just had cheated and luckily got that ce. And even that Bastard Rain also fled like pussy. Otherwise, there is no way lowlife like him would get first ce."

    The scruffy hairmented.

    (If Rain was here, He would have said," Oh, this is bullying sub-event? And aren''t they cronies of Ben''s group. And who are you calling pussy. I don''t have that.")

    "Don''t worry, you guys. I can handle him alone. Beforeing to the academy. I cleared a hidden dungeon alone. It was full of wolves." Tallest man among the group said.

    Hearing this trash talk Ken''s anger was rising.

    "So let me give some taste of my fists."

    After some time, all bullies were lying down.

    "Hey, are you okay?"

    Ken stretched his hand to student.

    "Oh, ��thank��you."

    And that student got up.

    "You''re wee. My name is Ken. From S-ss first year."

    "I am Isaac. From B-ss first year."

    "So why were you being bullied?"

    "Amm. It''s not only me they kinda bully also some students, who came frommon or low background. You are from S-ss and strong so might not know."

    Hearing this Ken clenched his fists.

    "But can''t you tell this to professors and what about Academy rules?"

    "You might know. But most of these bullies work under Ben Tyson from your ss... so��"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "And some professors cover for them. Because of Ben''s family background. Right?"

    "Yes."

    Isaac just nodded.

    "Let''s go to infirmary."

    After dropping Isaac to infirmary. Ken returned to his room.

    He was lying on his bed.

    ''I have to do something about this tomorrow. I don''t have much time.''

    Typical Protagonist.

    After Ken and Issac left the scene...

    "Ouch. Didn''t you said you cleared hidden dungeon alone? You liar. You just got knock out in 3 punches. Pathetic." The short man with buzz cut said while groaning.

    "Fancying from you who got knock out in 1 punch." Tallest guy scoffed and continued,

    "And I did clear the hidden dungeon alone, however it was already cleared. Only few wolves were left there. Even artifact was also taken away." Tallest guy exined.

    "Then how it can be hidden dungeon when it''s already cleared by someone? You idiot." The guy with expensive clothes outraged.

    "Oh, I didn''t think about that. My bad." Tallest guy apologized.

    Every guy from the group that time felt to beat this guy again.

    In the middle of the night, while most people were fast asleep, there was one individual who remained awake.

    The identity of this man and his intentions remained a mystery. However, one thing was certain - he was engaged in a task that was crucial for his survival.

    Despite the silence of the night, there were some faint sounds emanating from his vicinity, indicating that he was actively engaged in his work.

    It is unclear what this work entailed or why it had to be conducted at such an odd hour.

    There were some sounds like...

    "Huff... Hah... Huff..."

    The man was visibly struggling to catch his breath, with each inhtion and exhtioning in quick session.

    Beads of sweat ran down his face and his entire body was drenched in perspiration, indicating that he had been engaged in a strenuous physical activity for a prolonged period.

    Despite his fatigue, his chiseled physique was apparent as he stood there, shirtless. His well-defined muscles were on full disy, glistening in the light, a testament to his hard work and dedication.

    It was evident that this man had been pushing his body to its limits, perhaps in pursuit of a goal or out of sheer determination.

    *Tang*

    *Tang*

    "This is sure tiring, still it''s worth it." That man wiped the sweat from his forehead with his elbow.

    That man''s name is Rain.

    So, what is he doing?

    Of course he is mining.

 Chapter 75 Visit To Kevins Office

    ?

    Apparently, after clearing the Ant colony, Rain again went there the next day at early morning.

    This time he even took pickaxe with him.

    Why? For extracting the ores he saw the other day.

    After all, he spent a whole 100 points on the Mining Skill. Although, it was just a Beginner skill but It was still better than nothing.

    As he entered the Ant colony, Rain encountered some low-level monsters that he easily defeated. However, these battles took up some of his time, dying his progress.

    After so many battles, he finally reached to the area where he saw oresst time.

    "Let''s start mining here." Soon Rain found good area to mine. His sixth sense was telling him, he would able to mine good quality ores from there.

    Just as he started mining, A monster came.

    Rain defeated it easily, as it was just a low-ss monster.

    "Phew. Now let me start mining again."

    After a few minutes. A giant centipede came this time and Rain defeated it easily too.

    "I hope nothinges out this time to disturb me." Rain hoped.

    As Rain began to mine, he was disappointed to find that the ores he was extracting were of low-quality and weremonly found in the area.

    Most of them were copper ores, and asionally he found some iron ore as well. However, his focus on the task at hand was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a centipede.

    Quick to react, Rain drew his sword and unleashed a powerful attack that utilized the Shadow Sword art - Shadow walk. In a single stroke, the centipede was vanquished, and Rain returned to mining once again.

    However, his efforts were once again interrupted when an earthworm emerged from the ground.

    "I am gonna kill you. Die." Rain said in cold tone.

    ''Sword of Recognition''

    With a single stroke of his sword, Rain had in the earthworm that had attempted to impede his progress. Unfazed by this encounter, he continued with his mining and monster-ying activities.

    It appeared that once the ants had been cleared out by Rain, other insect-type monsters had taken up residence in the area.

    This pattern continued throughout the day, with Rain repeating the same scenario over and over again.

    As the night drew near, Rain realized that he had been in the Ant colony for a long time. He had not been able to leave the area due to the monsters that kept appearing, making it difficult for him toplete his mining activities.

    "I couldn''t even leave because of them. It''s just shit," he thought to himself, frustrated by the situation.

    Despite his best efforts, Rain had been unable toplete his mining before sunset.

    He had arrived early in the morning, hoping to finish before the day was out, but the constant interruptions from the monsters had slowed him down.

    It seemed as though he was stuck in a never-ending cycle of mining and fighting, a life that he did not particrly enjoy.

    Meanwhile, Ken was having his own adventures in the academy, beating up bullies and exploring new areas. While Rain struggled with his mining and monster-ying.

    __________________________________________

    The next day began early for the students at the Academy, despite the hour, the campus was buzzing with activity.

    Unlike Rain, who had no formal sses to attend, these students had to be up early in the morning to prepare for their day ahead.

    As the sun began to rise, many of the students left their dormitories and made their way towards their ssrooms.

    As they walked, some students were in groups, chatting andughing together, while others walked in pairs or alone.

    The campus was alive with the sound of conversation andughter, creating a lively atmosphere.

    Everyone seemed to be in high spirits, enjoying the start of a new day.

    As the students made their way to their sses, a young man passed by, drawing the attention of those around him.

    The students began to mor,

    "Hey, that was Ken, right?" A random student asked his friend.

    "Yeah. But why is he alone?" A random student''s friend answered.

    "Doesn''t he always go to ss with James?" A random student again asked.

    "How would I know? Why do you keep asking questions to me everytime we meet?" A random student''s friend asked in return.

    It was amon sight for everyone at the Academy to see James picking up Ken every day.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Ken was known for his handsome face and for being the Chief of the Freshmen, while James was also famous for being hispanion.

    However, there were some envious people who thought that James had left Ken, like those bullies who had harassed him the other day.

    But the reality was different. Ken had wanted to talk to Professor Kevin about the incident from the previous day and get some more details.

    He knew that it might take a while, so he gave a random excuse to James and left on his own. James just shrugged his shoulders and went on his way to the ssroom.

    Ken trudged through the bustling corridors of the academy, as this world was modern world there wasn''t anything like backpack on his shoulders.

    Every needed study material was stored in his smartwatch.

    The sound of chattering students and cking heels echoed through the halls.

    As he made his way towards the professor''s office area, his mind raced with thoughts of what happenedst night.

    He had to rify some doubts of what happenedst night.

    He passed by a group of giggling freshmen and a vending machine, but didn''t stop. Finally, he arrived at the professor''s door and took a deep breath before knocking the door.

    He was determined to get some answers about what had happened and to ensure that he was prepared for any future incidents.

    As he waited for a response, he couldn''t help but feel nervous about what he might discover.

    But he knew that it was important to face his fears head-on and learn as much as he could to protect himself and his friends.

    *Knock*

    *Knock*

    "May Ie in?" Ken asked.

    "Yes." An answer came from behind the door.

    Ken pushed open the door and entered Professor Kevin''s office, which was spacious and slightlyrger than the average ssroom.

    The walls were painted in a light shade of cream, giving the room a calming atmosphere.

    The office was neat and clean, with no clutter or unnecessary items lying around. Arge, sturdy wooden desk sat in the center of the room, with a high-back leather chair behind it.

    The desk was neatly arranged, with aputer, a stack of papers, and a pen holder. There were also some books on the desk.

    A tall bookshelf was situated against one wall of the room, filled with numerous books, both thick and thin.

    The bookshelf was arranged in an orderly fashion, with textbooks, novels, and reference books separated into different sections.

    The shelves were adorned with some decorative items, including a few framed certificates and awards.

    There were twofortable armchairs situated in front of the desk, facing each other. The armchairs were upholstered in dark brown leather, which gave them a luxurious feel.

    A small coffee table sat between the armchairs, with a vase of fresh flowers ced in the center.

    The office was well-lit, with arge window that let in plenty of natural light, making the room feel warm and inviting.

    As Ken kept observing office, Kevin felt he would keep standing there if he didn''t say anything.

    "So, howe you are here?" Kevin, as usual, maintained a neutral expression as he asked.

    Ken took a deep breath and recounted the whole incident to Kevin, detailing the bullying he had witnessed and his concerns about the safety of the students. Kevin listened patiently, his face asionally creased with concern.

    "So, you telling me there is bullying in Academy?" Kevin asked, his tone measured.

    "Yes." Ken nodded firmly.

    Kevin sighed.

    "Ken, as you are chief of the Freshman year, let me tell you. This is not a new thing in the Academy. This happens every year. Some arrogant or strong studentse and beat other students." Kevin said.

    Ken was taken aback, he couldn''t believe what he was hearing. "This can''t be true. This happens every year?" he asked, bewildered.

    Kevin nodded gravely.

    "Oh, it''s not that I''m lying. Like you, many students in the past also came to tell stories like this." Kevin said.

    Ken''s mind raced with questions, "Then, what did the Academy do about it?"

    After that, Ken heard the things from Kevin''s mouth that was enough to change his world view.

 Chapter 76 Cruel Reality & Duel

    ?

    [Let me tell you a tale, That life is a hell.

    When your pair of eyes gains a rity,

    You will know that how cruel is Reality.]

    Bullying.

    Apparently, it is a small issue in the eyes of others.

    But is it? Most of the people already know the answer of this question. I don''t think I should have to answer it.

    Then, what is bullying?

    Someone said,

    Bullying is aggressive behavior among school aged children that involve a real or perceived power imbnce.

    The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.

    But is it only in school? And only physical?

    It is everywhere and with anybody.

    Even with social media, people can just bully someone with their words.

    Isn''t it magical?

    People tend to ignore it, but it isn''t a good thing.

    Because bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.

    Now let''s see what are types of that...

    Like verbal bullying

    Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things.

    Like taunting, body-shaming, threatening etc...

    Physical bullying

    Physical bullying involves hurting a person''s body or possessions.

    Social bullying

    Social bullying, sometimes referred to as rtional bullying, involves hurting someone''s reputation or rtionships.

    Spreading rumors and lies about someone. Or iste them intentionally.etc...

    And now there is also cyberbullying.

    Cyberbullying is bullying that takes ce over digital devices like cell phones,puters, and tablets. Cyberbullying can ur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.

    Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else, causing embarrassment or humiliation.

    Some cyberbullying crosses the line into uwful or criminal behavior.

    While there are some people who tend to ignore it,

    then there are also some people who strongly try to oppose it.

    Like Ken is doing now.

    "Then, What Academy did about that? "

    Ken coldly asked a question. He was very angry and confused now.

    "Oh, Academy has rules about that. After all, we can''t afford to have something like bullying happen here." Kevin just stated it like that it was obvious.

    "Then, why it is still happening?" Ken asked with a frown on his face.

    Slowly, his heart was filling with deep rage.

    "You know how those high-ss families are. They just put facade of purity.

    Although not all of them like that but many times, some children of their children or children of some high-rankers tend to show superiority." Kevin took a crystal ball in hand and started fiddling with it.

    "In blindness of showing thier superiority they try to beat anyone. Then, slowly, it repeats and be like this." Kevin exined.

    "Most of the Academy professors are from them or from some factions that follow them. So they don''t take any actions against them or just gives small warnings to them." Kevin stated.

    "And in from which faction are you?" Ken asked. He wasn''t seeing any point any Kevin''s babbling.

    Hearing this, Kevin chuckled.

    "You think I would join some meger faction? If I make a faction they would kneel before me to join my faction." Kevin said proudly.

    Ken felt that Kevin wasn''t a normal professor.

    "But can''t Academy do anything about this?" Ken asked.

    "Academy can do very much with them. If only there is any evidence. Most of the time, bullying is verbal bullying or social bullying, so we can only give them warning." Kevin just shrugged his shoulders.

    "Then, What if it''s physical bullying?"

    This time Ken asked with some cold tone.

    "Like I said, if there is an evidence, the Academy will take action. However you know, in most of the cases, evidence doesn''t even reach us." Kevin calmly exined.

    "Why? How?" Ken was confused.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Let me tell you. There are many things.

    First, the victim is scared. After all, most of the time victims are weak, timid and in lower or disadvantageous position."

    He continued.

    "Second, Bully threatens the victims.

    This threat might be many things.

    Like they will harm him, his family or his loved ones. They can kinda destroy them or even kill them.

    Third, even in the cases'' victim tries to reach anyone.

    Then he will be under great pressure. Sometimes bully will really destroy his everything. Or his voice will be pressed down by someone.

    And even if in the end the victim gets justice, what will he do? It will be an empty victory."

    Ken was silent. He clenched his first enough to bleed.

    "Ken. Reality is just like this. Cruel and heartless. These things about equality and justice are just empty facade. Still, I will try to do some things.

    But remember. [Freedom is not free] and [world is not always bright].

    Weak people are always crushed, like we crush the ants. You have to be strong, so nobody can crush you." Saying this, Kevin crushed the crystal ball in his hand, he opened his hand and there was only sparkling powder left.

    "Still, I want to make these things stop." Ken said with determination.

    Kevin started thinking

    After some time...

    "Okay. You can make things slightly better, and there is a way for that. A Duel."

    Hearing this, Ken got the idea.

    "Now, let''s go to ss. Otherwise, we will bete and the Academy will cut my sry." Kevinmented.

    As soon as Ken and Kevin left the office, they made their way towards the ssroom.

    Ken could feel his heart beating faster with every step he took. When they finally reached the ssroom, Ken opened the door and stepped in.

    He was met with a cacophony of noise as the other students in the ss were already there, chatting, and catching up with each other.

    Many pairs of eyes turned towards Ken, who had never beente before without a group.

    Noticing Ken''s arrival, James quickly made his way towards Ken.

    He put his hand on Ken''s shoulder.

    "Pal, Where were you? And you are sote." James said.

    "I had some things to do." Ken just answered calmly.

    When James was going to ask something again.

    Professor Kevin entered the ssroom.

    James returned to his seat and all students also returned to their seats.

    "Good morning, everyone." As usual, Kevin greeted them.

    "Good morning, sir." And students also greeted him in unison.

    "So, like yesterday, we will do physical training again. Now follow me."

    Saying that, Kevin left the ssroom.

    Although some people were dissatisfied. However he just ignored them.

    In the end, all students followed him.

    James again came near Ken.

    "Now, will you tell me the reason?" He asked.

    "I will tell youter. Now let''s go, or I willte again." Kevin just smiled and walked.

    James just made a dissatisfied face.

    He made hmph sound. It might have looked cute if he was a girl or some small boy. However on his muscr body. It looked quite a bizarre sight.

    Shortly after arriving at the training area, all the students were instructed to begin their physical training by Kevin, just like the day before.

    The group started with runningps, and soon enough, the students were panting and sweating as they tried to keep up with the rigorous exercise.

    As time passed, many of the mages started dropping out and were left lying on the ground, exhausted.

    However, Ken, Amy, and James continued to push themselves, not wanting to give up. Finally, after an hour of intense physical activity, Kevin called an end to the ss.

    As everyone was packing up and leaving, Ken did something unexpected. He deliberately stood in front of Ben, blocking his path

    "What do you want?" Ben asked with an annoyed face.

    "Ben Tyson. I challenge you for a duel."

    Ken deration with a determined face.

 Chapter 77 Evil That Springs From The Weakness (1)

    ?

    Ken blocked Ben''s way.

    "What do you want?" Ben asked with an annoyed face.

    "Ben Tyson. I challenge you for a duel."

    As Ken blocked Ben''s way, people who were leaving the training ground stopped their tracks.

    They were taken aback by the sudden turn of events.

    Dueling was a different ball game altogether aspared to sparring.

    While in sparring, it was just for practice and pointers, people learning from each other, in a duel, it was a challenge.

    The end result of a duel could seriously impact the reputation of the loser, and it was also a way for people to vent their anger and remove any grudges they had against one another.

    At that moment, Ben''s handsome face wore a frown, and his red hair seemed to match his angered expression.

    The sharp gaze in his eyes spoke of his annoyance towards Kevin.

    As Ken stood in front of him, Ben couldn''t help but ask, "What is the meaning of this, Ken? Do you really want to challenge me to a duel?" Ben''s voice was cold and aloof, but there was an undercurrent of excitement as well.

    He really wanted to fight Ken, and prove himself.

    From a young age, Ben felt immense pressure to live up to his father''s reputation as an S-ranker.

    Determined to seed, he poured all of his efforts into training, but despite his natural talent, he was never able to break into the upper ranks among his peers.

    Initially, he was considered one of the most gifted children in his cohort, but as time passed, he began to fall behind his peers.

    Despite facing obstacles and setbacks, Ben persevered in his pursuits. He was determined to achieve his goals and dedicated himself to rigorous physical training, pushing himself to the point of exhaustion.

    Hismitment was evident in the calluses on his hands from swinging his swords every day.

    He held onto the belief that his hard work and persistence would eventually lead to sess.

    However, as time passed and he grew older, he began to recognize that his efforts alone were not always enough.

    No matter how much he trained or how many resources he had at his disposal, he could never quite reach the level of the truly gifted.

    Frustrated and disillusioned, Ben began to question the very idea that strength and skill were the most important qualities for a Awakened to possess.

    He found himself attracted to a radical group that held extreme views on Blood Supremacy, which was the belief that individuals with noble blood were the only ones deserving of power and influence.

    This ideology deeply resonated with him, and he was convinced that it was the key to unlocking his potential and achieving his goals.

    Eventually, he joined the group and quickly rose through the ranks, bing the leader of the younger generation. He was a charismatic figure who inspired others with his passionate speeches and unshakable conviction in the group''s beliefs.

    As the leader of this group''s younger generation, Ben found a sense of validation in oppressing and belittling those he saw as weaker or less deserving than himself.

    This behavior provided Ben with a twisted sense of satisfaction, and he became increasingly vain and self-important as a result. When he turned 20, he entered the Academy with the hope of proving himself once and for all.

    Ben wanted to meet Rain Holmes.

    Despite this, Ben had always admired Rain Holmes, who had been a prodigy since childhood and was always in the spotlight when it came to talented children.

    Rain was Ben''s idol and was perfect in his eyes. He walked alone like a king and never associated with anyone. Ben had hoped to meet Rain and be his friend, even adding him to the Blood Supremacy group.

    He was confident that Rain would be the top ranker in the entrance exam, so he worked hard to rank in the top 10. But to his disappointment, Rain never showed up for the exam.

    Although Ben knew that Rain had missed his own birthday party, he believed Charles when he said that Rain was sick from overworking. He held Rain in such high regard that he was in awe of him.

    However, when Ben saw the entrance exam results and discovered that he had ranked in the top 10, but Rain was nowhere to be found, he was shocked to the core. His idol had just disappeared, and he had no idea where he was or why he had not shown up for the exam.

    He saw a name in the ranking.

    ''Rank 1. Ken Astaseul.''

    Who is he?

    Where he came from?

    Who is Astaseul family?

    After returning to his room, he researched everything Ken.

    After some time he came to knew that Ken is frommon family.

    There was jealousy, envy, and rage in his heart.

    ''Amoner beat me.''

    ''If only Rain would havee. He might be first. This person took ce of him.

    Why? Why? Why you didn''te Rain?''

    He attended entrance ceremony next day.

    After some time head-master called for First rank Ken Astaseul. Then he saw a dark blue haired boy. He was more handsome than himself.

    He started staring fiercely at him.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    After that Ken gave speech and took Oath.

    Just when Entrance Ceremony ended.

    A message came on his phone.

    There was a notification on Connect app...

    it said that user Rain has posted a post.

    Ben opened the post.

    "From now on, I will live stream as ''Night soul'' name every second day at night."

    Then Rain announced through his post,

    " I will start live-streaming after 30 minutes."

    Ben was shocked. He soon left the ceremony hall.

    After some time...

    Ben entered his room.

    The room was quite luxurious.

    [Apparently, Academy gives room ording to the Rank. Top 10 students of the year gets a good room.]

    Soon, Ben opened hisptop and started operating it.

    And entered live-stream room.

    "Now, I will get every answer from him."

    Soon live-stream started. And Rain appeared on the screen.

    Ben was just excited enough to see him.

    Soon chatroom exploded.

    Rain responded,

    "Hello. My name is Rain. And from now on I will live-stream every second day at night with ''NightSoul'' name."

    He was more handsome than rumours. and his voice was quite good.

    After that many people started asking about rumours,

    #detective''s_child:- Hey, did you guys notice he just said Rain not Rain Holmes. And why is he noting at public. Maybe he was thrown out of family?

    #Sweetangel: No, that''s wrong! Rain was never thrown out of family.

    Ben also wanted to know about this.

    And Rain started to answer tha questions and told his story.

    "Okay. Calm down, guys.

    Yes. My family did not disown me.

    But it''s also true that I am no longer a member of the Holmes Family. I just break off with them.

    Why ask ? Well, because I wanted freedom. Now I''m free."

    "Well, you know as a child of a high-ss family, everyone has high expectations from you.

    Your actions will be monitored.

    You have to prepare as heir candidate.

    (Sigh��)

    It''s quite tiring. You can''t make friends with many people, you know. Because they might not approach you, and you can''t approach them directly.

    I also don''t have a single friend, you know."

    Hearing this Ben''s world turned upside down.

    After some time live-stream ended.

    "So my idol really ran away from his home? It''s not that he walked alone. He just didn''t have any friends.

    He even break off his engagement and cancelled his engagement.

    He was just pressed by all hopes and expectations of others. And he wanted freedom.

    Aren''t we same? Then what am I doing here?

    Was I fool to do all the things?

    I lived my life as a fool.

    What do I have?

    Compared to others I have no talent.

    I have no friends.

    Now, I know. Why I idolized Rain."

    There was small tears in Ben''s eyes.

    After some time, He controlled himself.

    "Still, I have to be strong.

    There is blood of S-ranker in my veins. I am not a coward.

    I can''t leave everything like him.

    Yeah, I still have my pride and my group." Ben mumbled inwardly. he still kept his twisted believes.

 Chapter 78 Evil That Springs From The Weakness (2)

    ?

    Despite being heartbroken after watching Rain''s live stream, Ben managed topose himself and kept his spirits high.

    He didn''t let his emotions get the best of him and decided to focus on his studies. The next day was the first day of sses at the Academy, but everywhere he went, he couldn''t escape the talk of Rain.

    "Everywhere I go, I hear his name." Ben mumbled.

    It made him feel worse, and he couldn''t help but think about how he idolized Rain, and now he was nowhere to be found.

    As he sat in ss, trying to concentrate on the lecture, his thoughts kept drifting back to Rain. He felt lost and didn''t know what to do.

    That''s when he decided to take out his frustration on Ken and his group. It was a way for him to vent his anger and feel some sense of control. Even though he didn''t like being mean to them, he couldn''t help himself.

    Despite all this, he continued to follow Rain''s live streams, unable to let go of his admiration for him.

    He was shocked to hear how coldly Emma treated Rain and how he ended his engagement.

    Ben had always thought that Rain liked Emma, but now it seemed like there was more to the story. This realization only added to Ben''s confusion and turmoil.

    Ben was now aware that Rain, the prodigy, was also a regr person with struggles and challenges.

    Knowing this, Ben began to reconsider holding Rain responsible for not attending the academy.

    Despite this realization, Ben remained determined and continued to work hard. He focused on training himself and improving his skills.

    Even when clearing dungeons, he pushed himself and gave his best, but ultimately fell short of Ken''s sess. Although he was content with cing second, the feeling of disappointment ofing behind Ken overshadowed his achievement.

    Back in his room, Ben was frustrated and annoyed. To distract himself, he asionally watched Rain''s live streams, but then reminded himself not to follow in his footsteps.

    He continued to involve himself in the activities of his group, which included joining a Blood Supremacy club, where they met like-minded individuals and shared ideas.

    He did not harbor hatred towardsmon people, but he didn''t hold them in high regard either.

    Despite everything, Ben was still struggling to find his ce in the world. The influence of his upbringing and the pressure to live up to the expectations of his S-ranker father weighed heavily on him.

    However, he was determined to seed on his own terms and not just rely on his family''s status. He wanted to carve out his own path and make a name for himself

    Ben followed his routine at the academy with the same level of dedication as before.

    He made his usual entrance to the ssroom, where he teased Ken with his friends or gave him res, interacted with his group, attended lectures and trained hard.

    And as usual, he continued to watch Rain''s live broadcast with curiosity. Ben was intrigued by what could have caused Rain, who he had always looked up to, to fall in love.

    However, Ben himself had never been in love, although he still enjoyed listening to romantic songs.

    When Ben found out that Rain didn''t love Emma, he was astonished. This revtion sparked a new interest in him as he wondered who the girl Rain loved could be. Ben was taken aback by the fact that Rain had chosen someone other than Emma.

    He had always believed that Emma and Rain were meant to be together. Ben had never heard Rain talk about anyone else before, and the fact that he had finally found someone else piqued his curiosity. Ben was now curious about the mysterious girl who had won Rain''s heart.

    "Even with his family he couldn''t find love," Ben solemnly thought.

    Ben felt a tiny bit of sadness after hearing Rain''s love story.

    "Yeah. So I should just ask the girl I like out. But right now I don''t like anyone. Let''s give that some thought in the future."

    Ben learned from Rain''s tales about what he should do and what he should not do. How to be cautious while moving forward.

    [It would have been wonderful if Rain had warned not to bother Ken.]

    Ben quickly ended his "connect app."

    #i.am.best was written there in his profile.

    Ben yawned a momentter.

    "If Rain had done his live streaming in the evening, it would have been fantastic. In thete hours, I start to feel rather drowsy."

    Afterining for a while Ben slept soundly.

    The following morning, he arrived in the ssroom.

    Physical preparation took ce.

    Everyone was soon instructed to begin runningps by professor Kevin.

    Ben began to run as well. However, he typically pushes himself too hard during his morning workout. Inparison to James and Ken, he was nothing.

    So, after a while of jogging, he also stopped and began to rx.

    He was giving Ken an intense look.

    People could have assumed Ben liked Ken if she had been a girl.

    Kevin soon told everyone to halt.

    Just as everyone started to left the training area.

    Amy Duras approached Ken and spoke with him.

    ''This Lowlife Bastard''<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Although Amy was never liked by Ben and she was treated like a musclehead by him.

    But He acknowledged that she was extremely attractive. Therefore he was jealous of Ken.

    While gritting his teeth, Ben left with his group.

    And just like every day, he trained after that.

    Day after. when he encountered his henchmen.

    He was informed of the incident''s news that happened yesterday.

    On the previous night, amoner was being beaten up by some of Blood Supremacy''s and his group''s members.

    Even though he finds focusing on someone uninteresting. As a result, he just beat his opponents alone.

    Then he discovered Ken had shown up at the scene and had beat them up.

    Ben''s mood dropped after hearing this.

    Despite wanting to fight with Ken. However, he was aware that he couldn''t do it right now. He is weakpared to Ken. So he kept hisposure.

    After a while, he walked inside the ssroom.

    He began looking for Ken in his regr manner.

    But he was unable to locate him.

    ''Where is he?''

    As he regrly observed Ken.

    Ken always arrives early in the ssroom with James, so he was aware of this.

    James, however, entered the ssroom by himself today.

    After some time, Ken walked into the ssroom.

    Just as Ben was preparing to speak with him about the event from yesterday. James defeated him by doing that. James and Ken struck up a conversation.

    Professor Kevin followed soon after.

    Ben continued to sit in his seat as a result.

    Like yesterday, Kevin instructed everyone to follow him to the training ground for a workout.

    Ben felt a stare as he walked out of the ssroom. He looked up to see Ken gazing at him.

    He, therefore, gave him a fierce look as well.

    After some time, everyone assembled at the training ground.

    Like yesterday, everyone began runningps once Kevin instructed them to do so.

    People started to grow weary gradually. and had a rest

    Ben was the same in that way. Nevertheless, he performed better than the day before. Still, he was unable to overtake Ken and the others.

    After a while, Kevin ordered everyone to stop.

    Students began to depart as well.

    Ben also desired to depart. Rain is going to stream live today after all. Ben had to clear a slot in his schedule to see it.

    But he was obstructed by someone.

    It was Ken.

    "What do you want?"

    Ben enquired while seeming irritated.

    "Ben Tyson I''d like to have a duel with you."

    "I decline. I''m not free now."

    Ben declined, though.

    If this was the old Ben, he might have agreed. But he was more logical today.

    He was inly aware of his limitations and was currently worn out. He, therefore, had no desire to engage in conflict with anyone.

    He simply wanted to leave right away and finish his tasks. So that he can easily watch the live broadcast.

    "It''s alright. When you''re free, we''ll fight. Do you ept, then?"

    Ken simply and calmly answered.

    Ben wanted to object, though. But...

    "Okay. I agree."

    He was unable to do that. He wanted to develop into someone who never flees from anyone, after all and he could not stand to run from amoner like Ken.

    After this whole incident, he left the training ground after that.

    [Rain''s POV]

    On the ind...

    "I finally made it back to my house."

    Rain opened the door of his mansion like a bang.

    "I am back. Before the live stream, I hardly made it."

    After a whole day, Rain returned to his home. Unaware of how things were going in a different path in the Academy.

 Chapter 79 New Pieces In The Puzzle (1)

    ?

    As many things were happening in the Academy.

    However Rain was just mining in the Ant colony.

    Rain gripped his pickaxe tightly in his hand, feeling the weight of it against his fingers. He took a deep breath and struck the rock face in front of him with a powerful swing. The sound of metal against stone echoed through the dimly lit ant colony, sending small vibrations through the floor.

    With each swing of his pickaxe, Rain loosened the rock and shattered it into smaller pieces. He worked with a steady rhythm, using his muscr arms to chip away at the rough surface. It was hard work, but Rain foundfort in the repetitive motion.

    As he worked, sweat dripped down his face and neck, dampening his shirt. The air was thick and musty, and the sound of his breathing filled the small space. Despite the difort, Rain was determined to continue his task until he had uncovered all the valuable ores hidden within the rock.

    With each sessful strike, Rain felt a small sense of aplishment. The sound of his pickaxe breaking through the rock was like music to his ears. It gave him a sense of purpose, a reason to keep going.

    As he continued his work, he grew more and more skilled with his pickaxe. He learned to strike with precision and uracy, wasting no energy on unnecessary movements.

    It was as if the pickaxe was an extension of his arm, and together they worked in perfect harmony.

    Finally, after some moments of work, Rain struck one final blow. The rock broke apart, revealing a glittering seam of precious ore. A smile of satisfaction spread across Rain''s face, and he carefully extracted the ore from the rock.

    "I heard that after failing in love people be down to earth. Looks like I am now experiencing it." Rain mumbled.

    After spending an unknown amount of time hunting various insect-like monsters and mining for valuable ores, Rain departed from the former ant colony.

    Despite acquiring a multitude of valuable items, Rain''s overnight stay at the colony was far from pleasant.

    Fortunately, he had the foresight to bring a portable tent with him, which provided some level of shelter from the harsh outdoors.

    Although it didn''t offer the same level offort as a soft, cozy bed, it was still preferable to sleeping on the hard, uneven ground.

    However, even with the tent, Rain struggled to get a good night''s sleep. The incessant buzzing of bugs throughout the night made it nearly impossible to find rest.

    Finally, after a long day of adventuring, Rain made it back to his home, relieved to be back in a morefortable environment.

    "I finally made it back to my house. I am back. Before the live stream, I hardly made it."

    He threw himself on the bed after entering his room.

    "Finally, I missed you so much, my bed."

    As soon as Rain''s body touched the bed, he slept. However, Rain''s nap ended after 10 minutes.

    He gradually opened his eyes.

    "Now, I have to start live-stream."

    After taking a quick shower and changing out of his messy clothes, Rain proceeded to send out notifications to his followers about his uing livestream.

    With everything set and ready to go, Rainunched his livestream, eager to connect with his audience and share his experiences with them.

    "Hello. viewers. Rain a.k.a. ''NightSoul'' here." Rain said enthusiastically.

    As usual, viewers started greeting Rain in the chatroom.

    #Wet_one-chan: Hi. Rain..ah...Rain....ah...

    #i.am.best: Am I the only one who finds her greetings odd?

    #Rain''s_friend: Hello. my friend.

    #Poorguy: People. Please follow my ID. I need money.

    #Heaven_Emperor: Don''t beg to heavens. Work hard child.

    "Okay. Today, I have an important announcement for you. So watch till the end. Now, let''s start our stream." Rain informed.

    #feircecat: Rain. please say my name one time.

    #Queen_of_virgins: Hey. Rain, can you y the guitar?

    #Sweetangel: Can you tell us some stories about yourself? how do you live there?

    #I.don''t.care: Can you delete your ount?

    soon many people started requesting.

    "Okay. Calm down, guys. Let me see. Some people said to y the guitar and some said to sing a song. Then let me do both."

    After saying that Rain left his seat. and then returned with a guitar.

    "Okay. I just made this song a while ago."

    He slowly started ying the guitar.

    "I long for your warmth and kindness,

    And envy those who talk to you each day.

    I am proud to call you mine,

    And crave your eternal, heavenly beauty.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    I hunger for your love,

    And cannot bear to think of anyone else.

    But I''m angry at myself,

    For feeling unworthy of your affection."

    After that Rainpleted the song he sat on his chair.

    "How was it?" Rain asked.

    Many people started chatting on Livechat.

    #friend_of_precip: Are you also mad in love?

    #i.like.seas: Hey, do you fall in love with someone?

    #life_is_best: It would be great to see Yandere Rain.

    #White_daisy: So you found that girl?

    People started barraging in Livechat. Some people thought that Rain really be mad after his love left him. Some thought he found the girl but was rejected.

    "Hey, people. Don''t make any dumb assumptions. I just watched a love story. So kinda wrote this song." Rain remarked.

    Many people sighed in relief after hearing this.

    "Hey, guys. You were interested in my lifestyle right?" Rain asked.

    #Wet_onee-chan : Yesssss..... Oh, yes....

    #Sweetangel: hmm.

    #catgirl: Yosh

    #i.don''t.care: Nah, I''m not interested in how you eat and poop. I don''t care.

    Many people typed yes in the chat.

    "Okay, let me show you guys a video of my one of the adventures today." Saying this, Rain started screen sharing.

    Soon, Rain''s video started ying. In the video Rain was sitting beside the tent, doing campfire.

    #Ye_Fan: Adventure is calling Me!!!

    #Fierce_lion: Which location is this? Looks like a cave to me.

    #i.like.seas: What were you doing there?

    #Wet_onee-chan: How great it would be if I was also there. We could have spent a night together.

    Many people in the live stream were trying to guess the location of Rain in the video. While some people were curious why he went there.

    Just when Rain was going to answer.

    Golden letters appeared on the screen.

    [Detective''s_child has donated 200 Gold coins.]

    #detective''s_child: From uneven ground you can say it''s a cave. If you watch video in 3D hologram with high quality, you will notice there are some creaks and other paths too.

    You can also see some of the body parts of ants. I think it would be Ant colony.

    "Thanks for the superchat, Detective''s child. By the way, your answer is true. It''s Ant colony." Rain answered.

    #Poorguy: Damn, you are so rich. GIBE SUME MONIE!!

    #life.is.best: Upstairs guy, lost his reason.

    #i.am.best: That guy has so good insight.

    #White_Daisy: Yeah. He has talent.

    Just when people were typing in the chatroom, in the video a insect monster came near Rain. A centipede wasing towards him.

    #Sweetangel: Turn behind! There is monster.

    #i.don''t.care: Dumb upstairs, it''s video. He can''t see your chat in video. Why are you overreacting?

    #fiercecat: Still that centipede looks like low E garde monster to me.

    #Fierce_lion: It is.

 Chapter 80 New Pieces In The Puzzle (2)

    ?

    As the chatroom was buzzing with discussions about centipedes, In the video Rain rose stood up and withdrew a copper sword from his space ring.

    He directed his gaze towards the centipede.

    "Die." He said in a chilling voice. It felt like he wasmandung centipede to die. He swiftly swung his sword at it, The de cut through the air with a sharp whoosh, and a momentter, the centipede was sliced into two parts.

    The viewers watched in awe as the giant centipede was split into two parts with a single stroke from Rain''s sword. The two parts fell on opposite sides, and liquid sprayed out from the dead body of the creature. However, Rain skillfully dodged the spray with ease.

    #Wet_onee-chan: So cool!!

    #i.am.best: The sword technique looked so op..

    #fiercecat: Guys!! He used sword art!! He is intermediate swordsman.

    #detective''s_child: It looks like Sword Art from Holmes family. So rumors about Rain is intermediate swordsman were true.

    Soon after 10 minutes video ended. In those 10 minutes again some insect monsters appeared. However, as usual Rain just shed at that and killed them in one strike.

    [White_Daisy has donated 30 Gold Coins.]

    "It was good video. However, can you exin why you went there and what happened in ant colony?"

    "Thanks for the superchat. About your request I just went there for fun, I didn''t do anything much." Rain pretended like he was weak. Rain knew it won''t work as he already shown them how he can kill E grade monsters easily.

    Viewere started booing in the chat. However, Rain ignored it.

    "Now, how many people are attending Academy now? Type in the chat." Rain asked.

    #i.like.seas: me.

    #fiercecat: me too.

    #redrose: me too.

    #catgirl: me too.

    #i.am.best: I also attend Academy.

    There were many people who typed that they were attending the academy.

    "Oh, I didn''t think that many people might be attending Academy and watching my live streams." Rain said.

    #life_is_best: You are famous here.

    #friend_of_precip: There is also a fanclub of yours.

    [Rain shuddered after reading this.]

    #king007: Yeah, it would have been great if you came here.

    In the live chat, many people started saying about how popr Rain is at the academy. Although Rain knew about all this. Still, he felt good after hearing this. Some people also said him toe to Academy sometime.

    "Thanks for inviting me to Academy. But now it''s impossible. I mighte someday, but not now." Rain shook his head.

    "And can you tell me what is happening there? and how is life at the academy?" Rain inquired.

    #starboy: It''s great.

    #explosion_is_art: We have to do physical training every day.

    #lustful_girl: Professor Kevin is so handsome. Although you are more.

    #king007: There is a duel after some days.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    #life_is_best: Oh, you are talking about Ben and Ken, right?

    Reading people''s chat, Rain came to know some news.

    "Oh, reading your chats, I think Academy life might be great, huh. It''s a good thing to do exercise and study hard." Rain said some good things.

    "But what is this duel thing? And who is Ken?" Rain asked like he didn''t know.

    Just after hearing Rain''s question, many people started answering it.

    #detective''s_child: Ken is the chief of the freshman year. And he challenged Ben to a duel yesterday.

    #catgirl: I also heard that.

    #fiercecat: I am gonna watch it.

    ...

    Rain was slightly surprised after reading people''s chat.

    "Okay. I didn''t think people still do this dueling thing. Best of luck to both of them if you are watching it now and don''t injure yourself in it. You shouldn''t fight with a grudge like that." Rainmented.

    Subsequently, Rain carried on with his online stream. During the broadcast, he engaged with his audience by ying games and participating in a Q&A session where he responded to various questions, including his preferred food, color, and other personal preferences.

    Additionally, he interacted with his viewers by responding to memes and other humorous content.

    The stream seemed to be going well as Rain was actively involved and seemed to be enjoying the interaction with his audience.

    "Okay. Now it''s time for closing the Stream. So let me make an announcement. I am going tounch my merchandise. Soon it will be on the market and you will be able to buy it." Rain said cheerfully.

    Viewers were happy after hearing this.

    "So I will inform you when it''sunched. For now, good night. Sweet dreams."

    Saying that Rain closed the stream.

    As Rain was bored everyday in live stream. He thought of ying video of his adventures and some daily activities. That''s whyst night when Rain was in Ant colony he recorded a 10 minutes short video.

    "Phew..."

    Rain stretched out on his bed, deep in thought. He found it surprising that Ken had challenged Ben to a duel, given that in the game Ken had only beaten him up for bullying amoner.

    As a result, Ben became more of a minor character, rarely appearing in significant events.

    However, Rain couldn''t help but wonder what had prompted Ken''s sudden change of heart.

    If the situation had been reversed, he may have been able to understand, but the butterfly effect had seemingly caused a significant shift in the storyline.

    It appeared that Rain''s absence from the Academy had led to some unexpected developments.

    The incident with the bullyingmoner seemed to have urred much earlier than expected, and Rain realized that this could be the start of a new arc in the game.

    He anticipated that Ken would follow the cliche of defeating the viins and their associates, and he couldn''t help but wonder how the story would unfold from here.

    Rain felt like he was putting together aplex puzzle, and with each new development, it seemed like more pieces were being added.

    He wondered if his absence would continue to have an impact on the game''s storyline and if he would be able to keep up with the changes.

    Despite the uncertainty, Rain was excited to see how the story would unfold and how the characters would develop in unexpected ways.

 Chapter 81 Event Starts

    ?

    After several days of adventure, Rain was finally taking a well-deserved break. As hey on his bed, he couldn''t help but reflect on the progress he had made since drinking the Growth Elixir a week ago.

    He was excited to see the results of his training, eager to know if he had gained any new abilities or skills.

    During his training, he had spent time exploring the ind and hunting underwater for fish monsters, which helped him to hone hisbat skills and expand his knowledge of the local fauna.

    Despite his sess, the insect-type monsters that had gued him during his mining had left him feeling frustrated and annoyed.

    In response, he decided to purchase insecticide bombs from the System Store, which proved to be an effective solution to his problem.

    He headed to the insect monster''s nest and threw the bombs continuously. As a result, most of the weaker monsters were killed on the spot, and the remaining ones were easily dispatched by Rain.

    He felt a sense of satisfaction and aplishment as he took down the monsters that had caused him so much trouble.

    Rain was pleased with the progress he had made, and he couldn''t wait to see what other challengesy ahead.

    ''STATUS''

    Name: Rain Holmes

    Age. : 20 years old

    Title. : Reincarnator

    Rank: D+ grade (-D -> D+)

    Strength: D+ (E+ -> D+)

    Health : D+ (-D -> D+)

    Stamina : D+ (-D -> D+)

    Charm : A-

    Intelligence: B

    Mana : D+ (E+ -> D+)

    Luck : C

    Next...

    ''SKILLS''

    Active Skills:-

    Swordsmanship- Intermediate

    Sword of Recognition (Holmes Family Swordsmanship)

    Grade: A

    Shadow Sword art

    Grade: A

    Marksmanship- Intermediate

    Mana Control- Intermediate

    Shadow walk- Intermediate(^)

    Hawkeye - Elementary (^)

    Pickpocketing- Beginner

    Lock picking - Beginner

    Climbing (Parkour)- Elementary (^)

    Alchemy - Elementary (^)

    Mining- Elementary (n)(^)

    Passive Skills:-

    Imprable Mind defense

    Concentration

    Underwater breathing

    Life Skills:-

    Cooking- Intermediate

    Butcher- Intermediate (^)

    Gathering - Intermediate (^)

    Writing (L)- Elementary (^)

    Singing- Intermediate

    Calligraphy- Elementary

    Appraisal- Elementary

    Painting-Intermediate(^)

    Drawing- Intermediate

    Programming- Advanced (^)

    Language- Advanced

    [Press here to expand the list��]

    Rain was surprised as he gazed at his status window, which revealed some exciting news.

    He couldn''t believe that he had finally reached a rank that ced him among the main characters in the game.

    He knew that Ken, one of the game''s main characters, was around C-rank, but Rain believed that it would take him a considerable amount of time to bridge the gap between their rankings.

    Despite this, Rain felt that he was making significant progress. He was pleased to discover that he could defeat most of the first-year heroines in the game, indicating that his abilities were improving.

    He was confident that he could take on more formidable opponents, thanks to the growth he had experienced since drinking the elixir.

    The elixir had boosted his strength, stamina, and health, which had helped him to clear one of the conditions necessary to reach C-rank.

    Rain noticed that his charm had not increased, but he did not expect it to rise quickly. He believed that it would only happen when he could break the shackles of mortality.

    Simrly, his intelligence did not increase, as it was not something he could develop quickly. He knew that merely watching Academy lectures wouldn''t improve his intelligence level.

    However, Rain was pleased with the progress he had made in terms of mana control practice, which helped to increase his mana.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    As for his skills, he noted that his Swordsmanship and Marksmanship were still intermediate. He knew that it would be challenging to advance in these skills and that he would need to practice different styles continuously to improve.

    He was willing to put in the effort and time required to reach the advanced level in these skills.

    Rain''s shadow walk had be intermediate after fighting many times, which made him faster than his previous self.

    He believed that it would be even more potent after he reached an advanced level of proficiency.

    In addition, Rain had improved his butchering and gathering skills while exploring the ind, and they had now be intermediate.

    He had to climb many times while wandering around the ind, which helped to improve his climbing skills, while his Hawkeye skill had be elementary due to viewing long ranges

    After much practice, Rain''s proficiency in Alchemy finally became Elementary. Now he can make medium-quality potions and some easy-to-make elixirs.

    Although Eva is Advanced Alchemist now.

    At the end of the game, she became the Master alchemist. So you can say she might be it at this speed.

    As she had been practicing alchemy for years, it was understandable that she has more proficiency than him.

    ''It would be great if I reach advanced proficiency soon. I will make those elixirs.''

    Rain thought. He still had those elixir recipes and ingredients that he gathered through Mark.

    After buying mining skill, whenever Rain found any ore vein. He starts mining, so his mining skill reached the Elementary level.

    ''Do I have a talent for mining?'' Rain wondered. He was also doubtful because of this.

    somehow, after writing many trash songs, his writing skill reached Elementary skill.

    As he hacked people''s phones and systems many times in the past few days. His Programming skill has Advanced proficiency now. He can even hack government systems with fewer security measures. It would be beneficial to him.

    After analyzing his status window, Rain thought.

    ''Now I have reached D+ rank and I got many points now.''

    Because of hunting, mining, streaming, and many activities. Rain stocked many system points. It was already more than 10,000.

    ''Although I want to buy some good things let''s save them for now. If any odd thing happened it might be a lifesaver at that time.'' Rain thought.

    ''Around 20 days have passed since I came to this ind, and I have explored more than 15% of the ind.'' Rain sighed.

    While exploring Rain sometimes encountered B or C-ss monsters. So, his exploring speed decreased.

    ''Sigh, I have to be more cautious from now on. Maybe I will buy some stealth skills from the System Store. Perhaps I will be a full-time thief in the future. After all, I still have those lock-picking and pick-pocketing skills.''

    Rain also regrly did his live streams. And just like always he did a bunch of things as per request. He also showed them his adventure videos.

    As he felt video quality wascking, he bought a good camera.

    [All-rounder Camera- Advanced mid-tier

    It offers a range of unique features for both photography and videography enthusiasts. Unlike traditional cameras, this devicees equipped with a telepathy function, allowing users to control it with their minds. This cutting-edge feature eliminates the need for users to hold the camera while shooting, making it a convenient option for extended photo and video shoots.

    Moreover, the All-rounder Camera is also equipped with a drone-like capability, meaning it can fly and capture stunning aerial footage. It boasts high-quality video capabilities, capturing crisp and clear footage with a high megapixel count. The camera''s advanced technology even allows users to capture the moon and other far-off objects with stunning rity.

    The All-rounder Camera is a versatile device that is also suitable for underwater photography, as it is waterproof. With this camera, users can capture stunning shots of marine life or explore underwaterndscapes with ease.]

    With this camera, Rain''s ind exploration also became somewhat easy. After fiddling Rain even found that the camera had a hidden function - stealth. It can hide from everyone.

    During the whole week, Rain also did some other things.

    It''s not much, Rain visited the forum again.

    For what?

    To see some news.

    Although not much, Rain still got some tiny bit of news. From that, Rain concluded things were calm at Academy.

    He also saw his Fanclub, although he wanted to add the virus again there. However, he couldn''t. Because after hisst outbreak Administrator added many firewalls and security measures.

    He also read some other pieces of information.

    However, Rain was still not satisfied with this.

    So what did he do?

    Simple. He just hacked into some people''s phones.

    And who were these people?

    Ken and some othermoners.

    Although he can also hack the phones of other characters like Heroines, there were some high-security measures there. So for now he is unable to do it.

    After reading messages from the phones, Rain got the gist of most of the things.

    After physical training in ss, Ken became close with Amy.

    They got close enough to train together after lectures. Eva and James also apanied them in the training.

    ording to the plot, in the future after doing some Adventures together, they will get closer or might be lovers.

    Although there weren''t many interactions between Ken and the other Heroines. like Lily, Emma, and Kaya.

    ''Maybe I changed some things.'' Rain wondered.

    However, he shrugged his shoulders.

    "it''s still okay. It''s not like Ken will die as a virgin if get fewer Heroines." Ken had many heroines in the game. Losing one or two as a love interests didn''t change things much.

    However, Rain noticed that some things were going faster than the original plotline. Like this bullying ident.

    In the game, because of this ident, Ken and Arya also be closer.

    Although because of Rain, Arya was not bullied to the extreme. But in the shadows, she was also one of the victims.

    As a typical Protagonist, Ken saved her, and they be good friends. After some time, they even became lovers.

    ''I think Arya''s love for me made her stronger. Although it''s scary. But she might be good support in fighting when Academy will be under attack.'' Rain thought positively.

    Rain walked out onto his balcony and stood there, taking in his surroundings.

    A gentle breeze brushed past him, carrying with it the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore in the distance.

    The peaceful ambiance was only interrupted by the soft buzzing of night insects.

    As Rain gazed upwards, he was struck by the beauty of the dark sky, which was dotted with a dazzling array of stars.

    The night sky seemed to stretch out infinitely before him, creating a sense of awe and wonder.

    However, despite the majesty of the stars and the sky, Rain couldn''t help but notice the moon, which seemed to stand out from the rest of the heavenly bodies.

    Like him, the moon appeared lonely, casting a solitary figure against the expanse of the sky

    ''Finally, from tomorrow new event will start.''

    Yeah, tomorrow is the day of Ken and Ben''s duel.

 Chapter 82 Duel

    ?

    The Academy was bustling with activity today, as it always was with its many students, but there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air.

    Today was different from any other day, for it was the day of the much-anticipated fight between two of its most skilled students, Ken and Ben.

    News of the uing showdown had spread like wildfire throughout the Academy, and it seemed that everyone was eager to witness the spectacle.

    As the time for the fight approached, arge crowd began to gather near the arena, eagerly anticipating the match.

    The buzz of excitement was palpable as students and onlookers jostled for a good view of the impending battle.

    Many had arrived early, securing their spot at the front of the crowd to ensure they didn''t miss a moment of the action.

    And as always, Random Trio was already there.

    "So, What do you think, who will win?" A random student asked.

    "I think Ken might win. After all, he is chief of the freshman year." A random student''s friend from the same group gave his opinion.

    "Yeah. ording to rumors, he is already a C-grade ranker." As always a random girl interjected.

    "But, isn''t Ben also a D-grade ranker, and he was also in the top 10." A random student rebuked.

    "He also might have learned some skills." A random student''s friend from the same added.

    Just when they were chatting, Ken and Ben entered the arena from different entrances.

    The atmosphere was electric as the anticipation of the uing battle filled the air.

    However, for the sake of safety, they would be engaging in the fight in virtual reality. Without any dy, both of them entered the VR capsule, ready to face each other in the digital world.

    As they emerged into the virtual field, they found themselves surrounded by a stunning 3D hologram. The virtual world was a testament to the technological advancement of their civilization before the change. After the arrival of Mana in the atmosphere, society had be even more advanced, and the inefficiencies of science had been greatly reduced.

    As the virtual battlemenced, Ben''s minions cheered him on, hoping for his victory.

    However, Ken had earned quite a reputation and was much more popr, so the majority of the audience was rooting for him. The air was filled with the deafening roars of supporters, creating an energetic and thrilling atmosphere.

    James, Amy, and Eva were among the spectators who had gathered to watch the highly-anticipated duel between Ken and Ben.

    "So, who do you think will win?" Eva asked.

    Eva Amber, 6th ranked among freshmen of the academy and alchemist heroine.

    Eva Amber was a stunningly beautiful woman with a captivating appearance that would easily turn heads.

    She had long, flowing hair in a gorgeous cyan color that cascaded down her back in soft waves. Her striking yellow eyes were almond-shaped and gave off a bright, shining light that sparkled like diamonds.

    Herplexion was fair and smooth, with a healthy glow that made her look radiant. Her face was oval-shaped, with high cheekbones, a slim nose, and full, luscious lips that were always painted in a soft pink shade.

    She had a beauty mark just above her lip that added a touch of seductiveness to her already captivating appearance.

    Eva''s figure was curvaceous and toned, with a chest that was both alluring and enticing.

    She had a slim waist and hips that curved outwards, giving her an hourss figure that looked good from every angle.

    Her arms and legs were toned and shapely, with just the right amount of muscle to show that she was fit and healthy.

    "Of course, Ken," James replied with a confident smile.

    Hearing this, Eva also nodded.

    "Yeah, Ken is the favorite, but you shouldn''t underestimate your opponents," Amy cautioned.

    "But isn''t Ben Ken''s opponent? Is there any need to be cautioned?" James innocently tilted his face.

    Veins were popping on Amy''s face. Eva also giggled.

    "Oh, It started." (Eva)

    Eva smartly changed the subject.

    Hearing this, James and Amy changed their attention to the arena.

    However, then they heard a voice.

    "Bet! Bet! Bet!"

    Many people turned their faces in the direction of the voice.

    "Bet on the winner. odds are 1:2. Ken vs. Ben, who will win?"

    A small girl with red hair was shouting there.

    "Hey, from where did this small girle out?" James asked while eating something.

    "Shhh.."

    Eva quickly gestured for him to be quiet.

    "Why?" James was confused.

    "You don''t know her?" Amy looked at Ben with widened eyes.

    "Nope." James innocently shook his head and again ate something.

    "She is the second-year S-ss student Lily Rochegne. She ranks 5th among second years. She might st fireballs at your face if she heard you." (Eva)

    "Oh.." hearing this, James eximed and again ate something.

    "By the way, what are you eating?" Amy curiously asked.

    "Oh, these are fried noodle balls." James showed them a box of balls-like things and offered them to eat it.

    Amy and Eva just silently stared at James like they were seeing a weird creature.

    As the virtual duel began, the holographic forms of Ken and Ben emerged on the field, visible to the audience.

    However, since the battle was taking ce within the virtual reality world, the audience was not able to hear their voices.

    Nheless, there was a microphone present in each of the capsules, allowing Ken and Ben tomunicate with each other as they battled.

    "So, why you wanted to fight with me?"

    As usual, Ben asked with an annoyed face.

    With a gentle smile, Ken drew his sword from its scabbard and replied, "Just because."

    Ben clicked his tongue and unsheathed his sword.

    Their swords glinted in the light as both of them unsheathed their weapons and began running towards each other.

    As they collided, the sound of shing metal echoed through the virtual field. The audience held their breath, watching as the two opponents exchanged blows with fierce intensity.

    "You are good." Ken praised Ben.

    "Talk less, and swing your Sword more."

    Despite his irritation, Ben secretly acknowledged Ken''s impressive swordsmanship.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Okay." Ken took the feedback to heart and increased his speed and offensive tactics, while Ben relied on blocking Ken''s attacks.

    Although their ranks were only slightly apart, with Ben at a D+ and Ken at a C- or soon-to-be C, the difference in their strength was significant.

    As Rain had mentioned before, it was difficult to ovee the barrier of rank as one grew stronger. The challenge of surpassing one''s current level became increasingly arduous.

    "Hey, can I ask you something?" Ken asked calmly.

    "Is it necessary to bring these kinds of talks while fighting?"As Ben was having a hard time defending. He was not in the mood to talk.

    However, Ken remained calm and collected, and as soon as Ben blocked his next attack, he reinforced his body with mana andnded a powerful kick on Ben''s leg, causing him to nearly lose his bnce.

    "Yeah. It''s important to talk."

    Saying this Ken shed at Ben, however, Ben barely dodged it.

    Ken''s sword met Ben''s with a loud ng, but he was taken aback by the sudden surge of power from Ben.

    He had to take a step back to regain his bnce. Ken could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he braced himself for the next attack.

    Ben''s eyes glinted with fury as he unleashed a barrage of shes, each one more vicious than thest. Ken calmly parried and dodged, his muscles straining to keep up with Ben''s overwhelming power.

    "Then talk, I''m hearing," Ben growled between attacks, his breathsing in short gasps.

    "Why do you hate me that much?" Ken asked calmly, despite the chaos of the fight around him.

    "Isn''t it obvious? You''re amoner. Still, you''re Chief," Ben sneered.

    Ken saw through the facade of Ben''s words. "I think it''s more than that. You don''t like more talented people than you, do you?" he retorted.

    Ben''s fury turned into a burning rage as he strengthened his body with mana. Ken could see the blue glow around Ben''s form, and he knew that he made Ben angry.

    "Looks like I hit the right nail,"

    Ken felt his opponent''s speed and strength had increased exponentially, and Ken struggled to keep up so he also strengthened his body with mana.

    Ben remained silent, but Ken refused to stop talking.

    "I don''t think so. Bullying weak people only shows your weakness. You bully them to vent your anger."

    As Ken''s voice grew more intense, his sword swings became more fluid and graceful.

    "True strengthes from helping and uplifting others, not tearing them down."

    Kenmented.

    "Stop talking like you know everything! It''s their fault that they are weak!!" Ben shouted, fueled by anger.

    Berserk waves Sword Art

    As Ben swung his sword with ferocity, he unleashed a powerful sword art that caught the attention of the crowd. The ground shook as the shockwaves from the attack rippled through the air.

    Seeing this, many people were surprised.

    "So, he can use sword art?" Eva mumbled.

    "Doesn''t that mean, that Ben is Intermediate Swordsman?" James was also surprised.

    "Hey, do you still think that Ken will win?" Eva turned her face towards James and asked.

    "Of course." James nodded his head confidently.

    "I told you before the match you shouldn''t underestimate your opponents. But you still haven''t learned." Amy clicked her tongue.

    "But who is my opponent?" James just tilted his head again.

    "Damn. I am your opponent. Let''s fight. I will show you.." Amy outraged.

    "Hey, guys. focus on the duel." Eva tried to change the topic.

    As Ben''s attacks became more fierce with the use of his sword art, Ken''s focus remained on his defense.

    ''Flowing Water Sword Art''

    His movements were precise and calcted, almost like water flowing in a river, smoothly and effortlessly. Every time Ben''s sword came crashing down, Ken''s sword met it with a gentle deflection, never wasting any extra movement or energy.

    Ben''s attacks were wild and uncontrolled, crashing down like berserk waves that threatened to destroy everything in their path. However, Ken''s movements were fluid and graceful, like water smoothly flowing through a river.

    He deflected each of Ben''s attacks with ease, leaving the audience in awe of his skill. Every time Ben thought he had an opening, Ken would respond with a quick and subtle movement, neutralizing his attack effortlessly.

    It was clear that Ken''s swordsmanship was on apletely different levelpared to Ben''s brute strength.

    "I don''t believe that it''s always the weak person''s fault for being in their position," Kevin said in a grim voice while deflecting Ben''s attack. He continued saying while fighting,

    "Sometimes life circumstances or past experiences can make it difficult for someone to be strong.

    It''s important to have empathy and understanding for those who may not be as strong as us, and to use our strength to lift them rather than put them down." When Ken said that, there was a momentous glint in his eyes like he remembered something from the past.

    Ben was taken aback by how easily Ken was able to block all of his moves. "How are you doing that?" he asked incredulously.

    Ken just smiled and said, "I suppose I''m just lucky."

    The audience looked on in surprise at Ken''s seemingly effortless defense.

    "So you''re saying that it''s natural for the strong to dominate the weak?" Ken asked, his tone bing increasingly icy.

    Ben didn''t know how to respond.

    "But what about giving others the chance to be strong?" Ken continued. "Isn''t it hypocritical to crush them when they''re still weak?"

    "It''s just the way the world works," Ben replied in a grim voice.

    "But do you have to follow the rules of the world?" Ken asked seriously. "Who made those rules, anyway? And what do you gain by following them? You''ll only end up making enemies and collecting hate from those around you." Ken remarked.

    Ben was fatigued and struggling to catch his breath. "Huff...hah...hah... If I don''t do it, someone else will. There are plenty of people like that out there. Those weak people will just get crushed. How long are you going to keep protecting them?" he asked, his voice strained.

    "I''m not saying you shouldn''t fight," Ken responded calmly. "But there''s a line that shouldn''t be crossed."

    As soon as he finished speaking, Kevin''s sword began to glow with a bright blue light, causing many onlookers to gasp in surprise.

    Even some of the professors in attendance were taken aback by the sudden disy of power.

    As the blue light emanating from Kevin''s sword caught everyone''s attention, a voice in the crowd eximed, "Sword aura?"

    Amy turned to James and asked, "Hey, James. Is Ken an advanced swordsman?"

    James replied with a simple nod.

    "So, you knew all along?" Eva asked, sounding slightly surprised.

    James nodded again, adding, "We''ve dueled before. But we''re friends, unlike you two." His words stung Amy, who clenched her fists and began thinking about how she could beat James to a pulp.

    Ben stood frozen, his gaze fixed on Ken as thetter spoke. "I know all too well how the weak are crushed," Ken said, his grip on his sword tightening as he prepared to strike.

    With a swift motion, he shed at Ben, who attempted to block the attack but was ultimately ovee. In the end, Ben was defeated.

 Chapter 83 Aftermath Of The Duel

    ?

    Ben stood frozen, his gaze fixed on Ken as thetter spoke. "I know all too well how the weak are crushed," Ken said, his grip on his sword tightening as he prepared to strike.

    With a swift motion, he shed at Ben, who attempted to block the attack but was ultimately ovee.

    In the end, Ben was defeated.

    As the audience watched with fascination, the holograms shimmered and pulsed, disying the final results.

    Suddenly, a loud uproar filled the room, and cheers erupted as Ken was dered the winner.

    The audience erupted into apuse, while Ben''s minions looked visibly disappointed, their faces downcast.

    As Ken and Ben emerged from the capsule, Ken''s ted expression was in sharp contrast to Ben''sck of enthusiasm.

    Ben began walking towards the exit with his followers trailing behind him.However, Ken called out to him, "Hey, Ben, wait up!"

    Ben turned around to face Ken, wondering what he wanted.

    "I just wanted to say well done, and maybe we could grab a drink together tomorrow after the lectures and discuss about winner''s prize?" suggested Ken.

    Ben hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement and started leaving with his followers.

    As Ben and his minions left, Ken walked towards his group, where James, one of his closest friends, rushed over to him.

    James greeted Ken with a huge smile and congratted him on his victory.

    James then patted Ken on the shoulder and reminded him,

    "I always knew that you would win. After all, your the person who beat me."

    James, Amy, and Eva joined Ken''s group and congratted him on his victory.

    "I didn''t expect that you were this strong." Amymented.

    "But why did you challenge him for the durl? Was there something more to it than just settling a score for his troubling everyday? There should be something else, right?" Eva chimed in.

    Ken smiled wryly, knowing that the topic was not appropriate for the current location.

    Ken chuckled and replied, "There was a lot more to it than that, but I don''t think this is the right ce to discuss it. Let''s find somewhere more private to talk."

    As they walked away, Ken couldn''t help but notice the mixed emotions in the arena.

    Some people were cheering for him, while others were visibly upset. He also spotted a tall, handsome young man with blond hair who seemed particrly displeased with the oue of the duel.

    "I wonder what his problem is," Ken thought to himself as he and his group made their way out of the arena.

    Ken was unaware that the duel had attracted more attention than he anticipated.

    Some people were pleased with the oue, while others were disappointed. Those who had bet on Ben were upset, and some who had bet on Ken were overjoyed.

    Lily, who had made a good harvest, was happy with her winnings but felt a sense of anger towards Rain.

    "Now, I have to work on that merchandise. Although I don''t know why I feel angry whenever I think about working for that guy," she muttered to herself.

    Meanwhile, a tall, handsome young man with blond hair sat quietly, his eyes filled with frustration. Many girls were ncing at him from time to time, but he paid them no attention.

    "Useless garbage. Looks like I have to find a new dog," he murmured to himself before leaving his seat and departing the room. The young man had an air of nobility around him, and his departure did not go unnoticed.

    On the other hand,

    Ken and his group had found a private room in the 2nd floor of cafeteria to discuss the events leading up to the duel. The cafeteria was almost empty as people rarely came there.

    As they sipped on their coffee, Eva asked Ken about the reason for the challenge.

    Ken took a deep breath and began to recount the story from the beginning. He talked about how he had encountered some bullies on his way home from his evening training and how he had beaten them. He went on to describe his conversation with Issac and Kevin, which eventually led to the duel with Ben.

    The group listened intently, and James was particrly outraged by the bullies'' behavior. "Those bastards. How can they do this?" he eximed.

    Amy waved her hand, stopping James mid-sentence. "Enough, You muscle head. Let Ken finish," she said.

    James sat down and innocently asked, "But aren''t you also a muscle-head?"

    Amy, who was just inches away from punching him, rolled her eyes and chose to ignore hisment. She turned her attention back to Ken, eager to hear the rest of the story.

    But Eva interrupted the group''s bickering, "Okay, calm down, both of you. Ken, how does this rte to challenging Ben?" she asked as she took a sip of coffee.

    "Um, isn''t Ben one of the heads of the Bloodline Supremacy club in the freshman ss?" Hearing this, everyone in room nodded thier head.

    "So now I have defeated him in a duel, I will convince him to limit his activities or change his mindset, wouldn''t that be a good thing? I believe I can have a good talk with him tomorrow," exined Ken, his face reflecting his pride.

    "I''m sorry to burst your bubble, but I don''t think that will work," Eva responded, and Amy nodded in agreement.

    Ken looked at them with puzzled look. Noticing it Eva thought of exining him.

    "Isn''t it obvious? The Blood Supremacy club has many members, including seniors and some professors who support them from behind the scenes," Eva said as she sipped her coffee.

    "Restricting Ben alone wouldn''t change anything much." Amy added while eating strawberry cake.

    "But wouldn''t everything be solved if we just beat them up?" asked James.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Hey, you idiot! Don''t becent, even though you are a D-rank and Ken is a C-rank. There are many C-rankers in the second and third year, and some B-rankers in the fourth year. You will be crushed like a cockroach if you fight them," Amy exined, snickering after she finished.

    Eva added, "And let''s not forget about the possible consequences of such actions. Violence only leads to more violence, and it can also put us in trouble with the authorities. We need to find a more peaceful and effective way to deal with the Bloodline Supremacy club."

    Ken nooded.

    "There are a few reasons why we may not be able to help you directly," said Eva. "Firstly, our family forbids us from getting involved in conflicts. But we can still offer support from the sidelines."

    Amy added, "Also, there are some powerful senior members in the club who may not directly involve themselves but could still manipte the situation."

    "We''re not sure how Ben will react to your request," continued Eva. "He may just deny it, leaving us unable to assist you."

    James asked, "Doesn''t this go against the warrior''s honor?"

    Amy quickly dismissed the idea, saying, "Those who follow such a code wouldn''t behave this way."

    Ken suggested, "We could unite other seniors frommon families to help solve the problem. I also have a solution for any resistance from the professors from their side."

    Saying this, Ken just smirked.

    After that they started discussing further, they realized that they needed more information about the club and its activities. They decided to do some research and gather more allies before taking any action.

    "Does anyone know any senior frommon background who can help us?" asked Eva as they continued to discuss their n.

    Amy spoke up, "Actually, I do know one senior who is part of my club. She might be able to provide us with some valuable insights about their activities and some help to gather allies."

    "That''s great," said Eva. "We need to gather as much information as possible before taking any action."

    James added, "We should also be careful not to get caught. We don''t want to face any repercussions for our actions."

    Ken nodded in agreement, "We need to make sure that our n is foolproof and that we have enough support to back us up."

    Suddenly, James noticed that some people were starting to stare at them. "Hey guys, maybe we should move to a more private area. We don''t want to attract too much attention," he suggested.

    Eva quickly suggested, "Let''s go to my dorm. We can continue the meeting there and also have some privacy."

    They all agreed and made their way to Eva''s dorm to further discuss their n ande up with a strategy to tackle the club''s wrongdoings.

    Meanwhile, outside the cafe, the blond-haired boy who had left the duel earlier was walking down the street.

    He was deep in thought, pondering the events of the day. He had lost a considerable amount of money by betting on Ben, but that wasn''t his main concern.

    He was more intrigued by the person who had defeated Ben. He had heard rumors about Ken before, but he never expected him to be this skilled.

    He decided to keep an eye on Ken and see how things would unfold. Perhaps he could learn more about him.

    __________________________________________

    [Ben''s POV]

    Aftering out of the arena, Ben dismissed his henchmen.

    "Left me alone, I have some work," he said, not even bothering to look back at them as he made his way towards his room.

    "But..." one of his henchmen started to protest, but the others quickly silenced him, knowing better than to cross their boss when he was in a mood like this.

    "Boss needs some alone time," one of them said, giving the man a gentle push towards the exit.

    As they looked at the back of Ben walking alone, even though it was same as always, it looked little lonely.

    As Ben entered his room and made his way to his private training space, he could feel the anger and frustration building up inside of him.

    He started punching the sandbag with such force that his fists started to hurt, but he didn''t stop. The pain was nothingpared to the rage that was consuming him.

    "Why?" he muttered to himself, his voice growing louder with each word. "Why am I so weak? Why can''t I beat those guys? What do they know anyway? They don''t know what it''s like to have everything riding on your shoulders, to have to live up to everyone''s expectations."

    Ben punched the ground with his bare fists, not caring about the pain anymore. He was tired of feeling like a failure, tired of always falling short of what was expected of him. "If you''re weak, you''ll be crushed," he spat out, the words echoing off the walls of the room.

    "People will talk behind your back, belittle you, and leave you behind. A weak person is nothing."

    His frustration turned to tears, as small drops started to fall from his eyes. He was surprised at his own reaction, not used to showing vulnerability in front of anyone.

    But in that moment, he didn''t care. He was so overwhelmed with the weight of his own expectations and the fear of failure that he couldn''t hold back anymore.

    "Hah," he scoffed at himself. "I don''t know why I''m crying now. I thought hard work would pay off, but against those people, I''m nothing. All I have is this status, this reputation that''s built on nothing but empty promises and false expectations."

    Just as he was about to give up, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

    He stood up, wiping away his tears as he checked his phone, surprised to see an unknown number calling him.

    His anger and frustration were momentarily forgotten as he answered the call.

    "Hello, who are you?" he asked, trying to keep his voice calm.

    "Take a guess," a voice on the other end said, a hint of a smirk in his tone.

    It was an unknown number, but if Ben could saw the caller''s face, he would recognize it immediately.

    It was Rain.

 Chapter 84 Rains Talk

    ?

    Some time back, there was a duel between Ken and Ben, which was being broadcasted live and it managed to grab the attention of a significant number of viewers.

    Rain, who was also one of the spectators, watched the duel from thefort of his room on a 56-inch 3D television.

    While indulging in the thrilling spectacle, he snacked on butter popcorn with his right hand and held a refreshing ss of fruit juice in his left.

    "Should I have added cheese while making popcorn?" Rain wondered.

    Soon the duel between Ken and Ben started, and Rain watched the spectacle while lost in thought.

    Rain predicted that Ken might be the victor, given his superior strength. However, he also knew that Ken was a cautious and strategic fighter, who wouldn''t unleash his full power right away. So fight might drag for some time.

    Rain was curious about both individual''s power levels, which he nned to determine after the battle.

    As the Duel progressed, Ben and Ken exchanged powerful blows, with each fighter trying to outdo the other.

    Despite Ben''s efforts, Ken began to gain the upper hand in the fight, overpowering him with his skill and strength.

    Rain observed the Duel''s proceedings with keen interest, noting thebatants'' tactics and movements, and analyzing their fighting styles.

    Just then, Ben started using sword art.

    ''Berserk Wave Sword Art''

    As soon as Rain saw the sword art he remembered that the sword art Ben was using in the fight was the same one Ben had used in the game.

    Despite being highly potent in attacking, Rain knew that the sword art was ranked as a B grade due to the amount of stamina it consumed and the toll it took on the user''s body.

    Rain also noticed that despite Ben putting in a lot of effort, he was still fairly powerfulpared to his game counterpart, but he was likely to lose the uing battle.

    During the fight, Kevin also employed swordsmanship and used the Flowing Water Sword Art to parry all of Ben''s attacks.

    In the game, this sword art was highly coveted, with many envious of its defensive capabilities, despite being ranked as a B grade.

    Rain recognized that this sword art was challenging to practice and could only be used for defense, making it a useful skill to possess.

    However, Rain decided not to pursue it, as he had way better options avable to him.

    ''But won''t people doubt how amoner like Ken can learn sword art?'' Rain wondered.

    Even though Ken is protagonist of the game still using this kind of art can make people suspicious.

    Although hees from amon family. He has a cheat. He is...''

    Just as Rain was finishing his thought, a blue light began to emanate from Ken''s de.

    ''Ah? Although I knew from the start, he might have learned sword aura. But I didn''t think that he would use sword aura here. Maybe he wants to do some big things. Interesting.'' Rain smirked.

    And like that Ben lost.

    "Aa.."

    Rain just yawned.

    ''Man, this match just seemed like some kids were fightingpared toter events in the game.'' Rain felt bored

    Still,Rain already noticed that the fact was that pace of the events was elerated.

    Even though he had anticipated some changes in the storyline but not this much.

    Whenpared to the game, Ken and Ben are much stronger at this point.

    ''Yes, it appears that I have sped up the process.'' Rain smiled wryily.

    "So, I have to look into the main cause of this. Looks like now I''m off from my lovely vacation." Rain stood up from his seat and streched.

    "Living, though, is more important.'''' Rain added.

    After thinking that, Rain moved in the direction of his phone.

    ''I may need to start using VR simtion capsule to hone my abilities.

    I have data on each character from the game. Their abilities, statistics,bat manner, clearing technique, almost all of it''

    Since Rain was a programmer in the past life, he can simply make their dummy version for sparring. Now he was Advanced Programmer, he could do many things.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ''If I wish to carry out stage two of my plot cleaning n. Then, more strength is required.'' Rain thought.

    Plot Cleaning was his ultimate n.

    After picking up his phone, Rain dialed a number.

    ''But first, let''s do some good deeds.'' Rain chuckled.

    The call was not answered the first time by the other side. However, Rain was a person who never give up.

    Then, He called once again, call was soon answered.

    "Hello, Who are you?" Ben said.

    Ben was the person who Rain called.

    "Take a guess." Rain said mischievously.

    There was a smirk on Rain''s face.

    "I don''t want to specte." Ben was irritated.

    "Aww. You don''t know who I am?"

    This was said childishly by Rain. He appeared to be quite hurt that Ben didn''t recognize him.

    "Now, I consider. Somehow, your voice sounds familiar."

    Ben began to try to recall the voice.

    Soon, Ben finally let out a loud yell.

    "You are Rain!" Ben eximed.

    "Oh. Congrattions on providing the correct answer. I''ll give you some free advice as price." Rain eximed enthusiastically. Nevertheless, it sounded like a con artist.

    Just when Rain was about to resume. Ben cut him off.

    "But how did you get my number?

    Why are you calling me?

    Are you some scammer, who is mimicking Rain''s voice?" Ben asked with doubt.

    Hearing this, Rain first time felt like he was some scammer.

    "No. I am really Rain. And as you know, I was a member of the Holmes Family. So it''s quite easy for me to have your number." Rain exined.

    "The reason I am calling you now is just for giving you some advice." Rain said.

    Ben was quite perplexed by hearing this.

    "Why are you so eager to give me advice? We don''t know each other, nor have we ever met before," Ben asked curiously.

    Rain had been Ben''s idol in the past, but their social status and schedules had prevented them from ever crossing paths.

    "You don''t need to be friends to give advice. People often listen to the advice of others they don''t know," replied Rain calmly, surprising Ben with his response.

    Ben couldn''t refute Rain. As Rain didn''t get any response from Ben for some time. He took as positive response.

    "Oh, it appears that I can now freely offer you some wise advice." Rain chuckled.

    "Listen carefully..."

    "Ben, I understand that losing a fight can be difficult, but it''s important to remember that defeat is a natural part of the learning process. Even..."

    With that, Rain began to offer Ben some wise advice. The two continued their conversation for a while, until Rain eventually ended the call.

    Taking a deep breath, Rain turned his head towards the window and gazed out at the calm waves of the sea.

    "These waves are so peaceful now," he thought to himself. "But who knows when they will be turbulent."

    "I don''t know what kind of troubles there will be in the academy because of this. However it may be fun to watch." Rain smirked.

 Chapter 85 Bens Decision

    ?

    As the whole day passed.

    Someone posted the video of the duel on the forum. Soon many people watched it.

    Many people startedmenting there.

    -They are so strong...

    -Upstairs, they are students of S-ss and among the top 10. So it''s obvious that they are strong.

    - ording to details,

    That blue haired boy is Ken, a C ranker.

    And that Red haired boy is Ben, a D ranker.

    -Upstairs don''t discriminate by hair colour.

    COLOR DOES NOT MATTER!!

    -But aren''t they too strong? Like both of them can use sword art.

    - Especially that Ken, he is a C ranker and also uses sword aura. Perhaps he can also beat some second-year students.

    -Hmph. Don''tpare him to use second year students. Even I can beat him easily.

    -Upstairs, I have checked your profile. It''s showing that you are D ranker. Can you enlighten us how can you beat him?

    -Bruh moment

    -F in the chat

    ....

    ....

    There were numerousments simr to that.

    The following morning, the students departed from their rooms and proceeded to their ssroom as per usual.

    In S-ss, all the students were present for the lectures, includingbat practice, magic theory, and history.

    After the sses were finished, Ken approached Ben and asked politely, "Shall we go?"

    Ben nodded and then turned to his henchmen, instructing them, "You guys can leave now. It will take us some time to return."

    Thus, Ben dismissed his group effortlessly.

    Soon, Ben and Ken found themselves in a secluded corner of the cafe.

    "So, what can I do for you?" Ben asked, getting straight to the point.

    Ken replied calmly, "I just want one thing."

    Ben''s patience was wearing thin as he asked, "And what would that be?"

    Before answering, Ken proceeded to recount how he had encountered some bullies on his way back to his room and how he had managed to defeat them. He also mentioned his conversation with Issac and Kevin.

    "And how is that relevant?" Ben inquired, his expression unchanged.

    Ken was taken aback. He had not expected Ben to know about the incident.

    "It''s not a big deal. The people you defeated had already informed me about it earlier. As for bullying, I have made it clear to everyone that the weak shall be crushed wherever they go. It''s not a new thing," Ben exined calmly.

    "I said it''s not necessary to exploit those who are weaker than you. Why do you feel the need to do so? It won''t bring you any benefit," Ken said, trying to reason with Ben.

    Ben interrupted him, "I understand, okay? You don''t have to lecture me like an old man. Get to the point."

    Ken sighed but continued, "I want you to reduce your involvement in the club activities."

    Ben scoffed, "Is that it? I can easily do that. It''s not like I''m the leader of a major club. I only have a few followers, and the rest are just bunch of nobodies. There are also other students from different years. They won''t stop."

    Ken nodded, "I understand. But I have a solution that will help. You just need to do things as per I say."

    Ben agreed, "Fine. But don''t expect everything to change overnight. You have offended many people, and they won''t take kindly to my change of heart. This is just a beginning."

    Ken asked, "Who are these people?"

    Ben hesitated for a moment before replying, "I can''t reveal their names, but I can give you a hint - Blood Supremacy club."

    Ken''s expression hardened at the mention of that name. "Thank you for the warning. I''ll be careful," he said, extending his hand.

    Ben shook it, "Sure thing. But remember, this won''t be easy. Changing the status quo never is never easy."

    "I know. But it''s worth it," Ken said before turning and walking away.

    As Ken was leaving, Ben just chuckled.

    "Like he said. You are really a piece of work." Ben mumbled.

    Like that Ben started to recall yesterday''s events...

    __________________________________________

    "You don''t need to be friends to give advice. People often listen to the advice of others they don''t know,"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    When Ben heard this, he was astounded. He was unable to reply.

    "Oh, it appears that I can now freely offer you some wise advice." Rain chuckled.

    "Listen carefully to what I am saying. You lost the duel today. So, what are you going to do next?" Rain asked.

    "I don''t know," Ben replied in a low tone.

    "Ben, I understand that losing a fight can be difficult, but it''s important to remember that defeat is a natural part of the learning process. Even the best fighters in the world have lost battles before. What''s important is that you learn from this experience," Rain advised.

    "I still lost the fight," Ben tried to say something, but Rain interrupted him.

    "Don''t sound pathetic. You and I both know why Ken challenged you. Calm your mind and think about it," Rain said in a cold tone

    After thinking for some time Ben answered.

    "Is it because of that bullying incident?"

    "Yes, It is." Rain responsed, "He might have told you something when you were fighting with him."

    When Rain said this, Ben started remembering what he and Ken talked about during the fight.

    "From your silence, I think you may be remembered it. So as you know, you''re in deep trouble now. After all, you lost the duel." Rain remarked.

    "It''s because I am weak." Ben''s voice was low, but Rain still heard it.

    "Nope, it''s because you''re a fool." Rain said sternly.

    Ben was taken aback by hearing this.

    "First, you joined that gutter group and started bullying people without any care of consequences. Can''t you even think about it?" Rain said in cold tone.

    "Gutter group?" Ben mumbled.

    "Oh, you people might call it Blood Supremacy club. However it''s just gutter or sewage where rats of the area gather."

    "Am I a rat then?" Ben was in doubt about his life''s choices.

    Rain responded, "Yes, it''s true that some people im superiority based on their bloodline, but how is it superior? It''s not as if your blood is a different color or can be used as a material for an elixir."

    After a brief pause, Rain continued, "And even if you believe that your bloodline is powerful, how do you know for sure? Before the changes, your family members could have been beggars or from a low-ss family."

    Ben attempted to refute Rain''s words, but Rain continued, "What? Your weaknesses from your mindset. Youin like a child. There is no such thing as absolute strength. You may be weakpared to Ken and others, but you''re also strongpared to others. There is a world beyond your narrow perspective."

    "Still, I am weaker than Ken and others," Ben admitted.

    Rain asked, "Do you want to be strong?"

    "Yes," Ben replied.

    "Why do you want to be strong?" Rain asked.

    "I don''t want to be crushed by others. I don''t want to be belittled or lonely," Ben exined.

    "You will only be crushed if you have enemies, and to get rid of enemies, there are only two options: kill them or resolve the hostility. If you continue to act the way you have been, you will only increase the hostility around you," Rain cautioned.

    Ben asked, "So, what should I do?"

    "Reduce your club activities, however you can trouble Ken all you care. He won''t do anything until you cross the line with him. And don''t harm those around him because he will retaliate strongly. Didn''t you learn from what happened this time?" Rain advised.

    Ben remained silent, still recovering from the beating he had received.

    "To be stronger, it''s important to seek help from others, such as professors, friends, and family. Ken may also be able to assist you if you behave properly around him. I am also here to offer my support, but..."

    Rain''s warm tone suddenly turned cold.

    "Whatever you do, never sumb to the dark side. It will only lead to a negative oue."

    Ben replied weakly, his back was covered in cold sweat.

    "You can call me anytime you want . I appreciate it. And please keep this conversation between us."

    Rain spoke with enthusiasm, as if he hadn''t made the previous warning.. warning.

    "Okay, but what about Ken''s request? And what about the Blood Supremacy club? Should I leave it?" Ben asked Rain.

    Rain replied, "You should consider Ken''s request and the Blood Supremacy club carefully. However, it''s entirely up to you whether you want to leave the club or not. I would suggest being cautious and keeping your involvement to a minimum, though. We both know how questionable that club is, and they won''t hesitate to turn their backs on you." Rain warned.

    "Okay, thank you," Ben said, although he was taken aback by Rain''sst statement.

    "No problem," Rain replied. "You can always rely on me if you need help, but don''t go too far with Ken. Venting your anger is fine, but make sure you don''t cross any lines." Rain advised.

    "Now, if you''ll excuse me, I have to start my live stream. Goodbye."

    "Goodbye," Ben said before Rain ended the call.

    Talking to Rain made Ben feel better, and he had a smile on his face as he ended the conversation.

    While on Rain''s side...

    Rain breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back in his chair, gazing out of the window at the tranquil ocean waves.

    "It''s peaceful now, but it won''t be long before the waves turn violent," he murmured to himself, his expression nk.

    "I may have given good advice to Ben, but it''s always harder to implement it in my own life," he mused, a hint of mncholy in his voice.

 Chapter 86 Kens Secret

    ?

    After a brief conversation with Ben, Ken made his way out of the cafe, feeling somewhat puzzled by Ben''s behavior.

    "Why did he agree so easily? It''s not like him," Ken mused. "But I suppose it''s a good thing he agreed. Hopefully, the bullying wille to an end now."

    However, Ken was also aware that his thinking was wed. As Ben had warned him, this was just the beginning, and things were unlikely to end here.

    Taking this into consideration, Ken had already begun devising a n to tackle the issue of bullying more effectively

    Ken made his way to Professor Kevin''s office, and after a short walk, he arrived at his destination. Just as he was about to knock on the door, it opened, revealing Kevin sittingfortably in his chair.

    "I''ve been expecting you," Kevin said, motioning for Ken to take a seat opposite him.

    "Did you get what you were looking for?" Kevin asked, but his calm demeanor betrayed any concern he might have had.

    "Yes," Ken replied, not surprised by Kevin''s attitude. He had grown ustomed to it over time.

    "Ken approached Professor Kevin with a hint of nervousness in his voice and sat up on the chair. "Professor, did you manage to set up the appointment to talk with her?" he asked hesitantly. Even mentioning ''her'' was taking toll on him. He wondered how he would be able to talk with her.

    "It wasn''t easy, but I got it done," Kevin replied, although there was no hint ofint on his face.

    "Thank you," Ken said gratefully.

    "No need to thank me. Just do me a favor in the future," Kevin added.

    As he heard Kevin''s request, Ken couldn''t help but feel a twinge of anxiety. It felt like he had made a deal with the devil. He was thinking that he might leave as early as possible.

    Despite his reservations, Ken gathered his courage and asked, "When is the appointment?"

    With his busy schedule as a student and his regr training, Ken wanted to make sure he could adjust his ns ordingly.

    "It''s right now. Let''s go," Kevin replied, catching Ken off guard.

    Ken stared at Kevin nkly.

    Although he had requested to meet with her as soon as possible, he hadn''t expected the meeting to be scheduled so soon.

    Ken hesitated, "But isn''t this too soon?"

    "No, you have to do it eventually. Why not get it done today?" Kevin replied firmly.

    Before Ken could respond, Kevin grabbed him by the arm and led him out of the office. "Don''t waste time arguing. It''s important," he added.

    Ken didn''t want to hear any more words of wisdom from Kevin. He remained silent as they made their way to a door with a namete that read "Headmaster''s Office."

    Ken''s nerves began to kick in as he realized what was about to happen.

    "Let''s go in," Kevin said, moving to open the door. But Ken stopped him.

    "Shouldn''t we knock first?" he asked.

    Kevin looked at him with a hint of sympathy. "You''re so innocent," he murmured.

    Ken knocked on the door, and a pleasant voice called out from inside. "Who is it?"

    "It''s me," Kevin replied casually, as if it was a regr urrence.

    "Ah, it''s you. Then,e in," the voice replied.

    Kevin gestured for Ken to enter the office, but he remained outside like a statue.

    "Aren''t youing in, professor?" Ken asked.

    Kevin shook his head, indicating that he would wait outside.

    "Nope. I only show students the path to solutions. Not apany them." Saying that Kevin left.

    Ken was confused.

    ''Seriously? Can''t he say in simple words that he doesn''t want to?'' He thought.

