《Reincarnation Of A Swordsman: The Omni Mage》


 Chapter 1: Prologue

    I''m Kyle Lin. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I was born in a world where one''s strength reigned supreme... A world ruled by the strong and not the weak!


    Here at Yurigur, we were blessed with the precious Qi!


    That discovery was made when I was just 6, that was about... A decade ago.


    The person who discovered Qi was kind enough to teach the ways of cultivation, thereby attaining fame. After all, if he didn''t, surely another would figure it out.


    Like every kid, I wanted to be strong and I had the talent so I began cultivating two years after that!


    Cultivation tremendously improves one''s physical strength, so with that martial practitioners became relevant.


    I diligently trained in the way of the sword earning me the title of a swordsmaster at the age of 15!


    All things turned for the worse with the transformation of creatures. We never took into account animals being able to use Qi.


    With this, calamity befell upon humanity!


    Millions began to die as their house pets revolted against them! That was just a little of our worries as all the wild beasts came together to destroy us!


    Humanity stayed firm and organized a troop of strong ones to battle the Qi beasts.


    Yes! I was among those who volunteered to fight.


    After all, while pursuing power only to sit back and witness the world''s fall.


    I picked up my katana which had yet to taste any blood since its creation, and went into the forest.


    I was scared!


    I was excited!


    Being among the first assault group, I entered the forest with slaughter being my goal.


    I reaped the lives of hundreds of beasts with my sword thereby honing my skills.


    I learned to survive and every day was a challenging one.


    A time came, that we slowly began to have the advantage!


    The amount of beasts in the forests began to reduce rapidly!


    Humanity was winning!


    Until a day came when an object was detected in space, coming down at a rapid speed to Yurigur.


    Humanity retorted to its weapons, as all was done in an attempt to shoot it down.


    Crossing the atmosphere, it became invincible under the eyes of all!


    Until it struck! Where? On me.


    [Reincarnation in the process...]


    .


    .


    .


    [Reincarnation successful!]


    .


    .


    .


    [Welcome to Zekkoa!]

 Chapter 2: New Beginnings

    [Welcome to Zekkoa!]


    "What''s happening?"


    [You''ve received a system and have been reincarnated in another world]


    "How? Reincarnation? Did I die?"


    [No, Your physical body was destroyed and another was created in which you''re currently inhabiting]


    ''No wonder I feel weaker, though I still feel like myself,'' he inwardly said while feeling his body.


    [Yes, the created body is exactly like yours]


    "Wait, you can read my mind... Oh yeah, you''re in my head, I think."


    "Why me? And what''s this system stuff you''re speaking about?"


    [You''ve been chosen by Pyrrhus, god of the Alcyoneus Galaxy]


    "Pyrrhus? god?"


    [....]


    "Hold on! Where exactly am I?"


    [New quest: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Awaken your element]


    [Time limit: 7 days]


    [Reward: Unlock Status]


    "Wait! What happened to everyone at Yurigur?"


    "I know we would win the war, but what if..." He started to get anxious as he thought of them.


    "I have to return." He said with resolve.


    "Hey system, take me back to Yurigur, I don''t want any of the power you speak of."


    Receiving no response he pleaded. "Please, oh great system, take me to Yurigur."


    Just before he could go on his knees, a girl''s voice was heard next to him.


    "Are you okay?"


    Turning his head in the direction of the sound, he took his time to observe his surroundings, something he had not done since coming here.


    He appeared to be in what looked like a forest, a dense one as of that. At his left stood a blonde-haired girl, about 169 cm tall, with fair, porcelain-like skin that seemed to glow.


    Her striking green eyes was filled with youthful determination, betraying her teenage years. Slung over her back was a quiver full of sleek arrows, while her hands held a finely crafted bow.


    Noticing his scrutinizing gaze on her, she tightened her grip on the bow.


    "Are you okay?" She repeated, this time raising her voice slightly.


    Noticing his scrutinizing gaze on her, she tightened her grip on the bow.


