ALL NOVEL Chapter 41
[Reincarnated Hero] Having experienced being a [Beta Tester], I came up with one bug in this game.
The thing is, when multiple buffs or debuffs overlap, the highest class debuff is applied first.
At first glance, it seemed like there wasn’t a problem, making it hard to see it as a bug,
but it actually impacted gameplay significantly.
For example, if a foe is afflicted with a Bleed (Lv.1) debuff, and I inflict an equal-level Health Decline (Lv.1) debuff,
the synergy effect that triggers only on an enemy in a bleeding state guarantees that the Health Decline debuff will be a huge success.
Using Water Affinity Magic on an enemy in an Electrocution status allows for additional Electrocution damage, and so forth.
This is a typical case of when debuffs are applied in order.
However, if an enemy afflicted with a Bleed (Lv.1) debuff encounters a Health Decline (Lv.2) debuff,
the higher-tier Health Decline (Lv.2) debuff is applied first, meaning that the derived effect that would trigger in a bleeding state enemy won’t be activated.
‘In short, a damn annoying bug…’
Since it could lead to more drawbacks than benefits, I thought there would be no practical use for it…
and yet, here we are.
I took a deep breath and opened the door to the [Trial 2 Chamber].
Thud.
As I boldly entered Trial 2, I was greeted by a dense fog and a feast of status windows.
Ding.
[Resistance Failed]
[Debuff: Curse of Pain]
[This is a curse that periodically inflicts pain on you.]
[Current Stacking: 1]
[Your field of view is narrowing.]
Ding.
[Resistance Failed]
[Debuff: Curse of Pain]
[This is a curse that periodically inflicts pain on you.]
[Current Stacking: 2]
[Your field of view is blocked.]
“Quick, this is quick…”
Debuffs steadily piled onto my body, which lacked any resistance.
My sight was already in total blackout. When all my senses were cut off and only the pain remained, that’s when the real suffering would begin.
There was no time to delay any longer.
[Ring of Domination]
[Rarity: B-]
[Black Magic: Prerequisite for Mental Domination]
[Equipable]
I immediately donned the Ring of Domination I received from [Liris].
*
Challenging Trial 2 wasn’t just for [Lev Denec].
[Melissa de Prominence], who aimed for the academy’s top student position, was no exception.
Today, she too was absorbed in training against a large scarecrow in the [Training Hall].
Whoosh…
As [Melissa] concentrated, small sigils with coordinates appeared around the scarecrow,
Boom! Ka-boom!
Instantly, these sigils ignited and exploded into red flowers.
A 4th-circle spell, Fire Burst.
As an advanced magic, it boasts considerable firepower.
The scarecrow, three times her size, was entirely incinerated, losing all form.
“Is she really a first-year…?”
“That firepower is impressive, and the casting is clean too. I’d believe it if they said it was a formal spell…”
“Heard she even took out the demon creature during the selection test, right?”
Despite the endless praise from her seniors, [Melissa] paid them no mind.
‘If only I had done this back then…!’
Her dedication to practice stemmed from the memory of that day.
It was the tattered creature from the selection test.
In truth, [Melissa] could have easily dealt with a tattered creature with her skills if she’d just focused back then.
However, in her casual mindset to show the level difference to [Lev Denec], she ended up using mana-intensive magic on the hobgoblin instead.
When she finally encountered the tattered creature, nerves about facing a new demon creature led her to even fail her incantation, wasting mana.
‘I completely misallocated my resources. I’m unqualified as a magician…’
It was a memory she wished to erase.
In contrast, [Lev Denec] didn’t get ruffled by [Melissa]‘s jabs, simply continuing his own training.
‘Even if I threw jabs, it was because I was mocking him first…’
[Ria] was similar.
For reasons unknown, she remained calm while facing demon creatures, successfully rescuing [Edwin].
Thanks to those two, the test could end without a major incident.
‘Why is it that I’m the only one with an S rank…?’
Was it because she was a princess, receiving undisclosed special treatment?
[Melissa] felt an unexplained sense of alienation.
Having grown up surrounded by full attention and love.
‘[Lev Denec]…!’
Still, [Lev], who continuously tried to charm [Ria], remained a thorn in her side.
Bong!
After drinking a potion good for mana recovery, [Melissa] headed to the [Evolution Chamber].
Today she felt great and planned to challenge Trial 2.
At that moment, someone approached [Melissa] at the chamber entrance.
“Back again, huh?”
A red-haired young man, also an S-ranked freshman and second-best, [Caeran Hiss].
Thanks to his handsome face, he was somewhat well-known among all grades.
Lately, their paths often overlapping made [Melissa] unable to ignore him either.
[Melissa] quickly calmed her racing heart and asked curtly.
“…Are you challenging too?”
“No. [Melissa], I have something to discuss with you.”
“……”
His sweet, rich voice never failed to tingle in her ears.
“Can you spare me a little time?”
“I told you last time…”
He was probably going to bring up that Circle, that invitation to the Royal Class he supposedly created.
While it sounded decent, she had refused since he mentioned [Ria] couldn’t enter with her.
Yet, she hadn’t expected him to persist this much.
‘Could he possibly be interested in me…?’
The thought dawned on her, sending a sudden thrill through her.
“Fine. Do whatever you want…”
Finally, [Melissa] gave her permission to accompany him.
“Just like a princess.”
With a smirk, [Melissa] first met him during the [Magic Resonance Class].
He was the first to make her feel frustration in magic resonance and spell deciphering, subjects she was confident in.
She couldn’t help but acknowledge it.
Believable enough to be the prince of the [Jeonguk], he indeed had a handsome face matched with outstanding skills.