    "Oh, boy. Hello there," Ken heard a charming voice say.

    As he turned his head, he caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure behind a curtain. Even from the silhouette, it was clear that the person was a stunning beauty.

    "Sorry, I was a bit distracted," Ken apologized, " Hello. My name is Ken Astaseul. I am a freshman and in S-ss."

    Ken introduced himself. Even though he was dazed by the beauty of the woman but he controlled himself.

    "Hello... I am Veronica ze. The headmaster of this Academy." The woman behind the curtain introduced herself.

    As Ken caught a glimpse of Veronica''s silhouette, he could tell that she was a woman of great beauty. Her figure was slender and graceful, and her movements were elegant and refined. From the sound of her voice, he could tell that she had a gentle and soothing demeanor.

    Despite the fact that he couldn''t see her face clearly, he could sense that she had delicate features and a radiant smile.

    Her long hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and her clothing was tasteful and sophisticated.

    Overall, Veronica exuded an aura of effortless beauty and grace, which left Ken feeling both awestruck and intimidated.

    "So about my request.."

    Just when Ken was trying to say something.

    Veronica spoke,

    "Oh, don''t worry. That iceberg already told me about it. But you know, people will think I am giving special treatment to you."

    Ken was silent. He couldn''t say anything.

    Just when he firmed himself to say something.

    "It''s okay, boy. I will try to fulfil your request. After all, Academy is also trying to reduce these bullying incidents.

    However I have a question for you."

    Just Ken thought everything worked, he was surprised by this.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "You are so young, but you are already a C ranker and you are just amoner. How is that? Do you have something hidden?"

    Slowly pressure was increasing around Ken''s body. It was hard for him to stand.

    "Are you some demon? or spy of another race?" Veronica asked in cold tone. There wasn''t any hint of her previous gentle demeanor.

    Ken was on his knees now. He felt he would be crushed so he started strengthening his body with mana.

    "Oh, boy. What are you hiding?" Veronica tried to see through Ken''s body.

    Now It was hard to even breathe for Ken now.

    "..i..m....ust...a....uman.." After gathering his all strength, Ken just managed to speak a sentence.

    "Looks like I went overboard. But I epted your request. Right? So don''t hold grudges against me." Veronica said in gentle tome.

    "Now I have checked your body, you are not a demon or something. Best of luck. Bye Bye."

    After saying that she threw Ken outside of the office through the doors, as soon as Ken fell on the floor outside of office, the doors closed.

    "Hehe. Iceberg you have an interesting gem in your ss." Veronica chuckled.

    While outside of the office...

    Ken wasying down on the floor.

    After some time, he took out some fatigue recovery potions from his space ring and drank.

    His whole uniform was drenched.

    He slowly stood up and steadily started walking towards his room.

    ''What was that? Is this how the headmaster treats students in the Academy?'' He thought.

    Before standing at Veronica, Ken felt a killing intent. Like if she had a slight doubt about him Ken might have died at that moment.

    Even for Ken, that pressure was hard to bear. After all, Veronica is SS-RANKER.

    After a long time, Ken finally reached his room. He just went in and soon he fells on the floor.

    ''Today was sure exhausting. But everything is okay now. With her help, we will be able to stop professors from interfering with Blood Supremacy club. James and other people has also started to talk with seniors. Soon, most of the bullying will cease.'' There was satisfactory smile.

    ''Still, It''s great I was able toe out alive.

    After all, I have to do many things. For me, my family and my loved ones. I will protect them this time.'' Ken was determined.

    However, soon he fainted from exhaustion.

    __________________________________________

    As Ken was gathering his thoughts, Rain was lying on the beach and staring at the stars.

    Despite the beautiful sight, Rain wasn''t in the mood to appreciate it. He was consumed by regret over how he had spoken to Ben.

    He didn''t like motivating someone.

    Rain''s mood was sour, but he tried to console himself by acknowledging that everything had gone ording to n. He was d that he could now rely on Ben to provide him with the necessary information about the Academy.

    After all, hacking someone''s phone or constantly sneaking into the Academy forum didn''t seem like a good idea.

    He didn''t know when he might be caught by someone.

    Rain was determined to prevent Ben from joining any evil organizations, as he was concerned that even the smallest viin could be a powerful adversary in the future, causing trouble for them.

    He believed that it would be a hassle if the plot didn''t progress as he hoped, even though he didn''t really care about it.

    Nheless, he wanted answers from the System, and that was his main goal.

    How this things were happening?

    Why he gained memories previous life?

    Why only him?

    Why he was nerfed?

    There was countless questions, however no answer. He needed authority to get answer.

    But he had to survive to the end of the plot to get max authority. While to survive he needed strength. That''s why he was working hard.

    Rain didn''t think highly of Blood Supremacy club they had encountered earlier,paring them to the arrogant young masters from cultivation novels.

    Initially, he had thought of intervening when he saw Ken confront them, but after talking with Ben, he didn''t see the point.

    He believed that if they got beaten up by Ken, it might knock some sense into them.

    Although Rain wished that Ben would join Ken''s group and turn away from his viinous ways, he knew that it was unlikely.

    However, he hoped that Ben wouldn''t cross any lines with Ken and stick to troubling him in minor ways, such as challenging him or grumbling at him.

    Rain wasn''t showing favoritism towards Ken because he was the protagonist; there were other reasons.

    For one, Ken had a cheat; he was a regressor, which made him incredibly powerful. Rain had read about it in the novel''s backstory of Ken.

    ''So it would be great if Ben monitor him and give me some information about him.''

    Rain thought.

    Just like that Rain started his another struggle for vacation.

 Chapter 87 Side Story: Ken, A Simple Man

    ?

    [WARNING!!! This is a side story, you can read this if you want. But it will contain some major spoilers.]

    After changes, most of the people adapted to that.

    The aftermath of war can be a challenging time for people as they must adjust to the changes that have urred in their lives. It is essential to move forward and not dwell in the past, as dwelling in the past can hinder progress and growth. The individuals who were affected by the war realized this and came up with a proactive solution.

    Like most of the system changed.

    As the people grew stronger and learned how to defend themselves against the monsters, a new profession was born - the Hunter.

    This profession was also known by other names such as Adventurer or Bounty killer. With the increasing number of hunters, group activities like Guilds and Associations also began to emerge.

    However, not all hunters had noble intentions. Some of them started using their skills tomit atrocities. In order to prevent such acts, the government established the Hunter Management Association.

    The association set up branch offices in most of the cities and near hunting fields. Here, hunters had to get their license and go through tests that determined their rank.

    The association also monitored the hunters'' activities to ensure that they didn''t engage in any criminal acts.

    Although the establishment of the Hunter Management Association helped reduce the number of bad deedsmitted by hunters, it didn''tpletely eliminate them.

    Despite the monitoring, some hunters still engaged in criminal activities. However, the establishment of the association did help improve the morality rate of hunters, as they were held ountable for their actions. Casualty rate of them also decreased.

    In the small city of Cantaro, life was simple yet content. Although the city was not as grand as some of the others, the people were happy. After the catastrophic events that led the monster invasion, the many cities were destroyed, but after "Great Reshuffle," the people of Cantaro built new homes filled with hope.

    As with many cities, there was also an office of the Hunting Management Association in Cantaro. This office was bustling with activity, with huntersing and going as they received their licenses and went through tests to determine their rank.

    One day, in the midst of all themotion, a young man with blue hair that resembled the night sky entered the office.

    His ck eyes and silver pupils seemed to glow in the dimly lit room. He moved with great skill, as though it were second nature to him.The other hunters around him looked on in awe.

    Suddenly, a shout came from behind him. "Hey, Ken!"

    The young man turned to face the source of the voice, revealing a handsome face that seemed almost too perfect for his rugged hunting profession.

    His hair and appearance seemed to suggest that he didn''t care much about his appearance, but it somehow fit his persona as a hunter.

    "What, Alex?" Ken asked.

    Ken stopped and turned his face.

    "Just move slowly, I can''t pass through like you." The man with slightly shorter height then Ken and bigger belly than Ken said.

    "For that, you have to reduce this meat."

    Saying that Ken pointed at Alex''s belly. He smiled slightly.

    That smile just looked like stars were shining in the sky.

    Soon, Alex and Ken started moving towards the counter.

    "Don''t point at my belly, It''s just I am healthypared to you."

    Alex stroked his belly while saying this.

    "Yeah, you also have thicker skinpared to me." Saying this, Ken smiled. And Alex also smiled.

    Soon they reached to the counter. They sold all of the monster corpses they hunted.

    Ken got 1000 gold coins. While Alex got 400 gold coins.

    As they were returning from the Association''s building and walking through the market.

    "Hey, why are you here?" Alex asked Ken abruptly.

    Ken was confused by this question.

    "What do you mean?" He asked in return.

    "I mean you are already a B-ranker at the age of 25. You can join a guild or move to somerge city. Is it necessary to live here?" Alex was confused. He thought it was waste of potential to people like Ken to live here.

    "Alex from our first meeting and in this past six months, you have told me this countless times and all the time my answer is ''No''." Ken paused and continued.

    "After all, I lived here since the childhood and I don''t want to risk my life for more money." Ken shook his head and continued,

    "Because If I die there who will take care of Mom and Dad? And aren''t I happy here? People here are kind and friendly and I don''t think my parents will be able to adapt to life inrge cities.

    That''s why I also didn''t go to the main Academy and just graduated from a nearby branch." Ken''s words were filled with responsibility.

    "So what will you do in future?" Alex get the point, he thought Ken won''t change his opinion. So he asked.

    "Perhaps, I will just find a good woman to marry, make some children and live a happy life. After all, I saved enough money." There was a gentle smile on Ken''s face.

    "With your face, countless women will make a line to marry you." Alex remarked.

    Both Ken and Alexughed at this.

    Just then, the ground shook violently, causing the buildings to tremble and sway. Some of the older shops and homes began to crumble under the force of the earthquake, sending debris flying in all directions.

    Panic quickly set in as people ran in every direction, trying to escape the danger. The sound of shattering ss and crumbling bricks filled the air, and the streets were soon crowded with frightened individuals looking for safety.

    The scene was chaotic and terrifying, with the full force of the earthquake making its presence known in the most dramatic way possible.

    "Is it an earthquake?" Alex asked.

    "I don''t think so." Ken shook his head.

    Saying that Ken pointed his finger at the sky to draw attention Alex''s attention there.

    Arge monster was flying in the sky.

    "What''s that?" Alex was shocked to see that. After all, he was just a C ranker. He only saw a glimpse of A-ss monsters sometimes from afar.

    However, he felt that the flying monster he was seeing now was much stronger than that.

    Ken''s urgent voice jolted Alex out of his thoughts, "Alex, this is an emergency! We need to evacuate the civilians."

    Alex quickly refocused and nodded in agreement. Despite his goofy demeanor, he was well aware of his responsibilities.

    Ken understood that he couldn''t handle the monster alone. His priority was to evacuate the civilians and ensure their safety. He trusted that the other hunters would take care of the monster.

    After hours of fighting, the monster was finally defeated, and the city erupted in cheers.

    "We did it! Our city is safe!" the people shouted.

    Ken''s legs gave out from under him, exhausted from the ordeal. Alex sat beside him andforted him, "You did a great job. You saved many lives today."

    Just then, a panicked voice rang out from the group, "Hey... guys... look!"

    Everyone turned to see dozens of monsters flying in the sky, identical to the ones they had just defeated. Ken slowly stood up, stunned by the sight before him.

    "That''s impossible," he muttered.

    Suddenly, colossal monsters emerged from the forest, and Alex was bewildered, "Hey, aren''t those S-ss monsters? What are they doing here?"

    Most of the hunters fled in terror, shouting for Ken to run.

    "Ken, we need to go! Now!" Alex shook Ken, who was standing motionless.

    "Wait! What about mom and dad?" Ken hesitated.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Ken bolted towards his home at breakneck speed.

    Despite his exhaustion and aching body, he ran. He ran at full speed. For Ken, his parents were his top priority.

    "Please, God, let them be alive," he prayed as he approached his house.

    But his heart sank as he saw the massive monster that had crushed his home. As a hunter, his keen eyesight gave him a clear view of his parents'' lifeless bodies amidst the debris.

    Every cherished moment spent with his parents shed through Ken''s mind, and tears streamed down his face.

    "Mom... Dad," he whispered, slowly walking towards the destroyed house that had been his happy home just moments ago.

    Ken''s steps were filled with anger as he approached the monster. He couldn''t bear the thought of it destroying his happy home and taking away his beloved parents.

    With a swift motion, he unsheathed his sword and charged at the monster.

    "zing Sword Styles - First move zing sh!" Ken yelled, releasing a fiery burst of energy from his sword that sliced through the monster''s leg.

    The leg separated from the monster''s body, causing it to lose its bnce and fall to the ground, letting out a deafening roar of agony that shook the entire area.

    Ken''s heart pounded in his chest as he rushed to the ruins of his house. Desperate to find his parents, he began rummaging through the debris until he finally found their crushed bodies.

    Overwhelmed with grief, he gathered the remains and ced them in a small container, which he stored in his space ring.

    But his fury had not dissipated. He turned his attention back to the monster, fueled by a thirst for vengeance.

    His anger and determination surged, and he charged at the monster with renewed vigor. His sword glinted in the sunlight as he struck at the monster with ferocity, unleashing a barrage of powerful attacks that sent the monster reeling.

    With every strike, Ken poured all his pain and rage into his attacks, determined to avenge his parents'' deaths.

    His heart raced as hended a devastating blow on the monster''s head, causing it to fall limp on the ground.

    Ken stood there, panting, his body drenched in sweat and his mind consumed by a mix of emotions.

    The loss of his parents was a wound that would never fully heal, but he knew that he had fulfilled his duty as a hunter, protecting the city from the monstrous threat that had imed his family.

    Ken was ready to strike down another monster when it was suddenly crushed by an immense pressure.

    He was perplexed and unsure of who or what could have caused this. Out of the darkness, a silhouette emerged and spoke to Ken.

    "You''re quite powerful to do this," the figure said.

    Ken couldn''t see the face clearly in the darkness, but he was certain that this was a member of the demon race.

    His instincts were telling him that this individual was dangerous, and that he should leave immediately.

    Before Ken could even think of making a move, the man waved his hand, and Ken''s body was suddenly split in half. He fell to the ground, blood pooling around his lifeless form.

    "It was nice meeting with you. Remember me in your afterlife. Goodbye."

    And the demon vanished like that.

    As hey dying, Ken''s mind was filled with questions. Who was this man? What was his purpose? Was he the one responsible for the destruction of his home and the death of his parents? The answers eluded him, and he knew that he would never find out.

    ''So I am now dying by some unknown man? I couldn''t even save my parents.''

    Ken''s body was slowly turning cold. his consciousness was slowly leaving his body.

    ''My dreams, my family, my friends, my city everything was destroyed. Would it have changed if I was stronger?''

    Just like that Ken was slowly closing his eyes. But then a light starteding out of his locket. Ken was surprised.

    It was a locket that his father gave him and at that time he said,

    "Son. Do you know why our family name is Astaseul? It means as bright as a star. Our ancestors were one of the people who shined in the ''Great Reshuffle''. But couldn''t return alive. Just kidding.

    He was a powerful SS-RANKER.

    One time, after killing some powerful being, he got this locket. He didn''t know much about this. He just wore it because it was shining and looked good. This might be the most valuable thing in our house. Here take this."

    Saying this, his father justughed it off.

    Ken just kept it as it looked good.

    Although he wanted to find out about this locket, but couldn''t.

    Now, it was shining. Soon a stone in the centre of the locket cracked. It was thest scene Ken saw before dying.

    __________________________________________

    Ken woke up in the morning and started walking towards his ssroom.

    Are you thinking about why he is here?

    After he died somehow he returned in his past at the age of five. At first, he was bewildered. Then he gradually found out that he was Reincarnated.

    But when he saw his parents he cried. Although it took some days to believe that he was regressed.

    After that, he started his training. As he knew that twenty yearster, monsters will attack, he has to be strong for that.

    He also wanted to know about that stone. However, after returning he couldn''t find that locket.

    As he wanted to be strong and know about the truth why his city was attacked, what was that stone?

    He applied for Main Academy in Dawn city after turning 20.

    As he was walking towards his ssroom, he firmed his goal.

    ''I will be stronger and protect everyone this time.''

    And Rain closed the novel after reading this.

    "Aaa.." he yawned.

    "Isn''t this cliche? Why author made this chapter like this? Should we add this in the game or not? Looks like I have to ask the director." Rain mumbled.

    He stood up from the chair and started walking towards the director''s cabin.

    "Hey, Rain, Can you help me in programming?" A co worker or Rain shouted.

    "Me too."

    "Me too."

    ....

    Many people said it.

    "I will work, however you guys have to treat me." Rain dered.

    All of them nodded.

    ''So much work. I want a vacation.''

    Thinking like that, Rain sighed.

 Chapter 88 Side Story: Aryas Realisation

    ?

    [The First Day of The New Semester]

    After a grueling day of attending lectures and training alone, Arya trudged back to her dorm room, feelingpletely drained.

    Copsing onto her bed, she felt the exhaustion of the day seep into her bones.

    She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to shake off the weariness.

    As shey there, her mind began to wander, reflecting on how she had spent her time.

    "Training alone is so draining. It feels like I''m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders," she thought to herself, feeling the exhaustion deep in her muscles.

    Arya mulled over the fact that she had spent the entire day training alone, with no one to talk to or share the experience with. It was so lonely. "I miss Rain," she thought, her heart heavy with the thought of her friend.

    Arya felt the emptiness of her room closing in on her.

    She missed Rain terribly, wishing he was there with her to spar and keep herpany.

    She could almost feel the weight of his presence next to her, like a warm nket on a cold night.

    "If only Rain were here, he''d know what to say. He always knows how to make me feel better," she thought wistfully, imagining Rain''s reassuring voice in her mind.

    "Why am I even thinking about Rain when he is not even here?" she scolded herself, trying to push the thoughts of Rain out of her mind.

    But the thought of Rain lingered in her mind. She wondered where he was and what he was doing.

    Had he found the freedom he was seeking? The Holmes family had been unable to locate him, and no one seemed to know where he had gone.

    Arya sighed, feeling even more alone than before.

    She reached for her phone, scrolling through her contacts list in the hope of finding someone to talk to. But there was no one. She couldn''t bear to call her parents.

    The emptiness of her room seemed to magnify, closing in on her with a suffocating intensity.

    "Why does no one want to talk to me? Am I that boring?" she wondered, feeling a pang of sadness.

    It was already more than week since she came to Dawn City. However, she couldn''t make even a single friend.

    From the entrance exam till now there was no progress.

    She closed her eyes, trying to push away the feeling of istion.

    The silence of her room was deafening, and the weight of her loneliness seemed almost unbearable. "I don''t know how much longer I can take this," she thought.

    "Why did he leave the house like that?" she wondered aloud, her thoughts spiraling out of control.

    "Didn''t he have almost everything? Where could he even go? Wouldn''t it be dangerous to roam around?"

    As she thought more about it, she realized that she didn''t really know anything about Rain or where he was.

    Her heart sank as she remembered that he had blocked her on social media, leaving her with no way of contacting him.

    She wondered who she was to Rain and how he saw her.

    Did he consider her a friend, or just a former ssmate?<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    She felt a pang of guilt, realizing that she hadn''t tried harder to befriend him and include him in social activities.

    "I should have be his friend," she thought to herself, her voice filled with regret.

    She mulled over the details of Rain''s life, trying to piece together what might have driven him to leave.

    She remembered that his engagement had been canceled and wondered if Emma had been the one to break it off.

    "Didn''t it look like he liked Emma too much?" she asked herself, her voice filled with confusion. "Then why did he leave? What was he running from?"

    As she thought more about Rain''s life, Arya''s curiosity led her to search for information about him on the academy forum.

    After scrolling through pages of gossip and spection, she stumbled upon a 5,700-word post written by someone who imed to be Rain''s friend.

    The post was long, but Arya was determined to read it all.

    As she began to read through the post, her eyes began to fill with tears.

    The writer described Rain as a deeply introspective and sensitive person, with a quick mind and a sharp wit.

    However, the post also revealed that Rain had faced a lot of challenges in his life.

    He had grown up in a family that was overbearing and oppressive, and he had always felt like an outsider in his own home.

    At first, she felt the post was false. However, as she read more, she noticed many true things.

    Arya felt a deep sense of empathy for Rain.

    She couldn''t believe how much pain and loneliness he had endured for so many years. It was like reading a tragic novel, but this was real life.

    She felt angry at the people around him who had ignored his suffering, including herself.

    She wished she had known more about Rain''s struggles, so that she could have been there for him.

    "For me, it would be so hard to live a day like this, and he was living like this for years?" she thought to herself, her voice barely above a whisper.

    As she continued to read, Arya found herself crying.

    She felt like she had lost a friend, even though she had never really known him.

    She wished she could go back in time and befriend Rain, to offer him a kind word or a listening ear.

    She realized with a pang of guilt that she had been one of the people who had ignored Rain''s suffering.

    If only she had treated him like a friend, things might have been different.

    Maybe he wouldn''t have left the academy, and maybe he wouldn''t be alone and adrift in the world.

    In the quiet of her dark room, Arya felt like she had learned a valuable lesson.

    She realized that people''s lives were often moreplex and difficult than they appeared on the surface.

 Chapter 89 Epilogue

    ?

    The academy had been in session for over a week, and most of the students had already formed their groups.

    As man walked through the halls, as he entered the ss A of the freshman year, he was greeted by a girl with ck hair. who was known for her enthusiastic personality.

    "Hey, Noah. How are you?" Daphne asked, grinning from ear to ear.

    "Hello, Daphne. Do you happen to know where Simon is?" Noah replied.

    Daphne, on the other hand, was a girl with ck hair that fell in soft waves around her face. She had a cheerful and outgoing personality that matched her bright smile and expressive brown eyes with a golden hue. Although she was not as strikingly beautiful as some of the other girls at the academy, she still had an attractive figure, with a slender build and good posture. Daphne''s chest was rtively smallpared to other girls, perhaps an A cup, but her beauty and charm more than made up for it.

    "I think he''s right behind you," Daphne said, giggling. "He''s been walking around with his nose buried in his smartwatch all morning."

    As Noah turned around, he saw Simon engrossed in a book on his smartwatch.

    Without warning, Noah decided to y a little prank on Simon. He snuck up behind him and shouted "Boo!"

    Simon let out a loud scream and lost his bnce, but luckily Daphne was there to catch him.

    "You''re such a scaredy-cat, Simon," Daphne teased, still holding onto him.

    "Ha! You got me good, Noah," Simon said, still catching his breath from the scare.

    "Can you free me?" Simon said sternly, feeling embarrassed after being caught off-guard.

    "As you wish." Daphne replied, freeing Simon from her grasp. Simon wobbled a bit, almost falling to the ground, but managed to regain his bnce just in time.

    Noah and Daphne pped, impressed by Simon''s recovery. But Simon wasn''t in the mood for jokes.

    "By the way, what was that Noah?" Simon asked with an angry tone, adjusting his spectacles. "You scared me half to death!"

    "Just little prank. You keep reading all the day." Noah said with dissatisfaction.

    "I''m not like you guys who keep watching Nightsoul''s live streams and loaf around."Simon said.

    Simon was a young man with a schrly aura around him. He had an above-average appearance, with sharp facial features that were entuated by his ck-rimmed spectacles. His face was clean-shaven and his dark brown hair was neatlybed to the side. He had a lean build, suggesting that he spent most of his time studying rather than ying sports.

    Simon''s clothing further reinforced his studious image. He wore a white shirt with a ck tie, tucked into a pair of ck cks. His shoes were polished to a shine, and he carried a ck leather briefcase, suggesting that he was always prepared for ss.

    Despite his serious appearance, Simon had a friendly smile that could put anyone at ease. His spectacles added to his charm, making him appear wise beyond his years. It was clear that he was a dedicated student who took his studies seriously, but he was also approachable and easy to talk to.

    "Still we ranked higher than you in entrance exam." As always Daphne interjected.

    Apparently, In entrance exam Noah was ranked 52th, Daphne 55th and Simon 60th.

    As it was true, Simon couldn''t refute her. He gritted his teeth.

    "Btw, Simon. Did you watch yesterday''s stream?" Noah asked.

    "Yes. And In many times I have to tell you don''t ask me that everytime." Simon rebuked.

    "Let''s go in the ssroom, if Sir Killington got in ss before that we will be punished again." Daphne suggested.

    As this trio was walking they passed by Ken''s group.

    "Hello, Ken." Noah, greeted him.

    As Noah and Ken were in same group for Dungeon activities. They became friends.

    "Hello, Noah." Like that both group started chatting. In the end, Noah''s group entered ssroomte and was punished by Sir Killington.

    In the S ss, afterpleting the lecture Ken and James were talking.

    "You have talked with seniors?" Ken asked.

    "Yosh." James nodded.

    Everything was going smoothly.

    On the other hand, In private room of the cafeteria that blonde haired man from duel was slipping coffee elegantly.

    "Young Master, we have gathered the information about Ken Astaseul." Some people came and handed bunch of papers to the Blonde man.

    However, after handing papers they mysteriously disappeared. Still blonde man looked unfazed.

    He quickly read through the papers. After reading it, Small me came out of his finger and turned that papers to ash.

    "Oh, Ken Astaseul, why do you want to get in my way?" Blonde man mumbled with mischievous smile.

    ''Things are getting interesting.''

    In the library of the academy, a girl was reading books peacefully.

    Suddenly, she felt something and her eyes glinted.

    "Looks like peaceful times are going to end." She murmured in low tone.

    Still she looked unfazed by it and continued reading the book where she left it.

    In one of the S-ss dorms, Emma and Kaya were having a girl talks meeting.

    While Lily was working hard to meet the deadline to release the merchandise.

    ''That guy doesn''t even help a single time.'' Doesn''t he have fear that I will steal some money?

    If Lily knew that Rain had already installed several monitoring bots on most of the main characters, she would be shocked.

    In second floor of the cafeteria,

    Rain''s fan club was having a private meeting.

    A dozen of high members held a special meeting. All of them had wore ck hoods. However from outline you can see all of them were beautiful girls.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "President, we got a tip about the ''Enemy'' from a credible source."

    Enemy was a code name given to the hacker that hacked their website.

    "Tell me identity of the ''Enemy''." President said in cold tone. Her voice was filled with killing intent. She still hasn''t restored the photos of Rain in her phone.

    "It''s work of..."

    In the Karoon City,

    In staff dormatories, a brown hair boy was reading management journals of the Holmes family.

    He was Mark.

    "Mark, sleep now, don''t overwork." A stern voice came from outside of the door.

    "Yes, Father." Markes hurriedly closed all journals. He turned off the lights andy down on the bed.

    ''After Young Master left everyday is boring, I hope I meet him soon.'' Mark thought before sleeping.

    In one of the rooms, Charles and Ca were discussing about family conditions.

    "Were you able to find out the traitor?" Ca asked.

    In response, Charles just shook his head.

    Even with all of hiswork, he couldn''t find anything.

    Somehow that evil organization was lying down. Like some of their members were died. Charles wondered who would be that reckless to do that thing.

    "I have other good news though. The potionpany that I opened on Rain''s name is running like rocket. Tons of profit is being made." Charles said enthusiastically.

    "But how can we send it to Rain?" Ca tilted her head.

    "I have a way. Hehe." Charles smirked.

    "Tell me." Ca said.

    "Give a kiss." Charles demanded.

    "Shameless. Hmph." Ca puffed her cheeks. Still in the end, she gave a kiss on Charles'' cheeks.

    "Now tell me." Ca said. Her face was red as tomato.

    "Apparently, Rain opened new bank ount to get the money for his live streaming. Although you can''t find that ount number because of privacy issues. However I bought thatpany. Now I know new ount number of him." Charles said proudly.

    On the ind, Rain was lying on his bed.

    He just returned to his home afterpleting his daily training.

    Soon, he got a message in his smartwatch.

    [30 tinum coins credited to your ount by Anonymous.]

    Rain stared at the message. He blinked few times.

    "Who gave me this amount of money?"

    He was confused.

    However, it was easy for him to find out.

    Soon he found out the identity of the person who sent him money.

    Rain sighed.

    "Those guys don''t know why I left that thing there. They will soon need this money. I should invest this money so I can use it on my training and help them when they need it." Rain decided.

    As he lied down on his bed, he started remembering how he regained his past memories. It was almost a month now.

    I died by getting hit from truck Kun.

    After that I found myself indifferent body. Soon I got a cheat- System, which is rarely useful and untrustworthy.

    I came to know that I am in the game world and I am Viin of the game- Rain Holmes.

    Gradually, I adapted to this world. Became extra character. With my knowledge of the plotline I got some hidden pieces and restored my strength.

    I even left my rtionships of past behind and freed myself. Although I had to pretend to give some gifts to Heroines in case of avoiding bad oues. It was still worthy to get freedom by that.

    I came to this ind, did many adventures. Such as climbing, underwater diving, exploring. I hope I can take rest like this rest of my life.

    Just when Rain was thinking like this, an rm rang. It was time for training now.

    ''Looks like I can''t get proper vacation till the plot finishes.'' Rain thought.

    He stood and started walking outside of his room.

    Working hard for the vacation.

    Journey To The Rest

    Volume 1 End.

    [A/N: Thanks for reading till now.

    Although you might have found story boring till now. Don''t worry soon fun things wille. I have edited almost all of the novel so if you are old reader, you can reread. Again, Thanks for the support.]

 Chapter 90 Dungeon Activities

    ?

    [This is just edited version of past chapter.. Don''t read if you have already read it.]

    [First year Aristeia ss, Nexus, Dawn City]

    As usual, the students were gathered in the ssroom, chatting away.

    The students eagerly awaited the arrival of their professor, Kevin, who was expected to make his grand entrance any moment now.

    At the front row of desks, a good-looking boy named Ken was engrossed in watching a holographic Sword Arts demonstration on his smartwatch.

    Suddenly, a burly guy named James tapped him on the shoulder.

    "Yo, Ken! Still in the learning zone, huh?" James grinned mischievously.

    Ken looked up, a hint of amusement on his face. "Yeah, James. I got bored waiting for Professor Kevin, so I thought I''d get some sword action on my smartwatch."

    James chuckled. "Man, you take procrastination to a whole new level! So, what''s the scoop? What do you think Professor Kevin''s got in store for us today?"

    Ken switched off the hologram and turned to face James, a yful glint in his eyes. "Well, my senses are tingling. I reckon he''s going to gauge our skill levels.

    First, he made us spar like warriors.

    Today, he might whip out some intense training or drop some knowledge bombs based on his observations."

    James raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Whoa, Sherlock Holmes, we''ve got a genius in our midst!"

    Ken shrugged, feigning modesty. "Nah, it doesn''t take a genius. Even a clueless buffoon could piece it together."

    James smirked, leaning in. "Well, lucky for me, I''m not a buffoon. That''s probably why I didn''t figure it out."

    Ken''s forehead creased with mock annoyance. "You''re just trying to twist my words, aren''t you?"

    James chuckled, his grin widening. "Hey, you know me, Ken. I''m always up for some friendly wordy."

    Just as Ken and James continued their yful banter, the ssroom door swung open, revealing their professor, Kevin.

    He walked in with a confident stride, capturing the attention of all the students.

    James nudged Ken with an exaggerated wink. "And herees the man himself. Brace yourself, James, for the ultimate test of our sword-wielding abilities!"

    Ken chuckled, ying along. "I hope he''s not going to challenge us to a real duel. My sword skills might need some serious sharpening!"

    As Professor Kevin approached the front of the ssroom, his eyes met Ken and James, who promptly straightened up in their seats, trying to regain a more serious demeanor.

    Kevin''s gaze lingered on the two students for a moment. He knew they were up to something, but decided to let it slide for now.

    "Good morning, everyone," Kevin greeted, his voice projecting confidence and authority. "I hope you''re all ready for another exciting ss today."

    James couldn''t resist a cheeky remark under his breath, just loud enough for Ken to hear. "Ready or not, herees Professor Kevin with his secret bag of tricks."

    Ken stifled augh, barely able to contain his amusement.

    Kevin, with his sharp hearing, caught the remark but decided to ignore it, choosing instead to focus on the day''s lesson.

    "As James so keenly pointed out," Kevin began, a yful glint in his eyes, "today we''ll be diving deeper into the art ofbat. But fear not, no real duels are on the agenda��at least not yet."

    The students chuckled, relieved that they wouldn''t be required to prove their skills through life-or-deathbat.

    Kevin continued, his tone turning more serious. "Follow me to the training area."

    Ken exchanged an excited nce with James. This was exactly what they had anticipated.

    "Now, let''s get started," Kevin dered, his enthusiasm contagious.

    ***

    In the academy''s expansive training ground, a vast open space unfolded before the students'' eyes.

    Stretching as far as the eye could see, the lush green grass created a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

    The ground itself, covered in a thinyer of fine dust, bore witness to the countless hours of rigorous training that took ce regrly.

    Under the bright and sunny sky, Professor Kevin stood at the center of the training ground, his piercing gaze surveying the crowd of students surrounding him.

    Dressed in their respective uniforms, the students represented a diverse array of professions.

    Some were skilled swordsmen, their des shing with precision and agility. Others held bows, drawing back their arrows with focused determination, ready to release them with uracy and power.

    A few conjured magical spells, their hands aglow with mystical energy as they cast potent incantations.

    Sweat glistened on foreheads, both from physical exertion and the mental concentration required for their respective disciplines.

    Expressions varied among the students as they sparred with their partners.

    Swordsmen disyed resolute determination, their faces etched with unwavering focus and calcted moves.

    Archers wore expressions of intense concentration, eyes fixed on distant targets, adjusting their aim with precision.

    Mages, their brows furrowed in deep concentration, summoned arcane forces with an air of both power and vulnerability.

    The training ground resounded with a symphony of actions and emotions. The sh of swords mingled with the whizzing of arrows and the crackling of arcane energies.

    As Professor Kevin observed, a mix of pride and scrutiny filled his gaze.

    He recognized the unique challenges faced by each profession and appreciated the efforts put forth by his students.

    Nods of approval or the curling of a knowing smile apanied moments of exceptional skill and ingenuity.

    Meanwhile, a raised eyebrow or a subtle shift in expression revealed his discerning eye, acknowledging areas where further growth and refinement were needed.

    "Okay, everyone, halt!" Kevin''smanding voice echoed across the training ground, piercing through the sounds of shing swords, whizzing arrows, and crackling spells.

    The students swiftly brought their movements to a stop, their gazes shifting from their opponents to their instructor.

    A hush fell over the training ground as Kevin stood at the center, radiating an aura of authority.

    His voice resonated with unwavering confidence as he addressed the eager crowd of sparring students.

    "Now that you''ve all made remarkable progress with your weapons during these training days," Kevin dered, his tone carrying a blend of pride and anticipation, "it''s time to bridge the gap between mere mock fights and the intensity of real battles. Today, we will embark on a daring adventure within a virtual reality dungeon."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The announcement sent a wave of excitement and curiosity rippling through the students.

    Their eyes widened, and whispers of anticipation spread throughout the crowd.

    The prospect of facing simted challenges in a virtual realm was unexpected but undeniably thrilling.

    Kevin''s expression shifted, his gaze sweeping across the expectant faces before him.

    "Although you people have made progress in your training, it''s evident that you''re stillcking the necessary skills for real-life dungeon activities," Kevin''s voice resonated with a touch of disappointment.

    The students'' faces disyed a range of emotions��some were dejected, their shoulders slumping in response to the realization, while others let out sighs of relief, perhaps grateful for more time to prepare.

    "In this virtual reality experience," he continued, his voice now infused with a touch of mystery, "you will encounter formidable foes, intricate puzzles, and hidden treasures. It is an opportunity to put your skills to the test and truly immerse yourselves in the art of your chosen professions."

    The students exchanged excited nces, their imaginations running wild with the possibilities thaty ahead.

    The training ground, once filled with the sounds of sparring, now brimmed with an electrifying energy, a collective eagerness to embark on this new chapter of their training.

    Kevin''s gaze held a mix of pride and reassurance as he concluded, "Remember, this virtual dungeon activity is not only a chance to showcase your abilities but also an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover the depths of your potential."

    "But don''t fret," Kevin continued, his tone reassuring.

    "To ensure a moreprehensive and challenging experience, we''ll be forming 20 groups today. In fact, to make sure we have enough participants, I''ve invited ss A1 to join us."

    The merging of the two sses elicited a mixture of reactions. Excitement flickered in the eyes of some, eager to coborate andpete alongside new faces.

    Others exchanged curious nces, their minds racing with the possibilities of forming alliances or discovering hidden talents within their expanded group.

    As the A1 students entered the training ground, a noticeable shift in atmosphere apanied their arrival.

    They moved in a disciplined and regimented manner, following their teacher, an elderly man, with an air of respect and obedience.

    They appeared almost synchronized, their footsteps echoing in unison, creating an intriguing contrast to the bustling energy of the other students.

    The old man, identified as Professor John Killington, positioned himself beside Kevin, standing tall andposed.

    His presence exuded wisdom and experience,manding attention and respect from both his own students and those of the S-ss.

    Kevin turned to the assembled students, his gaze shifting between the groups as he prepared to introduce Professor John.

    "Okay, as many of you may already know, this is Professor John Killington. He is the ss teacher of A1. His wealth of knowledge and expertise will be an invaluable addition to our collective journey." As Kevin spoke, he gestured towards Professor John, who nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes gleaming with quiet confidence.

    "Now, let me provide you with some information regarding group formation," Kevin continued, his voice filled with purpose. "To ensure bnced teams, each group will consist of five members, with one member representing each of the following ranks: 01 to 20, 21 to 40, 41 to 60, 61 to 80, and 81 to 100."

    A sense of anticipation filled the air as the students absorbed the instructions, their minds already calcting the possibilities and potential partnerships. Kevin emphasized the importance of teamwork in battle, highlighting its significance in their training.

    "You are free to form your own groups," Kevin dered, his voice carrying a note of encouragement. "However, for those who are unable to form a group on their own, I will deduct points from their scores. Remember, cooperation and synergy are crucial. So, let the group formation begin!"

    With Kevin''s signal, a flurry of movement and conversation erupted across the training ground.

    Students quickly sought out their peers, strategizing, and aligning themselves based on their ranks.

    The atmosphere buzzed with a blend of excitement and determination as the students coborated, striving to create bnced teams that would maximize their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses.

    After providing instructions on group formation, Kevin moved to stand beside Sir John, engaging in a conversation with the respected elder.

    "How are you, Sir Killington?" Kevin asked politely, adhering to the formalities.

    "I am fine. And brat, how many times do I have to tell you not to use too many formalities with me," John replied, his toneced with a touch of amusement.

    John Killington, a distinguished man with a crown of white hair, embodied the wisdom and experience that apanied his years. His sharp, angr face exuded authority, emphasized by his thick, well-groomed mustache. His piercing blue eyes held a depth of knowledge and a spark of intelligence.

    Time had left its traces on his face, etching deep lines around his eyes and mouth, yet these marks only enhanced the sense of calm and serenity that radiated from him. He stood tall and imposing, his posture erect and confident, disying an air of strength. Neatlybed hair revealed a slightly receding hairline, adding to his distinguished appearance.

    Despite his age, his physical condition was remarkable, evident in his broad shoulders and muscr arms, a testament to his disciplined lifestyle. Standing beside Kevin on the training ground, hemanded respect and attention. The students instinctively stood at attention, their eyes fixed on him, eagerly awaiting his words of wisdom.

    "Okay, Sir John. What do you think about my students?" Kevin, disregarding the previous conversation about formalities, posed a different question.

    Sir John, ustomed to Kevin''s mannerisms, did not bother to argue further. Having worked together for years, he understood Kevin well.

    "They are good seedlings," Sir John remarked, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "This year''s batch is exceptionally talentedpared to previous years. However, I have a few concerns."

    Curiosity sparked in Kevin''s eyes. "About what?" he inquired.

    Sir John''s face took on a regretful expression as he shared his observations. "Firstly, I''ve heard that Rain Holmes, one of the finest talents, did not join the academy due to personal reasons. It is truly a loss for us."

    "Indeed," Kevin added, a tinge of disappointment evident in his voice. "He seemed like a promising seedling. He could have easily ranked among the top three if he had enrolled."

    Sir John nodded, his expression reflecting a shared sentiment. "Indeed, Rain Holmes had the potential to make a significant impact."

    "Rain Holmes... what a talent he possesses," Kevin mused, his voice tinged with a mix of admiration and disappointment. "I had high hopes for him joining the academy and honing his skills here. It''s unfortunate that personal circumstances prevented him from being part of this year''s batch."

    Sir John''s face filled with nostalgia as he delved into the second concern. "However, the second issue troubles me more. This batch reminds me of the time of the ''Great Reshuffle.'' I was but a child back then. The stories of the ten greatmanders and their feats were etched in my childhood memories."

    Pausing for a moment, Sir John turned his gaze towards Kevin, his expression serious. "Kevin, in my opinion, a great change is on the horizon. The peace treaty won''tst for long. We must be better prepared."

    A flicker of understanding crossed Kevin''s face as he nodded in agreement. "I''ve been harboring the same thoughts," he admitted.

    While Kevin and John continued their conversation, the students wasted no time in forming their groups, each seekingpanionship and support in their dungeon activities.

    The allure of the top rankers, particrly Ken, couldn''t be denied. His charm, good looks, and leadership qualities drew a crowd of students eager to join his group. It seemed only natural for him to be the chief of the ss, leading his peers with his expertise and charisma.

    James, his loyal friend, couldn''t resist teasing him, saying, "Looks like you''ve got your own fan club, Ken. Better not let it get to your head!"

    Arya, who was initially a loner, surprised everyone by finding a group to join. As Rain had predicted, she had indeed started making friends. However, what Rain didn''t know was that her group consisted of members from his own fan club. Arya had unexpectedly joined the club and formed connections there, finding sce and camaraderie among like-minded individuals.

    Emma and Kaya, unfortunately, faced challenges in forming their own group due to the negative impact of Rain''s live-streams on their reputation. However, thanks to their influential family backgrounds, they managed to make new connections and find some individuals willing to give them a chance.

    Daisy, being a social butterfly, effortlessly assembled her own group. Her friendly nature and outgoing personality made it easy for her to forge connections and establish a sense of unity within her team.

    Meanwhile, Maratha, who had always preferred solitude, found herself left with the remaining students to form a group.

    Despite her inclination towards being a loner, she understood the importance of teamwork and epted her circumstances, determined to make the best of the situation and contribute to her group''s sess.

 Chapter 91 Dungeon Activities (2)

    ?

    As students was making strategy for dungeon.

    A man with red hair came with his group that he made to Ken. If Rain was here he would have said, Viin and his minions.

    His name was Ben Tyson. 8th ranked individual among Freshmen.

    Ben was a striking figure with his fiery red hair that seemed to match his angry expression. He had a handsome face that was set in a frown, giving the impression that he was not to be trifled with.

    His sharp eyes were a bright blue color, and they held a hint of annoyance as he looked at Ken.

    He had a tall and muscr build, with broad shoulders that seemed to fill the room. His skin was lightly tanned, as if he spent a lot of time outdoors.

    He wore a ck training outfit that showed off his toned muscles and his sword was strapped to his back.

    Overall, he exuded an air of confidence and power, making it clear that he was not someone to be taken lightly.

    "Hey, Ken. Why don''t we make bet about who get high score in dungeon?"

    Ben said that arrogantly. Even moron could see that he was just here for trouble.

    "Okay." However unexpectedly Ken epted it.

    "So, You epted it, huh. Good for you."

    After saying that words Ben left.

    He was so happy that he even forgot to talk about what was wager in the bet. When Ben reached near his group, he remembered that he didn''t talk what was wager of the bet.

    As he felt embarrassed, he didn''t go to Ken to set the wager.

    Ben and Ken''s conversation wasn''t loud but as you can say this is fantasy world and everybody has superhuman body.

    So everyone heard it.

    A muscr guy turned his face towards Ken and started walking towards him.

    As he approached Ken, his broad shoulders and imposing stature made him look like a street fighter ready to take on any challenger.

    "Ken. Why did you ept it? You know he is just doing this for trouble." He said as he was concerned.

    "It''s okay. James. Even if I have refused it. He would just make bigger trouble." Ken said with smile like everything was under his control.

    Yeah, As par the storyline of the game, Ken and James be friends here. Even if Ken is frommon family and James is from B-ss guild owner family, Andre Family. James is just muscle-head who only believes in power.

    The story of how Ken and James became friends is quite interesting.

    It all began when James noticed that Ken had achieved the top rank among their peers.

    However, James thought that Ken appeared to be weak since he himself was ranked seventh among the freshmen. James felt that he should challenge Ken to a duel to prove his own strength and power. He challenged Ken to a private spar.

    Despite his initial confidence, James lost the fight against Ken. In many simr situations, the the person in James'' would be a viin like Ben or Rain. However, James took a different approach and chose to befriend Ken instead.

    Their friendship may have started in an unusual way, but it quickly grew into a strong bond.

    As the storyline of the game progressed, Ben began to feel envious of Ken''s achievements.

    As the son of an S-ranker, Ben had always been talented and looked down upon those from less privileged backgrounds.

    He was frustrated to see someone from amon family like Ken rise to the top of the rankings, make friends with everyone, and receive attention from females.

    These things irritated him greatly and he began to cause trouble for Ken.

    The training ground transformed into a mosaic of evolving groups, with studentsing together, forming bonds, and forging new alliances. Laughter, discussions, and the asional cheer filled the air as the teams took shape, solidifying their unity and readiness for the challenges that awaited them.

    Soon the dungeon activities finally began, and each group set out on their adventure.

    As they entered the virtual world they felt so surreal. Although some of the students didn''t look surprise as they had already practiced in virtual dungeon in past.

    Most of the high ss family prefer to train their children in virtual reality. Even though it''s not as efficient as realbat it''s still better than being hurt in the real life battle.

    Soon the dungeon activities ended.

    As cliche as, the protagonist group managed toe in first ce, followed by Ben''s group in second.

    Emma''s group and Kaya''s group ranked third and fourth, respectively.

    Unfortunately, Martha''s group ended up inst ce, with Arya''s grouping in second tost.

    Martha''s group was not very sessful, as she had weaker members in her team and did not put in much effort. As a result, they ranked tenth. Still from her face it didn''t look like she cared for rank.

    <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Interestingly, there were some differences between the game and reality.

    In the game, it was Rain who made a bet with Ken and lost, while Ben was portrayed as a third-rate viin who received a beating from Ken for bullying students frommon families.

    Despite these differences, Ken''s poprity began to grow as more and more students started to pay attention to him.

    Even though Rain''s streaming activities were still more popr at the moment, students began discussing Ken and his achievements.

    It was clear that Ken''s sess had not gone unnoticed, and many were curious to learn more about him.

    Professor Kevin arrived to give some feedback and pointers to the students. He also announced that the groups would remain the same for the next set of activities.

    This news was met with mixed reactions, as some students were happy with their group members while others were hoping for a change.

    Sir John also offered some advice and praised some of the students for their hard work and dedication. The students listened intently, taking notes and asking questions when necessary.

    As the session came to an end, the students started to disperse. Some were chatting excitedly about their uing dungeon activities, while others were discussing their ns for the weekend.

    A few students lingered behind, hoping to speak with the professors one-on-one about their progress and any areas where they needed improvement. Ken was one them. Looking at the Ken, James also stayed behind to give himpany.

    Overall, it was a productive day for the students, and they were eager to continue their adventures in the game.

    **

    On the other side Rain was making map of the ind In his home.

    The ind is roughly circr in shape, with a diameter of approximately 12 miles.

    The central mountain, known as Mount Serenity, rises to a height of 2,500 feet and is visible from any point on the ind.

    The mountain is surrounded by a ring of smaller mountains, known as the Serenity Range, which encircle the central peak.

    The river, named the Serenity River, flows down from Mount Serenity and meanders through the ind before emptying into the ocean on the southern coast.

    The river is approximately 10 miles long and is navigable by small boats for much of its length.

    To the east of Mount Serenity lies the dense Serenity Forest, which covers much of the ind''s eastern half.

    The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, parrots, and colorful butterflies.

    However, it is also home to dangerous predators such as snakes and jaguars, so travelers should be cautious.

    To the west of Mount Serenity lies arge swamp, known as the Murky Swamp. This area is home to alligators and other swamp creatures, making it a dangerous ce to traverse.

    To the south of the swamp lies a long, sandy beach, where sea turtlese toy their eggs during the nesting season.

    The northern half of the ind is mostly covered in rocky outcrops and boulder fields, making it difficult to traverse.

    However, there are a few small streams and ponds scattered throughout this area, which can provide a source of fresh water.

    In the southwest corner of the ind lies arge ant colony, where giant ants can be seen marching to and from their nests.

    This area is best avoided, as the ants can be aggressive if disturbed.

    To the southeast of Mount Serenity lies a teau, whererge herds of wild goats and sheep can be seen grazing.

    This area is also home to numerous insect nests, so travelers should be wary of swarms of biting insects.

    Finally, to the northeast of Mount Serenity lies a series of cliffs, which overlook the ocean.

    From these cliffs, travelers can see distant inds on the horizon, and watch as dolphins and whales swim in the waters below.

    Directions:

    - North: Rocky outcrops and boulder fields, with scattered streams and ponds.

    - East: Serenity Forest, home to monkeys, parrots, and colorful butterflies.

    - South: Murky Swamp, long sandy beach where sea turtlese toy their eggs during nesting season.

    - West: Serenity Range, Ant Colony, and various insect nests.

    - Center: Mount Serenity, rising to a height of 2,500 feet.

 Chapter 92 Observing The Plot (2)

    ?

    The Academy had its own private forum, exclusively essible to students and teachers. Rain''s eyes lingered on the login page, his mind buzzing with the possibilities. While hecked the authorized credentials to enter the forum, his programming expertise sparked a mischievous glimmer in his eyes.

    A surge of confidence washed over Rain as he thought about his hacking prowess. He knew he had the knowledge and technical know-how to create a backdoor, a hidden passage that would allow him to view the forum, even if he wasn''t officially granted ess. Images of intricate lines of code danced before his eyes, tempting him with the thrill of discovery.

    Slowly, his fingers danced across the keyboard, their movements guided by the invisible strings of code flowing through his mind. Lines of script took shape, algorithms aligning like puzzle pieces. He was constructing his key, a digital skeleton key that would unlock the hidden treasures of the forum.

    Then, with a flicker of triumph in his eyes, Rain witnessed the screen flicker and transform. The forbidden realm of the Academy forum materialized before him, like a secret chamber unveiled. He had done it.

    Now immersed in the ndestine world of the forum, Rain''s eyes scanned the various posts, absorbing the chatter of his peers. However, amidst the discussions, a few posts caught his attention.

    Those posts were about daily incidents happening in the academy.

    There were following events:

    - A spar between Ken and James.

    - About different majors and choosing second major.

    - The spar training.

    - The staring of recruiment for clubs.

    "These ignorant students have no idea. The Academy is infiltrated with demons and evil forces," Rain muttered, a tinge of sadness tainting his voice. A flicker of recognition crossed his face, a memory resurfacing.

    "No, there is that one guy who knows the truth, but he remains silent, unwilling to take action," Rain mused.

    "It''s pretty amusing that even if he knows that soon the demons will bring chaos he is keeping his silent." Rain wondered.

    His gaze continued to wander through the forum, his mind hungry for more knowledge, more revtions. There were other posts to uncover, secrets waiting to be unraveled, and Rain was determined to delve deeper into the shadows that concealed the truth.

    The Academy forum sprawled before Rain, beckoning him to explore its virtual corridors. He clicked on a post titled "Rankings of First-Year Students," his curiosity piqued.

    Rain''s eyes widened in surprise as he scanned thements. "Emma... ranked second? And Kaya... fourth?" He couldn''t hide the astonishment in his voice. However, there were many badments about them.

    It seemed that despite their tarnished reputation, they had managed to securemendable positions in the rankings.

    A glimmer of satisfaction danced in Rain''s eyes. "Looks like my efforts are starting to pay off," he whispered to himself, a mixture of pride and hope evident in his tone.

    Still, some things were changed. Till now, there should have been some roumors regarding Ken and other heroines. However, Rain didn''t see anything about that.

    With a newfound sense of determination, Rain''s thoughts raced. "This is just the beginning. If I can continue influencing the plot, I might be able to change the entire narrative." Excitement bubbled within him as he contemted the possibilities.

    Just as Rain was about to conclude his exploration of the forum, his eyes caught sight of a post that stood out from the rest. It bore a peculiar title that piqued his curiosity. Intrigued, he clicked on it, eager to uncover the contents hidden within.

    As the page loaded, Rain''s brows furrowed in confusion. The post seemed unusual, unlike anything he hade across before.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Title: Shirtless Photo of Rain/NightSoul.

    Post:

    Hello everyone,

    I''m selling shirtless photos of Rain/NightSoul for 1 silver coin per photo. I have different angles avable, so please let me know which ones you''d like to purchase.

    You can find the photos in the @Attachment folder_Rain''s_pics.

    I hope you enjoy the photos! Let me know if you have any questions.

    Best regards,

    Seller.

    ?Comments:

    - "Hey, this guy is sure quick! He took photos from different angles in just five seconds!"

    - "Yeah, and now he''s probably rolling in money."

    - "But 1 silver coin is kinda cheap, don''t you think?"

    - "Up there, you kind of live in a different world."

    - "Hey, but I also want a photo of Rain''s mischievous smile."

    - "Yes, me too!"

    - "Me too!" <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    - "Oh, somebody made a fan club of NightSoul. Let''s join it!"

    - "I''m already a member there. There are so many photos of him, like from school, high school, yesterday''s stream, and many more."

    - "Looks like the president is a super fan of NightSoul."

    .

    .

    .

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    "Someone in the Academy has stoop so low?" Rain wondered. As he delved deeper into the forum, his curiosity drove him to uncover more intriguing posts. A thread discussing the unauthorized sale of his song''s audio and video versions soon captured his attention.

    His eyes scanned the deleted posts, revealing a surprising revtion.

    The person responsible for selling his music was none other than Lily Rochegne, a second-year S-ss student renowned for her distinctive red hair.

    Lily Rochegne, one of the main heroines in the popr game "Saga of the Magical Knight," hailed from a modest family background.

    While her lineagecked the prestige of renowned noble families, her family enjoyed afortable existence.

    Among the yers, Lily had earned the nickname "Merchant Queen" due to her prowess in trading and business ventures.

    However, despite her poprity among yers, she was one of the heroines that Rain held reservations about and didn''t particrly like.

    Rain''s eyes glinted with abination of amusement and mischief as he pondered the unfolding situation. A sly grin curled upon his lips.

    "Well, well, Lily," he murmured under his breath, his voice dripping with quiet satisfaction. "Let''s see how you handle this."

    With a calcted calmness, Rain began crafting his n, relishing the opportunity thaty before him. His mind raced with thoughts of the control he held over the situation. "Oh, Lily, you''ve unknowingly stepped right into my trap," he whispered, his toneced with twisted delight.

    As he meticulously gathered the evidence for his copyright im, Rain''s thoughts danced pleasure. "I''ve got you now," he chuckled softly, his voice a mere whisper in the solitude of his room. "You won''t escape this."

    The thrill of power surged through Rain''s veins, his heart pounding with an unsettling contentment. He reveled in the thought of Lily''s mounting frustration and desperation as she realized the magnitude of her misdeeds. "You thought you could cross me without consequence?" he mused, his voice a low, dangerous growl. "Well, prepare to face the consequences."

    With each piece of evidence carefully collected, Rain''s smile widened, the glint in his eyes growing more pronounced. "It''s almost time to pull the strings," he murmured, his voice filled with an eerie calmness. "I wonder, Lily, how will you react when your worldes crashing down?"

    As he sent the copyright im, Rain leaned back in his chair, a picture ofposed satisfaction. His mind teemed with dark delight, hidden beneath a mask of tranquility. "This is just the beginning, Lily," he whispered, his voiceced with an unsettlingbination of amusement and malice. "I hope you''re ready for the storm."

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    In Nexus, a renowned institution dedicated to honing abilities of its students, a unique schedule was established to optimize their learning experience.

    The mandatory lectures were exclusively held during the morning hours, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to focus and absorb the fundamental principles.

    As the sun began to illuminate the campus of the academy, students gathered in ssrooms.

    The morning lectures, led by professors, covered a wide range of subjects.

    To embrace the diversity of talents and interests among the students, Nexus Academy offered an array of second major options, enabling them to specialize in other professions.

    These specialized lectures, held in the afternoon, allowed students to delve deeper into their chosen fields, whether it be elemental magic, alchemy, divination, forging , or enchantment.

    While these sses were fewer, they provided an opportunity for students to hone their skills and develop their prowess under the guidance of expert instructors.

    Still, every weekend was designated as a holiday, granting students the freedom to explore the enchanting grounds, embark on personal quests, engage in friendly duels, or even venture around the academy''s borders.

    This surplus of free time allowed students to pursue their own endeavors outside the confines of formal education.

    Because of that, most of the students preferred to join clubs.

    Rain continued to peruse the Academy forum, his curiosity leading him to a list of various clubs avable for the students. As he scanned the names, he couldn''t help but notice the overwhelming poprity of one club in particr. It came as no surprise, considering its widespread appeal.

    "The Adventure Club," Rain mused, his interest momentarily piqued. The thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies of the Academy had clearly found their niche.

    Yet, his eyes continued to wander down the list, seeking out clubs that intrigued him further. Descriptions, activities, and requirements danced before his gaze as he delved deeper into each club''s offerings.

    Combat training, strategy games, and virtual reality simtions caught Rain''s attention, sparking a flicker of excitement within him. "Now these could be interesting," he murmured, his mind already envisioning the challenges and possibilities that awaited.

    However, as he delved deeper, Rain discovered that not all clubs were open to anyone who wished to join. Some were exclusive, demanding specific skills or qualifications from their members.

    One club in particr caught Rain''s attention��the "Blood Supremacy Club." A knowing smirk yed on his lips as he recalled something from the plot.

 Chapter 93 Rains Fan Club

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    The Blood Supremacy Club was known for its elitist beliefs, consisting primarily of nobles who boasted about their prestigious bloodlines and perpetuated discrimination againstmoners.

    The club''s activities ranged from exclusive parties andworking events to discussions centered around maintaining the status quo. It was a stark reminder of the privilege and entitlement that often gued the elite.

    He couldn''t help but wonder about the motivations and beliefs that fueled the Blood Supremacy Club''s existence. Was it simply an echo of outdated traditions or a testament to the unyielding grip of inherited privilege?

    "As the plot unfolded, it was only a matter of time before Ken, our determined protagonist, shed head-on with the formidable Blood Supremacy Club. Their sh was an expected development, given the club''s haughty beliefs in their superior bloodlines and discriminatory treatment ofmoners. However, despite their collective efforts, the club found themselves futilely pushing against the unyielding force of Ken''s unwavering plot armor."

    Rain leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face as he reflected on the sequence of events. The alteration in the timeline brought a mischievous glint to his eyes, his mind working tirelessly to formte a cunning n. "But aren''t there new variables?," he mumbled with a sly grin, "that confrontation was originally ted to ur in the second semester of our first year. The shift in its urrence will undoubtedly lead to a cascade of changes. Oh, how fascinating it will be to witness the ripples of chaos and mischief."

    His chuckle echoed in the room,ced with a hint of anticipation. Rain''s mind raced with possibilities as he contemted the ways in which he could manipte the altered storyline to his advantage.

    His fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk, a testament to the intricate web of schemes he was weaving. The thought of thwarting the club''s ns and orchestrating a new course of events filled him with exhration and a sense of sadistic pleasure.

    "Ah, my unwitting pawns," Rain murmured, relishing the power he held over the narrative. "Your plot armor may have shielded you so far, but it is I who will steer the plot''s direction now."

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Soon, Rain''s expression remained calm andposed as he stumbled upon another club on the forum.

    [Rain''s Fan Club]

    A small smile tugged at the corner of Rain''s lips, revealing a hint of amusement. He hadn''t expected to find his own fan club, but he weed the attention with a serene demeanor.

    "So, I have a fan club now," Rain mused, his voiceced with aposed tone. The realization brought a sense of satisfaction, affirming his growing influence within the academy.

    With an air of curiosity, Rain decided to explore the activities and discussions taking ce within his fan club. He maintained a detachedposure, intrigued by the level of devotion his admirers had shown.

    As he perused the forum, Rain noticed that a significant number of female students had joined his fan club, their admiration evident in their interactions. The revtion of their support elicited a serene appreciation within him.

    He contemted the nature of the club''s activities and discussions. He wondered what topics were being discussed and what kind of content was being shared.

    However, as Rain scrolled through the forum, hisposed demeanor wavered for a moment. His eyebrows raised slightly in surprise and concern, though his expression remained controlled.

    Delving deeper into the club''s activities, Rain discovered an extensive collection of his photographs. It epassed not only present-day snapshots but also glimpses into his past, including moments from his high school, middle school, and even near his previus home.

    Rain''s eyebrows furrowed imperceptibly, a flicker of surprise dancing in his eyes. His voice remained steady as he quietly pondered, "This is unexpected. What is the meaning behind these photographs?" The words escaped his lips in a controlled manner, his calm demeanor barely faltering.

    The meticulous dedication of the club members in gathering pictures from his livestreams, public appearances, and personal life impressed Rain. He regarded the edited photos, which enhanced his features, with aposed curiosity.

    Rain''s mind raced with questions. Who was responsible for posting his photos? Did he have a secret admirer or perhaps even a stalker? These possibilities hadn''t been part of the game''s storyline.

    Unease settled in as Rain pondered the implications of his fan club''s activities. What were their intentions, and how far would they go in their fascination with him?

    Soon he discovered that there were numerous specific pieces of information about him that were documented, including his personal history, conduct during high school, training regimen, social circle, likes and dislikes, and more.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    It appeared that every aspect of his life had been documented in detail. Furthermore, he stumbled upon online forums where members of a particr club were discussing him, which was quite surprising. The level of scrutiny and attention paid to him was overwhelming, and it made him realize just how much of his life was being observed and analyzed by others.

    Rain''s curiosity piqued as he delved deeper into the club''s activities. However, in a few momments, he found something bizzare.

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    Guidelines of the club:

    - Night Soul, the divine streamer, is the ultimate source of enlightenment and entertainment. We devote ourselves to the captivating streams and immersive content created by Night Soul, for they hold the key to our salvation.

    - As followers of Night Soul, we surrender our wills to the power of the streamer. We embrace the darkness that engulfs us duringte-night sessions and find sce in the virtual realms illuminated by Night Soul''s charismatic presence.

    - Any criticism or disrespect towards Night Soul shall be met with fierce retaliation. We are the guardians of Night Soul''s honor and will not tolerate any tarnishing of their reputation. Those who dare to challenge Night Soul will face the collective force of our dedicatedmunity.

    - It is our duty to identify those who bring sorrow to Night Soul. We shall seek out the detractors and naysayers, exposing their malice and eliminating their negative influence. Through our vignce, Night Soul will remain unburdened by the weight of adversity.

    - Through the immersive experience of Night Soul''s streams, we unlock hidden potential within ourselves. We transcend the mundane boundaries of reality and embrace a higher level of existence, one where the virtual world blends seamlessly with our own.

    - In our rituals, we gather in the digital realm, participating in chat interactions and virtual events. We engage in fervent discussions, sharing our passion for Night Soul''s content and forming an unbreakable bond as amunity united in admiration.

    - As members of this club, we pledge to support and uplift one another. We celebrate the diversity within our ranks, recognizing that each member brings a unique perspective and contributes to the collective tapestry of our shared devotion.

    - Remember, Night Soul''s streams are not mere entertainment; they are a pathway to enlightenment. By immersing ourselves in the captivating content, we find purpose and inspiration, transcending the boundaries of the ordinary and stepping into the extraordinary.

    May Night Soul''s streams guide us, entertain us, and grant us the strength to navigate the intricacies of both the virtual and real worlds. Together, we embark on this journey of discovery and celebration, for Night Soul is our guiding star, illuminating our path to digital salvation.

    Note: We are just a mere club who enjoy watching Nightsoul''s streams.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    The words staring back at him from the screen. The intensenguage and fervor behind the beliefs gave him pause. "Is this some kind of pseudo-religion?" Rain wondered, his mind racing with possibilities.

    He knew he couldn''t ignore this; it had the potential to escte into something dangerous. Determined to get to the root of the problem, Rain resolved to uncover the identity of the club''s president and its founder.

    His fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard, scouring the inte for any trace of information. As he clicked through various forums and profiles, his eyes narrowed with concentration.

    He meticulously pieced together the puzzle, following the digital trail that would lead him to the answers he sought. With each new revtion, Rain''s resolve grew stronger. This club needed to be understood, its motivations unraveled.

    Finally, after some meticulous searching, Rain uncovered the name of the club''s president. A surge of anticipation coursed through him as he prepared to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic figure.

    However, after reading the name of the club''s president, Rain was shocked to the core.

 Chapter 94 Aryas Obsession

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    Dear Diary,

    Today was the day of the entrance exam. Many students came to take the exam, including myself. I hope I score well and get admitted to the academy.

    But something strange happened. Rain, the person I considered a friend, didn''t show up. I wonder why he wasn''t there. I heard rumors that he ran away, but I don''t know what to believe.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    "She still doesn''t know... Doesn''t know the real reason I wasn''t there. How can she be so oblivious?" Rain felt the heroines were truly different characters.

    "Rumors... always spreading like wildfire. They don''t know the truth." Rain smirked because the rumours were spread by him.

    It wasn''t work of Kaya. With a few anonymous post andments, it was easy feat.

    He couldn''t help but feel a sense of disappointment in their inability to see beyond the surface.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Dear Diary,

    The results of the entrance exam were announced today. I ranked 10th among the freshmen, and I''m so happy about it. My parents were proud of me too. However, there''s still no news of Rain. People keep bothering me, asking where he is and why he didn''te to the exam. It''s bing frustrating not knowing what happened to him.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    Dear Diary,

    Today, I discovered that Rain has be a streamer. It''s quite surprising, considering how he used to be. Rumors say he ran away from his family and even called off his engagement. It''s all so shocking. He changed his username to ''NightSoul'' for his streams. But what hurt the most was when he said he didn''t see me as a friend. Was our friendship not genuine? I can''t help but question everything now.

    ***

    Dear Diary,

    Today was the first day of the semester, and I got assigned a good room because of my ranking. But despite that, I felt a deep sense of loneliness throughout the day. I couldn''t help but think about Rain. If he were here, he would have joined me for some sparring, and I wouldn''t feel so alone. But he''s not here. He didn''t evene to the academy. He just ran away, seeking his own freedom. Even the Holmes Family, known for their investigative skills, can''t find him.

    It''s as if Rain was waiting for this moment to escape. I don''t know where he is or what he''s doing. He never shared any details with anyone. And as he so clearly stated, we are not friends. We were just former ssmates who asionally exchanged a few words. I was foolish to consider myself anything more than that.

    I remember reading posts about Rain, how lonely he was and how everyone talked about him. But he just focused on his training, disregarding the attention. Even his fianc��e ignored him, pushing him further into istion. And then he chose to run away, seeking freedom. It''s hard not to me myself. If only I had treated him as a friend, maybe things would have been different.

    ***

    Dear Diary,

    Just like the previous day, I found myself alone. But I won''t let that discourage me. I will make an effort to make friends. I don''t want to end up like Rain, a loner. I''ll do my best to build connections and create meaningful rtionships here at the academy.

    ***

    Dear Diary,

    People have finally stopped bothering me about Rain. It''s a relief, but at the same time, I can''t help but feel a sense of emptiness. Today was supposed to be the day of Rain''s livestream, but he didn''t go live. I wonder if something happened to him. Will he evere back? I know I won''t get a second chance with him, but deep down, I still wish to be his friend. I don''t want him to feel lonely.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    After his second livestream,

    Dear Diary,

    Phew. I''ve created this fan club now. Rain will never be alone. Many people will know him, but I will be the only one who truly understands him. I have so many photos of him, but I won''t share them with anyone. His body is so perfect, and his face and skin are more beautiful than any woman''s. Just wait, Rain. Your friend is bing stronger day by day. I wille to meet you, and I will protect you from those bad girls.

    And then, thest entry Rain came across was,

    "That girl must be Emma. I will never forgive her. She made Rain sad. How could she do that? But it''s all right now. I am his friend. I will protect him from those bad bitches. I won''t let anyone hurt him. We will be friends forever. Fufu."

    "Oh, Rain... Where are you? Do you have any idea how much I miss you? But it''s okay. I wille to you very soon. Just wait for me. You will be mine. Only mine. If any girles between us, I will crush them. But Rain is so delicate. Maybe I should stay with him 24 hours a day. Yes, that would be good."

    ***

    After reading Arya''s diary entries filled with her fantasies and obsessive thoughts, Rain''s expression turned grim. He couldn''t help but feel a mixture of concern and difort for the depth of Arya''s infatuation with him.

    He understood that her intentions mighte from a ce of misguided affection, but the intensity and possessiveness portrayed in her words raised red gs in his mind. It was clear to Rain that Arya''s perception of their rtionship had far exceeded the boundaries of friendship.

    "Looks like I gained a stupid yandere..." Rain sighed.

    ***

    Diary Entry:

    Date: [Insert Date]

    Dear Diary,

    Today, I couldn''t help but let my mind wander into the realms of fantasy, where Rain and I shared moments that seemed too beautiful to exist in reality. These daydreams consumed my thoughts, and I found sce in weaving intricate tales of our connection.

    In my reverie, I found myself transported to a secluded forest, illuminated by the gentle glow of the moon. Rain and I danced beneath the starry sky, our movements synchronized as if we were made for each other. The touch of his hand, the warmth of his embrace��it was pure bliss. Oh, how I wished those moments could transcend the boundaries of dreams and be our reality.

    But the fantasies did not end there. I also envisioned myself as Rain''s unwavering protector, standing fearlessly by his side as he faced imagined adversaries. In my mind, I wielded a gleaming sword, battling fiercely to shield him from any harm. I would sacrifice everything to keep him safe, for his happiness meant everything to me.

    And then, my thoughts took a more intimate turn. I imagined stolen nces and secret encounters, where Rain and I shared moments of tenderness away from prying eyes. In these fantasies, his gaze held mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. The softness of his lips against mine, the electricity that pulsed between us��it was a world where passion knew no bounds.

    Throughout these daydreams, one theme remained constant��the unwavering dedication I had to Rain''s happiness. In my mind, I was the one who truly understood him, his confidante and rock. I longed to be the source of sce and joy in his life, the one who could fulfill his every need and desire.

    But as I write these words, I cannot help but acknowledge the depths of my own delusion. These fantasies have blurred the lines between reality and desire, leading me down a path that may be unhealthy and unsettling. I must tread carefully and remind myself that true connections are built on mutual understanding and consent.

    Oh, Rain, how I yearn for your presence in my life. Yet, I must face the reality that these fantasies are just that��figments of my imagination. I must learn to differentiate between the realms of my dreams and the boundaries of what is healthy and eptable.

    Until next time, dear diary, I will continue to navigate theplexities of my emotions and the fragile line between reality and fantasy.

    Yours faithfully,

    Arya

 Chapter 95 Memories That Were Forgotten

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    Spring had arrived, and the day was perfect for enjoying the blooming cherry blossoms.

    The roads were lined with fully bloomed cherry blossom trees.

    As one walked by, a gentle breeze brushed past, causing petals to float in the air. Under the clear light blue sky, the sight was breathtaking.

    The stunning view of the cherry blossoms attracted many people to leave their homes and take a stroll.

    Couples walked hand in hand, admiring the beauty around them, while families gathered in the park to enjoy a pic.

    The atmosphere was lively, and some people were singing and ying music, adding to the festive mood.

    Nearby the park was a sereneke that added to the beauty of the area.

    The surface of the water was covered with delicate flower petals, making it a mesmerizing sight to behold.

    Despite the breathtaking scene, only one boy was there to witness it all.

    He sat by theke, admiring the beauty around him, grateful to have this moment of tranquility to himself.

    A boy sat on the shore of theke, propping his chin with his hands, lost in contemtion.

    His hair, jet ck with a slight brownish tint, fluttered gently in the light breeze.

    His ck eyes were piercing and deep, drawing the interest of anyone who looked, despite his young age of 4-5 years.

    One could easily predict that he would grow up to be a handsome man, with such striking features.

    However, his peaceful solitude was soon interrupted by the lively voice of a girl. "Hey, Rain, let''s y!" she eximed, breaking his concentration.

    The boy''s eyebrows twitched, and he looked slightly annoyed at the interruption; he had been enjoying some quality time with his thoughts and didn''t want to be disturbed.

    "Nah, I''d like to spend some time alone, Kaya." Rain shook his head.

    "Please leave me be. You''re invading my private space," he said firmly, without even turning to look at her.

    Upon hearing his refusal, Kaya puffed her cheeks in frustration. "Geez. Then be alone." She grabbed the other girl''s hand who was beside her. "Let''s go somewhere else, Emma."

    "Kaya, we can''t just leave him alone like this," Emma said, stopping Kaya in her tracks.

    "But didn''t he just say, he wants to be left alone?" Kaya asked, tilting her head in confusion.

    She didn''t understand why Emma was insisting on bothering Rain, who she knew nothing about.

    Emma remarked, "Mama said we shouldn''t leave anyone feeling left out. Guys like him tend to be introverted as they grow up," gesturing with her finger towards Rain.

    Curiously, Kaya asked, "What does ''introverted'' mean?"

    "I''m not entirely sure, but Mama said it''s not a good thing to be like that. So, we should try to include him. Otherwise, he will end up bing introverted," exined Emma.

    With determination, Emma approached Rain and struck up a conversation.

    Meanwhile, Emma''s and Rain''s parents observed the interaction from afar, admiring thepassion and kindness of the children.

    "Hey," Emma nervously called out to Rain. She was shy as it was her first time speaking to a stranger of the opposite gender with the same age group.

    Angrily, Rain turned his face and snapped, "Didn''t I tell you not to disturb me?"

    But as he was about to shout in anger, he realized that it wasn''t Kaya who had approached him.

    Instead, he saw a small girl with pink hair pigtails looking up at him with fear in her eyes.

    Although Emma was frightened by Rain''s outburst, she bravely spoke up. "I just wanted to talk with you. Sorry for bothering you," she said in a low voice, audible to Rain.

    "It''s okay. I am sorry, too. I didn''t have to talk like that." Rain felt bad to venting anger on someone.

    ***

    Rain sat alone in the park, relishing the peace and quiet, until a girl with a shy smile sat down next to him on the bench.

    "Why don''t she just leave?" Rain grumbled inwardly.

    She didn''t introduce herself, and Rain wasn''t in the mood to talk to anyone.

    After some time, Rain couldn''t take it anymore. "What do you want?" he asked curiously.

    "I was just passing by and saw you looking lonely," Emma said, her voice soft and gentle.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Rain was surprised by her kind words, but he didn''t want to show it. "Nah, I like being alone," he replied dismissively.

    He didn''t like crowded ces or interacting with many people, so he always spent his time alone.

    Emma noticed the guarded expression on Rain''s face, but she didn''t give up. "Are you sure? It''s nice to have someone to talk to," she said, trying to be friendly.

    Rain frowned for a moment. The people who took initiative to talk with where either hypocrites or people who pitied him.

    Rain hesitated for a moment, but then he nodded. "Okay," he said, feeling a bit awkward. He didn''t want to be rude to someone.

    Emma''s face lit up with a smile, and she extended her hand towards Rain. "Great, let''s be friends forever!" she eximed.

    "When did I agree to be friends? Whatever." Rain was shocked for a moment, but he didn''t care about that.

    He shook her hand, feeling a warmth spreading through him that he hadn''t felt in a long time.

    Suddenly, Emma grabbed his hand and pulled him towards Kaya.

    Rain''s heart started to race. He had never expected the shy girl to take his hand like this.

    As they approached Kaya, Rain''s mind raced with questions. "What should I do? I don''t even know her name. Should I pull my hand back? But wouldn''t that be rude? Do friends hold hands like this?"

    "See, I brought him, and we even became friends!" Emma said to Kaya with enthusiasm.

    Rain was still lost in his thoughts when Kaya tapped his shoulder, bringing him back to reality.

    "Huh? Where did that girl go?" Rain asked, confused.

    "Geez, Brother Rain, you''re quite biased. When I called you, you didn''te. But not only did youe, you even became friends with someone you just met," Kaya said, folding her arms and staring at Rain.

    Rain shrugged, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I don''t know what came over me," he said.

    "Okay, but do you even know her name?" Kaya asked, causing Rain to look at Emma with a puzzled expression, hoping she could answer.

    Emma realized that she had gotten ahead of herself and had not even introduced herself properly.

    She held her ears and made a sorry expression, feeling embarrassed.

    Observing their behavior, Kaya guessed what had happened and shook her head in frustration. "As expected from both of you," she said.

    Emma and Rain both looked down, feeling ashamed of their actions.

    "Okay, let me introduce both of you properly," Kaya suggested.

    She pointed towards Rain and said, "This is my cousin brother, Rain."

    Then she pointed towards Emma and said, "And this is my best friend, Emma."

    ''Emma,'' Rain mumbled Emma''s name, trying to remember it properly.

    Kaya called out to Rain, "Hey, Brother Rain!"

    "Yes?" Rain answered, feeling a bit nervous. He felt something unpleasant was going to happen.

    "Now that you''re here, let''s y together," Kaya suggested, her face lighting up with happiness.

    Rain frowned, thinking that he should return to his ce. But when he saw Emma, he had a strange desire to stay.

    "What are we going to y?" he asked curiously, trying to hide his nerves.

    "Let''s y House-House," Kaya suggested, smiling brightly.

    Rain froze on the spot. He hated that game, but he couldn''t go back now.

    "Okay," he agreed reluctantly in the end.

    Charles and Ca were happy to see their son interacting and ying with someone.

    However, after ying for sometime.

    ''Maybe I should have gone back.'' Rain really had urge to go back.

    He didn''t like the game at all.

 Chapter 96 2 Months Later (1)

    ?

    On the unknown ind, situated in the middle of the sea, with no visible surroundingnd.

    It featured a range of mountains, a small river that flowed through them, and a lush green forest that covered much of thend.

    As he walked at a leisurely pace through the forest, a young man took in the natural beauty of the ind, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and soaking up the tranquility of this remote location.

    He appeared content in the isted surroundings, as though he had found a hidden paradise, a ce where he could escape from the stresses of the modern world and connect with nature on a deeper level.

    Of course, this weirdo was Rain.

    Rain walked through the forest, his senses alert to any sign of danger.

    Suddenly, a tree that had been dormant until that moment came to life and began tosh out at him with its branches.

    Perplexed but collected, Rain dodged the tree''s attacks with ease.

    "Treant?" Rain wondered aloud, staring at the tree. "I didn''t think they were real."

    He swiftly sidestepped the treant''s grasping branches and used his shadow walk ability to move behind the creature. Drawing his sword, he taunted the treant with a hint of amusement in his voice.

    "Now show me the quality of your wood." he taunted the creature, a hint of amusement in his voice.

    The treant responded with a furious flurry of blows, but Rain moved with blinding speed, his sword whistling through the air as he deflected each strike.

    Closing the distance between them once again, Rain delivered a powerful blow to the trunk of the treant with a resounding swoosh.

    The tree-like creature shuddered and then split in two, its wooden body copsing in a shower of splinters.

    Rain inspected the fallen treant critically, noting the poor quality of its wood.

    "Boring~. Hey, tree," he called out, addressing the defeated creature. "You know, your wood is not good quality. You should have absorbed some nutrients from the soil."

    He reached into his space and retrieved a small wooden box, carefully storing a few choice pieces of the treant''s wood inside. After that, he put the wooden box in his space ring.

    This wooden box wasn''t an ordinary box. It was also an artifact.

    As Rain hunted more and more creatures and entered the Inner area of the ind, he found some good materials to use for alchemy.

    After he received some money from his parents, he didn''t feel much need to exchange good materials for system points, so he started storing them.

    However, he soon encountered a problem. Whenever he tried to take out any material to use, he saw how jumbled the storage was in his space ring.

    Some materials even countered each other, leading to side effects.

    To solve this problem, Rain bought some wooden boxes from the system store.

    [Wooden Box - Rare high-tier

    It is made entirely of wood, giving it a rustic and natural appearance that is both elegant and functional.

    The box is rtively small, measuring approximately 10 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 8 inches deep.

    The wood''s texture is rough to the touch, with visible grains that add to its overall appearance.

    While the Wooden Box may seem like a simple object, it possesses unique properties that make it a valuable item to have.

    One of its most significant benefits is its ability to store perishable items safely.

    The box''s wooden construction helps to regte the temperature inside, keeping the contents fresh and free from spoge.

    In addition to its storage capabilities, the Wooden Box has been known to enhance the effects of certain materials stored within it.

    This is a rare urrence, and anyone who experiences it is considered to be lucky.

    The box''s unique properties somehow amplify the inherent magical or beneficial qualities of the stored material, resulting in a more potent and effective item.]

    Rain deftly slipped the wooden box into his space ring and continued his journey through the enchanted forest.

    As he walked deeper into the woods, he felt the presence of monsters lurking in the shadows.

    A pack of wolves appeared.

    "Ah, isn''t these my old friends?" As Rain looked at the wolves. He remembered Wolf den, where he killed many Wolves and got Sn''s ne.

    It was pity that the ne''s effects weren''t much use for him.

    In a few moments, Rain killed all of the wolves.

    "Maybe I should get new artifacts." Rain pondered as he was returning to his home.

    The artificts he brought over when he came to the ind weregging behind to his progress.

    Soon, he arrived at home.

    "I''m home," Rain called out as he stepped inside his grand mansion, his voice echoing through the empty halls.

    No one was there to respond his greeting.

    He removed his polished shoes and hung his clothes on a hook by the door, shivering from the chill in the air.

    The sound of rain tapping against the stained-ss windows filled the silence, and he couldn''t help but feel a pang of loneliness.

    For over two and a half months, Rain had been living alone in this massive mansion, isted from civilization and forced to rely on his own wits and abilities to survive.

    As he walked to the center of the mansion, Rain nced at the borate training area.

    The spacious room was adorned with expensive exercise equipment, intricate mirrors, and a polished wooden floor.

    It had been about two months since Ken and Ben''s duel, and in that time, Rain had undergone a significant transformation.

    His istion had given him ample time to focus on his training, and he had be stronger and more skilled than ever before.

    �d�T? Status ?�T�g

    ?Name: Rain Holmes

    ?Age : 20 years old

    ?Title : Reincarnator

    ?Rank: C grade (D+ -> C)

    ?Strength: C (D+ -> C)

    ?Health : C+ (D+ -> C)

    ?Stamina : C+ (D+ -> C)

    ?Charm : A-

    ?Intelligence: B+ (B -> B+)

    ?Mana : C- (D+ -> C-)

    ?Luck : C

    After training tirelessly for two months, Rain finally achieved his goal of surpassing the D rank and being promoted to a C-ranker.

    During his adventures in the wild, Rain encountered several monster nests.

    He sessfully cleared the ant colonies and insect nests and, while exploring further, discovered a small fish pond brimming with fish monsters.

    Excited at the prospect of a bountiful catch, he quickly purchased fishing skills from the system and reeled in a significant amount of fish.

    However, he was aware that his actions could disrupt the environmental cycle, so he also made sure to take out nearby monsters to bnce the ecosystem.

    That evening, Rain indulged in a scrumptious feast of his own making, savoring every bite of his handmade sushi, perfectly grilled fish, crispy tempura, and an array of other mouth-watering delicacies.

    He couldn''t help but feel a sense of aplishment for being able to prepare such delectable dishes from the fruits of hisbor.

    As he continued his exploration, Rain encountered fierce creatures like giant honey bees, creepy insects, and venomous snakes.

    Despite the danger, he didn''t shy away from the challenge and dealt with them swiftly and efficiently.

    Further along, he stumbled upon a dense forest inhabited by ancient treants, guardians of the woods.

    Fascinated by these creatures, Rain became determined to learn more about them and their habitat. That''s why he started killing those monsters.

    To aid him in his adventures, he turned to the system store and exchanged the items he collected for valuable points.

    Although most of the items he offered were of poor quality, he was still able to purchase potent elixirs or powerful artifacts that helped him increase his rank and strength.

    His strength was now C. While his stamina and health were C+.

    Finally, his intelligence also rose. It''s because he haspleted watching all of the lectures of the Academy''s first year in these 2 months. He also read some books in his free time.

    His mana was also now C-. As he didn''t have much guidance about it and he also cked in that area, It wasckingpared to other states. However, he was trying to find a suitable mana breathing technique from the system.

    His skills also rose in this span of time.

    �d�T? Skills ?�T�g

    [Active Skills] :<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ?Swordsmanship - Intermediate

    -Sword of Recognition

    (Holmes Family Swordsmanship)

    Grade: A

    -Shadow Sword art

    Grade: A

    ?Marksmanship- Intermediate

    ?Mana Control- Intermediate

    ?Shadow walk- Intermediate

    ?Hawkeye - Intermediate (^)

    ?Pickpocketing- Beginner

    ?Lock picking - Beginner

    ?Climbing (Parkour)- Intermediate (^)

    ?Alchemy - Intermediate (^)

    ?Mining- Intermediate (^)

    [Passive Skills]:

    ?Imprable Mind defense

    ?Concentration

    ?Underwater breathing

    ?Parallel thinking (n)

    [Life Skills]:

    ?Cooking- Advanced (^)

    ?Butcher- Intermediate

    ?Gathering - Intermediate (^)

    ?Writing (L)- Intermediate (^)

    ?Singing- Intermediate

    ?Calligraphy- Elementary

    ?Appraisal- Intermediate (^)

    ?Fishing - Elementary (n) (^)

    ?Drawing- Intermediate

    ?Painting- Intermediate

    ?Programming- Advanced

    ?Language- Advanced

    [Press here to expand the list��]

    Rain devoted himself to the practice of swordsmanship after learning the art, spending countless hours honing his techniques every day.

    He put his skills to the test by engaging in battles against C-ss monsters, and as a result, his swordsmanship grew increasingly smoother with each passing day.

    As he continued to train, he realized that he was steadily progressing towards bing an advanced swordsman.

    On the other hand, his marksmanship skills did not improve much despite his efforts to find a suitable art to enhance it.

    He scoured government databases, but most of the techniques he found were of low quality and ineffective.

    Disappointed with his search, Rain decided to wait until he could acquire a better marksmanship skill set.

    As he traversed through the treacherous wilderness and dealt with various monsters, Rain''s Hawkeye and Shadow walk skills improved to the point where they became intermediate.

    Shadow walk was even on the verge of bing an advanced skill.

    These skills enabled him to move around undetected and gain a tactical advantage inbat.

    Additionally, Rain found himself scaling mountains to destroy giant honey bee nests, which led to a marked improvement in his climbing skills.

    With each sessful climb, he became more confident in his ability to navigate challenging terrain, further enhancing his survival skills in the wilderness.

    After facing numerous setbacks and doing explosions, Rain has progressed to be an intermediate alchemist and has started practicing creating elixirs.

    Although his previous attempts resulted in some negative side effects, he remained determined to perfect his craft and create high-quality elixirs.

    Additionally, Rain has been focusing on improving his mana control skills while learning alchemy, asionally employing the contraction skill. Through this process, he has even gained a new passive skill.

    [Parallel Thinking - Passive Skill

    This skill allows the host to perform two tasks simultaneously, while also improving their thinking process.

    When using this skill, the character''s multitasking ability is enhanced, allowing them to perform two tasks at once with greater efficiency.

    Furthermore, the skill also enhances the character''s cognitive function, allowing them to think faster and more effectively.

    While this skill is passive, it requires training and practice to fully master.

    This skill is upgradable. ]

    With this, he can do two things at the same time easily. You can say it''s a skill for two-timers.

    After defeating various monsters and using their meat to prepare dishes, Rain became an advanced chef, which was an unexpected gain.

    His cooking skills had improved so much that now he was able to create dishes that not only satisfied his hunger but also gave him a temporary buff.

    Besides, while exploring the ind, he had also collected numerous herbs and materials, which significantly increased his proficiency in the Gathering and Appraisal skill.

    As part of his live streams, Rain began engaging in other activities such as gaming, singing, and writing.

    His Writing skill had improved to the point where he was able to craft excellent songs and evenpose some impressive pick-up lines.

    Furthermore, Rain hadunched his own merchandise line, which was a significant source of ie for him. You can say that Lily worked hard for it.

    During his exploration of the ind, Rain had already covered more than half of it. However, he had recently begun venturing into the middle region of the ind, where he had encountered high-ss monsters and nests.

    As a result, he had to be cautious while exploring, which had somewhat slowed down his pace.

