ALL NOVEL Chapter 8
Chapter 8
[Passive skill Healing Factor has been activated.]
[Passive skill Endless Stamina has been activated.]
A warm sensation spread from inside Zeke’s body.
“Huh? My body suddenly feels refreshed?”
The fatigue that had burdened him moments ago vanished abruptly.
It was the same invigorating feeling Zeke had experienced whenever he used Healing in the past when he was exhausted.
Zeke moved his body around, testing it out.
“What is this?”
He checked the skill information in his status, noticing that several of his skills had changed to passive ones.
―Skill Descriptions―
Healing Factor: Automatically restores physical injuries. (Always active)
Unyielding Mental Defense: Protects against all status effects caused by external factors and maintains a composed state of mind. (Always active)
Endless Stamina: Recovers fatigue instantly with unlimited stamina. (Always active)
Combat Instinct: Heightens the senses to detect danger and increases mental processing speed during combat. (Always active)
After reading the descriptions, Zeke’s jaw dropped.
“This is incredible.”
Not only had his skills from when he was a healer been enhanced, but they had also been upgraded to always be active.
Zeke focused particularly on Healing Factor.
“It automatically restores the body? Doesn’t that mean unlimited healing?”
In his previous life, he had tried to replicate a similar effect using Healing, but it was a failure.
The cooldown between uses of Healing was considerable, and it was difficult to completely heal all injuries with just that skill.
Zeke decided to test Healing Factor.
He pulled out the dagger he had tucked away.
“Alright, let’s see.”
Gripping the sharp, polished blade, Zeke sliced his palm.
Slash!
A streak of red blood flowed from his palm.
As he watched the dripping blood, Zeke tilted his head in confusion.
“Huh? Is the skill not activating if I injure myself?”
Puzzled, he pressed down on the wound to stop the bleeding when he suddenly noticed something strange.
“What the—?”
There was no wound where the blood had been flowing. The skin was so flawlessly intact it was as if it had never been cut.
[Skill Healing Factor has been activated.]
The recovery speed was so fast that even the system notification couldn’t keep up with it.
Zeke decided to create a larger wound to test it further.
He slashed his forearm deeply with the blade.
The skin split open, but as soon as it did, the wound rapidly closed itself and returned to its original state.
“Unreal… What kind of broken ability is this?”
Having lived a tough life on the edge in his previous life, wielding a blade to survive, Zeke immediately understood just how absurdly overpowered his new ability was.
Only then did he understand the meaning behind the name of his class.
“Immortal.”
It was a name that perfectly suited his abilities.
Zeke rose from his seat.
As he picked up the claymore that was propped nearby, he muttered to himself,
“With this level of power, I can push my plans forward by about three years.”
A sharp gleam flickered in Zeke’s eyes.
At the academy, students could graduate after passing the graduation exam five years post-enrollment. However, those with exceptional abilities could apply for early graduation under extraordinary circumstances.
Swinging his claymore with a confident smile, Zeke declared,
“That damn academy. I’ll graduate in just two years.”
Unlike The Cradle, which was nestled within the Dragon’s Nest, the academy was located in the heart of the Duchy of Troy’s capital.
Famous for its legend of dragonslayers, the Duchy of Troy was situated in the western part of the continent and was under the rule of the Draker Household.
The academy of the Draker Household was the most prestigious knightly institution on the continent, boasting a long-standing tradition since it had been personally established by the family’s founder, Terakan Draker.
For this reason, not just anyone could gain admission into the academy. Only the bloodline of the Draker Household, its vassals, or those who received a special recommendation connected to the family were eligible for entry.
Additionally, it was a place coveted by the heirs of influential figures across the continent, who would pay fortunes to secure admission. Despite the duchy’s relatively small size, the capital housing the academy was as bustling as the imperial capital itself.
The capital, already lively, became even more vibrant every February when the academy’s new semester began.
Thud thud thud thud!
On the day of the new semester, carriages carrying students from all over the continent poured into the academy.
In the central plaza of the academy, not only new students but also upperclassmen were gathering.
They wore black cadet uniforms modeled after the attire of the Draker Household. Many upperclassmen appeared physically robust, with physiques and muscle development so advanced they could be mistaken for adults.
“They’re coming.”
Rumble rumble!
