ALL NOVEL Chapter 39
I stepped out of Professor Diana’s office, headed toward the Evolution Chamber to investigate Trial 2.
No matter the outcome of my bet with her, it works out in my favor.
If I lose, I can just grow stronger as her disciple.
On the flip side, if I win, I’ll snag the Gray Ashen Bolt, a hidden piece that’s usually only obtainable in the mid-to-late game.
Crossbows are niche weapons, so finding legendary-grade gear is incredibly tricky.
But now, it seems I’ve found a way to get it. Talk about an unexpected honey pot!
And about that item I got from stopping the Naga’s plan before…
——————————————————
[Water Dragon Poseidros’s String]
[Rarity: S]
[A string said to possess the qualities of Poseidros when it existed in physical form. It is said to be difficult to grasp like water and nearly unbreakable.]
[Combination Item]
——————————————————
Given the sturdy structure of a crossbow, finding a bowstring that can withstand this won’t be easy.
In other words, I’ll need something on par with the Gray Ashen Bolt dropped by a Great Demon to make the combination possible.
Of course, if it’s a combination of these two hidden pieces, the equipping conditions will be incredibly demanding, but hey, it’s manageable with my gamer traits.
Finally, arriving at the Evolution Chamber lounge, I ran into a familiar face.
[Reincarnated Academy’s] unfortunate protagonist.
Edwin was completely worn out, taking a breather.
– Chime!
——————————————————
[Edwin Gwynn]
[Status Average]
: 1.9
[Specialization]
Swordsmanship (4)
Divine (2)
[Unique Traits]
Determination (Lv. 3) (Detailed info unavailable)
Execution (Lv. 1) (Detailed info unavailable)
——————————————————
“Geez.”
He’s even lower than me.
I awakened him as an Executor, and yet his stats are still in the 1-point range.
With such poor performance, how does he plan to charm Liris or defeat the Great Demon…?
– GASP!
Noticing me, he casually asked, “Rev, Denec… did you come to challenge the trial as well?”
He must be so uninterested in me that he still can’t remember my name.
A bit hurtful.
Anyway, he seems to be heading for Trial 1.
Frustrated, I decided to say something.
“Hey, try harder, will ya?”
“…Huh?”
“No time to relax! Hurry up and challenge it again.”
“…”
He has a passive for determination.
When that passive activates, he can gain extra experience through hidden bonuses.
So, he actually should be challenging it right now for quicker growth.
Such an infuriating guy.
My not-so-cheerful encouragement made him chuckle a bit.
“Sorry, but for inferiors like us, even Trial 1 is tough. You might find it hard too.”
Then, as if he were my senior, he started to speak confidently.
“I definitely felt a wall. But I’m not going to give up. I’m resolved… I’ll clear it within this week. That’s my promise to Melissa…”
I half-heard Edwin’s words, replaying the story in my mind.
He probably cleared it around this time.
Just as Edwin was about to give up in the Evolution Chamber, Senior Melissa taunted him about how nothing comes easy, making him steel his resolve.
Right now, Edwin’s rank is C, so if he clears the trial, he’ll be the first from rank C to do so.
This is quite unusual at Claris, and from then on, Edwin gets noticed by the main characters.
Edwin spoke to me in a calm tone.
“So, don’t give up either.”
“Sure, good luck with that.”
“No need to look at me like that. I’m going to clear it before you…!”
“Sure, sure. I really hope you do.”
I patted his shoulder, showcasing the classic shounen manga vibes, and headed toward the entrance to Trial 2.
“Uh… Rev Denec? That’s a place for those who have cleared Trial 1.”
“I know.”
I said, leaving behind the mumbling Edwin.
*
– …
A gray-haired boy with black eyes entered Sinatis’s gaze.
Lev Denec.
He arrived.
The one who had given Sinatis a hard time, but was specifically ordered by Spirit King Ariel to be watched over.
Just moments ago, Diana, the lead professor, had contacted her.
– Professor Sinatis, a student named Rev Denec will soon challenge Trial 2.
– By the way, how did that student clear Trial 1?
Sinatis struggled to dodge the question posed to the lead professor, Diana.
– This won’t go easy.
However, Trial 2 is different from Trial 1.
Now, he must endure until the time limit.
The method of cheating with a time limit is to block it in advance.
– A strong heart supports me!
Suddenly, Sinatis recalled the famed quote 324 from Kroon.
Her small fist clenched tightly.
This time, she won’t lose!
Sinatis had firmly resolved herself.
Rev stood before her.
– Come on in.
Sinatis calmly responded, hiding her prior thoughts.
“It’s been a while.”
– Yeah.
Had he always been this way?
Or was he different due to the curse lifting, as Ariel said?
He’s less unlikable than expected.
Just a sharp-looking young man.
However, Sinatis found this man challenging.
Typically, when new students realize they’re monsters, they are taken aback, but this guy didn’t seem that way.
“I’ll enter Trial 2.”
His words were confident.
Among this round of new students, no one had attempted Trial 2 yet; what was he thinking?
– ‘Fine. Think.’
Sinatis shook off her thoughts and answered expressionlessly.
– 2-A, there’s a spot. Go in.
For now, he’s aiming to become a Marksman.
So, the A room for testing strength and agility would fit.
“Yes.”
Rev confidently walked into the chamber.
– ‘Not hesitating at all?’
Sinatis felt a bit anxious about his series of actions.
She had no idea how he planned to clear this.
But the settings for the trial were clear.
The time he has to endure in that room is 20 minutes, which will not be easy.