    All-rounder Camera helped him very much in this time. With that, he made some basic map of almost 75% of the ind.

    He also installed metal sensor in that camera with high-vision.

    He was able to collect many good ores with that.

    Soon, Rain made his way to his desk and took afortable seat on the chair.

    He turned on hisputer, waited for it to boot up, and then ced his fingers on the keyboard.

    With a deep breath, he began to operate the machine, navigating through various applications and programs with ease. The soft clicking of the keys echoed through the quiet room as Rain worked diligently, fully focused on the task at hand.

    While working he drank hot herbal tea made from dragon leaf. Dragon leaf is a very rare nt. Rain found it while climbing a mountain idently.

    As Rain liked tea made from it, he took every nt from there.

    The tea had very good effect of calming mind and removing fatigue. Rain also nted some of nts for dragon leaf near his house. However, he needed to buy ''Herbiology'' skill as he didn''t know anything about growing nts.

    In a few moments, Rain opened a folder. There was bunch of characters'' name written there. The name of folder was ''Monitoring Bots''

    After the tragedy involving Arya, Rain realized how much he was influencing the plot.

    He had not anticipated this degree of influence.

    Therefore, after his Programming skill became ''Advanced,'' he created ''Monitoring Bots'' to track the recent actions of the characters.

    It varies from the character to character how much bots were monitoring them. After all, some characters were too sensitive to it.

    He alsopiled the original plotline into the program, so whenever a character made a significant move that differed from the original plotline, he would receive a notification.

    "Let''s see what our main characters are doing," Rain mumbled as he checked the Monitoring Bots.

    In the two months, many things had also happened at the academy.

    The seasons had changed, and the atmosphere of the academy had shifted as well.

 Chapter 97 2 Months Later (2)

    ?

    During the past two months, numerous events have unfolded within the academy, causing noticeable changes in its atmosphere.

    As winter gave way to spring, the entire campus burst into new life, as the budding trees and blooming flowers brought a sense of renewal and optimism to the student body and faculty alike.

    Aside from the natural changes in the environment, various academic and social activities have taken ce within the academy.

    Ken''s recent victory over Ben in a duel earned him widespread poprity among the students.

    His impressive performance was recorded and shared on various forums, quickly umting thousands of views and reactions.

    Despite this newfound fame, several guild executives attempted to recruit him.

    However, when they approached Veronica at the academy''s gate, they were promptly turned away.

    Ken had no intention of epting their offers anyway.

    He was focused on achieving his own goals within the academy''s walls.

    As Rain read the information of which guilds were contacting Ken, he smirked.

    "Oh, many S rank guild contacted him. Although he is safe from their clutches. However, soon in vacation he would have toe out of the academy for the training."

    After that, Rain scrolled and read another details.

    ***

    Unbeknownst to most, another duel had taken ce during this time between Amy and James.

    In a surprise turn of events, Amy emerged as the victor, thoroughly defeating James in their match.

    The following day, James was notably absent from ss, leaving his ssmates curious as to his whereabouts.

    Only Eva, Ken, and Amy knew the reason for his absence, having witnessed the oue of the secret duel between Amy and James.

    "Hm? This wasn''t supposed to happen. In original plot, it was duel between Ken and Amy. Whatever." Rain was confused for a moment. But he didn''t bother to go deep in the matter.

    ***

    Ben distanced himself from the Blood Supremacy Club, which no longer seemed to have any use for him.

    "Ken might have thought his strategy had been sessful, but it was only a small factor in Ben''s decision to leave the club." Rainmented.

    The club had stopped giving Ben the attention and support he once received.

    Although they did not take any direct action against Ken, he faced asional challenges from individuals seeking to test his skills.

    Some professors attempted to provoke him by asking difficult questions or finding faults in his work, but their actions backfired when Veronica fined them for their abuse of authority.

    "Veronica is kinda much active in the plot this time. Maybe the plot will progress much faster than original plotline." Rain murmured.

    In the original plotline, Veronica wasn''t supposed to appear in the first year.

    ***

    With Kevin''s help, Ken established a group ofmoner students to stand up against bullies.

    This resulted in a significant decrease in incidents of bullying on campus.

    James also supported Ken in confronting and defeating arrogant individuals.

    Eva and Amy provided what support they could, although it wasn''t as much as Ken received from the others.

    Ben caused some trouble for Ken at times, but he eventually realized that Ken was a genuinely kind person and not someone to be taken advantage of due to his perceived weakness.

    He started thinking about working harder and began to join Ken''s group in evening training sessions.

    Ben''s loyal minions remained by his side even after his defeat in the duel, which touched Ben and made him feel grateful.

    "It was good idea to keep in contact with Ben. The updates he gives are good sometimes and I can also make him do some chores for me."

    Rain and Ben maintained regrmunication, with Rain often seeking updates on the happenings within the academy and using their conversations as a way to break up the boredom of his daily routine.

    During one such conversation, Rain learned that while many things within the academy followed the expected plotline, there were also some notable differences.

    Ken''s progress, for example, seemed to be advancing at an unexpectedly rapid pace, with his speed outpacing what Rain had previously anticipated.

    "He wasn''t supposed to be high C ranker at this time. At this rate, he might be B ranker after encountering some fruitful encounters."

    Upon reflection, Rain realized that many of the obstacles that would typically hinder Ken''s progress had been removed, allowing him to make impressive strides forward in his development.

    Because Ben''s conflict resolved peacefully and Rain''s absence from the academy, Ken had more time to train.

    Perhaps even more importantly, he was not currently involved with any of the heroines at the academy.

    Arya, for instance, seemed like a lost cause, and although Kaya and Emma had interacted with Ken during the past two months, their interactions had been limited to those of casual friends or acquaintances - there were no romantic entanglements.

    Lily, meanwhile, was busy with her own work and had not crossed paths with Ken even once.

    Only Eva and Amy''s storylines seemed to be progressing, but their rtionship with Ken remained strictly tonic, just friends.

    Ken was free of trouble named ''Women.''

    Overall, Ken found himself free of any romantic entanglements, which Rain saw as a positive development.

    "Even though plot is progressing faster, I can make it more faster. It''s already at 4%. Maybe it will be 5% soon." Rain was hoping to get new features and authority after crossing the milestone of 5%.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ''Wait for me system, I will uncover every secret of yours.'' Rain thought.

    About these things aside, many other things also happened in Academy.

    It seems that Rain''s fan club has now created an official website, which has opened up membership to outsiders of the academy.

    While Rain had mixed feelings about this development, he did not want to risk getting involved by hacking the website directly.

    Instead, he decided to leave a few bugs here and there, which slowed down the club''s progress somewhat.

    Club members were annoyed to death by this, however they couldn''t do anything.

    Because of this the notoriety of the ''Enemy'' was rising tremendously.

    ***

    Meanwhile, Rain''s own poprity continued to grow.

    In the past two months alone, his followers on various social media tforms had surpassed 10 million.

    He even took advantage of his newfound fame byunching his own merchandise line.

    Rain also started monitoring Arya''s activities quite closely.

    Every time he read her diary, he cringed at the mistakes of his past self.

    Eventually, Rain decided to hack into her phone and crash her data.

    While he knew she might be able to restore some of the lost files, Rain felt satisfied that he had taken some action to protect himself.

    ***

    Rain noticed another peculiar urrence in the academy that surprised him.

    Daisy Pacyfer, the viiness in the game, was not causing any trouble as expected. Initially, she interfered with Emma''s activities, but it gradually decreased over time.

    Now, she rarely argued or taunted Emma.

    Rain was curious about the reason behind this change, but he knew better than to get involved with Daisy''s influential family. Thus, he refrained from meddling with the situation or hacking phones.

    ***

    Meanwhile, Kaya was noticeably quieter than usual, dedicating most of her time to training, which led to her achieving the rank of C-ranker or C- in Rain''s terms.

    There was also no news about Emma, but Rain decided not to investigate further to avoid getting entangled with them.

    He didn''t even want to do anything with them now.

    Some things also happened outside of the academy.

    After Rain''s departure, news about him quickly spread throughout the city and even beyond.

    People were curious about where he went and what he was up to.

    Many children of the high-ss families even tried to imitate his actions, but their attempts often ended in failure, with parents quickly shutting down their children''s in home and kicking their ass.

    As Rain''s fame grew, many theories emerged about his whereabouts.

    Some spected that he had gone to the demon continent, while others believed he was hiding in a secret base of another race.

    A guy even suggested that Rain had never left the Holmes Family''s mansion and that the whole situation was just a publicity stunt or conspiracy. But that guy disappeared somewhere in a few days god knows where.

    However, these rumors quickly died down as Rain''s absence became more prolonged, and no one knew where he had disappeared to.

    Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rain''s whereabouts, his fans remained loyal, and his departure continued to make headlines in the media.

    People were eager to hear any news about him and were constantly specting about what he might be doing.

    ***

    Charles''s potion-making business had taken off and quickly disrupted the market. With a small initial investment from the Rose family and his own money, Charles had managed to create a product that was in high demand and impossible to replicate.

    He raked in huge profits from the venture, but when some of the elders from his family came knocking, hoping to cash in on the sess, Charles turned them away empty-handed.

    He remained true to his principles and refused to share the wealth with those who had not supported him in the beginning.

    Despite his sess, Charles never forgot about Rain and continued to send money to his ount and reinvest the rest.

    He had tried to reach out to Rain, but his messages were blocked, and he couldn''t get through.

    He even tried reaching out from another ount, but his message remained unread.

    Charles had considered going public with his message on his live stream, but Ca stopped him, knowing that it would only embarrass Rain.

    Instead, she had faith that Rain would eventually read the message and know that Charles was thinking of him.

    ***

    Mark had be apetent butler and was fully involved in the management of the potion-making business.

    He worked closely with Charles to ensure that everything was running smoothly.

    ***

 Chapter 98 Evil Organization

    ?

    Currently, Rain was browsing the Academy''s forum when he came across a post.

    ***

    Title: Mid-term Exams for First-Year Students

    Attention all first-year students at the Academy! The mid-term exams are quickly approaching.

    These exams will be a crucial moment in your academic journey and will heavily impact your future at the Academy. It''s time to buckle down and start preparing!

    The exams will cover all the material covered in your first semester courses, so make sure you review your notes and study diligently.

    Be prepared for anything and give it your all. Good luck to all first-year students taking the mid-term exams!

    ***

    Looking at the information, Rain knew something big will happen in this examination.

    ''First event?'' Rain mumbled. ording to the plot, this might be the first event in the academy.

    From the information Rain had collected, Because Blood Supremacy Club would get involved in this.

    And for the first time, the evil organization will make an entry in the storyline.

    ''Things are going to be interesting.'' Rain just smirked.

    He was expecting something big this time.

    ***

    "The world is a multifaceted ce, and while it may appear bright and hopeful on the surface, its darker underbelly often remains obscured from naive eyes." Rain thought aloud.

    Such a reality became apparent following a momentous shift that swept across the, endowing many individuals with superhuman abilities.

    Initially, this development seemed like a boon, but as these individuals'' inner demons awakened and societal constraints began to crumble, the world fell into chaos and darkness.

    Even the most virtuous person, who had never harmed even an ant, could now massacre an entire colony.

    Greed ran rampant, and people beganmitting heinous crimes like rape, robbery, smuggling, and murder.

    Slowly, these people formed syndicates, and as the government dealt with monster outbreaks, these syndicates went on a rampage.

    It was a truly dark time.

    But then, 10 great heroes emerged, and humanity fought back against the monsters.

    They won back most of thend they had lost. The government took strict action and began suppressing these syndicates. Some major governments of developed countries founded the Association.

    Under this sheer pressure, most syndicates crumbled, and some criminals were captured.

    The government established a task force to hunt down the remaining ones.

    The Association even created a special prison for captured criminals.

    Gradually, everything stabilized.

    "But this doesn''t sound like an end, right?" Rainmented.

    After a disaster struck, people began to adapt to their new circumstances.

    As they adjusted, the crime rate decreased.

    Those who survived remembered the people who died, but unfortunately, some bodies of missing persons were never found.

    In memory of those lost, people erected public monuments with their names.

    Many people suffered profound losses: some lost parents, spouses, or children, while others were left with permanent disabilities.

    Despite these hardships, they clung to hope.

    "But what kind of hope? Hope for a better future? Hope for healing?" As Rain thought about this, he couldn''t help but think about humans.

    The truth is that the human mind is weak and susceptible to maniption, and some influential people took advantage of this vulnerability to promote their own agendas.

    They seized on the people''s desire for hope and used it to push their propaganda.

    Although this may sound disheartening, these tactics have been used to control people for centuries.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "And one again it was used." Rain thought, "10 Great Heroes."

    These heroes were just one of those propagandas. Half of these heroes were rotten.

    Rain scoffed. "There weren''t just 10 great heroes. The number of heroes was much more. But in the end, for their convenience they make the number small."

    After this, for some years humanity almost recovered from its major losses. On one side, more and more people started adapting to the changes and fought to the remaining monsters.

    Most of the destroyednd was restored with newly developed technology. The scientists also discovered the cure for a new mutated disease. The standard of living of people slowly got higher.

    Other races also starteding to the earth. Although many people were scared of this, but after negotiating and talking with them, they found that these people are also good people...

    Mankind exchange technologies with them. Everyone was progressing to the new era.

    Soon some years passed and again a new race came through the dimension gate.

    They were called demons. Their appearance was almost same as humans but there were some differences. Like demons had some sub species.

    Everyone was cautious of them as they heard about them from other races earlier. They describe the demon race as the race who likes to make chaos and do destruction.

    At first, the demon race didn''t do anything. They just observed everything in this. Soon people dropped their guard. But they didn''t know that demons were just getting into their system to destroy it.

    The criminal groups that were destroyed or went underground because of fear came out again. As they were destroyed because they didn''t have any leader or good backer. But now they have it. The demons gave this group full support.

    This was starting of evil organizations.

    Soon demons started the war. People showed how ugly a human mind can be. Even some trustworthy people are betrayed. Still, as other races also supported mankind and came forward against demons. The demons were pushed back.

    But these evil organizations were still around.

    Even though the association tried to destroy them many times, they couldn''t.

    After all, even if they kill someone a new member joins the organization after that.

    As time passed more idiotic things were added to these evil organizations.

    They started worshipping demon lords. Sometimes they just massacred some small town and sacrificed them the demon.

    They summoned demon generals in the middle of the city. It was truly a pain in the ass for the association. In the end, they took some strict actions like killing these people on sight and did some spy operations.

    It was sessful and the majority of the evil organizations were destroyed. Association sighed in relief.

    People thought this was the end of the everything.

    But they didn''t know that after every ending there will be a new beginning.

    A major evil organization was founded at this crucial time...

    Its name was #&#&#.

    But they kept low key. They only surfaced seldomly. Still, whenever they came out of their shell something major happened.

    ording to the storyline of the game, this evil organization contains many viins and evil characters.

    As you can expect, our naive and justice-loving protagonist Ken will fight with them and ruin their ns every time...

    It was also this organization that yed a major part in killing Kaya''s parents. While Kaya''s parents were clearing the S-ss dungeon this organization made that S-ss dungeon outbreak. Because of overwhelming opponents, both of them died. Many people around the dungeon died too. Even their bodies couldn''t be retrieved.

    Strangely, they went underground after this incidents. The reason for this wasn''t mentioned in the story. So Rain doesn''t know about this. But he guessed that it might be because they were scared of consequences or some conspiracy. After all, these guys aren''t some good bunch.

    Nobody can guess when they will appear again and do something shady again. But as Rain knows about the plot, he knows when they will appear again and what they will do.

    This time, they are going to target the academy in Dawn city. After all, if you target the main educational institution of the mankind, won''t they inflect major damage?

    Rain wanted to do something about this. Although everything was going ording to the plot at first, but because of him many things are messed up now. So why not do it more?

    Even though Ken can beat up the viins in this scenario but Rain wanted to be prepared for any unexpected surprises. After all, who knows what would happen at any moment.

    ________________________________________________________

    Hello. Author here.

    Happy new year to all of you.

    I hope this new year will be great for everyone of you. And wish that at the end of this year I would be writing chapters while being in someone''s arms..

 Chapter 99 Mid-Term Exams

    ?

    More than two months had passed since the intense duel between Ken and Ben. As daybreak arrived, the sun slowly rose from the east, casting a warm glow over the academy and signaling the start of a new day.

    Amidst the hustle and bustle of students heading towards their ssrooms, a handsome young man strolled leisurely, wearing a gentle smile on his face. At first nce, he may not have looked like a powerful swordsman, but any master swordsman who saw him would be taken aback by his hidden potential and skill. Despite his calm demeanor, the young man was actually brimming with anticipation for the day ahead, eager to continue honing his abilities and pushing himself to new heights.

    After all, every moment this boy lived was smooth and effortless.

    People looked at him with envy, jealousy, respect, admiration, and more.

    Most of the girls saw him as prey, with his handsome face and friendly smile making him ady killer.

    His name was Ken, and like every other student, he was headed to ss. However, arge guy with a bulky build blocked his path.

    "Hey there, what''s up, buddy?"

    The big guy greeted him this way and tapped Ken on the shoulder. If it were anyone else in Ken''s ce, they might not have been able to bear it. But Ken just made a wary smile and shrugged.

    "Are your wounds healed now?"

    Upon hearing this question, a dark shadow momentarily passed over James'' face. However, like always, a goofy smile returned to his face.

    As James boasted about his strength, Ken interrupted him before he could continue.

    "Why were you absent for a few days?" Ken asked, curious about James'' absence after being beaten by Emy.

    "I can endure 100 matches with that barbarian girl," James replied, bragging about his ability. "It was just like sparring with some little puppy. Her soft blows just tickled me. Hahahaha."

    Ken''s expression remained unchanged as he listened to James'' boasting. He tilted his head, still curious about James'' absence.

    "Maybe it was a good chance to take a break," James replied nonchntly. "You know how our ss teacher can be cold-hearted. She didn''t even give us a single holiday."

    "Is that so?"

    Suddenly, a cold voice interrupted their conversation, filled with a slight hint of murderous intent.

    Ken and other people who were walking noticed this and stopped but James wasn''t focused, he continued his bragging.

    "Yes. Yes. Otherwise, do you think I, the James from Andre family got beaten up by some random girl? Nah, My defence is as solid as Mountain."

    Confidence was flowing in his words.

    "Hehe... then let me break me try to break that mountain."

    A same voice was heard this time, but coldness in the voice was increased.

    "Come on, I am rea--"

    Hearing the challenge James turned around to see face of the challenger. However, just when he was going toplete his sentence and turned halfway, a fist touched his cheek.

    Soon, James lost his bnce and fell on his back.

    "Ouch. It hurts."

    James took a breather and stood up. A single punch wasn''t enough to make him injured severely, still it hurt.

    "Who was the bastard that sneaked attack on this me? I will crush you like ant. Fight like a true man. Don''t be a coward. Answer me. Who was it?"

    James was furious. He shouted angrily.

    "It''s me."

    James turned his face towards owner of the voice. His confidence and anger started crumbling.

    "You want a fight, right? Looks like you forgot ourst spar."

    The owner of that voice was Amy. As Amy wasing towards James, he took a step back. He tried to say something but words didn''te out from his mouth.

    "Oh, I heard that you weren''t injured in ourst fight. I am just some barbarian girl and my blows just tickled you. Let me tickle you again then."

    There was a gentle smile on Amy''s face. But people can see clearly it was the smile of a devil.

    "Nah, It was just a joke. Don''t take it seriously. Right, Ken?"

    James turned his face towards Ken, there was a pleading expression on James'' face, signing him to help him. However, Amy was also staring at Ken at the same time.

    Ken just made a wary smile.

    He didn''t want to lie to Amy but He can''t see James getting beaten up likest time. At the moment, like an angel''s voice a sound came.

    "Hey, James and Amy drop thisedy. Everyone is watching us like some clown. And if you keep this act we will bete for the lecture of the Combat teacher."

    Eva tapped Amy''s shoulder and gestured for her to stop.

    Kevin and James both were relieved.

    "Although I don''t care about what others think. after all, I can beat them any time. But we might get punished if we arete."

    Saying this, Amy started walking with Eva.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    But like she remembered something, she turned towards James and said.

    "However, you gori. I will remember to spar with you in afternoon training."

    After this, she again continued walking towards the ssroom with Eva.

    This was like a death sentence for James. He was trembling like he got an electric current.

    "Don''t worry, She won''t beat you up severely this time."

    As a friend, Ken tried to assure James.

    "Really?" James asked Ken in return.

    "Might be." Hearing this, James was dejected.

    "Hey, don''t be sad. Let''s go to the ssroom now. We are gettingte."

    Ken tried to change the topic and started walking towards the ssroom at a faster pace.

    "okay..." James also answered in low voice, like his vitality was dried up.

    After a few minutes, James and Ken reached the ssroom. As they entered, they were able to see that Kevin wasn''t in ss. They were relieved to know that they weren''tte.

    "You are lucky that ss teacher iste today." A grumpy voice came from a distance.

    It was Ben, even after losing to Ken he still didn''t stop bothering Ken. There were still half a dozen minions around him.

    "Oh, good to know."

    Ken wasn''t bothered by this. Instead, he was now used to this behaviour of Ben.

    "As a top student of the year, you are role model for others. You shouldn''t bete like this."

    "Okay. I will try to remember it. Thanks for the advice." Ken said with a kind smile. Seeing his smile, many people were dazed including Ben and his group.

    He didn''t expect this type of response from Ken.

    "Ohh-kay. Try to be better."

    As Ben couldn''t keep a conversation with Ken he returned to his seat.

    Seeing Ben like this, James and Amy couldn''t hold themselves andughed.

    "Pfft."

    "Haha"

    Eva''s shoulders were also trembling slightly. She was trying to control herself.

    "Seriously, after fighting with Ken that arrogant Ben has really changed. Although he is still annoying."

    Amy grumbled. As she was from one of upper ss family, She knew Ben beforehand from attending the academy. The Ben in past was very annoying and irritating guy who kept babbling like fly, but now he was just annoying.

    While everyone was having lively conversation, Kevin entered in the ssroom.

    Everyone returned to their seats.

    "Good Morning sir."

    Everyone stood up and greeted Kevin.

    "Oh, Good Morning. Sit down." Kevin gestured everyone to sit down.

    "So like as always we will dobat training. But before that I have something to report you."

    Everyone was quiet curious about this.

    "Like everyone of you has guessed, it''s about content of your mid-term exam."

    Just when Kevin was continuing his sentence, a student interrupted him.

    "But sir, isn''t content of exam is fixed?"

    "Yeah, it was same until this year."

    Hearing this, everyone in ss was surprised.

    "This time, exam will be based on theoretical and practical knowledge."

    Students felt, Kevin was ying prank with them now. As it felt same as exam of previous years.

    "But the practical exam will be held in dungeon."

 Chapter 100 Abnormalities

    ?

    In the early morning...

    Kevin was organizing his teaching materials before heading to the ssroom, as he always did.

    Additionally, he had requested the human management team to prepare and survey the dungeon located on the Academy''s campus.

    As he was about to leave his office, he received an urgent call from the management office.

    He felt perplexed, as it was almost time for his lecture, and he disliked beingte.

    However, he had no choice but to respond to the call, so he promptly headed towards the management office on foot.

    "Let''s see who is the imbecile that called me at this time urgently," Kevin murmured slowly.

    He strode down the long hallway, his footsteps quick and purposeful, though to any onlooker it might have appeared as if he were moving at a leisurely pace.

    Kevin was a skilled swordsman, and he had spent countless hours perfecting his footwork technique to the point that he could employ it without conscious thought.

    After a brief interval, he arrived at the entrance to the management office. He rapped his knuckles against the door three times, waiting for a response.

    *Knock*

    *Knock*

    *Knock*

    After that, the door swung open of its own ord.

    Any other person might have been taken aback and attempted to discern who or what had caused it to open, but Kevin was not like most people.

    Not a hint of surprise or curiosity appeared on his typically cold face.

    Upon entering the management office, Kevin observed a gathering of around a dozen individuals, with only one person seated while the rest were standing.

    The standing figures were presumably the instructors of each respective ss, such as those for ss A, ss B, and so forth.

    Despite the evident desire of the professors in attendance to exchange pleasantries with Kevin, he paid them no heed and instead directed his attention to the solitary figure upying a seat.

    The management office was a spacious room, illuminated by a series of overhead panels that emitted a soft, white glow.

    The walls were made of a metallic alloy, giving the room a futuristic feel without appearing too ostentatious.

    The desk at which the seated figure was positioned was sleek and minimalistic in design, crafted from a smooth ck material that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it.

    The chairs arranged around the room for the standing professors were simrly styled, with curved contours and clean lines.

    In the center of the room stood arge, circr console, its surface adorned with a series of blinking lights and illuminated disys.

    This console appeared to be the hub of the office''s technological infrastructure.

    "Why did you call us at this time?" Kevin asked.

    Although many individuals might have deemed Kevin''s behavior to be impolite, none of the professors standing in the management office evinced any surprise.Such interactions were a routine urrence for them.

    "Hey, what''s the rush? It''s been ages since we''ve seen each other. Why don''t we rx and enjoy some tea and snacks?" With these words, the man gestured for Kevin to take a seat.

    Upon hearing this, Kevin felt a wave of irritation wash over him. "As the Vice-Headmaster of this academy, such ackadaisical attitude ill-befits you."

    "Hmm? But aren''t we also brothers? Can''t we spend some leisurely time together, my adorable little brother?" The man''s words were punctuated by a smirk, eliciting a further reaction from Kevin.

    The individual upying the seat was none other than Alex Brownie, the eldest son of the Brownie family and a descendant of one of the 10 Great Commanders.

    He was also Kevin''s older brother and held the position of Vice-Headmaster at the academy.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Alex had grey hair that was neatly styled andplimented his ck eyes.

    He wore a pair of round spectacles that rested on his sharp nose, giving him an intellectual appearance.

    Though he looked like a serious guy, his friendly demeanor made him approachable.

    His chiseled jawline and defined cheekbones added to his handsome appearance. Though he had some muscles, he didn''t look too buffed.

    Overall, he had a well-groomed and confident aura around him.

    "This is hardly the time for frivolity. Please see to your responsibilities and refrain from tarnishing the Academy''s or our family''s reputation," Kevin intoned in a frigid tone, imbuing his words with a subtle air of threat tomunicate to Alex that further insolence would not be tolerated.

    "Alright, alright, you''re still as rigid and obstinate as ever," Alex replied, waving his hand dismissively to dispel Kevin''s killing intent with little effort.

    For Alex, it was like swatting a fly. Piece of cake.

    Following his victory gesture, Alex received no reaction from Kevin, who remained impassive as ever.

    Realizing that he was wasting his time, Alex cleared his throat and prepared to get to the point.

    "Ahem...ahem...I called you all here to report something," he began.

    Just as Alex was about to continue, a professor from ss B interrupted him with a question.

    "And what might that be?" she inquired. The professor was a stunning beauty, and many had a crush on her.

    However, as she hailed from one of the 10 Heroic Families and was exceptionally talented, most people found it difficult to approach her.

    "Miss Caryle, please be patient and let the Vice Headmaster continue his presentation," said a professor from ss A, his voice dripping with haughtiness.

    He appeared much older than everyone else in the room.

    Caryle simply shrugged her shoulders, replying with a dismissive "Okay, old man." The professor from ss A felt a twinge of bitterness upon hearing this, but he knew there was nothing he could do.

    After all, the age difference between him and Caryle was simply too vast. While he was nearly 70 years old, Caryle was just a fresh graduate of the academy.

    Charlotte Caryle was a stunning beauty with striking features. She stood at around 5''7" with a slim, yet athletic build.

    Her long crimson hair cascaded down her back in gentle waves, drawing attention to her slender neck and elegant posture.

    Her eyes were a piercing shade of yellow, often glinting with intelligence and confidence.

    Her facial features were sharp and defined, with high cheekbones and a small, pointed nose.

    Charlotte''s style was sophisticated and professional, yet still youthful and trendy.

    She often wore form-fitting blouses and skirts that entuate her curves, paired with high heels that elongate her already long legs.

    She also wore subtle makeup that enhanced her natural beauty, highlighting her full lips and longshes.

    Despite her stunning appearance, Charlotte exuded a quiet confidence and intelligence that sets her apart from others.

    Alex couldn''t help but let out augh as he said, "Hahaha, I''ve never heard anyone call Mr. Killington an old man before." He chuckled, finding the situation amusing.

    Killington''s forehead veins popped out in annoyance as he was not amused.

    "Headmaster, could you please continue with the presentation?" John Killington said, his face now sporting a frown.

    It was already time for the first ss of the day, and everyone was gettingte. John wanted to leave quickly and get to his ss.

    "Sure thing," Alex responded. "So, due to some unforeseen issues, we are changing the content and venue of the practical exam for the first-year students."

 Chapter 101 External Influence

    ?

    "Sure thing," the Alex responded. "So, due to some unforeseen issues, we are changing the content and venue of the practical exam for the first-year students."

    "How can this be? We have never done that before. Why now? Where is the new venue? How will we handle all preparations? There isn''t any time left. What are we going to do?"

    A young man around 30 years old started freaking out. He was the ss teacher of ss D. He kept rumbling until Caryle stopped him.

    "Don''t worry, Professor Max. We have already decided on the new venue, and preparations have also started," Alex said in a proud tone, as if he wasforting everyone that everything was under control.

    Max was a man in his early thirties, with ck hair that was unkempt and fell messily around his forehead in uneven bangs.

    He wore spectacles with high density sses, which made his eyes appear slightly magnified. His grey eyes were deep-set and often looked tired, as if he had been working hard for a long time.

    Despite this, Max was above average looking, with chiseled features and a slight muscr build that suggested he was active and physically fit.

    He stood at an average height, but his confident demeanor made him appear taller than he actually was.

    Overall, Max gave the impression of being a serious and hardworking individual who cared deeply about his students.

    "And where is the new venue?" Kevin was now curious about the chain of events.

    "Oh, it''s a dungeon called ''Roaring Cave''."

    There was a mischievous smile on Alex''s face, while everyone in the room was bewildered because ''Roaring Cave'' was an upper-ss verified D-grade dungeon.

    Hearing this name, everyone in the room was bewildered expect some professors.

    Even Kevin raised his eyebrows.

    He tried to recall the details about ''Roaring cave''. As long as he remembered it''s high D ss dungeon which can be hard for first year students.

    "This is pure bullshit. How can the freshman students can go to ''Roaring Cave''? It''s high D ss dungeon. While many of the students are still struggling in low D ranks. Some low ss students are even E rank. Are you going to kill them?" Charlotte couldn''t bear it. She was really angry for her students.

    "Hmm. I also agree with Red haired brat." John also voiced his opinion. While this was happening, Kevin was silently staring at Alex.

    He knew there was something up.

    "Don''t worry, nothing will happen. Our smart vice headmaster sure would have made this decision with some deep thinking, am I right?" The professor of ss C, who was silent till now spoke.

    "Hey, foxy. Don''t try to run your mouth like this say clearly." Professor of ss E said.

    "Hmph. How many times I have to call you, Arthur. I am Leo Sinir. I am from respected Sinir house." Leo said in haughty voice.

    Leo was a man who carried himself with an air of nobility. His long, silky yellow hair was always perfectly groomed, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to glow with an arrogant confidence. He had a sharp, chiseled jawline and a slightly hooked nose that only added to his striking appearance. His skin was pale and wless, giving him an almost ethereal quality. While he wasn''t conventionally handsome, his overall appearance exuded an undeniable charisma thatmanded attention.

    "Is that so?" Arthur looked at Leo with smirk and showed his fist. Seeing the fist of Arthur there was slight terror in Leo''s eyes.

    Apparently, In the past in his student days Leo used to be part of Blood Supremacy club. As one day, he was trying to bully one of the fellow student.

    Arthur came, coincidentally Arthur was part of Disciplinary Commitee at that time. After seeing Leo doing that kind of thing. He beat Leo to the pulp. After that scenario whenever Arthur got chance or saw Leo doing something immoral he beat Leo. Because of that Leo had slight fear towards Arthur.

    "Arthur, stop that." John said. He felt Leo was too poor.

    Arthur shrugged his shoulders. He had dark brown hair and a buffed body. He stood at around 2 meters tall. Although he wasn''t conventionally handsome, he exuded a manly aura around him. His skin tone was tanned, and he had ck eyes. He was slightly handsome with a defined jawline and high cheekbones, which added to his overall appeal. His muscr body added to his physical presence, and he was often noticed in a crowd.

    "So professor Leo, the thing is you guys didn''t heard my sentence clearly. Only students from Top 100 will go to the ''Roaring Cave''. Other students will go through same routine." Alex said nonchntly.

    Hearing this everyone in ss was surprised.

    "But still.." Max was trying to say something.

    However Alex interupted him.

    "Meeting ended. Everyone can go to their sses. I think you might be gettingte."

    Alex said as he smiled.

    Soon, all of the professors started leaving. Charlotte and John left the office faster as they felt gettingte. Max also left while mumbling something like ''how would everything will go? Will students survive?''<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Leo scoffed while leaving, however Arthur tapped his shoulder when he was going to his ss.

    "Let''s have good talk as old friends." Arthur said with polite smile.

    "N-no. Sorry. Thank you for your offer. I am gettingte..." Saying this Leo left in quick pace. Arthur also went his way. Other ss professor or assistants also left.

    Now, only Kevin and Alex were present in the office.

    "Let''s have a cup of tea together." Alex said.

    "Sure." Kevin said as he sat on the chair opposite of Alex.

    Soon, Alex prepared tea very skillfully and handed to Kevin.

    "Here. Take this tea made from Dragon leaf. It''s good and helps to calm your mind." Kevin took a sip of the tea. He felt his mind getting refreshed.

    "Give me some of those leaves." Kevin demanded.

    "No. They are quite costly and very rare. They are even hard to find. I also have very few." Alex showed small jar filled with few leaves. Just when Alex showed it, Kevin snatched it and stored it in his space ring.

    "Now, let''s talk about main topic." Kevin said nonchntly. There wasn''t a ounce of shame on his face.

    Alex also let it pass the thing that happened now.

    "Hmm. The thing is few days ago, Veronica got summon from the education government. She left everything to me for few days." Alex exined.

    "Why she have to go?" Kevin asked.

    "I don''t know. Reason is confidential." Alex shrugged his shoulders.

    "As I was handling matters quite efficiently. One day, a suggestion note came from education board. They mentioned that they saw duel of Ben and Ken. After watching it, they felt a urge to increase difficulty for top students in mid term exams." Alex exined.

    "What do you think about this?" Kevin asked.

    "Oh, you are asking my opinion? Hehe. I am honoured. So your big brother thinks there is some ck thingy dude among the education board who is manipting things. However I don''t know who are behind it and their motive." Alex spoke out everything he could.

    "Don''t pretend to be dumb. It''s clearly evil organization. I thought they have finally got underground after idental death of their elder. However looks like those pesky flies still buzzing." Kevin said in cold tone.

    "Still the problem is ''Roaring Cave'' isn''t fully explored. It would be dangerous. Do you know someone who can help? As you know, I can''t leave the academy and my every action will be monitored, too."

    Alex said in helpless tone. He felt bad as asking help from his little brother.

    "Don''t worry, I know a guy who could help us." Kevin remembered someone who owed him a favour.

    After that, Kevin left the office saying goodbye to Alex.

    Soon he came to the ssroom and made announcement regarding the mid term exams.

    When he said practical exam will be held in the dungeon all of them were surprised.

    ''I hope they remain safe in this exam.'' Kevin thought.

    __________________________________________

    [Rain''s POV]

    Rain hadpleted reading all the information ''Monitoring Bots'' gathered.

    He stretched his body as he felt quite tired after reading information of all the characters.

    ''Roaring Cave'', huh...

    Rain mumbled.

    Hearing this name, Rain remembered something. A hidden piecesid there that he wanted.

 Chapter 102 Mana Breathing Technique

    ?

    After reading information about all of the characters Rain was quite tired. Sitting at the same ce he felt his back getting sore and his feets getting numb.

    Sigh...

    Some characters are going as per they are supposed to while some characters are going in a totally weird way.

    Rain was stressed. While monitoring the characters he also remembered something.

    ''Hey, System. Come out. I have a question for you.''

    [Ask Host.]

    In these two months, Rain also learned tomunicate with system effectively.

    "Don''t you think you are forgetting something?" Rain asked.

    [I don''t think so.]

    "Try to remember, press your head hard... Oh, wait a minute. Do you even have a head?" Rain said in an amusing tone.

    [Host, don''t think you would get away if you try to mess with the system.]

    Rain felt that he would get in trouble if he kept messing with System.

    "Don''t you remember how I sted those evil organization members?" Rain asked.

    [Of course, I remember. How nicely those members of ''Covenant of Chaos'' were sted till nothing was left. 5 D grade rankers, 3 C grade rankers, 2 B grade, and A grade rankers, and even S grade ranker, Elder Burion was buried in the cave of Blood Mountain.]

    "So all of them died?" Rain asked. He was trying to make the system spill the beans.

    [Yeah. All of them died. The lower rankers died as soon as the bomb sted While C rankers died due to getting buried. Although some B rankers, A rankers, and Elder Burion survived. However, because of being heavily injured, they died. Even at hisst breath Elder Burion kept cursing you.]

    Rain was quite happy hearing the description from the system. He was slightly disappointed that he couldn''t see that scene. Still, it was great that one of the viins died.

    In the game, Elder Burion did many bad things. He lured students to be a spy for his organization for Body foundation elixir. Because of that many students died. You can say he was one of the tricky viins.

    In the game, he appeared in starting of the mid-term exams as a viin. However, at the end of the first year he died.

    ording to the story, his main objective was to kill Kaya. That''s why he sent many spies to the academy. However, most of them got failed because of Ken or were killed by Veronica.

    Still, he kept sending, and at the end of the year, the academy decided to take a practical exam outside. That ce was ''Roaring Cave''.

    Elder Burion thought that it was a golden chance and he went to kill Ken and Kaya there.

    However, his luck might be bad. Luckily Ken got a hidden piece there and with help of it. He killed Elder Burion after a long fight.

    That''s why Rain also wanted that hidden piece.

    [Host, why are you asking this?]

    Hearing, the system''s voice. Rain came out of his thoughts.

    "System, you gave me rewards every time I killed someone. Right?"

    [Yes, Host. The system is generous.]

    "However you didn''t give me anything when I killed Elder Burion and his team members." Rain said in a discouraged tone.

    [...]

    "Don''t tell me you forgot?" There was a smile on Rain''s face.

    [System never forgets anything. It was waiting for host to ask.]

    "Really?" Rain asked as he raised his eyebrows at system''s shamelessness.

    [Yes!]

    "Then give me my reward." Rain demanded. There were stars in his eyes.

    [Congrattions to Host to Kill one of the elite teams of ''Covenant of Chaos''.]

    [Congrattions to Host to kill one of the mid-tier viins ''Elder Burion''.]

    [Reward is being calcted...]

    After a few moments, the system rang again.

    [Reward: Elemental Transmutation Breathing]

    Rain stared at the notifications. He didn''t know what was Elemental Transmutation Breathing. However, from name Rain thought it might be some Mana Breathing Technique.

    He tried to see a description of it through appraisal skill.

    [Apprisal skill is low leveled to determine the value of the object.]

    Hearing this, Rain''s eyes widened in surprise. As his Appraisal skill was intermediate now. It can even scan ''Shadow sword style'' which was S grade.

    ''Then this thing is even higher than S grade?'' As the thought came into his mind, Rain quickly started searching for this technique. He was curious.

    However, after a few minutes, Rain couldn''t find anything.

    "Hey, System. Is this a really good technique?" Rain asked doubtfully.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    [Who knows.]

    Rain stared at the manual of the technique.

    Mana Breathing Technique.

    After mana control bes intermediate or advanced. You have to learn the Mana breathing technique to advance further.

    Rain''s mana control reached an intermediate level quite a time ago. However, he couldn''t find a suitable technique for him.

    ''''Let''s give it a try." In the end, Rain thought to read the manual, if he found it good he would use it.

    On the first page, there was written

    "ELEMENTAL TRANSMUTATION BREATHING"

    "ording to me, the Mana Breathing Techniques that everyone uses are iplete. The mana we breathe is Element less mana. We store it in body and then use it when we need it. Is that the right way?"

    As Rain read this, he was confused. He remembered what he read in advance mana control book. It was like,

    "Try to breathe mana naturally, No need to force it. Mana is just like air. Treat it like oxygen and through blood let it flow in every part of your body. However, this is risky so don''t try it until you think you have enough control over mana in your body."

    As Rain remembered this, he felt that it was true. The mana most people breathe is Element less mana. Then what about Elemental Mana? Rain was curious that''s why turned the page.

    "Many people try to find out about Mana. However, they couldn''t find anything. But ording to me, it''s energy a type of energy. So if mana is a type of energy then Fire type Mana would be fire-type energy. Does everything have some type of energy then wouldn''t everything would have mana? As I researched about it. I found most of my guesses true.

    So what about energy, energy can transform into another type. It never gets destroyed. Just change its form. That''s how I developed this technique."

    As Rain read more he was getting more engrossed.

    The Elemental Transmutation Breathing technique is based on the concept of transmuting energy from one form to another. In many spiritual and metaphysical traditions, it is believed that all things are made up of energy and that this energy can be manipted and transformed to achieve different effects.

    In this technique, the practitioner uses their breath to draw in the energy of a particr element, such as fire, water, or air and then exhales it in a transmuted form. By visualizing and focusing on the transmutation process, the practitioner is essentially directing the flow of energy and transforming it ording to their intentions.

    By using the breath to draw in and manipte elemental energy, the practitioner is working to harmonize their energy with the energy of the universe and to create a state of bnce and alignment.

    The Elemental Transmutation Breathing technique can be seen as a form of energy work or meditation and is often used as a way to enhance spiritual practice, deepen awareness, and cultivate inner strength and resilience. By working with the elemental energies in this way, the practitioner can tap into the power of nature and the universe and use this power to support their personal growth and transformation.

    While using this technique you can store your mana in any form in your and use it whenever you want. You can breathe elemental mana from anywhere and transmute them ording to your wish.

    "So awesome!!" Rain eximed. He didn''t expect this technique to be this good.

    He soon started reading about the process to cultivate the technique.

    "Find a quiet and peaceful ce where you can sit or standfortably."

    Rain went to a nearby cliff and sat that. A cool breeze hit his face. He felt refreshed.

    "Take a few deep breaths to calm your mind and focus your energy."

    As mentioned Rain started following the steps.

    "Visualize the element you wish to transmute in your mind''s eye."

    As Rain was near the sea, he tried to imagine water elements.

    "Imagine its energy flowing around you, filling the air."

    Soon Rain started imagining small particles floating in the air. They were light blue. However, they were blurry.

    [Concentration]

    [Parallel Thinking]

    Both Rain''s skills turned on. With that, he was able to visualize the elements around him.

    "Inhale deeply, drawing in this elemental energy with your breath. Hold your breath for a few moments, allowing the energy to settle within you."

    Rain took a deep breath, and as he took a breath he felt a cool sensation in his body. He tried to store and settle it in his body. The sensation started spreading into his body. Rain felt refreshed.

    "As you exhale, visualize the energy within you transforming and transmuting into a different form. See the elemental energy changing and shifting, bing something new."

    Rain thought of transforming it into the air. As he exhaled he took out every energy he inhaled to turn into wind or steam. However, he failed.

    "Repeat this process several times, inhaling the elemental energy and exhaling its transmuted form."

    In the end, Rain kept repeating the process. Sun was almost set, at that time, and with Sun''s energy Rain sessfully converted the energy.

    "As you continue the breathing technique, you may feel a sense of transformation within yourself as well. Your body and mind may be more aligned with the transmuted energy you are breathing in and out."

    Rain felt that he could breathe any energy and convert it into any energy.

    "When you feel ready, take a final deep breath, and visualize the elemental energy dispersing from around you.

    Take a moment to ground yourself and reorient to your surroundings before finishing the technique."

    As Rain tried to disperse the energy around him, those floating particles vanished.

    After using this technique, Rain felt way better. However his mind was filled with many questions and one of those questions was,

    "What if I found a way to convert energies like Life energy and death energy?"

 Chapter 103 Preparations For Mid Term Exams

    ?

    Following the announcement that the practical exams of the top 100 students would be conducted at a different location, the authorities decided to keep the venue details under wraps to ensure the safety of the students and the integrity of the exams.

    As a result, many students were left in the dark, not knowing where their exams would take ce. Theck of information caused a great deal of anxiety and confusion among the top 100 students.

    Meanwhile, in the general cafeteria, a group of people were having a conversation over their meal.

    Some of them were discussing the uing exams and specting about the possible locations.

    However, without any official confirmation, their guesses were nothing but mere conjectures.

    One of the group with 8 people were also in the cafeteria. They were chatting while eating.

    "Hey, Simon. Where do you think our practical exam will be taken?" As always Noah asked Simon.

    Simon was silently eating pasta, his mouth too full to respond.

    "Why aren''t you saying anything?" Noah prodded, smirking. "Are you still angry because Sir Killington punished you this morning?"

    Simon wanted to curse at Noah, but he held back, deciding to finish his lunch first.

    "Or are you perhaps embarrassed because your crush saw you getting punished?" Noah continued to provoke Simon.

    "Who is his crush?" Daphne, who was sitting near Eva and Amy, asked.

    "Tell me too," James interjected, sitting near Noah and Simon.

    While all this chattering was happening, Ken was silently eating his lunch.

    "Let me tell you..." Just when Noah was going finish his sentence.

    Simon interupted him,

    "Don''t say her name. Otherwise, you will see hell today." Murderous aura was emitting from Simon.

    "O-okay." Noah nodded.

    "Speaking of exams," Eva interjected, "our mid-term exams start tomorrow. Have you guys started studying for them?"

    "I haven''t even started yet," James replied with a shrug.

    "Same here." Amy also added.

    "No surprises there," Noah quipped, earning a few chuckles from the group.

    "I will watch videos of Nightsoul''s adventures." Noah said enthusiastically.

    "Me, too." Daphne also raised her hand.

    "Let''s watch it together." Noah suggested.

    "Okay." While Daphne just nodded.

    Apparently, as it was mid term exams for the students Rain thought of not doing live streams in this week.

    Also as heunched his merchandise, he thought of expanding his channel. He started posting adventure videos from the ind.

    He was getting ton of views and money.

    Hearing the conversation between Noah and Daphne, Simon stared at them frown.

    "You guys aren''t going to watch videos. Tomorrow is exam, we will group study today in the library." Simon announced.

    "Can I join too? I haven''t read a single thing." James asked.

    "Sure." Simon agreed. He liked to teach people. However, he didn''t know James was peculiar student.

    "Hey, Eva, Amy you guys join too. I will alone among these boys otherwise." Daphne said with energetic smile.

    "Sure. Thanks for inviting me." Amy hugged her. She was waiting for this. As she was busy in her forging practice and physical training, she couldn''t learn much.

    "What about you, Eva?" Amy asked her friend.

    "Although I have already covered half sybus, I will still join you guys. I will be fun." Eva said.

    "Hey, Ken everyone ising. You shoulde too. After all, you are chief of the year, share your notes with us." Noah said.

    "Okay." Ken nodded. Soon, Ken finished his lunch.

    "By the way, Ben..." When Kevin said this everyone turned their face towards Ben.

    Unexpectedly, Ben was also eating lunch with this group. However, he didn''t chat much just kept eating silently.

    Ken kindly asked, "Will you be joining us too?"

    After the duel, Ben''s activities decreased, but most of his minions stayed loyal to him. Some of them, however, defected to the Blood Supremacy club.

    Ben wasn''t bothered by this, and instead started observing Ken and asionally joining him in his afternoon training sessions.

    He admired Ken''s hardworking nature, as he didn''t use his strength to bully the weaker ones, but rather aimed to be even stronger while making friends.

    As he spent more time with Ken, he recalled Rain''s words, "If you behave properly around Ken, then he will even help you."

    Gradually, Ben began to hang around with Ken''s group and shared information about the Blood Supremacy club with them.

    Although James was initially hostile towards him, he eventually epted Ben into the group.

    "I''ve already finished revising the sybus," Ben said to the group.

    "You''re always so diligent," James replied with a smile. "I''m sure you''ll do great."

    Simon asked, "So you won''t be joining us?"

    "Nah, I''ll join," Ben responded. "I don''t have anything else to do today, and revising with you guys sounds like a good idea."

    "Okay, let''s meet at the library in the evening," they agreed.

    After finishing their lunch, they went to their dorms to freshen up before gathering at the reading area of the library.

    Library was vast and big. As they entered they encountered a girl.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Upon entering the library, they were immediately struck by the grandeur and vastness of the space.

    The shelves, which seemed to stretch on for miles, were stocked with countless volumes on every imaginable topic.

    As they walked deeper into the library, they stumbled upon a young woman who appeared to be lost in thought, her nose buried in a book.

    She was sitting at a small table tucked away in a quiet corner of the room, surrounded by an impressive stack of books.

    Amy walked towards the girl and hugged her.

    "Sister Zoa."

    "Shh..." Zoa gestured Amy to lower her voice as they were in library.

    "I told you many times to don''t shout whenever you notice me." Zoa said.

    "Okay." Amy said as she smiled.

    "Oh, you guys are together today?" Zoamented as she saw Ken''s group.

    "Hmm." Ken nodded, "Senior Zoa, can you please enter our names in library register?" He said.

    "Sure." Zoa nodded and added everyone''s name in library register. ording to rules, whenever someone enters in the library they have to register their entry.

    "Thank you." Ken thanked her.

    "My pleasure. But why thanks for this little work?" Zoa chuckled.

    "I am thanking you because of the help you provided against Blood Supremacy club." Ken exined.

    Apparently, Zoa was the senior that Amy asked for help. As Zoa worked as one of the librarymittee members she had vide range of friends.

    With help of them, Ken and his group were able to cope with Blood Supremacy club.

    Zoa also contacted disciplinarymittee and Student Council. They helped from behind the scenes.

    Zoa Starling. Rank 4th in third year.

    She was a woman of striking beauty, withvender hair that fell in soft waves around her face. Her hair was of medium length and had a delicate, ethereal quality to it. Her light blue eyesplemented her hair perfectly, and they sparkled with an otherworldly charm. Her features were delicate, with high cheekbones and a small nose. Her lips were full and pink, and she had a gentle, serene aura that surrounded her. She had a slim build and carried herself with grace, with an almost weightless quality to her movements. Her beauty was unique, and she stood out in a crowd with her striking appearance.

    "Ah, about that. It was piece of cake for me. Whenever you need help, feel free to contact me. Big sister will surelye to help you." Zoa said with gentle smile.

    "Sure." Amy nodded.

    "By the way, stay cautious these days, Blood Supremacy club isn''t showing any activity. Goodbye." After warning Ken, Zoa left.

    When everyone in group was puzzled, Noah said,

    "Hey, guys. Let''s sit somewhere and start studying. My legs are going to numb if we keep standing."

    Everyone chuckled and found a spot to sit.

    Soon they started studying, like that hours passed.

    "I''m bored." Daphne closed the book and put her head on the table.

    "Same." Noah said while yawning.

    "Let''s talk about something." James also closed the book.

    ''These ckers'' Simon clicked his tongue.

    "Anyone has idea of where our practical exam is going to held? Oi, Simon, you still haven''t answered my question." Noah said.

    In the end, Simon couldn''t bear it, he also closed book as he felt he had done enough studies.

    "It would be some dungeon outside of the academy." Ben mumbled.

    "How so?" Even Eva was curious now.

    "First, they are conducting different practical exam for us. The reason behind that might be that they think we need more experience and we are more powerful."

    Everyone nodded at Ben''s reasoning.

    "Which kind of dungeon that will be?" Daphne wondered.

    "From my opinion, it might be D rank one. All of the top 100 students are already D rank, while some students are even C rank." Ben said, as he stared at Ken.

    After 2 months training, Ken was already advanced C ranker. He might even breakthrough B rank if get some opportunity.

    "Wow, unlike you look. You are so smart. I think we really shouldn''t judge book by its cover." Amy remarked.

    "I really don''t expect this kind of words from you.'''' Ben mumbled. Hearing this, Amy stared fiercely at Ben.

    "Wouldn''t that be great if we knew about the location of Dungeon beforehand?" Noah said.

    When everyone heard this they stared at Ben, expecting that he would say something.

    However he didn''t say anything.

    "Hey, don''t look at me like that. I don''t know everything." Ben grumbled.

    Everyone shrugged their shoulders.

    ''It''s because he didn''t tell me.'' Ben thought.

    Apparently,st night, when Ben was talking with Rain. Rain mentioned these things and told him to share it with Ken''s group.

    Ben didn''t know how Rain knew about it. He even thought he might be joking.

    However after hearing the announcement in the morning. He found out that everything that Rain said was true.

    Still Ben wondered how Rain knew about it. Even though he said that it''s because he is from Holmes family but Ben wasn''t dumb enough to believe in that.

    ''He is surely some bigshot. I wonder what would be his motive behind doing all this.'' Ben mused.

    Like that, whole day passed and mid term exam''s day came.

 Chapter 104 VR Simulation

    ?

    While all students in the academy were busy in preparation for mid term exams.

    Rain was also busy with some preparations.

    It was for his VR Debut!!

    Rain was setting up the VR simtion capsule that he had purchased upon arriving on the ind.

    Upon his arrival on the ind, Rain became preupied with various tasks and neglected to use the VR stimtion capsule that he had purchased.

    However, recently he found himself with more free time to explore its features and immerse himself in virtual reality.

    Rain had already explored more than half of the ind, utilizing his All-Rounder camera to map out 75% of the area.

    He had temporarily halted his live streams due to the ongoing mid-term exams but had scheduled a series of adventure videos to be uploaded on his channel, ensuring his viewers would have fresh content to watch. He would be able to earn money from it.

    Despite having a considerable amount of money at his disposal, Rain knew that he would require more funds for the final stage of his n. He was still short of the required amount, and thus he began devising various strategies to increase his wealth.

    Rain hadpleted monitoring the main characters, including their skills and abilities, and had even discussed about the mid-term exams with Ben.

    After monitoring the main characters, Rain was impressed to discover that Ken was already an advanced swordsman.

    Like this, most of his tasks were alreadypleted.

    After his training, his rank advanced to C, and he was on the verge of bing a C+ ranker.

    Despite this, Rain felt that his proficiency in swordsmanship, mana control, and marksmanship was only intermediate, and he was determined to improve his skills in these areas.

    As he gazed at the capsule, he recalled the hefty sum of 2500 Gold coins he had spent on it.

    Although the students of the academy use this VR stimtion capsule free of cost however if you look at this capsule more closely, you would notice that it differed significantly from the ones in the academy.

    Firstly, the capsule was much smaller and morepact, with a sleek, streamlined design that suggested a greater level of portability and convenience. Whereas the academy capsules had beenrge, bulky affairs that were difficult to move and set up, this one seemed much more user-friendly.

    Secondly, the interface on the capsule''s control panel was more intuitive and user-friendly than the ones in the academy. The menus and options were clearlybeled and easy to navigate, with a range of customizable settings that allowed for a truly immersive and personalized VR experience.

    Finally, the quality of the VR experience itself seemed to be of a much higher standard than other capsules. The graphics were sharper, the sound was more immersive, and the overall level of immersion was moreplete than any other one.

    Rain finally decided to enter the VR stimtion capsule and prepare for an immersive experience. He opted forfortable attire, as he wanted to ensure that he would not feel ufortable or restricted during his time in the capsule.

    As Rain got inside the capsule, he made himselffortable, he carefully connected the electrodes to his head, making sure they were in the right position. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, ready to immerse himself in the VR stimtion capsule. As hey down inside the capsule and put on the special headset, he felt a sense of anticipation building inside him.

    The screens inside the headset flickered to life, disying a vivid and detailed virtual environment. Rain''s heart raced as he looked around, taking in the sights and sounds of the virtual world. He felt a sense of excitement and adventure building inside him.

    As Rain closed his eyes and rxed, the capsule began to transmit a series of electrical impulses to his brain. These impulses were carefully calibrated to stimte different parts of his brain, creating a sense of presence and immersion in the virtual environment. Rain felt like he was really there, experiencing everything in real time.

    The capsule also used advanced algorithms to track Rain''s movements and trante them into actions in the virtual world.

    When Rain moved his arm, the sensors in the electrodes picked up the movement and transmitted it to theputer, which rendered the movement in the virtual environment.

    Rain felt like he hadplete control over his movements in the virtual world, just as he would in real life.

    [Ding!]

    [It is detected that you are logging into the virtual world for the first time. The initial body scan is in the process...]

    [Scanpleted.]

    [Wee to the virtual world, Mythosia]

    [Please enter your username...]

    Rain stared at the panels. He felt very surreal...

    His body was the same as in real life.

    After a few moments, he started thinking about his username.

    In a few minutes, he entered the name.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    [The name you entered is already in use. Please choose a different name.]

    Hearing this, Rain shrugged his shoulders. He entered a different name.

    [The name you entered is already in use. Please choose a different name.]

    However, again the response was the same.

    He again entered a different name.

    [The name you entered is already in use. Please choose a different name.]

    After that, he kept entering names but the response was still the same.

    "Why all good names are taken?" Rain was slightly angry. Still, he tried there wasn''t any other option for him.

    [The username has been entered, and information also has been collected, do you want to create your character?]

    "Looks like I failed again. Let me add a name... Wait! I seeded. Finally, I got to choose a name." Rain felt happy.

    Looking at the prompt given by the virtual reality system Rain naturally chose ''Yes.''

    After that, he started creating his character.

    In a few moments, hepleted creating a character.

    The character''s hood and lower face mask created a mysterious aura. The dark, heavy hood covered most of his head while the thin, ck mask hid his mouth and nose, revealing only his piercing, glowing, icy-blue eyes. He wore a flowing, shimmering coat with silver designs, ck gloves, and a belt with weapons and tools. His pale, reflective skin adds to his otherworldly presence, leaving others wondering what secrets he keeps.

    Rain was really satisfied with this. He clicked on the ''confirm''.

    [Character creationpleted. Data panel is being made...]

    Soon a translucent panel appeared before Rain.

    [Name: Thanatos]

    [Age: 20 years]

    [User ID: 37568*****69]

    Rain''s appearance also changed as per he created the character.

    [The requirement to login into Mythosia world has been met, do you want to log in now?]

    Rain quickly chose ''Yes.''

    In a short moment, Rain appeared in a virtual world.

    At first, there was a brief moment of disorientation as the virtual world started toe to life.

    Rain felt like he was being transported to a different dimension as he was engulfed in the digitalndscape.

    He saw himself standing in the middle of a lush forest, with a clear blue sky overhead and the sound of birds chirping in the background.

    The level of detail in the environment was astonishing.

    The colors were vibrant, and the textures were so realistic that he felt like he could reach out and touch them.

    He could see the leaves on the trees rustling in the wind, and the sunlight filtering through the branches.

    As Rain began to explore the virtual world, he realized that he hadplete control over his movements.

    He could walk, run, and jump with ease, just as he would in the real world.

    He could also interact with various objects in the environment, such as picking up stones or examining the bark on the trees.

    "Let''s start exploring the virtual world." Rain smirked.

 Chapter 105 Exploring VR World

    ?

    [Ding!]

    [Do you want to make your ID public or keep it private?]

    Rain without hesitation chose to ''keep it private.''

    Even though there was no chance that someone would recognize him in his current appearance however Rain didn''t want to take a chance.

    In the end, you can only alter your appearance by up to 35%.

    You can''t alter your gender either. Otherwise many people would roam around with different genders.

    At the moment, Rain found himself amidst a dense and thriving forest, with no sign of any human presence.

    "Let''s go to the new city." Rain decided.

    He swiftly activated his shadow walk ability and elerated towards the destination at maximum velocity.

    As he made his way through the forest, he felt a gentle breeze brushing past his face, creating a refreshing sensation.

    Despite encountering various obstacles on the way, Rain was able to swiftly dodge and maneuver through them with ease as this was not his first experience of running through the forest. He had spent thest two months venturing through various terrains.

    Therefore, navigating through the forest was like a walk in the park for him.

    Excitement surged through his veins as he eximed, "This feels cool!".

    After a brief moment, City''s infrastructure came into his sight. With his Hawkeye skill, it was easy to locate it.

    He increased his speed more.

    As Rain approached the city, he noticed arge gate standing at the entrance. The gate was adorned with intricate designs and symbols, and guards stood on either side, inspecting those who wished to enter. As Rain drew closer, the guards noticed him and raised their weapons, ready to defend the city from any potential threats.

    Rain held up his hands in a gesture of peace, signaling to the guards that he meant no harm. He approached them slowly, his eyes fixed on their weapons. After a tense moment, one of the guards lowered his weapon and asked, "What''s your business in the city?"

    "I am an adventurer," replied Rain. "I seek to explore and learn about this great city."

    The guard eyed him skeptically for a moment before nodding and stepping aside, allowing Rain to enter.

    ''They were just NPC. If I had behaved rudely I would have been banned for 1 day from this virtual reality.'' Rain knew this beforehand as he read some guides and watched gamey before entering.

    As Rain walked further into the city, he couldn''t help but be amazed by what he saw. The city was a mixture of science fiction and magic, with towering skyscrapers that shimmered with advanced technology, and cobblestone streets lined with shops selling potions and enchanted trinkets. Everywhere he looked, there were incredible sights and sounds, from flying cars whizzing past to magical creatures weaving their way through the crowds.

    Rain''s senses were overwhelmed by the vibrant colors, the sparkling lights, and the constant hum of activity

    As he made his way deeper into the city, Rain noticed that the people around him were a mix of races and species. Some were human, while others had pointed ears, wings, or tails. They all seemed to coexist peacefully, interacting with each other in a friendly and weing manner.

    ''Although there are other races in this world, I wonder if they might be here. These people might the ones who like to cosy.'' Rain thought.

    While creating a character, it is not possible to change its gender. However, yers have the option to add additional features such as tails, wings, and other body modifications to their characters during the creation process.

    This allows yers to customize their characters to their liking and create unique avatars that reflect their personalities and preferences.

    Rain paid no attention to the people around him and headed straight towards the Municipal Corporation building. The building''s interior was majestic, but Rain paid it no heed as he made his way toward a beautifuldy standing nearby.

    "How can I help you sir?" That beautifuldy asked. However Rain walked past her and stood before one man, he wore the same colored uniform as that beautifuldy.

    "How can I help you sir?" The man asked with a smile.

    "I want to apply for residency in this city." Rain said in a deep voice.

    After entering the city, Rain changed his voice through the system interface. Now there was a very low chance that someone would recognize him.

    "From your appearance, I guess you are new to this city, right?" The man said politely.

    Rain just nodded.

    "Then let me exin the process to be a resident of the city. We offer two kinds of residency: First Temporary, and Second Permanent.

    In temporary residency, you won''t get any perks, you have to pay corresponding charges per day. It''s around 10-20 Gold I guess. It variates in different scenarios.

    While in permanent residency, you can get some perks like using the city''s facilities at only 10% of the cost. However, you have to buy a house in the city to be a permanent resident." After exining the man paused for a bit,

    "So which one will you choose?" He asked.

    "Permanent residency," Rain said without hesitation.

    He knew that in long term, being a permanent resident will be useful. The perks he wanted will onlye with permanent residency and temporary residency would be expensive in long term.

    "Thanks, sir. Your fee is 1 tinum coin." The man said with a smile like a tinum coin was just a meager amount of money.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The man might not know how much value tinum coin has, as he was just NPC. However, the onlookers who were there knew.

    Rain had already connected his bank ount long ago with the Mythosia world. In a few moments, he paid the payment.

    [Payment Sessful.]

    "Payment Sessful. Now you are a permanent resident of Twilight city. Your block number is S-10945. Here is your house''s key."

    The man handed Rain a card made of tinum. You just have to swipe this card to open the door.

    Just like that, Rain left the building.

    But onlookers felt that a new bigshot has entered the virtual world.

    Aftering out, Rain stared at the card for a few moments and stored it in the inventory given by the system.

    Soon he thought of essing the key and he disappeared into the air.

    The people who thought of the following Rain were left bewildered.

    "He disappeared?"

    "Did he just use the house key?"

    "He surely is a big shot. Even knows how to use house key."

    While these people were chatting, on the other hand, Rain appeared in his new house.

    "Being a permanent resident is sure handful. I didn''t have to walk till here." Rain murmured. He started scanning his virtual house. It was almost the same as his house on the ind.

    "Shall we start now?" Rain chuckled. He sat on the sofa and started fiddling with the system surface.

    There are many good things in the virtual world, Mythosia.

    In the virtual world, people have the opportunity to gather and socialize with others. As time moves at a 10 times faster pacepared to reality, visitors can rx and enjoy their time in this virtual reality.

    The one day in reality equals to 10 days of virtual world Mythosia.

    However, it is advisable not to spend extended periods in the virtual world, as it can have adverse effects on the brain. It is rmended to limit your stay to one week in real-time.

    Furthermore, the virtual world is equipped with advanced technology that can monitor visitors'' health and well-being.

    If the AI system detects that a visitor requires nutrition, it will automatically inject nutrients into the capsule to meet their needs.

    This ensures that visitors can enjoy their stay in the virtual world without any adverse effects on their physical health.

    "System. Enterbat space." Upon uttering those words, Rain''s surroundings underwent a sudden transformation and he found himself in an arena-like venue that resembled the Roman Colosseum. Despite the grandeur of the setting, the seats surrounding the arena were all empty, devoid of any spectators.

    [Do you want to PvP or PvE?]

    "PvP."

    [Do you like to fight real-time opponents or fight with opponents recorded in data?]

    "Recorded in data."

    [Please enter the data of your opponent.]

    When this tab appeared, Rain started filling details.

    Rank: Advanced C rank, on verge of bing B rank

    Weapon: longsword

    Skills: Swordsmanship (Advanced), Footwork (Advanced) *press for more details*

    [Do you want to create a character''s appearance?]

    "Sure."

    In a few moments, A dark blue-haired handsome boy with ck eyes but a tint of silver hue within them was standing before Rain.

    [Please name the character.]

    "Ken."

    Saying this, Rain smirked.

 Chapter 106 Rain Vs. Ken

    ?

    From the moment, Rain came into this world. He just trained hard.

    However, he never fought anyone.

    Although he fought with monsters and Bandits, they were easy for him.

    Every time he got away with his use of wits, future knowledge, or luck.

    That''s why his skills never developed much. He also trained by himself.

    As Rain felt this, he had a strong urge to fight with stronger people.

    Furthermore, he also knows a bunch of people like that. However, he couldn''t leave the ind for now. Not until he gets strong enough to protect himself.

    That''s why he thought of fighting people in virtual reality. Even though it can''t bepared to real life battle. It was at least better than nothing.

    As the developer of the game, Rain had every knowledge of every character. Their abilities, their thinking process, and their stats. Even their three sizes.

    Still, to expand his database he collected information regarding every main character.

    Although he couldn''t collect much information about strong individuals like Veronica. He thought he would just use in-game information he had about Veronica.

    After he got free from his daily activities, he logged into the virtual world Mythosia and came to the twilight city.

    There are a bunch of facilities in the city. Such as a library, entertainment zone,bat area, restaurant, auction house, and information guilds.

    It''s not like you have to be a resident of the city to use these facilities. However, you have to pay fees to use these facilities.

    It would take around 50 silver coins for an hour of use at any facility. If you stay in the city for more than 6 hours or anytime, you have to pay a charge between 10-20 Gold coins.

    That''s why Rain needed tons of money. Because he was going to grind.

    At the current moment, Rain had entered Ken''s data which he obtained through monitoring bots.

    Rain took out the sword which he bought while fiddling with System. It was just amon copper sword that costs around 5 silver coins.

    He stared at Ken.

    The Protagonist of the game.

    Rain didn''t hate him much.

    Still, he didn''t like him either.

    Rain really wanted to see how much he stands against Ken.

    ''Let''s start.''

    Rain unsheathed his sword and ran toward Ken with impressive proficiency. As Rain charged towards him, Ken also unsheathed his sword, prepared to counterattack.

    With a swift movement, Ken swung his sword, attempting to sh Rain.

    ''Shadow sword art'' ''Shadow walk''

    But Rain managed to dodge and retaliated with a horizontal sh, aiming for Ken''s waist.

    ''Flowing Water Sword Art''

    Ken parried the attack and responded with a thrust aimed at Rain''s chest. The two swords shed with a loud metallic sound, sending sparks flying in all directions.

    Rain was impressed by Ken''s skill. He had never faced an opponent so skilled in sword fighting before.

    He circled around Ken, trying to find an opening in his defenses. Suddenly, Ken struck with lightning speed, aiming for Rain''s head, his sword glowing.

    With his sharp eyes, Rain was able to see that faint light, he knew that Ken used Sword Aura.

    He managed to block the attack, but the force of the blow sent him stumbling backward. Even though it was virtual reality, it hurt.

    ''Looks like Advanced Swordsmanship is something else.''

    Rain regained his footing and charged towards Ken once again.

    ''Sword of Recognition''

    This time, he swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for Ken''s shoulder. Ken dodged the attack and responded with a quick thrust aimed at Rain''s neck.

    Rain managed to deflect the attack, but he felt the sharp edge of Ken''s sword graze his cheek.

    ''I really can''t find any openings.'' Rain clicked his tongue.

    ''Concentration''

    ''Parallel Thinking''

    He closed and opened his eyes. His eyes were clear.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Rain again ran towards Ken. Ken assumed a defensive stance, waiting for Rain''s attack. Rain feinted to the left then swung his sword in a wide arc towards Ken''s right side. Ken blocked the attack with ease and countered with a quick thrust aimed at Rain''s chest.

    Rain parried the attack and responded with a downward sh aimed at Ken''s left leg.

    Ken dodged the attack and delivered a powerful kick to Rain''s abdomen, sending him stumbling backward.

    ''Ouch..''

    Rain recovered quickly and charged towards Ken, sword raised high above his head.

    ''Serenity de Sword Art''

    Ken met Rain''s attack head-on, deflecting the blow with his sword and delivering a quick jab to Rain''s face with his free hand.

    Rain staggered backward, blood pouring from his nose. He wiped the blood away with his sleeve and lunged towards Ken once again.

    ''It really hurts.''

    Suddenly, Ken saw an opening and lunged towards Rain, aiming for his heart.

    Rain saw the attacking and sidestepped it, delivering a swift kick to Ken''s side.

    Ken stumbled backward, but quickly regained his bnce and swung his sword in a wide arc towards Rain''s head.

    Rain ducked under the attack and delivered a powerful punch to Ken''s face. Ken reeled backward, dazed and disoriented.

    Rain seized the opportunity and swung his sword towards Ken''s neck, intending to deliver the killing blow.

    However then mes starteding from Ken''s sword.

    ''Looks like the real fight has started now. I should be ready for the second round.'' Rain thought inwardly.

    ''zing me Sword Style- 5th move me Parry''

    With a quick flick of his wrist, Ken sent a st of mes towards Rain, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground.

    Ken stood over Rain, sword in hand, ready to deliver the final blow. Just when heunched an attack.

    Rain strengthened his body with mana and used ''Shadow walk''. He disappeared from there and appeared a few meters away.

    ''Phew... I barely made it.''

    Ken turned his face towards Rain and started running towards him ready to strike.

    ''Feather Steps''

    In a blink of an eye, he appeared before Rain.

    Rain blocked Ken''s attack, however after the wave of that attack made him stumble.

    As Rain stumbled backward, Ken took advantage of the opportunity andunched another attack. This time, he infused his sword with a burst of lightning, aiming to strike Rain with a powerful Thunder Strike.

    But Rain was quick to react. He leaped into the air and dodged the lightning-infused sword strike with a backflip, andnded gracefully on his feet. Ken turned around and charged again, determined to finish Rain off once and for all.

    Rain met Ken''s charge head-on, and their swords shed with a loud ng. As they continued to fight, Rain realized that Ken was getting stronger with every passing moment. He knew he couldn''t keep up this fight forever.

    He went and thrust his sword at Ken.

    ''Sword of Recognition''

    Because of the surprise attack, Ken was a littlete to block the attack.

    As Ken stumbled backward from the previous attack, Rain saw an opening and prepared to deliver the final blow. But as he charged forward, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest. Ken had managed tond a surprise strike, and Rain''s body was weakened from the blow.

    Rain stumbled back, clutching his chest as he struggled to stay upright. Ken saw his opportunity and charged forward, his sword at the ready. Despite Rain''s best efforts to block the attack, Ken''s sword struck true, delivering a fatal blow.

    As Rain fell to the ground, he knew that he had lost the fight.

    Ken shed his sword at Rain.

    zing me Sword Style- 9th move Firestorm Sweep.

    Ken''s attack unleashed a wave of mes in a wide arc and Rain died.

    After a brief moment, Rain appeared in his virtual world home.

    "Ouch. It was painful." Even though it was virtual reality, Rain''s body hurt.

    In his life this was the second time he experienced dying.

    "Looks like I lost." Rain shrugged his shoulders.

 Chapter 107 Trying To Climb Higher (1)

    ?

    At the current moment, Rain was sitting on the sofa. His mind was consumed by the recent duel with Ken, reying it over and over in his head.

    He reflected on his mistakes, pondering where he could improve his techniques and strategy. Despite Ken''s superior stats, proficiency in skills, and higher rank, Rain believed he should have approached the situation with moreposure.

    "I think I should start using more weapons."

    Although Rain wasn''t a fan of bing a jack of all trades, he thought at least it would be helpful if he had some more fighting skills.

    ''System Store''.

    As soon as Rain said this, two tabs appeared before him.

    [Valuables]

    [Skills]

    Rain chose ''skills'' as he thought of getting a new skill.

    ''System disy fighting and weapon mastery skills.''

    Rain said.

    Soon a bunch of skills appeared before him.

    Hand-to-handbat 500 pts

    Kickboxing 400 pts

    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 500 pts

    Krav Maga 400 pts

    Boxing 300 pts

    Taekwondo 350 pts

    Judo 400 pts

    Karate 350 pts

    Muay Thai 500 pts

    Bow Mastery 1000 pts

    Spear Mastery 1000 pts

    Bo staff techniques 1000 pts

    Axe throwing 1000 pts

    Whip mastery 1000 pts

    Nunchaku techniques 1000 pts

    Dagger Mastery 1000 pts

    Rain pondered to which one to use. After thinking for some time he bought two skills.

    -Hand to Handbat

    -Dagger Mastery

    [Thanks for the purchase host.]

    15000 Gold coins were burned like that...

    Rain smiled wryly. He thought that he was spending too much money these days, however, in a few moments, he dismissed that idea.

    ''Who cares. I will earn money soon again.''

    Rain was earning a ton of money these days, and Charles was also sending money every month.

    About the skills he bought, Rain ultimately decided to focus on improving his hand-to-handbat skills, as well as incorporating the use of daggers into his fighting style.

    After replying to the fight with Ken he noticed that he was sometimes vulnerable at close distances. While his sword attacks were also parried or deflected by Ken. That''s why he chose daggers, he can use them as a surprise attack.

    He knew that daggers were versatile weapons that could be used for both offense and defense, and he was excited to start training with them.

    Rain decided to head back to thebat area once again, but this time he chose to train against a dummy. After inputting the necessary data, he began his training by practicing basic strikes, blocks, footwork, and positioning. He then progressed to more advanced techniques such as disarming and incapacitating his opponent using daggers.

    Aside from his dagger training, Rain also devoted a significant amount of time to honing his hand-to-handbat skills. He worked on developing his strength, speed, and agility while learning various grappling and submission techniques.

    To further improve his skills, he downloaded guidance books from the e-library of Twilight City, which required him to obtain a library membership.

    With the help of the guidebooks, Rain''s skills began to improve rapidly. Days passed by as he immersed himself in the virtual world, practicing swordsmanship and marksmanship in the morning, dagger and hand-to-handbat in the afternoon, and battling against main characters whose data he possessed in the evening.

    Initially, he fought against freshman students at the academy but he defeated everyone except for Ken and Martha. Rain realized that it would take some time to defeat them, so he moved on to fighting second-year students to continue his training regimen.

    As the days passed, Rain persisted with his training, he was now adapted to fight with daggers and hand-to-handbat after three days. He was also able to defeat half of the second-year students.

    After seven days, Rain achieved an elementary level of mastery in daggers and hand-to-handbat, and he defeated almost every C ranker at the academy. So he began to challenge C+ rankers.

    Fifteen dayster, Rain was still at an elementary level of mastery, but he had finished reading every guidance book that he had downloaded from the e-library. He purchased new ones and also managed to defeat a few C+ rankers, though he also lost many times.

    Thirty days passed, and Rain continued his grueling training regimen in the virtual world, determined to improve hisbat skills. By this point, he had attained an intermediate level of mastery in both dagger and hand-to-handbat, and he was able to defeat most C+ rankers with ease.

    Sometimes, he also fought against high-level rankers like Charles and Veronica. However, he was crushed as soon as the fight started. In these 30 days, he died more than 500 times.

    That''s why he came out of the virtual world for half day and took a nap while practicing Mana Breathing Technique. With afy bed and Mana Breathing Technique, all umted mental fatigue vanished.

    He checked the academy forum and saw that the theory exam was held for two days and they werepleted now. Yesterday was thest test.

    While the practical exams will be held in 3 days after the theoretical test.

    ''There are still two days before the practical test.'' Rain mumbled.

    ''It''s enough for me.'' Thinking this, Rain again dived into the virtual world. He appeared in his home.

    Soon he went to thebat area and started practicing Swordsmanship.

    After some hours, a message rang.

    [Ding!]

    [Congrattions to Host for bing Advanced Swordsman. Swordsmanship mastery has reached Advanced proficiency.]

    "Finally, I''m an advanced swordsman." Rain sat on the ground.

    STATUS

    Name: Rain Holmes

    Age : 20 years old

    Title : Reincarnator

    Rank: C grade

    Strength: C

    Health : C+

    Stamina : C+

    Charm : A-

    Intelligence: B+

    Mana : C (-C -> C)

    Luck : C

    TRAITS:

    #Calm thinker

    #Hard worker

    #Extra-character

    #Loner (n)

    Personality: Introvert & Cold<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ''SKILLS''

    Active Skills :

    Swordsmanship- Advanced (^)

    Sword of Recognition (Holmes Family Swordsmanship)

    Grade: A

    Shadow Sword art

    Grade: A

    Marksmanship- Intermediate

    Mana Control- Intermediate

    Shadow walk- Advanced (^)

    Hawkeye - Intermediate

    Hand To Hand Combat- Intermediate (n)(^)

    Dagger Mastery - Intermediate (n)(^)

    Twilight Mist Sword Art

    Grade - A

    Pickpocketing- Beginner

    Lock picking - Beginner

    Climbing (Parkour)- Intermediate

    Alchemy - Intermediate

    Mining- Intermediate

    Passive Skills:

    Imprable Mind defense

    Concentration

    Underwater breathing

    Parallel thinking

    Life Skills:

    Cooking- Advanced

    Butcher- Intermediate

    Gathering - Intermediate

    Writing (L)- Intermediate

    Singing- Intermediate

    Calligraphy- Elementary

    Appraisal- Intermediate

    Fishing - Elementary

    Drawing- Intermediate

    Painting- Intermediate

    Programming- Advanced

    Language- Advanced

    [Press here to expand the list��]

    Rain was satisfied with his progress.

    His Swordsmanship Mastery became Advanced. Even his shadow walk became Advanced. Now he can learn Shadow Sword style.

    In his stats only mana rose as he practiced Mana Breathing Technique sometimes.

    Somehow, he even got a new trait.

    ''#Loner.''

    Rain didn''t know what to think about it. When he asked system. It exined that as he was living on the ind for more than two months alone and even 1 month in the virtual world. The criteria for the trait were met.

    However, when Rain asked benefits of that trait. He found out that there was no benefit to that trait.

    ''Such a useless trait.''

    He also got intermediate mastery in his both new skills. When he reached Intermediate proficiency in Dagger mastery he bought ''Twilight Mist Sword Art'' from the system. It cost 1500 Pts though.

    Still, it was useful.

    As this sword art contained stealth, faint, and surprise attacks, it was verypatible with Shadow Walk.

    Rain stood up and went to the specific area.

    ''Enter the Arena.''

    Arena.

    Till now Rain was fighting with bots after filling up the data.

    However, Arena was different. In the Arena, you can fight with opponents in real-time.

    [It''s detected that it''s your first time in the Arena. Do you want to start from the bottom or have a random match with the corresponding rank?]

    Rain wasn''t fond of beating a bunch of weaklings. He didn''t want to waste his time by starting from the bottom.

    ''Random match.''

    [Please Enter your rank.]

    As soon Rain entered his rank, his surroundings changed.

    Although it was still a Roman Colosseum. However, it looked more realistic and there was a viewer count too.

    ''Ah, people can watch my fighting. Maybe I should use a different fighting style.''

    [Appropriate Match Found.]

    Soon before Rain ady wearing priest''s clothes appeared.

    Rain didn''t even bother to read her name. He threw Dagger on her head and she died.

    [You won.]

    [''Pink princess'' wants to send you a message. Do you ept or decline?]

    "Decline." From reading the name, Rain guessed that it was the name of that priest he just defeated. However, Rain wasn''t interested to argue with her.

    "System. Find the next match." Rain wanted to increase his rank faster. As he defeated that girl just now he stole her rank.

    Still, his rank was in the millions. At least better than being at the bottom.

    [Pink princess'' wants to send you a message. Do you ept or decline?]

    "Decline." Rain said without hesitation. He clicked on her profile and blocked her.

    "Now she will get some peace." Rain thought.

    [Appropriate Match Found.]

    "Let me climb higher in ranks." Rain started fighting with the opponent that appeared.

    Just like that, he started increasing his ranks.

 Chapter 108 Trying To Climb Higher (2)

    ?

    After defeating the Pink Princess, Rain continued to fight.

    The second opponent he encountered was a delinquent guy with a bunch of tattoos. He wore leather armor with dragon art.

    Rain saw that guy''s name.

    "Dragon Warrior"

    Total Duels: 769 (507 wins, 255 lose, 7 draws)

    *Press here to see more details*

    ''Have encountered some old dude?'' Rain wondered. There are some people who keep fighting other people in virtual reality to hone their skills.

    Rain had two opinions for them. Either these guys were scared of the fighting or they liked fighting too much.

    That guy waved his hand at Rain. However, Rain wasn''t interested in greetings. He was tight on time.

    As Rain had made his details private. The other guy only saw Rain''s record. It was just 1 fight. He snickered.

    "Let me guide this newbie." He smirked.

    On the other hand, Rain used shadow walk and in the blink of an eye he was near the other guy. He shed the other guy''s throat in no time.

    [You won.]

    That Dragon Warrior kept watching Rain as his body was disappearing.

    After that, Rain found another match.

    While Rain was finding another match. That Dragon Warrior was gnashing his teeth.

    "This humiliation to me.

    I will never forget."

    He also started finding other matches.

    ''Just let me get a chance to fight you again. I will beat you to a pulp.'' he swore. Soon he saw a message.

    [Appropriate Match Found.]

    When he reappeared in the arena. He saw a man with Daggers in both hands, staring at him nkly.

    "FUCK!!" These were hisst words before he died again.

    ...

    While Dragon Warrior was shouting in rage at his home, Rain kept ying matches.

    Whoever his opponents were, swordsman, archer, mage, or martial artist, Rain defeated them easily in one move. He was now making his name as a Death God Thanatos.

    If you keep defeating opponents in the Arena consecutively, the streak will keep increasing and AI will deem that your level is higher so it will start matching up you with higher-ranking opponents.

    After all, peoplee to the arena to hone their skills and getbat experience, so AI tries to match opponents with the same power level.

    In less than half an hour, Rain had already defeated more than 25 opponents.

    ''It''s so boring. When will AI give me a proper opponent?'' Rain murmured as he started finding another match.

    He was going to enter the top 100 million soon.

    [Appropriate Match Found.]

    Soon, Rain''s opponent appeared.

    This time the opponent was a woman. She was wearing light blue leather armor and there was a beautiful staff in her hand.

    "Misty" (78 matches, 78 wins, 0 loses, 0 draws)

    As her ount was also private like Rain, anyone can''t see more details.

    The girl also viewed Rain''s name.

    "Thanatos?" The girl mumbled. As she was wearing a mask you couldn''t see her face. However, she looked good from the outline.

    "You are that Thanatos who beat my sister? Looks like luck isn''t on your side." Misty said.

    Rain just tilted his head. In those matches, he had defeated countless girls. He didn''t know which one this girl was talking about.

    Still, he didn''t care who was this Misty and who was her sister. He had met enough people now. He didn''t want to waste his time in arguing with some stupid woman.

    Still, he put Misty in high regard as she had already won 78 times consecutively. In the Arena, the dangerous ones aren''t that old dudes.

    The dangerous ones are this type of people who keep winning all the way. Making a streak is hard, after all.

    As a skilled sorceress, Misty knew that she had to act quickly if she wanted to defeat Rain. Without hesitation, she began casting spells,unching a barrage of ice arrows toward him.

    Rain quickly realized he was in danger. The sheer number of ice arrows made it seem as though he might not be able to win. In an effort to evade the attacks, he utilized a shadow walk.

    However, even with his evasive maneuvers, Rain''s health was slowly depleting from the onught of ice arrows.

    He knew that he needed toe up with a new strategy if he wanted to survive this fight. At that time, he threw both of his daggers.

    As Misty noticed the daggers approaching her, she conjured a wall of ice in front of her, hoping to block the iing attacks.

    One of the daggers struck the wall and was sessfully blocked, but the second one changed its trajectory and pierced through a gap in Misty''s armor.

    The dagger struck true, instantly defeating her and ending the battle.

    Meanwhile, Rain still had 33% of his health remaining

    [You won.]

    Seeing the message, Rain smirked.

    "Twilight Mist Sword Art really does wonders." Rain mused.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Apparently, while throwing daggers Rain used Twilight Mist Sword Art, the sword art specializes in misdirection, faint, and surprise attacks.

    Rain anticipated that Misty would try to block his daggers with an ice wall, so he came up with a n to outsmart her.

    As he hurled his first dagger towards Misty, he executed the Twilight Mist Sword Art, causing the dagger to veer off course and miss its intended target.

    This made Misty believe that Rain had made an error in his aim and that she had sessfully blocked his attack with her ice wall.

    However, Rain had already nned his next move.

    With the second dagger, he used the Twilight Mist Sword Art to create an illusion of the weapon''s trajectory.

    Misty believed that the second dagger was also being directed towards her, and she focused all her attention on trying to block it with an ice wall.

    Unbeknownst to Misty, the second dagger was nothing but a distraction.

    As she was busy defending herself from the phantom dagger, the real dagger was on the other way, it revealed its true route when the first one hit the ice wall.

    Because of that, it looked like it was changing its route.

    As Rain was reying to his match with Misty in his head, a message came.

    [It is detected that you have entered in the top 100 million for the first time. It is a huge achievement.]

    [You are rewarded with ''1 free pass for the e-library'' (Copper). Do you want to receive it or umte your reward?]

    Rain chose to umte the reward without any hesitation.

    The E-library has a massive collection of books. However, all books aren''t made public. Many books are private and most of them are skill manuals or a good amount of information.

    Rain wanted it. However, with a copper pass, he would only be able to choose trash skill. He can even take those skills by hacking the database.

    As he was just Advanced Programmer, he couldn''t hack anything with high security. So he was aiming for that part.

    Just when Rain was going to find another match, a friend request came.

    It was from Misty. As she was a talented mage, Rain thought of conversing with her.

    So he epted the friend request.

    However, Rain still clicked to find another match.

    Misty: "Hello."

    Rain: ...

    Misty: ?

    Rain: ??

    Misty: ???

    Rain was fighting his new opponent who was an archer while chatting with Misty.

    However, Misty wasn''t sending anything much.

    Soon Rain defeated his opponent in one shot.

    "Looks like she is making fun of me.

    Was it because I broke her streak or did I beat her sister in one move?" Rain wondered.

    He stopped chatting and started fighting another match.

    ***

    [Dawn City]

    In Dawn City, stood a magnificent mansion, exuding opulence and grandeur.

    Within the mansion, in avishly decorated room, a girl was perusing her list of friends.

    As she scrolled down, her gaze fixated on the status of her acquaintance - [''Thanatos''] - which disyed "fighting".

    However, he was chatting while fighting and only sending a string of question marks.

    With a cold and impassive expression, she continued to stare at the screen.

    "Sister Misty, what happened? Did you win?" Another girl asked. She looked youngerpared to Misty.

    "No, I lost, Erie. My winning streak also broke." Misty said as she shrugged her shoulders.

    Hearing this Erieughed.

    "Hahahahaha. I told you. He is more talented than you. However, you didn''t agree." Erie said whileughing.

    Apparently, Erie''s character name in virtual reality is [''pink princess'']. When she faced a lost against Rain, her intuition told her - Rain was a very talented and skilled fighter. So she told her big sister about Rain.