Not only did he excel in practical training focusing on mana control and magic formations,
but he also demonstrated remarkable capability in theoretical studies requiring application, like mana circuits and magical engineering.
Simply put, he was an unfathomable genius.
“Eh?”
At that moment, [Caeran] hesitated then patted [Melissa] on the shoulder.
“I think someone is trying Trial 2 right now. Look over there.”
The fear surrounding Trial 2 was a well-shared tale among first-years.
It’s because if you couldn’t remain focused, your senses would gradually cut off, leaving only pain behind.
But someone is actually attempting it…?
“Gray-haired… No way…”
The figure of a familiar male came into [Melissa]‘s view.
“What? Do you know him?”
Of course, she did. But isn’t he from 2-B…?
*
[Reincarnated Academy] Chapter 3.
Thanks to [Edwin]‘s efforts, the corruption of the black market was exposed, fully corrupting [Liris], who began brainwashing [Aria] with mental domination magic.
My cute little doll…
I don’t want to explain it, but [Liris] has begun committing horrendous acts with [Aria]‘s body, heading towards destruction…
In the chapter finale, she resorts to the horrific method of threatening with [Aria]‘s suicide attempt.
[Edwin]! I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…
Ah… [Aria]!
By the way, at this time, [Edwin] was practicing dungeon investigation with [Yeriel]‘s party, as a triangular relationship formed between [Melissa], [Aria], and [Edwin].
Eventually, [Edwin] uses the Executor’s ability for the first time to sever [Liris]‘s brainwashing ring and thwart her plan.
I won’t kill you, even though you were my senior.
In the last part, he shows unreasonable benevolence by not deal with her.
‘It was a buildup to obtain the Holy Sword, but… I really wanted to preemptively strike.’
Anyway, since I made the first move to expose the black market,
[Liris] learned the mental domination spell even faster,
so in order to prevent harm to others, especially [Aria], I had no choice but to take responsibility.
Crash!
[Debuff: Mental Domination]
[Resistance Failed]
As soon as I equipped the Ring of Domination, my body felt completely disconnected from my brain; it wouldn’t listen.
‘Got it!’
[Liris] took over my body.
Just because it’s mental domination doesn’t mean my reasoning is gone.
However, considering my low mental capacity, I can only communicate with the host, [Liris].
And…
Can you hear me, my junior?
I could hear [Liris]‘s voice with a suppressed laugh.
When I replied that I could hear her, she began to cackle.
Doesn’t it suit you?
Since I had built up something during this time, I let her ramble for a while.
Want to guess what I’ll do with your body, junior…
I couldn’t care less.
My focus remained solely on the status window.
Ding.
[Resistance Failed]
[Debuff: Curse of Pain]
[This is a curse that periodically inflicts pain on you.]
[Current Stacking: 9]
[Soon, pain will begin to come…]
‘9 stacks, just right.’
Ding.
[Debuff: Mental Domination]
[Debuff: Curse of Pain]
As expected, the mental domination was layered over the curse of pain.
I laughed in return.
From now on, due to the debuff bug, all curses and pain would only be borne by [Liris]‘s mental strength.
*
Do you hear me clearly?
“Ugh…”
That’s his voice.
< Liris> felt relieved.
He had indeed put the Ring of Domination on!
So foolish.
Who knew he would so obediently submit to being dominated mentally…
From now on, if I merely give him orders, it will be over.
You said you couldn’t accept me as a demon… but…
…
I won’t give up. I’ve dreamed of this day… so from now on, you can think about whatever I do to you.
< Liris> spoke shortly and resolutely.
“It’s a command. Make me a demon.”
Are you really serious about this?
He’s in a mental domination state.
There’s no way for him to refuse.
Guguaaa!!!
“…!”
At that moment, [Liris] felt an incomprehensible pain.
“Ugh…!”
A terrible agony crushed her insides, making her thoughts nearly stop.
“This… is…!”
Sorry, junior, did you think making a demon contract was as simple as a pinky swear?
“What…?”
For some reason, no matter how much she tried to confirm his vision, it was invisible and inaudible.
While [Liris] tried to comprehend the situation, [Lev's] relaxed voice rang.
It’s rather painful for a human to handle my body as a Great Demon, you know?
“What…?”
“Therefore, it’d be best for you to break the mental domination while you still can.”
“Shut up! I can… endure this much…”
Well, seems tough…
“I have to become a demon! I can endure… this much…!”
Okay. Let’s check if you’re qualified. Don’t disappoint me now.
Instead, [Lev Denec] was the one relaxed.
< Liris> steeled her resolve.
His appearance in the student council room was but a fleeting moment, yet he was undoubtedly a demon.
Moreover, he possessed the quality of mana a Great Demon would have.
So this might be her final chance.
Endure it. Hold on. Once the contract’s done, I will command this rude master of mine,
“Cute junior…!”
[Aria]. That bitch, I’ll order him to kill her.
…
…
…
How long has it been?
The chamber’s overseer, [Sinatis].
Why aren’t you moving?
Since entering the room, he hadn’t shown any signs of struggle.
Neither has he used any magic or mana.
Even if in pain, he should be moving…
He lay silently still.
Until the very limit of the time limit.
“[Sinatis]?”
Not knowing the current situation, [Diana] could only read [Sinatis]‘s expression.
The curse emanating from the chamber was of level 4-5.
During the latter phase, a level 5 curse would be released, and if she didn’t use a dispel, he wouldn’t last.
And maintaining composure to dispel a curse in extreme situations isn’t an easy feat, even for third-years…
It could only be one of two scenarios.
An accident occurred, or
he truly managed to endure it.
Click!
At that moment, the chamber door opened.
!!
[Lev Denec] simply…
Yawning and stretching.