And how many seconds passed…
– Professor.
-!!
Sinatis heard his voice from within.
And the following statement…
– I forfeit.
– Uh…?
Within 10 seconds, no, not even 5 seconds after entering, he forfeited.
And if he forfeits, he cannot attempt the same trial for a week.
This is the same for clearing it.
Rev Denec had set a deadline for the bet with Professor Diana, until before the dungeon practice.
So, it practically means the outcome is already decided.
‘Did I win…? Uh?’
Caught off guard, Sinatis remained confused for a while.
*
Unlike Trial 1, which only checked the maximum strength or magic power,
Trial 2 checks four different aspects and is divided into two chambers accordingly.
The first checks stamina and agility, while the second checks mana and mental strength.
Physical-type students who require stamina undergo the Trial in Chamber 2-A.
Magic-type students who utilize mana face the trial in Chamber 2-B.
When Rev entered Chamber 2-A under Sinatis’s instructions, thankfully nothing had changed from the novel.
Holes drilled into the walls at regular intervals…
The test in Trial 2 is all about concentration and perseverance.
In 2-A, all he must do is dodge the rain of arrows pouring from those holes.
In a similar manner, 2-B involves a magic mist, and if you endure it with mental strength, you clear it.
——————————————————
Status
[Strength]: 2.6
[Stamina]: 2.9
[Agility]: 2.2 (2.86)
[Magic Power]: 1.45 (1.59)
[Mana]: 1.7
[Mental Strength]: 1.9
[Sensitivity]: 1.45
[Luck]: 3.0
[Specialization]
Circle Magic (1)
Crossbow – Proficiency (6)
——————————————————
However, looking at my agility and stamina, there’s obviously a limit.
A minimum of 4 in either would even hint at possible success.
And that stat is unattainable even with training all week.
‘Guess there’s only one option.’
But, I already knew I wouldn’t be able to clear it.
Seeing that the status window hasn’t popped up for modifications means that the possibility is there.
So I decided to forfeit cleanly.
“I forfeit.”
*
“The basics of mana sensitivity involve exploring mana in objects up to 6 levels.”
In Harpan’s [Basics of Mana Sensitivity] class, Aria Bluebell listened attentively.
“First, clear the surroundings and calm your mind. Then select the area where you want to sense from where your mana reaches.”
This class is considered challenging among students, so only those from A and S class typically enroll.
“Next, inject mana to explore the information within the object and re-search the appropriate spell. During this process, the caster must uncover new information…”
Meticulously reviewing and revising, Aria found the class manageable,
But she inadvertently let her mind wander.
‘For the upcoming dungeon practice…’
She must partner up with Rev Denec.
Aria was quite certain.
Specifically, the dormitory supervisor, Yeriel from the Black House.
When considering her connection with Rev, she had a feeling that Elder Yeriel would suggest forming a party with him.
In that case, if she requested, they could party together again this time.
‘Monsters are different, though…’
According to what Aria heard, he was very fast in duels, but his power was weak.
Just enough to temporarily stun the opponent.
However, when he dealt with the rag, the power of his crossbow was visibly terrifying.
And when he returned from Evenbaugh with an unknown demon,
There were no traces of battle at all.
This means,
‘He probably took them out in one hit.’
Rev Denec is strong.
Perhaps even stronger than she thought.
But he was hiding his strength at the academy.
Why could that be? Is it due to his ties with demons?
‘So this time…’
She had to see for herself.
See how much power he’s hiding and what happens when he doesn’t hide it and uses dark magic.
“That’s all for today’s class. Mana sensitivity requires high levels of concentration, so make sure to meditate often.”
After class ended,
Aria tried to move on to her next class when a platinum-haired elf, Selena, appeared in front of her.
“Aria Bluebell, can we talk for a minute?”
.
.
.
– Ding! Quick effect potion!
In the drugstore selling drinks for students suffering from chronic mana deficiency, the two faced each other in the small break room.
Both were rumored to be pretty even at Claris Academy.
The only difference was that Selena was about a head taller than Aria.
– …
The two were the same A rank, but the only common point they had was Rev Denec.
In a duel with Gailon,
Aria helped Rev and Selena recover from fatigue and quickly yielded the space.
Selena merely taught Rev archery.
They had only exchanged simple nods.
The first to speak was Selena.
“Are you close with Rev Denec?”
It was a tough question for Aria.
But if she had to choose between black and white, her answer would be this.
“It’s hard to say that we are close.”
As expected, Selena delved into her matter.
“That’s good. I’ll be straightforward. Rev Denec. Stay away from him.”
“…Can I ask why?”
“He’s dangerous.”
“That’s true.”
“……”
With Aria agreeing so rapidly, Selena was taken aback.
But she had to say what she needed to, she couldn’t be involved.
So, she opened her mouth again.
“I’d like to ask for one favor.”
“Go ahead.”
“For the upcoming dungeon practice, I plan to team up with Rev Denec. So…”
“Selena, excuse me, but I’m doing the same.”
Seeing Aria not back down, Selena sighed softly.
“Aria Bluebell, I have something important to verify…”
“I’m in the same boat. Sorry.”
“……”
For some reason, the opinions of the conversation’s participants had been completely disregarded,
Leading to a crafty psychological battle…
– Hey! I bought some potions…
– Oh, sorry…
A male student trying to enter the break room closed the door and stepped out again.
Selena seemed to find the situation absurdly funny and asked,
“You don’t have any… personal feelings for Rev Denec, do you?”