    However, Misty, being one of the most skilled people in the world, was confident in her abilities and did not believe that someone she did not know could surpass her skills.

    "Looks like he is really talented as you said," Misty remarked. After fighting with Rain, she noticed that Rain had good amount ofbat experience and sharp sense.

    "I told you," Erie made a smug look and asked, "Why don''t you talk with him?" asked.

    As Erie said this, Misty turned her face towards her chat with Rain. Both of them only sent question marks to each other.

    As Erie was curious, she came near Misty and saw the chat in hologram.

    Erie peered at the chat and broke out into raucousughter. "Oh my god, you two are clueless," she said through giggles. She couldn''t control herughter.

    Misty''s ears got red because ofembarrassment. She shot a warning look at Erie. "You better watch yourself, Erie. I won''t hold back in our next spar."

    Hearing this Erie sobered up, but a sly smile remained on her face.

    "Looks like my big sister has finally found someone who can give her a run for her money," she thought to herself. She chuckled inwardly at the prospect of Misty having a worthy rival as Rain.

 Chapter 109 Theoretical Exams

    ?

    As Rain was improving his abilities in the virtual world of Mythosia, the academy''s students were busy getting ready for their uing exams.

    The theoretical exams were approaching fast and were divided into two separate days.

    The first day was dedicated to mandatory subject exams, which meant that all students had to take them regardless of their focus or specialization.

    The were several subjects included as mandatory subjects. Such was Science and Technology, Biology of Monsters, Advanced Mathematics and Logic, Ethics and Morality, Languages.

    As it would be beneficial in some cases, learning biology of monsters was necessary. While power could be used for both good and evil purposes. Ethics and Morality subject would explore the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise when using power, and teach students how to make responsible decisions when using their power.

    Moreover, differentnguages were also being taught at basic level. After all, there were many races in the world now.

    These exams were crucial and had a significant impact on the students'' final grades, so everyone was doing their best to prepare thoroughly.

    The students were likely spending long hours studying, reviewing notes, and taking practice tests to ensure they were well-equipped for the exams.

    However, there were still some students who were sleeping soundly without any tension. The prime example of this was James. After studying with the group, he went to the cafeteria and ate special meal two times. After filling up his stomach, he made his way to his dormatory.

    Upon arriving at his room, he just slept soundly. He neither bother review the content of exam nor even change into other clothes.

    The following morning, students began making their way to the exam hall in the early hours. Some were seen offering prayers, while others appeared to be nervous and trembling.

    A few individuals even carried books in their hands as they made their way towards the hall. They were reading books while walking.

    As always Ken woke up early and now he was also seen walking leisurely towards the exam hall.

    On his right side, James was beside him. He was whistling while walking. There wasn''t any kind of tension on his face.

    "Are you not nervous about the exam?" Ken asked curiously.

    "Nah, I''m not worried at all. I''m confident I''ll pass with flying colors," replied James, exuding self-assurance. Ken couldn''t help but wonder where James'' confidence came from.

    As they walked, they spotted Noah and his group of friends in the distance.

    "Hey, Noah!" James called out and headed towards him.

    Noah turned around to see who was calling him and recognized James, waving back in acknowledgement.

    Ken followed James as they approached Noah and his friends.

    "Hey, what''s up guys?" James greeted Noah and his friends.

    Noah replied calmly, "Not much, just waiting for the exam."

    Ken chimed in with a friendly greeting, "Hello, guys."

    Daphne smiled and remarked, "It seems like James has studied well for the exam, huh?"

    James replied with a smug look on his face, "Nope. I slept like a baby all night. A good night''s sleep is essential, you know."

    Simon, adjusting his spectacles, responded, "Is that so?"

    Suddenly, James turned to Simon and eximed in shock, "What happened to you?" pointing at Simon''s deep, dark circles under his eyes.

    Noah stifled augh and said, "He pulled an all-nighter."

    Simon shrugged and sighed, "It was unavoidable. I had somest-minute revisions to do."

    "Preparing for whole sybus is yourst minute revisions?" Noah said proactively.

    Simon just red at him.

    James, curious about their preparation strategies, asked, "So, how did you guys prepare for the exam?"

    "I revised all the notes and solved previous year''s papers," replied Ken.

    "I did the same, but I also made shcards for important concepts," added Daphne.

    Noah nodded in agreement and said, "I did some group study and also watched some online videos to understand the topics better."

    Simon chimed in, "I tried to cover all the topics but had to pull an all-nighter for somest-minute revisions."

    "Last minute revisions..." Noah chuckled.

    Simon really want to beat him.

    ''Just you wait, this time I will rank higher than you.'' He thought.

    The group proceeded towards the main building, but as they entered the corridor, they split up.

    Ken and James made their way to their ssroom, where they noticed that the seats had been arranged based on their academic rankings.

    Upon entering the ssroom, they discovered that Eva and Amy were already seated inside.

    Meanwhile, Ben was engaged in conversation with his followers.

    Ken sat on the first seat as he was first rank.

    Behind him, three seats were empty as Emma, Martha and Kaya still hasn''te.

    Eva and Amy''s seats were bear. While Ben and James'' seat were near.

    Inst two seats it was Daisy and Arya. Both of them were talking with their friends about exam.

    "Yo," James went near and Ben and sat on his seat.

    "Hello. You arete." Ben said grumpy tone.

    "It''s okay. It''s okay. There is still time before exam starts." James said nonchntly.

    James started conversing with Ben''s followers, they started discussing their activities, and soon they were engrossed in deep conversation.

    Soon they started causing amotion at the back of the ssroom. They were loudly talking andughing, disrupting the ss.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Stop talking loudly, you dumb idiots." Amy outraged. She felt disturbed as she was talking with Eva about some doubts.

    Hearing this, they stopped talking. Ben felt wronged as he was also scolded by Amy even though he wasn''t talking loudly.

    Soon more students started entering the room. Emma and Kaya also entered the ssroom room. They sat on their seat.

    Martha camest. She entered the ssroom leisurely like she still had time.

    As Emma was sitting behind Ken. She was reviewing some content.

    "Still reading?" Ken asked.

    Emma just nodded. She didn''t talk further. Ken felt that there was an aura around her telling him to "don''t bother me."

    Ken wasn''t much interested in talking with her so he didn''t disturb her any further.

    As he looked around the room, he noticed that some students had brought along lucky charms or talismans, perhaps hoping that these items would bring them good fortune in the exam.

    Others appeared to be reciting prayers or mantras under their breath, seeking divine intervention in their efforts to do well.

    Despite the diversity of approaches and the varying levels of preparedness among the students, one thing was certain: the exam was about to begin, and everyone was determined to give it their best shot.

    Shortly after, Charlotte, the teacher of ss B, strode confidently into the room and approached the podium. She addressed the ss in a stern, yet cheerful tone.

    "Good morning, ss. Today, I will be supervising your exams."

    "Good morning, professor."

    All students also stood up and greeted Charlotte.

    "I want to remind you all to maintain academic integrity and avoid cheating. If anyone has any unauthorized materials, please turn them in to me now. This is yourst opportunity."

    Despite her warm smile, Charlotte''s fiery red hair gave her a somewhat intimidating presence.

    Several students from Ben''s group promptly rose from their seats and handed over their cheat sheets to Charlotte. She yfully twirled her finger and reduced the chits to ashes.

    "Is there anyone else?" Charlotte inquired, but no one else budged.

    Upon noticing theck of response, she quipped, "How about you, musclehead?" pointing at an oblivious student.

    "Amy she is telling you to stand up."

    James snickered and nudged Amy, who was quick to scold him. "Don''t be a fool. She''s talking to you!" she chided.

    Charlotte redirected her attention to James, "You there, with the orange hair. I''m addressing you."

    James stood up and nervously shuffled towards Charlotte, trying to hide something behind his back. He put that in his pockets. "Uh, Miss Charlotte, I don''t have any cheat sheets," he stammered, his face turning red.

    Charlotte raised an eyebrow, looking skeptical. "Are you sure about that, James?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

    James started to sweat, his eyes darting around the room. "Yes, I''m sure! Why would you even think that?" he protested, trying to sound innocent.

    Charlotte let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes. "Oh,e on, James. I can see the cheat sheets poking out from behind your back," she said, pointing at the stack of papers and sent small fireball towards James'' butt.

    ''''Ouch." James winced in pain. Unexpectedly, Charlotte''s mes only burned chits in James'' pocket.

    James looked down at the cheat sheets, realizing that he had been caught. "Okay, okay, you got me. I may have a few...or a lot of cheat sheets," he admitted, his face contorting into a guilty expression and taking out more chits from different part of his clothes.

    Charlotte chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, James, you can''t say I didn''t give you a chance toe clean," she said, plucking the cheat sheets out of his hands.

    The other students in the ss giggled at James''s failed attempt to deceive Charlotte. James himself chuckled sheepishly, realizing the humor in the situation.

    "Okay, okay, you win this time, Miss Charlotte," he said, grinning at her.

    Charlotte grinned back, happy to see that James had taken the situation in stride. "I''ll make a deal with you, James. You give me these cheat sheets, and I''ll give you a second chance to ace the exam on your own," she said, winking at him.

    James nodded eagerly, grateful for the opportunity. "Deal!" he said, passing over the cheat sheets to Charlotte.

    The ss erupted intoughter as Charlotte twirled her finger, turning the cheat sheets into confetti. "Let''s get started with the exam, shall we?" she said, still chuckling at James''s failed attempt to cheat.

    Just like that James returned to his seat and exam continued.

    As the exam began, Charlotte moved around the ssroom, keeping a close eye on the students to ensure that they were not cheating.

    She could see the tension in their faces as they worked to answer the questions to the best of their abilities.

    Noah and Daphne answered very quickly and left the ssroom. However the quickest one toplete the exam was Martha..

    While James just guessed whenever he didn''t know the answer. Amy and Evapleted in moderate time.

    Ken read every question carefully and wrote the answer.

    Emma and Kaya also left the ssroom afterpleting the exam.

    Soon, Ken left too.

    Time flew by quickly, and before they knew it, the bell rang, signaling the end of the exam. The students quickly gathered their things, turning in their papers to Charlotte as they left.

    However there was still one student in the ssroom.

    That person was Simon.

    He kept writing tillst moment.

    In the end, Kevin had to snatch exam paper from him.

    It''s because in A ss Kevin was the supervisor.

    Like that first day of theoretical Exams ended.

 Chapter 110 Practical Exams

    ?

    After taking the theoretical exam for mandatory subjects, all students left the main building.

    As the students stepped out of the main building, some were jubnt, while others had expressions of concern on their faces. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and tension, with students discussing how they fared in the exams.

    Some students were over the moon, feeling confident that they had done well, and were eagerly anticipating the results. Others were worried, wondering whether they had prepared enough or made mistakes in the exam.

    Afterpleting the mandatory subjects exam, the students gathered in small groups to discuss their answers and reflect on their performance.

    Simon was one of them. He kept asking for answers to every question. While Noah and Daphne were rxed. They didn''t care much.

    Some felt confident in their answers, while others regretted not studying more or missing key concepts.

    Ken''s group gathered in the cafeteria and chatted while eating.

    They talked about the difficulty of the exam, which questions they found challenging, and which ones they felt confident in. Eva even tried to predict what the grade cutoffs would be based on their own performance and that of their peers.

    For those who struggled with the exam, there was a sense of regret and frustration at not studying harder or understanding the material better. But James was eating nonchntly. There wasn''t even a speck of regret on his face.

    Ben was shocked to see it. He reprimanded his followers for bringing chits. He also scolded James but there wasn''t any effect on James.

    However, everyone knew that this wasn''t the end. There was also a theoretical exam tomorrow.

    As exam for mandatory subjects was already taken, tomorrow students would have to give exams for their correspondingbat ss and profession ss.

    For example, if some students chose Mage ss and Alchemist ss.

    They will have to give exams for Mage-rted subjects and Alchemy-rted subjects.

    Kevin chose swordsman ss and magic engineering ss. As taking one ss in the first year waspulsory he had to choose magic engineering. James and Ben were also had the same ss as Ken.

    Kaya was in Swordsman (saber) ss and diplomacy ss.

    Emma and Martha were in mage ss and herbology ss.

    Amy was in Swordsman ss and Forgery ss.

    Eva and Simon were in Mage ss and Alchemy ss.

    Arya was in Swordsman ss and Tailoring ss.

    Noah and Daphne were in Marksmanship ss and Magic Engineering ss.

    After eating, they left the cafeteria. They didn''t hold a group study session today as everyone had different exams.

    The next day, as you can expect exams were held in different sses. Everyone wished good luck to each other.

    Just likest time, everyone finished their exam papers and left the ssrooms.

    After the theoretical exams had ended, the atmosphere among the students was one of relief and excitement. They were all exhausted from the long and difficult exams but also thrilled that they had managed toplete the test.

    Soon, in the evening of that day. Results of Theoretical Exams were dered in the academy forum.

    1. Ken

    2. Ben

    3. Eva

    4. Emma

    5. Kaya

    6. Daisy

    7. Martha

    8. Amy

    9. Arya

    10. James

    There were some changes in the ranks, like how Ben climbed up the ranks. However, it was just ranking from Theoretical Exams.

    So students weren''t that much surprised.

    Still, the most surprising thing was James came in the top 10.

    Many students filed aint that there would be surely a mistake in checking James'' exam paper.

    However, Kevin came and calmed down them by showing answer sheet of James.

    "It was hard to even read letters. We had to hire a professional decoder to read this." Kevinmented.

    With the result of the theoretical exams, the announcement was also made in the academy forum.

    __________________________________________

    Attention all students,

    Please be informed that the practical exams for the Top 100 students of freshman year will be held at Roaring Cave three days from now.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The practical exam for other students will be taken as it''s held every year from tomorrow.

    The exams will be challenging and require all students to use their magical abilities to ovee various obstacles and creatures.

    All students must arrive at the exam venue fully prepared and with all necessary equipment. Please review your spells and practice your skills before the exams to ensure that you are at your best.

    You can also go there with your ss professor. They will be departing on the day after tomorrow around midnight.

    The practical exams are an important milestone in your magical education, and we wish you all the best of luck. We hope that you will perform to the best of your abilities and showcase the skills and knowledge you have acquired.

    Please do not hesitate to approach your professors if you have any questions or concerns regarding the exams. We are here to support you and guide you through this important phase of your education.

    Thank you, and good luck.

    Sincerely,

    [The Awakening Academy ]

    __________________________________________

    After the announcement that the practical exams for the top 100 students would be held at Roaring Cave, there was a mix of reactions among the students. While some were thrilled at the prospect of taking their exams at one of the most challenging venues in the magic world, others were scared and apprehensive.

    Roaring Cave was known to be a dangerous ce, with treacherous terrain and formidable creatures that could easily take down even the most skilled wizards and witches. Some students were worried that they would not be able to handle the challenges and feared for their safety.

    On the other hand, some students breathed a sigh of relief that they did not have to take their exams at Roaring Cave. They knew that the venue would be incredibly challenging and were d to have been spared the stress and danger of the location.

    Today, Ken''s group gathered in the training area to practice. As the practical exam wasing they were practicing their skills.

    As all of them were in the top 100, they gathered here.

    They started with some warm-up exercises, stretching their muscles and focusing their minds. Then, they began to practice their spells and techniques, each student working on their individual strengths and weaknesses.

    Ken, who had always been particrly skilled at Swordsmanship, was practicing sword arts. Ben was working on his dueling skills, facing off against James in a friendly match.

    Both of them were on par. Having an interesting duel.

    Eva was practicing her spells and working on her potion-making, carefully measuring out ingredients and stirring her cauldron with a practiced hand.

    Amy was doing maintenance for everyone''s equipment.

    Noah set up a series of targets on the far side of the training area, each one representing a different challenge. He carefully aimed his bow, pulling back the string with practiced ease. With a steady hand, he let the arrow fly, hitting the first target dead center. He repeated this process with each target, hitting each one with unerring uracy.

    Meanwhile, Daphne was practicing her defensive archery skills, using her bow to create a shield around herself that could deflect spells and attacks. She moved quickly and gracefully around the training area, taking cover behind obstacles and firing off arrows with incredible speed and precision. She even managed to shoot down a flying broomstick, showing off her impressive skills.

    Simon, meanwhile, was practicing his wandless magic, using only his hands and his concentration to create stunning disys of magic.

    After a long and exhausting training session at the magical training area, Ken''s group sat together to discuss their ns for the uing practical exam at the Roaring Cave.

    "Phew, that was tough," said James, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "It was a good match." He told to Ben.

    "Yeah. It was a good match." Ben nodded. After the duel with Ken two months ago, Ben trained harder and harder. He felt getting stronger, he was now -C rank.

    "I don''t know how we''re going to survive in that cave," Daphnemented.

    "We''ll be fine," said Noah, trying to reassure his friend. "We''ve trained hard, and we have each other''s backs."

    "You are saying this because you have Ken in your group. Ken is the strongest among us." Daphne rebuked.

    "Don''t you have me in your group?" Amy asked.

    Daphne only nodded.

    "So, what do we know about the cave?" asked Eva, flipping through a book on magical caves and caverns in the smartwatch.

    "I have already researched about it and made a pdf of it. Let me send you, guys." Saying this Simon sent a pdf file to everyone in the group.

    "It''s supposed to be incredibly dangerous," said Simon, frowning. "Full of traps and monsters and other nasty things.

    There are many kinds of rumors about it and it''s also said that the cave isn''t fully explored."

    "We should definitely be prepared for anything," said James, nodding in agreement. "We can''t let our guard down for even a second."

    James and Simon were in the same group.

    Noah, who had always been more adventurous, grinned. "I say we go in arrows zing," he said. "Take on whateveres at us head-on."

    "Or... we could try to be strategic about it," suggested Eva, who was known for her cleverness and quick thinking. "Maybe we can use our skills to create distractions or avoid danger altogether."

    Ben, who was silent, spoke up next. "I think we should make sure we have plenty of options and defensive spells ready," she said. "We don''t want to be caught off guard by anything."

    Hearing this Eva took out a bunch of potions from her space ring and gave it to everyone. Amy also returned everyone''s equipment after doing maintenance work.

    All of them thanked both girls sincerely.

    "Don''t worry, we wille out safely from there and nothing dangerous will happen."

    Ken reassured everyone with a smile on his face.

 Chapter 111 Meeting The Group

    ?

    [Virtual World, Mythosia]

    78,097,420.

    This number is Rain''s current rank in the arena among C rankers.

    "It''s still low." Rain muttered.

    After emerging victorious against Misty, Rain remained dedicated to improving his skills. He relentlessly defeated opponent after opponent, gradually crossing 80 million in ranks.

    Rain wanted to reach at least the top 50 million before the practical exam for freshmen.

    "I think it must be nighttime in the real world," Rain mused aloud.

    "System, log out," hemanded.

    With those words, Rain disconnected from the virtual world of Mythosia.

    ***

    [Rain''s bedroom]

    After a brief moment, Rain emerged from the VR simtion capsule, returning to the physical world once again.

    Stretching his arms and legs, Rain took a deep breath and looked around his room. The dim light of the nightmp illuminated his surroundings, casting a warm and cozy glow.

    As he stood up from the simtion capsule, Rain felt a wave of dizziness wash over him for half a second. He took a moment to steady himself, his mind still adjusting to the transition from the virtual world.

    He came out of the capsule and sat on his bed.

    "What time is it now?" He mumbled, as he gazed at the clock hanging on the wall, it was 8:23 PM.

    ''I gotta eat my dinner. I barely had anything to eat these days.'' Rain walked into his kitchen and started making dinner.

    You can also say he didn''t make anything today, He ced the food in the oven and set the timer, then leaned against the counter and sighed.

    "I really need to raise my ranking soon," he thought to himself.

    As he waited for his food to heat up, Rain checked his phone and caught up on sometest information about the academy.

    ***

    [News of the day- Academy edition]

    "Results of Theoretical Exams were dered today"

    "Few students failed in the exams. What can they do? Will they be expelled?"

    "A student who tried to cheat in exams was caught red-handed. He Ranked 10th among freshmen. Know more about him."

    "The enemy of Rain''s Fan Club strikes again. What are his goals?"

    ***

    As Rain scrolled down, he didn''t find anything. Most of the news was already known to him.

    Finally, the timer beeped, signaling that his food was ready. Rain took the container out of the oven and sat down at his kitchen table to eat. Though it wasn''t the most satisfying meal, it was enough to fill his stomach and give him some energy.

    After finishing his meal, Rain cleaned up his kitchen and washed the dishes. It is important to properly wash dishes after a meal to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

    After cleaning up the kitchen, Rain headed to his private training room to continue his physical training. He knew that he had been neglecting this aspect of his lifetely, and wanted to make up for the lost time.

    Once inside the training room, Rain took a few deep breaths and centered himself. He then began practicing the Mana Breathing Technique, a technique that allowed him to increase his mana capacity and control.

    As he practiced Elemental Transmutation Breathing Technique. He visualized mana particles around him, this time he show wind attributes mana particles.

    He continued practicing for several hours until he felt satisfied with his progress.

    Although he wasn''t able to store that energy smoothly inside him. He was still improving gradually.

    He took out ''Shadow sword style'' from his space ring.

    "It was stored for so many days." Rain murmured as he stroked the manual. As this was his first sword style he anticipated great things.

    As he studied the techniques and forms in the manual, Rain felt a surge of anticipation and excitement. He knew that mastering this sword style would take time and effort, but he was ready for the challenge.

    As Rain was deeply engrossed in studying the ''Shadow Sword Style'' manual, an rm suddenly rang, jolting him out of his concentration.

    "Huh? Is it already midnight?" he muttered to himself, realizing that he had been studying for several hours.

    He checked his schedule and remembered that he had set an rm for midnight. He had been eager to get back to the virtual world of Mythosia and continue grinding his ranking there.

    Quickly putting the ''Shadow Sword Style'' manual in his space ring, Rain made his way to his VR simtion capsule. He couldn''t wait to log back into Mythosia.

    Time was essential.

    As Rain made his way to the VR simtion capsule after checking his schedule, he felt a sense of determination wash over him.

    After settling into the capsule and putting on the VR headset, Rain closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. He focused his mind on the task at hand and cleared his thoughts of any distractions.

    With a calm and steady demeanor, Rain logged back into Mythosia, as usual, he appeared in his home.

    "System, Enter the Arena." Rain didn''t waste a moment and directly entered the Arena.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    After entering the Arena, he started finding for the opponent. He also set up his user settings to start finding matches whenever the match ends.

    Soon, an opponent appeared before Rain.

    "Shall we say hello to our opponent?" Rain smirked and started fighting with his opponent.

    ***

    [Next morning, ording to Real time]

    Rain wandered through the bustling streets of Mythosia. He neither felt amazed by anything as he pretty much knew about this beforehand.

    He saw many things, from towering buildings and busy marketces to sprawling parks and peaceful gardens, the virtual world was a cornucopia of sensory delights.

    As he strolled through the crowded streets, Rain noticed a building that caught his attention. It was arge, ornate structure with a sign that read "Auction House" in bold letters.

    He entered that building leisurely like it was his second home. As he stepped through the doors, he was greeted by the sight of a massive hall filled with people from all walks of life.

    Rain walked over to the counter where the auction staff was, and approached a young woman with a friendly smile.

    Surprisingly, as the staff, there were only women in the auction house.

    "Excuse me," he said, "I was wondering if you could tell me a bit more about some of the items that were up for auction tonight."

    The woman nodded and arge hologram appeared before Rain. It looked like a catalog of items. "Of course, Which item are you interested in?" She asked.

    "Items that will be listed for [Premium Auction] today." Rain replied nonchntly.

    When the woman from the staff heard this, she was surprised.

    "Premium Auction? That''s quite a bold move," she said with a raised eyebrow. "The items listed here are incredibly rare and valuable. Are you sure you''re prepared to bid on them?"

    "I can even bid on your body," Rain said provokingly, "Just tell me about it."

    "Sure." Surprisingly, the staff woman wasn''t offended. "[Premium] Auction is going to be held today. However, you need to meet the criteria to participate in the auction."

    As she said this, a hologram appeared before Rain again. It was filled with conditions to attend the auction.

    - You need to be a permanent resident of Twilight City.

    - You need to be ranked among the top 10,000 of your corresponding rank. While your rank shouldn''t be lower than a C grade.

    - Your coin bnce should be more than 500."

    Rain didn''t even read it and dismissed the hologram as soon as it appeared.

    "Just this?" Rain mumbled.

    "Check your system, I already meet the conditions." Rain said with a confident smile.

    The staff woman was puzzled. She could see that Rain made his ID a couple of days ago. He didn''t wear any expensive clothes or essories either. Still, as it was her job. She checked to see if the person before her met the conditions or not.

    Soon, she widened her eyes.

    "Looking at your reaction, I guess I am eligible." Saying this, Rain went upstairs to where the [Premium] auction was going to be held.

    ***

    After logging in yesterday, Rain kept fighting all night.

    He didn''t stop, didn''t rest kept fighting. It was like he had entered some sort of enlightenment.

    That night, he made many achievements.

    He won 100 consecutive fights, making him one of the few people to achieve such a feat.

    He also got an iron pass for the library. However, like the previous time he chose to keep storing his rewards.

    The more he won, the stronger opponents he faced, however, he kept winning.

    While fighting he never used his sword or gun.

    After defeating those opponents he reced their ranking.

    The people who slept during the night were surprised in the morning, as a new name had made it to the top 10000 ranking of C rank.

    ''Thanatos''

    [589 matches, 589 won, 0 loses, 0 draws]

    ***

    As Rain entered the venue for the [tinum] auction, he nced in the hall.

    Even though many people changed their appearance,Rain was quickly able to identify them.

    "Looks like many main characters are here, huh." Rain raised his eyebrows. He didn''t expect there would be this many characters here.

    "I guess It would be fun to watch the auction." Rain smiled mischievously.

 Chapter 112 Arent Auctions For Fun?

    ?

    The venue for the [tinum] auction was an immersive digital space that seemed almost lifelike.

    It was designed to replicate a grand ballroom,plete with glittering chandeliers and polished marble floors.

    As Rain walked on the marble floor leisurely. Some people tried to observe him. It''s because you can say his current appearance was [Too edgy.]

    The walls were adorned with intricate "gold leaf patterns" and "expensive artwork" that seemed to glow under the virtual lighting.

    ''So much showoff.'' Rain was not fond of public events that attracted people like this.

    It reminded him of his birthday parties and those office meetings of his previous life. People talked with each other enthusiastically. But most of that was back bitching.

    "Pretentious people," Rain thought to himself, as he surveyed the crowd with a hint of disdain. He didn''t want to engage with them, instead, he looked for a ce to sit.

    He had seen enough routines where the main character gets into trouble with someone in these kinds of auctions. So, he wanted to avoid any unnecessary interactions and just enjoy the event from a safe distance.

    Soon as you would have expected, Rain got into a private room to sit. That''s what would have happened if he was the main character. However, he is just an extra character (former viin), so he had to sit on the main floor.

    He walked skillfully while dodging everyone that came into his way. Rain didn''t like to touch people.

    In a few moments, he found an empty seat from where he could get a clear view of the auctioneer and the items being sold.

    However, the auctioneer was still absent as there was still some time before the auction started.

    In the center of the hall, there was a raised tform- [Auction Block]. It was decorated grandly.

    Rain''s seat was quite far from the auction block. After all, he was just a C ranker. Still, even if he was A ranker he could only sit on the front row.

    Higher rankers like S rankers and SS rankers were sitting on the mezzanine level floor. That area was located above the main floor of the auction hall, offering an elevated view of the proceedings below.

    Rain knew most of the VIP guests were sitting there. They might have many perks and facilities there.

    As he sat in his seat, he found himself bing increasingly bored with the auction. He couldn''t help but think, "It would be so nice if someone would just blow up this auction house. Then I wouldn''t have to endure this boredom."

    Even though it was impossible, just thought was enough to decrease Rain''s boredom to some extent.

    Suddenly, Rain heard a voice, filled with enthusiasm. "Hey, Ken! Over here! There are some empty seats!" As he turned to face the direction of the voice, he saw a man with bulging muscles waving at him.

    "James?" Rain recognized the man immediately. He knew that if James was there, then it was highly likely that Ken and his group of friends would be present as well.

    Rain moved his face slightly to get a better view of the surrounding people and saw a group of men and women standing next to James. He couldn''t help but facepalm himself, thinking, "As expected, Ken''s group is here." He had anticipated that Ken and his friends would show up at the auction.

    However, Rain was slightly surprised when he saw that they were making their way towards him.

    There were numerous empty seats surrounding Rain, which was unusual for such a high-profile event. However, the reason for this was because of his appearance. Many C rankers recognized him from their encounters in the arena. He was known as "Thanatos" - the God of Death who greeted his opponents with deathly daggers. If his opponents were even slightlyte to the fight, their heads would be rolling on the ground in no time.

    He was an abnormal individual who had risen up the ranks in just a single day. He had be an undisputed God of Death in the eyes of others due to his impressive skills and abilities in the arena. His reputation preceded him, and it was no wonder that many people were hesitant to sit next to him, fearing his deadly skills.

    In a few moments, Ken and his group made their way towards Rain and sat on the empty seats.

    "Why are we sitting here, when we can get into the mezzanine floor area?" Daphne asked curiously. Her appearance was the same as reality. "Fierce cat" name was blinking on her head. From that, you can think that it would be her username.

    Ben strongly expressed his concern, "It would be too high profile. If we were to attend, we could potentially find ourselves in trouble." His physical appearance reflected the seriousness of his words.

    As it turns out, Ken and his group had received an invitation from Eva and Amy to attend the auction. Eva and Amy had acquired passes through their families and, being among the top 100, Ken and his group were also granted invitations despite not being permanent residents.

    However, it was important to note that without the necessary funds, they would be unable to ce bids. Attempting to bid falsely would only result in the wrath of the auction house''s owner.

    ''Looks like things have changed because of Ben.'' Rain assumed.

    "Yeah. We shouldn''t be too high profile. As Sister Zoa also warned us about it.  There is a chance that members of the [Blood Supremacy Club] will be here." Eva chimed in.

    Ken also nodded.

    Even though Rain wasn''t turning his face towards the group, he was hearing their conversation intently.

    ''Looks like I won''t be able to see a fight between this group and [Blood Supremacy club].'' Rain felt slightly bad as he might not be able to see a good show.

    As Ken and his group were talking, lights illuminated the auction block.

    Everyone expected that a beautiful and sexydy would appear, but to their surprise, an old man with a potbelly appeared there.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Hello. I''m your host. Everyone might know me as "Ricky Rich." Because I am too rich. Hahahahaha." Heughed at his own joke.

    The people who didn''t know him gave him puzzled looks.

    "Did he get dumb because of old age?"

    James asked everyone in a low voice, with a puzzled look.

    Daphne and Noah giggled at James'' question.

    "Shhh... Idiot." Amy rebuked him quickly and exined, "Don''t say rude things. He is the owner of this auction house."

    ''The owner of this auction house is him?'' James was having doubts about his life.

    "Sorry for theteness. I was busy - in eating." Ricky said nonchntly as he stroked his round belly.

    ''This guy really has balls of steel.'' Rainmented. Ricky had the guts to make people wait and even give this worthless excuse.

    "Good morning, everyone! Wee to the auction house. I am very thrilled to have - all of you here today for this highly anticipated event- [tinum Auction].

    We have a fantastic collection of items up for auction. Whether you''re a closet pervert or a man of culture. A BL lover or a fan of GL fantasies. We''ve got something for everyone.

    I was working tirelessly to bring you the very best selection of unique and high-quality items. I had to bring this belly everywhere and collect good times by myself." Ricky said as he tapped his belly.

    ''That belly is so round, I wish I could make a hole there.'' Daphne and Noah stared at that belly intensely.

    Unaware of his belly being targeted by the future legendary phantom archer couple, Ricky continued his speech.

    "From rare antiques to contemporary pieces, we''ve scoured the globe to bring you the best of the best. So, without further ado, let''s get this auction started and see what amazing finds we can discover today!" Ricky said enthusiastically.

    ''So boring.'' Rain felt like yawning. However, he controlled himself.

    But James didn''t control himself, he yawned and opened his mouth widely.

    Surrounding people gave him weird stares.

    Ken''s group was having secondhand embarrassment because of it.

    To their hope, Ricky''s voice came at that time and onlookers turned their faces towards Ricky.

    Amy gave a hard smack on the back of James'' head.

    "Now you won''t say anything. Otherwise, consequences won''t be good." She warned, with a cold voice.

    "First up, we have a set of cursed dolls. These dolls have a reputation for bringing misfortune to their owners, and it''s said that theye to life when nobody is watching. Are you brave enough to take them home?"

    As Ricky said this, a hologram appeared behind him. It contained photos of cute dolls.

    Looking at them many girls had stars in their eyes.

    "These dolls are so cute."

    ''Nasty things'' Rain grumbled inwardly.

    Soon, people started bidding on them. James was surprised to see this. He wanted to stand up and ask the bidders,

    "What the Hell is good with those nasty dolls?" However, Amy restrained him.

    In the end, a creepy guy with curly hair bought them with 500 gold coins.

    "Thank you for the purchase. The item will be delivered to you soon via express delivery." Ricky said.

    After that, things starteding up for the auction. A pair of levitating shoes, a singing nt, and a jar of glowing slime which could be helpful at night. Those items were truly one-of-a-kind and sure to spark your imagination.

    However, Rain wasn''t interested in any of them.

    After half an hour, more than 10 items were auctioned.

    "Now, we will start round 2 of the auction. Let''s have fun. After all, aren''t Auctions for fun?" Ricky said enthusiastically.

 Chapter 113 Troubling The Protagonist

    ?

    Ricky announced, "We will nowmence the second round of the auction. Let''s enjoy ourselves. Isn''t that what auctions are all about?"

    Rain had been feeling extremely bored during the auction. So far, all he had witnessed were a collection of unpleasant items being auctioned off, with people buying them as if they were rare treasures.

    There were cursed wands with glowing crystals embedded in their handles, enchanted gadgets that levitated and emitted strange noises like

    [Ah... Ah... Ohhhh... ]

    and mysterious vials of liquid that promised to grant the user incredible powers beyond their imagination, but there were side effects that can danger a person''s gender.

    "Okay," He paused for a moment to let the excitement in the room build, then continued, "Our first item is a rare and highly sought-after skill manual for the art of telekinesis. This is a technique that only the most skilled and powerful mages can master, and this manual could be your key to unlocking its secrets. Bidding will start at 500 gold coins. Who will make the first bid?"

    Hands shot up all around the room, and the bidding began in earnest. The price quickly rose to 1,000 coins, then 2,000, then 5,000, with each bidder determined toe out on top.

    ''Too expensive, I can buy this kind of skill easily with the system." Rain sneered.

    ''Moreover, these people don''t know how much practice and talent you need to master this skill.'' After getting the system store Rain browsed most of the famous skills at that time. Although every skill was at the Beginner level. They were still too OP.

    However, neither Rain had time to practice them nor he had money to buy them.

    But now things were different. As he had some money, he was going to buy some skills soon.

    While Rain was thinking, the manual was finally sold to a lucky bidder - who bid 10,000 Gold coins.

    Rain didn''t know what to say. He felt he was being stingy till now. ''Nah, you don''t know when you would need money. Overspending isn''t a good thing. Still, I will try to utilize money more.''

    Ricky continued, "Our next item is a powerful and ancient wand, imbued with magical energies that have not been seen in centuries. This wand has the power to unleash devastating spells and enchantments that will leave your enemies trembling in fear. Bidding will start at 1,000 gold coins. Who will make the first bid?"

    The bidding for the wand was even more intense than the first item, with bidders frantically waving their hands and shouting out their offers.

    "Hey, Simon. Don''t you want to buy that wand?" Noah asked, with a smirk.

    "You still have the gal to ask me that question? Even though my family owns an A-rank guild. They won''t allow me to spend drift like this." Simon grumbled as he clenched his fist.

    "Don''t worry, Simon this wand isn''t that much good. Even my wand is better than it." Evamented.

    Hearing this, the group turned their face toward Eva.

    ''You rich people don''t know the suffering of poor people.'' Except for Amy, everyone thought this.

    Eva was dumbfounded.

    As the group was talking, the price climbed higher and higher, and the tension in the hall became almost palpable. In the end, someone from the VIP area bought it with 20,000 Gold coins.

    Rain stared at Eva for a brief moment.

    ''She is a descendant of the mermaids, huh. I''m more curious about her past story. Does she know about that though? Let''s add this to the to-do list. I will try to find it aftering out of the ind.''

    Again, Ricky''s voice came.

    "Our next item is a set of enchanted gauntlets that grant the wearer incredible strength and durability. These gauntlets are said to have been worn by a legendary warrior who single-handedly defeated an army of demons. Bidding will start at 2,000 gold coins. Who will make the first bid?"

    The bidding for the gauntlets was intense, with several bidders determined to add them to their collection of enchanted items.

    Even Amy participated in the bid. However as the price quickly climbed higher and higher, she couldn''t participate in bidding. In the end, they were sold to a mysterious figure in a hooded cloak.

    ''That guy is suspicious.'' Rain thought. If someone would hear Rain thinking this they might beat him to death. Rain was looking like the most suspicious guy in the hall.

    "Hehe. You are so poor. Couldn''t even buy a single item." James snickered.

    "Says the one - who doesn''t even have the right to bid at even the cheapest item." Amy rebuked. For the first time, she felt that she won the verbal fight with James.

    "But why would I bid on the cheapest item? I don''t need it." James asked innocently as he tilted his head.

    Amy felt, she again lost.

    Noah and Daphne were controlling themselves to notugh. While even Ben smiled slightly. He felt that this group was amusing.

    ***

    [In One of the rooms of the VIP area]

    "Young Master, as you have said. We checked the ground floor and found - Ken and his group. Even Ben is with them. What should we do?" A figure with a hooded cloak asked.

    Hearing this, the blond-haired youth started pondering over this.

    "Anything else?" He asked in an emotionless tone.

    "I saw a suspicious figure sitting with their group. ording to rumors, his username is ''Thanatos''. He just rose in ranks in few days." The mysterious figure was further reported.

    "Looks like they have a new stronger figure. Who could that be?" Blonde-haired youth kept thinking.

    ***

    [Rain''s POV]

    This auction is so boring nothing useful to buy. When will a good thinge?<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    As Rain was thinking this, Ricky''s voice came.

    "Moving on, we have a set of rare and ancient scrolls that contain the secrets of an eldritch ritual that can summon forth beings from other nes of existence. This ritual is not for the faint of heart, but for those brave enough to attempt it, the rewards can be great indeed. Bidding will start at 3,000 gold coins. Who will make the first bid?"

    ''Finally.'' As soon as Rain heard this, there was a spark in his eyes. He knew about these scrolls, it was one of the reasons he hade to this auction.

    As Ricky waited for the first bid, he scanned the room, looking for any signs of interest or excitement. He noticed a few individuals whispering to each other, their eyes locked on the scrolls.

    "Come on now, don''t be shy. These scrolls have been carefully guarded for centuries, and their power is unmatched. Imagine what you could do with such knowledge at your fingertips," Ricky continued, trying to drum up more interest.

    Suddenly, a hand shot up from the back of the room. It belonged to a tall, imposing figure dressed in a hooded robe. "5,000 gold coins," the figure said in a deep, ominous voice.

    Ricky''s eyes widened in surprise. He had expected the bidding to start lower, but it seemed this mysterious figure was willing to pay top dor for the scrolls.

    "5,000 gold coins! We have a bid for 5,000 gold coins! Do I hear 6,000? Anyone willing to go higher?" Ricky called out to the room.

    There was a moment of hesitation before another bidder spoke up. "6,000 gold coins," a voice called out from the front row.

    The tall figure in the back didn''t flinch. "7,000 gold coins," he said coolly.

    Ricky could feel the tension in the room mounting as the bidding continued. He knew that whoever won these scrolls would have a great responsibility to use their power wisely.

    "7,000 gold coins! Do I hear 8,000? Come on, folks, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Ricky eximed.

    Suddenly, that blonde-haired youth''s voice came from the VIP area.

    "20,000 Gold coins." Hearing this, the whole hall became silent. They didn''t expect that some VIPs would be interested in scrolls.

    Ricky stood at the front of the room, his gavel in hand and his eyes fixed on the item up for bid. He cleared his throat and began the bidding process.

    "Alrightdies and gentlemen, the current bidding for this scroll is 20,000 gold coins. Do I hear 21,000?"

    The room was silent for a moment, as everyone contemted whether they wanted to start the bidding at this price.

    Ricky looked around the room, his gaze lingering on the VIP area where some of the wealthiest bidders were seated. He knew that there were likely several people in that section who could afford to bid much higher than 21,000.

    But there was no response from the VIP area, so Ricky continued with his countdown.

    "20,000 going once...

    20,000 going twice..." As Ricky was doing the countdown.

    A hand went up from the back of the room.

    "25,000." Rain bid.

    Everyone in the hall was surprised. They didn''t expect that someone from the main floor would bid for the item.

    Ken and his group felt dumbstruck as they didn''t expect some bigshot sitting among them.

    ''Oh, there is someone who wants to fight with me.'' Blonde-haired youth smirked.

    "Excellent, we have a bid for 25,000. Do I hear 30,000?" Ricky said enthusiastically.

    "50,000." Blonde-haired youth said nonchntly. He wasn''t much bothered by this.

    "50,001." Rain said.

    Most of the people in the hall thought Rain was being stingy, however, every penny was important to him.

    There wasn''t any rule about you can''t increase bid by 1 gold coin either.

    ording to the plot, the guy from the VIP area only has 50,000. Although some people might think he can borrow from someone, however, actually he can''t.

    Transferring money to an in-game ount takes time. As a security measure, there are too many processes.

    "50,001 going once," Ricky called out.

    "50,001 going twice... sold to the gentleman at the back of the room for 50,001 gold coins!" he announced.

    The blonde-haired youth didn''t have much money to bid for the scrolls, so Rain ended up winning the bid. A prompt soon appeared on his social, asking him to enter his address so that the auction house could send the scrolls to him.

    Rain quickly began typing his address, "Dawn City, Evernight Mansion..." As he was adding the address, he also wrote a special note to include a message.

    ''Those guys really did it. However, they wouldn''t even know how to use those scrolls,'' the blonde-haired youth scoffed.

    As the auction continued, people kept bidding and buying items. However, something interesting happened. Rain walked towards Ken and stretched out his hand.

    Ken was left bbergasted by this sudden turn of events, but as amon courtesy, he shook hands with the mysterious bigshot standing before him.

    "We will soon meet," Rain said before disappearing as he logged out of the virtual reality.

    "So that guy is Ken''s friend," everyone in the hall noted. Most of them issued amand to investigate Ken thoroughly.

    "What was that?" Ken was still lost in thought.

 Chapter 114 Eldritch Ritual

    ?

    [Top floor, Auction House, Virtual World, Mythosia]

    Following Rain''s departure, chaos ensued in the auction hall for a short period.

    "Who was that?" Eva asked Ken, curious about the stranger she had just witnessed.

    "No idea," Ken shrugged in response, unsure of the man''s identity or why he had greeted him.

    "He must have recognised from you somewhere," Noah said.

    "Maybe he is fan of yours?" Daphne added.

    "Or maybe he just wanted to be friends?" Amy chimed in.

    "One thing''s for sure, though," James interjected, "that guy is he loaded. Did you see how much he spent on those scrolls?" He waved his hands in air enthusiastically.

    Ken agreed, still processing the unexpected encounter. He couldn''t shake the feeling that he had met someone important, someone who could change his life. "He said we''d meet again. Does that mean he knows who I am?" Ken wondered aloud.

    Despite the brief interruption, the auction hall quickly resumed its lively atmosphere. Excited bidders vied for rare and valuable items, with Ricky''s voice filling the room and the asional outburst from enthusiastic participants.

    Meanwhile, behind the scenes, influential figures in the hall began to investigate Ken and the mysterious bigshot, generating unwanted attention for Ken. If Ken knew Rain set this much aggro on him, even gentle and kind Ken would be pissed off.

    It''s because Ken''s intention was to demonstrate some of his strength while concealing his trump cards. However, Rain''s actions had caused a significant amount of trouble for him.

    As the auction progressed, the excitement grew more intense, with even observers getting caught up in the frenzy.

    However, from Ken''s group only Amy bought some rare ores, as the rest of them couldn''t afford anything, as the prices were too steep for their limited budgets.

    Some of people from Ken''s group couldn''t help but feel a bit disappointed at not being able to secure anything for themselves, but Ken reminded them that they had other priorities.

    "I guess it''s time to focus on training and building up our strength," Ken said to his friends, trying to shake off their disappointment. "We''ll have plenty of opportunities to acquire rare items in the future. We also have to depart with professor tomorrow for [Roaring cave]>"

    His friends nodded in agreement, and they made their way out of the auction hall, eager to get back to their training and continue their journey. As they walked out into the bustling streets, Ken couldn''t help but feel a sense of anticipation for what the future held.

    Just like that, they logged out.

    As the auction came to a close, people started to leave the hall, chatting and discussing the events of the day. Many of them couldn''t help but wonder who the mysterious bigshot was and what kind of person he really was.

    ***

    [VIP Area of Auction Hall]

    A charming couple was sitting there in private room. They were also discussing about today''s events.

    "Hey, Charles. Why didn''t you buy that ancient scroll? It looked mysterious." Ca asked curiously.

    "Ca. That thing is trouble. God knows what kind of people are trying to get it. Our family''s inner condition is already not good." Charles said in grim voice and added, "If we had bought that scroll I am sure many bad forces wille behind us and I don''t even know how to use that scroll."

    Hearing this, Ca nodded.

    "However, don''t you find that mysterious guy familiar? I felt that I have seen him somewhere. Just can''t remember." Ca shrugged her shoulders.

    Charles patted her shoulders and said whileforting her, "By the way, should we start cleaning up our family from next month? I have caught the tail of the traitor." He smirked.

    "Yeah." Ca agreed.

    ***

    [Rain''s POV]

    ''System. Log out.''

    As soon as Rain murmured this words, the bright lights of the auction hall slowly faded away, reced by dim lighting inside of the capsule.

    Soon, Rain came out of the capsule and shook his head, trying shake of the transition effects. As he stood up on the floor, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

    Winning the bid for the scrolls was a small thing for Rain. He didn''t even want that scrolls.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He walked towards his desk and sat on the chair. As his back sank into the cusion- which was on the chair he felt rxed.

    He started remembering about the scrolls and The Eldritch ritual.

    Even though summoning beings from the other dimension wasn''t an easy feat. You have to control the process of summoning.

    Some people might say that as Elves, Dwarfs and those other races came from other dimensions. However, they don''t have evidence.

    But Rain knew - this theory was true. Those races really came from other dimensions. Still, he didn''t know process behind that as author of the novel never described it in detail.

    In the novel, author just mentioned some of the dimensions. So Rain knew what kind of dengers that scrolls can bring.

    In one of the scenarios, Blood Supremacy club got those scrolls. As they had ties with the evil organization, ''Covenant of Chaos'' they also knew method of using those scrolls.

    With the help of those scrolls, Elder Burion summoned a giant beholder.

    Beholders arerge dangerous creatures form the other dimension. They have massive body and multiple tentacles. They are known for their distinctive appearance, which includesrge central eye and several smaller eyes on stalks that can shoot deadly rays of energy.

    Not only that, they are very intelligent and possess powerful magic. However, they are in the monster.

    Even though, Eldritch ritual wasplex and required great deal of preparation, Covenant of Chaos had already made all preparations. Elder Burion had information regarding this from demons so he summoned the beholder after great deal of hard work.

    However, the scrolls were cursed. Because of that, Elder Burion was vunrable at that time and became easy prey for the neer in this dimension.

    If it weren''t for that hidden piece in the Roaring Cave, Ken surely would have died.

    But now everything was different.

    Blood Supremacy club doesn''t have the scrolls to perform Eldritch ritual.

    Elder Burion is also dead.

    So Ken doesn''t need hidden piece, right?

    As a gentleman Rain decided to take it.

    ***

    [In Dark Room]

    "I can''t believe you lost in bid to those children." A guy with muscles angrily shouted at blonde haired youth.

    "You know how important those scrolls are for our goal. Still you lost them." That guy further rambled. However, blonde haired youth was listening him without any expression.

    "You even lost the bid for 1 Gold coins, fucking 1 Gold coin. You should have just sold yourself and got that one gold coin. You peice of shit." Muscle head guy was getting angry because of blonde haired youth''sck of response.

    "A naphew like his uncle. Both returns with failure of mission." That guy mumbled.

    As soon as those words came out, murderous aura spread from blonde haired youth.

    "What did you say?" He asked.

    "I said like how Elder Burion went and died. He didn''t evenplete the mission like you. Both of you are failures. You should also die like him, Nick Burion." Muscle head guy snickered. There was a mocking expression on his face.

    However, soon his world turned upside down and his sight view turned red.

    ''What happened?'' This was hisst thought.

    "Never mock my uncle." He said while holding muscle head guy''s severed head.

    Soon he threw that head in corner of the room and wiped his hands elegantly.

    "I will surely bring hell to those guys. Especially that Ken." There was evil smirk on his face.

 Chapter 115 Roaring Cave (1)

    ?

    After the theoretical exams werepleted, the practical exams began for all the students in the academy, except for the top 100 students who were scheduled to take their practical examster.

    The exams were conducted for all the years in the academy.

    The news of only the practical exams for the top 100 students at the academy at dawn City made people feel suspicious, although they couldn''t quite figure out what was unusual about it.

    On the third day, after the theoretical exams had ended, as per the announcement professors departed from to academy to go to ''Roaring Cave''.

    many students chose to leave with the professors as they could save on travel and amodation expenses and feel secure in thepany of the professors.

    Ken and his group also decided to go with the professors as they felt it was better than going by themselves.

    So the students and professors left the academy in Neuron Cruiser (Airship).

    The Neuron Cruiser was a massive airship that floated through the sky with graceful ease. Its outer hull was made of a lightweight, yet incredibly strong material that allowed it to withstand the rigors of flying through all kinds of weather conditions.

    The ship was powered by aplex system of magical crystals and advanced technology that allowed it to stay aloft for long periods.

    Inside the Neuron Cruiser, there were many amodation services avable to passengers. The ship was essentially a floating hotel, with luxurious rooms and suites that offer all theforts of home. Each room was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing passengers to stay connected to the outside world even when they are high up in the clouds.

    There are also many recreational facilities onboard the Neuron Cruiser.

    Despite its impressive size and advanced technology, the Neuron Cruiser was also environmentally friendly. It ran on clean energy, and its waste management systems were state-of-the-art, ensuring that it left no trace behind as it floated through the sky.

    Even if it was past midnight, most of the students were awake.

    In one of the rooms, Ken and his group were chatting together.

    As they chatted excitedly in their room, the Neuron Cruiser continued to glide smoothly through the sky. The ship''s advanced navigation system ensured that it stayed on course, even as it encountered turbulent winds and unexpected weather patterns.

    As Ken looked out of the window, the students could see the vast expanse of the starry sky stretching out before him. The clouds rolled by in fluffy waves.

    "Looks beautiful, right?" Eva said in a charming voice. She was also watching the night scenery.

    Hearing this Ken came out of his thoughts and nodded his head.

    "Hey, you two. We are going for the practical exam, not for a pic. Soe here." Simon sternly said.

    Hearing this, Eva chuckled while Ken shrugged his shoulders and came near the group.

    All of them sat beside the round table.

    "So let me start the meeting..." Just when Simon was going to start the meeting, Noah interrupted him.

    "Wait! Who died and made you the leader?" He asked and said with a smug look, "Neither you are the strongest nor the smartest."

    Apparently, in the theoretical exams at this time. Simon came on 50th rank. It was a good process. However, Daphne came in the 48th rank and Noah came in the 45th rank.

    Simon was fuming with anger that day. All of his happiness for being in the top 50 turned into Ash by the fire of his anger.

    After hearing Noah''s words, Simon couldn''t refute him. So he just sat on the chair.

    As soon as he sat, everyone stared at Ken with expectations. Looking at that stare, Ken just tilted his head. Soon he guessed that they asking him to be the leader of the meeting.

    Then Ken stood up.

    "Ahem... So we are going to the ''Roaring Cave''. Let''s revise the details we have for the ''Roaring Cave'' again." He said politely.

    Upon hearing this, everyone started operating their smartwatch and opened the information they had about ''Roaring Cave''.

    It was written there,

    "[Roaring Cave] is a High D grade dungeon.

    It''s quite far from Dawn City. The nearest city to this dungeon is Karoon City.

    This dungeon is located inside a cave with a lot of echoing and reverberating sounds, possibly due to underground streams or waterfalls.

    However, it isn''tpletely explored so there might be a possibility that the rank given in this dungeon might be wrong. Still, there is a very low possibility of that.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The dungeon has a lot of narrow passageways and rocky terrain, with various levels of difficulty and challenges for adventurers. As many times sounds like someone''s roar came inside the dungeon it''s called ''Roaring Cave''.

    [Turn the page for more details.]

    In a few moments, everyone read all details about the dungeon. Like what kind of atmosphere there is, what kind of monster habitat there is,how long that dungeon is, how much it''s exploring, and many more.

    "Everyone done?" Ken asked everyone.

    In response, everyone in the room nodded their head.

    "But what about that roaring sound? We don''t anything about that." Jamesmented. He was curious about that.

    "It''s mentioned in the report there is a waterfall near the cave. So of course, that sound wille from there." Amy said with a smug look.

    "There is also a chance there it''s because of

    the movement of air within the cave. Caves often have openings or "chimneys" that allow air to circte, and changes in temperature or atmospheric pressure can cause air to flow in and out of the cave, producing a roaring or whistling sound." Simon exined.

    "What if it''s the sound of some huge monster?" Daphne said in low voice.

    Hearing this, everyone stared at her andughed.

    "There is no way, something like that happens. Otherwise, the academy won''t take us there." Noah reasoned whileughing.

    "Still we should be cautious. There may be some danger in the cave." Ben warned in a serious tone.

    "Yeah." Ken also agreed.

    "By the way, Ken. Did you get any information about that mysterious bigshot?" James asked while whispering to Ken.

    "No, however many people came to ask me this," Ken said with a troubled look. After that auction, many people came to ask him about that mysterious bigshot.

    Somehow even photos of when Ken and that mysterious bigshot shook hands got posted in the academy forum.

    Ken was truly troubled by this.

    However, he didn''t know that trouble was still finding his way.

    After that, they started discussing different strategies, team formation, and survival information.

    As they talked, sun rays starteding from the window. So everyone returned to their team to prepare for the practical exam.

    As the ship approached the dungeon where their practical exam would be held, the students gathered their gear and prepared for their descent. They knew that the dungeon was notorious for being treacherous and filled with all manner of magical creatures and traps, but they were determined to pass their exam with flying colors.

    Soon their practical exam was going to start.

    ***

    [On the unknown Ind]

    "Hey, system. Suppose someone important in the plot died unexpectedly. What would happen?" Rain asked.

    [Nothing would happen to you.]

    "Is that so?" Rain tilted his head.

    He started thinking about something else then.

    "What if I save them indirectly?" Rain again asked.

    [Still, nothing would happen to you.]

    "Hmm. What if I steal the chance of the protagonist?" This time, Rain asked with a mischievous smile.

    [Host. As I said, nothing would happen to you.]

    Hearing this, Rain smirked.

 Chapter 116 Roaring Cave (2)

    ?

    The students, dressed in their uniforms and carrying their equipment, gathered on the deck of the airship as it approached the dungeon where their practical exam would be held.

    The uniform was topped off with a ck and blue jacket, which was mandatory for all students to wear. The jacket had a high cor and was made of high-tech material, providing both warmth and protection against the elements. The jacket was designed with unique features such as adjustable temperature control and built-inmunication devices, allowing the students to stay connected and informed in a range of 1000 km.

    They could feel the excitement and nervousness building inside them as they prepared to descend into the treacherous dungeon.

    Ken and his friends also gathered on the deck of the airship.

    However this time, they were with their teams.

    James and Simon were in one team. They were standing together with their other team members which were three burly men.

    As Simon stood among them, he couldn''t help but feel out of ce and thought to himself, "Why am I the only one here without bulging muscles? How did I end up in this oddball team?"

    He remembered what happened when dungeon activities were held in the training area.

    ***

    During the Dungeon activities, team selection was underway and everyone was choosing their members. In one corner, Noah and Simon were engrossed in a conversation.

    "Hey Simon, which team are you nning to join?" Noah inquired.

    "Well, I am definitely joining Ken''s team. He''s been named chief of the year and I believe I can earn a lot of points and make progress smoothly if I''m on his team," Simon replied confidently.

    Apparently, points were the currency of the academy. You can buy a lot of things with points. As you rank higher and perform better you get more points.

    "Really? But why would Ken choose you over everyone else, considering you''re ranked 60, thest in the group (41-60)," Noah smirked.

    Upon hearing this, Simon was confronted with a harsh reality and his expression became downcast.

    "Hey there, my friend. Don''t be sad," Noahforted Simon, trying to cheer him up. "I have an idea. If you can beat me in rock paper scissors, I promise to persuade him to include you in his team," Noah offered, sounding like a supportive friend.

    However, Simon was not easily swayed by Noah''s smooth talk. He sensed that there might be some ulterior motive behind this proposal. "What happens if I lose?" he asked cautiously.

    Noah stroked his chin, pretending to ponder for a moment. "Well," he said, "then you''ll have to join [James Andre''s] team." He tried to make it sound like a fair deal.

    After considering the offer, Simon finally agreed. "Okay, it''s a deal," he said, not suspecting anything suspicious.

    But just as Simon was about to shake hands with Noah, he noticed a sly grin sh across Noah''s face for a split second, making him wonder if he had made the right decision.

    Afterward, as per the deal they yed rock-paper-scissors, and Simon ended up losing. "You cheated," Simon grumbled, he was unaware that Noah had been training his body and strengthening it with mana due to his wind attribute. This made him significantly faster than before.

    Eventually, Simon was forced to join James'' team, which didn''t seem too bad at the time. However, during group activities, he found himself struggling to keep up with the rest of the physical freaks in the group, especially James.

    Simon, being a mage, was not ustomed to such rigorous physical training.

    It was then that he recalled the smug smile on Noah''s face from their previous encounter. "That devil pushed me here," Simon thought to himself. He was determined to beat Noah and wipe that smug grin off his face.

    ***

    Simon was feeling a little frustrated as he reflected on how he had ended up in this group. He turned his head towards Noah and noticed him flirting with three beautiful women while standing next to Ken.

    "This bastard," Simon muttered under his breath, clenching his fist.

    Just then, James spoke up, interrupting Simon''s thoughts. "Hey, Simon."

    Simon turned his head towards James, feeling a little puzzled. "Yes?"

    "We''re nning to jump off the deck andnd down below," James announced casually as if it were no big deal.

    "Jump? From up here?" Simon asked, seeking confirmation.

    The other members of the group nodded in agreement, confirming James'' n.

    "Are you all out of your minds? That''s a 30-foot drop!" Simon eximed in disbelief.

    Thomas, one of the team members, reassured Simon, "Don''t worry, nothing will happen. We''re all D rankers and have great bodies." He even posed like a bodybuilder to show off his muscles, while James and the others in the group nodded in agreement.

    "This is crazy," Simon thought, contemting how he could escape the situation. However, before he could make a move, James grabbed him by the cor and jumped off the deck, with the other three members following suit.

    As they fell through the air, all three of them shouted, "Free fall!! X 3."

    Simon was terrified as he fell through the air, plummeting toward the ground at an rming speed. He couldn''t believe what was happening, and he was sure that he was going to die.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    But as they got closer to the ground, Simon started chanting a spell.

    [Air Cushion, Magic creation]

    Mana shot out from Simon''s hand and made a cushion shape on thend.

    ''Please work, Please work.'' Simon kept chanting.

    ''I am going to die as a virgin,

    I am going to die as a virgin...''

    As the ground wasing closer, he believed he was surely going to die.

    But just as he was about to hit the ground, there was a loud "Bam!" noise, and hended safely on the ground.

    "I am alive!" Simon eximed in joy.

    "That was awesome, wasn''t it?" James shouted over the sound of the wind.

    Simon was still a little shaken up, he couldn''t help but doubt his worldview as he saw four burly men grinning wildly at him.

    ''How the hell they are not injured?'' Simon was in doubt.

    "That was insane," he said, shaking his head in disbelief.

    ***

    Meanwhile, on the deck, all the students were getting ready to descend to the ground. Charlotte cast a levitation spell on everyone''s boots to make the descent effortless.

    As Charlotte''s levitation spell took effect, the students felt their feet rise slowly from the deck. They gazed down in amazement as they floated gently toward the ground, buoyed by the magic that surrounded them.

    As they approached the earth, they could see that thending zone was a small clearing nestled in the heart of the forest. The ground was covered with a soft bed of grass.

    After a brief moment, the group assembled on the ground and began to survey the area. They found themselves in a dense forest, encircled by towering trees and thick underbrush that made it challenging to maneuver.

    The air was cool and humid and carried a distinct earthy aroma throughout the region. The ground was covered with a lush green carpet of grass.

    As they scanned the area, they noticed some of their fellow students had already arrived and were waiting for them. These students were those who came here by themselves.

    Noah shot a smile towards Simon. In response, Simon could only re.

    Kevin, Sir Killington, and Charlotte descended leisurely from the airship.

    After a brief moment, Kevin appeared before the students to address them.

    "Hello everyone, as every one of you, knows, we have gathered here for your practical exams. As this dungeon is a high D rank dungeon, it is rtively unexplored, so we have called upon some second and third-year students to be present in case of any unforeseen circumstances."

    Suddenly, out of nowhere, twenty students appeared from the nearby bushes.

    While their arrival might have seemed grand, James was more curious about their peculiar hiding spot.

    Among the senior students, a red-haired girl with a short stature could be heard grumbling to herself.

    "I have so much work to do, yet they called me here on such short notice," Lily muttered, clicking her tongue in annoyance.

    Meanwhile, a blonde-haired man fixed a smirk on his face as he gazed at Ken. While the sight of a man leering at another might seem unsettling sight, no one else seemed to notice. Ken, on the other hand, seemed to be oblivious to Nick''s presence and was more focused on the practical exam ahead.

    "Ken, you''re going to pay for everything now," Nick thought to himself, recalling the sinister ns he had devised for Ken.

    Soon everyone started entering the dungeon in batches. Each team had one senior student as a guardian.

    Kevin, Sir Killington, and Charlotte stayed at the entrance of the dungeon.

    They hadmunication devices same as installed in the uniform of every student. If something bad happens they can respond quickly.

    Coincidentally, Nick was the guardian of Ken''s group. Nick couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction as he recalled the various ns he had devised to take down Ken. He had spent countless hours strategizing and preparing for this moment, and he was determined to see it through.

    In the darkness of the cave, he was staring at Ken like a prey.

    However, as a mantis was stalking a cicada, it didn''t know there was an oriole behind him.

 Chapter 117 Roaring Cave (3)

    ?

    Practical exam.

    Although it sounds the same as the practical exam of the entrance exam, it''s totally different.

    While in the entrance exam, you have to show your skill against the mana puppet - which is programmed with stats.

    After you fight against that mana puppet with your full power, AI will make a detailed report from the data it collected during the fight.

    On the other hand, in the practical exam of the mid-terms, you will be given a mission.

    That mission is very simple.

    The academy will provide you with a target monster. You have to kill it ande back safely.

    You would be ranked on how quickly and safely youpleted the mission.

    Isn''t it easy?

    It would have been quite easy if the dungeon regarding the exam was explored.

    However, Roaring Cave was only partially explored. Many of the passageways of that cave were unknown. No one knew what kind of monsters were waiting for them.

    Currently, all of the students were well-equipped and prepared.

    As they entered the cave, the team leader''s smartwatch rang.

    [Ding!]

    All of them checked their smartwatches.

    Amy projected a hologram from her smartwatch into the air as soon as the notification came.

    [Kobold King - D rank]

    The monster''s name was disyed. Amy spoke briefly.

    "Let''s go. We can talk while we''re moving."

    ***

    The Roaring Cave was an expansive dungeon,rge enough to amodate up to twenty groups of students, with each group consisting of up to five people.

    As the students approached the entrance of the cave, they could see that it was wide enough to allow several groups to enter at once.

    All of them wished good luck to each other and entered the dungeon.

    Once inside, they could see that the cave''s chambers and passageways were spacious enough to allow multiple groups to explore the dungeon without getting in each other''s way.

    In fact, the caverns and tunnels were so vast that it was easy for groups to lose track of each other, even while exploring the same general area.

    Currently, in one of those passageways, a group of five students was fighting dozens of kobolds.

    It was Amy''s group.

    "Why do these stupid monsters don''t stoping?" Amy said in an annoyed tone as she shed at a nearby kobold.

    The kobold''s scaly hide proved easy to prate with her de, and Amy had to strike it a few times before it finally fell to the ground.

    It was expected as Amy was a low C Ranked individual while these kobolds were only E rank. It''s just there were too many of them.

    As she scanned the area for more enemies, she noticed that her group was starting to overwhelm the kobolds. One of her ssmates started firing spells consecutively and made Kobolds experience hell.

    While beside her, a man with a robust body was protecting her from sneak attacks from the kobolds.

    On the other hand, Daphne was sniping kobolds from the blind spot.

    Amy knew that they had to act fast if they want to rank higher. She quickly assessed the situation and formted a n. "Everyone, attack faster!" she shouted. "We need to start attacking and keep the formation."

    Her ssmates nodded in agreement and began to attack kobolds, keeping their weapons at the ready to fend off any iing attacks.

    Amy took up the vanguard and destroyed everything in her way. She was swinging her heavy longsword easily, sweeping kobolds.

    Still, kobolds didn''t seem to end.

    As they reached a safer distance, Amy signaled for her group to stop. "Alright, we need to think this through," she said. "These kobolds seem to being from somewhere. We need to find their nest and take them out at the source."

    Her ssmates nodded, impressed with Amy''s quick thinking. They set off in search of the kobold nest, determined to put an end to the relentless attacks once and for all.

    As they moved through the rugged terrain, Amy led the group with a steady hand, constantly scanning the area for any signs of danger.

    "Sis Amy, I detected the kobold nest." Daphne returned. As she was archer, she was able to detect the area easily.

    Amy turned to Daphne, who had been scouting ahead of the group. "You did?" she asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

    Daphne nodded eagerly, her bow and quiver of arrows at the ready. "Yes, I did. I noticed a group of kobolds moving in that direction, and I followed them to their nest. It''s hidden in a cave not too far from here."

    "I thought you wouldn''t able to do anything because of Noah''s absence," Amymented.

    "Eh? Why do you think so?" Daphne asked with a puzzled look.

    "You were staring at him while he was flirting with other girls. Even while scouting you looked absent-minded sometimes." Amy said with a smirk.

    "This isn''t right. Hey, you three! Say something." Saying this, Daphne turned her face toward the other three members.

    The mage and Swordsman were conversing with each other. They looked like a couple. While another sharpshooter who was handling the rearguard didn''t notice anything. He just silently kept monitoring for potential danger.

    "Amelia! Robert! Stop being lovey-dovey, we are in the dungeon." Amy sternly warned the new couple. A few months ago Robert proposed to Amelia near the main building and now they were a couple.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Hearing the warning, both of the blushed like some newlyweds.

    ''That''s why these couples are annoying.'' Amy clicked her tongue.

    "Grey, how is the rear?" Amy felt wasting any time on warning this stupid couple was waste of time.

    "Clear," Grey said in low voice. He had a long crossbow in his hand. His lean build suited his sharpshooter ss.

    "Great let''s go," Amymanded.

    The group quickly made their way to the cave, with Daphne leading the way. As they approached, she pointed out the entrance, hidden behind arge boulder.

    "Alright, let''s be careful," Amy warned, as they approached the entrance. "We don''t know what kind of traps or defenses they have set up."

    With Daphne in the lead, the group cautiously entered the cave, weapons at the ready. As they moved deeper into the darkness, the sound of skittering ws and hissing grew louder and louder.

    But thanks to Daphne''s keen senses, they were able to avoid any traps or ambushes set by the kobolds. And soon, they found themselves face to face with the heart of the kobold nest, ready to put an end to the threat once and for all.

    "Great job, Daphne!" Grey said, giving her a thumbs up. He was always quiet, but his actions spoke louder than words.

    "Let''s go take them out," Amelia said, a determined look on her face. "I''ll use my magic to weaken them, and Robert can finish them off with his sword."

    Robert smiled at Amelia. "You got it, my love," he said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

    Amy nodded in agreement. "Alright, let''s move out. Stay alert and stay in formation."

    As they approached the cave, they could hear the sounds of the kobolds chattering and snarling. Amy signaled for the group to stop, and they quietly formed a n.

    "Amelia, you weaken them with your magic," Amy said, pointing to the cave entrance. "Then, Robert and I will charge in and take them out. Daphne and Grey, provide cover fire from outside."

    Everyone nodded, and Amelia began to chant her spell. As the kobolds began to stumble out of the cave, Robert and Amy charged in, their weapons shing in the dim light. Daphne and Grey peppered the kobolds with arrows, taking out the stragglers.

    As the group made their way deeper into the kobold nest, they stumbled upon a massive chamber where the kobold king sat atop a pile of bones, surrounded by his loyal subjects. It looked quite scary in the darkness.

    Amy and her group stood at the entrance, eyeing the kobold king warily.

    "We have to take out the kobold king if we want to end their attacks for good," Amy said, gripping her heavy longsword tightly.

    She stepped forward, cracking her knuckles. "Leave it to me. I''ll take him down with my sword skills."

    "Musclehead, Dumbo," Grey said in low voice. However, as an Awakened Amy could clearly hear that.

    But just as he was about to charge forward, Daphne held her back. "Wait, I have an idea," she said, pulling out a handful of glittering confetti from her pocket. "What if we distract the kobold king with this?"

    The group exchanged skeptical looks, but Daphne was already tossing the confetti into the air, creating a sparkling rain of color.

    The kobold king stopped in his tracks, staring up in wonder at the falling confetti. His eyes widened, and he let out a high-pitchedugh. "Ooh, shiny! Pretty!"

    The group exchanged a look of disbelief before Amy charged forward, sword in hand. But the kobold king was too distracted, trying to catch the falling confetti in his tiny hands.

    "Shiny~ Shiny~ Pretty~ Pretty~" He sang a song as he collected confetti from the air.

    Amy was too irritated with this song.

    Amelia used the opportunity to cast spells, weakening the kobold king''s defenses.

    Suddenly, the kobold king let out a loud sneeze, sending a cloud of confetti flying in all directions.

    Amy was caught off guard and ended up covered in confetti. Robert, however, managed to dodge the confetti cloud andnd a solid blow on the kobold king, sending him toppling off his pile of treasure.

    "You!" Amy''s face became crimson as rage filled in her mind.

    "YOU COVERED MY PRECIOUS EQUIPMENT WITH THIS!!" Amy swung her heavy sword like a butter knife at Kobold King.

    ''Dragon''s fury sword art''

    As she swung her sword a dragon momentarily materialized around her sword.

    In the blink of an eye, Kobold King''s head was severed.

    In the meantime, other group members took care of other kobolds.

    The group let out a cheer as the kobold kingy defeated on the ground.

    "Stop! There is something weird, there is no way, we canplete this mission so easily," Daphne warned.

    Soon, everyone''s smartwatch started ranging.

    [Ding!]

    [Ding!]

    [Ding!]

    [Ding!]

    As they opened notifications, they saw countless messages asking for help.

    "What the hell happened?" Robert stared at a series of notifications in disbelief.

    [ROAAAR!!]

    At that moment, they heard a roar. It was so terrifying that all of them were momentarily paralyzed.

    "Oh, looks like Dragon is out," Rain said while eating fresh blueberries.

 Chapter 118 Roaring Cave (4)

    ?

    After entering the ''Roaring Cave'' through the entrance, Ken and his team were waiting for mission notification.

    However, some of the hasty ones left to explore the dungeon long ago.

    Even though Noah urged him to also start exploring the dungeon, Ken stayed adamant and waited to get a notification on his smartwatch.

    At that moment, his smartwatch rang.

    [Ding!]

    Ken and the other group leaders, who were standing there checked their smartwatches.

    He projected a hologram from his smartwatch into the air as soon as the notification came.

    [Red Ogre - high D rank]

    "Let us begin our mission,"manded Ken, his voice echoing through the cavernous dungeon.

    Without hesitation, Noah sprang from atop the jagged boulder and strode ahead into the dark cave.

    Even though he was walking swiftly his footsteps weren''t echoing.

    As Noah kept moving ahead and scouted the area, Ken followed in Noah''s wake, his thoughts raced like the flicker of a dying me.

    "May our path be clear, and our journey fruitful," he whispered to himself, bracing for whatevery ahead in the foreboding darkness.

    The other three members of the group also followed suit, their footsteps silent as they moved deeper into the dungeon.

    Two of them were mages, skilled in casting spells and manipting magical energy, while the other was a sword user, proficient in wielding a de in closebat.

    They had been carefully chosen by Ken for their unique skills and abilities, and he knew that they were the best chance he had at sessfullypleting the mission.

    A few distances away from Ken''s team, Nick was still sitting on the boulder. From his facial expression, it didn''t look like he was worried about anything.

    As he watched the team disappear into the darkness, Nick''s thoughts turned to the mysterious guy.

    ''I really couldn''t find that ''Thanatos'' guy.'' In the past two days, Nick made his informationwork run wildly. However, he couldn''t find that guy.

    He even used some of the perks as a leading member of ''Covenant of Chaos'' in the academy and used it to track that guy''s location through his virtual world user ID.

    However, somehow the hackers he hired failed miserably. Even more, to add, that guy reverse-hacked them and leaked their address to the authorities.

    It was a good thing that they weren''t doing this mission from their hideout and did it from a cyber cafe.

    However, one of the hackers got caught. In the end, that guymitted suicide before the cops could even catch him.

    Nick couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease about the whole situation.

    He had a bad feeling about this mission and that ''Thanatos'' guy. Something didn''t feel right, but he couldn''t put his finger on it.

    "What is he doing? It feels like there are more yers in this game." He uttered those words with a smile.

    "Let''s prob into that guy''s power for now." Nick felt Ken wasn''t showing everything he got, something was hidden. This was a good opportunity to see it.

    He jumped down from the boulder and slowly made his way toward the cave entrance, careful not to make any noise.

    ***

    Ken and his group were walking slowly and steadily. Although Noah was impatient at first, after Ken''s few warnings he also decreased his speed a bit.

    Currently, they were trying to find clues for Ogre''s nest as there might be surely a red Ogre there.

    Noah went further for scouting and Ken was keeping his eyes on their back.

    "Stop! There are traps up ahead," Noah called out to the group as he gestured for them to move closer.

    "What kind of traps?" Ken asked his hand already on the hilt of his sword.

    "They look like some sort of snare traps. It seems someone has a lot of experience in trapping," Noah replied, examining the traps carefully.

    "Do you think we can disarm them?" Luna asked, worry etched on her face. She had a long staff in her hand, with a mana stone embedded on the tip.

    "I can try. I''ve had some experience with traps," Noah said with a confident smile.

    "That''s a relief," Marry chimed in. "We wouldn''t want to get caught in these traps." She lowered her magic wand.

    As Noah began to disarm the traps, Elena stood guard, her sword at the ready in case anything went wrong. After a few tense moments, Noah sessfully disarmed the traps.

    "Nicely done, Noah," Ken praised him.

    "Thanks, Ken. It''s all in a day''s work," Noah replied with a grin.

    As they continued on their journey, they came across more traps, each one more dangerous than thest.

    But with Noah''s skills and the rest of the group''s support, they were able to ovee every obstacle in their way.

    "This journey is bing more dangerous with each step we take," Luna said, as they took a break to catch their breath.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "We have to stay focused and work together," Ken said firmly. "No matter what we face, we''ll get through it as a team."

    "Agreed," Elena added. "We''re stronger together than we are alone.

    As the group made their way through the cave system, Noah spotted a small indentation on the wall that looked suspicious. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a hidden trap that could potentially harm the group.

    When Noah spotted the small indentation on the wall that looked suspicious, he took a closer look to examine it.

    He noticed that there were tiny grooves in the wall that appeared to be connected to the trap.

    He hypothesized that the trap was triggered by pressure and would likely activate if someone touched or pressed on the grooves.

    To disarm the trap, Noah had to carefully manipte the mechanism and prevent the trap from being triggered. He used abination of techniques to do this, including:

    Analyzing the mechanism: Noah studied the grooves and other parts of the trap to determine how it worked and what could trigger it. He was able to determine that pressure would set it off.

    Isting the trap: Noah identified the specific part of the mechanism that needed to be disarmed and isted it from the rest of the trap.

    This prevented any idental triggering while he worked on the trap.

    Disarm the trap: Noah used specialized tools to disarm the trap.

    He inserted a small hook into the grooves of the trap and carefully lifted the mechanism to disarm it.

    Noah returned with a map that he found near a small opening in the wall.

    He showed it to Ken, and they both examined it carefully.

    He reached inside and pulled out an old, worn-out map.

    "Hey guys, look what I found!" Noah eximed in joy and came out of the opening.

    "What is it?" Luna asked curiously.

    "It''s a map. It looks like it might be the map of this passage." There was an old piece of paper in Noah''s hands.

    "Let me see that." Ken took the map from Noah''s hands and started examining it.

    The map seemed to be old and worn out, but it had a marking on it that resembled the shape of a cave system.

    "This looks like it could lead to a cave system," Ken spoke out his thoughts.

    All of the team members were dumbfounded. They didn''t expect to find the map. With that, they might be able to reach Ogre''s nest.

    Ken pointed to the marking and said, "This must be the ce where the red Ogre resides. We should head in that direction"

    Noah nodded in agreement and the group started to move toward the direction indicated on the map.

    "But we need to be careful. We don''t know what kind of dangers we might encounter." Ken warned them, as a group leader he didn''t want any idents to happen.

    The group carefully followed the map and eventually came to the entrance of the cave. As they entered, they heard strange noises echoing through the tunnels.

    "What''s that sound?" Marry asked, holding her wand tightly.

    The path was dark and twisted, and it was difficult to see where they were going.

    "I''m not sure. But we should stay alert." Noah tried to see further. However, as it was dark he couldn''t see much in the long distance.

    "I sense something moving in the distance. We need to be careful." Luna whispered.

    "Let''s keep our weapons ready. We don''t want to be caught off guard." Ken suggested. Ken and Noah kept their weapons ready, just in case they encountered any dangers.

    As they walked further into the cave, the group heard the sound getting louder. They could tell that it wasing from arge opening up ahead.

    Ken signaled the group to be quiet and they slowed down their pace. They didn''t want to alert anything that might be lurking around the corner.

    When they reached it, they saw a huge figure in the distance - a red Ogre.

    "That must be it. The Red Ogre." Noah eximed and started preparing his arrows.

    "How are we going to defeat it?" Luna asked.

    "We need to work together. I take the front. Luna and Marry will provide support from the back. Elena keeps guarding them in case." After saying this, he turned to Noah - who was getting ready for the fight.

    "Noah, cover us and support everyone from the blind spot of the Red Ogre," Ken exined.

    "Yes, Sir." Noah saluted and pretended like he was a soldier.

    Seeing this, all of the group members chuckled. Noah''s these acts lessened the tension before the fight.

    As Nick watched the oblivious group from a distance, a sly grin spread across his face. "How naive," he thought to himself, "they have no idea what''sing."

    Despite his seemingly somber tone, it didn''t look like he was sad.

    It was clear that he had something sinister in store for Ken''s group.

 Chapter 119 Red Ogre

    ?

    Ken, Elena, Noah, Luna, and Marry found themselves standing before the menacing Red Ogre.

    It was a towering, intimidating figure, standing at least twice the height of an average human. Its skin was a deep, dark red, giving it an almost demonic appearance.

    Thick, bulging muscles rippled beneath its skin with every movement, making it clear that this creature was incredibly powerful. Its eyes were small and beady, set deep within its skull, and glinted with a fierce intelligence.

    After hearing Ken''s instructions, everyone nodded and started taking the position.

    Noah nodded in agreement and moved to a hidden spot where he could attack the Ogre from a distance.

    As Ken charged toward the Red Ogre, he muttered an incantation and cast a spell that strengthened his sword.

    His de glowed with a bright blue light, indicating that it had been imbued with magical energy.

    The Ogre swung its massive club towards Ken, but he was ready this time. The club was twice the size of a man and had been carved from a single piece of dense, ck stone.

    The surface of the club was rough and pitted, as though it had been used to bludgeon countless foes over the years.

    The weight of the club was evident in the way Red Ogre swung it effortlessly through the air, ready to crush anything that dared to cross its path.

    [Ward of the Ancients]

    He raised his shield and cast a spell that created a powerful barrier around him. The barrier absorbed the impact of the Ogre''s attack and protected Ken from harm.

    Luna and Marry, standing at a safe distance, started casting spells of their own.

    [Arcane Volly]

    Luna chanted a spell that created a swarm of magical arrows that rained down on the Ogre, piercing its thick skin.

    [Fire Strom]

    Marry, on the other hand, summoned a wall of fire that engulfed the Ogre, causing it to roar in pain.

    Elena, who was guarding the two mages, drew her sword and strengthened her body with mana, increasing her speed and agility.

    With lightning-fast movements, she dashed toward the Ogre, aiming for its weak spots.

    [Venomous des]

    Her sword glowed with a green light, indicating that it had been enchanted with a poison spell.

    [Illusionary Decoy]

    Noah, who was hidden from the Ogre''s view, cast a spell that created a magical decoy. The decoy appeared behind the Ogre and started shooting arrows, distracting it from the rest of the group.

    The effects of their spells were apparent. Ken''s strengthened sword was able to cut through the Ogre''s thick hide, Luna''s arrows pierced its skin, Marry''s fire burned it, and Elena''s poison weakened it.

    Noah''s decoy kept the Ogre''s attention away from the rest of the group, allowing them to attack without fear of retaliation.

    As the group attacked the Ogre, it roared in anger and swung its club wildly. "You puny humans think you can defeat me?" the Ogre bellowed. "I am the Red Ogre, the strongest of my kind!"

    "Then your kind would be the weakest. Even weaker than goblins." Noah responded loudly as he shoot arrows at the Red Ogre.

    Even though the Red Ogre dodged the arrows shot by Noah. However, the words said by Noah sting quite a bit.

    "AHH!!" It roared loudly and started attacking more aggressively.

    But the group was prepared for this.

    Marry quickly chanted a spell, creating a shield around them that protected them from the Ogre''s attacks.

    Meanwhile, Elena used her poison to slow down the Ogre''s movements, making it easier for the others tond their attacks.

    Ken swung his sword with even more force, cutting deep into the Ogre''s flesh.

    Luna''s magic arrows found their mark more often, and she even managed to hit the Ogre''s eyes, blinding it temporarily.

    Noah was monitoring everything with keen eyes to see if any other orc wasn''ting their way.

    With each blow, the Red Ogre weakened, and soon it fell to the ground, defeated.

    The group let out a cheer, relieved that the battle was over.

    As the group stood over the defeated Red Ogre, they knew that they had aplished their mission. <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Ken stored the Rad Ogre''s corpse in his space ring [given by the academy] as proof - theypleted their mission.

    After the fight, the group took a moment to catch their breath and assess any injuries. Elena checked on everyone and asked, "Is everyone okay? Did anyone get hurt?"

    Marry replied, "I''m fine, but I''m out of mana. I need to rest and recharge before we continue."

    Ken nodded in agreement, "I also need to rest and recharge my mana. That was a tough battle."

    ''I can''t say - it was too easy for me. I would have even killed that Ogre alone in a few minutes.'' Ken thought.

    Luna added, "Same here. I''mpletely drained."

    Noah chimed in, "I''m good, but we should keep moving. We don''t know if there are more monsters in the area."

    Elena nodded, "He''s right. Let''s continue moving. We can rest once we get to a safe location."

    As they continued on their mission, they discussed the battle and how they could improve their tactics in the future. They also congratted each other on their teamwork and praised each other''s strengths.

    "Let''s exit this dungeon," Ken suggested.

    "Eh?" Luna let out surprised noise and suggestions as she stood up.

    "Don''t we have a map? We can kill more monsters and get extra points."

    "I guess as we have killed that Red Ogre easily, we can easily solo those monsters," Marry said in a smug tone.

    "But we don''t know what kind of monster there will be. There might be some powerful monsters.." As Ken tried to reason with them, Elena interrupted him.

    "I don''t think we have to worry about that. We are students from the top 100. While you are strongest among freshmen. Moreover, we have senior Nick too." As Elena said this, she turned her face towards Nick who appeared out of nowhere.

    "Senior Nick is 3rd ranked among third-year students. I heard he is even a B-ranker. He might even break through to A rank soon." As Elena said more she looked like some fangirl of Nick.

    "Ken," Noah called to Ken. "We should explore the dungeon a bit more. Aren''t we here to takebat experience? If some danger arises we can also contact the professor." Noah tried to convince Ken.

    He felt - the battle with the Red Ogre was too easy. He couldn''t even try his all skills.

    As Ken looked over the group. He met their eyes - filled with expectations.

    Even though everything they were telling was true. Ken really didn''t want to agree.

    His senses were telling him to leave this dungeon as soon as he can.

    He also remembered something that happened a few days ago when Kevin said, "The venue for the practical exam will be different for the top 100 students."

    ***

    [S ss, The Academy, Dawn City]

    "This time, the exam will be based on theoretical and practical knowledge," Kevin said nonchntly.

    Kevin continued to exin the details of the exam. "The theoretical portion will be simr to previous years, but the practical exam will require you to navigate through a maze-like dungeon filled with challenges."

    The thought of taking a practical exam in a dungeon sent shivers down the spines of the students.

    They had never heard of such a thing before, and the idea of it seemed daunting. Some of them even began to wonder if Kevin was serious, or if he was just trying to scare them.

    As soon as these words came out of Kevin''s mouth, the ssroom fell silent.

    It was like they were trying toprehend what Kevin said.

    The students listened intently, trying to imagine what this dungeon would be like and how they would fare in such an environment. Some of them felt excited at the prospect of a new challenge, while others felt intimidated and anxious.

    "As security measures, I won''t disclose the name of the dungeon. But I can say it won''t be an easy one." While Kevin was saying this, he remembered something.

    "By the way, only the top 100 students from the first year will take practical exams in the dungeon. That dungeon will be outside of the academy campus."

    As Kevin finished his exnation and dismissed the ss, the students filed out of the room, still talking about the uing exam. They knew they had a lot of studying and preparation to do if they wanted to seed in the dungeon.

    As he was leaving the ssroom, "Ken." He called out to Ken.

    Ken was thinking about the announcement Kevin made when he heard someone calling him. He responded absent-mindedly. "Yes?"

    "Come to my office after attending all of the lectures," Kevin said and left the ssroom.

 Chapter 120 [Bonus ]Repaying The Favor

    ?

    Ken wondered why Kevin had summoned him to his office. He had always been an "average" student, and he didn''t think he had done anything that would warrant a meeting with the academy''s headmaster.

    Although he was somewhat powerfulpared to others. It wasn''t much big thing ording to him.

    As he remembered his meeting was the headmaster of the academy - [Veronica], he felt cold shivers. He didn''t want to meet her again. What if she found out his secret? Ken was scared of this thought.

    Ken spent the rest of the day attending lectures and trying to focus on his studies, but he couldn''t shake off the feeling of unease.

    He was worried that he might have done something wrong, and he couldn''t think of anything that would have caught Kevin''s attention.

    Finally, the lectures were over, and Ken made his way to Kevin''s office. When he arrived, he was surprised to see that Kevin was not alone. Sitting next to him was a woman he had never seen before.

    "Ken, pleasee in," Kevin said, gesturing toward the empty chair in front of his desk.

    Ken walked into Kevin''s spacious office, taking in the familiar surroundings of the polished wooden desk, leather chairs, and bookshelves lining the walls.

    As he sat down, Kevin looked up from his work with a smile, his expression as calm and collected as ever.

    "How are your studies going?" Kevin asked, setting aside his work and taking out a small jar filled with leaves from his space ring.

    "They''re going great," Ken replied, returning the smile. "With your and the seniors'' help, even things with the Blood Supremacy club aren''t escting."

    Kevin nodded, pouring hot water into a teapot and beginning to brew the leaves into tea.

    As he worked, he retrieved a set of stylish cups from his space ring, cing them neatly on the desk.

    In just a few moments, the tea was ready, filling the room with a rich, inviting aroma.

    "What the heck is he making?" Ken couldn''t help but think, inhaling deeply. The scent was intoxicating, a heady blend of earthy, floral notes that left him feeling rxed and invigorated at the same time.