At someone’s remark, a procession of black carriages began to enter the academy.
The assembled students watched the black carriages with tense expressions.
Black carriages emblazoned with the emblem of the dragonslayer—a mark that denoted their origin from The Cradle.
The carriages, lined up in an orderly fashion, stopped at one side of the central plaza.
One by one, the doors opened, and freshmen from The Cradle began stepping out.
The upperclassmen and the other new students alike fixed their gazes on the arrivals from The Cradle with apprehensive expressions.
The students from The Cradle, who had undergone rigorous training since childhood before advancing to the academy, were fundamentally different from regular students.
Not only were they directly or indirectly connected to the Draker Household, but all of them had awakened their Aura through the Blessing Ceremony.
Their starting point was on an entirely different level.
As if to emphasize this, graduates of The Cradle wore ceremonial attire adorned with the dragonslayer emblem, unlike the regular students.
Those who entered the academy from outside looked at them with eyes filled with reverence.
It was during this moment that Reina Turunn—now known as Reina Draker, having earned the right to use the Draker name—made her appearance.
Thud!
As Reina stepped out of the carriage, dozens of students belonging to the Turunn Household who had been waiting in one corner of the plaza approached her and knelt down.
“We greet Reina Draker!”
They deliberately emphasized the name “Draker.”
Reina glanced down at them and gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.
The students of the Turunn Household stood up, straightened their backs, and positioned themselves behind her.
With them in tow, Reina strode confidently into the academy building.
Students like Jakenn Vardec, Leon Conrad, and Owen Zimmens—all heirs to prominent households—had already established their factions within the academy even before enrollment.
At that moment, the door to the last carriage finally opened.
All eyes in the plaza turned toward it.
The door swung open, and out stepped Zeke Draker.
The youngest son of Arthur Draker, the head of the household, and a rumored Pureblood Awakener, Zeke’s name was already well-known at the academy.
Surprisingly, however, Zeke was not wearing the formal attire of the family.
Instead, he descended in casual clothing with a massive claymore slung over his shoulder.
“Phew… How long has it been since I’ve been here?”
In his previous life, Zeke had been expelled from the academy at the age of fifteen and wandered the continent afterward.
Seeing the familiar scenery of the academy buildings stirred old, painful memories.
With his claymore resting on his shoulder, Zeke walked leisurely across the plaza.
The academy, with its vast and maze-like layout, often confused newcomers, but that was not the case for Zeke.
He skillfully navigated his way to the dormitory assigned to him.
“Hmm. Being a Pureblood Awakener really has its perks. To think I’d be given the Platinum Floor.”
As a Pureblood Awakener, Zeke was entitled to an entire floor of a luxury mansion during his time at the academy.
The Platinum Floor provided the floor master with personal attendants, a private training room, a relaxation area, a swimming pool, a sauna, a study room, and various other benefits.
Zeke walked toward the Platinum Mansion, a luxury dormitory rather than the standard dorms.
Its splendid exterior, reminiscent of five-star hotels found in Midland or the Republic of Dortha, and the impeccably disciplined staff exuded elegance and class.
It was a place Zeke could have never imagined setting foot in during his previous life, where he had stayed in shared dormitories.
As he approached the mansion, one of the attendants stepped forward to greet him.
“Welcome, Zeke Draker. We’ve been expecting you.”
Following the attendant’s guidance, Zeke stepped into the mansion.
He entered a lift operated by mana.
“For Pureblood Awakeners, it is recommended to wear gloves as a precaution against potential issues with the lift’s mana system,” the attendant informed him.
Zeke nodded, and the attendant activated the lift.
His assigned floor was the fourth.
Ding!
As the lift doors opened, Zeke was greeted by rows of attendants and maids stationed at the entrance to the fourth floor.
“Welcome, Master!”
It was a scene Zeke had never experienced in his previous life. Although slightly overwhelmed, he maintained a composed demeanor.
At that moment, an elderly butler approached and bowed respectfully.
“It is an honor to serve you, Zeke. If you wish, I can provide a tour of the Platinum Floor and its facilities.”
Zeke waved his hand dismissively.
“Thanks, but the tour can wait. Where are my belongings?”
“Your belongings have already been organized in your room.”
“Show me to the room.”
The butler led Zeke to his quarters.