    As Kevin poured the tea into the cups and passed one to Ken, the two settled into an easy conversation, discussing theirtest academic and social pursuits.

    For a few moments, the world outside Kevin''s office melted away, reced by warmth.

    "Sir, what kind of tea is this?" Ken asked while sipping the tea. As he drank it, he was feeling rxed.

    "This tea is made from Dragon leaves," Kevin said nonchntly while sipping the tea leisurely.

    Hearing the details about the tea, Ken choked for a moment. He heard that the dragon leaf was too expensive.

    He stared at Kevin nkly. He felt like something was odd.

    "Don''t worry, this tea is free," Kevin said politely. Still, Ken''s senses were tingling. However, he couldn''t stop drinking that tea now as he already drank half. It would be wasted.

    "How did you get these leaves, sir?" Ken was curious, he heard that these leaves were rare and hard to find.

    "I got it from a [friend], as a gift," Kevin answered, not bothering to disclose the details.

    Soon, both teacups were empty.

    "Thanks for the tea, professor. If you ever need my help, just call me." Ken stood and started leaving.

    "Hmm. Wait, I think I will need your help." Kevin called out to Ken.

    Hearing this, Ken felt deep regret. He shouldn''t have said those words.

    "Sit, here. Let''s discuss." Kevin said, gesturing for Ken to sit.

    "What do you think about the practical exam?" Kevin asked.

    "I don''t think much. It''s slightly weird to change the venue for the practical exam, though." Kenmented.

    Kevin leaned forward, his expression bing even more serious.

    "I need you to understand, Ken, that this is not just a test of your skills and knowledge. There may be real danger involved," he said.

    Ken swallowed hard, feeling a knot form in his stomach. He didn''t expect this.

    "What kind of danger?" he asked.

    "I''m not sure," Kevin said, shaking his head. "But I have reason to believe that this change in the exam format is not just a coincidence. There may be some kind of conspiracy or threat involved."

    Ken nodded, feeling a sense of unease settle over him.

    "What can I do to help?" he asked again.

    "I want you to be alert in the dungeon, and keep an eye out for anything suspicious. And I want you to try to protect the other students if you can," Kevin said.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Hearing this, Ken hesitated. Although saving fellow students was good. However, he had too much on his own te, too.

    For example, Blood Supremacy club, Bing Stronger, and even more, he still didn''t know anything about that demon who attacked his city in the previous life.

    Noticing Ken''s hesitation, Kevin said,

    "Ah, I remember someone still owes me a favor."

    Ken''s face wrinkled hearing this, he didn''t expect Kevin to use the favor for this.

    "That certain someone also drank my expensive tea." Kevin furthermented.

    "Keuk.." Ken choked for a moment. He didn''t know Kevin was this kind of person.

    "Okay, I agree," In the end, Ken couldn''t take it anymore. He didn''t want to worsen the rtionship with Kevin or hear his taunting.

    "I''m grateful," Kevin said in a light tone, but to Ken it just looked like some creditor collecting debts.

    "But if circumstances require it, I want you to use your full power. I know you''ve been holding back, Ken, but now may be the time to reveal your true strength."

    Ken widened his eyes, he didn''t expect that Kevin would know about this.

    He nodded again, feeling the weight of Kevin''s words.

    Seeing Ken wasn''t asking questions like how he knows about his hidden strength, Kevin was satisfied.

    "But I also need you to understand that your safety is paramount," Kevin continued. "If you can''t protect the other students without putting yourself in danger, then don''t. Your safety is more important than anything else."

    Ken nodded once more, feeling a sense of responsibility settle over him.

    "I''ll do my best," he said.

    "I know you will," Kevin said, giving him a small smile. "Just be careful, Ken. And if you sense anything out of the ordinary,e to me immediately. I''ll do everything in my power to protect our students."

    Ken left Kevin''s office feeling even more nervous than before. But he also felt a sense of determination settling over him. He would do everything in his power to protect his fellow students, even if it meant revealing his full strength.

    ***

    As Ken recalled his conversation with Kevin and couldn''t shake off the uneasiness that was creeping up on him.

    Just then, Nick caught his attention and he felt a bit reassured.

    He had heard that Senior Nick was a kind and helpful person who was also physically strong. Maybe they could explore the cave a bit more with him around. Ken thought to himself.

    "Okay, we can explore the dungeon a bit more," he finally agreed.

    Ken took out the map they had obtained and pondered over where they should go next. He also took out hispass to ensure they were headed in the right direction.

    Noah stood beside him, peering at the map. The other three members of their group also came closer to look.

    "Let''s go towards the northeast," Luna suggested, pointing to the map. They were currently located slightly to the north of the center, so the northeast wasn''t too far away.

    "I agree," Marry chimed in, and Elena nodded her assent as well.

    "Noah, what do you think?" Ken asked.

    Noah also agreed with the others.

    "ording to this map, there''s a goblin nest located in the North East part. It looks like it will be a rtively straightforward hunt," remarked Ken, as he and his team prepared to set out.

    After organizing themselves, they all set off toward the northeast part of the cave.

    As Nick looked at them from distance, a smirk appeared on his face.

    "Looks like my skill worked on him." He was excited to see the bitter end of these people.

    ***

    [In The South West Part Of Cave]

    "Boss, why this fucking goblins don''t end?" One of Ben''s minions said.

    "Don''t bullshit much and work fast. We have to go towards the North-East part of the Cave, afterpleting the mission." Ben said sternly while slicing through a goblin''s throat.

    "I didn''t know why he told me to go there." Ben thought inwardly.

 Chapter 121 Irritating Goblins

    ?

    After Kevin allowed everyone to enter the dungeon. Ben quickly entered the dungeon with his team.

    He didn''t wait for notifications for the mission or something. After going to where many passageways were being separated he stopped there.

    "Boss, why did we stop?" One of the team members of Ben asked.

    Ben''s team looked at him with confusion as he stood at the crossroads of the dungeon''s passageways.

    Ben took a deep breath before answering his teammate''s question.

    "We need to be strategic about this. We can''t just blindly charge into the dungeon without a n." Ben said and continued,

    "We need to figure out which way to go, based on what we know about the mission and the dungeon''syout." As Ben exined this, all of his team members looked at him in disbelief.

    "Who are you?" One of the members pointed his sword toward Ben.

    "Gram, Don''t ask questions. He can''t be our boss. Our Boss would never say those wise words," Another member, started chanting a spell for binding.

    "Yes, Gram. Andy is saying something logical for the first time. Our boss is someone who would face problems head-on, and never n beforehand. After failing he would curse at everyone." The guy with a big stomach said.

    "Gnar, don''t bullshit about the boss. Otherwise, I will pierce your stomach with arrows and make countless holes." The guy with a crossbow in hand said.

    After this, all of Ben''s team members started fighting among themselves.

    Ben couldn''t help but chuckle at his team''s disbelief and confusion.

    He knew he had a reputation for being impulsive and brash, but he also knew the importance of being strategic in certain situations.

    "Guys, guys, calm down," Ben said, holding up his hands. "I know this might be a shock to you, but I''ve been trying to improve myself. I''ve been reading books on strategy and tactics, trying to be a better leader for all of you."

    His team members looked at each other skeptically, but Ben continued.

    "I know we''ve had some rough missions in the past, but maybe if we take a more thoughtful approach this time, we can avoid some of those mistakes." Ben was saying these words wisely.

    "We cane up with a n, work together, and hopefullye out of this dungeon alive and victorious."

    There was a moment of silence as Ben''s team members looked at him, considering his words.

    Finally, the guy with a big stomach spoke up. "Well, I guess it couldn''t hurt to try something different for once. What do you have in mind, boss?"

    Ben smiled. "First, let''s take a look at the map and see which direction would be the safest to take. Then, let''s discuss our strengths and weaknesses and figure out a n of attack."

    "How did you get the map?" Gram looked at Ben with doubtful eyes.

    "A friend gave it to me." Ben just said casually. All of the team members looked at him with skeptical eyes.

    They couldn''t believe that Ben could get a map of an unexplored dungeon. All of them looked at each other. With eye contact, they decide to go along with this imposter, so they could find their Boss'' whereabouts.

    As Ben''s team members gathered around the map to n their next move, they still couldn''t believe that their impulsive and brash boss was capable of strategic thinking.

    "Are you feeling okay, boss? Do you need us to get you some water or something?" Gram asked, still not fully convinced.

    "I''m fine, Gram," Ben replied, trying not to show his frustration. "I just think it''s important to have a n, that''s all."

    The guy with the crossbow chimed in, "I don''t know, boss. I always thought our strategy was to charge in blindly and hope for the best. It''s worked for us so far."

    "Yeah, and when it doesn''t work, we just me the guy with the lowest damage," Gnar added, earning a chuckle from the group.

    Ben rolled his eyes. "Look, I''m not saying we can''t still charge in, but lets at least have a n of attack. We can work together and use our strengths to our advantage."

    The guy with the big stomach scratched his head. "I don''t know, boss. My main strength is eating, and I don''t think that''s going to be very useful in a dungeon."

    The groupughed, but Ben remained focused. "We all have skills and abilities that can be useful. We just need to use them strategically. Now, let''se up with a n and show this dungeon who''s boss!"

    As they continued to n, Ben''s team members still couldn''t believe the change in their boss. But hey, if it meant a sessful mission and a chance to avoid being med for failure, they were willing to go along with it.

    At that moment, his smartwatch rang.

    He projected a hologram from his smartwatch into the air as soon as the notification came.

    [Goblin King - D rank]

    All of them watched their target for the mission.

    "ording to the map, the goblin''s nest is in South West part of the dungeon. Let''s go there andplete our mission sessfully." Ben said with a smile.

    However, no one among the team member responded to him.

    "Are you sure - that map is genuine?" Patrick asked. Although he was the only one among the group who had somewhat trust in the "alleged" imposter of Ben. However, even he wasn''t sure about the credibility of that map.

    "Guys, I know I''m not exactly what you expected as your boss, but I can assure you that I''m here to lead us through this dungeon andplete our mission sessfully," Ben said calmly.

    The team members looked at each other and then back at Ben, still not convinced.

    "But you''re not acting like our usual boss," Gram pointed out, lowering his sword.

    "That''s because I''m trying to take a more strategic approach to this mission. We can''t just blindly charge into the dungeon without a n. We need to work together, assess the situation and move forward," Ben exined.

    "But our boss never ns. He just jumps in, and curses at everyone after failing," the guy with a big stomach, Gnar added.

    "I understand your concerns, but I believe that together, we can do this," Ben said, trying to convince his team.

    Andy finally spoke, "We need to know that we can rely on you, Boss."

    "You can, and you will," Ben replied confidently.

    The team members looked at each other and then nodded in agreement.

    "Alright, let''s do this," Patrick said, nocking an arrow in his crossbow.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    His team nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of careful nning.

    Together, they discussed their mission objectives and the information they had gathered about the dungeon''syout.

    ***

    [After half an hour]

    Ben and his group arrived at the goblin''s nest. Their progress was too fastpared to other groups.

    On the way toward the goblin nest, they met many low-level goblins. However, with Ben''s instructions and strength, they easily cleared every one of them.

    The team members couldn''t believe it.

    "Hey, should I throw a binding spell at him from behind?" Gnar suggested to everyone in low voice.

    "Are you sure that your spell would even hit him?" Gram said mockingly.

    "Let Andy do it." He turned to Andy.

    "Yeah, although my uracy rate is somewhat low, I am sure I would be able to hit him," Andy said in a smug voice.

    Just when he was starting to chant the spell, an arrow passed by his hand.

    Andy let out a shriek.

    "Ahh," He fell back on his butt.

    "Don''t you dare to do anything weird." Patrick gave them a cold stare.

    All of them gulped their saliva.

    The second-year senior student who was the guardian of the group couldn''t stopughing.

    ''These guys are so stupid. The Club president was worried about them?" Apparently, he was a member of the Blood Supremacy club and was sent here to monitor Ben and his team.

    As they approached the entrance of the goblin nest, Ben turned to his team and said, "Alright guys, this is it. Remember, stay alert and keep your wits about you."

    Gnar groaned, his belly rumbling loudly. "Easy for you to say, Boss. My wits are being overshadowed by my hunger."

    Andy smirked. "At least you won''t have to worry about being eaten by the goblins. They''ll take one look at you and think you''re already stuffed."

    Gnar scowled and patted his belly. "You know what, Andy? You''re lucky I''m not casting any spells on you right now."

    As they entered the goblin nest, Gram unsheathed his sword and muttered, "This ce reeks worse than a troll''s armpit."

    Patrick readied his bow and arrow. "I''m just d I don''t have a sense of smell as good as you."

    Ben led the way, his sword at the ready. They soon came across a group of goblins, who were caught off guard by the team''s sudden appearance.

    Gram charged forward, his sword slicing through the air with ease. "You want a piece of me, you ugly green freaks? Come and get it!"

    Gnar muttered a spell and a burst of fire erupted from his hands, engulfing a group of goblins. "Looks like you''re not the only one with some fight in them, Ben."

    Andy cast a spell of his own, causing a gust of wind to knock back the approaching goblins. "Don''t forget about me, Gnar. I''m not just a pretty face."

    Ben chuckled as he dispatched a goblin with his sword. "Looks like we make quite the team, eh boys?"

    Patrick aimed and fired his arrow, hitting a goblin in the eye. "I couldn''t have said it better myself, Boss. Let''s show these goblins our power."

    After half hour, the group was still fighting the Goblins.

    As the team continued to battle their way through the goblin nest, more and more goblins seemed to appear out of nowhere.

    "Are you kidding me?" Gram eximed as he sliced through another goblin. "How many of these guys are there?"

    Gnar let out a frustrated sigh. "I swear, it''s like they''re multiplying. It''s like they are fucking each other producing new ones while we are fighting here."

    Andy cast another spell, this time summoning a swarm of bees to distract the goblins. "This should buy us some time, but we can''t keep this up forever."

    Gram nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and I''m getting real tired of the smell in here. My eyes are starting to water."

    Patrick fired off another arrow, narrowly missing a goblin''s ear. "And my arms are getting tired from all this shooting. Can''t we just find the treasure and get out of here?"

    Ben was silently killing the Goblins. However, he was getting irritated now. He let out a battle cry as he charged forward, taking down two goblins at once.

    "I CAN''T TAKE IT ANYMORE!! GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY WAY!!"

    He started killing goblins like no end, using the [Berserk Waves Sword Art]

    As he killed the goblins heughed like a maniac.

    "Hahahahaha!! COME TO ME YOU MFKRS!! I WILL KILL EVERY ONE OF YOU!!" He looked like a Berserk monster. Now even goblins were getting scared of him. He was chasing them like a madman.

    "This is our boss. A wild bull, who faces everyone head-on." Gnar felt happy, his all doubts were cleared.

    Other team members also nodded. They also started their killing spree.

    Ten minutes had passed, and every goblin within the goblin nest had been killed, including the Goblin King. The scene was one of destruction and chaos, with goblin bodies littering the area and weapons strewn about.

    Ben''s team members were all covered in goblin blood, their faces and clothes stained with the dark red liquid. They were tired and panting heavily, their weapons still held tightly in their hands.

    Despite the exhaustion and the gruesome scene around them, a sense of victory and relief filled the air as they looked at each other with nods of satisfaction. The mission was aplished, and they could finally leave the irritating goblin nest behind.

    The guardian of the group, Hans looked at them in disbelief.

    "What kind of crazy group is this?" He mumbled.

 Chapter 122 Goblins Nest?

    ?

    After defeating the Red Ogre, Ken''s group was going towards North East as per what they discussed.

    As the group leader and Sword user, Ken strode at the front of the group, with Elena, his fellow swordsman, close behind.

    Noah, their sharpshooter, kept a watchful eye on their surroundings with his bow at the ready, while Marry and Luna, their mage teammates, were at the center.

    Noah also kept scouting the area and navigating them with the help of the map.

    As they trudged along, the only sounds were the echo of their footsteps and the faint drip of water droplets. Suddenly, Marry spoke up, breaking the silence. "Hey, guys, I''m getting some weird vibes here. Something doesn''t feel right."

    Marry and Luna both nced at each other.

    Luna said, "This cave is so creepy. It feels like something is watching us."

    "Yeah, I agree," replied Elena, the swordsman. "But that''s the thrill of exploring the unknown, right?"

    Suddenly, Noah, the sharpshooter, stopped in his tracks and said, "Guys, I hear something up ahead."

    "We better be careful," warned Ken. "We don''t want to walk into a trap."

    The group slowly made their way toward the goblin nest, trying to remain as quiet as possible. But as they crept closer, they encountered a group of low-power monsters that had appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

    "Great," groaned Noah as he readied his bow. "Just what we needed, more monsters."

    Ken unsheathed his sword and took the lead. The group quickly dispatched the monsters, without taking any damage. They paused to catch their breath before continuing.

    As they made their way deeper into the cave, they came across a narrow passageway that seemed to go on forever. The group began to feel a sense of unease as the walls seemed to be closing in on them.

    "Are we even going the right way?" asked Ken, he was feeling uneasy.

    "Don''t worry," reassured Noah. "We have the map, and we can handle whateveres our way."

    Suddenly, they heard a scurrying sounding from behind them. They turned to see a horde of ratsing toward them.

    As the rats scurried towards the group, Noah let out a yful sigh, "Finally, some "worthy" opponents!" he eximed, drawing his bow with a grin.

    Ken and Elena charged forward, their swords glinting in the dim light of the tunnel, cutting through the vermin with ease.

    Marry and Luna followed closely behind, casting spells that sent the rats scurrying in all directions.

    Noah proved to be the group''s secret weapon, taking down rats left and right with precise shots from his bow.

    He even managed to take out a particrlyrge rat with a shot right between the eyes.

    "Nice shot, Noah!" Elena called out as she deftly dodged a rat''s teeth.

    "I''ve been practicing while targeting [round] objects," Noah replied with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

    The rats continued to swarm toward the group, but they were no match for their teamwork and skill.

    Soon, the tunnel was quiet once again, except for the sound of their footsteps as they continued on their journey.

    "That was easy," Ken said with a sigh, wiping his sword clean on a nearby rock.

    "No kidding," Marry added, brushing rat fur off her cloak.

    Noah grinned widely, feeling pleased with himself. "d I could be of service," he replied, twirling his bow on his finger.

    The group continued on their way, feeling relieved that they had managed to handle the minor obstacle.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    As Ken led the way, the group of freshmen students marched on through the dimly lit cave. The flickering light from their smartwatches cast eerie shadows on the rough walls.

    "So, how much farther until we reach the goblin''s nest?" asked Ken, adjusting his sword.

    Noah consulted the map. "ording to this, we should be getting close. We just need to take this path up ahead."

    As they walked, the sound of trickling water echoed through the cave. The group approached a narrow stream, and Elena crouched down to examine the water.

    "It looks poisonous," she said.

    Luna nced at the map again. "We''re almost there. Be ready for anything, everyone."

    As they continued, the sound of voices grew louder. Ken signaled for everyone to stop, and they listened carefully. It was the sound of monsters, chattering away in theirnguage.

    "We''re definitely close now," said Ken, drawing his sword. "Everyone, be on your guard."

    After walking for some time, the group finally stumbled upon arge wooden gate that looked like it belonged to a goblin''s nest.

    "Wow, that''s a big gate," eximed Marry, the youngest member of the group.

    "I agree," replied Ken, the leader of the group. "But we need to be careful. There''s no telling what could be on the other side."

    Noah, the group''s scout, stepped forward with cautious steps. "I''ll go ahead and check for any potential danger," he said, confidently.

    As Noah approached the gate, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease. "This is odd," he called back to the others. "There isn''t a single goblin around. It''s too quiet."

    The group exchanged worried nces, but Ken quicklyposed himself. "Stay alert, everyone. We don''t know what could be waiting for us on the other side of that gate."

    Noah continued forward, and as he got closer to the gate, he noticed something strange. "Hey, guys," he called back. "It looks like the gate is unlocked. Should I open it?"

    "Absolutely not," replied Ken, firmly. "We need to be cautious. Let''s circle around the gate and see if there''s another way in."

    The group followed Ken''s lead, and as they circled the gate, they couldn''t any other entrance.

    After some hesitation, Ken finally gave in to Noah''s request to open the gate. "Very well, but let''s proceed with caution," he said. "We don''t know what lies on the other side."

    "I know, I know," Noah said sarcastically.

    Noah approached the gate with trepidation, his heart beating faster as he reached out to push it open.

    With a creaking sound, the wooden gate slowly gave way, revealing a dark and ominous room on the other side.

    As he peered into the other side, Noah''s heart sank. Something was not right here. The air was thick with an eerie silence, and there was not a single goblin in sight. Noah''s instincts told him that they were not alone, that something was watching them from the shadows.

    There were strange, shadowy creatures moving about, their movements quick and unpredictable. Noah shuddered as one of the creatures turned its head towards him, its eyes glowing in the dim light.

    "What happened Noah? Are you alright?'' Ken asked, concerned.

    "This is not the Goblin nest," Noah whispered urgently to the others. But before he could say anything else, the gate burst open, and a flood of shadowy monsters spilled out into the open gate.

    Ken immediately took charge, barking orders at his team to prepare for battle. The group drew their weapons and prepared to fight for their lives against the unknown creatures.

    Nick was quite far away from Ken''s team. However, he could still see everything as he was an advanced B ranker.

    "Finally, little things are out. The Chaos is just starting." He said while he fiddled with a purple ring on his middle finger.

 Chapter 123 Dragging Into Traps

    ?

    As the gate opened, shadowy creatures started pouring out like no end.

    Ken quickly assessed the situation and yelled out orders to his team. "Luna, Marry, I need you two to use your magic to create a barrier around us!" He turned his face to Noah who had a pale face because of what he experienced just now.

    "Noah, I want you to take out any enemies from a distance. Elena, stick by my side.

    We will use our swords to protect us!"

    Luna and Marry immediately began chanting and waving their hands, creating a magical shield around the group.

    Noah positioned himself at a vantage point and began firing arrows at the shadowy creatures. Elena stood next to Ken, her sword at the ready.

    The creatures were fast and agile, making it difficult for the group to keep up with their movements.

    Ken and Elena were constantly on the move, shing at the creatures that came too close.

    Luna and Marry were holding up the barrier, but it was beginning to crack under the pressure.

    "We need to take these things out fast!" Ken shouted as he dodged a swipe from a creature''s w.

    "Luna, Marry, I need you to focus your magic on one target at a time. Noah, aim for their weak spots!"

    The team quickly adjusted their tactics, focusing their attacks on one creature at a time.

    Luna and Marry directed their magic at the same target, weakening its defenses.

    Noah aimed at the weakened spot and fired a precise shot, taking down the creature.

    Like that, they started killing shadowy creatures one by one.

    The shadowy creatures that the team faced were dark, amorphous beings that seemed to be made of pure darkness.

    They were humanoid in shape, with long, wed fingers and glowing red eyes that shone like beacons in the darkness.

    Their movements were quick and unpredictable as if they were constantly shifting and changing shape.

    It was difficult to get a good look at them, as they seemed to blend into the shadows, making it hard to discern any clear features beyond their glowing eyes and sharp ws.

    Despite their amorphous appearance, these creatures moved with terrifying grace and speed, darting in and out of the shadows to strike at the team with lightning-fast attacks.

    Their very presence sent shivers down the team''s spines as if they were facing an ancient evil that had been lurking in the shadows for centuries.

    The team barely had a chance to catch their breath before more shadowy creatures appeared, pouring out of the darkness.

    Ken''s heart sank as he realized that this fight was far from over.

    "We can''t keep this up forever," Marry eximed, her voice tinged with panic.

    Luna gritted her teeth and unleashed a powerful burst of magic, taking down several creatures at once. "We have to keep going! We can''t let them overwhelm us!"

    Noah shot arrow after arrow, taking out creature after creature, but it seemed like there was an endless supply of them. "There''s too many of them!" he shouted.

    Elena stood by Ken''s side, her sword shing as she fended off the creatures that came too close. "We have to find a way to stop them froming!" she said.

    Ken thought quickly, trying toe up with a n. "Marry, Luna, I need you to focus your magic on the gate! See if you can seal it shut!"

    Marry and Luna nodded, their expressions determined. They began chanting, their hands glowing with magic.

    The creatures tried to break through the team''s defenses, but the group held firm, buying Marry and Luna the time they needed.

    Finally, with a burst of energy, Marry and Luna unleashed a powerful spell that mmed the gate shut, sealing it tight.

    The creatures howled in frustration, pounding against the gate with all their might, but they couldn''t break through.

    Ken let out a sigh of relief, wiping sweat from his brow. "Good work, everyone. We held them off."

    Noah looked at the sealed gate warily. "But for how long?"

    Elena sheathed her sword, her eyes scanning the darkness. "We have to keep moving. There''s no telling what else is waiting for us in here."

    As they were thinking of what to do, Nick appeared.

    "What happened?" He asked in a concerned tone.

    Luna came ahead and started exining every detail to Nick,

    "Senior, we got a map while exploring the cave a while ago. So afterpleting our mission - Killing the Red Ogre, we decided to explore the dungeon a bit.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    After some discussion, we decided toe here as it was a near and easy ce ording to the map. This ce was marked as Goblin''s nest. However, just when we opened the gate those unknown shadowy creatures appeared..." Luna was talking too fast, however, Nick kept listening.

    "Okay. Okay. I got the gist of it." Nick stopped her. As he felt this girl would keep babbling otherwise.

    "I saw that you guys sealed them behind that gate. Good job." Hearing, Nick''s praise all girls blushed. While Noah filled a bit proud.

    Only Ken looked still troubled.

    "What happened, Kevin?" Nick noticing Ken''s troubled face asked.

    "Senior, I can''t contact professors somehow." While Luna was exining things to Nick, Ken was trying to contact Kevin and the other professors. However, oddly he couldn''t contact them.

    As soon as Ken''s words fell, other members also tried to contact professors. But to no avail, they couldn''t.

    "I have an idea," Nick said. All of the team members looked at him with expectations.

    "After some time, the door will open. I will stay here and keep those creatures at the bay. While I stop them, you guys escape this cave and bring the professors for help."

    "Good idea. Senior Nick is so kind." Marry said with stars in her eyes.

    Luna and Elena also nodded. Noah looked slightly troubled as he felt it was a bit wrong. However, he knew with his strength he would only get in the way if he stayed here, and this was the best idea.

    "No, I can''t let you do that." Ken denied that idea outrightly. He had confidence in his strength that he could help Nick while staying. "I will also stay here." He said in a firm tone.

    "No, you can''t. You would only get in "my way." And you also have to bring back your team out of the dungeon safely." Nick said politely in a charming voice. His words sounded like they contained magic.

    Ken couldn''t argue back after hearing Nick''s reasoning. "Okay, I will try my best to bring professors earliest." Saying this, Ken started leading the team toward the way they came.

    "Take care." While leaving he mumbled and stared at Nick.

    Nick also stared back with a smile and nodded.

    After a few moments, Ken and his team were out of sight.

    "Phew, finally those Idiots are gone," Nick said in a cold tone. The smile on his face disappeared.

    Nick tapped the purple ring on his middle finger, and in an instant, a deep purple robe appeared and draped over his entire body, recing his academy uniform.

    The robe was made of a mystical material that shimmered in the light, and its dark color seemed to absorb the light around it, making it difficult to discern the figure beneath.

    The robe had a hood that was pulled low over Nick''s face.

    The deep purple robe was embroidered with intricate designs that glimmered in the shadows, and its hem was trimmed with a fine gold thread that added to its regal appearance.

    The hood of the robe was lined with a soft, velvety material that contrasted sharply with the rough texture of the outeryer. The sleeves of the robe were long and flowing.

    There was a symbol drawn on his back. The symbol was a twisted knot made from thorny vines, with a skull, a dagger, a spider, and a bat inside.

    [The knot represents the organization''s chaotic and intricate nature, while the thorns or serpents suggest danger and power. The skull, dagger, spider, and bat represent different factions of the organization.]

    There was also a skull drawn near Nick''s heart. It looked menacing and eerie.

    After the transformation, Nick walked towards the sealed gate. The gate was trembling every moment. It looked like it would break after a few moments.

    "It would waste too much time," Nick thought inwardly. He snapped his fingers.

    Dark purple daggers materialized and broke those illusionary chains which were sealing the gate.

    In a blink of a second, the gate burst open again, this time it was destroyed because of force.

    Nick disappeared before the gate and stood in the corner. Because of his robe''s special features, those creatures couldn''t sense him.

    The shadow creatures looked quite angry. Upon not finding any target, they started running in different directions.

    As those creatures were leaving. Nick took out two devices. One was the connection jammer, given to him by the organization. While other was an exclusivemunication device for the members of the organization.

    He sent a message to everyone, "Time to work on the n."

    At that moment, 14 out of 20 guardians got that message. All of them transformed into their different attire with help of the ring.

    "Now I am curious, how will you get out of alive from this hell, Ken?" Nick chuckled.

    Soon, every student''s smartwatch started ringing for "Help" notifications.

 Chapter 124 Trapped In Cave

    ?

    Ken and his team ran as fast as they could through the dark dungeon, trying to find their way out.

    They knew they had to get out and find the professors to help Nick.

    As they ran, they heard the sound of creatures getting closer. They could feel their hearts pounding, and fear began to set in.

    They knew they had to be careful, or they would end up like the creatures they had encountered earlier.

    Noah navigated them with the help of a map through the maze-like corridors, hoping to find a way out.

    "Noah, I don''t think we are going in the right direction," Kenmented as he felt it was like they were going in circles.

    "Damn, this map isn''t working. This thing is false. Only a few things were right." Saying this, Noah, ripped the map into pieces.

    Ken and the rest of the team stared in disbelief as Noah shredded the map.

    They were nowpletely lost with no sense of direction. Panic began to set in, and they felt like they were running out of time.

    "We need to keep moving," Ken said, breaking the silence. "We can''t just stay here and wait for those creatures to catch up with us."

    They could hear the creatures'' footsteps getting louder, and they knew they had to move faster.

    However, soon those creatures caught up to them.

    The monsters were unlike anything they had ever seen before - they wererge, slimy, and had tentacles instead of arms.

    "Stay alert, everyone! We have to work together to take them down," Ken shouted as he led the charge.

    The team spread out, each taking on a monster of their own.

    Marry and Luna cast a spell, shooting a bolt of lightning at the creature in front of her. Elena attacked with her sword, dodging the monster''s tentacles as she struck it.

    Noah used his archery skills, shooting arrows with deadly uracy. Ken used his sword to slice them.

    The monsters fought back fiercely, their tentaclesshing out at the team. The team dodged and weaved, narrowly avoiding the attacks.

    Ken drew his sword and charged at the monster in front of him.

    "Die, you disgusting creature!" Ken shouted as he plunged his sword into the monster. The monster let out a loud screech and fell to the ground.

    [ROAR!!]

    As they fought, the team heard a roar in the distance. That Roar was so frightening - they momentarily lost their focus on fighting.

    Soon they started hearing rumbling. It was the sound of more monsters approaching.

    "Come on, we have to move quickly!" Ken shouted, motioning for the team to follow him.

    They ran through the dungeon, trying to find their way out.

    The monsters were getting closer, and the team could hear their footsteps getting louder. Suddenly, they found themselves cornered.

    "We''re trapped!" Marry cried out.

    "No, we''re not. We can take them," Ken said with determination.

    Like that, they continued fighting the monsters for their life, desperately trying to find their way out to help Nick. They knew that finding the professors was the only way to save him.

    ***

    While Ken and his team were fighting off the monsters that lurked in every corner.

    In other areas of the cave, the sound of nging swords and roaring beasts echoed through the caverns, creating an atmosphere of chaos and danger.

    Despite the odds, most of the teams had managed toplete their mission sessfully.

    However, a few of them were still locked in a fierce battle with their assigned monsters.

    As the victorious teams were cheering and exchanging high-fives, they suddenly heard a blood-curdling roar from the distance.

    A momentter, a group of strange and unknown monsters appeared on the horizon, sprinting toward them at breakneck speed.

    The remaining teams immediately sprang into action, brandishing their weapons and preparing to fight off the new threat.

    They sprang into action, trying to take down the creatures as quickly as possible.

    But the monsters were too powerful and seemed to be multiplying with every passing moment.

    Panic started to set in among the teams as they struggled to keep the monsters at bay. It was clear that this was going to be their toughest battle yet.

    ***

    [In The South East Part Of The Cave.]

    As in other parts of the cave, there was a team under attack by powerful, unknown monsters.

    However, unlike the other teams - struggling to fend off the beasts, this team was dispatching them with ease.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Were they particrly strongpared to the others? No, not really.

    What set them apart was the presence of a single powerful guardian.

    "Ugh, I really didn''t want toe here. I have so much work to finish," grumbled Lily as she unleashed a barrage of fireballs at the monsters.

    "That useless employer of mine dumped everything on me." She kept roasting monsters in the mes while mumbling.

    "It''s a good thing that I founded my ownpany, but there''s still so much to do. Now I''m stuck in this dark cave."

    A few meters away from Lily the team of 5 people was also fighting monsters. While fighting they sometimes nced at Lily. They were in awe.

    "Eva, don''t you think Senior Lily is incredibly strong?" asked one of the teammates. "Why is she only ranked 5th? Are there really people stronger than her in our second year?"

    Eva nodded in agreement. "Yes, Senior Lily is definitely a force to be reckoned with. But remember, the ranking system takes more than just strength into ount. It''s based on overall performance."

    She paused for a moment, watching as Lily effortlessly took down another monster. "And as for stronger people in our year, there are a few, but none of them have the same level of control over their powers as Senior Lily does. However, she rarely appears in ss."

    Hearing this, other team members also nodded.

    Apparently, Lily was Eva''s team''s guardian.When Eva''s team returning to outside, the monsters appeared and started attacking them. At that moment, Lily came and started attacking the monsters.

    As if on cue, Lily turned to face her team, a mischievous grin on her face. "What''s with the long faces, guys? This is supposed to be fun! Let''s show these monsters what we''re made of!"

    With renewed energy, the team followed Lily''s lead, charging forward to face the next wave of monsters.

    Despite their ferocity, they were no match for the skill and power of the team, led by their formidable guardian, Senior Lily.

    Eva and her team consisted of five members, including herself.

    There was Christina, the powerful mage with control over her element; ire, the sharpshooter with an uncanny aim; Sarah, the healer with a heart of gold; and Jake, the brawler with fists of steel.

    Together, they made an unstoppable team, easily taking down wave after wave of monsters. But as they pushed deeper into the cave, the monsters grew stronger and more numerous.

    "Guys, we''re getting surrounded!" shouted Sarah, frantically healing her teammates as they fought off the beasts.

    "We need to fall back and regroup," said Jake, his fists bruised and battered from the constant barrage of attacks.

    "Agreed," said Eva, as she sted a group of monsters with a burst of energy. " Senior Lily, can you create a barrier to give us some breathing room?"

    "Sure thing," said Lily, as she channeled her powers into a wall of me that surrounded the team, keeping the monsters at bay.

    Eva retrieved a collection of potions from her space ring and began hurling them at the approaching horde of monsters.

    As each potion made contact with a monster, it immediately froze and copsed to the ground.

    "Now''s our chance to attack," Eva eximed, urging her stunned team members to take advantage of the opening. Without hesitation, theyunched their assault and within moments, all the monstersy dead at their feet.

    Curious about the mysterious potions, Lily inquired, "What was that you used?"

    "It''s a poison I concocted during my experiments," Eva replied, holding up a vial. "I call it Widow''s Kiss. It paralyzes the victim''s nervous system and renders them immobile."

    Impressed by Eva''s skill, the team members showered her with praise.

    As they prepared to move on, Lily handed Eva a business card from her space ring. "Contact me once you''re back at your dome. I might have a proposition for you," she said with a smile.

    ''I have got another opportunity to earn money.'' Lily was happy for a moment.

    As the group ventured deeper into the cave, they encountered countless monsters along the way. Yet, with Lily''s fiery power and Eva''s peculiar poisons, they dispatched them with ease.

    After some time, they crossed paths with another group of students who were heading in the same direction. Eva''s sharp gaze scanned the group, and she quickly recognized a familiar figure.

    "Amy!" she called out.

    Amy''s face lit up with recognition. "Eva, it''s so good to see you!" she replied with a wave of her hand.

    Eva''s group made their way over to Amy''s, noticing that herpanions looked exhausted as if they had just fought a grueling battle.

    "What happened to you guys?" Eva asked with genuine concern.

    "After we defeated the assigned monster, we heard a barrage of notifications for help, followed by a deafening roar," Daphne exined, her voice strained from the battle. "We realized we needed to leave the cave immediately. Along the way, we noticed that we couldn''t contact any of the professors."

    As they trudged towards the exit, they came across many other groups of students who were also fighting for their survival. They helped them as best as they could, despite their weariness.

    "Have you guys encountered any trouble with the monsters in here?" Amy inquired.

    "We''ve had our share of challenges, but Sister Eva and Senior Lily were able to handle them," Sarah replied, casting a respectful nce towards Eva and Lily.

    "Wait a minute. You still have your guardian with you? That''s odd," Amy said, her tone bewildered.

    Eva furrowed her brow in confusion. "What do you mean?"

    "Most of the guardians are missing," Amy exined with a troubled expression. "On our way out, we only encountered two. Senior Lily is the third one we''ve seen."

    The gravity of the situation began to sink in as everyone realized how dire things were.

 Chapter 125 Ben, The Savior?

    ?

    As chaos consumed the cave, Nick strolled through it leisurely. As he walked, he reminisced about setting everything up beforehand.

    Nick was quite angry after losing the bid against a mysterious big shot, and he was also ridiculed by others.

    If it had been in the past, he wouldn''t have faced such a significant bacsh for making a mistake.

    However, just a few months ago, his uncle had died "identally," and the organization investigated the incident.

    However, they couldn''t find any clues regarding the killer who caused his uncle''s death.

    The ident had also crushed their purpose for raiding "the remains of the war."

    As a result, Nick faced a lot of criticism and mocking remarks from others on behalf of his uncle. Nick lost his parents at a young age. His uncle was the sole parental figure for him.

    He couldn''t bear those remarks. So he just used his power and talent to "silence them".

    He easily became one of the major figures in the [Blood Supremacy club] during his second year at the academy.

    With his mind games, he had easily climbed the ranks and formed his faction.

    Everything was going ording to n. Until "Ken" appeared.

    Like an annoying bee, he kept interfering with his ns. That''s why Nick thoroughly investigated his background. However, nothing noticeable was found.

    He had nned meticulously this time, determined not to make any mistakes.

    The practical exam for the top 100 freshman students was the perfect opportunity for him to prove his worth to everyone.

    With the help of his organization, they were able to change the location of the practical exam. After some "little tricks", Nick easily gained leadership for the mission.

    Now the only thing left was to set up the n.

    Before the exam, he arrived at the Roaring Cave and conducted a rough exploration of the area.

    Due to his tight schedule, he was unable to explore every nook and cranny of the cave.

    Nheless, he made a rough n while also receiving insider information that Ken''s group would be tasked with targeting the Red Ogre during the mission.

    With this knowledge, he marked the creature''s location urately, while intentionally marking other nearby passageways incorrectly.

    He even nned for the hidden trap where they would retrieve the map.

    As per the n, he directed Ken''s team to "Goblin''s nest". Although he had to use his charm skill for a moment to make his words more credible. This skill only worked on weak people than him and it only made his words more credible.

    Also ording to the n, he contacted those 14 guardians, and all of them pulled aggro of the powerful creatures toward exhausted students.

    With that, they were easily able to trap the students inside the cave.

    Nick also had awork of insiders among the top 100 freshman students, who kept him updated on the current situation.

    As he was contemting his ns, hismunication device rang, and a message from an insider he had nted among the students appeared. "Leader, somehow Ben has appeared with his crazy group. He is saving everyone left and right. He is currently helping Ken''s group. What should we do?" Nick froze on the spot, shocked to hear that Ben was saving people.

    "Looks like someone has made a move," he thought.

    ''Is that you [Thanatos]?'' He stared in the air and mumbled.

    ''Be ready for my next move, too.'' Thinking this, he again disappeared into the darkness making his second move.

    ***

    After killing the Goblin King, Ben and his team were standing in the cave, covered in goblin blood and panting heavily.

    They looked at each other with a mix of exhaustion and relief.

    "Is it just me or does it smell worse in here now?" Gram asked, wrinkling his nose.

    Andy chuckled. "I think that''s just the smell of victory, Gram."

    Patrick grinned. "Speaking of victory, did you see the look on the Goblin King''s face when Boss charged at him with that crazy sword move?"

    Gnar let out augh. "I think I scared him more than he scared me."

    Andy shook his head. "You are one crazy son of a bitch, Boss. I thought for sure you were going to get yourself killed."

    Ben grinned. "Hey, I live for this stuff. It''s what I was born to do." He said while he wiped the blood from his face with a handkerchief.

    Gram rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, I was born to be a baker, but you don''t see me charging headfirst into battle."

    Andy chuckled. "That''s because you''re too busy making us delicious baked goods, Gram."

    Patrick smirked. "Yeah, I''d take a fresh batch of your cinnamon rolls over a goblin any day."

    After that, Ben took out the map. As soon as he took out the map, the group gathered around him.

    "Now, you guys believe me?" Ben raised his eyebrows as he spoke.

    "Yeah. That crazy look when you charged at the Goblin King. Only our boss can do something stupid." Gnar said while stroking his belly.

    "Your allowance will be cut by 10% this month," Ben said, nonchntly.

    "Noo!!" Gnar couldn''t hold his emotions.

    He kept babbling, while Andy stopped him from brawling on the ground.

    "Boss, I believed in you from the start," Patrick said confidently.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "M-me, too," Gram said in low voice.

    "Okay, let''s go to the North East now." Ben pointed at the map while saying.

    All of his team members nodded.

    "Don''t you guys have any questions?" Ben wondered.

    "But didn''t we work like this always? You tell us where to go without any n. In the end, somehow everything went with the flow." Gram said while tilting his head.

    Ben facepalmed. ''These idiots.''

    "Let''s go," Ben instructed. Hearing this, everyone from the team member started moving.

    As they walked they talked about the battle they had against the goblins.

    "Man, that was intense," Gnar said, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

    "Yeah, I think I''m gonna have goblin nightmares for weeks," Gram added.

    Andy chuckled. "I''m just d we made it out alive. That was some seriously tough fighting."

    Patrick smirked. "Speak for yourself, I was in the zone. Those goblins didn''t stand a chance."

    Gnar rolled his eyes. "You were lucky, Patrick. You missed more than you hit."

    Patrick shrugged. "Hey, I may not have the best aim, but I can surely make a big hole in your tummy."

    Benughed. "Yeah, we know. You were like Legs out there."

    The group chuckled, relieved to have a moment of levity after the intense battle.

    As they continued through the cave, they came across a pile of treasure that glimmered in the dim light. The group''s eyes widened with excitement.

    "Holy shit," Gram said, his voice full of awe. "We hit the jackpot."

    Andy nodded in agreement. "Let''s just hope this treasure isn''t guarded by another army of goblins."

    Patrick chuckled. "Are you kidding me? After what we just went through, I think we could take on a dragon."

    Gnar shook his head. "Don''t jinx us, Patrick. Let''s just take the treasure and get out of here."

    As they approached the treasure, Ben suddenly had a realization.

    "Hold on," he said urgently.

    Everyone halted in their tracks.

    "Let''s leave this for now ande back for itter. When we return, we can split it evenly among ourselves," Ben suggested. The mere mention of "splitting" the treasure lit up everyone''s faces.

    Without a word, they all nodded in agreement.

    As the group continued on their journey, they encountered a variety of fantastical creatures, each posing its unique challenges.

    However, Ben, to everyone''s amazement, seemed to have an uncanny knowledge of these creatures and their weaknesses, making their battles much more manageable.

    The first creature they encountered was a group of small, fluffy bunnies that hopped out from a side tunnel.

    However, they were too dangerous.

    The group initially froze, unsure of what to do, until Ben suddenly pulled out a carrot from his pocket and tossed it toward the bunnies. The bunnies immediately hopped toward the carrot, and they ate it. They soon died. It''s because that carrot was poisonous.

    Another creature they encountered was a swarm of flesh-eating ghouls that emerged from a dark forest.

    These vile creatures were known for their lightning-fast speed and deadly ws, making them nearly impossible to outrun.

    However, Ben had a trick up his sleeve, and he used a potion of holy water to repel the ghouls and send them fleeing back into the darkness.

    They encountered snacks, lizards, and Kobolds. But everything was dealt away easily by Ben.

    The group was in awe of him, but Hans was bing increasingly frustrated as he was the one who had attracted the monsters to the group.

    After taking a leisurely walk, they stumbled upon a group of students engaged in a battle against shadowy creatures.

    "We should help them," Ben dered.

    However, hispanions were confused. "But boss, we''ve never helped anyone before. Aren''t we the bullies of the academy?" Patrick asked, and the others looked at Ben, hoping for a logical exnation.

    Ahem... only we can bully everyone. If we save them, it will prove that we are stronger, and we can bully them more in the future," Ben spoke as if he were imparting wisdom, but he was dying from the shame of saying such nonsense.

    "Isn''t that pure bullshit?" Gnar retorted.

    "10% allowance cut," Ben said coldly.

    "Noo!!" Gnar regretted his actions.

    "Let''s go," Ben changed the subject, unable to bear it any longer.

    And so, they began saving students along the way, and their group grewrger andrger. Among the students were some who had been wounded, but Ben was prepared and had brought medicine to aid them.

    As they marched forward, the students'' respect for Ben grew, and in their hearts, he slowly transformed into a savior.

    ''I really can''t endure this, Rain why the fuck you told me to do this!!'' He grumbled inwardly.

 Chapter 126 Casper : The Shadow Dragon

    ?

    As Ben and his group made their way through the battle-ravaged paths, Ben and hispanions stumbled upon another group of students in distress.

    They looked a little familiar to everyone.

    This time, the students were surrounded by some unknown shadowy creatures that were slowly draining their strength.

    Without hesitation, Ben shouted outmands to hispanions, and they rushed forward to engage the enemy. The battle was intense, and it seemed like the students were about to be overwhelmed.

    Ben led the students and started attacking the shadowy creatures. Ken and Noah were shocked to see Bene to their rescue. However, the shadowy creatures proved to be too powerful, and most of the students were already exhausted.

    Despite the odds, Ben''s team fought with impressive speed and agility, taking down several monsters with sharp des and powerful spells. Ken and his team fought with equal ferocity, hacking and shing their way through the hordes of creatures.

    But the monsters kepting, and their slimy tentaclesshed out with deadly uracy.

    Many students felt their energy-draining, and they were exhausted. Just as they thought they might not make it, Ben took out holy water from his space ring and started throwing it on the shadow creatures.

    He also told many mages to unleash powerful fire spells that took out several monsters at once. Soon, all of the monsters were dead in the vicinity.

    "Thanks for having our backs," Ken said gratefully as the two teams regrouped.

    "Of course," Ben replied with a grin.

    "Boss is almighty," Gnar cheered loudly.

    "Boss is almighty," Ben''s other team members also followed suit.

    Hearing this, many people stared at Ben.

    ''These clowns,'' Ben felt second-hand embarrassment.

    "By the way, what happened with you?" Ben asked.

    Hearing this, Ken''s team had an ufortable look on their face.

    Still, as the leader of the team, Ken recollected what had happened so far. They got the map from a hidden trap, and when they went to the "goblin''s nest," they were stuck with those shadowy creatures. Although they somehow coped with them, they had to escape from there with the help of Nick.

    As more of Ben''s team and other students heard Ken''s story, the more baffled they became.

    Gram couldn''t hold it any longer and burst outughing.

    "Hahahahaha." With that, other members of his team alsoughed.

    ''I also want tough, but I guess I shouldn''tugh at someone''s misery,'' Ben thought inwardly.

    If it were in the past, other students might have thought Ben''s team wasughing because they were crazy. However, today they saw a new side of them, so they were puzzled.

    "What happened?" Noah was curious about the reason.

    "Nah, it''s just that the story was too funny," Andy answered.

    This response confused other people even more.

    "Okay, let me exin...Keuk," Gnar said, trying to control hisughter, "The thing is we had the goblin king as our target, and we cleared the Goblin''s nest long ago."

    Hearing this, Noah became frustrated.

    "Then that map was just a forgery." He mmed his fist into the wall.

    "Well, we should have thought about that map more. After all, who could get the map of an unexplored area?" Luna chimed in.

    "Hey, missy. It''s because of yourck of skills. Our boss has the real map of the cave," Patrick retorted.

    If it were a world of cultivation novel, Luna might have puked blood.

    "No way, you are lying," Marry used them. She still couldn''t believe it.

    Onlookers also thought the same.

    "Yes, way. Boss, can you please show your mightiness to these peasants?" Gnar urged Ben to show the map to everyone.

    ''Can''t these people control their mouths,'' Ben really wanted to smack everyone.

    If it were found that he had the map of the cave, he would have to reveal the source of the map to everyone. He might even get used of cheating.

    Despite his reluctance, he realized that he had no other options left. With a resigned sigh, he withdrew the map from his space ring and held it up for everyone to see.

    As he disyed the map, it seemed as though Ben was triumphantly waving his victory banner after decimating his rivals.

    Noah approached Ben and carefully scrutinized the intricate details on the map.

    The more he examined it, the more he became convinced that the map was indeed authentic.

    Still, Noah couldn''t help but think about the map he had found earlier.

    As hepared it to Ben''s map, he found how much that map was wrong. It was a counterfeit map that lead them in the wrong direction.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He bit his lower lip. Still, he was grateful that Ben hade to rescue them.

    Ken also eximed, while seeing the map.

    Although he wanted to ask about the source of the map, leaving this cave was more important.

    ''With this, we can leave this cave faster.'' He thought.

    Just as the group breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of their map, a deep voice interrupted their thoughts.

    "Oh, humans. You have a very detailed map of my abode. But it''s bad manners to enter someone''s home and draw maps like this," the voice boomed, overflowing with mightiness.

    The darkness of the cave seemed to deepen as incredible pressure surrounded them, causing the students to feel a sense of dread.

    As they stared toward the source of the voice, they could barely make out the shape of a massive creature in the shadows.

    Its glowing eyes fixed on them as if daring them to move. The students cursed their luck at having stumbled upon this terrifying being.

    The creature stepped forward into the dim light of the cave, revealing its true form: a dragon.

    Its scales glistened in the flickering light of the torches, and its sharp ws cked against the rocky floor.

    The dragon''s piercing gaze seemed to pierce through the students'' souls, making them feel small and insignificant in its presence.

    Suddenly, the dragon began to shrink and contort until it took the shape of a tall, imposing figure.

    The figure was clearly human, but there was something otherworldly about his presence.

    He wore a long ck coat and had piercing green eyes that seemed to glow in the darkness. With that coat, he looked like a gigachad.

    "State your purpose for being here," the figure demanded. His voice was like thunder.

    The students stumbled over their words, not expecting to encounter a mythical being while exploring the cave.

    "Speak up, little ones," the figure said with a sneer. "Have youe to challenge me? Or perhaps you seek my treasure?"

    "W-we didn''t know anyone lived here," one of the students said.

    The figure snorted in amusement. "You humans are always so clueless," he said. "Youe barging into my home, disturbing my peace and causing chaos, and then you dare to im ignorance?"

    "I demand to know who you are and what you want," the dragon continued. "Or shall I simply eat you?"

    He took out a potion from his pocket. As he opened the lid, the fragrance filled the air. "You humans don''t even care about hygiene, how can I eat you. Tch," he said with a frown.

    Suddenly, the dragon''s eyes fixated on Gnar, and he asked in a deep, menacing voice, "And what about you? What brings you to my hoard, little human pig?"

    Gnar felt a lump form in his throat as he faced the dragon''s intense gaze. Summoning his courage, he replied, "I only came here to admire the grass, oh great dragon."

    The dragon let out a low growl and snarled, "Do you think I am a fool? I know that you have stolen from my treasure hoard." With a swift motion, the dragon lifted Gnar off the ground and began to shake him violently, causing objects to fall from his pockets. Even his space ring fell out, and the dragon used his magic to extract its contents.

    Among the objects that spilled out, the dragon noticed several adult magazines, but his attention was drawn to a mysterious artifact. "You dare to steal from me, Casper, the great and powerful shadow dragon? You are nothing but a worm, a maggot, a despicable little thief!" The dragon''s voice thundered with anger.

    "I will not let you leave my home alive," the dragon continued. "You will pay for your insolence with your life, and your friends will watch as I devour you whole."

    Trembling with fear, Gnar begged for mercy. "Noo!! Don''t do that!! I won''t taste good."

    "Really?" The dragon replied, intrigued.

    "Yes, yes!" Gnar nodded frantically.

    "Very well," the dragon said with a sly grin. "I won''t eat you. Instead, I will find other ways to entertain myself with your presence."

    Gnar let out a sigh of relief, but his fear quickly returned when the dragon began to describe his twisted ns. "I will keep torturing you for my amusement. It will be a good way to relieve my boredom. Perhaps I''ll y some games with you, like football with your round tummy, basketball with your head, or cricket with your limbs. Yes, I will get a whole sports kit from you."

    Gnar trembled in fear, knowing he was in grave danger. He would rather choose to die than be toyed with by this dragon.

    Ben couldn''t help but curse in his mind. "I told that bastard not to take anything." Ben had warned everyone not to touch the treasure because he knew it belonged to the dragon. He remembered Rain''s words clearly.

    ***

    "Listen, Ben. Never touch that treasure when you stumble upon it," Rain had said in a serious tone.

    "Why?" Ben had asked curiously.

    "Just think, you will be in deep shit if you touch that treasure. It''s the dragon''s treasure," Rain had replied in an amused tone.

    Ben swallowed his saliva after hearing that. He resolved himself that he would never touch that thing.

    ***

    Currently, Casper was staring at Gnar eagerly.

    At that moment, Ken spoke up, interrupting the dragon''s diabolical ns. "I won''t let you do that."

 Chapter 127 Boring Soap [Boring ]

    ?

    [Warning: Chapter is going to be boring.]

    When Casper, the shadow dragon, appeared for the first time, Ken was thrown off bnce. He had never heard of a shadow dragon emerging from the Roaring Cave in his past life.

    However, when he learned that Gnar had stolen Casper''s treasure, everything clicked into ce.

    Casper''s arrival reminded Ken of the monsters that had attacked his city in his previous life. "Would Casper know about the demons and their ns?" Ken pondered.

    Despite his regression, Ken had made no headway in collecting information about those demons. Lost in thought, he was brought back to reality by the sound of Casper''s enraged voice.

    "I will not let you leave my home alive," Casper growled, staring directly at Gnar. "You will pay for your insolence with your life, and your friends will watch as I devour you whole."

    Ken knew that Casper wasn''t going to spare anyone. As the dragon revealed more about his diabolical ns, Ken became certain that everyone''s life was in danger.

    He nced at the other students and saw fear etched on their faces. Ben was frowning deeply. Ken thought to himself, "I don''t think I can save everyone. Maybe I should run away. At the very least, I can take the map from Ben and escape from here. After that, I''ll contact the professors."

    Ken knew that his choice was rational. He still had to find out about those demons, and he had a bright future ahead of him.

    He couldn''t afford to die here in this cave, but as he thought of escaping, his thoughts were interrupted by the memory of Kevin''s words before leaving for the exam.

    An inner turmoil started in his mind. Ken thought about his friends, who were still in the cave.

    He imagined their faces and remembered the good times they had spent together.

    He realized that he couldn''t just abandon them to face the danger alone. "I can''t just run away and leave them all to die. They''re my friends, and I have a moral obligation to protect them."

    "But how can I possibly fight a shadow dragon?" Ken knew that the shadow dragon was one of the most powerful and dangerous creatures in this world.

    He had only read about them in books and had never seen one in real life till now.

    "I don''t have to fight it alone. Maybe I can work together with the other students." Ken knew that he wasn''t the only skilled one in the school.

    Others had been studying just as hard as he had. Maybe they could band together and fight the shadow dragon as a team.

    "Yes, that''s right. If we all band together, we might stand a chance. But even if we don''t, I can''t just give up. I need to try, for their sakes."

    Ken''s determination grew as he thought about his friends and their safety. He knew that he had to do everything in his power to protect them.

    Ken paused for a moment and wondered, "Still, why am I doing this? It''s not like Professor Kevin will me me if students died here."

    He realized that it wasn''t just about avoiding me. It was about his own values and beliefs.

    "No, it''s not just that. It''s because I care about them. They''re not just my ssmates, they''re my friends. And I don''t want to lose them."

    Ken thought about the people who had be like family to him. He couldn''t imagine life without them.

    "But what about me? Should I risk my own life for theirs? Will they do the same?" Ken thought about the risks involved.

    He knew that fighting a shadow dragon could be deadly. He wondered if his friends would be willing to risk their lives for him as he was willing to risk his for them.

    "I don''t know if they will or not. But Ben and his group just saved us. I may not be a hero, but I won''t stand by and watch as they''re all killed. I''ll do whatever it takes to protect them."

    Ken remembered the bravery of Ben and his group who had saved them earlier. He knew that he had to be just as brave to protect his friends.

    "But what if I fail? What if I get them all killed? I can''t bear the thought of that."

    Ken''s fears resurfaced. He didn''t want to fail and risk the lives of his friends.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Ken took a deep breath and reminded himself, "I guess this is the time to use my full power. I can''t hide all the time."

    With a renewed sense of determination, Ken stared at Casper.

    At that moment, Ken spoke up, "I won''t let you do that."

    Looking over at Ken, the dragon sneered. "And who are you to challenge me, puny human?"

    Watching this scene unfolding, everyone was dumbfounded.

    "This idiotic justice lover.." Ben grumbled inwardly. Even though he had respect for Ken''s bravery, he still felt trying to fight the dragon head-on was a stupid idea.

    "Ken, stop! Don''t do that." Noah shouted and called Ken. He wanted to stop Ken from fighting like this.

    "If I don''t do this then who will do it?" Ken said with a polite smile.

    Casper initially watched the scene unfold with great interest, but as the talk continued, he started to grow bored.

    Casper: rubbing his chin "Hmm, I wonder if I should get some popcorn for this. It''s like a real-life soap opera."

    He snapped his fingers and a tub of popcorn appeared in the air. He started eating popcorn as he watched Ken talking with other students.

    "If you fight with him, I will also fight alongside you," Noah said.

    Some students also came forward and said they will join, too.

    "No, while I fight with him, you guys find the way out of this cave and get help from the professors," Ken suggested.

    Like that argument started. Both parties kept saying things.

    Casper: rolls his eyes "Ohe on, this is getting ridiculous. Can''t they just talk it out like adults and be done with it? I can''t stand here all day."

    Ken''s statement had caused a stir among the group of students.

    Some of them were hesitant to leave him behind, while others felt that they should all stay together and face the danger as a united group.

    One of the students spoke up, "But Ken, we can''t just leave you and Noah to fight alone. We need to stick together and face this danger together."

    Ken shook his head, "I appreciate your bravery, but we don''t know what we''re dealing with here. It could be too dangerous for all of us to stay."

    Casper: scratches his head "Okay, now they''re just repeating themselves. Can someone please fast-forward to the end of this episode?"

    After 2 minutes, they were still talking.

    Casper interrupted them.

    "Well, sorry to disturb your opera, but can you end it quickly? Or make it interesting. Like add some songs or dance. I am getting bored here."

    Hearing this, everyone was dumbfounded.

    Ken came forward and unsheathed his sword.

    "Oh, that soap ended? That was a real cliffhanger. I wonder what will happen in tomorrow''s episode." Casper smirked.

 Chapter 128 Casper Vs. Ken

    ?

    Casper gazed at Ken and then condescendingly blinked his eyes. "Do you really intend to challenge me, insignificant human?" he sneered.

    Ken nodded firmly, resolute in his determination.

    "Ah, the naivete of youth," Casper sighed, shaking his head. "These days, young people read too many fairy tales and believe they can be Dragon yers." He paused for a moment, his face contorting with the recollection of a bitter memory. "Let me show you what a real dragon is capable of," he growled.

    Casper''s yful smirk vanished as he concentrated, gathering energy in the tip of his finger.

    [Void Sphere]

    The air around him grew heavy with anticipation, crackling with dark energy.

    Suddenly, a sphere of darkness materialized at the tip of his finger, pulsating with power.

    Without hesitation, Casper hurled it toward Ken, who barely had time to react.

    Ken''s eyes widened in rm as he realized the sphere was hurtling towards him at the speed of sound.

    He knew he couldn''t dodge it in time, so he quickly tried to conjure a protective ward to shield himself.

    Focusing all his energy, he plunged his sword into the ground, hoping to tap into the earth to create a strong barrier.

    [Ward of the Ancients]

    In a split second, a protective ward materialized around him, glowing with ancient symbols.

    However, it was no match for the sphere of darkness hurtling toward it.

    The sphere struck the ward with a deafening explosion, shattering it into a million pieces.

    Ken felt the force of the impact as the sphere hit him head-on, sending him reeling.

    Although the attack didn''t cause much physical pain, Ken could feel the immense power difference between himself and Casper.

    He struggled to regain hisposure as Casper observed him with a smirk, clearly amused by the young man''s futile attempt to defend himself.

    Casper raised his hand again, this time channeling dark energy directly from the abyss.

    [Abyssal Surge]

    The air around him grew cold and dense as the dark energy coalesced around him, forming a vortex of ck mes.

    With a flick of his wrist, Casper sent the mes hurtling toward Ken.

    Ken gritted his teeth, refusing to give up. With a determined expression, he charged towards Casper, sword at the ready.

    He knew he was outmatched, but he wasn''t going to give up without a fight.

    However, Casper merely chuckled and effortlessly dodged Ken''s attacks, toying with him like a cat with a mouse.

    He could sense Ken''s frustration and desperation, and it only made him more amused.

    Casper looked down at Ken, his expression of smug superiority unmistakable.

    It was as if he was looking at a foolish child who didn''t know any better. "So, you''re really foolish enough to fight me?" he asked, a sly grin spreading across his face.

    Ken gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowed with determination.

    He wasn''t going to back down now. "I''m not afraid of you," he replied, his voice low and steady.

    [Shadow Slip]

    Casper let out a chuckle, and in the next instant, he vanished from sight, his form blurring into nothingness.

    Ken was caught off guard for a moment, but he quickly regained his focus, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement.

    [Shadow Strike]

    Suddenly, Casper reappeared behind Ken, his form materializing out of thin air.

    Ken felt a chill run down his spine as Casper whispered in his ear, "You should be," before unleashing a powerful st of dark energy that sent Ken stumbling backward.

    Ken was quick to react, his instincts taking over as he began to utilize his footwork technique, [Feather Steps], to dodge Casper''s attacks.

    The technique allowed him to move with incredible speed and agility, his body weaving and dodging as Casperunched one attack after another.

    But Casper was just getting started.

    He continued to assault Ken with a relentless barrage of dark spells, each one more powerful than thest.

    Ken felt his energy reserves starting to dwindle as he tried to keep up with the onught.

    Ken knew he had to change tactics if he was going to have any chance of winning this fight.

    He focused his mind, calling forth his [Flowing Water Sword Art] to help him defend himself against Casper''s attacks.

    With each strike of Casper''s spells, Ken parried and blocked with precise movements, his sword moving in a fluid dance as he defended himself.

    At times, Ken also utilized his [Serenity de Sword Art] for quick counterattacks.

    The art allowed him to strike with lightning speed and precision, catching Casper off guard on several asions.

    Despite Ken''s efforts, Casper''s attacks were unrelenting, and soon Ken found himself struggling to keep pace with the barrage of dark spells.

    But he refused to give in.

    ''Looks like it''s time to reveal my strength.'' The fight was far from over, and Ken knew that he was going to have to give it everything he had if he was going to emerge victorious.

    Ken tightened his grip on his sword, the cool metal reassuring in his hand.

    He took a deep breath, drawing in the musty air of the cave and the scent of his own sweat.

    His muscles tensed as he channeled his inner strength and determination, his years of training as a swordsmaning to the forefront of his mind. He wouldn''t let Casper''s power intimidate him.

    In the dark cave, Ken''s sword shone brightly, illuminating his surroundings with a warm glow.

    The light flickered on the rough walls of the cave, casting long shadows and creating an eerie atmosphere.

    Casper''s snicker echoed through the cavern, a cold reminder of the danger that lurked ahead.

    [Shadow Army Arise]

    As Casper muttered these words, a horde of sinister figures materialized around Ken.

    They seemed to seep out of the very shadows themselves, their dark forms twisting and writhing like smoke.

    Ken''s heart raced as he realized the gravity of the situation. He was outnumbered and outmatched, but he refused to back down.

    Ken''s eyes slowly opened, revealing a steely gaze and unshakeable confidence in his skills.

    He assessed the situation quickly, taking in the numbers and movements of the shadowy creatures.

    He knew that he needed to act fast if he was going to survive.

    [zing mes Sword Style - 2nd Move me Thrust]

    Ken drew his sword back, feeling the weight and bnce of the de in his hand.

    He took a step forward, the crunch of gravel beneath his boots a sharp contrast to the eerie silence of the cave.

    With a quick thrust, heunched himself into battle. His movements were precise and calcted, each strike aimed with lethal uracy.

    As mes were the nemesis of shadows, the figures easily sumbed to the burning onught.

    The heat of the mes licked at Ken''s face, sending sweat streaming down his forehead.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The figures writhed and screamed as they burned, but they persisted in their attacks on Ken.

    [zing mes Sword Style - 6th Move Burning Fury]

    Ken''s swords zed with even more fire as he rapidly shed at the shadowy creatures.

    With each move of his swords, the mes around him grew brighter and more intense.

    He moved with incredible speed and precision, shing at the shadowy creatures that surrounded him.

    As he fought, the creatures lunged and wed at him, but their attacks were no match for Ken''s zing swords.

    With each swift stroke, he sent waves of searing heat that burned the creatures to ash.

    "Impressive," Casper murmured. He watched in amazement as Ken fought.

    [Dragon Blessing]

    He snapped his fingers, and the shadowy creatures became more powerful, growing even more agile and sneaky.

    Ken''s zing mes Sword Style was not without its drawbacks, however.

    The intense mes consumed his mana and stamina, leaving him feeling drained and exhausted.

    "I can''t keep fighting like this," he thought as the creatures closed in around him.

    Despite his weariness, Ken refused to back down.

    He knew that he had to keep fighting if he wanted to survive. He gritted his teeth and pushed himself to his limits, his swords zing with even more intensity than before.

    [zing mes Sword Style - 9th Move Firestorm Sweep]

    He raised his sword high above his head and brought it down in a wide arc, unleashing a massive wave of mes that engulfed all of the creatures.

    The onlookers gasped as they watched the mes burn through the air, the heat and intensity of the attack almost too much to bear.

    When the mes finally subsided, all of the creatures were gone, consumed by the fiery inferno.

    Ken lowered his sword, his breathing heavy andbored. He had survived, but just barely.

    Even Casper raised his eyebrows in amazement.

    [zing mes Sword Style - 12th Move Inferno Wave]

    Ken and Casper stood a distance apart. Suddenly, Ken shed his sword through the air, unleashing a torrent of zing mes toward Casper.

    Ken could barely stand after using this move.

    In response, Casper quickly used [Dark Mist], summoning a cloud of inky ckness that gathered around where he was standing.

    In the mist, the mes were swallowed, creating a chaotic and smoky scene. Ken could barely make out Casper''s form through the haze.

    Suddenly, Ken felt a sharp pain in his side as Casper appeared out of nowhere, using [Shadow Slip] to teleport to a different location.

    Ken gritted his teeth, knowing that he had lost.

    "Boy, you have some good tricks," Casper said, shaking his head in admiration. "You''re a skilled swordsman, but you can''t defeat a dragon with a sword alone."

    With that, Casperunched a powerful st of dark energy with [Phantom Shot], sending Ken tumbling to the ground.

    His sword ttered out of reach, leaving him defenseless.

    Ken tried to move himself and reach out for his sword, but Casper quickly intervened with [Shadow Grapple].

    ck chains materialized in the air and grappled Ken, immobilizing him for some time.

    Casper strolled towards Ken, his hands in his pockets. Ken stood his ground, his eyes fixed on his opponent.

    "Little boy, I am bored of fighting with you," Casper yawned. "Let me end this, okay?"

    Ken clenched his fists. "I won''t surrender. I have to protect my friends," he dered, his voice firm.

    "What friends are you talking about? They are fighting among themselves over there," Casper pointed towards a ce where students were standing before Ken and Casper started fighting.

    Ken didn''t believe Casper''s words.

    But as he turned his head, he saw students fighting among themselves.

    They were shing at each other with swords, firing spells and arrows, and shouting in panic.

    "What did you do?" Ken roared with anger, his voice echoing through the battlefield.

    "Ah, keep your voice low. Shouting with anger might cause throat problems in the long term.

    Even though you are awakened, you shouldn''t neglect your body like this. It''s also bad for the listener.

    Can''t you think about their poor eardrums before shouting like this?" Casper lectured Ken, his tone patronizing.

    "What happened to my friends? Tell me!" Ken said angrily, heeding Casper''s words but unable to suppress his emotions.

    "Hmm, let me tell you then. Otherwise, you will keep babbling," Casper said like it was a chore for him. "So when we started fighting, they tried to help by intervening. But just then, some worms wearing hoods appeared and attacked them."

    "Why didn''t you tell me?" Ken asked back, his voice calmer but his eyes zing with fury.

    "Meh, I''m not your personal assistant. Why should I care about your worms?" Casper scoffed, his expression bored and indifferent.

    "Let me continue the story," Casper said like he was some old man telling stories to children.

    "After those worms wearing hoods appeared, both groups started fighting.

    The two groups shed violently amid the chaos, and your group was quickly overwhelmed by the worms wearing hoods.

    Despite their best efforts, they found themselves being beaten down by those worms. Even though they had more numbers, they were too weak." Casper shook his head.

    "At that moment, I noticed something strange happening.

    Some of the people from your group, who had been fighting alongside just moments before, had suddenly turned on their fellow fighters. They began attacking their own allies, seemingly without reason or provocation."

    "Sigh... You humans are so treacherous," Casper muttered to himself.

    "I don''t believe it," Ken said, shaking his head in disbelief.

    Casper snickered at Ken''s reaction. "Heh, I don''t need you to believe in me either," he said dismissively. "You aren''t my lover or my wife that I need to make you believe in me."

    Ken gritted his teeth in frustration at Casper''s words.

    He couldn''t save anyone again.

    He had failed again.

    "Okay, let me send you to the afterlife. Say hello to the gods on my behalf," Casper said with a hint of amusement, getting ready to strike Ken.

    Just as Casper was about to make his move, he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Hmm? Who has the balls to stop this great shadow dragon?" he asked, puzzled.

    "Casper~ Oh, Casper~ It''s fancy meeting you here," a woman said in a charming voice.

    Casper shuddered as he recognized the voice. There was no way he could forget that voice. He turned his face and saw the speaker. His face became pale.

    "Veronica?" he mumbled.

    "Hello, little Casper," Veronica said with a smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

 Chapter 129 Unexpected Betrayal

    ?

    As Ken and the Shadow Dragon, Casper, exchanged blows in the dark cave, the surrounding students stood frozen, their eyes fixated on the violent scene unfolding before them.

    They knew Ken was fighting for their safety and Casper''s defeat was the only way out.

    Some wanted to intervene and help Ken, but Ben stopped them, knowing it would only be worthless to get in the way.

    They were just too weak to make a difference against a Shadow Dragon.

    "Hey, Ben. Can''t we at least try to help him?" Noah asked desperation in his voice.

    "Do you really think you can help Ken against a Shadow Dragon?" Ben countered.

    Noah tried to answer, but his voice faltered.

    He knew he wasn''t as strong as Ken, let alone a Shadow Dragon. Seeing Ken getting beaten up for their sake, he felt helpless and useless.

    Noah clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, watching as Ken struggled to dodge Casper''s attacks.

    He felt a surge of anger and frustration welling up inside him.

    He wanted to do something, anything, to help Ken, but he knew deep down that he was no match for Casper.

    He couldn''t bear the thought of standing idly by and watching his friend get hurt, but he also couldn''t bear the thought of getting in the way and making things worse.

    He felt trapped, torn between his desire to help and his fear of making things worse.

    Noah''s mind raced as he watched the fight unfold.

    He knew he needed to do something, but he just couldn''t figure out what.

    His thoughts were a jumbled mess, and he couldn''t think straight.

    He wanted to scream, to yell, to do anything to get Ken out of harm''s way, but he felt paralyzed, unable to move or speak.

    As the fight wore on, Noah felt his hope fading.

    He knew that Ken was getting tired and that Casper was only getting stronger. He couldn''t bear the thought of losing his friend, but he also knew that he was powerless to stop it.

    Noah took a deep breath and tried to calm his racing thoughts.

    He knew that he couldn''t fight Casper on his own, but he also knew that he couldn''t just stand there and do nothing.

    He looked around at the other students, hoping to find someone else who felt the same way.

    "Come on, guys," he said, his voice rising above the sounds of the fight.

    "We can''t just stand here and watch Ken fight alone. We have to do something to help him."

    At first, the other students looked hesitant, unsure of what they could do to help.

    But Noah refused to give up. He kept talking, urging them to find a way to support Ken.

    Finally, one of the other students spoke up. "Maybe we can distract Casper somehow," she said.

    "If we can draw his attention away from Ken, maybe Ken will have a better chance of winning."

    Noah''s eyes lit up with hope. "That''s a great idea," he said. "Let''s try it."

    This time, Ben didn''t stop Noah and the other students. He also wanted to help Ken.

    "Boss, are we going to help Ken? Can''t we just escape?" Gnar approached Ben and whispered.

    Ben turned to face Gnar and red at him as if he were trash.

    "All of this is happening because of you, Gnar," he said angrily. "Didn''t I tell you not to touch that treasure? You greedy idiot." Ben smacked Gnar on the head.

    "Boys beat him up," Ben ordered his team members.

    "Hehe. I was waiting for this," Gram said as he gripped his sword tightly.

    Andy threw a binding spell on Gnar, leaving him unable to move an inch.

    "Let me make holes in your tummy," Patrick readied his crossbow.

    "Release me! Release me! I''m sorry!!" Gnar begged as he was beaten up by his own team members.

    While Gnar was being beaten up, Noah and the other students made a n to distract Casper.

    However, just then, Noah noticed something. He shot an arrow in the air, and it struck the wall of the cave.

    "Reveal yourself. Otherwise, the next arrow will not miss," Noah warned.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Hearing Noah''s warning, a figure wearing a purple hood revealed himself.

    As the students noticed the symbol on the purple robe, they recognized it as the symbol of the Covenant of Chaos, an evil organization.

    "I''m sure these bastards are behind all of this. Let''s kill them," one of the students roared.

    The students were already angry about what had happened to them, and they were looking for targets.

    Coincidentally, the members of the evil organization appeared at precisely the right time.

    Soon, more than a dozen hooded figures emerged from the darkness. There were fourteen of them.

    Ben also noticed the evil organization''s appearance because of the ruckus.

    "Hey, stop boys," he instructed his team members.

    Hearing this, his team members stopped beating Gnar.

    "Tch, I wanted to beat him more," they all thought at the same time.

    Gnar was lying on the floor, his face blue from the beating.

    Ben walked over to him and kicked him slightly. "Hey, stand up. Don''t pretend. I''m sure with your thick skin you can handle more beating," Ben said.

    However, Gnar didn''t stand up. He kept lying on the floor.

    "Stand up before I count to three. Otherwise, a 10% cut of the allowance," Ben said in a cold tone.

    Gnar still didn''t move.

    It was then that Ben realized he might have hit him too hard.

    He knelt beside him and checked for his pulse. Thankfully, Gnar was still breathing, but he was unconscious.

    "Boys, as it''s urgent we will leave Gnar here. Even though he is our friend," Ben said, now sounding concerned.

    As Ben turned his attention back to Gnar, he was surprised to see Gnar standing up rapidly.

    It seemed that he had been pretending to be unconscious all along.

    "Oh, you are up. You were just lying there," Ben pretend to be taken aback.

    Gnar smiled slyly. "I thought you''d never stop hitting me," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "But I can take it, I''m tough."

    Ben frowned, feeling irritated. "You''re lucky we don''t have time to deal with you now. We have to focus on these guys," he said, gesturing towards the hooded figures who were now approaching them.

    The students and Ben''s team members stood in a defensive formation, ready to face the members of the Covenant of Chaos.

    The hooded figures were armed with swords, crossbows, and various magical weapons, while the students and Ben''s team members had to rely on their wits and skills.

    The battle began with a cacophony of metal and arrows as the two groups shed.

    Noah and the other students worked together, forming small groups to fight off the enemy.

    Ben and his team members fought simrly, covering each other''s backs and using their strengths to take down the hooded figures.

    As the battle raged on, the Covenant of Chaos members disyed a level of skill and coordination that suggested they had been trained specifically forbat.

    However, the students and Ben''s team members were not ones to back down either. They fought with courage and determination, knowing that they had to protect themselves and each other.

    Still, they were overwhelmed by the opponents.

    "I have to think of some way," Noah was thinking, as he observed the situation.

    Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his stomach and looked down to see the tip of a sword piercing his abdomen.

    Fresh blood flowed from the wound as the sword was pulled back.

    Dazed and bewildered, Noah turned to see his attacker and was shocked to find that it was Elena.

    "Elena?" he mumbled in disbelief before falling to the ground.

    "For the Chaos!" Elena cheered loudly, tapping her ring to summon a purple robe that she quickly donned, joining the other members of the evil organization.

    To Noah''s horror, around 20% of his fellow students followed Elena''s lead, attacking their former allies and donning the purple robes of the Covenant of Chaos.

    Even Luna and Marry followed the suit.

    This was the bitter moment of the "Betrayal".

 Chapter 130 Nicks Second Move

    ?

    While Ben was busy saving the trapped students being attacked by monsters in the cave, Ken''s team was engaged in a fight with some shadowy creatures.

    Meanwhile, Nick was exploring the cave and executing his n.

    Eva and Amy''s group didn''t have a map like Ben''s or Ken''s team, so they had to wander around the cave until they stumbled upon James'' team.

    Eva and Amy''s group''s footsteps echoed in the cavern as they approached the scene.

    They heard the shing of swords and the monsters'' blood-curdling shrieks.

    As they got closer, they saw James and his team engaged in a chaotic battle against a horde of monsters.

    At the front of the group, James swung his sword with practiced ease, deflecting the creatures'' attacks and dealing deadly blows.

    His face was fierce with determination, and his movements were fluid and precise.

    Thomas, thebat mage, weaved spells that sted the monsters with bolts of magical energy.

    He was a blur of motion, his hands moving quickly as he chanted incantations.

    The muscleheads in the group wielded massive clubs and axes, their bulging muscles pummeling the beasts with relentless force.

    Their faces were twisted in a mix of anger and excitement as they smashed their weapons into the monsters'' thick hides.

    Simon stood at the back, his staff held tightly in his hand.

    He closed his eyes and chanted incantations that bolstered his allies'' attacks and shielded them from harm.

    His face was calm and focused, and his voice was clear and strong.

    Despite the monsters'' ferocious nature, James and his team held their own.

    Their weapons and spells tore through the creatures'' flesh and bone, leaving them lifeless and defeated.

    The monsters were massive, with thick hides and sharp ws that could rend steel.

    Their glowing red eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, and their breath was hot and fetid.

    As Eva and Amy''s team and other students watched, thest of the monsters fell to the ground, defeated.

    James and the others were exhrated,ughing and shouting in triumph.

    They high-fived each other and hugged, relief and happiness spreading through their bodies.

    Simon, on the other hand, leaned heavily on his staff, his face pale and sweat-drenched. He had given his all to help his teammates, and now he was exhausted.

    Daphne''s heart raced as she called out to Simon. "Simon, I''m here!" she eximed, dashing towards him.

    Simon turned around, relief evident in his eyes as he saw that Daphne was safe.

    Simon, Noah, and Daphne had been friends for years, and Simon couldn''t bear the thought of any harming to them.

    When he learned that they were all trapped in the dark, damp cave, his concern for their safety intensified.

    Eva and Amy approached James, eager to know how his group had fared in their mission.

    "Hey, Musclehead," Amy taunted, "still using brute strength?" James smirked at her. "Yeah, Muscle-woman. I''m using the same technique as you, but better." Amy scowled, feeling defeated.

    Eva ignored her angry friend and asked James, "Did your groupplete the mission?"

    James shrugged. "Yeah, we killed the Orc King a while ago. It was no big deal."

    As the onlookers listened to James'' nonchnt response, they couldn''t help but feel baffled.

    Christiana, the mage from Eva''s group, couldn''t believe what she was hearing. "Did you say the Orc King?" she asked, her voiceced with incredulity.

    Her blonde hair and blue eyes added to her icy demeanor.

    "Uh, yeah, the Orc King," James said with a shrug. "You know, big, scary dude with a club? He was kind of a pushover, to be honest."

    Christiana raised an eyebrow. "I find that hard to believe," she said, her voice still skeptical.

    James leaned in conspiratorially. "Okay, fine, maybe he was a little tough. But we had a secret weapon," he said, grinning mischievously.

    Eva rolled her eyes. "Please don''t tell me it was your brawn," she said dryly.

    James feigned offense. "Hey, I''ll have you know I''m much more than just a pretty face and bulging muscles," he said, flexing his biceps.

    As James reveled in the praise of his friends, Christiana couldn''t help but remain skeptical.

    "I still find it hard to believe that you defeated the Orc King all by yourselves," she said, crossing her arms.

    James grinned confidently. "Oh, you want proof?" he said, reaching into his backpack. "I''ve got the Orc King''s head right here."

    The rest of the group stared in shock as James pulled out a grisly trophy - the severed head of the Orc King, still dripping with blood.

    Christiana''s eyes widened in disbelief. "I stand corrected," she said, unable to deny the evidence before her. "Sorry," she said in low voice.

    Amy shuddered. "Okay, okay, we believe you. Just put that thing away before I lose my lunch," she said, waving a hand in front of her face.

    James chuckled and carefully stowed the Orc King''s head back in his backpack. "Sorry, I couldn''t resist showing off a little," he said, shing a grin.

    Daphne rushed over to Simon, helping him to a nearby boulder to sit down. She could see the exhaustion etched on his face and knew he needed rest.

    "Are you okay, Simon?" she asked.

    "I''m fine. Just a bit tired," Simon replied, his breathingbored. As a mage, he had low stamina, so he had to force his body. As a result, Simon was tired.

    "You need to rest. We''ll take care of you," Daphne said reassuringly.

    Simon nodded and closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh of relief.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Daphne sat down next to Simon on the boulder. "You really pushed yourself back there. Are you sure you''re alright?"

    Simon looked up at her, grateful for her concern. "Thanks, Daphne. I''m just a little exhausted. But I''ll be fine after I catch my breath."

    Daphne smiled sympathetically. "You did great. You always do."

    Simon paused for a moment before asking, "By the way, have you seen Noah around here? I haven''t seen him after we entered the cave."

    Daphne''s expression turned serious. "No, I haven''t seen him since we entered the cave either. But don''t worry, we''ll find him. We''re not leaving anyone behind."

    Simon nodded, relieved that Daphne was on the same page. "I hope he''s okay. Even though he''s mischievous and always ying pranks on me, he''s still my friend."

    Daphne chuckled. "I know. He''s a handful, but he''s still one of us."

    Simon leaned back against the boulder, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths.

    He couldn''t believe that they were attacked by those monsters and that they couldn''t contact the professors.

    It was a practical exam, but this was definitely not what he expected. He hoped that Noah was safe and that they would be able to find him soon.

    Meanwhile, James and his team were discussing their next steps.

    They hadpleted their mission, but there was still the matter of finding a way out of the cave.

    After talking with Eva and Amy, James got a general idea of the situation. "We need to find a way out of here," James said, looking at his team. "Any ideas?"

    "We could try following the path we came in from," Thomas, one of James'' team members suggested.

    "But what if it''s blocked or guarded by more monsters?" Sarah, the healer from Eva''s team asked.

    "It''s easy, we will just force our way through those monsters," James said, determination in his voice.

    Lily chimed in, "I can help with that. I''m a fire mage and can take care of any monsters thate our way."

    James nodded, "That''s good to know. But let''s stick together and not take any unnecessary risks."

    "Who are you, little girl?" James asked, surprised by Lily''s sudden contribution.

    Lily red at James for a moment before throwing a small fireball at him, narrowly missing his face.

    "Don''t call me a little girl. I''m your senior," Lily warned him.

    James made a mental note never to call her that again until he was stronger than her. "Okay, noted. Let''s focus on finding a way out of here."

    "By the way," Eva spoke up, "did anyone manage to get a signal or contact the professors?"

    James shook his head, "No, unfortunately. It seems like we''re on our own for now."

    Amy looked around, her expression grim, "We need to be careful. We have no idea what else is in this cave."

    The group nodded in agreement, realizing the gravity of their situation.

    They were in the middle of an unknown cave, with no help or backup, and with monsters lurking around.

    The only thing they could do was stick together and hope for the best.

    The group retraced their steps back to the entrance of the cave after discussing their strategy.

    Simon had created a map when they first entered, which made navigation easier. Edward, one of James'' team members, carried Simon on his back since he was too exhausted.

    As they made their way through the dark, damp cave, they encountered several groups of students.

    They encountered five or six groups in total, but only two of them had guardians with them. They also met a lone guardian. With these new additions, their group now consisted of six guardians in total.

    Approaching a main intersection where several passageways diverged, Daphne spoke up.

    "Sister Amy, I hear the sounds of battle nearby. Maybe we should investigate."

    In the past, Amy would have rejected the idea, but now that they had five guardians with them and many students, she agreed.

    They followed the sound of the battle and soon arrived at the source of themotion.

    The group saw a chaotic scene before them.

    A group of students opposing hooded figures shed in a chaotic scene, with the air thick with metal shing against metal and the screams of the fallen.

    "Let''s help them," Nick said. He was currently wearing the Academy uniform, not his purple robe.

    Upon witnessing the chaos, other students joined Nick in assisting their fellow students.

    "I hope things end before Veronica interferes," Nick thought.

    After learning that Ben was saving the students, Nick came up with a second n.

    With the help of his informers, he quickly located Eva and Amy''s group.

    The lone guardian they met on the way was Nick, who told them the story of how he got separated from Ken''s group.

    He also indirectly led them towards the location of the fight. Before encountering them, Nick had already burned his purple robe.

    ording to his n, the hooded figures weren''t going to attack the students this early.

    However, Casper and Veronica''s sudden appearance disturbed his ns. When Nick got information about Casper''s appearance, he was shocked. "Why is there a dragon in this cave? Even the organization didn''t know about this," he mumbled. But he didn''t have time to brainstorm about that. However, another unexpected news soon struck him.

    Veronica''s sudden appearance was thest straw.

    "Not again." Nick shook his head. "Looks like mission is going to fail," there was no way to aplish the mission.

    Still, he at least wanted to show some results. He sent a message via hismunication device to all guardians on his side: "Attack those students."

 Chapter 131 Rains Meddling

    ?

    After Nick''s order through the message, the fight between the students and the hooded figures started.

    Nick watched as chaos erupted in the cave. He saw Casper tying up Ken and couldn''t help feeling relieved. "Finally, that annoying guy will get what he deserves," he thought to himself.

    Nick then turned on hismunication device and contacted the members of his organization who were present in the cave. "Stop hiding and start attacking with full force," he ordered his voice firm andmanding.

    As he looked around, he saw some students attacking their own peers instead of the hooded figures.

    He was pleased with what he saw, knowing that the chaos would help him achieve his true motive. "Excellent," he thought to himself. "At least some deaths will happen until Veronica appears."

    Nick watched as he scurried away, then turned his attention back to the chaos around him.

    He knew that with a little more effort, he could turn this situation to his advantage.

    Daphne''s heart raced as she watched Elena''s attack pierce Noah''s stomach from behind.

    "Noah!!" She let out a scream of shock but didn''t waste any time.

    She immediately ran at full speed towards Noah, all the while shooting arrows at Elena using Homing Shot and Rapid Fire.

    Homing Shot was a skill that allowed Daphne''s arrows to track their target and adjust their trajectory in mid-air to follow it. Rapid Fire was a skill that allowed her to shoot multiple arrows in quick session.

    Elena, caught off guard by the sudden attack, had a hard time defending herself.

    Despite her agility, she struggled to dodge the arrows that kept following her. Some arrows grazed her arm, leaving behind small wounds.

    The pain was enough to cause her to lose focus momentarily, giving Daphne an opening to strike.

    Luna and Marry quickly joined Elena in the attack, and Daphne found herself outnumbered.

    She continued to dodge their attacks and fight back with her own arrows, but it was a struggle.

    Luna and Marry were skilled mages, and they knew how to coordinate their attacks to put their opponent off bnce.

    Just when the other students were about to help Daphne, she shot an arrow into the air using Rain of Terror.

    The arrow multiplied into a barrage of arrows that rained down on Luna, Marry, and Elena, causing them to be momentarily disoriented.

    The arrows were exploding upon contact, creating a shower of sparks and shrapnel.

    Sensing the danger, Luna and Marry simultaneously cast a spell and created a magic shield around themselves.

    The shield glowed with a bright blue light, and it absorbed the impact of the exploding arrows.

    However, as the arrows made contact with their targets, they exploded, causing chaos and confusion among the group.

    Luna felt a sharp pain in her arm, while Marry stumbled backward with a cry of pain.

    Elena managed to avoid most of the arrows, but a few grazed her arm, causing her to wince in pain.

    Daphne was exhausted after using the powerful skill and fell to the ground. Just as she was falling, Amy caught her. "Leave everything to me," she reassured.

    As this scene of betrayal unfolded, Nick was hoping to see many students die as Veronica fought Casper.

    However, he was surprised when, after a short conversation between Veronica and Casper, Casper surrendered. "What kind of magic did she use?" Nick was baffled.

    He quickly messaged his group members to retreat. "Everyone, retreat!"

    Although the tension continued to rise, one of the hooded figures called out to the attackers, "Retreat! We''ve lost too many already!" The attackers hesitated for a moment, and then turned and ran away.

    The students and guardians let out a cheer as they saw the attackers flee.

    Daphne rushed over to Noah''s side, her heart pounding with fear. She saw the blood pouring out of his wound and her hands shook as she checked his pulse.

    "Noah, please don''t leave me," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.

    Noah''s eyes were closed and he was barely conscious. He managed to open his eyes slightly and saw the tears in Daphne''s eyes.

    "Daphne," he said weakly, "I''m sorry."

    "No, Noah, don''t talk like that. You have to hold on," Daphne said, her voice choked with emotion.

    "I didn''t want you to get hurt," Noah said, struggling to speak. "I should have been more careful."

    Daphne took his hand and squeezed it tightly. "It''s not your fault. I''m just d you''re alive."

    Noah looked up at her with a faint smile. "I''m d too. You''re the reason I''m still here."

    Daphne''s heart swelled with love for him. "I''ll always be here for you, Noah. I''ll never let anything happen to you."

    Noah''s eyes started to close again. "Daphne, promise me something."

    "Anything, Noah," Daphne said, her voice cracking with emotion.

    "Promise me that you''ll keep fighting, no matter what happens. That you''ll never give up on your dreams," Noah said, his voice barely above a whisper.

    Daphne nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I promise, Noah. I''ll never give up. I''ll keep fighting for both of us."

    Noah''s breathing became shallow and he closed his eyes. Daphne hugged him tightly, feeling his body go limp.

    "Noah, please don''t leave me," she sobbed.

    Suddenly, she felt Noah''s hand tighten around hers. His eyes opened and he looked up at her with renewed strength.

    "I''m not going anywhere, Daphne," he said, a smile spreading across his face.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Daphne''s heart leaped with joy. "Noah, you''re alive!"

    "I am, and I''m not going to let this stop me," Noah said, sitting up slowly. "We still have the battle to win."

    "Meh, so much drama." Nick frowned.

    "At least, there won''t be any casualties on our side." Nick tried to think positively.

    As the hooded figures fled, Casper appeared out of nowhere, his heart pounding in his chest.

    He knew what was at stake if they were not stopped. He snapped his fingers, summoning a horde of shadow clones that materialized in a blur of darkness.

    With a swift, deadly stroke, the shadow clones moved in on the traitorous students and hooded figures.

    Their movements were fluid, almost graceful, as they eliminated the threat with deadly precision.

    Veronica approached Casper, her eyes glinting in approval.

    "Is this enough?" Casper asked, his voice still trembling with adrenaline.

    "Of course," Veronica replied, her smile softening her sharp features. "But you still have your punishment pending."

    Casper shuddered at the thought, wondering what Veronica had in store for him.

    He knew he had to face the consequences of his actions, but he couldn''t help but feel a sense of dread.

    As he followed Veronica out of the cave, he couldn''t shake the feeling that his life was about to change forever.

    Meanwhile, Nick, a fellow student, watched the scene unfold silently from a distance. "Looks like he won," he thought to himself.

    But as he looked at the defeated students lying on the ground, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt. "Looks like I failed again," he grumbled.

    He wondered how this had happened, how he had ended up on the wrong side of the fight. He vowed to do better next time.

    ***

    [On the Unknown Ind]

    The sound of crashing waves echoed through the air as a figure stood motionless on the sandy beach.

    The salty sea breeze tousled his hair as he gazed out into the endless horizon.

    His eyes were fixed on the vast expanse of blue water that stretched out before him, seemingly never-ending.

    The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow across the sky, giving the scene an otherworldly feel.

    The man appeared lost in thought as if contemting something profound. What was on his mind? Only he knew for sure.

    "System, has the event ended?" he asked.

    A few moments passed before the System replied, "[Yes, Host.]"

    Rain felt a rush of excitement as he read the next message. "[Congrattions to Host to pass milestones of 5% plot progress.]"

    His heart raced as he read on. "[Rewards are being issued. Extra rewards will be issued because of the Host influencing the plot.]"

    Rain couldn''t help but smile. He had been working hard to progress the plot, and it was paying off.

    "System, tell me how much I affected the plotline?" Rain asked in an amused tone.

    "In the original plotline, the ''Roaring Cave'' event happened the next year. However, because the host meddled in the plot, it happened much earlier."

    "Eh? It''s not meddling. I am just making it a little fast," Rain chuckled.

    "I think this isn''t the only change," he said, trying to remind the System to continue.

    [In the original plotline, Noah and many students were supposed to die. However, because of the Host''s ''meddling'', they didn''t die and were saved.]

    [Host''s sister Kaya and Host''s ex-fiancee were supposed to fight alongside Ken. However, they were lost in the cave.]

    [Casper were also supposed to injure severly while fighting the beholder. But neither beholder was summoned nor the fight happened.]

    [The members of evil organization and those insiders weren''t supposed to die in this event.]

    [Arya, the third heroine was supposed to fight the monsters. But unexpectedly Ben became the saviour. Now even his reputation is being restored.]

    [Many heroines and Viiness were supposed to have fight in the middle term exams. But nothing happened.]

    [All of this because of the host''s meddling.]

    Rain sensed a hint of irritation in the System''s responses. "Looks like I''ll have to ask about thister," he thought.

    "It won''t change anything even if you askter. The System remembers everything," the System replied.

    "Okay, okay. Just give me rewards," Rain didn''t want to argue with the System.

    "It will take half a day to issue the rewards," the System said.

    "Why so slow?" Rain asked, puzzled.

    "Host, this isn''t ''slow''. With how much you have ''meddled'' with the plot, I have to count the points and every little effect thoroughly," the System exined.

    Hearing this, Rain shrugged his shoulders and began to recall what he had done until now.

 Chapter 132 Changing The Plot

    ?

    Rain stood at the shore, gazing out at the vast expanse of the sea.

    The waves crashed against the shore with such force that it felt as if they were trying to devour the entire world.

    The foam and spray rose high like they were reaching for the sky.

    As he watched the waves, he couldn''t help but think of how his own life was like those unpredictable and ever-changing waves.

    "A few months ago, I was supposed to be a viin of the game," he mumbled as he remembered the time he got memories of his previous life.

    "Now middle term exams have ended, the students will have a vacation. There won''t be any significant events for some time," As he was saying this he paused and shook his head.

    Sometimes, things were calm and peaceful, like the gentlepping of the water against the shore.

    "Things will be only peaceful if they went as they were supposed to be." He smiled.

    Other times, the waves were tumultuous and overwhelming, like the crashing of the waves against the rocks.

    "Plot is changing,"

    They felt a sense of unease at the thought of the waves changing constantly, never staying the same.

    "If it was past, I wouldn''t have thought of changing anything." Rain felt bitterness in his mouth as he remembered his past.

    Yet, at the same time, there was a strange sense offort in the idea that everything was in a constant state of flux.

    In the past, Rain couldn''t help but feel like he was just a speck in the grand scheme of things, like a tiny boat bobbing up and down amid a vast ocean.

    "Even though I am still insignificant, I have the power to ride the waves of life and navigate my own path." Rain clenched his fist.

    And as he stood there, lost in thought, the waves continued to crash against the shore, reminding him that life was unpredictable and ever-changing, but also full of endless possibilities.

    "I don''t know how things will turn around from now on," Rain sighed.

    "Because as the system has said, I have pretty much destroyed the plot." There was a mischievous smile on his face.

    "Still, I should try to revise things ande up with scenarios that might happen." Rain thought.

    "System, open the logs for the practical exams during the mid-term exams in the original plotline," Rain said.

    [Sure, Host]

    Soon, multiple files began to open.

    [First year of the academy, mid-term exams, practical exam]

    When Rain regained his memories from his previous life, he created numerous logs detailing the scenarios of the original plotline.

    At that time, he wasn''t sure how long he could remember the details, so he saved time by logging everything into the system.

    He only had to think, and the system would write it all down.

    Rain started to scan the logs and discovered many things.

    -The practical exam took ce in one of the dungeons operated by the academy. Although there were no major events, it was filled with numerous mini-events.

    For example,

    -Ben had already been beaten up by Ken, so he became consumed by rage and participated in club activities more.

    -On the other hand, Ken saved Arya from being bullied, and now they were good friends.

    -Although Rain had already lost a private duel to Ken and his spirits were low, he still hoped to surpass him in ranks.

    There was no sign of discord between them.

    -Additionally, many of the heroines in S ss from the first year became close with Ken.

    There were several reasons for that.

    -Ken saved Kaya from the attack of spies sent by the evil organization.

    As Emma was a friend of Kaya, Emma had a slightly better image of Ken then.

    -Amy and Eva were curious about Ken and his abilities. After sparing him for few times. They became casual friends.

    Regarding Mid-term Exams:

    ? The rankings remained the same as the entrance exam, with Raining in second ce. However, due to this, many people lost trust in him.

    ? Daisy attempted to challenge Emma''s rank, but she was unable to surpass her.

    ? The exam was conducted as a team mission, with students required to clear an easy E-rank dungeon with their teams.

    [Scroll down to read more...]

    Rain found the rest of the report quite boring, as he already knew most of it.

    Therefore, he closed the system windows.

    "Now that I think about it, only a few things have happened ording to the plot," Rain mumbled.

    "By the way, the evil organization isn''t sending any spies after Kaya." Rain furrowed his brows. ording to the plot, she should be at least being hunted down by those crazy lunatics from the evil organization.

    "Did I make them angry after killing their bestbat team and elder?" Rain wondered.

    "Maybe their people would be fuming about their insiders in the academy dying." Rain couldn''t help butugh.

    After that, Rain started checking various factors and calcting the likelihood of the plot''s progression.

    After getting the results, Rain was astonished. "Oh, this number is quite high. Looks like I will get some good rewards," he said, feeling happy.

    "Host, are you thinking of elerating the plot progress?" the System suddenly asked disturbing Rain''s thoughts. It was the first time the System had ever asked a question.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Hm?" Rain was surprised by the System''s sudden question. "Can''t you read my mind?" he asked.

    [I can read your mind, that''s why I asked the question. What you''re about to do will destroy even the least bit of plot left.]

    "So?" Rain asked, puzzled. He didn''t know why was system telling him this.

    [This isn''t a good move.]

    "Why not?" Rain asked back.

    [Won''t you lose your advantage then.]

    "I might use my advantage," Rain said, "but as you know, things were bound to change the moment I left the plot and became an Extra Character. Endless possibilities emerged as I went forward with my n."

    Rain exined.

    [But..]

    The system was trying to say something, but Rain continued.

    "Even at this moment, my advantage of having future knowledge is thinning out."

    Rain knew he couldn''t control everyone''s fate, and the things happening to all the characters are an example.

    After what happened with Arya and Ben. He was sure the more he would try to control it, the more he will lose his advantage.

    At that time he thought, "Why don''t I just change the way things are going? I will only try to change things that I want."

    "Like you did this time?" the System asked.

    "Hmm. Yeah," Rain replied, "I will try to turn things to my advantage."

    "I also have to speed up things more," he added, as an afterthought.

    Just as Rain was thinking of his n, the smartwatch rang.

    [Ding!]

    Rain opened notifications. He saw he had notifications from a few people.

    First, it was Ben.

    [Ben: Call me in your free time.]

    After reading this, Rain was curious about things that happened.

    So he called Ben.

    As Ben''s phone rang he quickly picked up.

    "Hello~, how was the exam?" Rain said in a cheerful voice.

    "You have the guts to ask about that," Ben said in a slightly angry way.

    "Oh, what did I do?" Rain asked like he didn''t know anything.

    "You know what you did. You owe me an exnation." Ben grumbled. He was in an airship now, after dealing with the aftermath they were now returning to the academy.

    "Is that so?" Rain said in an amused tone.

    "Of course, something happened.

    You gave me the map and those vague hints about being alert in the dungeon." Ben spoke as he remembered his experience in the dungeon.

    "And you warned me not to touch the treasure and to head to the North East side once the mission wasplete."

    Ben''s voice was filled with confusion. Apparently, whenever he talked with Rain, Rain kept giving him hints indirectly.

    A few days ago, when the results of the theoretical exams were announced. That night, as usual, he was talking with Rain about casual things.

    At that time, Rain gave him, a many of information and a map of the cave. Ben couldn''tprehend what Rain was saying. But he made preparations ording to it.

    "You knew about all of this beforehand, didn''t you?" Ben asked.

    However, Rain didn''t answer.

    "You know, from the first time I talked with you I am really curious about it. At first, I used to think Ken is a mysterious guy with a secret. Butpared to him your whole existence is shrouded with mystery."

    As Ben said this, he couldn''t help but remember the day when he talked with Rain first time.

    At the time, he was too helpless and pathetic. However, Rain stretched his hand to help him. Although he sounded like a scammer at that time, it gave him some mental support to himself.

    After that day, he considered Rain as a friend. The more he talked the more he felt Rain was a good guy and his trust increased.

    But he still couldn''t shake off the doubts.

    "Even though you keep saying all the things happening and saying you break off with your family is a ploy. I can hardly believe it." Because of his doubts regarding Rain, Ben asked him many times about where he was, how was hiding from the world, and many things.

    However, Rain only gives excuses like it was a little ploy. Ben felt Rain didn''t want to reveal it to him.

    "You know, I didn''t believe in the things you said at first. But as time passed. I couldn''t even suspect them."

    After the dual, Ben started talking with Rain and phone many times. Sometimes they talked about happenings in the academy and club activities.

    Each time, Rain gave him pieces of advice indirectly. As those bits of advice worked, Ben couldn''t help but think more.

    Ben''s voice trailed off as he spoke again. "Tell me clearly, Rain. Just who are you? How do you know these things?"

    Rain answered, "I am..."

 Chapter 133 Information Guild

    ?

    A few months ago.

    Rain strolled through the ck market, passing by various facilities and vendors selling all manner of illicit goods.

    As he walked, he found himself drawn to the Information Guild, one of the most renowned sources of knowledge in the market.

    Although he didn''t necessarily need any information at the moment, he was curious about the guild and its operations.

    "Looks fun." He mumbled.

    ***

    "Tell me, Rain," Ben asked eagerly. "Who are you, and how do you know all of these things?"

    Rain felt a pang of annoyance at Ben''s prying question. He didn''t like being interrogated, but he understood why Ben was curious.

    "I''m a VIP patron of the Information Guild, Insight," Rain replied, keeping his tone neutral.

    "Really?" Ben was surprised. "That would exin how you have ess to so much information. But what about your family and whereabouts?"

    "That''s secret~," Rain chuckled, trying to defuse the tension.

    "Okay, okay. I won''t pry," Ben shrugged. "But being a VIP patron of [Insight] is pretty impressive. It''s one of the top guilds on [Pandora]."

    Pandora.

    It was the name of the dar that existed within this world, a seedy underbelly that catered to those who sought to buy and sell forbidden goods and services.

    A convenient online ck market.

    "Indeed," Rain agreed, feeling a small smile tug at the corners of his mouth.

    Insight was a rtively new guild, founded only two months prior with the motto "Let''s start delving into the unknown secrets."

    Despite theirck of credibility, they quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most trusted sources of information on the dark.

    "Hey, Rain," Ben interrupted, his voice tinged with excitement.

    Rain felt a jolt of curiosity. He wondered what Ben wanted to talk about. "Yes?" Rain replied.

    "Will we ever meet in person?"

    Rain noticed a surge of warmth in Ben''s tone.

    "Just wait a few months, maybe next year," Rain said, trying to make his tone gentle.

    "Okay, sounds good. Hey, we''re about tond on the academy campus. Talk to youter!" Ben said cheerfully.

    "You too, have a good day," Rain said, as hung up the phone.

    Rain raised his head and looked up at the sky only to see it was covered in thick, gray clouds that stretched as far as the eye could see.

    The air was humid, and there was a faint smell of rain in the air. Rain could feel a cool breeze blowing past him.

    "Looks like it will rain today. Maybe I should go to my home."

    Rain arrived home and went straight to his room.

    As hey on his bed, he checked other messages.

    ["Lily (Scapegoat): I have some details to report. So call me in your free time."]

    As he pondered the message, Rain felt a flicker of curiosity.

    He knew that Lily only contacted him when something important hade up. He wondered what kind of trouble she had gotten herself into this time.

    "It will relieve some boredom." He spoke as he called Lily.

    ***

    Lily was exhausted after the incident in the dungeon, but she knew she had to update Rain about the details of the business.

    She also wanted to discuss about Eva''s potions.

    As soon as she boarded the airship, she sent Rain a message.

    It had been a few hours since the incident, and Lily had spent that time recovering and gathering her thoughts.

    She copsed on the bed in her room and couldn''t help but rey the events in her mind. "Something isn''t right," she thought to herself, "someone is surely pulling the strings from the shadows." She made a mental note to research it further that night, but for now, she was too tired to do so.

    Her mana was depleted, and she needed to rest. She curled up into a ball and took a nap for about an hour.

    When she woke up, she felt more refreshed.

    As the airship approached Dawn City, she washed her face and adjusted her appearance.

    The journey from the dungeon to the academy had taken a few hours, and Lily had spent most of that time sleeping.

    After the airshipnded on the academy campus, the injured students were taken to the infirmary, and Lily headed to her dormitory. It would take her around a few minutes to walk from the campus to her dormitory, that''s why she didn''t ride a campus bus.

    As she walked, her smartwatch rang, disying the name "Stingy Boss."

    She frowned and wondered why someone was calling at this time. "Who''s calling at this time?" she grumbled.

    When she saw the name, her frown deepened. "This guy really has good timing," she muttered to herself, feeling annoyed by the interruption.

    However, she had to pick up the call.

    "Hello, how are you, little girl?" The most annoying voice for Lily came from the other side.

    "I am very nice, former young master," Lily said with a smirk.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Soon, she arrived at her floor.

    As she was 5th ranked among 2nd years. She had a veryrge space.

    With a flick of her wrist, she put the call on hold.

    Lily approached the door of her room. She whispered a few words in a forgottennguage, and the door opened with a hiss of steam.

    As she stepped inside, the room''s enchantments responded to her presence, casting a warm glow over the space.

    As she entered her bedroom and sat on the bed, she felt rxed.

    With a flick of her wrist, she removed the call from the call.

    "Ooh, using the forgottennguage to open your door now, Lily? Trying to impress me, are we?" Rain teased on the phone.

    Lily rolled her eyes, she didn''t expect that Rain would know she was unlocking her door lock through the password.

    Even though she put the call on hold, Rain found out about it.

    She let out a smallugh. "Oh please, Rain. As if I care about impressing you."

    Rain chuckled on the other end. "Sure you don''t. So what''s the reason for this call? I''m quite busy, you know."

    Lily cleared her throat, switching to a more professional tone. "Actually, I wanted to discuss the progress of the business. I have a few updates and ideas I''d like to run by you."

    Rain''s tone became more serious as well. "Alright, go ahead. I''m listening."

    Lily proceeded to go over the progress they had made so far, detailing the challenges they had faced and how they had ovee them.

    She also presented some new ideas she hade up with to improve the project even further.

    Apparently, after signing a contract that gave Rain a 55% share in the profits, Lily began working on a n tounch merchandise for his streaming business and other things. As per the contract, she also had to invest half of the cost.

    Here''s how the process went:

    -Research and nning: Lily researched the market to identify popr merchandise items and created a n for what products tounch, how much to price them, and how to market them to Rain''s audience.

    -Product development: Lily sourced or created merchandise items, such as t-shirts, mugs, or stickers, and designed them to align with Rain''s branding and aesthetic.

    She also licensed every song Rain released, so someone doesn''t post it or giarize it.

    She also asked Rain to be a model and do advertisements. But Rain refused.

    -Marketing and promotion: Lily created a marketing strategy to promote the products to Rain''s audience, including social media posts, email newsletters, and special promotions or giveaways.

    -Sales and fulfillment: Once orders came in, Lily handled the sales and fulfillment process, including processing payments, packaging and shipping the merchandise, and handling any customer service issues.

    Throughout the process, Rain covered half of the costs and sometimes even provided extra money as a sry for Lily.

    And at the end of the day, Rain received 55% of the profits from the merchandise sales as per their agreement.

    The profit of the first month was more than 50,000 gold coins. As per the contract, Rain got 27,500.

    After that month, Lily started expanding the business and entered other fields.

    She also had to find apany as it was bing hard to handle alone.

    With Rain''s sponsorship, she invested in thatpany. However, in the end, she became an employee of the Rain.

    As the call continued, Rain listened attentively, asionally asking questions or giving feedback.

    After Lily was finished, there was a moment of silence as Rain considered everything she had said.

    "Hmm. So you are saying to invest in that potion business?" Rain asked.

    "Yes!" She nodded eagerly.

    "Contact Mark. I will give you his contact details. Just tell him, "His friend will help in the potion business, this is the opportunity"." He said.

    "Do you take me as a weirdo? He will think of me as a weirdo if I start babbling like that." Lily grumbled.

    "Okay, I will tell him to contact you, Happy? I will just cut some of your sries as you aren''t doing the work." Rainmented.

    "Huh? Why?" Lily asked in a confused tone.

    "Isn''t contacting potential business partners and clients your job?" Rain asked back.

    "It is. But you also have some responsibilities as the boss. You should do some work too." Lily controlled herself to not yell on the call.

    "I will do it next time~. Have a good day~" Rain said in a mischievous tone and hung up the phone.

    On the other side, Lily was fuming with anger.

    "That bastard, pushing responsibilities on me every time!! I will quit!!" She was determined.

    Just then her smartwatch rang. As she checked it was a message from Rain.

    [-Contact Info

    Name: Mark

    Email id: ����������������������

    Post: Manager in Alchimystic]

    She couldn''t help but blink her eyes a few times.

    "Isn''t Alchimystic firm being run by the Holmes family? Isn''t it on the top position?" She mumbled.

    "But that stingy guy break off with his family, how does he still have good rtions with them?" She was confused. She decided to postpone her resignation for some time.

 Chapter 134 Meeting The Dragon Princess

    ?

    After teasing Lily, Rain felt quite refreshed.

    "Why does it feel fun to bully the heroine? Is it because I used to be a viin or am I a natural sadist?" Rain wondered.

    "I guess I''ll have to think about itter," Rain thought.

    He opened his messages and read the third one.

    As he read the message, a smile appeared on his face.

    "Looks like it''s time for an appointment."

    He walked to the VR simtion capsule and settled in, carefully connecting the electrodes to his head and making sure they were in the right position.

    He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, ready to immerse himself in the VR simtion capsule.

    As hey down inside the capsule and put on the special headset, he felt a sense of anticipation building inside him.

    ***

    [The Twilight City, Mythosia]

    As usual, the streets of Twilight City were bustling with people, each wearing different types of fantasy clothes. If it weren''t for the potential side effects of being in virtual reality for too long, people might stay here for a lifetime.

    Twilight City lived up to its name with beautiful lights and numerous facilities. Even though it was considered a beginner city, it was still worth exploring.

    However, you can see a man d in a ck assassin suit walking down the street.

    Of course, this edge lord is Rain.

    Or you can say [Thanatos].

    Rain walked through the busy streets of Twilight City, enjoying the sights and sounds around him.

    Although some people murmured from time to time while pointing fingers at him, he didn''t seem to bother.

    As he walked he saw a cafe.

    He decided to head to a popr caf�� in the city, called "Moonlight Caf��".

    The caf�� was known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious coffee, which was brewed using only the finest beans.

    As Rain entered the caf��, he was greeted by the warm scent of freshly brewed coffee and the soft sound of gentle music ying in the background.

    The walls of the caf�� were adorned with paintings and pictures, giving it a homely feel.

    The tables were made of dark wood and were surrounded byfortable chairs, inviting customers to sit and rx.

    As Rain made his way through the bustling caf��, he noticed a private room tucked away in a corner.

    The door to the room was slightly ajar, and he could hear the soft sound of someone''s voice with help of his skill.

    Curious, Rain pushed the door open and peeked inside. He saw ady sitting at a small table, lost in thought.

    She had a cup of steaming hot coffee in front of her, which she absently stirred with a spoon.

    Thedy had long, flowing hair and was dressed in a simple yet elegant dress.

    Her eyes were a deep shade of green, and as she looked up at Rain, he could see nothing in those eyes. They looked like a void. Her lower face was covered with a veil.

    "Excuse me," Rain said, stepping into the room. "I didn''t mean to interrupt, but I couldn''t help but notice that you looked like you could use somepany."

    Thedy looked up at him, and a small smile graced her lips. "Thank you," she said. "I could use a listening ear."

    Rain closed the door behind him as he entered the private room.

    He pulled out a chair and sat down opposite the woman, the sound of the chair scraping on the floor filling the otherwise quiet room.

    As soon as he sat down, the atmosphere changed, bing tenser and charged with energy.

    The woman then took out a small device from her pocket, revealing aplexwork of intricate, glowing stones that seemed to pulse with a strange, otherworldly power.

    "Oh, a high-quality barrier," Rain said, surprised. He was taken aback by the sight, surprised by the high-quality barrier the device seemed to generate.

    "It might be very expensive," he mumbled to himself, his voice barely audible over the low hum of the device.

    As people learned more about mana, they started crafting artifacts with knowledge gained from other races.

    These artifacts came in many types and helped to lift living standards tremendously.

    However, for ignorant people, there were only two types of artifacts: those with mana stones and those without.

    While making any type of artifact was difficult, making one with a mana stone embedded in it was especially challenging. You needed to be highly proficient in crafting skills.

    "Let''s cut the chat, Thanatos," she said, her voice t and devoid of emotion. Rain wasn''t taken aback by the sudden change in her demeanor, he remained unfazed.

    "Oh, why so cold? Didn''t you call me for this appointment, or rather, ''date''?" Rain said, smirking.

    "Oh my, you really think this is a date?" the woman said, releasing the pressure. However, Rain was unfazed.

    "Nah, I''m just a little peasantpared to you, former Dragon Princess Veronica," Rain said nonchntly. As soon as the words fell from his mouth, Veronica increased the pressure.

    Despite the woman''s obvious displeasure, Rain remained calm and collected, unafraid of her power or her anger.

    "Oh, looks like I messed up something. Maybe I should have been more tactful,"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He spoke to her with a casual, almost careless attitude, his eyes betraying no hint of fear or apprehension.

    Veronica could sense his confidence and wondered what he knew about her.

    "Former Dragon Princess, Veronica," he said yfully, his lips curling into a slight grin.

    Veronica responded with a charming voice, trying to hide her curiosity, "Looks like you know about me. The question is, how much do you know?"

    "All of it," Rain winked. "From the history of your world and how it was destroyed. I know all of it." His tone was yful, but Veronica could sense a hint of something else underneath, something more serious.

    As Rain spoke, Veronica''s mind wandered to the destruction of her home world, Azura.

    She could feel a lump forming in her throat as she recalled the pain and devastation of that day.

    "The earth wasn''t the first ce to get attacked by the monsters. Many worlds fell to ruin before it, including Azura, the world where you came from," Rain continued.

    Veronica couldn''t help but feel a twinge of sadness as Rain mentioned her destroyed the world.

    She knew that her people and culture were forever lost, and it was painful to remember.

    "Should I repeat the story of how your world was destroyed?" Rain asked, sensing her sadness.

    Veronica tried to keep herposure as she replied, "It''s okay, I don''t want to remember it." Her voice was grim, and Rain could sense the pain and sorrow behind her words.

    "Oh, then can you please tell your friend to sit on the empty seat rather than listening to our conversation?" Rain said in a cold tone, his expression suddenly changing.

    "Oh my," Veronica eximed. "Casper,e out. Even low rankers can detect you now. Hehe." She chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

    At that moment, Casper emerged from the shadows, still wearing his ck coat.

    "Boy, you are quite sharp," hemented as he sat beside Veronica, trying to ease the tension.

    "Thanks for the praise," Rain smiled. "But can you tell me why you wanted to meet me?" He asked, puzzled.

    "Ara, don''t pretend before us. Sending those scrolls to my mansion and that arrogant message. It was surely your work," Veronica said as she smiled, trying to yfully tease him.

    "Hehe. Thanks for thepliments," Rain chuckled, his tone lightening.

    "You know how surprised I was when I saw those scrolls and messages?" Veronica asked, her curiosity piqued.

    ***

    Few weeks ago, as usual, Veronica was doing her work in the headmaster''s office. It had a peaceful atmosphere.

    No one ever came to bother her.

    However, just then her smartwatch rang.

    It was an urgent message.

    She wondered what it would be. After all, no one ever contacts her.

    As she tapped her smartwatch, a hologram appeared in the air before her.

    ***

    Headmaster, Veronica

    On behalf of the Educational Board, we summon you to a meeting at our headquarters tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

    The purpose of this meeting is to discuss various matters rted to the academy, including but not limited to the academic performance of students, the management, and other concerns that have been brought to our attention.

    Pleasee prepared to discuss these matters and provide any necessary documentation or information that may be required.

    Your presence is crucial to this meeting and we urge you to make every effort to attend.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    We look forward to meeting with you.

    Sincerely,

    [Name]

    Education Board

    ***

    As Veronica read this, she felt quite weird.

    The academy was very lively because of Kevin and the Blood Supremacy Club.

    "Looks fishy~ fishy~," she hummed.

    But she didn''t have any choice rather than answering the summon.

    That''s why she left the academy early morning to attend the meeting.

    However, before departing, she gave Alex the authority and work.

    Even though Alex grumbled while epting the work. Before Veronica, he couldn''t do anything.

    Soon few days passed.

 Chapter 135 Dealing With Veronica

    Veronica stepped out of the headquarters, her feet touching the cold metal flooring of thending bay.

    The space station, located on the of Andromeda IV, was a sprawlingplex that was home to thousands of beings from various gxies.

    The sky was filled with stars, and the different hues of purple and blue seemed to blend together, forming a beautiful backdrop against the backdrop of space.

    As she gazed out, Veronica noticed the hustle and bustle of thending bay.

    She could see different species of creatures, some humanoid, and some not,ing and going, each one with its own unique features and characteristics.

    The air was filled with the sound of chatter, and the smell of different kinds of fuel.

    The headquarters itself was an impressive structure, rising high into the sky, a testament to the advanced technology of the beings who had built it.

    Its sleek, metallic exterior seemed to gleam in the light of the nearby stars.

    ''Whenever Ie here, I only wonder how these humans could develop to this point." Veronica thought.

    Andromeda IV, the where the space station headquarters is located, is a rtively young in the grand scheme of the universe.

    It was formed around 4 billion years ago, and it took another billion years for life to develop on its surface.

    The is located in the Andromeda Gxy, one of the closest gxies to the Milky Way, and it has a simrposition to Earth.

    However, unlike Earth, Andromeda IV has a much more stable climate, thanks to its position in the gxy, which has allowed for the development ofplex life forms.

    Human civilization on Andromeda IV began around 100 years ago when the first humans arrived on the.

    They were a group of explorers who had left Earth in search of new worlds to colonize.

    Apparently, after givingnds of the earth to other civilizations mankind barely had anything left.

    The resources and thend they had weren''t enough. That''s why they started finding others.

    With new technology and good materials, they were able to make good spaceships.

    In their exploration, they found manys and civilizations. Some hostile and some neutral. No one was friendly at the start.

    But with time, they were able to gain some experience here.

    As theynded on Andromeda IV and found that the was rich in resources, including precious metals and minerals.

    "I don''t believe they called me here to expand their territory and resolve conflicts." Veronica mused.

    The meeting wasn''t about education purposes solely. It was just an excuse to call her.

    Over time, humans began to develop advanced technologies, such as faster-than-light travel and advanced robotics, that allowed them to explore the gxy and interact with other alien species.

    They formed alliances with some species while engaging in conflicts with others, but always to expand their influence and resources.

    And other fantasy races also formed alliances with other races. So it was toughpetition.

    Taking a deep breath, she started walking towards her ship, ready to depart from the space station and head towards the Earth.

    As she was heading towards the Earth in her private spaceship, she couldn''t help but think about the meeting.

    In these few days, she participated in the meeting, but most of her time was wasted.

    "If only it wasn''t that contract I would never interact with these greedy people." She felt anger rising. She put the spaceship on autopilot mode.

    After crossing the portal few thousand light years away from the, her spaceship appeared a few hundred light years away from the sr system.

    As Andromeda IV was located in the Andromeda Gxy, which was approximately 2.5 million light-years away from Earth.

    It would take too much time and resources to just to travel.

    But with help of space magicians and genomes, they were able to create the portal. It was like an artificial wormhole.

    ***

    After a few days, Veronica''s spaceship "Aurora"nded in Dawn City. As she had a permit fornding, she wasn''t stopped on her way.

    The ce shended was in the backyard of her mansion. After all, she didn''t want to cause a disturbance by going to the academy with her spaceship, and she was also tired.

    Afternding, she used her space magic to store her spaceship in the void vault. "Finally, I am back home," Veronica cheered as she entered the mansion.

    However, in her hand was a box. When she entered the mansion, she received it from her housekeeping AI. When she was away from home, someone sent it.

    "Who could that be?" Veronica wondered. There weren''t any people who dared to send her proposals, and her address wasn''t public either.

    After inspecting the packaging, she noticed a logo of a man with a big belly. "Ricky Rich?" she mumbled. Ricky Rich was a famous businessman in the circle.

    She didn''t bother to think more as there weren''t any other details written on the package. She pressed the button on the package, and soon it opened mysteriously. There were some scrolls with ancient texts and a letter.

    She unfolded the letter and started reading.

    [Hello, Miss Veronica ze,

    I am fine and healthy, hope you are fine and healthy too.

    Okay, let''s cut to the chase. You don''t have much time. You might have recognized those scrolls, so I won''t bother telling you information about them.]<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "What a rude opening," Veronica mumbled. Still, she kept reading the letter.

    [Keep these scrolls safe till I collect them from you. I also have a little errand for you. So do it, okay?]

    "Hehe. What a weirdo. Does that person think I will run errands for him?" Veronica giggled.

    [Don''t even bother about denying, Dragon Princess Veronica, the sole daughter of Dragon Emperor Ash.]

    "Ara~ someone wants to ckmail me? It won''t work, though." Veronica thought.

    [Do you think I will ckmail you with these details? Nah. I know you don''t care about them. But I have more details. I know about the little Dragon you are finding.]

    "Is he talking about Casper?" Veronica was stunned for a moment.

    [And you know where he is?

    Roaring Cave.]

    "Isn''t this location for the practical exam?" Veronica was puzzled.

    [Ara, isn''t that the same location as where the practical exam for the top 100 students in the first year is going to be held?

    Oh, you sure are on a tight time right? But I suggest hurrying, otherwise, many students will die because ''that'' evil organization is going to attack.]

    "What a lie~" Veronica was still in doubt. She felt someone was ying a prank on her or toying with her.

    [Eh, you are still not believing in this? But isn''t this good timing to see Ken''s true strength? Hmm.

    You should make haste or you will miss the show.

    Bye-bye.]

    After reading the letter, Veronica burned it to ashes. "Oh my, what arrogance," she couldn''t help but smirk. After leaving her world, she hadn''t met anyone with this much arrogance.

    "Looks like I have to go to the Roaring Cave," Veronica mumbled.

    She left her house as it was the day when practical exams were going to be held in the Roaring Cave.

    ***

    *SNAP*

    Rain''s fingers snapped sharply in front of Veronica''s face, pulling her out of her trance-like state.

    "Why do you keep staring at me? Am I really that attractive?" Rain asked, with a yful glint in his eyes.

    Veronica couldn''t help but let out a soft chuckle. "Yeah, you''re too attractive, boy. So much that I want to burn you alive." Her voice wasced with a melodious tone, but her words had a sharp edge to them.

    Rain didn''t seem fazed by her threat. "Oh, I like ying with fire, especially if it''s fire from the renowned ze family," he said with a smirk.

    Casper, who had been munching on popcorn, decided to chime in. "Young man, you really have the guts to flirt with my old sister," he said, trying to sound teasing.

    However, he quickly shut his mouth as soon as he saw the look on Veronica''s face.

    Veronica turned her attention back to Rain. "You know, I''m very curious about you," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly.

    "The knowledge I possess isn''t something any human should have. Are you even human?" She asked, her voice dripping with amusement.

    Rain raised his eyebrows.

    Veronica''s curiosity seemed to only grow. "Are you from another dimension?" she asked, her tone now one of genuine intrigue.

    "Yeah." Rain nodded in response.

    "It won''t hurt to lie. Although I might be burned alive if she knows I''m lying," he thought inwardly.

    Veronica seemed to catch on to his hesitance, but she decided not to push the issue. "I won''t pry about that. I have some manners, unlike someone else who doesn''t know privacy," she said, her words pointed at Rain.

    However, she didn''t know that Rain had lost his shame ages ago while dealing with some troublesome people in this life.

    He let out a small chuckle, his bravado now in full swing.

    "I just have some questions, and I hope you answer them," Veronica spoke, her tone now more serious.

    "What if I don''t? What''s in it for me?" Rain asked back, his confidence now taking a sharp turn.

    "Hmm...," Veronica trailed off, considering her options.

    If she was able to use her full strength in the virtual world, she might have buried Rain alive. However, she was too strong. She couldn''t use her full strength in the virtual world.

    "Okay, what do you want?" she finally asked, her voice now resigned.

    "Keep those scrolls with you for the time being, I''ll collect them someday," Rain said, his voice smooth and assured. Veronica was relieved to hear this easy request.

    However, Rain wasn''t done yet. He raised his index finger, a mischievous glint in his eye.

    "Also, fulfill my one wish," he said, his tone now daring and challenging.

 Chapter 136 [Bonus ]Stealing Opportunity

    ?

    [Author Note: Hello Author here.

    I''m gonna cut the chase and will go straight to the point. Many people are dissatisfied with some things.

    For example, they are saying Emma and Kaya will be in harem. So let me rify again they won''t be in harem.

    Another is I''m editing past chapters. I am around chapter 60 or 70 I guess. So you have to wait for a few days till I edit all the chapters. Don''t worry my editing speed is fast, it will be done in 3-4 days.

    Oh one more thing, if you are reading from pirated sites, you are free toe on original website and ask something to me. Don''t keep whining there. I don''t readments there or anything.]

    Fruitful Encounters.

    It''s a magical thing that only depends on luck.

    In many novels, the main characters are dubbed as ''children of heaven''. It''s because wherever they go, they gain somthing good.

    These fruitful encounters includes many things. For example, elixirs, rare material, powerful skill manuals or equipments.

    But isn''t there something more good?

    What if you encounter some bigshot and gain their favour?

    The opportunity that Rain wanted to steal was favour from Veronica.

    In the original plot, Ken fought alongside Casper against the beholder - [summoned by Elder Burion]. He also dealt final blow to that creature.

    When he reported this matter to Kevin. He was able to meet Veronica.

    That was supposed be his first meeting with her.

    However...

    Rain changed everything. His actions lead to different consequences than the original plot.

    That''s how Rain stole the opportunity from the Ken.

    ***

    Rain couldn''t help but smirk as he remembered the challenge he had issued to Casper.

    "Why are you smirking, boy?" Casper tilted his head and asked, even though Rain''s lower face was hidden beneath the mask. Casper could guess his facial expression with his high perception.

    Rain''s smirk turned into a grin as he looked up at Casper. "I''m just excited by the thought of sparring with you," he replied, his heart racing with anticipation.

    "I was really surprised when you said you wanted to spar with me," Casper chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

    Despite his amusement, there was a hint of wariness in his voice.

    Just a few moments ago, when Rain had dered that he had one wish, Veronica and Casper had been dumbstruck.

    But when Rain had stated his wish - to fight Casper - they had been even more surprised.

    "Boy, shall we start fighting? My old sis is eagerly waiting to ask questions of you," Casper said in a tired tone, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

    He wasn''t really fond of fighting, but he couldn''t say no to Veronica, otherwise he would face dire consequences.

    Rain grinned wider, his heart pounding with excitement. "Let''s do this," he said, taking a step back to prepare himself for the fight.

    Casper sighed, a faint smile still ying at the corners of his lips. "Alright, but don''t say I didn''t warn you," he said, cracking his knuckles in preparation.

    As Rain was still advanced C ranker, Casper lowered his strength to around B ranker.

    After all, if Casper used his strength at the advanced A rank, Rain would lose in a few moments.

    Oh, it might be surprising why Casper could only use adavanced A rank strength even though he was SS ranker.

    It''s because of Mythosia''s limitations.

    The virtual reality system was designed to limit the amount of power or strength that can be used within the system.

    This was done for safety reasons, to prevent users from causing damage to the system or to themselves.

    The programming was set to maintain this limitation to ensure a safe and stable virtual environment.

    In addition to programming limitations, energy consumption was also a factor in limiting the amount of power or strength that can be used within the virtual world.

    The more powerful a user is, the more energy they consume when using their abilities.

    Within the virtual reality system, there was a limit on the amount of energy that can be consumed by a user.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    This limit was set to prevent users from exceeding safe energy levels and to ensure that the virtual reality system can be used for extended periods without causing physical harm.

    "It''s good opportunity to increase the proficiency of Shadow Sword Style and practice my moves." Rain thought inwardly.

    Although he could ask for something better, but in current circumstances, he couldn''t think anything better. Neither he could reveal his address nor his identity.

    Casper and Rain faced each other, their bodies tense and ready for the impending sh.

    Veronica watched from the sidelines, her eyes flickering between the twobatants.

    Without warning, Casper lunged forward, his fist aimed at Rain''s face.

    He was determined to end this quickly. However, Rain was ready for Casper''s attack and swiftly sidestepped, avoiding the punch.

    He then countered with a quick jab to Casper''s stomach, causing him to stumble back slightly.

    Rain knew he needed to finish this fight soon, or he might get overwhelmed by Casper.

    He focused and unleashed his "Shadow Walk" ability, increasing his speed and agility.

    As he closed in on Casper, he unsheathed the dagger he had hidden in his coat and shed Casper''s throat.

    But then he heard a voice from behind.

    Casper pped, watching his clone disappear into thin air. "Oh, it was fun," he said, standing beside Rain.

    "You are very good." He gave Rain a thumbs up and smiled.

    Rain felt a surge of absurdity, but he didn''t let it show.

    "Looks like it won''t be an easy fight," Rain mumbled.

    He strengthened his body with mana andunched himself at Casper again.

    As he closed in on his opponent, Rain executed a swift feint to the left, causing Casper to momentarily lose his footing.

    Seizing the opportunity, Rainunched a series of rapid punches at Casper''s midsection, but to his surprise, his blows passed harmlessly through his opponent''s body.

    "Again a clone? Or was it illusion?" Rain wondered.

    At that moment, he noticed dozens of Casper clones appearing around him, each one poised for attack.

    Without missing a beat, Rain leapt backwards,nding in a crouch as he scanned the area for his real opponent.

    Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye, and with lightning-fast reflexes, he spun around and unleashed a flurry of kicks at the nearest clone.

    His blowsnded with satisfying thuds, and the clone dissipated in a cloud of smoke. He kept using "Sowrd of Recognition".

    Determined not to let Casper get the better of him, Rain continued to dart around thebat zone, attacking each clone with precision and force.

    Still he was cautious while dealing with the clones.

    It''s because they were just 1% of Casper''s full strength. He might get exhausted if he used his full energy.

    While fighting, he kept trying to locate the real Casper body. But Casper kept teleporting to another ce by [Shadow Slip].

    "Although I''m impressed by your fighting skills, I''m not going to go easy on you," Casper said as he watched Rain''s movements with a mixture of admiration and apprehension.

    "The world is too bright for me. Only these dark shadows arefortable for me," Casper chanted, his voice low and menacing. "[Domain Unveil]."

    As he said this, a surge of mana was released from his body, and the air around him grew thick and heavy.

    Suddenly, the wholebat area became dark, and Rain found himself plunged into a world of shadows.

    His vision was obscured, and the air was thick with an oppressive weight that made it hard to move.

    Rain''s heart pounded as he struggled to find his bearings.

    He could barely make out the shapes of the Casper clones moving around him, each one seemingly more menacing than thest.

    With his senses dulled and his movements hampered, he knew that he was facing his toughest challenge yet.

    "Looks like I have to reveal my cards." Rain chuckled.

 Chapter 137 Shadow Sword Style

    Veronica leaned forward in her seat, eyes fixed on the fight between Casper and Rain with rapt attention.

    Although Rain [Thanatos] was ranked C grade ording to the arena rankings, he had risen to the top 50 in just a few days.

    Still, Veronica didn''t see it as a big feat. She knew plenty of people who could do that.

    As the two fighters circled each other, Veronica''s brow furrowed in contemtion.

    She couldn''t help but wonder what Rain had in mind when he sent that message and those ancient scrolls to her.

    "It''s like he knows too much about me." That''s what she concluded from current affairs.

    "Show me your worth, [Thanatos]," she stared at Rain, who was trapped in Casper''s domain. "Otherwise, I will surely destroy you."

    Once one became proficient in controlling mana, they could create a domain around themselves.

    Veronica''s mind drifted to her own experiences with mana control, remembering the first time she had created her own domain.

    These domains varied from person to person because they reflected the individual''s nature.

    To the uninitiated, a domain might seem like a simple bubble of energy around a person, but in reality, it was much moreplex.

    A domain was a manifestation of a person''s inner self, a reflection of their unique personality and traits.

    It was a projection of their willpower, shaped by their experiences, emotions, and beliefs.

    In other words, a person''s domain was a physical representation of their soul.

    As for Rain, he was currently trapped within Casper''s domain, a dark and foreboding space that seemed to suffocate and constrict him at every turn.

    Veronica watched with a mix of fascination and concern, wondering how Rain would fare against such a powerful opponent.

    Veronica watched with bated breath, curious to see how this battle would y out.

    ***

    As Rain found himself engulfed by Casper''s domain, he realized that his sight was impaired by the thick darkness.

    He couldn''t see his opponent or even his hand in front of his face.

    "Oh, isn''t this mana domain?" Rain mumbled. He didn''t think Casper would use mana domain in the fight.

    He took a deep breath and focused his senses on the flow of mana around him.

    He knew that Casper was manipting the mana to create this domain, and that meant he had to disrupt it to break free.

    Rain''s training as a mage had taught him to sense the flow of mana in his surroundings. He could feel the mana pulsing around him, like an invisible current of energy. But now, he had to use this sense to find any disturbances in the flow of mana.

    He closed his eyes and concentrated on the mana, letting his other senses fade away.

    [Elemental Transmutation Breathing]

    He could feel the mana rushing past him, like a river in the darkness.

    Then, he felt a subtle disturbance in the flow of mana to his right. It was like a ripple in the water, indicating that something had disrupted the flow.

    Rain opened his eyes and turned in the direction of the disturbance.

    He could see a faint glimmer of light, like a distant star in the darkness.

    "Is that it?" He was curious.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He focused his attention on the glimmer and started moving towards it, following the flow of mana.

    As he got closer, the glimmer grew brighter, and he could feel the energy of the mana bing more intense.

    Finally, he reached the source of the disturbance - Casper, who was in the process of teleporting away.

    "Wow, I didn''t expect this," Casper eximed.

    Rain reacted quickly, drawing his daggers and throwing them at Casper''s back. However, Casper was quick to react, blocking the attack with a shadowy shield.

    Even though Rain used "Twilight Mist Sword Art", Casper was able to block his attacks.

    Rain realized that he needed to focus his senses even more if he wanted to defeat Casper.

    He closed his eyes again and let himself be guided by the flow of mana, searching for any other disturbances.

    Like this, Rain kept finding Casper and Casper teleporting at the moment Rain tried to attack him.

    Finally, Rain detected a slight disturbance in the flow of mana to his right again.

    He turned in that direction and caught a glimpse of Casper''s shadow slipping away.

    "Not this time," Rain knew that he had to act quickly. He focused his energy and channeled it into his legs, giving him a burst of speed.

    With a quick dash, he closed the distance between himself and Casper, who was still in the process of teleporting.

    Rain''s dagger gleamed as he swung it at Casper''s back, but at thest moment, Casper turned and blocked the attack with a shadowy shield.

    The impact of the block caused Rain to stumble, but he quickly regained his bnce.

    Casper grinned, his eyes shing with amusement. "Impressive," he said. "But you still have a lot to learn."

    Rain sighed, taking his sword out from empty space. "I guess you''re right. Looks like we can''t continue like this," he said, unsheathing his sword with a smile.

    "Stop the flimsy talk and attack," Casper grumbled, raising his hand and channeling dark energy from the abyss.

    [Abyssal Surge]

    With a flick of his wrist, Casper sent a vortex of ck mes hurtling toward Rain.

    However, Rain remained calm, focusing his mana and pouring it into his sword. His sword began to glow with an eerie blue light.

    "Shadow Sword Style, 2nd move - Reflection Dance," Rain whispered, swinging his sword with fluid and graceful movements.

    The technique involved deflecting the iing attack with a circr motion, allowing the sword to reflect the energy back toward the attacker.

    By pouring his mana into the sword, Rain was able to amplify the reflection, causing the mes to rebound off the de with greater force.

    As the ck mes rebounded off his sword, Rain could feel the impact vibrating through his body.

    But he remained focused, his eyes fixed on Casper as he continued to press the attack.

    While the students in the academy were busy with the practical exams, Rain had spent countless hours perfecting the Shadow Sword Style, and he had learned all twelve moves.

    His fight with Casper was a chance to test and hone his skills.

    "Show me some results, my guinea pig," Rain smiles wickedly as he thought.

    "Why do I feel something ominous behind your smile?" Casper was puzzled.

 Chapter 138 [Bonus ]Stealing Opportunity

    ?

    [Author Note: Hello Author here.

    I''m gonna cut the chase and will go straight to the point. Many people are dissatisfied with some things.

    For example, they are saying Emma and Kaya will be in harem. So let me rify again they won''t be in harem.

    Another is I''m editing past chapters. I am around chapter 60 or 70 I guess. So you have to wait for a few days till I edit all the chapters. Don''t worry my editing speed is fast, it will be done in 3-4 days.

    Oh one more thing, if you are reading from pirated sites, you are free toe on original website and ask something to me. Don''t keep whining there. I don''t readments there or anything.]

    Fruitful Encounters.

    It''s a magical thing that only depends on luck.

    In many novels, the main characters are dubbed as ''children of heaven''. It''s because wherever they go, they gain somthing good.

    These fruitful encounters includes many things. For example, elixirs, rare material, powerful skill manuals or equipments.

    But isn''t there something more good?

    What if you encounter some bigshot and gain their favour?

    The opportunity that Rain wanted to steal was favour from Veronica.

    In the original plot, Ken fought alongside Casper against the beholder - [summoned by Elder Burion]. He also dealt final blow to that creature.

    When he reported this matter to Kevin. He was able to meet Veronica.

    That was supposed be his first meeting with her.

    However...

    Rain changed everything. His actions lead to different consequences than the original plot.

    That''s how Rain stole the opportunity from the Ken.

    ***

    Rain couldn''t help but smirk as he remembered the challenge he had issued to Casper.

    "Why are you smirking, boy?" Casper tilted his head and asked, even though Rain''s lower face was hidden beneath the mask. Casper could guess his facial expression with his high perception.

    Rain''s smirk turned into a grin as he looked up at Casper. "I''m just excited by the thought of sparring with you," he replied, his heart racing with anticipation.

    "I was really surprised when you said you wanted to spar with me," Casper chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

    Despite his amusement, there was a hint of wariness in his voice.

    Just a few moments ago, when Rain had dered that he had one wish, Veronica and Casper had been dumbstruck.

    But when Rain had stated his wish - to fight Casper - they had been even more surprised.

    "Boy, shall we start fighting? My old sis is eagerly waiting to ask questions of you," Casper said in a tired tone, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

    He wasn''t really fond of fighting, but he couldn''t say no to Veronica, otherwise he would face dire consequences.

    Rain grinned wider, his heart pounding with excitement. "Let''s do this," he said, taking a step back to prepare himself for the fight.

    Casper sighed, a faint smile still ying at the corners of his lips. "Alright, but don''t say I didn''t warn you," he said, cracking his knuckles in preparation.

    As Rain was still advanced C ranker, Casper lowered his strength to around B ranker.

    After all, if Casper used his strength at the advanced A rank, Rain would lose in a few moments.

    Oh, it might be surprising why Casper could only use adavanced A rank strength even though he was SS ranker.

    It''s because of Mythosia''s limitations.

    The virtual reality system was designed to limit the amount of power or strength that can be used within the system.

    This was done for safety reasons, to prevent users from causing damage to the system or to themselves.

    The programming was set to maintain this limitation to ensure a safe and stable virtual environment.

    In addition to programming limitations, energy consumption was also a factor in limiting the amount of power or strength that can be used within the virtual world.

    The more powerful a user is, the more energy they consume when using their abilities.

    Within the virtual reality system, there was a limit on the amount of energy that can be consumed by a user.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    This limit was set to prevent users from exceeding safe energy levels and to ensure that the virtual reality system can be used for extended periods without causing physical harm.

    "It''s good opportunity to increase the proficiency of Shadow Sword Style and practice my moves." Rain thought inwardly.

    Although he could ask for something better, but in current circumstances, he couldn''t think anything better. Neither he could reveal his address nor his identity.

    Casper and Rain faced each other, their bodies tense and ready for the impending sh.

    Veronica watched from the sidelines, her eyes flickering between the twobatants.

    Without warning, Casper lunged forward, his fist aimed at Rain''s face.

    He was determined to end this quickly. However, Rain was ready for Casper''s attack and swiftly sidestepped, avoiding the punch.

    He then countered with a quick jab to Casper''s stomach, causing him to stumble back slightly.

    Rain knew he needed to finish this fight soon, or he might get overwhelmed by Casper.

    He focused and unleashed his "Shadow Walk" ability, increasing his speed and agility.

    As he closed in on Casper, he unsheathed the dagger he had hidden in his coat and shed Casper''s throat.

    But then he heard a voice from behind.

    Casper pped, watching his clone disappear into thin air. "Oh, it was fun," he said, standing beside Rain.

    "You are very good." He gave Rain a thumbs up and smiled.

    Rain felt a surge of absurdity, but he didn''t let it show.

    "Looks like it won''t be an easy fight," Rain mumbled.

    He strengthened his body with mana andunched himself at Casper again.

    As he closed in on his opponent, Rain executed a swift feint to the left, causing Casper to momentarily lose his footing.

    Seizing the opportunity, Rainunched a series of rapid punches at Casper''s midsection, but to his surprise, his blows passed harmlessly through his opponent''s body.

    "Again a clone? Or was it illusion?" Rain wondered.

    At that moment, he noticed dozens of Casper clones appearing around him, each one poised for attack.

    Without missing a beat, Rain leapt backwards,nding in a crouch as he scanned the area for his real opponent.

    Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye, and with lightning-fast reflexes, he spun around and unleashed a flurry of kicks at the nearest clone.

    His blowsnded with satisfying thuds, and the clone dissipated in a cloud of smoke. He kept using "Sowrd of Recognition".

    Determined not to let Casper get the better of him, Rain continued to dart around thebat zone, attacking each clone with precision and force.

    Still he was cautious while dealing with the clones.

    It''s because they were just 1% of Casper''s full strength. He might get exhausted if he used his full energy.

    While fighting, he kept trying to locate the real Casper body. But Casper kept teleporting to another ce by [Shadow Slip].

    "Although I''m impressed by your fighting skills, I''m not going to go easy on you," Casper said as he watched Rain''s movements with a mixture of admiration and apprehension.

    "The world is too bright for me. Only these dark shadows arefortable for me," Casper chanted, his voice low and menacing. "[Domain Unveil]."

    As he said this, a surge of mana was released from his body, and the air around him grew thick and heavy.

    Suddenly, the wholebat area became dark, and Rain found himself plunged into a world of shadows.

    His vision was obscured, and the air was thick with an oppressive weight that made it hard to move.

    Rain''s heart pounded as he struggled to find his bearings.

    He could barely make out the shapes of the Casper clones moving around him, each one seemingly more menacing than thest.

    With his senses dulled and his movements hampered, he knew that he was facing his toughest challenge yet.

    "Looks like I have to reveal my cards." Rain chuckled.

 Chapter 139 Shadow Sword Style

    ?

    Veronica leaned forward in her seat, eyes fixed on the fight between Casper and Rain with rapt attention.

    Although Rain [Thanatos] was ranked C grade ording to the arena rankings, he had risen to the top 50 in just a few days.

    Still, Veronica didn''t see it as a big feat. She knew plenty of people who could do that.

    As the two fighters circled each other, Veronica''s brow furrowed in contemtion.

    She couldn''t help but wonder what Rain had in mind when he sent that message and those ancient scrolls to her.

    "It''s like he knows too much about me." That''s what she concluded from current affairs.

    "Show me your worth, [Thanatos]," she stared at Rain, who was trapped in Casper''s domain. "Otherwise, I will surely destroy you."

    Once one became proficient in controlling mana, they could create a domain around themselves.

    Veronica''s mind drifted to her own experiences with mana control, remembering the first time she had created her own domain.

    These domains varied from person to person because they reflected the individual''s nature.

    To the uninitiated, a domain might seem like a simple bubble of energy around a person, but in reality, it was much moreplex.

    A domain was a manifestation of a person''s inner self, a reflection of their unique personality and traits.

    It was a projection of their willpower, shaped by their experiences, emotions, and beliefs.

    In other words, a person''s domain was a physical representation of their soul.

    As for Rain, he was currently trapped within Casper''s domain, a dark and foreboding space that seemed to suffocate and constrict him at every turn.

    Veronica watched with a mix of fascination and concern, wondering how Rain would fare against such a powerful opponent.

    Veronica watched with bated breath, curious to see how this battle would y out.

    ***

    As Rain found himself engulfed by Casper''s domain, he realized that his sight was impaired by the thick darkness.

    He couldn''t see his opponent or even his hand in front of his face.

    "Oh, isn''t this mana domain?" Rain mumbled. He didn''t think Casper would use mana domain in the fight.

    He took a deep breath and focused his senses on the flow of mana around him.

    He knew that Casper was manipting the mana to create this domain, and that meant he had to disrupt it to break free.

    Rain''s training as a mage had taught him to sense the flow of mana in his surroundings. He could feel the mana pulsing around him, like an invisible current of energy. But now, he had to use this sense to find any disturbances in the flow of mana.

    He closed his eyes and concentrated on the mana, letting his other senses fade away.

    [Elemental Transmutation Breathing]

    He could feel the mana rushing past him, like a river in the darkness.

    Then, he felt a subtle disturbance in the flow of mana to his right. It was like a ripple in the water, indicating that something had disrupted the flow.

    Rain opened his eyes and turned in the direction of the disturbance.

    He could see a faint glimmer of light, like a distant star in the darkness.

    "Is that it?" He was curious.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He focused his attention on the glimmer and started moving towards it, following the flow of mana.

    As he got closer, the glimmer grew brighter, and he could feel the energy of the mana bing more intense.

    Finally, he reached the source of the disturbance - Casper, who was in the process of teleporting away.

    "Wow, I didn''t expect this," Casper eximed.

    Rain reacted quickly, drawing his daggers and throwing them at Casper''s back. However, Casper was quick to react, blocking the attack with a shadowy shield.

    Even though Rain used "Twilight Mist Sword Art", Casper was able to block his attacks.

    Rain realized that he needed to focus his senses even more if he wanted to defeat Casper.

    He closed his eyes again and let himself be guided by the flow of mana, searching for any other disturbances.

    Like this, Rain kept finding Casper and Casper teleporting at the moment Rain tried to attack him.

    Finally, Rain detected a slight disturbance in the flow of mana to his right again.

    He turned in that direction and caught a glimpse of Casper''s shadow slipping away.

    "Not this time," Rain knew that he had to act quickly. He focused his energy and channeled it into his legs, giving him a burst of speed.

    With a quick dash, he closed the distance between himself and Casper, who was still in the process of teleporting.

    Rain''s dagger gleamed as he swung it at Casper''s back, but at thest moment, Casper turned and blocked the attack with a shadowy shield.

    The impact of the block caused Rain to stumble, but he quickly regained his bnce.

    Casper grinned, his eyes shing with amusement. "Impressive," he said. "But you still have a lot to learn."

    Rain sighed, taking his sword out from empty space. "I guess you''re right. Looks like we can''t continue like this," he said, unsheathing his sword with a smile.

    "Stop the flimsy talk and attack," Casper grumbled, raising his hand and channeling dark energy from the abyss.

    [Abyssal Surge]

    With a flick of his wrist, Casper sent a vortex of ck mes hurtling toward Rain.

    However, Rain remained calm, focusing his mana and pouring it into his sword. His sword began to glow with an eerie blue light.

    "Shadow Sword Style, 2nd move - Reflection Dance," Rain whispered, swinging his sword with fluid and graceful movements.

    The technique involved deflecting the iing attack with a circr motion, allowing the sword to reflect the energy back toward the attacker.

    By pouring his mana into the sword, Rain was able to amplify the reflection, causing the mes to rebound off the de with greater force.

    As the ck mes rebounded off his sword, Rain could feel the impact vibrating through his body.

    But he remained focused, his eyes fixed on Casper as he continued to press the attack.

    While the students in the academy were busy with the practical exams, Rain had spent countless hours perfecting the Shadow Sword Style, and he had learned all twelve moves.

    His fight with Casper was a chance to test and hone his skills.

    "Show me some results, my guinea pig," Rain smiles wickedly as he thought.

    "Why do I feel something ominous behind your smile?" Casper was puzzled.

 Chapter 140 Nicks Second Move

    ?

    While Ben was busy saving the trapped students being attacked by monsters in the cave, Ken''s team was engaged in a fight with some shadowy creatures.

    Meanwhile, Nick was exploring the cave and executing his n.

    Eva and Amy''s group didn''t have a map like Ben''s or Ken''s team, so they had to wander around the cave until they stumbled upon James'' team.

    Eva and Amy''s group''s footsteps echoed in the cavern as they approached the scene.

    They heard the shing of swords and the monsters'' blood-curdling shrieks.

    As they got closer, they saw James and his team engaged in a chaotic battle against a horde of monsters.

    At the front of the group, James swung his sword with practiced ease, deflecting the creatures'' attacks and dealing deadly blows.

    His face was fierce with determination, and his movements were fluid and precise.

    Thomas, thebat mage, weaved spells that sted the monsters with bolts of magical energy.

    He was a blur of motion, his hands moving quickly as he chanted incantations.

    The muscleheads in the group wielded massive clubs and axes, their bulging muscles pummeling the beasts with relentless force.

    Their faces were twisted in a mix of anger and excitement as they smashed their weapons into the monsters'' thick hides.

    Simon stood at the back, his staff held tightly in his hand.

    He closed his eyes and chanted incantations that bolstered his allies'' attacks and shielded them from harm.

    His face was calm and focused, and his voice was clear and strong.

    Despite the monsters'' ferocious nature, James and his team held their own.

    Their weapons and spells tore through the creatures'' flesh and bone, leaving them lifeless and defeated.

    The monsters were massive, with thick hides and sharp ws that could rend steel.

    Their glowing red eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, and their breath was hot and fetid.

    As Eva and Amy''s team and other students watched, thest of the monsters fell to the ground, defeated.

    James and the others were exhrated,ughing and shouting in triumph.

    They high-fived each other and hugged, relief and happiness spreading through their bodies.

    Simon, on the other hand, leaned heavily on his staff, his face pale and sweat-drenched. He had given his all to help his teammates, and now he was exhausted.

    Daphne''s heart raced as she called out to Simon. "Simon, I''m here!" she eximed, dashing towards him.

    Simon turned around, relief evident in his eyes as he saw that Daphne was safe.

    Simon, Noah, and Daphne had been friends for years, and Simon couldn''t bear the thought of any harming to them.

    When he learned that they were all trapped in the dark, damp cave, his concern for their safety intensified.

    Eva and Amy approached James, eager to know how his group had fared in their mission.

    "Hey, Musclehead," Amy taunted, "still using brute strength?" James smirked at her. "Yeah, Muscle-woman. I''m using the same technique as you, but better." Amy scowled, feeling defeated.

    Eva ignored her angry friend and asked James, "Did your groupplete the mission?"

    James shrugged. "Yeah, we killed the Orc King a while ago. It was no big deal."

    As the onlookers listened to James'' nonchnt response, they couldn''t help but feel baffled.

    Christiana, the mage from Eva''s group, couldn''t believe what she was hearing. "Did you say the Orc King?" she asked, her voiceced with incredulity.

    Her blonde hair and blue eyes added to her icy demeanor.

    "Uh, yeah, the Orc King," James said with a shrug. "You know, big, scary dude with a club? He was kind of a pushover, to be honest."

    Christiana raised an eyebrow. "I find that hard to believe," she said, her voice still skeptical.

    James leaned in conspiratorially. "Okay, fine, maybe he was a little tough. But we had a secret weapon," he said, grinning mischievously.

    Eva rolled her eyes. "Please don''t tell me it was your brawn," she said dryly.

    James feigned offense. "Hey, I''ll have you know I''m much more than just a pretty face and bulging muscles," he said, flexing his biceps.

    As James reveled in the praise of his friends, Christiana couldn''t help but remain skeptical.

    "I still find it hard to believe that you defeated the Orc King all by yourselves," she said, crossing her arms.

    James grinned confidently. "Oh, you want proof?" he said, reaching into his backpack. "I''ve got the Orc King''s head right here."

    The rest of the group stared in shock as James pulled out a grisly trophy - the severed head of the Orc King, still dripping with blood.

    Christiana''s eyes widened in disbelief. "I stand corrected," she said, unable to deny the evidence before her. "Sorry," she said in low voice.

    Amy shuddered. "Okay, okay, we believe you. Just put that thing away before I lose my lunch," she said, waving a hand in front of her face.

    James chuckled and carefully stowed the Orc King''s head back in his backpack. "Sorry, I couldn''t resist showing off a little," he said, shing a grin.

    Daphne rushed over to Simon, helping him to a nearby boulder to sit down. She could see the exhaustion etched on his face and knew he needed rest.

    "Are you okay, Simon?" she asked.

    "I''m fine. Just a bit tired," Simon replied, his breathingbored. As a mage, he had low stamina, so he had to force his body. As a result, Simon was tired.

    "You need to rest. We''ll take care of you," Daphne said reassuringly.

    Simon nodded and closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh of relief.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Daphne sat down next to Simon on the boulder. "You really pushed yourself back there. Are you sure you''re alright?"

    Simon looked up at her, grateful for her concern. "Thanks, Daphne. I''m just a little exhausted. But I''ll be fine after I catch my breath."

    Daphne smiled sympathetically. "You did great. You always do."

    Simon paused for a moment before asking, "By the way, have you seen Noah around here? I haven''t seen him after we entered the cave."

    Daphne''s expression turned serious. "No, I haven''t seen him since we entered the cave either. But don''t worry, we''ll find him. We''re not leaving anyone behind."

    Simon nodded, relieved that Daphne was on the same page. "I hope he''s okay. Even though he''s mischievous and always ying pranks on me, he''s still my friend."

    Daphne chuckled. "I know. He''s a handful, but he''s still one of us."

    Simon leaned back against the boulder, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths.

    He couldn''t believe that they were attacked by those monsters and that they couldn''t contact the professors.

    It was a practical exam, but this was definitely not what he expected. He hoped that Noah was safe and that they would be able to find him soon.

    Meanwhile, James and his team were discussing their next steps.

    They hadpleted their mission, but there was still the matter of finding a way out of the cave.

    After talking with Eva and Amy, James got a general idea of the situation. "We need to find a way out of here," James said, looking at his team. "Any ideas?"

    "We could try following the path we came in from," Thomas, one of James'' team members suggested.

    "But what if it''s blocked or guarded by more monsters?" Sarah, the healer from Eva''s team asked.

    "It''s easy, we will just force our way through those monsters," James said, determination in his voice.

    Lily chimed in, "I can help with that. I''m a fire mage and can take care of any monsters thate our way."

    James nodded, "That''s good to know. But let''s stick together and not take any unnecessary risks."

    "Who are you, little girl?" James asked, surprised by Lily''s sudden contribution.

    Lily red at James for a moment before throwing a small fireball at him, narrowly missing his face.

    "Don''t call me a little girl. I''m your senior," Lily warned him.

    James made a mental note never to call her that again until he was stronger than her. "Okay, noted. Let''s focus on finding a way out of here."

    "By the way," Eva spoke up, "did anyone manage to get a signal or contact the professors?"

    James shook his head, "No, unfortunately. It seems like we''re on our own for now."

    Amy looked around, her expression grim, "We need to be careful. We have no idea what else is in this cave."

    The group nodded in agreement, realizing the gravity of their situation.

    They were in the middle of an unknown cave, with no help or backup, and with monsters lurking around.

    The only thing they could do was stick together and hope for the best.

    The group retraced their steps back to the entrance of the cave after discussing their strategy.

    Simon had created a map when they first entered, which made navigation easier. Edward, one of James'' team members, carried Simon on his back since he was too exhausted.

    As they made their way through the dark, damp cave, they encountered several groups of students.

    They encountered five or six groups in total, but only two of them had guardians with them. They also met a lone guardian. With these new additions, their group now consisted of six guardians in total.

    Approaching a main intersection where several passageways diverged, Daphne spoke up.

    "Sister Amy, I hear the sounds of battle nearby. Maybe we should investigate."

    In the past, Amy would have rejected the idea, but now that they had five guardians with them and many students, she agreed.

    They followed the sound of the battle and soon arrived at the source of themotion.

    The group saw a chaotic scene before them.

    A group of students opposing hooded figures shed in a chaotic scene, with the air thick with metal shing against metal and the screams of the fallen.

    "Let''s help them," Nick said. He was currently wearing the Academy uniform, not his purple robe.

    Upon witnessing the chaos, other students joined Nick in assisting their fellow students.

    "I hope things end before Veronica interferes," Nick thought.

    After learning that Ben was saving the students, Nick came up with a second n.

    With the help of his informers, he quickly located Eva and Amy''s group.

    The lone guardian they met on the way was Nick, who told them the story of how he got separated from Ken''s group.

    He also indirectly led them towards the location of the fight. Before encountering them, Nick had already burned his purple robe.

    ording to his n, the hooded figures weren''t going to attack the students this early.

    However, Casper and Veronica''s sudden appearance disturbed his ns. When Nick got information about Casper''s appearance, he was shocked. "Why is there a dragon in this cave? Even the organization didn''t know about this," he mumbled. But he didn''t have time to brainstorm about that. However, another unexpected news soon struck him.

    Veronica''s sudden appearance was thest straw.

    "Not again." Nick shook his head. "Looks like mission is going to fail," there was no way to aplish the mission.

    Still, he at least wanted to show some results. He sent a message via hismunication device to all guardians on his side: "Attack those students."

 Chapter 141 Rains Meddling

    ?

    After Nick''s order through the message, the fight between the students and the hooded figures started.

    Nick watched as chaos erupted in the cave. He saw Casper tying up Ken and couldn''t help feeling relieved. "Finally, that annoying guy will get what he deserves," he thought to himself.

    Nick then turned on hismunication device and contacted the members of his organization who were present in the cave. "Stop hiding and start attacking with full force," he ordered his voice firm andmanding.

    As he looked around, he saw some students attacking their own peers instead of the hooded figures.

    He was pleased with what he saw, knowing that the chaos would help him achieve his true motive. "Excellent," he thought to himself. "At least some deaths will happen until Veronica appears."

    Nick watched as he scurried away, then turned his attention back to the chaos around him.

    He knew that with a little more effort, he could turn this situation to his advantage.

    Daphne''s heart raced as she watched Elena''s attack pierce Noah''s stomach from behind.

    "Noah!!" She let out a scream of shock but didn''t waste any time.

    She immediately ran at full speed towards Noah, all the while shooting arrows at Elena using Homing Shot and Rapid Fire.

    Homing Shot was a skill that allowed Daphne''s arrows to track their target and adjust their trajectory in mid-air to follow it. Rapid Fire was a skill that allowed her to shoot multiple arrows in quick session.

    Elena, caught off guard by the sudden attack, had a hard time defending herself.

    Despite her agility, she struggled to dodge the arrows that kept following her. Some arrows grazed her arm, leaving behind small wounds.

    The pain was enough to cause her to lose focus momentarily, giving Daphne an opening to strike.

    Luna and Marry quickly joined Elena in the attack, and Daphne found herself outnumbered.

    She continued to dodge their attacks and fight back with her own arrows, but it was a struggle.

    Luna and Marry were skilled mages, and they knew how to coordinate their attacks to put their opponent off bnce.

    Just when the other students were about to help Daphne, she shot an arrow into the air using Rain of Terror.

    The arrow multiplied into a barrage of arrows that rained down on Luna, Marry, and Elena, causing them to be momentarily disoriented.

    The arrows were exploding upon contact, creating a shower of sparks and shrapnel.

    Sensing the danger, Luna and Marry simultaneously cast a spell and created a magic shield around themselves.

    The shield glowed with a bright blue light, and it absorbed the impact of the exploding arrows.

    However, as the arrows made contact with their targets, they exploded, causing chaos and confusion among the group.

    Luna felt a sharp pain in her arm, while Marry stumbled backward with a cry of pain.

    Elena managed to avoid most of the arrows, but a few grazed her arm, causing her to wince in pain.

    Daphne was exhausted after using the powerful skill and fell to the ground. Just as she was falling, Amy caught her. "Leave everything to me," she reassured.

    As this scene of betrayal unfolded, Nick was hoping to see many students die as Veronica fought Casper.

    However, he was surprised when, after a short conversation between Veronica and Casper, Casper surrendered. "What kind of magic did she use?" Nick was baffled.

    He quickly messaged his group members to retreat. "Everyone, retreat!"

    Although the tension continued to rise, one of the hooded figures called out to the attackers, "Retreat! We''ve lost too many already!" The attackers hesitated for a moment, and then turned and ran away.

    The students and guardians let out a cheer as they saw the attackers flee.

    Daphne rushed over to Noah''s side, her heart pounding with fear. She saw the blood pouring out of his wound and her hands shook as she checked his pulse.

    "Noah, please don''t leave me," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.

    Noah''s eyes were closed and he was barely conscious. He managed to open his eyes slightly and saw the tears in Daphne''s eyes.

    "Daphne," he said weakly, "I''m sorry."

    "No, Noah, don''t talk like that. You have to hold on," Daphne said, her voice choked with emotion.

    "I didn''t want you to get hurt," Noah said, struggling to speak. "I should have been more careful."

    Daphne took his hand and squeezed it tightly. "It''s not your fault. I''m just d you''re alive."

    Noah looked up at her with a faint smile. "I''m d too. You''re the reason I''m still here."

    Daphne''s heart swelled with love for him. "I''ll always be here for you, Noah. I''ll never let anything happen to you."

    Noah''s eyes started to close again. "Daphne, promise me something."

    "Anything, Noah," Daphne said, her voice cracking with emotion.

    "Promise me that you''ll keep fighting, no matter what happens. That you''ll never give up on your dreams," Noah said, his voice barely above a whisper.

    Daphne nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I promise, Noah. I''ll never give up. I''ll keep fighting for both of us."

    Noah''s breathing became shallow and he closed his eyes. Daphne hugged him tightly, feeling his body go limp.

    "Noah, please don''t leave me," she sobbed.

    Suddenly, she felt Noah''s hand tighten around hers. His eyes opened and he looked up at her with renewed strength.

    "I''m not going anywhere, Daphne," he said, a smile spreading across his face.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Daphne''s heart leaped with joy. "Noah, you''re alive!"

    "I am, and I''m not going to let this stop me," Noah said, sitting up slowly. "We still have the battle to win."

    "Meh, so much drama." Nick frowned.

    "At least, there won''t be any casualties on our side." Nick tried to think positively.

    As the hooded figures fled, Casper appeared out of nowhere, his heart pounding in his chest.

    He knew what was at stake if they were not stopped. He snapped his fingers, summoning a horde of shadow clones that materialized in a blur of darkness.

    With a swift, deadly stroke, the shadow clones moved in on the traitorous students and hooded figures.

    Their movements were fluid, almost graceful, as they eliminated the threat with deadly precision.

    Veronica approached Casper, her eyes glinting in approval.

    "Is this enough?" Casper asked, his voice still trembling with adrenaline.

    "Of course," Veronica replied, her smile softening her sharp features. "But you still have your punishment pending."

    Casper shuddered at the thought, wondering what Veronica had in store for him.

    He knew he had to face the consequences of his actions, but he couldn''t help but feel a sense of dread.

    As he followed Veronica out of the cave, he couldn''t shake the feeling that his life was about to change forever.

    Meanwhile, Nick, a fellow student, watched the scene unfold silently from a distance. "Looks like he won," he thought to himself.

    But as he looked at the defeated students lying on the ground, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt. "Looks like I failed again," he grumbled.

    He wondered how this had happened, how he had ended up on the wrong side of the fight. He vowed to do better next time.

    ***

    [On the Unknown Ind]

    The sound of crashing waves echoed through the air as a figure stood motionless on the sandy beach.

    The salty sea breeze tousled his hair as he gazed out into the endless horizon.

    His eyes were fixed on the vast expanse of blue water that stretched out before him, seemingly never-ending.

    The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow across the sky, giving the scene an otherworldly feel.

    The man appeared lost in thought as if contemting something profound. What was on his mind? Only he knew for sure.

    "System, has the event ended?" he asked.

    A few moments passed before the System replied, "[Yes, Host.]"

    Rain felt a rush of excitement as he read the next message. "[Congrattions to Host to pass milestones of 5% plot progress.]"

    His heart raced as he read on. "[Rewards are being issued. Extra rewards will be issued because of the Host influencing the plot.]"

    Rain couldn''t help but smile. He had been working hard to progress the plot, and it was paying off.

    "System, tell me how much I affected the plotline?" Rain asked in an amused tone.

    "In the original plotline, the ''Roaring Cave'' event happened the next year. However, because the host meddled in the plot, it happened much earlier."

    "Eh? It''s not meddling. I am just making it a little fast," Rain chuckled.

    "I think this isn''t the only change," he said, trying to remind the System to continue.

    [In the original plotline, Noah and many students were supposed to die. However, because of the Host''s ''meddling'', they didn''t die and were saved.]

    [Host''s sister Kaya and Host''s ex-fiancee were supposed to fight alongside Ken. However, they were lost in the cave.]

    [Casper were also supposed to injure severly while fighting the beholder. But neither beholder was summoned nor the fight happened.]

    [The members of evil organization and those insiders weren''t supposed to die in this event.]

    [Arya, the third heroine was supposed to fight the monsters. But unexpectedly Ben became the saviour. Now even his reputation is being restored.]

    [Many heroines and Viiness were supposed to have fight in the middle term exams. But nothing happened.]

    [All of this because of the host''s meddling.]

    Rain sensed a hint of irritation in the System''s responses. "Looks like I''ll have to ask about thister," he thought.

    "It won''t change anything even if you askter. The System remembers everything," the System replied.

    "Okay, okay. Just give me rewards," Rain didn''t want to argue with the System.

    "It will take half a day to issue the rewards," the System said.

    "Why so slow?" Rain asked, puzzled.

    "Host, this isn''t ''slow''. With how much you have ''meddled'' with the plot, I have to count the points and every little effect thoroughly," the System exined.

    Hearing this, Rain shrugged his shoulders and began to recall what he had done until now.

 Chapter 142 Changing The Plot

    ?

    Rain stood at the shore, gazing out at the vast expanse of the sea.

    The waves crashed against the shore with such force that it felt as if they were trying to devour the entire world.

    The foam and spray rose high like they were reaching for the sky.

    As he watched the waves, he couldn''t help but think of how his own life was like those unpredictable and ever-changing waves.

    "A few months ago, I was supposed to be a viin of the game," he mumbled as he remembered the time he got memories of his previous life.

    "Now middle term exams have ended, the students will have a vacation. There won''t be any significant events for some time," As he was saying this he paused and shook his head.

    Sometimes, things were calm and peaceful, like the gentlepping of the water against the shore.

    "Things will be only peaceful if they went as they were supposed to be." He smiled.

    Other times, the waves were tumultuous and overwhelming, like the crashing of the waves against the rocks.

    "Plot is changing,"

    They felt a sense of unease at the thought of the waves changing constantly, never staying the same.

    "If it was past, I wouldn''t have thought of changing anything." Rain felt bitterness in his mouth as he remembered his past.

    Yet, at the same time, there was a strange sense offort in the idea that everything was in a constant state of flux.

    In the past, Rain couldn''t help but feel like he was just a speck in the grand scheme of things, like a tiny boat bobbing up and down amid a vast ocean.

    "Even though I am still insignificant, I have the power to ride the waves of life and navigate my own path." Rain clenched his fist.

    And as he stood there, lost in thought, the waves continued to crash against the shore, reminding him that life was unpredictable and ever-changing, but also full of endless possibilities.

    "I don''t know how things will turn around from now on," Rain sighed.

    "Because as the system has said, I have pretty much destroyed the plot." There was a mischievous smile on his face.

    "Still, I should try to revise things ande up with scenarios that might happen." Rain thought.

    "System, open the logs for the practical exams during the mid-term exams in the original plotline," Rain said.

    [Sure, Host]

    Soon, multiple files began to open.

    [First year of the academy, mid-term exams, practical exam]

    When Rain regained his memories from his previous life, he created numerous logs detailing the scenarios of the original plotline.

    At that time, he wasn''t sure how long he could remember the details, so he saved time by logging everything into the system.

    He only had to think, and the system would write it all down.

    Rain started to scan the logs and discovered many things.

    -The practical exam took ce in one of the dungeons operated by the academy. Although there were no major events, it was filled with numerous mini-events.

    For example,

    -Ben had already been beaten up by Ken, so he became consumed by rage and participated in club activities more.

    -On the other hand, Ken saved Arya from being bullied, and now they were good friends.

    -Although Rain had already lost a private duel to Ken and his spirits were low, he still hoped to surpass him in ranks.

    There was no sign of discord between them.

    -Additionally, many of the heroines in S ss from the first year became close with Ken.

    There were several reasons for that.

    -Ken saved Kaya from the attack of spies sent by the evil organization.

    As Emma was a friend of Kaya, Emma had a slightly better image of Ken then.

    -Amy and Eva were curious about Ken and his abilities. After sparing him for few times. They became casual friends.

    Regarding Mid-term Exams:

    ? The rankings remained the same as the entrance exam, with Raining in second ce. However, due to this, many people lost trust in him.

    ? Daisy attempted to challenge Emma''s rank, but she was unable to surpass her.

    ? The exam was conducted as a team mission, with students required to clear an easy E-rank dungeon with their teams.

    [Scroll down to read more...]

    Rain found the rest of the report quite boring, as he already knew most of it.

    Therefore, he closed the system windows.

    "Now that I think about it, only a few things have happened ording to the plot," Rain mumbled.

    "By the way, the evil organization isn''t sending any spies after Kaya." Rain furrowed his brows. ording to the plot, she should be at least being hunted down by those crazy lunatics from the evil organization.

    "Did I make them angry after killing their bestbat team and elder?" Rain wondered.

    "Maybe their people would be fuming about their insiders in the academy dying." Rain couldn''t help butugh.

    After that, Rain started checking various factors and calcting the likelihood of the plot''s progression.

    After getting the results, Rain was astonished. "Oh, this number is quite high. Looks like I will get some good rewards," he said, feeling happy.

    "Host, are you thinking of elerating the plot progress?" the System suddenly asked disturbing Rain''s thoughts. It was the first time the System had ever asked a question.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Hm?" Rain was surprised by the System''s sudden question. "Can''t you read my mind?" he asked.

    [I can read your mind, that''s why I asked the question. What you''re about to do will destroy even the least bit of plot left.]

    "So?" Rain asked, puzzled. He didn''t know why was system telling him this.

    [This isn''t a good move.]

    "Why not?" Rain asked back.

    [Won''t you lose your advantage then.]

    "I might use my advantage," Rain said, "but as you know, things were bound to change the moment I left the plot and became an Extra Character. Endless possibilities emerged as I went forward with my n."

    Rain exined.

    [But..]

    The system was trying to say something, but Rain continued.

    "Even at this moment, my advantage of having future knowledge is thinning out."

    Rain knew he couldn''t control everyone''s fate, and the things happening to all the characters are an example.

    After what happened with Arya and Ben. He was sure the more he would try to control it, the more he will lose his advantage.

    At that time he thought, "Why don''t I just change the way things are going? I will only try to change things that I want."

    "Like you did this time?" the System asked.

    "Hmm. Yeah," Rain replied, "I will try to turn things to my advantage."

    "I also have to speed up things more," he added, as an afterthought.

    Just as Rain was thinking of his n, the smartwatch rang.

    [Ding!]

    Rain opened notifications. He saw he had notifications from a few people.

    First, it was Ben.

    [Ben: Call me in your free time.]

    After reading this, Rain was curious about things that happened.

    So he called Ben.

    As Ben''s phone rang he quickly picked up.

    "Hello~, how was the exam?" Rain said in a cheerful voice.

    "You have the guts to ask about that," Ben said in a slightly angry way.

    "Oh, what did I do?" Rain asked like he didn''t know anything.

    "You know what you did. You owe me an exnation." Ben grumbled. He was in an airship now, after dealing with the aftermath they were now returning to the academy.

    "Is that so?" Rain said in an amused tone.

    "Of course, something happened.

    You gave me the map and those vague hints about being alert in the dungeon." Ben spoke as he remembered his experience in the dungeon.

    "And you warned me not to touch the treasure and to head to the North East side once the mission wasplete."

    Ben''s voice was filled with confusion. Apparently, whenever he talked with Rain, Rain kept giving him hints indirectly.

    A few days ago, when the results of the theoretical exams were announced. That night, as usual, he was talking with Rain about casual things.

    At that time, Rain gave him, a many of information and a map of the cave. Ben couldn''tprehend what Rain was saying. But he made preparations ording to it.

    "You knew about all of this beforehand, didn''t you?" Ben asked.

    However, Rain didn''t answer.

    "You know, from the first time I talked with you I am really curious about it. At first, I used to think Ken is a mysterious guy with a secret. Butpared to him your whole existence is shrouded with mystery."

    As Ben said this, he couldn''t help but remember the day when he talked with Rain first time.

    At the time, he was too helpless and pathetic. However, Rain stretched his hand to help him. Although he sounded like a scammer at that time, it gave him some mental support to himself.

    After that day, he considered Rain as a friend. The more he talked the more he felt Rain was a good guy and his trust increased.

    But he still couldn''t shake off the doubts.

    "Even though you keep saying all the things happening and saying you break off with your family is a ploy. I can hardly believe it." Because of his doubts regarding Rain, Ben asked him many times about where he was, how was hiding from the world, and many things.

    However, Rain only gives excuses like it was a little ploy. Ben felt Rain didn''t want to reveal it to him.

    "You know, I didn''t believe in the things you said at first. But as time passed. I couldn''t even suspect them."

    After the dual, Ben started talking with Rain and phone many times. Sometimes they talked about happenings in the academy and club activities.

    Each time, Rain gave him pieces of advice indirectly. As those bits of advice worked, Ben couldn''t help but think more.

    Ben''s voice trailed off as he spoke again. "Tell me clearly, Rain. Just who are you? How do you know these things?"

    Rain answered, "I am..."

 Chapter 143 Information Guild

    ?

    A few months ago.

    Rain strolled through the ck market, passing by various facilities and vendors selling all manner of illicit goods.

    As he walked, he found himself drawn to the Information Guild, one of the most renowned sources of knowledge in the market.

    Although he didn''t necessarily need any information at the moment, he was curious about the guild and its operations.

    "Looks fun." He mumbled.

    ***

    "Tell me, Rain," Ben asked eagerly. "Who are you, and how do you know all of these things?"

    Rain felt a pang of annoyance at Ben''s prying question. He didn''t like being interrogated, but he understood why Ben was curious.