The entire floor was Zeke’s private space, spanning what seemed like several hundred pyeong (around 3,300 square feet).
When the butler opened the door, the sight inside resembled that of a luxury hotel suite.
“Wow…”
Zeke felt the overwhelming investment power of the Draker Household, known for sparing no expense on talented individuals.
“If you require anything, Master Zeke, please ring the bell at any time,” the butler said before attempting to leave.
Zeke called out to him.
“Where’s Decker?”
“Decker has gone to the academy administrative office to handle your enrollment paperwork.”
“Let him know to come see me when he gets back.”
“Understood.”
After the butler left, Zeke leisurely explored the room, which was as spacious as a training hall.
‘I wasn’t joking when I thought I could train here,’ he thought.
He walked over to a high-end wardrobe made of walnut wood and opened it. Inside were dozens of academy uniforms tailored perfectly to his measurements.
Clicking his tongue in disbelief, Zeke muttered to himself,
“Are they drowning in money or what? The more I see, the more insane this family seems.”
Before Zeke could finish exploring his room, Decker returned, carrying a small box adorned with the dragonslayer emblem.
The moment Zeke saw it, he realized what it contained.
“Gloves, huh?”
“That’s correct. Please open it,” Decker replied.
Zeke lifted the lid of the box Decker held. Inside was a pair of black gloves bearing the emblem of the Draker Household.
“Dragon leather gloves, huh.”
To block Mana Disruption, gloves crafted from dragon leather treated through alchemical processes were necessary.
As the household of dragonslayers, the Draker Household had the largest collection of dragon-related materials on the continent.
Zeke removed his temporary gloves and slipped on the custom pair.
Although the gloves had initially appeared small, they fit perfectly, clinging to his skin as though tailored specifically for him.
He clenched and unclenched his fists, testing the fit and feel of the gloves.
“They’re light… really soft. Honestly, it doesn’t even feel like I’m wearing gloves.”
Unlike the heavy and uncomfortable temporary gloves, these custom-made ones were remarkably comfortable.
Decker closed the box and set it aside, then remarked,
“As a Pureblood Awakener, you’ll need to wear them at all times from now on.”
Though Zeke’s Mana Repulsion constitution had been corrected and transformed into the passive skill Mana Reflection, which no longer needed constant activation, the gloves themselves still provided numerous benefits for Pureblood Awakeners.
Decker then turned to Zeke and asked,
“By the way, was there a specific reason you called for me?”
Zeke picked up the claymore resting beside him, now wearing the gloves.
“This. I need a new one.”
While he could continue using the claymore he had brought from The Cradle, it was ultimately a practice weapon with clear limitations.
Given that the Duchy of Troy was renowned for its high-quality steel and exceptional craftsmen, most academy students obtained their first custom weapon here.
Decker nodded.
“Understood. I’ll find a reputable craftsman for you.”
Zeke shook his head.
“No, I’ve already chosen one.”
He pulled a small slip of paper from his pocket and handed it to Decker.
“Find this person and make a reservation for me. I’ll go see them myself.”
Decker glanced at the note and tilted his head in confusion.
“Is this craftsman famous enough to warrant your personal visit? The name doesn’t ring a bell.”
“They’re not famous… yet. As for why I’m going personally… it’s hard to explain. Just secure the reservation.”
* * *
Decker found the situation somewhat peculiar but nodded nonetheless.
“Understood. I’ll let you know as soon as I secure the reservation. Also, classes begin tomorrow. I’ve placed the admission-related materials on your desk, so please review them thoroughly.”
Zeke clicked his tongue as he looked at Decker.
“Always nagging. Got it. I’ll eat first and then train, so book me a training hall.”
Decker adjusted his monocle and replied with a subtle smile.
“Have you forgotten where you are, Young Master?”
“Huh? Well, this is the Platinum Floor… Oh, right. You mentioned there’s a private training room here.”
Zeke nodded in satisfaction.
‘If there’s a private training room… it’ll give me more freedom to practice Draconian Skills.’
At that moment, there was a knock at the door.
Decker stepped out to check, and the butler entered the room.
“Master Zeke, a message has arrived from another floor master.”
“A message? From who?”
The butler handed Zeke a small note and replied,
“It’s from Lady Reina Draker, the master of the sixth floor.”