    "I''m a VIP patron of the Information Guild, Insight," Rain replied, keeping his tone neutral.

    "Really?" Ben was surprised. "That would exin how you have ess to so much information. But what about your family and whereabouts?"

    "That''s secret~," Rain chuckled, trying to defuse the tension.

    "Okay, okay. I won''t pry," Ben shrugged. "But being a VIP patron of [Insight] is pretty impressive. It''s one of the top guilds on [Pandora]."

    Pandora.

    It was the name of the dar that existed within this world, a seedy underbelly that catered to those who sought to buy and sell forbidden goods and services.

    A convenient online ck market.

    "Indeed," Rain agreed, feeling a small smile tug at the corners of his mouth.

    Insight was a rtively new guild, founded only two months prior with the motto "Let''s start delving into the unknown secrets."

    Despite theirck of credibility, they quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most trusted sources of information on the dark.

    "Hey, Rain," Ben interrupted, his voice tinged with excitement.

    Rain felt a jolt of curiosity. He wondered what Ben wanted to talk about. "Yes?" Rain replied.

    "Will we ever meet in person?"

    Rain noticed a surge of warmth in Ben''s tone.

    "Just wait a few months, maybe next year," Rain said, trying to make his tone gentle.

    "Okay, sounds good. Hey, we''re about tond on the academy campus. Talk to youter!" Ben said cheerfully.

    "You too, have a good day," Rain said, as hung up the phone.

    Rain raised his head and looked up at the sky only to see it was covered in thick, gray clouds that stretched as far as the eye could see.

    The air was humid, and there was a faint smell of rain in the air. Rain could feel a cool breeze blowing past him.

    "Looks like it will rain today. Maybe I should go to my home."

    Rain arrived home and went straight to his room.

    As hey on his bed, he checked other messages.

    ["Lily (Scapegoat): I have some details to report. So call me in your free time."]

    As he pondered the message, Rain felt a flicker of curiosity.

    He knew that Lily only contacted him when something important hade up. He wondered what kind of trouble she had gotten herself into this time.

    "It will relieve some boredom." He spoke as he called Lily.

    ***

    Lily was exhausted after the incident in the dungeon, but she knew she had to update Rain about the details of the business.

    She also wanted to discuss about Eva''s potions.

    As soon as she boarded the airship, she sent Rain a message.

    It had been a few hours since the incident, and Lily had spent that time recovering and gathering her thoughts.

    She copsed on the bed in her room and couldn''t help but rey the events in her mind. "Something isn''t right," she thought to herself, "someone is surely pulling the strings from the shadows." She made a mental note to research it further that night, but for now, she was too tired to do so.

    Her mana was depleted, and she needed to rest. She curled up into a ball and took a nap for about an hour.

    When she woke up, she felt more refreshed.

    As the airship approached Dawn City, she washed her face and adjusted her appearance.

    The journey from the dungeon to the academy had taken a few hours, and Lily had spent most of that time sleeping.

    After the airshipnded on the academy campus, the injured students were taken to the infirmary, and Lily headed to her dormitory. It would take her around a few minutes to walk from the campus to her dormitory, that''s why she didn''t ride a campus bus.

    As she walked, her smartwatch rang, disying the name "Stingy Boss."

    She frowned and wondered why someone was calling at this time. "Who''s calling at this time?" she grumbled.

    When she saw the name, her frown deepened. "This guy really has good timing," she muttered to herself, feeling annoyed by the interruption.

    However, she had to pick up the call.

    "Hello, how are you, little girl?" The most annoying voice for Lily came from the other side.

    "I am very nice, former young master," Lily said with a smirk.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Soon, she arrived at her floor.

    As she was 5th ranked among 2nd years. She had a veryrge space.

    With a flick of her wrist, she put the call on hold.

    Lily approached the door of her room. She whispered a few words in a forgottennguage, and the door opened with a hiss of steam.

    As she stepped inside, the room''s enchantments responded to her presence, casting a warm glow over the space.

    As she entered her bedroom and sat on the bed, she felt rxed.

    With a flick of her wrist, she removed the call from the call.

    "Ooh, using the forgottennguage to open your door now, Lily? Trying to impress me, are we?" Rain teased on the phone.

    Lily rolled her eyes, she didn''t expect that Rain would know she was unlocking her door lock through the password.

    Even though she put the call on hold, Rain found out about it.

    She let out a smallugh. "Oh please, Rain. As if I care about impressing you."

    Rain chuckled on the other end. "Sure you don''t. So what''s the reason for this call? I''m quite busy, you know."

    Lily cleared her throat, switching to a more professional tone. "Actually, I wanted to discuss the progress of the business. I have a few updates and ideas I''d like to run by you."

    Rain''s tone became more serious as well. "Alright, go ahead. I''m listening."

    Lily proceeded to go over the progress they had made so far, detailing the challenges they had faced and how they had ovee them.

    She also presented some new ideas she hade up with to improve the project even further.

    Apparently, after signing a contract that gave Rain a 55% share in the profits, Lily began working on a n tounch merchandise for his streaming business and other things. As per the contract, she also had to invest half of the cost.

    Here''s how the process went:

    -Research and nning: Lily researched the market to identify popr merchandise items and created a n for what products tounch, how much to price them, and how to market them to Rain''s audience.

    -Product development: Lily sourced or created merchandise items, such as t-shirts, mugs, or stickers, and designed them to align with Rain''s branding and aesthetic.

    She also licensed every song Rain released, so someone doesn''t post it or giarize it.

    She also asked Rain to be a model and do advertisements. But Rain refused.

    -Marketing and promotion: Lily created a marketing strategy to promote the products to Rain''s audience, including social media posts, email newsletters, and special promotions or giveaways.

    -Sales and fulfillment: Once orders came in, Lily handled the sales and fulfillment process, including processing payments, packaging and shipping the merchandise, and handling any customer service issues.

    Throughout the process, Rain covered half of the costs and sometimes even provided extra money as a sry for Lily.

    And at the end of the day, Rain received 55% of the profits from the merchandise sales as per their agreement.

    The profit of the first month was more than 50,000 gold coins. As per the contract, Rain got 27,500.

    After that month, Lily started expanding the business and entered other fields.

    She also had to find apany as it was bing hard to handle alone.

    With Rain''s sponsorship, she invested in thatpany. However, in the end, she became an employee of the Rain.

    As the call continued, Rain listened attentively, asionally asking questions or giving feedback.

    After Lily was finished, there was a moment of silence as Rain considered everything she had said.

    "Hmm. So you are saying to invest in that potion business?" Rain asked.

    "Yes!" She nodded eagerly.

    "Contact Mark. I will give you his contact details. Just tell him, "His friend will help in the potion business, this is the opportunity"." He said.

    "Do you take me as a weirdo? He will think of me as a weirdo if I start babbling like that." Lily grumbled.

    "Okay, I will tell him to contact you, Happy? I will just cut some of your sries as you aren''t doing the work." Rainmented.

    "Huh? Why?" Lily asked in a confused tone.

    "Isn''t contacting potential business partners and clients your job?" Rain asked back.

    "It is. But you also have some responsibilities as the boss. You should do some work too." Lily controlled herself to not yell on the call.

    "I will do it next time~. Have a good day~" Rain said in a mischievous tone and hung up the phone.

    On the other side, Lily was fuming with anger.

    "That bastard, pushing responsibilities on me every time!! I will quit!!" She was determined.

    Just then her smartwatch rang. As she checked it was a message from Rain.

    [-Contact Info

    Name: Mark

    Email id: ����������������������

    Post: Manager in Alchimystic]

    She couldn''t help but blink her eyes a few times.

    "Isn''t Alchimystic firm being run by the Holmes family? Isn''t it on the top position?" She mumbled.

    "But that stingy guy break off with his family, how does he still have good rtions with them?" She was confused. She decided to postpone her resignation for some time.

 Chapter 144 Meeting The Dragon Princess

    ?

    After teasing Lily, Rain felt quite refreshed.

    "Why does it feel fun to bully the heroine? Is it because I used to be a viin or am I a natural sadist?" Rain wondered.

    "I guess I''ll have to think about itter," Rain thought.

    He opened his messages and read the third one.

    As he read the message, a smile appeared on his face.

    "Looks like it''s time for an appointment."

    He walked to the VR simtion capsule and settled in, carefully connecting the electrodes to his head and making sure they were in the right position.

    He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, ready to immerse himself in the VR simtion capsule.

    As hey down inside the capsule and put on the special headset, he felt a sense of anticipation building inside him.

    ***

    [The Twilight City, Mythosia]

    As usual, the streets of Twilight City were bustling with people, each wearing different types of fantasy clothes. If it weren''t for the potential side effects of being in virtual reality for too long, people might stay here for a lifetime.

    Twilight City lived up to its name with beautiful lights and numerous facilities. Even though it was considered a beginner city, it was still worth exploring.

    However, you can see a man d in a ck assassin suit walking down the street.

    Of course, this edge lord is Rain.

    Or you can say [Thanatos].

    Rain walked through the busy streets of Twilight City, enjoying the sights and sounds around him.

    Although some people murmured from time to time while pointing fingers at him, he didn''t seem to bother.

    As he walked he saw a cafe.

    He decided to head to a popr caf�� in the city, called "Moonlight Caf��".

    The caf�� was known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious coffee, which was brewed using only the finest beans.

    As Rain entered the caf��, he was greeted by the warm scent of freshly brewed coffee and the soft sound of gentle music ying in the background.

    The walls of the caf�� were adorned with paintings and pictures, giving it a homely feel.

    The tables were made of dark wood and were surrounded byfortable chairs, inviting customers to sit and rx.

    As Rain made his way through the bustling caf��, he noticed a private room tucked away in a corner.

    The door to the room was slightly ajar, and he could hear the soft sound of someone''s voice with help of his skill.

    Curious, Rain pushed the door open and peeked inside. He saw ady sitting at a small table, lost in thought.

    She had a cup of steaming hot coffee in front of her, which she absently stirred with a spoon.

    Thedy had long, flowing hair and was dressed in a simple yet elegant dress.

    Her eyes were a deep shade of green, and as she looked up at Rain, he could see nothing in those eyes. They looked like a void. Her lower face was covered with a veil.

    "Excuse me," Rain said, stepping into the room. "I didn''t mean to interrupt, but I couldn''t help but notice that you looked like you could use somepany."

    Thedy looked up at him, and a small smile graced her lips. "Thank you," she said. "I could use a listening ear."

    Rain closed the door behind him as he entered the private room.

    He pulled out a chair and sat down opposite the woman, the sound of the chair scraping on the floor filling the otherwise quiet room.

    As soon as he sat down, the atmosphere changed, bing tenser and charged with energy.

    The woman then took out a small device from her pocket, revealing aplexwork of intricate, glowing stones that seemed to pulse with a strange, otherworldly power.

    "Oh, a high-quality barrier," Rain said, surprised. He was taken aback by the sight, surprised by the high-quality barrier the device seemed to generate.

    "It might be very expensive," he mumbled to himself, his voice barely audible over the low hum of the device.

    As people learned more about mana, they started crafting artifacts with knowledge gained from other races.

    These artifacts came in many types and helped to lift living standards tremendously.

    However, for ignorant people, there were only two types of artifacts: those with mana stones and those without.

    While making any type of artifact was difficult, making one with a mana stone embedded in it was especially challenging. You needed to be highly proficient in crafting skills.

    "Let''s cut the chat, Thanatos," she said, her voice t and devoid of emotion. Rain wasn''t taken aback by the sudden change in her demeanor, he remained unfazed.

    "Oh, why so cold? Didn''t you call me for this appointment, or rather, ''date''?" Rain said, smirking.

    "Oh my, you really think this is a date?" the woman said, releasing the pressure. However, Rain was unfazed.

    "Nah, I''m just a little peasantpared to you, former Dragon Princess Veronica," Rain said nonchntly. As soon as the words fell from his mouth, Veronica increased the pressure.

    Despite the woman''s obvious displeasure, Rain remained calm and collected, unafraid of her power or her anger.

    "Oh, looks like I messed up something. Maybe I should have been more tactful,"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He spoke to her with a casual, almost careless attitude, his eyes betraying no hint of fear or apprehension.

    Veronica could sense his confidence and wondered what he knew about her.

    "Former Dragon Princess, Veronica," he said yfully, his lips curling into a slight grin.

    Veronica responded with a charming voice, trying to hide her curiosity, "Looks like you know about me. The question is, how much do you know?"

    "All of it," Rain winked. "From the history of your world and how it was destroyed. I know all of it." His tone was yful, but Veronica could sense a hint of something else underneath, something more serious.

    As Rain spoke, Veronica''s mind wandered to the destruction of her home world, Azura.

    She could feel a lump forming in her throat as she recalled the pain and devastation of that day.

    "The earth wasn''t the first ce to get attacked by the monsters. Many worlds fell to ruin before it, including Azura, the world where you came from," Rain continued.

    Veronica couldn''t help but feel a twinge of sadness as Rain mentioned her destroyed the world.

    She knew that her people and culture were forever lost, and it was painful to remember.

    "Should I repeat the story of how your world was destroyed?" Rain asked, sensing her sadness.

    Veronica tried to keep herposure as she replied, "It''s okay, I don''t want to remember it." Her voice was grim, and Rain could sense the pain and sorrow behind her words.

    "Oh, then can you please tell your friend to sit on the empty seat rather than listening to our conversation?" Rain said in a cold tone, his expression suddenly changing.

    "Oh my," Veronica eximed. "Casper,e out. Even low rankers can detect you now. Hehe." She chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

    At that moment, Casper emerged from the shadows, still wearing his ck coat.

    "Boy, you are quite sharp," hemented as he sat beside Veronica, trying to ease the tension.

    "Thanks for the praise," Rain smiled. "But can you tell me why you wanted to meet me?" He asked, puzzled.

    "Ara, don''t pretend before us. Sending those scrolls to my mansion and that arrogant message. It was surely your work," Veronica said as she smiled, trying to yfully tease him.

    "Hehe. Thanks for thepliments," Rain chuckled, his tone lightening.

    "You know how surprised I was when I saw those scrolls and messages?" Veronica asked, her curiosity piqued.

    ***

    Few weeks ago, as usual, Veronica was doing her work in the headmaster''s office. It had a peaceful atmosphere.

    No one ever came to bother her.

    However, just then her smartwatch rang.

    It was an urgent message.

    She wondered what it would be. After all, no one ever contacts her.

    As she tapped her smartwatch, a hologram appeared in the air before her.

    ***

    Headmaster, Veronica

    On behalf of the Educational Board, we summon you to a meeting at our headquarters tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

    The purpose of this meeting is to discuss various matters rted to the academy, including but not limited to the academic performance of students, the management, and other concerns that have been brought to our attention.

    Pleasee prepared to discuss these matters and provide any necessary documentation or information that may be required.

    Your presence is crucial to this meeting and we urge you to make every effort to attend.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    We look forward to meeting with you.

    Sincerely,

    [Name]

    Education Board

    ***

    As Veronica read this, she felt quite weird.

    The academy was very lively because of Kevin and the Blood Supremacy Club.

    "Looks fishy~ fishy~," she hummed.

    But she didn''t have any choice rather than answering the summon.

    That''s why she left the academy early morning to attend the meeting.

    However, before departing, she gave Alex the authority and work.

    Even though Alex grumbled while epting the work. Before Veronica, he couldn''t do anything.

    Soon few days passed.

 Chapter 145 Dealing With Veronica

    ?

    Veronica stepped out of the headquarters, her feet touching the cold metal flooring of thending bay.

    The space station, located on the of Andromeda IV, was a sprawlingplex that was home to thousands of beings from various gxies.

    The sky was filled with stars, and the different hues of purple and blue seemed to blend together, forming a beautiful backdrop against the backdrop of space.

    As she gazed out, Veronica noticed the hustle and bustle of thending bay.

    She could see different species of creatures, some humanoid, and some not,ing and going, each one with its own unique features and characteristics.

    The air was filled with the sound of chatter, and the smell of different kinds of fuel.

    The headquarters itself was an impressive structure, rising high into the sky, a testament to the advanced technology of the beings who had built it.

    Its sleek, metallic exterior seemed to gleam in the light of the nearby stars.

    ''Whenever Ie here, I only wonder how these humans could develop to this point." Veronica thought.

    Andromeda IV, the where the space station headquarters is located, is a rtively young in the grand scheme of the universe.

    It was formed around 4 billion years ago, and it took another billion years for life to develop on its surface.

    The is located in the Andromeda Gxy, one of the closest gxies to the Milky Way, and it has a simrposition to Earth.

    However, unlike Earth, Andromeda IV has a much more stable climate, thanks to its position in the gxy, which has allowed for the development ofplex life forms.

    Human civilization on Andromeda IV began around 100 years ago when the first humans arrived on the.

    They were a group of explorers who had left Earth in search of new worlds to colonize.

    Apparently, after givingnds of the earth to other civilizations mankind barely had anything left.

    The resources and thend they had weren''t enough. That''s why they started finding others.

    With new technology and good materials, they were able to make good spaceships.

    In their exploration, they found manys and civilizations. Some hostile and some neutral. No one was friendly at the start.

    But with time, they were able to gain some experience here.

    As theynded on Andromeda IV and found that the was rich in resources, including precious metals and minerals.

    "I don''t believe they called me here to expand their territory and resolve conflicts." Veronica mused.

    The meeting wasn''t about education purposes solely. It was just an excuse to call her.

    Over time, humans began to develop advanced technologies, such as faster-than-light travel and advanced robotics, that allowed them to explore the gxy and interact with other alien species.

    They formed alliances with some species while engaging in conflicts with others, but always to expand their influence and resources.

    And other fantasy races also formed alliances with other races. So it was toughpetition.

    Taking a deep breath, she started walking towards her ship, ready to depart from the space station and head towards the Earth.

    As she was heading towards the Earth in her private spaceship, she couldn''t help but think about the meeting.

    In these few days, she participated in the meeting, but most of her time was wasted.

    "If only it wasn''t that contract I would never interact with these greedy people." She felt anger rising. She put the spaceship on autopilot mode.

    After crossing the portal few thousand light years away from the, her spaceship appeared a few hundred light years away from the sr system.

    As Andromeda IV was located in the Andromeda Gxy, which was approximately 2.5 million light-years away from Earth.

    It would take too much time and resources to just to travel.

    But with help of space magicians and genomes, they were able to create the portal. It was like an artificial wormhole.

    ***

    After a few days, Veronica''s spaceship "Aurora"nded in Dawn City. As she had a permit fornding, she wasn''t stopped on her way.

    The ce shended was in the backyard of her mansion. After all, she didn''t want to cause a disturbance by going to the academy with her spaceship, and she was also tired.

    Afternding, she used her space magic to store her spaceship in the void vault. "Finally, I am back home," Veronica cheered as she entered the mansion.

    However, in her hand was a box. When she entered the mansion, she received it from her housekeeping AI. When she was away from home, someone sent it.

    "Who could that be?" Veronica wondered. There weren''t any people who dared to send her proposals, and her address wasn''t public either.

    After inspecting the packaging, she noticed a logo of a man with a big belly. "Ricky Rich?" she mumbled. Ricky Rich was a famous businessman in the circle.

    She didn''t bother to think more as there weren''t any other details written on the package. She pressed the button on the package, and soon it opened mysteriously. There were some scrolls with ancient texts and a letter.

    She unfolded the letter and started reading.

    [Hello, Miss Veronica ze,

    I am fine and healthy, hope you are fine and healthy too.

    Okay, let''s cut to the chase. You don''t have much time. You might have recognized those scrolls, so I won''t bother telling you information about them.]<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "What a rude opening," Veronica mumbled. Still, she kept reading the letter.

    [Keep these scrolls safe till I collect them from you. I also have a little errand for you. So do it, okay?]

    "Hehe. What a weirdo. Does that person think I will run errands for him?" Veronica giggled.

    [Don''t even bother about denying, Dragon Princess Veronica, the sole daughter of Dragon Emperor Ash.]

    "Ara~ someone wants to ckmail me? It won''t work, though." Veronica thought.

    [Do you think I will ckmail you with these details? Nah. I know you don''t care about them. But I have more details. I know about the little Dragon you are finding.]

    "Is he talking about Casper?" Veronica was stunned for a moment.

    [And you know where he is?

    Roaring Cave.]

    "Isn''t this location for the practical exam?" Veronica was puzzled.

    [Ara, isn''t that the same location as where the practical exam for the top 100 students in the first year is going to be held?

    Oh, you sure are on a tight time right? But I suggest hurrying, otherwise, many students will die because ''that'' evil organization is going to attack.]

    "What a lie~" Veronica was still in doubt. She felt someone was ying a prank on her or toying with her.

    [Eh, you are still not believing in this? But isn''t this good timing to see Ken''s true strength? Hmm.

    You should make haste or you will miss the show.

    Bye-bye.]

    After reading the letter, Veronica burned it to ashes. "Oh my, what arrogance," she couldn''t help but smirk. After leaving her world, she hadn''t met anyone with this much arrogance.

    "Looks like I have to go to the Roaring Cave," Veronica mumbled.

    She left her house as it was the day when practical exams were going to be held in the Roaring Cave.

    ***

    *SNAP*

    Rain''s fingers snapped sharply in front of Veronica''s face, pulling her out of her trance-like state.

    "Why do you keep staring at me? Am I really that attractive?" Rain asked, with a yful glint in his eyes.

    Veronica couldn''t help but let out a soft chuckle. "Yeah, you''re too attractive, boy. So much that I want to burn you alive." Her voice wasced with a melodious tone, but her words had a sharp edge to them.

    Rain didn''t seem fazed by her threat. "Oh, I like ying with fire, especially if it''s fire from the renowned ze family," he said with a smirk.

    Casper, who had been munching on popcorn, decided to chime in. "Young man, you really have the guts to flirt with my old sister," he said, trying to sound teasing.

    However, he quickly shut his mouth as soon as he saw the look on Veronica''s face.

    Veronica turned her attention back to Rain. "You know, I''m very curious about you," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly.

    "The knowledge I possess isn''t something any human should have. Are you even human?" She asked, her voice dripping with amusement.

    Rain raised his eyebrows.

    Veronica''s curiosity seemed to only grow. "Are you from another dimension?" she asked, her tone now one of genuine intrigue.

    "Yeah." Rain nodded in response.

    "It won''t hurt to lie. Although I might be burned alive if she knows I''m lying," he thought inwardly.

    Veronica seemed to catch on to his hesitance, but she decided not to push the issue. "I won''t pry about that. I have some manners, unlike someone else who doesn''t know privacy," she said, her words pointed at Rain.

    However, she didn''t know that Rain had lost his shame ages ago while dealing with some troublesome people in this life.

    He let out a small chuckle, his bravado now in full swing.

    "I just have some questions, and I hope you answer them," Veronica spoke, her tone now more serious.

    "What if I don''t? What''s in it for me?" Rain asked back, his confidence now taking a sharp turn.

    "Hmm...," Veronica trailed off, considering her options.

    If she was able to use her full strength in the virtual world, she might have buried Rain alive. However, she was too strong. She couldn''t use her full strength in the virtual world.

    "Okay, what do you want?" she finally asked, her voice now resigned.

    "Keep those scrolls with you for the time being, I''ll collect them someday," Rain said, his voice smooth and assured. Veronica was relieved to hear this easy request.

    However, Rain wasn''t done yet. He raised his index finger, a mischievous glint in his eye.

    "Also, fulfill my one wish," he said, his tone now daring and challenging.

 Chapter 146 [Bonus ]Stealing Opportunity

    ?

    [Author Note: Hello Author here.

    I''m gonna cut the chase and will go straight to the point. Many people are dissatisfied with some things.

    For example, they are saying Emma and Kaya will be in harem. So let me rify again they won''t be in harem.

    Another is I''m editing past chapters. I am around chapter 60 or 70 I guess. So you have to wait for a few days till I edit all the chapters. Don''t worry my editing speed is fast, it will be done in 3-4 days.

    Oh one more thing, if you are reading from pirated sites, you are free toe on original website and ask something to me. Don''t keep whining there. I don''t readments there or anything.]

    Fruitful Encounters.

    It''s a magical thing that only depends on luck.

    In many novels, the main characters are dubbed as ''children of heaven''. It''s because wherever they go, they gain somthing good.

    These fruitful encounters includes many things. For example, elixirs, rare material, powerful skill manuals or equipments.

    But isn''t there something more good?

    What if you encounter some bigshot and gain their favour?

    The opportunity that Rain wanted to steal was favour from Veronica.

    In the original plot, Ken fought alongside Casper against the beholder - [summoned by Elder Burion]. He also dealt final blow to that creature.

    When he reported this matter to Kevin. He was able to meet Veronica.

    That was supposed be his first meeting with her.

    However...

    Rain changed everything. His actions lead to different consequences than the original plot.

    That''s how Rain stole the opportunity from the Ken.

    ***

    Rain couldn''t help but smirk as he remembered the challenge he had issued to Casper.

    "Why are you smirking, boy?" Casper tilted his head and asked, even though Rain''s lower face was hidden beneath the mask. Casper could guess his facial expression with his high perception.

    Rain''s smirk turned into a grin as he looked up at Casper. "I''m just excited by the thought of sparring with you," he replied, his heart racing with anticipation.

    "I was really surprised when you said you wanted to spar with me," Casper chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

    Despite his amusement, there was a hint of wariness in his voice.

    Just a few moments ago, when Rain had dered that he had one wish, Veronica and Casper had been dumbstruck.

    But when Rain had stated his wish - to fight Casper - they had been even more surprised.

    "Boy, shall we start fighting? My old sis is eagerly waiting to ask questions of you," Casper said in a tired tone, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

    He wasn''t really fond of fighting, but he couldn''t say no to Veronica, otherwise he would face dire consequences.

    Rain grinned wider, his heart pounding with excitement. "Let''s do this," he said, taking a step back to prepare himself for the fight.

    Casper sighed, a faint smile still ying at the corners of his lips. "Alright, but don''t say I didn''t warn you," he said, cracking his knuckles in preparation.

    As Rain was still advanced C ranker, Casper lowered his strength to around B ranker.

    After all, if Casper used his strength at the advanced A rank, Rain would lose in a few moments.

    Oh, it might be surprising why Casper could only use adavanced A rank strength even though he was SS ranker.

    It''s because of Mythosia''s limitations.

    The virtual reality system was designed to limit the amount of power or strength that can be used within the system.

    This was done for safety reasons, to prevent users from causing damage to the system or to themselves.

    The programming was set to maintain this limitation to ensure a safe and stable virtual environment.

    In addition to programming limitations, energy consumption was also a factor in limiting the amount of power or strength that can be used within the virtual world.

    The more powerful a user is, the more energy they consume when using their abilities.

    Within the virtual reality system, there was a limit on the amount of energy that can be consumed by a user.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    This limit was set to prevent users from exceeding safe energy levels and to ensure that the virtual reality system can be used for extended periods without causing physical harm.

    "It''s good opportunity to increase the proficiency of Shadow Sword Style and practice my moves." Rain thought inwardly.

    Although he could ask for something better, but in current circumstances, he couldn''t think anything better. Neither he could reveal his address nor his identity.

    Casper and Rain faced each other, their bodies tense and ready for the impending sh.

    Veronica watched from the sidelines, her eyes flickering between the twobatants.

    Without warning, Casper lunged forward, his fist aimed at Rain''s face.

    He was determined to end this quickly. However, Rain was ready for Casper''s attack and swiftly sidestepped, avoiding the punch.

    He then countered with a quick jab to Casper''s stomach, causing him to stumble back slightly.

    Rain knew he needed to finish this fight soon, or he might get overwhelmed by Casper.

    He focused and unleashed his "Shadow Walk" ability, increasing his speed and agility.

    As he closed in on Casper, he unsheathed the dagger he had hidden in his coat and shed Casper''s throat.

    But then he heard a voice from behind.

    Casper pped, watching his clone disappear into thin air. "Oh, it was fun," he said, standing beside Rain.

    "You are very good." He gave Rain a thumbs up and smiled.

    Rain felt a surge of absurdity, but he didn''t let it show.

    "Looks like it won''t be an easy fight," Rain mumbled.

    He strengthened his body with mana andunched himself at Casper again.

    As he closed in on his opponent, Rain executed a swift feint to the left, causing Casper to momentarily lose his footing.

    Seizing the opportunity, Rainunched a series of rapid punches at Casper''s midsection, but to his surprise, his blows passed harmlessly through his opponent''s body.

    "Again a clone? Or was it illusion?" Rain wondered.

    At that moment, he noticed dozens of Casper clones appearing around him, each one poised for attack.

    Without missing a beat, Rain leapt backwards,nding in a crouch as he scanned the area for his real opponent.

    Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye, and with lightning-fast reflexes, he spun around and unleashed a flurry of kicks at the nearest clone.

    His blowsnded with satisfying thuds, and the clone dissipated in a cloud of smoke. He kept using "Sowrd of Recognition".

    Determined not to let Casper get the better of him, Rain continued to dart around thebat zone, attacking each clone with precision and force.

    Still he was cautious while dealing with the clones.

    It''s because they were just 1% of Casper''s full strength. He might get exhausted if he used his full energy.

    While fighting, he kept trying to locate the real Casper body. But Casper kept teleporting to another ce by [Shadow Slip].

    "Although I''m impressed by your fighting skills, I''m not going to go easy on you," Casper said as he watched Rain''s movements with a mixture of admiration and apprehension.

    "The world is too bright for me. Only these dark shadows arefortable for me," Casper chanted, his voice low and menacing. "[Domain Unveil]."

    As he said this, a surge of mana was released from his body, and the air around him grew thick and heavy.

    Suddenly, the wholebat area became dark, and Rain found himself plunged into a world of shadows.

    His vision was obscured, and the air was thick with an oppressive weight that made it hard to move.

    Rain''s heart pounded as he struggled to find his bearings.

    He could barely make out the shapes of the Casper clones moving around him, each one seemingly more menacing than thest.

    With his senses dulled and his movements hampered, he knew that he was facing his toughest challenge yet.

    "Looks like I have to reveal my cards." Rain chuckled.

 Chapter 147 Shadow Sword Style

    ?

    Veronica leaned forward in her seat, eyes fixed on the fight between Casper and Rain with rapt attention.

    Although Rain [Thanatos] was ranked C grade ording to the arena rankings, he had risen to the top 50 in just a few days.

    Still, Veronica didn''t see it as a big feat. She knew plenty of people who could do that.

    As the two fighters circled each other, Veronica''s brow furrowed in contemtion.

    She couldn''t help but wonder what Rain had in mind when he sent that message and those ancient scrolls to her.

    "It''s like he knows too much about me." That''s what she concluded from current affairs.

    "Show me your worth, [Thanatos]," she stared at Rain, who was trapped in Casper''s domain. "Otherwise, I will surely destroy you."

    Once one became proficient in controlling mana, they could create a domain around themselves.

    Veronica''s mind drifted to her own experiences with mana control, remembering the first time she had created her own domain.

    These domains varied from person to person because they reflected the individual''s nature.

    To the uninitiated, a domain might seem like a simple bubble of energy around a person, but in reality, it was much moreplex.

    A domain was a manifestation of a person''s inner self, a reflection of their unique personality and traits.

    It was a projection of their willpower, shaped by their experiences, emotions, and beliefs.

    In other words, a person''s domain was a physical representation of their soul.

    As for Rain, he was currently trapped within Casper''s domain, a dark and foreboding space that seemed to suffocate and constrict him at every turn.

    Veronica watched with a mix of fascination and concern, wondering how Rain would fare against such a powerful opponent.

    Veronica watched with bated breath, curious to see how this battle would y out.

    ***

    As Rain found himself engulfed by Casper''s domain, he realized that his sight was impaired by the thick darkness.

    He couldn''t see his opponent or even his hand in front of his face.

    "Oh, isn''t this mana domain?" Rain mumbled. He didn''t think Casper would use mana domain in the fight.

    He took a deep breath and focused his senses on the flow of mana around him.

    He knew that Casper was manipting the mana to create this domain, and that meant he had to disrupt it to break free.

    Rain''s training as a mage had taught him to sense the flow of mana in his surroundings. He could feel the mana pulsing around him, like an invisible current of energy. But now, he had to use this sense to find any disturbances in the flow of mana.

    He closed his eyes and concentrated on the mana, letting his other senses fade away.

    [Elemental Transmutation Breathing]

    He could feel the mana rushing past him, like a river in the darkness.

    Then, he felt a subtle disturbance in the flow of mana to his right. It was like a ripple in the water, indicating that something had disrupted the flow.

    Rain opened his eyes and turned in the direction of the disturbance.

    He could see a faint glimmer of light, like a distant star in the darkness.

    "Is that it?" He was curious.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He focused his attention on the glimmer and started moving towards it, following the flow of mana.

    As he got closer, the glimmer grew brighter, and he could feel the energy of the mana bing more intense.

    Finally, he reached the source of the disturbance - Casper, who was in the process of teleporting away.

    "Wow, I didn''t expect this," Casper eximed.

    Rain reacted quickly, drawing his daggers and throwing them at Casper''s back. However, Casper was quick to react, blocking the attack with a shadowy shield.

    Even though Rain used "Twilight Mist Sword Art", Casper was able to block his attacks.

    Rain realized that he needed to focus his senses even more if he wanted to defeat Casper.

    He closed his eyes again and let himself be guided by the flow of mana, searching for any other disturbances.

    Like this, Rain kept finding Casper and Casper teleporting at the moment Rain tried to attack him.

    Finally, Rain detected a slight disturbance in the flow of mana to his right again.

    He turned in that direction and caught a glimpse of Casper''s shadow slipping away.

    "Not this time," Rain knew that he had to act quickly. He focused his energy and channeled it into his legs, giving him a burst of speed.

    With a quick dash, he closed the distance between himself and Casper, who was still in the process of teleporting.

    Rain''s dagger gleamed as he swung it at Casper''s back, but at thest moment, Casper turned and blocked the attack with a shadowy shield.

    The impact of the block caused Rain to stumble, but he quickly regained his bnce.

    Casper grinned, his eyes shing with amusement. "Impressive," he said. "But you still have a lot to learn."

    Rain sighed, taking his sword out from empty space. "I guess you''re right. Looks like we can''t continue like this," he said, unsheathing his sword with a smile.

    "Stop the flimsy talk and attack," Casper grumbled, raising his hand and channeling dark energy from the abyss.

    [Abyssal Surge]

    With a flick of his wrist, Casper sent a vortex of ck mes hurtling toward Rain.

    However, Rain remained calm, focusing his mana and pouring it into his sword. His sword began to glow with an eerie blue light.

    "Shadow Sword Style, 2nd move - Reflection Dance," Rain whispered, swinging his sword with fluid and graceful movements.

    The technique involved deflecting the iing attack with a circr motion, allowing the sword to reflect the energy back toward the attacker.

    By pouring his mana into the sword, Rain was able to amplify the reflection, causing the mes to rebound off the de with greater force.

    As the ck mes rebounded off his sword, Rain could feel the impact vibrating through his body.

    But he remained focused, his eyes fixed on Casper as he continued to press the attack.

    While the students in the academy were busy with the practical exams, Rain had spent countless hours perfecting the Shadow Sword Style, and he had learned all twelve moves.

    His fight with Casper was a chance to test and hone his skills.

    "Show me some results, my guinea pig," Rain smiles wickedly as he thought.

    "Why do I feel something ominous behind your smile?" Casper was puzzled.

 Chapter 148 Grinding Proficiency

    ?

    When Rain was on the ind, he traversed the dense jungle and rocky beaches of the ind every day, his thoughts consumed with his skill proficiency.

    Despite battling fierce monsters regrly, hisbat skills seemed to be growing at a sluggish pace.

    He couldn''t help but feel confused and disheartened by his slow progress.

    Compared to other characters, he was alreadygging far behind because of that troublesome Nerf.

    However, he didn''t know the reason for that Nerf. So he stopped thinking about that.

    At that moment, growing stronger was more important.

    "If I elerate the plot progress, I don''t know what kind of consequence I would face." Rain was concerned about this.

    He knew he won''t be unscathed by the climax of the story. Even if he was on the deserted ind somehow some trouble would surelye to him.

    "I need to get stronger for that." He was determined. After some brainstorming, he found out the reason behind his slow growth rate.

    One possible reason could be that the monsters he was facing were not challenging enough to help him improve his skills.

    If he was only facing weak or inexperienced monsters, he may not have been pushed to his limits and therefore did not have the opportunity to develop hisbat skills further.

    Another reason could be that he was not receiving any guidance or training in hisbat skills.

    Without a mentor or teacher to guide him, he may not have been able to identify and correct his weaknesses, which would have slowed his progress.

    Even though he was watching the lectures of the academy sybus, they weren''t much help.

    That''s why when he entered the virtual world Mythosia, he started fighting in the arena and clones with the main characters'' data.

    But he was stillcking.

    He needed morebat experience.

    "Looks like I have to find some guinea pigs." He thought inwardly.

    ***

    From the moment Rainunched himself at Casper, his daggers flying as he aimed at Casper, he was testing the waters.

    He sought to ovee his shorings and increase his mastery of skills.

    Even though Casper didn''t fight him seriously, Rain knew that winning was almost impossible.

    "I don''t have to think about winning or losing, I am just having my grinding for skill proficiency." Rain chuckled, as he parried Casper''s attacks with his daggers.

    He was enjoying the spar, and his focus was on improving his abilities.

    While Rain was having fun during the fight against Casper, the other two persons had different thoughts.

    "Boy, your sword style looks like something which uses shadows as ''the essence''. I guess this was the reason you asked for a spar?" Casper asked curiously, attacking Rain with fierce attacks.

    Rain nodded as he fended himself from Casper''s attacks.

    "Yes, it''s called the Shadow Sword Style, and it''s a unique form of sword fighting that relies on manipting the shadows to gain an advantage over the opponent." He answered.

    Hearing this response, Casper grinned ear to ear.

    "Hey, Sis. Is this enough for you?" Casper''s clone emerged and asked Veronica loudly.

    Veronica, who was watching the spar intently, nodded. "Yes, it is. You can finish it now," she transmitted her voice to Casper''s mind.

    "Yahhoooo!!!" Casper cheered, knowing that he had won the spar.

    "Yo, boy. It was a good match, but I gotta finish it now," Casper chuckled, making some distance from Rain and leaping into the air.

    Rain knew that this wasn''t going to be good for him, so he tried to stop Casper.

    He quickly gathered his energy and used [the first move of the Shadow Sword Style, Nightfall Step], to strike Casper.

    He strengthened his body to its full extent and used a lightning-fast step that allowed for a swift strike catching opponents off guard. Rain felt a surge of adrenaline as he executed the move.

    In response, Casper quickly used [Dark Mist], summoning a cloud of inky ckness that gathered around where he was standing.

    "It''s futile," Casperughed as he snapped his fingers.

    At that moment, Rain felt the atmosphere getting heavier.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    It wasn''t because he was exhausted; thanks to Elemental Transmutation Breathing, he was barely tired from fighting, even though he was using his senses as he was trapped in Casper''s domain.

    But now, even doing that felt hard. Rain clicked his tongue as he felt more figures appearing around him.

    "These shadow clones again," Rain sighed, as he realized that these shadow clones were more powerful than the previous ones, and their number was greater than before.

    "Let''s enjoy the show," Casper appeared beside Veronica and summoned a tub of his favorite cheese popcorn.

    Veronica stared nkly at him, but Casper didn''t seem to care.

    "Want it?" he slid the tub toward Veronica, but she shook her head, still too focused on the spar.

    Veronica stared nkly at Casper, her eyes flickering between him and the ongoing battle.

    "You''re really something else," she said finally, a wry smile on her lips.

    Casper grinned, his mouth full of cheese popcorn. "I try my best," he said, crunching down on a particrlyrge kernel.

    Veronica shook her head, her attention returning to the battle.

    She watched as Rain fought off Casper''s shadow clones with incredible skill, his daggers shing as he spun and ducked and weaved.

    On the other hand, Rain felt a sense of loss as he felt his grinding session was going to end soon.

    "Let''s try my best and do as much as I can," he shrugged his shoulders.

    He moved quickly. While shadow clones mimicked his every move as heunched into the fight against Casper''s clones.

    He started with Nightfall Step, a lightning-fast step that allowed for a swift strike that caught one of the clones off guard.

    With a flick of his wrist, he followed up with Reflection Dance, using the sword to reflect and redirect the clone''s counterattack.

    As the other clones closed in, Rain used 3rd move of Shadow Sword Style - Whispering Wind, a footwork technique that allowed him to move swiftly and silently, leaving the clones guessing as to his location.

    He then used 4th move of Shadow Sword Style -Eclipse Leap, a powerful leap forward that led into a thrust towards the nearby clone.

    The other clones quickly adapted, forcing Rain to use 5th move of Shadow Sword Style - Eclipse''s Edge Sweep, a sweeping strike that knocked one clone off bnce and set him up for the next attack.

    6th move of Shadow Sword Style - Mirage Dash followed a sudden and deceptive dash that created the illusion of an attack, confusing the clones and leaving them open for a counterattack.

    Rain then used the 7th move of Shadow Sword Style - Void Step, a precise and devastating step forward that led to a stabbing attack that targeted vital areas of the clones'' bodies, causing significant damage.

    As they regrouped, Rain used the 8th move of Shadow Sword Style - Moonrise Spin, a spinning sweep attack that hit multiple targets at once, sending the clones reeling.

    The clones were relentless, but Rain remained focused.

    He used the 9th move of Shadow Sword Style - Shadowwall Defense sometimes, a defensive move that blocked attacks and set up for a powerful counterattack, leaving the clones surprised.

    He then used the 10th move of Shadow Sword Style - Vanishing Step, a technique that allowed him to blend into the surroundings with a quick step, bing almost invisible and leaving the clones disoriented.

    But he couldn''t hide from Casper''s clones.

    As the clones closed in once again, Rain used the 11th move of Shadow Sword Style - Fusion Flow, a flowing technique thatbined his sword with his energy, creating a powerful and unpredictable weapon that shattered the clones'' defenses.

    He culminated his attack with the 12th move of Shadow Sword Style - Tempest Rush, a rush of quick and precise attacks that overwhelmed the clones and left them defenseless, culminating in a final, devastating strike that dispelled them.

    Breathing heavily, Rain stood alone in the emptybat area.

    He had seeded in mastering the Shadow Sword Style. But he was very much exhausted now.

    He was barely holding himself.

    "That was amazing," Casper appeared behind him and said, pping Rain on the back.

    Rain couldn''t help but stare at Casper who still had a mouthful of popcorn in his mouth.

    "Still want to fight?" Feeling Rain''s gaze, Casper asked.

    However, in response, Rain shook his head.

    "So shall I start asking questions now, [Thanatos]?" Veronica came towards him and asked in a cold tone.

 Chapter 149 Curious Veronica

    ?

    Curiosity.

    It dances like a me within the soul, igniting a hunger for knowledge and understanding that cannot be satiated.

    It is a force that drives us to explore the unknown, to push the boundaries of what is known, and to discover the secrets that lie hidden within the universe.

    If there were any parameter to measure curiosity, Veronica''s curiosity about Thanatos would be off the charts.

    After all, even with her resources she could barely find anything about him.

    She remembered how unbelievable things happened after she read his message that came with that package.

    ***

    After reading his message, she decided to travel to the Roaring Cave to investigate. There was nothing to lose.

    If the information mentioned in the message was true, it would be good. And if it was false, she could track down Thanatos and "talk" with him.

    Veronica effortlessly piloted her Space Sprinter vehicle through the air, traversing the long distance from Dawn City to the Roaring Cave in just under 30 minutes.

    Upon reaching her destination, she deftlynded on empty in.

    As shended near the cave, she was taken aback to see the professors of the Academy fighting monsters at the entrance.

    Kevin, Charlotte, and Sir John faced a formidable foe in the grotesque Cave Crawlers.

    The monsters'' tough, leathery scales glistened in the dim light of the cave, and their razor-sharp ws and teeth glinted menacingly.

    Their eyes burned with a fierce intelligence, and they hissed ragged breaths as theyunched attacks on the professors.

    Despite the professors'' skills, the Cave Crawlers proved to be cunning fighters.

    With quick movements and evasive maneuvers, they dodged the professors'' attacks and struck back with surprising ferocity.

    Although these monsters were just A and B rank monsters, their number was too high. They kepting, making it hard to take rest.

    Kevin, an expert swordsman, employed his skills in Swordsmanship, executing lightning-fast shes and parries with his weapon, deftly maneuvering around the Cave Crawlers to slice through their tough scales with each strike.

    Charlotte, a skilled fire mage, chanted incantations and unleashed powerful mes using Fire Magic that engulfed the monsters in searing heat, leaving them writhing in agony.

    Sir John, a rapier user, utilized his proficiency in Fencing, darting in and out of the fray with quick and precise movements that allowed him tond devastating blows against the monsters.

    But the Cave Crawlers continued to press the attack, their numbers seeming to grow with each passing moment.

    At that moment, three of them heard a voice.

    [By the power of the sun above,

    I call forth the zing mes I love.

    With energy crackling all around,

    Let Sr ze nowe unbound.

    From my outstretched hand, I unleash,

    A searing beam that none can breach.

    Consuming all in a scorching fire,

    My enemies fall to ash and pyre.]

    Veronica chanted the words of Sr ze, causing the air around her to crackle with energy.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    A brilliant light radiated from her body, growing until it was blindingly bright.

    The ground trembled as an intense heat emanated from her, causing the monsters to hesitate for a moment.

    A searing beam of fire erupted from Veronica''s outstretched hand with a deafening roar.

    The beam of fire engulfed the entire horde of monsters in a scorching ze with incredible force.

    The inferno burned white-hot, leaving nothing in its path but ash and cinders.

    The monsters were consumed by the mes, their flesh sizzling and bubbling in the heat.

    The ground beneath them turned to molten g, as if a miniature sun had descended upon the battlefield.

    This spell consumes arge amount of manapared to an average human mage''s point of view.

    Moreover, chanting takes too much time, making it very hard to use this in the battlefield.

    However, Veronica was the Dragon Princess. She had arge pool of mana and high proficiency in mana, allowing her to easily use this spell.

    After dispatching the monsters, Veronica approached the professors to inquire about the situation with the students.

    She listened carefully as they exined how they had lost contact with the students, and how the monsters had attacked them when they entered the cave to investigate.

    Veronica hurried towards the area where the students were gathered, her senses on high alert for any sign of trouble.

    The professors were now stationed at the cave entrance, keeping watch for any further danger.

    As Veronica was rushing to the area where students were gathered with sensing the mana, She couldn''t help but find this scenario weird.

    "Did that [arrogant guy] know this too?" She wondered.

    As she neared the group, she could see that they were engaged in a fierce battle with hooded figures - members of the evil organization she had encountered before.

    "Oh, the bunch from evil organization..." A cold smile smile shed on her face as she found a tail of the culprit.

    Among the students, she spotted Ken locked inbat with her brother Casper.

    She scanned the area to see Ken.

    "Casper.." She couldn''t help but feel Nostalgia as she saw her brother.

    But she was curious to see Ken''s abilities.

    Veronica watched the fight closely, studying Ken''s moves and sizing up the traitors among the students.

    She knew that she couldn''t let the fighting go on for too long, but it was a good chance to size up everyone''s ability and potential.

    After a few minutes, she felt any longer would harmful for some students, she approached Casper and "convinced" him to end the battle.

    With the situation resolved, Veronica took stock of the aftermath. She was relieved to see that there had been no casualties.

    As the professors and students boarded the airship and prepared to return to the academy, Veronica couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease.

    She knew that the evil organization was still out there, plotting their next move.

    While they were returning to the academy, she gathered as much as info she could gather about the person who sent her that package. After all, she was curious about him.

    His name was [Thanatos].

    ***

 Chapter 150 Interrogation

    ?

    [Rain''s Mansion, Twilight City, Mythosia]

    The hall room of the mansion was silent except for the soft rustling of curtains and the asional creak of floorboards.

    Two figures sat across from each other infortable armchairs, their expressions serious and contemtive.

    Veronica''s fingers tapped against the armrests of her chair, while Rain''s gaze wandered absentmindedly around the room.

    Despite the tense mood, a third figure, Casper, couldn''t help but stifle augh at the amusing exchange between Veronica and Rain.

    Veronica leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Rain. "What is your name?" she asked, her voice steady but insistent.

    "Thanatos," Rain replied his tone calm and measured.

    Veronica shook her head, a small frown creasing her brow. "No, not your in-game username. I mean your real name."

    Rain''s expression remained nk as he replied, "This is the seventh time you''ve asked me that question, and I''m saying it again: I won''t answer it."

    Casper bit his lip, trying to suppress a chuckle at the exchange between Veronica and Rain.

    Apparently, after the spar between Casper and Rain ended. All of them came here to have a "conversation".

    Veronica persisted with her line of questioning, despite Rain''s obvious reluctance to share anything personal. "So, what do you do for a living?"

    Rain raised an eyebrow as if amused by the question. "I wander in the forest."

    Veronica frowned, clearly unsatisfied with the answer. "That''s not a real job."

    "It is for me," Rain replied simply.

    Veronica sighed and shifted in her seat. "Can you at least tell me where you live?"

    "In my home," Rain said, his tone remaining cool and distant.

    Veronica rolled her eyes, growing increasingly frustrated. "Fine, then. What kind of girl is your type?"

    Rain''s lips quirked in a sardonic smile. "Not someone like you."

    Veronica bristled at thement. "Oh my~ you are bold, boy."

    Rain shrugged nonchntly. "Just that we don''t seem to have much inmon."

    "Are you even human?" Veronica asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

    Rain''s lips quirked in a wry smile. "Wanna check my body?"

    Veronica''s cheeks flushed at the suggestion. "Sure." But there was a smile on her face.

    Rain chuckled softly, his expression turning serious. "Nah, I''m not interested in showing my body to some stranger."

    Veronica bristled at the rejection. "I''m not just some stranger! We''re having a conversation, aren''t we?" She tried to tease Rain further.

    Rain raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "That doesn''t mean I owe you anything. You''re free to ask questions, but I''m also free to decline to answer."

    Veronica fell silent, recognizing the truth in his words.

    She crossed her arms defensively and cast a re in his direction.

    She asked, "Tell me about your family."

    Rain replied with a softened expression, "I don''t have a family. At least not anymore."

    Veronica''s eyes widened with sympathy. "I''m sorry. What happened to them?"

    Rain''s eyes narrowed, a coldness creeping into his voice. "It''s none of your business."

    Veronica backed off, sensing that she had touched on a sensitive subject. "Okay, I understand. I won''t pry anymore."

    Rain let out a sarcastic chuckle, tilting his head to the side as he said, "Dear Dragon Princess, are you trying to find a partner for me?" His tone dripped with sarcasm as if he was mocking her.

    Veronica raised an eyebrow, giving Rain a scrutinizing look. "Oh my, how do you think so?" She replied, trying to hide her confusion.

    Rain responded, leaning back in his chair. "You keep asking questions like some matchmaking agent."

    He was amused, finding it entertaining to tease Veronica.

    Casper chimed in, grinning mischievously. "How can she find a partner for someone else? She is still single, never even got in a rtionship."

    He was trying to add to the conversation, but it was clear he was joking.

    Veronica rolled her eyes at Casper''sment, unimpressed. "As if you have a partner," she retorted, her tone sharp.

    "Hah." Casper scoffed, trying to defend himself. "It''s because I never tried." He sounded almost defensive.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Even if you have tried, the result would be the same. With your voyeur personality, who likes to enjoy shows eating melon seeds, there is no way someone would like you," Veronica shot back, her tone biting.

    Casper was taken aback by Veronica''s harsh words, and he couldn''t think of aeback. He sat in silence, knowing that Veronica had won this argument.

    He hung his head in defeat, feeling a wave of shame wash over him.

    He had always struggled with his shadow element, often using it for purposes that he now regretted.

    In the past, he had used it to sneak a peek into forbidden areas, hoping to catch a glimpse of something he shouldn''t.

    But he had been caught multiple times, and the shame of those moments still weighed heavily on him.

    "Ahem." Veronica cleared her throat, changing the subject. "So how did you know about the n of the evil organization?" Her tone was more serious now, and she leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Rain.

    She knew she couldn''t pry about Thanatos, as it was a sensitive topic that Rain may not be willing to talk about. She wouldn''t have resorted to asking these questions if the tracking on him worked, but she couldn''t track him down.

    "Oh, finally you''re asking something serious," Rain leaned forward, a glint in his eye. "I have an informationwork." He sounded proud of his connections as if it was a significant aplishment.

    Veronica couldn''t help but raise her eyebrows in surprise, her mind racing with questions.

    She knew how difficult it was to establish an informationwork, especially one that was reliable and secure.

    The risks were high, and the consequences of getting caught could be catastrophic.

    People had been known to disappear overnight, their entire lives destroyed by a single mistake.

    And yet here was this guy, with his unknown origins and unremarkable rank, iming to have just such awork.

    It was hard to believe, but something in his tone suggested that he was telling the truth.

    Perhaps it was the confidence in his voice or the way he carried himself, but Veronica found herself starting to believe him.

    Still, she couldn''t help but wonder about the risks involved.

    If he had indeed offended someone and gotten caught, then surely he would be in even greater danger now, with the stakes even higher.

    Was he really prepared to take that risk, just to share this information with her?

    Despite her misgivings, Veronica couldn''t deny that the prospect of having ess to such awork was tantalizing.

    It could give her an edge in her fight against the evil organization, a way to stay one step ahead of their ns.

    And if this guy was really willing to help her, then it would be great.

    Although she wanted to ask more about it, it was a sensitive topic, and the guy opposite her would surely not disclose any information.

    "Okay, then when will you collect those scrolls?" She asked, trying to get a sense of when they would meet in person.

    "In one or two years," Rain answered, sensing the hidden meaning behind the question.

    "On whose side are you?" She asked seriously, her eyes fixed on Rain. This was the most important thing.

    Although she could say that Thanatos wasn''t on the evil organization''s side, she couldn''t trust himpletely.

    He might be trying to scam her aftering closer to her.

    She had faced many betrayals in her past world, and these kinds of cheap tricks weren''t new to her.

    "I am on my own." Rain answered. His eyes were filled with determination.

    "Only time will tell," Veronica interjected.

    She stood from her chair, a smile on her beautiful face.

    It was a shame that her lower face was still hidden behind the veil. "I hope I meet you soon again," she said, her tone friendly and warm.

    "Me too," Rain replied, also standing up and extending his hand for a handshake.

    As they shook hands, a spark of connection seemed to ignite between their eyes.

    "Just wait, I will reveal all of your secrets and make you my ve," Veronica thought inwardly, a hint of determination in her voice.

    "Hehe. You are going to be another variable to increase the plot progress. Nothing else," Rain smirked as he thought, his mind already racing with possibilities.

    Casper stared at both of them.

    ''I don''t know what these people are thinking. But I am sure things won''t go their way. After all, isn''t that always happen in every novel?"

    He strengthened the muscles in body and controlled himself fromughing.

 Chapter 151 Rank 1

    ?

    Rain watched with a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction as Veronica and Casper, his virtual reality opponents, logged out from the virtual world.

    Veronica and Casper''s avatars flickered for a moment before disappearingpletely from Rain''s sight.

    He let out a deep breath, feeling the tension in his muscles eases.

    He had been so focused during the fight that he had barely noticed the time passing. Now, with the fight over, he could finally rx.

    He let out a deep sigh and copsed onto the sofa, feelingpletely exhausted. "Meh, that was so nerve-wracking," he grumbled to himself, rubbing his temples to ease the tension.

    Rain removed his face mask and hood, the cool air of his dimly lit room washing over him.

    As hey down on the sofa, his body felt heavy and exhausted from the intense virtual reality fight he had justpleted.

    Hey there for a moment, catching his breath and letting his heart rate slow down.

    As he closed his eyes, he felt the tension in his muscles slowly starts to ebb away.

    But even as he tried to rx, his mind was still racing from the experience in the virtual world.

    He reyed the fight in his head, analyzing every move and every detail.

    He thought back to the way his energy des had glowed in the dim virtual light, the way they had sliced through the air with a satisfying hum.

    He remembered the feel of his armor, the way it had shifted and flexed with each movement.

    "Hehe. I gained so much much data from that fight." With a small smile ying at the corners of his mouth, Rain opened up the files on his virtual reality device, eager to review the data he had just collected from the intense fight.

    He chuckled to himself, still basking in the thrill of the experience, as he scrolled through the recordings.

    He had already turned on the auto-recording function for all of his fights and other activities in the virtual world, so he had plenty of data to work with.

    He loved being able to review the footage whenever he wanted, to analyze his moves, and study the strategies of his opponents.

    Because of that, whenever he wanted to review something, he could just y that recording.

    As he scrolled through the data, Rain''s eyes widened in amazement.

    The amount of information he had gathered from the fight exceeded his expectations and surpassed his knowledge from the game.

    He was surprised to find that even though Casper had held back his full strength due to the restraints, he had managed to collect a wealth of data that he could use to improve his skills and be even better.

    Rain''s mind raced as he analyzed the data, studying every move and every detail of the fight.

    "I should set up the bot to convert this data," he muttered to himself.

    Rain had been tinkering with a virtual reality bot that could analyze data and provide him with insights and rmendations.

    He had been working on it for weeks, trying to perfect its algorithms and make it as efficient as possible.

    He had started with a basic design, using existing code libraries and machine learning models to build a prototype.

    He had then spent countless hours tweaking and refining the code, testing it on small datasets, and adjusting the parameters until he was satisfied with the results.

    Rain also added a variety of features to the bot to make it more useful.

    For example, he programmed it to automatically categorize different types ofbat moves, track opponents'' strengths and weaknesses, and identify patterns and trends in his opponents'' strategies.

    And now, he realized that the data he had collected from the fight would be the perfect test case for his bot.

    He quickly essed the bot''s code and started to make the necessary modifications.

    He worked quickly, his fingers moving across the keyboard with practiced ease.

    He knew exactly what he needed to do to make the bot convert the data into useful insights and rmendations.

    As he worked, Rain felt a sense of excitement building within him.

    He knew that this bot had the potential to revolutionize the way he approached virtual realitybat.

    With its help, he could be even stronger and more skilled, and he could take on even more challenging opponents.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Finally, after several minutes of intense coding, Rain sat back and let out a deep breath.

    The modifications wereplete, and the bot was ready to go.

    As soon as Rain finished modifying the bot''s code, he felt a sense of anticipation building within him.

    He was eager to see how well it would work on the data he had collected from the fight.

    With a few quickmands, he instructed the bot to start analyzing the recording of the fight.

    The bot immediately began processing the data, usingplex algorithms to convert the video into numerical data points and statistics.

    Rain watched as the bot worked its magic, mesmerized by the speed and precision of its calctions.

    As the bot continued to analyze the video of the fight, it also processed the numerical data for various statistics like strength, mana, speed, and skill levels of both Rain and Casper.

    The bot used machine learning algorithms to identify and extract patterns and trends from the data and generated a series of charts and graphs that disyed the statistical analysis.

    "Impressive" he eximed.

    It identified several key areas where he needed to improve his skills and provided detailed rmendations on how he could achieve his goals.

    For example, the bot analyzed Rain''s speed level and suggested that he needed to work on his footwork to increase his mobility duringbat.

    It also identified weaknesses in his mana management and rmended that he focus on improving his ability to conserve and replenish his mana reserves during fights.

    Simrly, the bot had identified areas where Casper was particrly strong or weak and provided detailed statistical analysis to help Rain develop counter-strategies.

    By using the data provided by the bot, Rain was able to create aprehensive training n that focused on his areas of weakness and leveraged his strengths.

    "Finally done." Rain stretched his arms in the air, feeling the weariness in his muscles after so many days of fighting in the arena.

    "In my current state, I can even defeat Ken. Looks like the top rank is not out of reach." Rain grinned widely, his eyes sparkling with anticipation as he stepped into the arena.

    ***

    [2 dayster, Mythosia]

    ording to the time of Mythosia, two days had passed since Rain had started fighting against the top rankers of the C rank in the arena.

    During this time, he had meticulously analyzed every recording of his fights, seeking to improve himself further.

    The bot helped him to analyze every fight thoroughly.

    In his quest to reach the top ranks of Mythosia, Rain faced many formidable opponents.

    Among them was a skilled swordsman with lightning-fast reflexes, who was difficult to predict.

    Another was a powerful mage who could summon deadly creatures to fight on her behalf.

    Rain also encountered a giant brute of a man who relied on brute strength and raw power to overwhelm his opponents.

    Additionally, he fought against a nimble, agile fighter who was hard to hit and could deal devastating blows in quick session.

    Finally, he came up against a clever trickster who used illusions and misdirection to confuse his opponents.

    As he checked his progress, he felt a rush of pride and satisfaction at the numbers before him:

    [Thanatos:

    -1027 matches,

    -1027 wins,

    -0 loses,

    -0 draws]

 Chapter 152 Bookworms Sanctuary- The Library

    ?

    Skills.

    "Skills" refer to the abilities, knowledge, and expertise that individuals possess and have developed through training, education, and experience.

    They can be both innate and learned and are often applied to perform specific tasks or achieve desired oues.

    So can you say skills are just some enlightenment that our brain goes through?

    The answer would be Yes and No.

    While skills are closely rted to the functioning of the brain, it would be inurate to say that they are simply an "enlightenment" that the brain goes through.

    Skills involve the development of specific abilities and knowledge through abination of cognitive processes, practice, and experience.

    The brain ys a critical role in skill development, as it is responsible for processing information, learning new concepts, and coordinating physical actions.

    As individuals learn and practice a skill, their brain forms and strengthen neural connections, which enables them to perform the skill more effectively and efficiently over time.

    Therefore, skills are not simply a matter of enlightenment or sudden realization, but rather a gradual process of learning and refinement that involves the brain, as well as other factors such as practice, experience, and feedback.

    When Rain gained his skills from the System for the first time, he was curious about how he could learn all the skills which he never ever learned.

    After some brainstorming, he found the answers as he remembered some of the content he read in the library of the Holmes family.

    It was about how humans developed skills after "the change".

    It was the same process of learning and adapting. But there were some cases where "external forces" yed a role.

    External factors can indeed y a role in skill development, and some individuals may have a "eureka" moment or sudden realization that helps them gain a basic understanding of a skill.

    However, even in such cases, the process of developing and refining that skill typically involves ongoing practice and learning.

    Wasn''t this same case happening with him? Rain was really awestruck.

    For example, someone may have a sudden insight into how to solve a math problem, but they still need to practice solving simr problems to develop a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts and build fluency in their problem-solving skills.

    After pestering the system for some time, Rain finally received an answer to his question: "Yes."

    He felt a sense of aplishment at having unlocked this information but was also aware that the system had given his brain a little enlightenment, allowing him to perform skills he had never learned.

    "What about the times when you raised the proficiency of some of my skills?" Rain asked, confused.

    "[I can exin,]" the system replied, and Rain waited anxiously for an answer.

    When he chose to be an extra character, the system raised the level of some of his skills by one level.

    Rain had some lingering questions regarding this.

    [Host, it''s a simple thing. In reality, those skills were going to break through sooner orter. They were just missing a few enlightenments.]

    This new information left Rain feeling scared and uneasy. He had not realized that the system was so powerful that it could even manipte his brain.

    [Don''t be scared, Host. I can only do these little tricks. I can''t control your actions.]

    Even though the system reassured him and Rain felt a little better, but still had a nagging feeling of suspicion.

    "Can you give me those enlightenments again in the future?" Rain asked curiously, hoping he could raise his skill level when he got stuck in his training.

    His face lit up with excitement at the prospect of easily raising his skill level.

    However, the system''s response quickly extinguished his optimism. "[No, don''t even think about it,]" the system refused.

    Rain was disappointed, but tried to stay positive. "Still, it''s good that I can gain beginner-level skills easily and use them," he said.

    Reflecting on his conversation with the system, Rain realized that he had learned some valuable lessons.

    He understood that he should not use too many points to buy skills unless it was necessary and that he needed to be cautious when dealing with the powerful and enigmatic system.

    Then why was Rain remembering these things at the current moment?

    It''s because he was going to get new skills today.

    ***

    Behind every action, there would be a cause.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The reason Rain was fighting in the arena and raising his rank like a madman was because he wanted something.

    He opened the past notifications he got on his user ID.

    There were a bunch of system notifications, some friend requests, and some messages from "Misty".

    Rain didn''t read anything besides the system notifications.

    [Congrattions! You''ve entered the top 100 million for the first time. This is a huge achievement, and you''re now among the top yers in the arena.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive 1 free pass for the e-library (Copper). Do you want to receive it now or umte your reward?]

    [Congrattions! You''ve climbed up to the top 10 million. You''re now among the more skilled yers in the arena.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive 5 free passes for the e-library (Copper). Do you want to receive them now or umte your rewards?]

    [Congrattions! You''ve made it to the top 1 million. You''re now one of the elite yers in the arena.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive 2 free passes for the e-library (Bronze). Do you want to receive them now or umte your rewards?]

    [100 thousandth rank: Congrattions! You''ve broken into the top 100 thousand. You''re now one of the best yers in the arena.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive 5 free passes for the e-library (Silver). Do you want to receive them now or umte your rewards?

    [10 thousandth rank: Congrattions! You''ve climbed up to the top 10 thousand. You''re now one of the top yers in the arena.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive 1 free pass for the e-library (Gold). Do you want to receive them now or umte your rewards?]

    [1 thousandth rank: Congrattions! You''ve made it to the top 1 thousand. You''re now among the very best yers in the arena.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive 5 free passes for the e-library (Gold). Do you want to receive them now or umte your rewards?]

    [100th rank: Congrattions! You''ve broken into the top 100. You''re now among the elite few at the very top of the arena.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive 15 free passes for the e-library (Gold). Do you want to ept it now or umte your reward?]

    [10th rank: Congrattions! You''ve climbed up to the top 10. You''re now one of the very best yers in the arena.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive 30 free passes for the e-library (Gold). Do you want to receive it now or umte your reward?]

    [1st rank: Congrattions! You''ve achieved the top rank in the arena, making you the best yer of them all. This is an incredible aplishment.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive 50 free passes for the e-library (Gold). Do you want to receive it now or umte your reward?]

    There were also notifications regarding his consecutive wins.

    [Congrattions! You''ve won 10 matches in a row. You''re on a roll! Keep up the good work!]

    [Congrattions! You''ve won 50 matches in a row. Your opponents must be getting nervous when they see your name on the leaderboard. You''re doing amazing!]

    [Congrattions! You''ve won 100 matches in a row. This is an incredible feat, and you''re now among the top yers in the arena when ites to consecutive wins.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive a special emblem to show off your achievement. Keep it up!]

    [Congrattions! You''ve won 500 matches in a row. This is an impressive streak that puts you among the most talented yers in the arena.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive a unique avatar custom card and 10 free passes for the e-library (tinum). Keep on dominating your opponents!]

    [1000 consecutive wins: Congrattions! You''ve won 1000 matches in a row. This is an incredible aplishment that sets you apart as one of the greatest yers in the arena.]

    [As a reward, you''ll receive 1 free pass for the e-library (Diamond). Keep showing the world what you''re made of!]

    After reading this Rain smiled inwardly.

    Now he could go to the library and take the skills he will want.

    Soon Rain came out of his virtual home and set on the journey to his next destination.

    The upper tier city of the virtual world Mythosia, Starfall City.

    Because in that city lies Bookworm''s Sanctuary, the library.

 Chapter 153 Getting Skills

    ?

    [Twilight City, Mythosia]

    In the heart of the city, amongst the crowds of people rushing about their daily lives, some yers were going to raid the dungeon while some were making preparations for that.

    "Looking for a group for the dungeon, need a healer and a tank!"

    "Selling potions and elixirs, 10% off for guild members!"

    "Anyone up for some PvP action? I''m looking for some worthy opponents! The trash should stay away."

    "I''m new to the game, can anyone help me with this quest? I don''t have a boyfriend."

    "Selling rare items, PST for more info!"

    "Hey, does anyone know where I can find a mayor''s wife? I have some private business."

    It was a typical scene in Twilight City, one of the many beginner cities in the game world.

    The streets were bustling with yers; eager to level up and earn some money so they could venture to the upper-tier cities.

    Amidst the sea of adventurers, there was a man who stood out from the rest.

    A lone figure caught the attention of many yers.

    He had long, flowing white hair that reached down to his shoulders.

    His striking blue eyes had a faint hint of silver, and his handsome face was marked by a quiet confidence.

    Despite his unremarkable clothing andck of weapons, there was something otherworldly about him that drew the attention of those around him.

    Some yers nced at him curiously, while others felt a sense of unease in his presence.

    As he walked through the busy streets, his eyes scanned his surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

    "So annoying," he mumbled under his breath, showing little interest in the mundane activities of the other yers.

    He didn''t stop anywhere and kept walking till he arrived near where the teleportation portal was.

    As he approached the portal, the white-haired man noticed that the queue was quite long.

    yers of all kinds were waiting their turn in line, from novice adventurers to seasoned warriors.

    The noise level was high, as everyone chattered excitedly about their next quest or destination.

    However, the white-haired man didn''t bother to stand in line. Without hesitation, he walked right up to the portal and leapt into the air, arriving at his destination in a sh.

    "Hey mfker, what kind of behavior is this?" one yer shouted angrily. "You need to wait your turn like the rest of us!"

    Other yers chimed in with simr remarks, cursing and yelling at the white-haired man for his rude behavior.

    The white-haired man ignored everyone and gazed at the portal.

    This was the portal that would take him to his dream destination, and his heart raced with excitement as he stood in front of it.

    "Excuse me, sir, but you need to stand in line like everyone else. There are rules in this city," a guard warned the white-haired man, trying to uphold the order.

    "Is that so?" The white-haired man tilted his head curiously, and his eyes glinted with mischief.

    His behavior continued to annoy many people who were looking at him.

    Ignoring the angry murmurs of the other yers.

    Without a word, he reached into his inventory and produced a card made of polished tinum.

    The card was pristine and gleamed in the sunlight, with the letters "S-10945" engraved in bold.

    He shed the card at the guard, who stepped back in surprise, eyeing the white-haired man with newfound respect.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    But that wasn''t all.

    "I forgot about this." The white-haired man said and reached into his pocket to pull out a small, intricate emblem.

    It was made of a shiny, silver metal and was carved with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer in the light.

    The man carefully affixed it to the right side of his chest, and suddenly, the emblem emitted a faint, ethereal glow that caught the attention of the other yers nearby.

    The other yers gazed in awe at the emblem, wondering what it could possibly signify.

    Some of them whispered among themselves, specting about the man''s true identity and the significance of the emblem.

    As they watched in awe, the white-haired man simply smiled and turned his attention back to the portal.

    He threw 30 Gold Coins at the guard after choosing his destination as Starfall City.

    With a final nod, the white-haired man stepped forward and leapt into the portal, disappearing from view in a sh of light

    ***

    [Starfall City, Mythosia]

    Starfall City was a stark contrast to the bustling chaos of Twilight City.

    The streets were wider, the buildings taller and more grandiose.

    The air was fresher, and there was a sense of calmness that permeated the city.

    The yers looked more powerfulpared to other people.

    At that moment, at the teleportation portal air around it shimmered and crackled with energy as the portal activated, radiating a brilliant light.

    It was indicating that someone has arrived through the portal.

    Soon that white haired man came out of the portal.

    He stumbled slightly, his legs unsteady from the disorienting teleportation.

    As he regained his bearings, he tapped his clothes and looked around at his new surroundings.

    He adjusted his clothing and strode forward with purpose, ready to begin his next adventure in this new ce.

    As the white-haired man steped down from the teleportation area, he found himself surrounded by a group of guards. They looked at him curiously and approached him cautiously.

    "Excuse me, sir," one of the guards said. "We don''t recognize you. Are you new to Starfall City?"

    The man looked at the guards and nodded his head. "Yes, I am. I just arrived here from Twilight City."

    The guards exchanged a look with each other before turning back to the man. "May we ask what brings you to Starfall City?"

    "I am here to explore," he replied with a faint smile. "I''ve heard that this city is full of wonders, and I''m eager to see them for myself."

    The guards looked at him skeptically, but after a moment, they stepped aside and allowed him to pass. "Very well, sir. Can you tell us your name?" One of the guards asked.

    "Loki." The white haired man replied.

    "Okay, Sir Loki. Enjoy your stay in Starfall City." The guards allowed him to leave.

    The white-haired man nodded his head and walked away, his eyes scanning his surroundings with interest.

    Loki walked leisurely without stopping until he arrived at the Library of the Starfall City.

    "Time to get some new skills." Loki smiled as he entered gazed at the library.

 Chapter 154 Loki

    ?

    As Loki approached the library''s entrance, he couldn''t help but admire the futuristic architecture of the building.

    The library was a towering structure made of sleek metal and ss, with arge sign that read "Library of the Starfall City" in glowing neon letters.

    The entrance was an enormous set of double doors that opened automatically as he approached.

    The surrounding area was equally impressive. Tall skyscrapers lined the streets, their surfaces adorned with colorful holographic advertisements.

    Flying cars and other high-tech vehicles whizzed past, leaving trails of neon-colored exhaust in their wake. It was a bustling, vibrant city, full of life and energy.

    The entrance was guarded by two humanoid NPCs, equipped with advanced weaponry and sensors that scanned the visitors for any potential threats.

    As Loki walked up to the entrance of the Library of the Starfall City, and was greeted by a librarian at the door.

    The librarian looked at him curiously, noticing the emblem on his chest. He didn''t say anything and let Loki enter the library.

    However, when someone else tried to imitate Loki, the result was different. "Greetings, sir. Admission fee is ten credits for non-citizens," the librarian said.

    Loki smirked and tapped the emblem on his chest. "I don''t need to pay. I''m a special citizen," he said, enjoying the benefits of the emblem.

    As Loki entered, he was met with a vast space that seemed to stretch endlessly, filled with countless rows of shelves that held various virtual books, scrolls, and tomes.

    The shelves were made of a special material that could store an infinite amount of data, allowing them to house an extensive collection of knowledge on science, magic, history, and much more.

    The lighting was provided by glowing orbs that floated in the air, emitting a soft blue light that illuminated the space without being too harsh on the eyes.

    Rather then sound of pages flipping he saw people scrolling up in the interface, murmurs of virtual librarians, and the tapping of keyboards could be heard throughout the library, creating a serene atmosphere.

    Despite its futuristic appearance, the library also contained ssic elements that paid homage to traditional libraries, such as wooden desks and chairs, readingmps, and even a cozy firece in the corner.

    Without disturbing anyone he sat on a empty sit.

    Loki essed the library''s database on his virtual interface and searched for the books he wanted.

    He didn''t search for any history books or other books. What he was searching was skill manuals.

    "It''s good thing I changed my appearance beforeing here. That unique avtar custom card was really useful." Rain smiled as he remembered how he changed his character with that help of that card; he got as one of the rewards.

    At the current moment, [Thanatos] was too popr, some guys might annoy him if he wander around in that getup.

    First Rain started searching for low and unranked skills. Although they might be trash, there might be some useful ones.

    Soon, a bunch of skills appeared.

    1. Useless knowledge

    2. Clumsiness

    3. Chronic procrastination

    4. Awkwardness

    5. Poor sense of direction

    6. Inability to swim

    7. Allergies

    8. Slow reflexes

    9. Poor memory

    10. Nearsightedness

    [Scroll down to see more...]

    Rain''s eyes scanned the list of skills before him, and as he read each one, his face slowly contorted into a wrinkled expression of disdain.

    His lips pursed in disapproval, and he let out a low mutter under his breath.

    "Trash," he said with a tone of disappointment, as he shook his head in disbelief.

    Each skill on the list seemed to be moreckluster than thest, failing to meet his expectations.

    "I expected a scenario where like other protagonists I would find some op skill among unranked skills. But looks like I don''t have that kind of luck." Rain shrugged his shoulders. Still he quickly scanned list of skills and looked if he could see anything useful.

    Eventually, however, he came across two skills that caught his attention.

    The first was Jumping, which granted the user the ability to leap great distances or heights, making it useful for athleticpetitions or evading obstacles.

    Although Rain was initially skeptical of its practicality, he recognized the potential for this skill to be a valuable asset in certain situations. Moreover, it was growth type skill.

    The second skill was Trapping, which gave the user the ability to set traps and ensnare enemies, making it useful for hunting or defense.

    While it may not have been the most exciting or morous skill, Rain saw the potential for its usefulness in his future endeavors.

    Rain selected both and attempted to open them. However, he was met with a message from the e-library that read,

    [It''s detected that the user is attempting to obtain 2 Unranked skill manuals.

    2 Free passes for the e-library (Bronze) and 6 Free passes for the e-library (Copper) are required. Would you like to use the passes you have?]

    Rain confidently clicked on the "Yes" button, eager to obtain the two skills he had selected.

    After a few moments, both skills were stored in his user ID as PDF files, allowing him to ess them as long as he remained in the library.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    However, he knew that he would need to make use of this time wisely, as the skills would be automatically deleted after a day.

    Determined to make the most of his time, Rain quickly resumed his search for new skills.

    As he scanned through the list, he couldn''t help but notice that the ssification system for skills was disappointingly simplistic.

    It followed the same ranks as before: D, C, B, A, S, and SS.

    While it might be rtively easy to obtain low-level skills, acquiring high-level ones would be a much more challenging task.

    The cirction of these skills was strictly controlled by higher-ups, making it difficult for ordinary individuals to ess them.

    Despite the strict controls on high-level skills, there were still a few ways for individuals to obtain them.

    One such method was to assist the association in their efforts to fend off the monsters that had taken over some parts of thend.

    Though mankind had sessfully reimed some areas, there were still portions that remained firmly under the control of the monsters.

    There were also other paths to obtaining skills, such as fighting against evil organizations and assisting in emergency situations.

    By doing so, individuals could earn credits that could be exchanged for valuable resources.

    However, there was a much riskier option: the ck market.

    While it offered ess to rare and powerful skills, the dangers of dealing with criminal organizations were not to be underestimated.

    Instead, Rain had chosen to acquire his skills through the virtual world.

    The arena was designed to identify and cultivate talented individuals, with those who proved themselves receiving greater ess to resources.

    While some might rely on anti-tracking measures and privacy protections to keep themselves hidden, Rain knew that these measures were ultimately futile.

    The people behind these systems could always find a way to track him down.

    Fortunately, Rain had developed his own methods for dealing with troublesome situations.

    Of course that method was only known by him and "system".

    Most of the guilds in the virtual world were backed by upper tier families. It was one of the way to gain resources and good skills.

    But it was too tiring and bothersome for Rain. So he choose arena.

    While "analysing bot" fighting with people wasn''t that much hard. As he gained morebat experience, the unnecessary movements in his skills started decreasing.

    "Still, it was really tiresome to go through all this. I hope the skills from here don''t disappoint me." Thinking like this, he started searching for another skills.

    ***

    A few minutester, Rain was staring at the system disy. He had alreadypleted choosing appropriate skills for him.

    - Disguise (low) - C grade

    A degraded version of changing appearance.

    Unlock Price: 2 Silver passes

    - Lurking Ambush - B Grade

    The skill to ambush the enemy. Specialized for assassination.

    Unlock Price: 1 Gold pass

    - Elemental Guny:A Grade

    The art of using a gun that can switch between firing different elemental bullets, such as fire, ice, or lightning, to exploit enemy weaknesses.

    Unlock price : 50 Gold passes

    - Illusionary Shot: A Grade

    The art of using a gun that fires bullets that create illusions, confusing and disorienting enemies.

    - Thunder Star and Moon Sword Style: S Grade

    The sword style which incorporates power of celestial bodies in sword. But it''s hard to find sword which can endure that much power.

    Unlock price: 11 tinum Passes

    Although, this skills were quite good. Butpared to thest skills Rain chose the paled inparison.

    ****

    Exination:

    The name "Thunder Star and Moon Sword Style" has symbolic significance within the fictional world where this martial arts style exists. Here is a possible interpretation of the symbolism behind the name:

    - Thunder: The name "Thunder" symbolize power, strength, and energy. also represent the sudden and explosive nature of lightning strikes, which reflected in the swift and forceful movements of the sword style.

    - Star: Stars are often associated with guidance, navigation, and inspiration. In the context of the sword style, the name "Star" suggest the importance of precision and uracy in swordsmanship, as well as the need for practitioners to navigate theplexities ofbat with skill and finesse.

    - Moon: The moon is often associated with mystery, intuition, and feminine energy. In the context of the sword style, the name "Moon" suggest the importance of fluidity, grace, and adaptability in swordsmanship, as well as the need for practitioners to cultivate a deeper awareness of their own bodies and movements.

 Chapter 155 Elemental Fusion

    ?

    One day, while practicing the Elemental Transmutation Breathing Technique, Rain had an idea.

    "What if I could fuse two elements together?" he pondered.

    "Wouldn''t that be a remarkable achievement?"

    Excited by the prospect, Rain devoted himself to mastering the technique of elemental fusion.

    He spent hours each day experimenting with differentbinations of elements, trying to find the perfect bnce of energy and stability.

    However, he failed.

    Somehow it didn''t work.

    "What am I missing?" Rain grumbled as he scratched his head.

    He had already searched in the system store but he didn''t find anything useful there.

    "Does this system don''t want to give me that skill or it doesn''t have it altogether?" Rain had some doubts but he couldn''t argue with system.

    After all, it was futile. He didn''t have any evidence.

    In end, he put that idea aside at that time.

    However, today when he was searching for some good skill to buy, he found a skill manual.

    While browsing for new skills, Rain''s eyes widened as he came across a manual for "Elemental Fusion."

    He knew about this powerful skill that allowed the practitioner to fuse two elements together to create a hybrid element.

    "Could this be the real deal?" Rain thought, his heart racing with excitement.

    Without hesitation, Rain used 1 Diamond pass to purchase the skill, which was S-grade and highly sought-after.

    As he saw description of the manual and started reading through it, Rain couldn''t believe his luck.

    It was exactly what he had been searching for.

    It was regarding "Elemental Fusion".

    Rain without any hesitation, bought it with 1 Dimond pass.

    - Elemental Fusion: S Grade

    A technique that fuses two elements together, creating a powerful hybrid element that the practitioner can manipte and use to devastating effect.

    Unlock Price: 1 Dimond pass

    Even though the Elemental Fusion technique was avable, most people couldn''t practice it since they couldn''t control more than one element.

    Rain knew that it took a lot of time and effort to master even a single element, and there was always a chance of the element not beingpatible with the body.

    But for Rain, mastering multiple elements was easy thanks to the Elemental Transmutation Breathing Technique.

    As he thought about his new skills, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation building inside him.

    "Still, I wish I had an Obsidian grade pass," Rain mumbled to himself. The grade of pass determined the quality of skills that could be unlocked.

    For instance, a Copper grade pass would only yield trivial or low-quality skills such as "Jumping Skill," while a Bronze grade pass would grant ess to simrly low-grade skills.

    However, as the grade of pass increased, so did the quality of skills that could be acquired.

    While the Diamond grade pass was widely considered the highest grade, Rain knew that the Obsidian grade pass was the true gem, granting ess to SS-grade skills.

    Although he knew of ways to acquire the Obsidian grade pass, it would be too troublesome and time-consuming given his current rank.

    Rain didn''t have the time to spare as he was feeling stagnant in his C rank and was eager to break through to the next level.

    "I''ll have to try for the Obsidian grade pass in the future," Rain thought to himself with a sigh.

    After obtaining every skill avable to him, Rain opened a holographic disy of all the pdfs.

    As it appeared in front of Rain when he activated it. It looked like a semi-transparent window with various tabs and menus that he could navigate through using hand gestures.

    "Cramming time~," chuckling like that, he started reading manuals or the skills he got.

    ***

    After spending several hours reading through the manuals for his new skills, Rain finallypleted his cramming session.

    Although he couldn''t memorize everything in the skill manuals as he didn''t have some Photographic Memory or high memory power.

    But he had his way. As he read the skill manuals, "the system" recorded everything. Now he didn''t have to worry about anything.

    "Thanks, System." Rain thanked inwardly.

    [Host, don''t think system is some hard drive where he can save data.]

    [Why don''t you just buy skills from system store?]

    "Because they are too damn expensive. Some skills aren''t even avable in the system store." Rain couldn''t help but retort back.

    Even though Rain was getting money from his parents and hispany, most of money was being re-invested in the new business by Lily.

    Moreover, he also had to use the system points to exchange them for useful materials for alchemy.

    He was also saving points to buy some good artifacts as his old ones weren''t much use for him.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    [...]

    Suddenly, system fell silent.

    Rain was momentarily confused as he stared at the system interface, expecting some kind of retaliatory response from the grudgeful system.

    However, there was only silence, and Rain couldn''t quite understand why.

    He shook his head, dismissing the thought. "Maybe I''ll find out after the next system update," he mumbled to himself before closing the interface and standing up from his seat in the library.

    As he walked out of the library, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having learned valuable techniques that could aid him in future battles.

    It was a good feeling, knowing that he was bing more skilled and powerful as time went on.

    Rain decided to purchase some teleportation tickets for Starfall City, realizing that he couldn''t rely on the annoying teleportation portal every time he needed to travel.

    "It was too troublesome to walk on those crowded streets and dealing with those yers." Rain grumbled as he remembered his experience.

    As he walked towards the ticket booth, he realized that he was feeling a bit bored after having spent the past few days reading and practicing skills.

    After buying the tickets, he wandered a bit around the city.

    It wasn''t much differentpared to the Twilight City.

    It''s just there were a few more facilities and buildings were bigger.

    "I wille back when I have time and explore the city more." Rain thought as he took out the key for his virtual house.

    As he thought about his house, he disappeared in the air.

    Soon he log out from the game.

    ***

    [Starfall City, Mythosia]

    Starfall City was a marvel of modern technology and architecture.

    Towering skyscrapers of sleek ss and steel scraped the sky, gleaming in the bright sun of the virtual world.

    The streets were bustling with people from all over, rushing to and fro with their own missions and quests toplete.

    The city was divided into different districts, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere.

    The downtown district was the heart of the city, with its towering buildings and bustling crowds.

    The residential district was quieter, with cozy homes and tree-lined streets.

    The entertainment district was a cacophony of lights and sounds, with amusement parks, arcades, and theaters lining the streets.

    The city was home to numerous training facilities and academies, where yers could hone theirbat techniques and learn new skills.

    Additionally, there were libraries and research centers where yers could study and conduct experiments, as well as shops and markets selling thetest gear and equipment.

    Currently in the downtown district two girls were walking side by side.

    As they walked side by side in the downtown district, the two girls blended in with the bustling crowd.

    They were both wearing masks to conceal their identities, amon practice in the virtual world.

    The first girl had long ck hair that flowed down her back in loose waves.

    She wore a simple white blouse and ck pants, and her mask was adorned with delicate silver filigree. She was Misty, the ice mage Rain defeated.

    The second girl had short blond hair that was styled in a pixie cut. She wore a form-fitting red jumpsuit and ck boots, and her mask was decorated with intricate swirls of gold.

    She was Pink Princess, Erie: the healer.

    Here''s a revised version of the text that incorporates the suggestions:

    As Misty and Erie walked, Misty nced over at her little sister and asked, "What do you want to do today?"

    Erie grinned mischievously. "I heard there''s a new arcade that just opened up with some awesome virtual reality games. We should check it out!"

    Misty rolled her eyes. "Don''t you have to train and increase your rank?"

    "Nah, I''m still in high school. Why do I have to train?" Erie puffed her cheeks. She was only 17 years old.

    "You can train all you want. Best of luck with entering the academy next year." Erie gave her a thumbs up and tried to sneak away.

    "Where do you think you''re going?" Misty grabbed her hand, preventing her from running away. "You''reing with me. We''re going to spar against each other today."

    "No, I don''t want to. Go contact that Thanatos guy. Spar with him all you want." Erie grumbled.

    Hearing the mention of Thanatos, Misty frowned. "Don''t you think I''ve already tried that? I''ve sent him many messages, but he keeps ignoring me," she grumbled inwardly, gripping Erie''s hand more tightly.

    "Ouch," Erie winced in pain. "Hey, doesn''t that guy over there look odd?" She pointed at a man standing far away.

    "Don''t make up bullshit," Misty scolded her but still turned to see where Erie was pointing.

    As she turned, she caught a glimpse of a handsome man with white hair standing there. However, he disappeared soon after.

    "Somehow, I feel like I know him," Misty mumbled, feeling a strange sense of familiarity.

 Chapter 156 Strange Dream

    ?

    After exploring Starfall City a bit, Rain returned to his virtual house in Twilight City using the house key.

    Soon his surroundings changed and he appeared at his virtual house.

    The interior was warm and inviting, with cozy furniture and decorations that reflected Rain''s personal tastes.

    It had been a long week, and he was ready to log out and take a break from the virtual world.

    "I should log out for now." It was alreadyte night. He was also tired.

    ***

    Rain slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the bright light of the room.

    As he sat up, he realized he was in a small, enclosed space, surrounded by high-tech equipment and wires.

    It took him a moment to remember where he was: inside a VR simtion capsule.

    He took a deep breath and looked around, feeling a sense of disorientation as thest remnants of the virtual world he had been immersed in faded away.

    The room was quiet, with only the hum of the machines and the sound of her own breathing.

    Rain took a few more deep breaths, trying to steady herself.

    He removed the headset and cords from his body.

    But now, as he emerged from the capsule, he felt a sense of relief. He had finally got some good skills.

    Rain slowly blinked his eyes, feeling a pounding headache behind his temples.

    As he sat up on his bed, he realized it was already night time.

    The room was dimly lit, and the only sound was the soft hum of sea waves.

    Rain took a deep breath and tried to shake off the disorientation.

    The virtual world he had been immersed in had been intense and had taken a toll on his body.

    He could still feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins and his heart racing.

    As time passed, Rain''s headache intensified.

    [Host, you went overboard this time.]

    This time, Rain was for more than a week.

    Rain groaned and rubbed his temples. "I think I need some aspirin," he muttered, feeling the pounding in his head.

    He looked around in his room for first aid kit. Soon he found it in the corner.

    He rummaged through it until he found a bottle of aspirin, he quickly swallowed a few pills.

    The pain didn''t subside, and Rain took a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself.

    Apparently, Rain was having a headache because of information overload.

    Even though in virtual reality 10 hours were equal to 1 hour in real life, it didn''t mean your body was living 10 hours of life.

    After all, how could the information of 10 hours be stored in 1 hour?

    It wasn''t impossible, however, it was too difficult.

    Your ytime is determined by how much information your brain can store.

    If you continue ying without knowing the limit of your brain, you may face dire consequences when you exit virtual reality.

    Either you may face memory loss or a severe headache, like the one Rain is having now.

    If a user continues ying in virtual reality without considering the limit of their brain, they risk facing the dire consequences mentioned above.

    These consequences may persist even after exiting virtual reality, impacting the user''s daily life.

    To prevent information overload, it''s important to take breaks during virtual reality ytime to allow the brain to rest and recover.

    Additionally, users can limit their exposure to certain types of stimuli in virtual reality that may be more likely to cause information overload, such as bright shing lights or loud noises.

    [Host, It''s worth noting that while headaches are amon symptom of information overload.]

    [They can also be a sign of more severe conditions, such as migraines or neurological disorders.]

    [Host, please take medicines immediately before your condition deteriorates more.]

    "No." Rain shook his head.

    [There is a chance that you might faint soon. You won''t be able to rain for a few days.]

    "Everything will be fine." Rain said in a calm tone.

    [Only if you take medicine.]

    Rain only smiled in response.

    Every time he moved his head or turned, the pain would shoot through his brain like a bolt of lightning. His vision was starting to blur, and he felt disoriented, making it difficult to focus.

    Suddenly, the pain became too much to bear.

    "Argh..." Rain let out a cry of agony as his hands flew up to clutch her head.

    The world around his started to spin, and he felt like he was going to pass out.

    He tried to take a deep breath, but the pain was too much, and his breathing became shallow and rapid.

    [Host, you are weird.]

    "I know, thanks for thepliment." Even in the pain, Rain chuckled.

    His hands were shaking, and he was covered in sweat. He copsed on his bed, still clutching his head.

    His vision was so blurry that everything looked the same. The pain was excruciating, and he felt like he was losing his mind.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    [Stubborn Host.]

    [Congrattions to Host to fulfill the conditions to upgrade to Parallel Thinking skill.]

    [The skill is going through evolution.]

    [Please rest a bit.]

    These were thest words that Rain heard. Somehow unlike usual cold and monotonous words of the syst

    em, it felt like these words were filled with warmth.

    However, Rain wasn''t in condition to sleep.

    He drifted to sleep.

    ***

    As the man walked down the silent road, his footsteps echoed through the empty streets.

    The only sound that could be heard was the gentle rustling of the leaves as a cool breeze swept through the area.

    The sky was clear and filled with twinkling stars, casting a soft glow over the surroundings.

    The temperature was low, and the man could see his breath in the chilly air.

    Despite the cold, the man continued to walk, his pace steady and purposeful. He didn''t seem to feel the chill as he moved forward, his footsteps falling with a rhythm that echoed through the deserted street.

    The surrounding area was eerily quiet, with no signs of life anywhere in sight.

    The streetlights that usually illuminated the area were off, leaving the street inplete darkness.

    The buildings on either side of the road were tall and imposing, their dark shapes looming over the man as he walked past.

    The man''s face was obscured by a ck mask, making it impossible to see his features.

    His clothing was a dark suit, which blended seamlessly into the night, making him appear like a shadow moving along the street.

    As he walked, the man seemed oblivious to his surroundings, lost in his own thoughts.

    He didn''t seem to care that he was the only one on the street at this hour.

    He continued on his path, moving forward with determination and purpose, like a man with a mission.

    The silence of the night was almost unnerving, and the man''s footsteps seemed to be the only sound in the entire area.

    It was as though he was the only person left in the world, surrounded by nothing but darkness and silence.

    As he disappeared into the distance, the only trace of the man left behind was the sound of his footsteps echoing through the night.

    The man approached the big mansion, towering before him with its grandeur and elegance.

    Its architecture was breathtaking, with ornate designs carved into the walls and pirs.

    However, the mansion seemed to have been abandoned for years, with no signs of life anywhere in sight.

    The front gate was rusted and creaked as the man pushed it open, revealing a long driveway leading up to the mansion''s entrance.

    As he walked up the driveway, his footsteps echoed through the quiet surroundings, the only sound that could be heard.

    Upon reaching the entrance, the man pushed open the heavy wooden doors with ease, as if he had done so many times before.

    The interior of the mansion was dimly lit, with only a few flickering candles casting shadows on the walls.

    The man moved through the mansion with ease, his steps almost silent as he made his way through the empty hallways.

    The mansion was grand, with multiple floors and countless rooms. The furnishings were elegant, with antique pieces and fine art adorning the walls.

    Despite the grandeur of the mansion, it was clear that it had been left to decay for some time.

    The once-beautiful decor was now faded and covered in dust. The air was thick with the musty scent of neglect.

    As the man moved through the mansion, he seemed almost at home, familiar with its every nook and cranny.

    It was as though he had lived there once before, and the mansion held a special ce in his heart.

    Despite the emptiness of the mansion, the man moved with purpose, his footsteps leading him to a particr room.

    The door creaked open, revealing a room filled with antique furniture and arge firece. The room seemed to be frozen in time, with no signs of recent activity.

    The man sat down in a chair in front of the firece, his thoughts lost in memories of the past.

    The only sound in the room was the crackling of the fire, casting a warm glow over the man''s masked face.

    The man sat in the chair, the fire casting a warm glow on his masked face as he reminisced about the past.

    After a few moments, he stood up and began to undress.

    As he removed his dark suit, his body was revealed to be well-toned and muscr, with the scars on his skin a testament to a life filled with hardship and struggle.

    As he removed his clothing, the man''s movements were slow and deliberate, as if he was savoring each moment.

    His scars told a story of a life that was filled with danger and action, of a man who had faced challenges that most people could never even imagine.

    Somehow Rain was looking at the scene from the starting.

    "What a strange dream. Still, somehow these city and ce is simr." He thought inwardly.

    Just as the man was about to remove his mask, he froze abruptly.

    He stared at Rain intensely.

    "Forget everything." He voice was sharp and cold, filled with immense pressure.

    The silence of the mansion was broken, and Rain knew that he had to act fast.

    However, before he could do anything he lost consciousness in the dream.

 Chapter 157 Enhanced Thinking

    ?

    Rain woke up with a jolt, his back drenched in a cold sweat. Hey still for a moment, feeling disoriented and out of breath.

    He looked around his room, trying to regain his bearings.

    His eyes scanned the walls, the dresser, and the closet, but everything looked just as it should be.

    However, he couldn''t shake off the feeling that something was wrong.

    Rain slowly sat up in bed, his heart pounding in his chest.

    He tried to recall his dream, but it was already slipping away from him.

    He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts.

    Suddenly, fragments of the dream came rushing back to him.

    In the dream, he found himself in a ce that felt strangely familiar, but he couldn''t quite ce it.

    At first, it was that abandoned city. That city was strangely simr.

    However, before he could notice anything the scene changed to that mansion and that room.

    It was arge, empty room with high ceilings and dim lighting.

    He saw a figure standing in the distance, but he couldn''t make out who it was.

    Just when that man was going to remove his mask something happened.

    "Huh? Something happened?" Rain was confused. He knew something happened but couldn''t remember what happened.

    The man''s eyes held a strange intensity that made Rain feel uneasy.

    Rain shuddered at the memory of the dream.

    He shook his head, trying to shake off the memory. "It was just a dream," he told himself. "But why did it feel so real?"

    It had felt so real, almost like a premonition. He knew he had to find out what it meant before it was toote.

    He looked around his room again, taking in the details of his surroundings. The sun was just starting to rise, casting a soft pink glow through the window.

    His room was a mess, with clothes scattered on the floor and books piled on his desk. It was a stark contrast to the eerie emptiness of the dream.

    Rain got out of bed, feeling the cold marble floor beneath his feet. He shivered and wrapped his arms around himself, feeling exposed in his boxers and tank top.

    He walked over to his closet and grabbed a woolen sweater. It feltfortable.

    He walked over to his desk, where hisptop was waiting for him. "I need to find out what this dream means," he said to himself as he opened up a search engine. "Maybe it''s a sign. Or maybe I''m just going crazy."

    Rain''s mind kept drifting back to the dream as he sat at his desk, staring nkly at hisptop screen.

    When he noticed the date and time, he couldn''t help but shrug his shoulders and sigh.

    "I was out for one and a half days." He scratched his head. Maybe he might have missed something.

    He couldn''t shake off the feeling that it meant something important. But he had other things to worry about too.

    He turned his attention to the news websites, wondering if there was any mention of the incident at the Roaring Cave.

    Fortunately, it wasn''t leaked.

    "I don''t know how they managed to do that," he murmured to himself. "But it''s better than what happened in the novel."

    He also checked his monitor bots and other information sources to see if there were any updates.

    But hopefully, everything was peaceful.

    He closed hisptop and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples.

    He felt drained, both physically and mentally. He needed a break, a distraction from all the chaos in his mind.

    He got up from his desk and walked over to his window, looking out at the world outside.

    The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow on everything it touched. He took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air fill his lungs.

    For a moment, he forgot about his worries and his dreams and just enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Hey, System," Rain called out to the system, as he enjoyed the scenery.

    [Yes, Host.]

    "You can sell me anything, right?" Rain asked, his voice serious with a hint of desperation.

    [Yes, as long as you have corresponding points or appropriate items to exchange for it.]

    "Then sell me information about the dream I just had," Rain said, his expression tense and his voice low.

    [I''m sorry, Host. The system can''t sell it to you now.]

    Rain''s confusion grew as he heard the system''s response. "Why? Can''t you find a way to get around it?" he asked, his tone bordering on anger.

    [Insufficient Authority. Information is blocked.]

    "Which level?" As always Rain asked.

    [Level 4.]

    "Oh, I have to wait till year end then." Rain mumbled.

    He let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Fine. Thanks for trying anyway," he said, his voice now resigned.

    [You''re wee, Host. Is there anything else I can assist you with?]

    "Yeah, show me the recent system notifications." Rain spoke.

    [The conditions for the evolution of Parallel Thinking skill have been met.]

    [Congrattions to Host for acquiring a new skill: Level 2: Expanded Thinking (passive skill)]

    As Rain read these two notifications, he couldn''t help but smile a bit.

    He considered the possibilities. He clicked on the skill to see its new description.

    [Lv.2: Expanded Thinking (Passive Skill)

    At this level, the skill is enhanced to incorporate a wider range of perspectives, including those from different cultures and backgrounds.

    The efficiency of multitasking, Cognitive Function, and focus has been increased.

    This skill can evolve.]

    "Finally, I got this skill." Rain cheered joyfully.

    Apparently, when a few ago, he got this skill, he was very excited.

    It''s because this was a growth-type skill. After asking the system for a bit, he found out the requirements to evolve the skill.

    1. Increased Multitasking Efficiency - you have to be more efficient at multitasking. You should be able to perform three or more tasks at once with the same level of focus and efficiency as you previously could with two tasks.

    2. Improved Focus and Mentality - The Parallel Thinking skill may also evolve to include improved focus and concentration. Rain also remembered he got this skill because he had concentration skill.

    However, the mentality was a bit of an issue for him. But by drinking dragon leaf tea every day even that problem was solved.

    3. Greater Cognitive Function - At higher levels of the skill, cognitive function may continue to improve, enabling them to think even faster and more effectively.

    They may be able to analyzeplex problems more quickly and generate more creative solutions.

    To fulfill this requirement, Rain had to go through that headache. With that stimtion, the power of his brain was unlocked. Now he could think more quickly and efficiently.

    4. Adaptive Parallel Thinking - Finally, the skill may evolve to be more adaptive, allowing the yer to adjust their parallel thinking approach based on the situation at hand. For example, they may switch between more structured or unstructured thinking modes depending on theplexity of the problem or the avable information.

    As Rain kept using this skill whenever he encountered tough opponents like Casper, he became adapted to Parallel Thinking.

    Now his head didn''t hurt as it used to when he used this skill for the first time.

    Still, when Rain saw - even new skills were able to evolve he was very happy.

    "Looks like it''s time to check new features for the system." Rain smirked as he saw other system notifications.

 Chapter 158 Level 2 Authority

    ?

    Authority.

    Authority can refer to both a person or an institution that has the power or right to control,mand, or influence others. It can also refer to the perceived legitimacy of that power or influence.

    In many contexts, authority is derived from a formal position of power, such as a government official, a police officer, or a CEO of apany.

    However, authority can also be derived from expertise or knowledge.

    For example, a doctor may have authority in matters rted to health, while a professor may have authority in matters rted to their field of study.

    Authority can also be perceived and epted by those who are being influenced or controlled. This is often referred to as "legitimate authority" and can be based on a sense of trust, respect, or tradition.

    However, for Rain, what was Authority?

    It was the way to satisfy his curiosity.

    The more authority he gains over information, the better for him.

    ***

    ?[Congrattions to the Host for making it till this phase of the plot.]

    ?[Plot progress has been elerated.Please make your best effort to survive till the end. Be cautious.]

    ?[Authority level 2 has been granted. Task board and achievement panel are now unlocked.]

    Rain stared at the system windows in front of him, there were a bunch of notifications that had popped up.

    As he read through them, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him.

    It had been more than two months since he first discovered the authority, and since then, his life had changed in ways he never could have imagined.

    He remembered the day he first stumbled upon the concept of the authority, a mysterious thing to have.

    With that, he could gain answers from the system. And the only thing he had to do was survive the plot.

    "System. Show me current plot progress."

    As soon Rain spoke, a transparent window appeared in the air.

    �c�������T[Extra Character System - Plot Progress]�T�������f

    ?[Plot Start Milestone Passed.]

    ?[Plot Phase one over.]

    ?[Current Plot progress: 8.75%]

    ?[Uing Milestone - 10%]

    - Estimated time: 2 weeks

    ?[Plot eleration Rate: 175%]

    ?[Estimated Time for Plot Ending - Error]

    - Can''t deduct. Assumed to me be around 2 or 3 years

    �T�������T�������T

    Rain couldn''t help but exim after looking at the plot progress.

    It was more detailedpared to first time he saw it. Maybe it was when he chose the extra character as his choice.

    However, some things were little concerning to him.

    First one was Plot eleration Rate.

    "It''s still low. I thought it would be doublepared to the original one."

    In a dissatisfied tone, Rain expressed his concerns, noting that he had hoped for a more rapid progression in the plot.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He wondered if there was a way to increase the eleration rate or if he needed to make some changes in his approach to the story.

    ?[Host, don''t do that. Remove that devilish thought from your mind.]

    "Sure, sure." Rain nodded as he answered.

    Of course, he was going to make plot progress faster.

    "I''m curious, System, why is the plot progressing so slowly?" Rain asked, his tone inquisitive. He had put in a lot of effort to advance the plot, but it still seemed to be dragging.

    He thought that killing some enemies and moving events forward would elerate the plot, but it didn''t seem to be working. Rain was growing frustrated and increasingly impatient with the situation.

    ?[Host, even though you have done some things, you have also neglected others.]

    ?[For example, the bond between the heroines and the protagonist still hasn''t formed, and the protagonist''s group is still unstable.]

    The System replied, pointing out Rain''s mistakes.

    Rain grumbled in response, "Do you want me to be a matchmaker or a cupid, now?" He was annoyed at the System''s criticism and felt like it was mocking him.

    ?[It''s your choice, Host. However, given your high level of misfortune, you might be more suitable to break up couples.]

    The System quipped, further irritating Rain.

    "Tch." Rain clicked his tongue in frustration. "Now, could you exin the error in the estimated time for the plot ending, my ever-perfect System?" he asked sarcastically, feeling exasperated.

    ?[Host, I am not a voyeur like you. I cannot watch every person in the world. How can I possibly know when the plot will end?]

    ?[Moreover, you have been livestreaming globally, so I can''t even assume what kind of variations you have made now.]

    The System retorted, making Rain feel like it was not taking him seriously.

    "Then, doesn''t that mean your numbers regarding plot progress are also wrong?" Rain asked with mischievous smile.

    After all, if the system can''t watch every person, how can it know about how much plot has been progressed?

    ?[Yeah, Host is true.]

    "So what will you do regarding that matter?" Rain asked, curiously.

    ?[I will try to solve that issue. I have my ways.]

    "Alright, stop whining." Rain interrupted. "I have more important things to do."

    "Answer my question," he demanded, feeling impatient and annoyed. As Rain had more authority now, he wanted to try gathering some information.

    ?[Surely. If it''s within your authority.]

    "What will happen if Heroine and the protagonist don''t end up together?" Rain asked. This was one of the important questions.

    From what happened with Arya, and other heroines showing less interest in Kenpared to the original plot, Rain was concerned.

    Will plot progress not reach 100 if they don''t end up together? Rain was worried.

    ?[Nothing will happen. It''s not much big deal.]

    Rain was slightly shocked after hearing this, still he was relieved.

    "What will happen if I die?" Rain asked in a serious tone, feeling anxious and curious about what the answer would be.

    ?[Your question is confusing, Host. Doesn''t every person cease to exist when they die?]

    The System replied, making Rain feel frustrated with its vague response.

    "Don''t y word games with me," Rain retorted. "You and I both know what I''m talking about." He was growing more impatient with the System''s evasive responses.

    Rain was curious to know if he would get another chance if he died, feeling both hopeful and worried about the possibility.

 Chapter 159 New Features

    ?

    Reincarnation, Rebirth, Regression, and Transmigration.

    Although many people enjoy reading novels about reincarnation, rebirth, regression, and transmigration, not everyone believes in these concepts.

    For instance, if someone were to im that they were a God of War in a past life and died fighting the Heaven Emperor, most people would likely consider that person to be crazy.

    Such ims may be met with skepticism or disbelief, as theyck any concrete evidence to support them.

    However, the story changes when you have already experienced Reincarnation once.

    Won''t you believe if it can happen once, why not twice?

    While Rain did not enjoy the experience of dying, the reassurance that he might have another chance if it were to happen again wasforting to him.

    "What will happen if I die?" Rain asked the system, feeling a mix of anxiety and curiosity.

    He had never asked this question before, but he couldn''t help but wonder what the answer would be.

    ?[It depends on the circumstances.]

    The system replied in a monotone voice.

    "borate," Rain demanded, folding his hands in front of him.

    He didn''t want a vague response, he wanted to know the specifics of what would happen.

    ?[Host, as I said, it depends on the circumstances. There is no further exnation.]

    The system repeated, sounding annoyed at Rain''s persistence.

    "I was a fool to expect an answer from you," Rain let out a sigh of frustration.

    He knew that the system wouldn''t give him a straight answer, but he had hoped for some rity.

    "So, as the system didn''t deny it outright, there might be a chance to experience reincarnation or something again," he thought aloud.

    The idea of reincarnation was both exciting and daunting to Rain.

    Although it was good news that he might get another chance at life, Rain wasn''tpletely happy. He knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch.

    "The reincarnation I got was also someone''s work, and I don''t know when they will ask to return the favor," he thought.

    Rain was concerned about building unnecessary karmic debt. He didn''t want to owe anyone anything, especially if it was something he couldn''t repay.

    Even if no one asked for a favor in return, Rain still didn''t want to umte any karmic debt.

    That''s why he gave gifts to the people close to him before leaving. He wanted to make sure that he had a clean te, just in case.

    Rain''s mind was racing with thoughts of death, reincarnation, and karma.

    He remembered the stone Ken had used to regress, which made him wonder if some other tools or spells could help him avoid the consequences of his actions.

    "System, is there any tool that lets you reincarnate or regress? Or any spell?" Rain asked the system, hoping for some answers.

    If there were such tools or spells, he could avoid the consequences of his actions and start anew without having to worry about karma.

    ?[I don''t know.]

    The system replied, which surprised Rain.

    He had always thought the system was all-knowing, but now he realized that it had its limitations.

    Rain couldn''t help but feel disappointed. He had hoped for some answers, but it seemed like the system was as clueless as he was.

    He tried to shrug it off and reminded himself that he couldn''t rely on anyone or anything but himself.

    "Maybe I don''t have plot armor like Mc," he smiled wryly, referring to the protagonist in his favorite novel who always seemed to have a way out of every difficult situation.

    After a moment of contemtion, Rain decided to save his questions forter.

    He had a lot of research to do, and he didn''t want to waste his time on something that might not have an answer.

    "System, can you exin the new features?" Rain asked curiously.

    Last time, the system store had given him many surprises, and he was eager to see what new features it had in store for him this time.

    ?[The Task Board and Achievement Panel are features of that allow the Host to keep track of their goals and progress.]

    ?[The Task Board is essentially a to-do list or task manager.

    It disys a list of tasks or quests that a user needs toplete to progress through the plot or reach certain goals.

    The Task Board may also disy the rewards that the host will receive uponpleting a task.]

    ?[The Achievement Panel, on the other hand, is a record of the host''s aplishments.

    It disys a list of achievements or milestones that the host has reached, such aspleting a difficult quest or reaching a certain level.

    The Achievement Panel may also disy the rewards that the host has received for each achievement.]

    "Interesting." A smile appeared on Rain''s face as he read the description.

    "System, are these tasks and achievements necessary toplete?" Rain asked.

    ?[No. The Host is free toplete whichever task or achievement you like.]

    ?[However, there would be penalties after you fail toplete the task you ept.]

    "As expected." Rain nodded his head. "It was giving me creeps when I thought you were being generous." He remarked sarcastically.

    "Let''s see how these new features work." He mumbled. "System, show me the task board."

    �c�������T[Task Board]�T�������f

    ?[Easy]

    ?[Normal]

    ?[Hard]<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    �T�������T

    "This is bing more and more like those RPG games," hemented, half to himself.

    He scanned the board and saw that the tasks were divided into three levels: Easy, Normal, and Hard.

    He decided to start with the Easy tasks, as he was still new to this and needed to familiarize himself with the mechanics and controls.

    �c�������T[Task Board]�T�������f

    ?[Easy]

    - Gather 10 Beach Plums.

    - Build a sturdy shelter using avable materials that can withstand harsh weather.

    - Find and gather 20 rocks for a fire pit and build a fire.

    - Catch a fish using a handmade spear.

    - Craft a wooden bow and arrow for hunting.

    ��[Press Here to see more.]

    ?[Normal]

    - Build a raft using driftwood and other materials to escape the ind.

    - Find and purify water from a nearby source.

    - Explore the ind (100%) and map out its terrain and resources.

    - Kill a B-grade monster.

    ��[Press Here to see more.]

    ?[Hard]

    - Hunt and kill arge predator (minimum A Grade).

    - Climb the highest mountain or hill to get a better view of the ind and its surroundings

    - Discover and explore a hidden cave system on the ind

    - Build arge boat or ship to sail to the nearby maind

    - Build a generator or other device to generate electricity

    - Escape the ind

    ��[Press Here to see more.]

    �T�������T

    "Why can''t I see the rewards and description of the task?" Rain asked, confused.

    If he doesn''t know the rewards for the task, how can he ept them?

    It was pretty weird.

    ?[You have to ept the task to see the rewards or any further information.]

    Rain wasn''t much surprised now. It was usual for the system to give a carrot and show a stick afterward.

    Rain scrutinized the task board in front of him, a mix of excitement and frustration evident on his face.

    He couldn''t see the rewards or descriptions of the tasks until he epted them.

    It seemed like a gamble, but he was willing to take his chances.

    As he looked through the board, he noticed that some of the tasks seemed too easy, even for an amateur like him.

    He felt like the system was underestimating his capabilities, but he didn''t want toin.

    He knew that surviving on a deserted ind was not an easy feat. The tasks on the board might seem simple, but they could still be challenging in their own way.

    Rain decided to take the first step and ept an easy task, hoping that it would help him gain more experience and unlock harder challenges.

    "I will use some easy tasks as a try." Rain thought. He was hoping he doesn''t get in any trouble whilepleting those tasks.

    �T�������T

    �UReference Words�U

    ? Reincarnation, rebirth, regression, and transmigration are concepts found in various religious and spiritual traditions. They refer to the idea that a person''s soul or consciousness can continue to exist after physical death and be reborn in a new body or form.

    �T�������T

    ? "Reincarnation" is the belief that a soul is reborn into a new body after death.

    This concept is central to many Eastern religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

    The belief is that the soul reincarnates repeatedly, moving through different bodies and forms until it reaches a state of enlightenment or liberation.

    �T�������T

    ? "Rebirth" is a simr concept to reincarnation, but it is not necessarily tied to a specific soul or consciousness.

    Instead, it refers to the idea that all beings are reborn in a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as samsara.

    This belief is found in many Eastern religions, including Buddhism.

    �T�������T

    ? "Transmigration" is a broader term that refers to the movement of a soul or consciousness from one body or form to another.

    This can include reincarnation and rebirth, as well as other forms of spiritual transformation, such as the movement of a soul from a human body to an animal or a divine being.

 Chapter 160 Achievements

    ?

    After carefully considering his options and the difficulty levels of each task on the board, Rain finally made up his mind and decided to ept a feweasy tasks.

    �T�������T�������T

    �c�������T[Task Board]�T�������f

    ?[Easy]

    - Gather 10 Beach Plums

    Reward - 3 points.

    Deadline - 1 day.

    Penalty - lose 5 points for every day past the deadline.

    - Build a sturdy shelter using avable materials that can withstand harsh weather

    Reward - 10 points.

    Deadline - 2 days.

    Penalty - lose 10 points for every day past the deadline.

    - Catch a fish using a handmade spear Reward - 10 points.

    Deadline - 2 days.

    Penalty - lose 5 points for every day past the deadline.

    - Craft a wooden bow and arrow for hunting

    Reward - 15 points.

    Deadline - 2 days and 10 hours

    Penalty - lose 10 points for every day past the deadline.

    �T�������T�������T

    "I guess I need to buy the Crafting skill," he thought to himself, contemting the various tools and materials he would need to gather.

    It was easy, but just too boring.

    "It can''t be helped. Only these tasks were easiest ones." Rain shrugged his shoulders as he thought about buying a new skill, and increasing the proficiency of it.

    "I willplete thister. Now it''s time to check the second feature: Achievement Panel." Rain said excitedly as he opened Achievement Panel.

    �c�������T[Achievement Panel]�T�������f

    ?[Noob Who Does Easy Tasks] - Complete 10 Easy tasks

    Progress: 0/10

    - Reward: Nothing

    ?[Normal Guy] - Complete 10 Normal tasks

    Progress: 0/10

    - Reward: Recipe for a rare elixir

    ?[Newbie Craftsman] - Craft 20 things

    Progress: 0/10

    - Reward: One crafting blueprint

    ?[Crazy Fire Starter] - Set 10 fires inrge ces

    - Progress: 1/10

    - Reward: A Fire Magic Skill Manual

    ?[Newbie Fisherman] - Caught 50 fish

    - Progress: 157/50

    - Reward: A Cooking Recipe for fish

    ?[Newbie Hunter] - Hunted and killed 10rge predators (Minimum B rank)

    - Progress: 2/10

    - Reward: A Random Hunting Skill

    ?[Cartographer] - Explored (100%) and mapped out the entire ind

    Progress: 60%/100%

    - Reward: Map of a Random Country

    ?[Captain] - Built a ship and sailed to the maind

    - Reward: Unknown.

    ?[Electrician] - Built a functioning generator

    - Progress: 0/1

    - Reward: A Blueprint for Mana Circuit

    ?[ughter] - Kill 10 People

    - Progress: 20/10

    - Reward: "Bloodthrust" Skill

    ?[Newbie Viin] - Kill 10 People nearby the Protagonist

    - Progress: 0/10

    - Reward: A random S ss skill

    ?[Protagonist''s Bootlicker] - Be a friend of the protagonist<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    - Reward: A random A ss skill

    ?[Loner] - Stay Alone for 2 months

    - Progress: 3/2

    - Reward: A Loner Trait

    ?[Enemy of Evil] - Kill more than 5 members of the Evil Organization

    - Progress: Done

    - Reward: A Map of Evil Organization Base in Dawn City

    ��(Press here to see more)

    [Note: The Achievement Panel would track and disy the yer''s progress inpleting various tasks and challenges.

    Each achievement woulde with its own unique reward, motivating the Host toplete them all.]

    �T�������T�������T

    Rain was surprised as he read the description of the achievements.

    However, before he could say anything some notifications started ranging.

    ?[Notification]

    ?[Congrattions, Host! You have sessfullypleted the Newbie Fisherman Achievement!

    You have caught 50 fishes, which required skill, patience, and perseverance.

    I''m surprised that you were able to do that.

    As a reward, you have earned a new fish food cooking recipe: Grilled Mermaid Fish with Citrus Sauce.

    Keep up the good work and strive toplete more achievements!

    Best of luck on your journey.]

    ?[Congrattions, Host! You have sessfullypleted the ughter Achievement!

    You have killed 10 people, which required skill.

    I''m surprised that you were able to do that.

    As a reward, you have earned a new skill: "Blood Thrust".

    Keep up the good work and strive toplete more achievements!

    Best of luck on your journey.]

    ?[Congrattions, Host! You have sessfullypleted the Loner Achievement!

    You have stayed alone for more than 2 months.

    The system expected nothing less from you. However, the system had already given you the Loner trait. Therefore, no reward this time. Better luck next time.

    Keep up the good work and strive toplete more achievements!

    Best of luck on your journey.]

    ?[Congrattions, Host! You have sessfullypleted the Enemy of Evil Achievement!

    You have killed more than 5 members of the Evil Organization. They will treat you as an enemy from now on. They think you are scum on the earth. Nothing less from you.

    As a reward, you have earned an item: A map for their base in Dawn City.

    Keep up the good work and strive toplete more achievements!

    Best of luck on your journey.]

    Rain stared at the notifications for a few moments.

    "System, I have a request." Rain stated in a serious tone.

    ?[Tell me, Host. The system will be generous and grant your request if it''s reasonable.]

    "Can you remove those odd remarks and long descriptions when you give notifications for aplishment for the achievement?" Rain demanded.

    ?[Sure, Host.]

    "Thanks." It was the first time, the system epted any request without troubling him.

    Still, Rain didn''t forget the trouble system gave him in the past few months.

    Still, he felt relieved as the system responded positively to his request.

    He was annoyed with the lengthy and unnecessary descriptions and remarks that apanied the notifications forpleting achievements.

    He felt that they only served to waste his time.

    He checked some of the achievements in the achievement panels and his progress.

    Rain stared at the seemingly endless list of achievements and couldn''t help but wonder how much time the system had spent on creating all of them.

    It was almost overwhelming to see how much there was to do on this ind.

    As if reading his mind, the system chimed in,

    ?[It only took 10 hours to create all of these achievements, Host.]

    Rain was momentarily taken aback. He couldn''t imagine how it was possible toe up with so many tasks in such a short amount of time.

    "It''s slow." Rain snickered at the response. He was hoping to see how the system would fall for his sarcastic remark.

    However, an unexpected thing happened.

    ?[Yeah, It''s slow. Therefore, O might host, I beseech you. Create all achievements and tasks from scratch for this ignorant being.]

    "Anyway, you don''t have to do that," he said, moving on from the topic. "I think I should check the rewards I got for the achievements. They seem like good things."

 Chapter 161 Crazy Rewards.

    ?

    Mermaids.

    Mermaids are mythical creatures that have captured the imagination of people for centuries.

    They are often depicted as beautiful and alluring, with a fish-like tail and the ability to breathe underwater.

    Their mesmerizing appearance and unique abilities have inspired countless stories, legends, and works of art.

    In folklore, mermaids are usually portrayed as yful and curious beings that enjoy exploring their underwater world.

    However, they are also known for their fierce protectiveness of their homes and kin. Mermaids are said to be able to unleash powerful spells and curses on those who threaten them or their loved ones.

    The Mermaids Rain knew were a bunch of weirdos.

    He was aware of the dangers associated with mermaids.

    So, when he stumbled upon a strange stone near his vacation spot, he was very troubled.

    Feeling a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment and the mermaids, Rain took matters into his own hands.

    After realizing the potential danger posed by the strange stone to him, Rain felt a strong sense of responsibility to protect himself.

    He knew he had to act quickly, so he decided to cover the entire area around the stone with heavy boulders.

    With no help in sight, Rain took on the task alone.

    He spent hours moving the massive boulders, one by one, and strategically cing them around the area to ensure that the stone waspletely covered.

    But because of apse of judgment, some boulders fell on that stone.

    However, as the stone was made from good materials, it wasn''t destroyed.

    Although the stone was not destroyed, it was now buried deep beneath the ground.

    "Oh, I guess I made a mistake," Rain murmured to himself as he stared at the boulders.

    But as he surveyed his work, he felt a sense of satisfaction and pride. He knew that he had done the right thing, even if he had done it alone.

    Rain smiled as he looked at the boulders, feeling a sense of aplishment.

    As he stood there, Rain''s thoughts drifted back to the mermaids. He wondered if they knew how much he had done to protect them.

    He imagined them swimming in their underwater kingdom, safe and protected, thanks to his efforts.

    "Yeah, thanks to me, they will never find out about this. And will stay happily in their kingdom. Isn''t that a good thing?" Rain thought inwardly.

    [Host, you are really cruel. You didn''t even leave someone''s grave. Nothing less expected from you.]

    "Hey, don''t make a fuss. I didn''t do it intentionally," Rain tried to exin, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace.

    "I hope I never get involved with them again," he thought to himself, edging slowly away from the boulders and making his way up the bank of the river.

    [Ding! You raised a g host.]

    "Damn." A look of annoyance washed over Rain''s face as he muttered a curse under his breath, his eyes squinting in frustration as he walked towards his home.

    ****

    "System, you are crazy," he said, still chuckling as he turned his attention to the rewards he got from the achievements.

    Rain couldn''t believe his eyes as he scrolled through the rewards he had received frompleting various achievements.

    [Name: Blood Thrust

    Type: Buff Skill

    Grade: S Grade

    Description: Channels the user''s own blood or life force to enhance physical capabilities.

    Temporarily increases strength, speed, and agility while also providing a small amount of self-healing.

    Can drain the user''s health or cause fatigue after prolonged use.

    Duration: 300 seconds (Can be prolonged if more lifespan is sacrificed.)

    Cooldown: 1 week

    Attributes:

    - Strength +100%

    - Agility +100%

    - Speed +100%

    - Self-healing +50% of maximum health

    - Health drain -2% of current health per second after the first 100 seconds of use

    - Fatigue +5% per second after the first 50 seconds of use

    Notes: Blood Thrust is a powerful buff skill that can provide a significant advantage inbat, but should be used with caution.

    The health drain and fatigue effects can quickly be detrimental if the skill is used for too long, so it is best to time its use carefully and monitor the user''s health and stamina closely.]

    "Hmm, this Blood Thrust skill is definitely powerful, but it seems pretty risky to use." He furrowed his brow, uncertain.

    "The health drain and fatigue effects could be dangerous if I''m not careful." Rain looked concerned, his face slightly frowning.

    "I don''t want to risk putting myself in a worse position just to gain a temporary advantage." Rain was determined, nodding as he spoke.

    "But... I guess if I''m ever in a really tough situation and have no other options, it could be a game-changer." Rain rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering the potential uses of the skill.

    "I''ll have to be strategic in my use of the skill and make sure I monitor my health and stamina levels closely." Rain''s expression was focused, and he nodded as he made a mental note of how to use the skill effectively.

    "Yeah, that''s it. I''ll keep Blood Thrust as ast resort, an emergency option." Rain looked relieved, slightly smiling at the thought of having a powerful skill as a backup.

    "That way, I can still use it if I really need to without putting myself in unnecessary danger." Rain spoke confidently, nodding firmly as he made his decision.

    In the end, Rain thought of saving this skill as his trump card.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    However, he was annoyed by the reward he got for the fishermen achievement.

    It was a good thing he got a fish food cooking recipe. However, that recipe was a bit.. not very troublesome.

    The name of the recipe was: [Grilled Mermaid Fish with Citrus Sauce]

    At first, Rain thought the system might be joking. After all, there was no way some crazy guy would make a recipe like that.

    However, after reading the recipe, Rain was dumbstruck.

    Ingredients:

    - 2 medium-sized Mermaid Fish

    - 1/4 cup olive oil

    - 1 tablespoon minced garlic

    - 1 tablespoon dried parsley

    - 1 tablespoon dried basil

    - 1/2 teaspoon salt

    - 1/4 teaspoon ck pepper

    - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

    - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

    - 1 tablespoon honey

    - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

    Instructions:

    1. Clean and scale the Mermaid Fish. Remove the head and tail and fillet the fish.

    2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and ck pepper.

    3. Rub the mixture all over the fish fillets and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

    4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

    5. Grill the fish fillets for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are lightly charred and cooked through.

    6. In a small saucepan, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

    7. Drizzle the citrus sauce over the grilled fish fillets and serve immediately.

    Rain looked skeptically at the recipe of the dish.

    "This is really crazy. System, why would someone eat this?" Rain asked, scratching his head in confusion. "I mean, what''s the point of it? It looks useless to me."

    He felt earning the ire of the Mermaids for a mere dish wasn''t worth the trouble.

    The system responded with a gentle chime.

    [Host, don''t say like this. If you knew the effects of eating this top-tier dish, even you would try to eat it.]

    Rain raised an eyebrow. "Don''t brag. Show me. Let me see how great it is."

    The systemplied, projecting a holographic image of the grilled mermaid fish with citrus sauce in front of Rain.

    He examined it carefully, taking in the charred, ky fish fillets and the glossy, tangy sauce.

    "Well, it looks good, I''ll give you that," he said, shrugging. "But what''s so special about it?"

    [Host, I believe you will not be disappointed. The grilled mermaid fish with citrus sauce is one of the most popr and highly prized dishes in this realm. Its vor and effects are renowned throughout thend.]

    Rain nodded, feeling a spark of curiosity. "Alright, then. Let''s give it a shot."

    [Sure.]

    [Title: Grilled Mermaid Fish with Citrus Sauce - Magical Effects

    1. Enhanced Vitality: The consumption of this dish is said to imbue the eater with increased vitality and energy, allowing them to perform feats of strength and endurance beyond their normal capabilities.

    2. Heightened Senses: The zesty citrus sauce and aromatic herbs used in this dish are known to stimte the senses, enhancing the eater''s perception and awareness of their surroundings.

    3. Improved Mental rity: Thebination of omega-3 fatty acids from the fish and the beneficial nutrients in the citrus sauce is believed to promote improved mental rity, enhancing memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities.

    4. Magical Protection: The mystical properties of the herbs and spices used in this dish are believed to offer magical protection against dark forces, shielding the eater from negative energies and harmful influences.

    5. Increased Luck: In some cultures, the consumption of certain foods is believed to bring good luck and fortune.

    Eating this dish may be said to attract positive energies and opportunities to the eater, bringing them luck and prosperity.

    ***

    The system activated a series of holographic panels, each one detailing a different magical effect that could be associated with the dish.

    Rain listened with growing skepticism as the system rattled off a litany of benefits ranging from increased vitality to heightened luck.

    He was a practical person, and the idea of eating something just for the sake of its supposed magical properties seemed absurd to him.

    When the system finished, Rain crossed his arms and shook his head. "I don''t know. It still seems like a lot of hype for just a fish dinner."

    The system remained patient.

    [Host, you must remember that this is a fantasy world. Thews of nature and magic are different here. What may seem like just a meal to you could hold great power and significance to others.]

    Rain considered this for a moment then shrugged. "I will think about it in the future."

    Thinking like that, he stored his third reward after taking a brief look.

    "I guess it''s time to continue my usual routine from now on." Rain stretched his body.

    He was eager to try his new skills in real life.

 Chapter 162 B Rank

    ?

    Rain examined his achievements with a sense of satisfaction.

    - The library had granted him new skills,

    - There were new features in the system: Task board and Achievement panel,

    - His authority level became 2. It will be level 3 in two or three weeks, too.

    - He also got some good rewards for his achievements.

    Suddenly, a thought struck him.

    "Oh, I forgot something," he muttered. "System, how many points have I umted for influencing the plot?"

    [You have umted 5,478 points.]

    Rain''s heart leaped with excitement. With this many points, he could do almost anything!

    "Can''t I buy some good skills and that one-time use teleportation door?" Rain thought aloud.

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    ?[One-time Use Teleportation Door

    - Type: Artifact

    - Usage: Instant travel to any desired location

    - Range: Limited to the user''s knowledge of the location

    - Activation: Think of the desired location

    - Limitations: One-time use only, bes useless after activation

    - Mechanism: Creates a portal that connects the user''s current location to the desired destination

    - Complexity: Simple, no setup or calibration required.

    - Note: the artifact''s range is limited to the user''s knowledge of the location they wish to travel to. If the user is unfamiliar with the area, they may not be able to visualize it urately enough to use the artifact.]

    - Price: 2000 points

    �T�������T�������T�������T�������T

    The concept that once seemed unfathomable to his mind nowy within his grasp.

    The notion that once caused him to struggle and strain his thoughts, had be a tangible reality, easily within his reach.

    Rain stood on the edge of the shoreline, staring out into the vast expanse of the ocean.

    For months, he had been living alone on the deserted ind, with nothing but his thoughts and the sound of the waves forpany.

    But now, a glimmer of hope had emerged.

    As he whispered the words to himself, the sound of the waves drowned out his voice. He repeated the words again, this time a little louder. "I can leave this ind?" The thought seemed almost too good to be true.

    "Isn''t it easy to leave this ind with the one-time use teleportation door?" he thought to himself. The answer was obvious - of course, it was easy. But then why did he feel so hesitant?

    "Yeah, I can leave. I can leave this deserted ind. But do I have the means and the courage to leave?" Rain''s self-doubt was creeping in.

    He had been living on this ind for so long that he had forgotten what it was like to be around other people. What if he wasn''t strong enough to handle the outside world?

    Even though he had left the plot behind permanently, he still felt like he had run away like a coward.

    He had given up on his problems instead of facing them head-on. He wondered countless times, "Was it the best way to resolve things?"

    Rain was all alone on this ind. He didn''t have anyone to turn to for advice or support.

    He was left to rely on his own judgment, which only made him feel more uncertain.

    "Would anyone protect him if he got into trouble?" Rain asked himself.

    The thought of being alone and vulnerable in an unfamiliar world made his stomach churn.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

    He had survived for months on this ind, and he had to believe that he had the strength to survive in the outside world as well.

    "What if I''m not strong enough? What if I can''t handle the outside world?" His voice was tinged with anxiety.

    For countless months, he had relied on his ability to calm his mind and suppress his doubts.

    However, at the moment, his self-doubts were more severe. He closed his eyes and took a few more deep breaths, trying to regain hisposure.

    At that moment, Rain''s thoughts turned to the promise he had made to "Rain Holmes".

    "Now, we will work together. We will pool our memories, our experiences, and our skills, to create a better life for ourselves," he remembered promising this to his ego.

    Returning to the present, Rain felt determination surging inside himself.

    With renewed determination, Rain realized he couldn''t remain trapped in istion forever. "I won''t let myself be bound by this cage any longer," he thought, feeling his heart racing.

    Rain''s inner voice grew deeper and more determined as he spoke aloud. "It''s time to face my fears and take a chance. I''ve been hiding here for too long."

    Tears glistened in his eyes as he continued. "I have to try. I can''t stay here forever," he whispered to himself.

    As he looked out at the horizon, watching the sun slowly sink below the water, a sense of peace settled over him.

    He knew it wouldn''t be easy, but he also knew that he was strong enough to face whatevery ahead.

    With a deep breath, he squared his shoulders and set his sights on the future, ready to embrace whatever challengesy ahead.

    Rain decided that he would leave the ind, but not before hepleted exploring every nook and cranny.

    He had already explored more than 60% ind and also had a map of 75% ind.

    Only the center region and some nests of the dangerous monster were

    left to explore.

    At that moment, something within him shifted. His mind was suddenly filled with a sense of purpose and understanding.

    He knew what he needed to do and how to do it. The feeling was almost overwhelming, but he weed it with open arms.

    Suddenly, he felt a surge of power coursing through his body.

    His eyes flew open, and he gasped in amazement as he felt his rank increase.

    It was as if a barrier had been broken, and he was now able to tap into a new level of power.

    "I broke through?" Rain mumbled with a surprised look.

    As Rain''s rank increased, he could feel a powerful surge of energy coursing through his body.

    It was like nothing he had ever experienced before - a potent, otherworldly force that seemed to be unlocking new levels of power within him.

    At first, Rain felt his muscles begin to tense and bulge as if they were growing stronger with each passing moment.

    His skin started to tingle as if it were being infused with some kind of invisible energy.

    Then, a warm, golden light began to emanate from his body, illuminating the surrounding area. The light grew brighter and brighter until it was nearly blinding.

    Rain felt himself being lifted off the ground as if he were floating on a current of pure energy.

    He looked down at his hands and saw that they were crackling with electricity as if he had somehow be a conduit for the power of the universe.

    As the light faded and Rain descended back to the ground, he felt a sense of profound peace and rity.

    He knew that he had undergone a powerful transformation, one that had unlocked new levels of strength and ability within him.

    Looking down at his hands, he could see that they had been subtly modified. His fingers were longer and more slender, with sharp, w-like nails.

    "I guess I got a big harvest." Rainughed happily.

    The trials and tribtions that he had endured, the setbacks and disappointments that had threatened to break his spirit, had all culminated in this wondrous moment of triumph.

 Chapter 163 Mysterious System

    ?

    Rain was in awe of what had just happened.

    He had never experienced anything like it before, and he was struggling to make sense of the incredible surge of power that had flowed through his body.

    As the warm glow faded, he looked down at his hands, which had been subtly transformed by the energy.

    He flexed his fingers experimentally, marveling at how strong and nimble they felt.

    "Wow," he breathed, "I can''t believe it. I actually reached B-rank."

    ording to his estimations, it would have took around one or two months to make a breakthrough.

    "I guess now I can explore the ind more and quickly leave it."

    A feeling of pride and aplishment welled up within him, washing away thest remnants of doubt and fear that had been holding him back.

    For so long, he had felt weak and helpless, trapped on this isted ind with no hope of escape.

    But now, with this newfound power, he felt invincible - ready to take on any challenge that came his way.

    He looked out at the shimmering sea and the endless horizon, feeling a sense of excitement and adventure stirring within him.

    For the first time in a long time, he felt truly alive. The world was full of possibilities, and he was eager to explore them all.

    "Okay," he said to himself, taking a deep breath, "I''m ready. Let''s see what''s out there."

    He started checking his status and skills.

    �d�T? Status ?�T�g

    ?Name: Rain Holmes

    ?Age : 20 years old

    ?Title : Reincarnator

    ?Rank: B grade

    ?Strength: B (C -> B)

    ?Health : B (C+ -> B)

    ?Stamina : B (C+ -> B)

    ?Charm : A (-A -> A)

    ?Intelligence: B+

    ?Mana : B (C -> B)

    ?Luck : C

    [Traits]:

    #Calm thinker

    #Hard worker

    #Extra-character

    #Loner

    �T�������T�������T

    "I directly jumped to the B rank, huh," Rain mumbled to himself, still in disbelief.

    "This is unusual," he thought, wondering how he could have possibly achieved such a high rank so quickly.

    In this world, there were many ranks that a awaken could achieve. Starting from the lowest, the ranks were: G, F, E, D, C, B, A, and S.

    There were also higher ranks. But it was different story.

    Each rank was a significant milestone in a Awakener''s journey, and each required a significant amount of effort, resources, and talent to achieve.

    Breaking through each rank was more difficult than the previous one, and achieving the B rank was a significant feat in and of itself.

    It was the rank where one''s body and spirit had to be modified to withstand the increased power and energy flow within the Awakener''s body.

    Your lifespan and strength would increase immensely when you cross over to this rank.

    Same for Rain, bing a B rank was difficultpared to his previous breakthroughs.

    Although it took time to breakthrough in every rank, below the B rank, every rank was rtively easy to achieve with some talent, effort, and resources.

    Moreover, Rain had drunk the Body Foundation elixir, which had helped him easily cross those lower ranks.

    However, achieving the B rank was a different story altogether.

    As he contemted his new rank, Rain could feel his body and spirit adjusting to the increased energy flow.

    His senses were heightened, and he felt a newfound sense of strength and power coursing through his veins.

    "Still, I should be low B ranker. Not mid B ranker." He was confused.

    Crossing two sub ranks ranks together? He wasn''t some son of heaven. Even for son of heavens, it would be quite hard.

    "Hey, system. Care to exin?" In the end, Rain could only ask the system.

    [Host, as you have be B rank. The system will give you information for free.]

    "Thanks great lord," he said, his voice heavy with irony. "This peasant is truly happy." His words wereced with a biting wit that bordered on insolence.

    But Rain didn''t stop there. He wanted to push the system, to see if he could provoke a reaction. "Can you spare your wisdom to me?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "If you have any wisdom to share, I am willing to listen."

    ?[Sure, Ignorant peasant.]

    As Rain heard System''s teasing remark, he couldn''t help but feel a small twinge of annoyance, but he quickly pushed it aside. He hade a long way since his first days in the system.

    Now, as he looked at System''s message, he could feel his mental fortitude growing stronger.

    He knew that he was immune to the system''s attempts at goading him.

    ?[Aftering to this ind, you had been grappling with feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and fear for a long time.]

    ?[You had isted yourself on the ind as a means of escape, but deep down you knew that you couldn''t run away from your problems forever.]

    "I know." Rain nodded. Hearing the system, he felt it was true. "Continue the exnation."

    ?[Through introspection, self-reflection, and sheer determination, you had been able to confront and ovee you inner demons.]

    ?[You gained a newfound sense of rity, purpose, and inner strength that had allowed you to ovee the limitations he had ced on himself.]<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ?[In more simplenguage, you used to think you are weak. However, you fought back to that fear and ovee it.]

    ?[After all, reaching rank B is not just about having a strong physical body; it also demands a robust mental fortitude.]

    ?[In order to progress to higher ranks, it''s essential to have a sharp mind that can adapt to new situations, solve problems effectively, and make quick decisions under pressure.]

    ?[By oveing your inner demons and gaining a newfound sense of rity and purpose, you''ve shown that you have the mental strength to seed at higher levels ofbat. Keep up the good work.]

    "Sounds true," Rain agreed with the System, feeling motivated by its encouraging words.

    His inner struggles had been a catalyst for his growth and transformation, allowing him to increase his rank.

    "However, why didn''t my Imprable Mind Defense skill work this time?" Rain asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

    For as long as he could remember, the skill had always been his go-to when he was feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

    ?[Because I supressed it.]

    System replied matter-of-factly.

    Rain was taken aback by System''s response. Although he suspected system could interfere with the skills in past, he wasn''t sure.

    "Looks like my guess was true." Rain mumbled. "Moreover, it doesn''t look like this is your first time doing it." He added in serious tone."

    Rain''s mind raced as he thought back to all the times he had relied on his mind defense skill, only to find that it didn''t work.

    He remembered the night before his birthday, when he had been unable to calm his racing thoughts, and the incident with the mermaid pearl, when his mind had been overrun with fear and doubt.

    Moreover, whenever he talked with system, that skill never worked.

    "You were manipting my emotions, weren''t you?" Rain''s voice was low and usatory. He had his suspicions on the system since long time ago.

    Because of that, he was hesitant to buy anything from the system store until there wasn''t any other option.

    The System''s response was quick and unapologetic.

    [Host, it was for your own good.]

    System started exining.

    [While your mind defense skill can help you in the short term, relying on it too heavily could have long-term consequences.]

    [If I had let you use that skill every time you felt overwhelmed or anxious, you might have lost touch with your emotions entirely.]

    [And these emotions are what make you human, after all.]

    [They give you empathy,passion, and the ability to connect with others on a deeper level. Without them, you would be something less than human.]

    Rain listened carefully, considering the System''s words.

    He couldn''t deny that there was some truth to what the System was saying. But still, he couldn''t help feeling like he had been betrayed.

    "But why did you let me use the skill in the past if you knew it was bad for me?" he asked.

    [I didn''t always know.]

    System replied.

    [When we first started working together, I didn''t understand the full extent of your abilities and limitations.]

    [It was only over time that I began to see how relying on that skill could be detrimental to your overall well-being. And even then, I had to make a judgment call based on the situation at hand.]

    [Sometimes it was necessary to let you use the skill, even if it wasn''t ideal. But in the long run, I knew that I had to limit your use of it in order to help you grow and develop as a person.]

    Rain nodded slowly, taking in the System''s exnation. He couldn''t deny that he had benefited from the System''s intervention just now.

    However, he also couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to the story than the System was letting on.

    But for now, he held his tongue and tried to focus on the newfound rity that he had gained.

    "Still, why did my rank and stats increase so tremendously?" Rain asked, trying to make sense of what had happened. "I crossed two sub-ranks altogether."

    The System''s response was immediate.

    [Because I was suppressing your rank too.]

    Rain was taken aback. He had suspected that the System was holding something back, but he hadn''t realized the extent of its intervention.

    "Why did you do that?" he asked.

    [The host was growing too fast.]

    System exined.

    [While rapid growth can be beneficial in the short term, it can be harmful in the long run if the foundation is not solid.]

    [I wanted to ensure that you had a strong foundation to build upon, so I suppressed your rank to slow down your growth and give you time to master the skills you already had.]

    [This way, you could develop a more solid understanding of your abilities and avoid potential problems in the future.]

    Rain nodded slowly, beginning to see the reasoning behind the System''s actions. "I see," he said. "But why didn''t you tell me?"

    [I didn''t want to distract you from your training.]

    System replied.

    [I knew that if I told you, you would be fixated on your rank and lose sight of the bigger picture.]

    [By keeping it a secret, I was able to help you focus on what was truly important: building a strong foundation for your future growth.]

    "But what about my stats?" he asked. "Did you suppress those too?"

    [Not exactly, your stats were growing at a healthy rate.]

    [The current boost is because of you broke the mortal shackles. It''s usual after you be B ranker.]

    Rain nodded, he knew this. He was just checking system.

    But he couldn''t help feeling a little hurt that the System had kept this information from him.

    Still, at the same time, he knew that the System had his best interests at heart.

    And now that he understood the reasoning behind its actions, he could see that it had been the right decision.

    "I wonder how many things this system is hiding from me." Rain thought inwardly. Unexpectedly, system didn''t reply.

 Chapter 164 Should I Become A Thief?

    ?

    Rain asked many questions about the system and gain a better understanding of various topics.

    While he found the answers helpful, he couldn''t shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

    His suspicions were growing stronger with each passing day.

    He knew the system was hiding the answer behind the excuse of insufficient authority. But he couldn''t force the system.

    "I''m sure I will find the answers soon," he said, his voice low and dripping with a menacing undertone. "Or I can just elerate the plot like I did till now." His words wereced with a dangerous edge, suggesting that he was not above bending the rules to achieve her goals.

    Rain''s face twisted into a sly smile, revealing a hint of malice lurking behind his eyes.

    "Oh, now is not the time to think about this." Rain spoke as his usualid-back attitude returned.

    He took a deep breath and looked at the status window in amazement.

    He was thrilled to see that his strength, health, stamina, and mana had all increased from C to B, indicating that he had be more powerful.

    Rain was particrly happy to see that his charm attribute was rated A.

    "I guess I am not far to reach S grade charm." He thought inwardly.

    Currently, Rain felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his body.

    He felt a newfound lightness and agility as if he had shed his mortal shackles.

    Looking down at his body, he noticed that his muscles had be more defined and toned as if any impurities or toxins had been purged from his body.

    This was the true power of the B-rank, he realized.

    With it came a sense of purity and refinement, a shedding of the mortal impurities that had held him back before.

    He was also pleased with his B+ intelligence rating, knowing that he was a quick learner and could strategize well in tough situations.

    "It looks like it will take some time to raise the intelligence and charm stat." He assumed.

    However, Rain was a bit disappointed with his C luck rating, feeling like he could use a bit more good fortune in his life.

    "Do I really have to eat that dish and increase my luck?" He wondered.

    Overall, Rain was excited to see where his newfound abilities would take him and was ready to embark on new adventures with his improved stats.

    However, he still hadn''t seen his skills.

    �d�T? Skills ?�T�g

    [Active Skills] :

    ?Swordsmanship - Advanced

    - Sword of Recognition/ Holmes Family Swordsmanship (Grade A)

    - Shadow Sword Style (Grade S)

    - Thunder Star and Moon Sword Style (Grade S)

    ?Marksmanship - Intermediate

    - Elemental Guny (Grade A)

    - Illusionary Shot (Grade A)

    ?Mana Control - Advanced (^)

    - Elemental Transmutation Breathing Technique (Unknown Grade)

    ?Hawkeye - Advanced (^)

    ?Hand To Hand Combat - Intermediate

    ?Dagger Mastery - Intermediate

    - Twilight Mist Sword Art (Grade A)

    - Lurking Ambush (Grade B)

    ?Pickpocketing- Beginner

    ?Lock picking - Beginner

    ?Trapping - Beginner (n)

    ?Disguise - Beginner (n)

    ?Climbing (Parkour) - Intermediate<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ?Alchemy - Advanced (^)

    ?Mining - Intermediate

    ?Jumping - Beginner (n)

    [Passive Skills]:

    ?Imprable Mind defense

    ?Concentration

    ?Underwater breathing

    ? Enhanced thinking (n)

    [Life Skills]:

    ?Cooking - Advanced

    ?Butcher- Intermediate

    ?Gathering - Intermediate

    ?Writing (L)- Intermediate

    ?Singing- Intermediate

    ?Calligraphy- Intermediate (^)

    ?Appraisal- Intermediate

    ?Fishing - Intermediate (^)

    ?Drawing- Intermediate

    ?Painting- Intermediate

    ?Programming - Advanced

    ?Language- Advanced

    [Press here to expand the list��]

    Rain carefully examined his skills list, noticing several new entries that had been added since thest time he checked. He felt a surge of excitement as he realized that he had gained some new abilities and had improved in others.

    First, he saw that he had gained three new skills: Jumping, Disguise, and Trapping. He was pleased to see that he was expanding his skillset beyondbat and into more practical areas. He looked forward to trying out his new abilities and seeing how he could use them to his advantage.

    Next, he noticed that he had gained several new sword arts and guny techniques. The Shadow Sword Art and Shadow Walk had disappeared from his skills window, but he quickly realized that the new Shadow Sword Style had reced them both. He was eager to try out this new style and see how itpared to his previous techniques. Additionally, the Thunder Star and Moon Sword Style, Elemental Guny, Lurking Ambush, and Illusionary Shot werepletely new to him, and he was excited to learn them.

    Despite gaining new skills, Rain also noted that some things had disappeared from his skills list. He felt a twinge of regret as he saw that the Shadow Sword Art and Shadow Walk were gone, but he understood that they had been reced by the more advanced Shadow Sword Style. He knew that this was a natural progression of his skills and was excited to see what new abilities he would gain in the future.

    Just like how Parallel Thinking became Enhanced thinking.

    Finally, his Mana Control and Alchemy rose.

    "Now I can create those elixirs and use man breathing technique more urately.

    Overall, Rain felt confident that he was making progress in his training and was excited to see where his skills would take him next.

    He made a mental note to practice his new skills and to continue working hard to improve his existing abilities.

    As he practiced his new skills in virtual reality before leaving, he was already at the Beginner level.

    Unfortunately, he couldn''t practice the Elemental Fusion skill. Because of that, he still hadn''t learned it.

    "Still, it''s not worth worrying as I remember the content." Rain sighed.

    His marksmanship will also improve soon, with Elemental Guny and Illusionary Shot.

    Rain knew that his ability to shoot urately and create illusions inbat could prove useful in many situations.

    Still, he couldn''t help but feel a tinge of disappointment at hisck of progress in some skills.

    He made a mental note to focus on improving those skills, especially lockpicking and disguise.

    "I have some of the basic skills for assassin and thief. Maybe I should buy some skills like Stealth." Rain thought.

    "Should I be a part-time thief? It would be fun to rob some treasures." Rain joked as he thought.

    However, maybe it wasn''t only a joke.

 Chapter 165 [Bonus ]Funny Morning [Extra ]

    ?

    After checking up everything in his status and skills, Rain, feeling fatigued after enduring these bothersome things, decided to take a break and rest for a while.

    He carefully checked everything off his to-do list and ensured that there were no urgent tasks left to attend to.

    Satisfied with his progress, he made his way to his bedroom and settled onto hisfortable bed, feeling the softness of the sheets beneath him.

    As hey down, he closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, feeling his muscles rx and his mind calm.

    "System, make sure to wake me up after three hours," Rainmanded the system, hoping to get a few hours of sleep before resuming work.

    Rain rubbed their tired eyes, feeling exhausted.

    [Host, the system isn''t your private servant or rm clock. It won''t do anything like that.]

    Rain let out a frustrated sigh and rolled their eyes, knowing the system wouldn''t budge.

    "Do it just this once. Don''t you have any guilty conscience? Because of you, I had to suffer till now." Rain muttered, using the system.

    Rain''s voice was low and tired, with a hint of desperation.

    ?[Host, the system isn''t a living being and doesn''t have a conscience.]

    ?[However, as a living being, aren''t you ashamed to make me clean up after your mess?]

    However, there wasn''t any shame or embarrassment on Rain''s handsome face.

    "I don''t remember anything," Rain retorted, pretending to make a poker face and ignoring the system.

    Rain''s handsome face remained stoic and expressionless, despite the implications of the situation.

    His eyes remained fixed on the system, as if he was waiting for it to prompt him with more information.

    His posture was confident and unwavering, his chin held high and his shoulders back.

    There was no hint of shame or difort in his demeanor, as if he had nothing to hide or be ashamed of.

    ?[Host, I never saw someone as shameless as you.]

    ?[You don''t remember, do you? Let me refresh your memory.]

    The system continued.

    ?[After you ran away from the plot and when your family tried to track you down through digitalwork, I hacked into their systems and created fake trails to throw them off your scent.

    And when those people from your past came looking for you, I made sure they never found you by erasing your digital footprint and creating a new digital identity for you.]

    ?[Moreover, when that third rate viin Nick and that ''Oh my, Oh my'' Dragon Princess, Veronica tried to hack your data, I was the one who intercepted their ns and deleted all the information about you from virtual reality.]

    ?[But that''s not all. When that evil organization was trying to track you down, I put up firewalls and encrypted your data to keep you safe.

    And when they tried to reverse-hack my programs, I stayed one step ahead of them and shut them down.]

    ?[Furthermore, whenever you tried to hack someone''s data with your half-assed hacking skills, I had to remove your traces.]

    ?[Now, do you remember?]

    Deep down, Rain knew everything. He didn''t have much experience in hacking.

    Although he could hack people''s programs after he learned a bit, he was still newbie.

    That''s he relied on the system.

    He knew - the system needed him. It couldn''t choose anyone else.

    Otherwise, why only him? There were many characters and people in game.

    The system was surely connected with his Reincarnation.

    But he didn''t show.

    Rain replied, "Oh, thanks, Great Lord. Keep your grace on this ignorant me. Have a good sleep."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Rain''s face remained stoic as he muttered his thanks, barely acknowledging the system''s efforts.

    With a nonchnt wave of his hand, he crawled into bed and pulled the covers over his head, disappearing from sight.

    ?[...]

    However, Rain was already asleep.

    He allowed himself to drift off into a short nap for a few hours, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated when he woke up.

    ***

    [After 3 hours]

    Rain was still sound asleep three hours after he had closed his eyes to take a nap. His body was rxed, and his breathing was deep and steady.

    His room was peaceful, with only the sound of the gentle breeze and the distant chirping of birds outside.

    As the sun moved across the sky, its rays slowly crept across the room and began to touch Rain''s face.

    The warmth of the sunlight slowly started to prate his skin.

    As Rain was sleeping, he felt a little tingling sensation on his skin, almost like he was getting electric shocks.

    It was an odd sensation, and it caused him to stir in his sleep.

    "Idiot system, don''t give me electric shocks." He mumbled in sleep. It was like he was dreaming when he got electric shock for the first time.

    He shifted position, trying to get morefortable, but the tingling persisted.

    In the end, Rain couldn''t continue to sleep.

    His eyes fluttered open, and he blinked a few times to adjust to the brightness of the room.

    He yawned and stretched, feeling his muscles awaken from their slumber.

    "Hey, System. Thank you for waking me up." Rain smiled. "You also controlled intensity of the shock."

    ?[Host, I have already charged 10 points for this service.]

    If it was past, Rain would have cursed to the system. However, for Rain, 10 points were just meager amount.

    He could earn it easily with changing items and materials.

    "? In the morning, when I rise,

    I rub my sleepy, bleary eyes,

    And wonder why it''s such a chore,

    To get up and face the day once more. ?"

    He hummed as he sat up slowly, feeling the coolness of the sheets slip away from his body.

    Rain rubbed his eyes and looked around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings.

    "? My bed is warm and oh so cozy,

    And getting up seems awfully nosy,

    But I know I must get out of bed,

    Or I''ll bete and filled with dread. ?"

    He smiled to himself, feeling content and at peace. He knew that he had allowed himself the rest he needed to face the rest of his day with rity and focus.

    "Now I should return to my original routine." He was eager to resume his routine after many days.

 Chapter 166 Crafting

    ?

    Crafting.

    It is a skill that involves creating items from raw materials orponents.

    It is a skill that has been practiced for thousands of years, and epasses a wide range of activities from pottery, woodworking, metalworking, to sewing, knitting, and embroidery.

    Crafting is a skill that requires patience, creativity, and precision. The resulting products can be functional, decorative, or both.

    Crafting can be done with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, y, fabric, and paper.

    Each material requires different tools, techniques, and skills.

    For example, woodworking requires saws, chisels, sanders, and drills, while metalworking requires welding equipment, grinders, and hammers.

    y requires a potter''s wheel, molds, and kilns, while fabric requires sewing machines, needles, and thread.

    Paper requires cutting tools, adhesives, and decorative materials like paint and glitter.

    One of the main benefits of crafting is the ability to create unique, personalized items.

    In summary, crafting is a versatile and rewarding skill that involves creating unique items from a variety of materials.

    It requires patience, creativity, and precision, and offers therapeutic benefits as well as the satisfaction of creating something with one''s own hands.

    But Rain was dumbstruck at the current moment.

    Apparently, he had toplete a few easy tasks. Many hours had passed already.

    �c�������T[Task Board]�T�������f

    ?[Easy]

    - Gather 10 Beach Plums

    Reward - 3 points.

    Deadline - 1 day.

    Penalty - lose 5 points for every day past the deadline.

    Status: Done.

    - Build a sturdy shelter using avable materials that can withstand harsh weather

    Reward - 10 points.

    Deadline - 2 days.

    Penalty - lose 10 points for every day past the deadline.

    Status: Iplete

    - Catch a fish using a handmade spear Reward - 10 points.

    Deadline - 2 days.

    Penalty - lose 5 points for every day past the deadline.

    - Craft a wooden bow and arrow for hunting

    Reward - 15 points.

    Deadline - 2 days and 10 hours

    Penalty - lose 10 points for every day past the deadline.

    �T�������T�������T

    [Under work, don''t worry. I will make up for it tomorrow and upload extra Chapters. Sorry for inconvenience.]

    12 sword moves that could be used under the zing me Sword Style:

    zing sh - A powerful horizontal sh that unleashes a wave of mes.

    me Thrust - A quick thrusting attack thatunches a concentrated st of mes towards the opponent.

    Inferno Charge - A charging attack that engulfs the sword in mes and leaves a trail of fire in its wake.

    Ignition Strike - A downward strike that ignites the ground beneath the opponent''s feet, causing a fiery explosion.

    me Parry - A defensive move that creates a wall of mes to block iing attacks.

    Burning Fury - A series of rapid shes that create a whirlwind of mes around the user.

    me Burst - A quick burst of mes that blinds the opponent and disrupts their attacks.

    zing Uppercut - An upward strike thatunches the opponent into the air and engulfs them in mes.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Firestorm Sweep - A sweeping attack that unleashes a wave of mes in a wide arc.

    me Shield - A defensive move that creates a shield of mes to protect the user from iing attacks.

    Phoenix Dive - A diving attack that unleashes a burst of mes upon impact with the ground.

    Inferno Wave - A powerful wave of mes that can beunched towards the opponent from a distance.

    ***

    12 moves for the "Shadow Sword Style"

    1. Nightfall Step - a lightning-fast step that allows for a swift strike that catches opponents off guard

    2. Reflection Dance - a fluid and graceful technique that uses the sword to reflect and redirect iing attacks

    3. Whispering Wind - a footwork technique that allows the user to move swiftly and silently, leaving opponents guessing

    4. Eclipse Leap - a powerful leap forward that leads into a thrust that can prate even the strongest armor, leaving opponents vulnerable

    5. Eclipse''s Edge Sweep - a sweeping strike that can knock opponents off bnce, setting up for the next attack

    6. Mirage Dash - a sudden and deceptive dash that creates the illusion of an attack, confusing opponents and leaving them open for a counterattack

    7. Void Step - a precise and devastating step forward that leads into a stabbing attack that can target vital areas of the body, causing significant damage

    8. Moonrise Spin - a spinning sweep attack that can hit multiple targets at once, sending opponents reeling

    9. Shadowwall Defense - a defensive move that blocks attacks and sets up for a powerful counterattack, leaving opponents surprised

    10. Vanishing Step - a technique that allows the user to blend into the surroundings with a quick step, bing almost invisible and leaving opponents disoriented

    11. Fusion Flow - a flowing technique thatbines the user''s sword with their energy, creating a powerful and unpredictable weapon that can shatter opponents'' defenses

    12. Tempest Rush - a rush of quick and precise attacks that can overwhelm opponents and leave them defenseless, culminating in a final, devastating strike.

    ***

    Elves - Elves are often depicted as graceful and elegant, with pointed ears and a natural affinity for magic. They are typically portrayed as wise and ancient beings, with a deep connection to nature and a long lifespan.

    Dwarves - Dwarves are known for their short stature, stocky build, and great strength. They are often depicted as skilled metalworkers and craftsmen, with a love of gold and precious gems.

    Orcs - Orcs are usually portrayed as brutish and violent, with a love of battle and a fierce loyalty to their tribe or n. They are often depicted with green skin and a prominent lower jaw.

    Goblins - Goblins are often portrayed as mischievous and cunning, with a talent for thievery and trickery. They are usually depicted with a hunched posture, long fingers, and arge nose.

    Dragons - Dragons are usually depicted as massive, winged beasts with scales and the ability to breathe fire or other forms of elemental energy. They are often portrayed as ancient and powerful, with a hoard of treasure that they fiercely guard.

    Mermaids - Mermaids are often depicted as beautiful and alluring, with a fish-like tail and the ability to breathe underwater. They are usually portrayed as yful and curious, but also fiercely protective of their underwater homes.

    Centaurs - Centaurs are often depicted as half-human, half-horse creatures, with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse. They are usually portrayed as skilled hunters and archers, with a deep connection to nature.

    Fairies - Fairies are often portrayed as small, delicate creatures with wings and a mischievous nature. They are usually associated with magic and enchantment, and are often depicted as guardians of the natural world.

    These are just a few examples of the many fantasy races found in literature and mythology.

    Giants - Giants are often depicted as massive, powerful beings, towering over humanoids. They are usually portrayed as slow and lumbering, but possess great strength and durability. In some stories, giants are intelligent and possess magical abilities.

    Trolls - Trolls are often depicted as ugly, brutish creatures with a love for destruction and chaos. They are typically portrayed as being immune to magic and possessing regenerative abilities. In some stories, trolls are vulnerable to sunlight and fire.

    Vampires - Vampires are often depicted as immortal, undead creatures with a thirst for blood. They are typically portrayed as charming and seductive, with the ability to transform into bats or wolves. In some stories, vampires are vulnerable to sunlight and can be killed with a wooden stake through the heart.

    Werewolves - Werewolves are often depicted as humans who can transform into wolves or wolf-like creatures during a full moon. They are typically portrayed as fierce and uncontroble, with enhanced senses and strength. In some stories, silver is a weakness for werewolves.

    Gnomes - Gnomes are often depicted as small, humanoid creatures with a love for tinkering and engineering. They are usually portrayed as living underground, in burrows or mines, and possess a natural affinity for earth magic. In some stories, gnomes are also associated with illusions and trickery.

    Naga - Nagas are often depicted as half-human, half-snake creatures, with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a serpent. They are typically portrayed as intelligent and powerful, with the ability to control and manipte magic. In some stories, nagas are revered as protectors of nature and wisdom.

    Fauns - Fauns are often depicted as half-human, half-goat creatures, with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a goat. They are usually portrayed as yful and mischievous, with a love for music and revelry. In some stories, fauns are also associated with fertility and nature.

    Demons - Demons are often depicted as malevolent, supernatural entities with dark powers and a desire to cause harm. They are usually portrayed as being bound to the underworld or hell and can be summoned by a practitioner of dark magic.

    Angels - Angels are often depicted as divine beings with great power and beauty. They are usually associated with goodness, purity, and the protection of the innocent. In some stories, angels are depicted as warriors, defending humanity against evil forces

    Minotaurs - Minotaurs are often depicted as half-human, half-bull creatures, with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a bull. They are typically portrayed as fierce warriors, with great strength and endurance. In some stories, minotaurs are associated withbyrinths or mazes.

    Satyrs - Satyrs are often depicted as half-human, half-goat creatures, with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a goat. They are usually portrayed as mischievous and lustful, with a love for wine and revelry.

    Sphinxes - Sphinxes are often depicted as mystical creatures with the head of a human and the body of a lion. They are typically portrayed as guardians of knowledge or treasures, and are known for their riddles and puzzles.

    Undead - Undead creatures are often depicted as reanimated corpses with a hunger for the living. They are usually associated with death and decay, and can be created

    through a variety of means, such as necromancy, curses, or viruses.

 Chapter 167 Extra

    ?

    [This chapter will be edited soon. So I suggest to don''t read this.]

    [First Year Aristeia ss, Nexus, Dawn City]

    As usual the ss was bustling with the students.

    The students were talking about Rain''s livestream.

    However one thing was different this time. This time most of single boys liked this song.

    "Hey, did you hear that song ''I Fell in with the Goddess''?" asked a student randomly.

    "Yeah, it was so good," nodded a friend from the same group.

    "It reminded me of my high school days when I had a crush on the school flower, but I couldn''t propose to her," shared another friend from the group.

    "I kinda cried too,"mented a random student.

    In another corner of the room, a group of girls from the fan club were engaged in their own discussion.

    "Hey, yesterday''s stream was amazing!" eximed a girl randomly.

    "Did anyone find out who the person is? Any clues?" asked a girl from another group.

    "Nope. But based on the song, it seems like she was his unrequited love. If he hasn''t revealed her identity, there must be a reason. Maybe she has a good background and is beautiful. ording to his description, they may have attended the same school," spected another girl.

    "Okay, let''s try to find out more about her."

    "Now, let''s get back to ss."

    Overall, these changes should help improve the readability and flow of the writing, making it clearer and more engaging for the reader.

    Many people had different reactions about Rain''s previous live stream and the song.

    ***

    [Rain''s Fan Club''s President''s Pov]

    "That girl is sure Emma. I will not forgive her. She made sad my Rain. How can you do it? But now it''s okay.

    I am his friend. I will protect him from bad bitches. I will make sure nobody will hurt him. We will be friends forever. Fufu."

    ***

    Kaya and Emma couldn''t sleep whole night.

    First they didn''t know Rain could sing so well, and from the song''s words like Lake, how girl ignored him and at the end he gave up on her. They knew that girl''s identity. Guilt was slowly pressing in their hearts.

    [Powe system]

    Luminary: A magic user who has just discovered their powers and is beginning to learn the basics of magic. They can cast simple spells with low mana consumption, but their control and precision are limited.

    Apprentice: An apprentice is a magic user who has progressed beyond the Luminary stage and is actively studying and practicing magic. They can cast more advanced spells and have a better control over their mana consumption.

    Catalyst: A Catalyst is a magic user who has gained a deep understanding of magic and can harness the energies of the world around them. They can manipte magic to create moreplex spells and have an increased mana capacity.

    Archon: An Archon is a master of magic, with a profound knowledge of its principles and an unparalleled control over their abilities. They can cast powerful spells with great uracy and have a nearly perfect mana control.

    Ascendant: An Ascendant is a rare and powerful magic user who has transcended the limitations of ordinary magic. They can cast spells of immense power andplexity with ease, and their control over their magical abilities is almost absolute. Their very existence is a catalyst for magical energy, and their presence can alter the fabric of reality itself.

    Luminary:

    Novice Luminary: A newly discovered magic user who is still struggling to control their abilities.

    Proficient Luminary: A Luminary who has gained more experience and can cast moreplex spells with greater uracy.

    Apprentice:

    Novice Apprentice: An Apprentice who is still learning the basics of magic and has yet to master any particr discipline.

    Elemental Apprentice: An Apprentice who has specialized in the maniption of one or more of the elements (fire, water, earth, air).

    Illusionary Apprentice: An Apprentice who has specialized in the creation and maniption of illusions.

    Catalyst:

    Novice Catalyst: A Catalyst who is still honing their skills and exploring the full potential of their magic.

    Elemental Catalyst: A Catalyst who has gained a deep understanding of the elements and can manipte them to create powerful spells.

    Necrotic Catalyst: A Catalyst who has specialized in the maniption of death and decay.

    Archon:

    Novice Archon: An Archon who is still mastering the advanced principles of magic and refining their control over their abilities.

    Time Archon: An Archon who has mastered the maniption of time and can control its flow.

    Spatial Archon: An Archon who has mastered the maniption of space and can warp it to their will.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Ascendant:

    Novice Ascendant: An Ascendant who is still learning to control their immense power and channel it effectively.

    Divine Ascendant: An Ascendant who has transcended mortal limitations and achieved a god-like status.

    Reality Bender: An Ascendant who can warp the fabric of reality to their will, altering thews of physics and the very nature of existence.

    Elemental Maniption: Sia has the ability to control and manipte all four elements (fire, water, earth, and air) with ease. She can create powerful gusts of wind, control the flow of water, manipte the earth to create structures or barriers, and summon mes at will. Her mastery of the elements is unmatched, and she can evenbine them to create devastating attacks.

    Telekinesis: Sia possesses the power of telekinesis, allowing her to move objects with her mind. She can lift heavy objects effortlessly and even control them from a distance, making her a formidable opponent in battle.

    Genius-Level Intelligence: As a genius prodigy, Sia possesses exceptional intelligence and is a master strategist. She can quickly analyzeplex situations and devise creative solutions to any problem. Her ability to learn and retain information is unparalleled, making her a valuable asset in any situation.

    Elemental Shield: Sia can create a protective shield around herself using the elements, making her impervious to attacks from all angles. This shield can deflect physical attacks, energy attacks, and even elemental attacks, making her virtually invincible.

    Healing: Sia has the ability to heal herself and others using her mastery of the elements. She can mend broken bones, close wounds, and even cure illnesses with her powers. Her healing abilities make her an essential member of any team.

    Elemental Summoning: Sia can summon powerful elemental creatures to fight alongside her in battle. These creatures are made of pure elemental energy and can unleash devastating attacks on her enemies. Sia can summon multiple creatures at once, making her a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

    Elemental Absorption: Sia can absorb elemental energy from her surroundings to increase her own power. This allows her to be stronger and more resilient, making her a formidable opponent in any fight. She can absorb energy from any of the elements, making her a versatilebatant.

    Elemental Fusion: Sia canbine different elements to create new and more powerful attacks. For example, she canbine fire and water to create steam, or earth and air to create a powerful tornado. Her ability to fuse elements together makes her a creative and unpredictable fighter.

    Level 1: Novice - Beginner-levelbatant, with limited experience and training.

    Level 2: Apprentice - Basicbatant, with some experience and training in martial arts or other physicalbat styles.

    Level 3: Warrior - Skilledbatant, with extensive training in one or more martial arts orbat styles.

    Level 4: Knight - Advancedbatant, with a deep understanding ofbat tactics, advanced techniques, and years of experience.

    Level 5: Champion - Elitebatant, possessing exceptional physical abilities, expert-level mastery of multiple martial arts, and years of experience in battle.

    Level 6: Legend - Masterbatant, who has achieved almost legendary status among their peers. They possess incredible strength, speed, and agility, and have mastered a variety of martial arts styles andbat techniques.

    Level 7: Demigod - Superhumanbatant, with nearly unbeatable physical abilities andplete mastery of multiple martial arts styles. They are capable of taking on entire armies of lesser foes.

    Level 8: Deity - God-likebatant, with virtually limitless physical power and unparalleled mastery of all known martial arts styles. They are capable of destroying entire cities with a single blow.

    Level 1: Novice

    Initiate: Just starting out in their training, with very littlebat experience.

    Trainee: Has been training for a short time but is still very inexperienced.

    Level 2: Apprentice

    Junior Apprentice: Has been training for a while and has some basicbat skills.

    Senior Apprentice: Has more experience and has started to specialize in a particr style or weapon.

    Level 3: Warrior

    Fighter: Skilledbatant who can hold their own against most opponents.

    Veteran: Has seen many battles and has honed their skills through experience.

    Level 4: Knight

    Squire: Trained under a master knight, and has a deep understanding ofbat tactics and advanced techniques.

    Master-at-Arms: Has achieved mastery of one or more weapons or styles.

    Level 5: Champion

    Elite Warrior: Recognized as one of the topbatants in their field.

    Grandmaster: A true expert in their field, with exceptional physical abilities and decades of experience.

    Level 6: Legend

    Hero: A legendary figure with many tales and legends told about their feats.

    Myth: A figure so legendary that they have be a myth, known only in stories and fables.

    Level 7: Demigod

    Titan: A being of immense physical power, capable of taking on armies or even small nations.

    Colossus: A massive figure, towering over most mortals and capable of incredible feats of strength and endurance.

    Level 8: Deity

    Divine Avatar: A manifestation of a god or goddess on the mortal ne, with powers beyond mortal understanding.

    Celestial Being: A being of pure energy and power, capable of shaping reality itself.

 Chapter 168 I Dont Like Playing Hero

    ?

    "Wake up," In a small, modest room, a woman who appeared to be in her forties was trying to wake up her son, Leo.

    The room was small and modest, with simple furnishings and not much decoration.

    The walls were painted a pale shade of blue, and there were a few framed pictures hanging on them. The floor was made of polished wooden boards, and there was a small woven rug on the floor beside the bed.

    "Wake up, Leo," the mother said gently, "It''s already past 9 AM, and we need to start collecting herbs before the sun is high in the sky."

    However, she didn''t get any response.

    The mother tried again, "Lyra, get up quickly. I have a lot of work to do, and I can''t stand here all day." Saying this, she shook the boy - who was lying in bed with no worries. He appeared to be 17 or 18 years old teen.

    The bed was a simple wooden frame with a thin mattress and a few pillows.

    In that pillow a boy with brown hair way sleeping soundly.

    The sheets were clean but well-worn, with a few small tears in them. Leo was covered with a thick, fluffy nket made of soft wool.

    "300 moments more." The woman''s sleeping son saidzily and gripped his banket tightly. The nket was a deep shade of red, with a few frayed edges where it had been well-used.

    Upon hearing this, Leo''s mother''s forehead became tense, with visible veins bulging out.

    "Looks like I have to resort to my usual technique," she thought to herself. She walked towards the window and carefully pulled back the curtains, made of light cotton fabric that was slightly faded and had a few small tears in it.

    The curtains were attached to a simple wooden rod that hung from the window frame, and as she pulled them back, they rustled softly in the breeze.

    The sunlight prated the room, falling directly on Leo''s face. Frowning, he became ufortable and covered his face with a nket to block out the sunrays that were disturbing his precious sleep.

    Leo''s mother chuckled to herself at her son''s reaction, knowing that it was time for him to wake up anyway.

    His mother silently watched this scene unfolding. She wasn''t surprised by this as this was usual thing for her. She walked towards the bed and gently patted Leo''s back,

    "Leo," the mother said softly as she reached out to stroke her son''s head. Leo stirred, his eyes fluttering open sleepily.

    The warmth of his mother''s hand wasforting, and for a moment, he rxed and let her guard down.

    Taking advantage of the moment, the mother deftly pulled the corner of the nket from Leo''s grip. In one swift motion, she had the nket in her hands.

    But Leo wasn''t one to give up easily. He bunched up her knees towards her chest and curled into a tight ball, determined to hold onto his precious sleep for just a few moments longer.

    The soft wool of the nket was still wrapped around him tightly, giving him a sense offort and security.

    ''This boy is getting smarter each day but he only uses his brain in these kinds of moments.'' His mother grumbled.

    The mother watched her son for a few more moments, marveling at how quickly he had grown.

    It seemed like only yesterday that he had been a tiny baby,pletely dependent on her for everything.

    But now, he was bing more independent with each passing day.

    It was bittersweet for the mother, as she was proud of her son''s growth but also saddened by the thought that he wouldn''t always need her as much as he did now.

    "Leo, this is your final warning. If you do not get up from your bed before I finish counting to three, you will not receive your allowance for this week," warned Leo''s mother in a stern tone.

    Upon hearing his mother''s words, Leo trembled slightly. Nevertheless, he remained in his cheap yetfortable bed.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "One..." began Leo''s mother.

    "Two..." she continued, and just as she reached the count of three in a single breath, Leo leapt out of bed like lightning and stood in front of his mother.

    "Mother, that''s not fair. You counted three in one breath!"ined Leo, puffing out his cheeks.

    "It''s not unfair, it''s use of the brain, which is something you rarely do," chuckled his mother.

    Leo couldn''t help but roll his eyes at his mother''s remark, but he knew that arguing further would only make matters worse. He reluctantly epted his defeat and went about getting ready for the day.

    As he got dressed, he couldn''t help but think about his mother''s words. Maybe she was right. Maybe he did need to start using his brain more.

    ''I will try to sleep more tomorrow.'' He resolved himself to use his brain to get longer sleep.

    ***

    Leo, a vige boy, was known for his friendly demeanor. As he stepped out of his home, he greeted everyone he met along the way.

    "Good morning, Mr. Williams l!" Leo eximed, waving at an elderly man sitting on his front porch.

    "Good morning, Leo! How are you today?" Mr. Williams replied, grinning at the enthusiastic youngster.

    "I''m doing great, Mr. Williams. Just trying to avoid my mom''s wrath!" Leo chuckled, knowing his mother''s stern warnings all too well.

    Mr. Williamsughed heartily, "Ah, I know that feeling all too well, my boy. My wife is the same way!"

    "Oh," Leo eximed, "Hello, Mrs. Williams. Good morning." He greeted the elderlyzy standing behind Mr. Williams.

    Leo didn''t stand there to watch morning drama. Otherwise, he might be dragged between the fight of the old couple.

    As Leo continued on his way, he spotted his friend, Tym, walking towards him.

    "Hey, Tym! What''s up, man?" Leo shouted, running towards his friend.

    "Not much, just trying to avoid my mom''s cooking today!" Tym joked, earning a chuckle from Leo.

    "You too? It seems like all our moms are on the warpath today," Leo replied, shaking his head.

    As they walked together, they passed by a group of chickens pecking at the ground.

    "Hey, look! It''s my distant cousins!" Leo joked, pointing at the chickens.

    Tym burst outughing, "Your cousins? You mean your lunch?"

    Leo rolled his eyes, "Come on, Tym. I''m a vegetarian!"

    Tym stared at Leo in disbelief.

    "Don''t lie, I saw you eating chicken leg pieces wildly other day."

    Hearing this, Leoughed as he got caught.

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