    "Are you okay?" She repeated, this time raising her voice slightly.


    "You''re an indigene right?!! Can you help me go back to Yurigur?? Please!! I''m begging."


    "Sorry, but I don''t understand what you''re saying, neither do I know of this Yurigur you speak of."


    ''I might not be able to go back, after all I haven''t heard of any other life existing in our solar system,'' Kyle thought to himself.


    Seeing him quiet she asked, "How did you arrive here then?"


    "I..."


    [Warning!]


    [Knowledge of the system is not to be exposed]


    ''Ha! And what can you do to stop me,'' he teased inwardly.


    [Nothing] sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Nothing?!! I was expecting a kind of threat or something.''


    [But others would kill to obtain it from you]


    He shuddered at the thought of his brain being opened.


    "You were saying?" the girl asked again. It seemed like she was beginning to get annoyed.


    "I remember nothing. I was in my world and Bam! I''m here," he lied.


    "That''s strange, I''ve never heard of something of this sort before."


    "Follow me, I''ll take you to see my mum."


    "Thanks!"


    ''Time to learn more about this world, it might turn out to be similar to my previous world, after all, she was holding a bow and arrow.'' Kyle thought as he followed the girl.


    As they walked, he told her about Yurigur whilst learning about Zekkoa, turns out this world wasn''t a cultivation world but a magic world, one where awakened mages wield elements as a means of attack. Riya hadn''t awakened her element yet.


    After about 10 minutes of walking, they arrived at a building that had a board saying: Grace''s place.


    "It''s this your house?" Kyle asked while wondering why here looked so declined in technology.


    "Nope, It''s where my mum treats the villagers," she''s a healer, a powerful one as of that.


    "Riya, who''s the boy with you?" A fair blonde-haired woman stood up from where she sat and asked. "Wait! Don''t tell me you finally found a boyfriend."


    "Stop it, Mum, it isn''t funny, he''s just a boy I found, he claims to be from another world but does not remember how he got here," Riya explained.


    "Interesting! An alien, I''ll try to see if I can help him with his memory," Grace said with her hand on her chin. "Where exactly did you find him?"


    "At the forest," Riya quickly replied before realizing her blunder.


    "RIYA! WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT VENTURING INTO THE FOREST ALONE?" she screamed.


    "YOU''RE GROUNDED FOR A WEEK, YOUNG LADY!!" she added angrily.


    "I just went to train at the outside perimeter, I didn''t even encounter any mana beast," she pleaded but was interrupted with another order.


    "Make that 2 weeks, young lady."


    The angry Riya had already left the room making sure to close the door hard enough.


    "That girl," she sighed. "She doesn''t understand I''m trying to help her."


    "Where did you say you came from again, young man? Pardon me, I''m Grace Wood, you are?"


    "I''m Kyle, Kyle Lin from Yurigur. Nice to meet you, ma''am," he answered with a bow as a sign of respect.


    "Nice to meet you too, Kyle. So, I heard you have problems remembering how you arrived here. Do you mind letting me try to heal you?" she asked him while gesturing him towards the bed.


    "Sure," Kyle replied while lying on the sole bed of the room as instructed.


    Golden light could be seen around Grace''s hand as she moved it through his head.


    "Your brain is in good shape Kyle, I''m afraid I can''t help you with your memory, though I''d love to hear about Yurigur."


    "No problem ma''am."


    So he began to explain about Yurigur, hiding the part of an object hitting him.


    "I see. You must not expose that you''re not from this world to anyone," Grace warned. "In the meantime, you''ll be staying with me, I''ll close in a few hours then we can head to your new home"


    "Okay ma''am"


    After which she sat cross-legged as if one was cultivating.


    ''Woah! They cultivate here too.'' Kyle thought with excitement


    "What are you doing, ma''am?" Kyle asked.


    "I''m cultivating."


    "What''s that?" Kyle asked. "Is it the same as I usually do at Yurigur?"


    "Most likely, we mages improve and regain our mana by absorbing the one found in the atmosphere, though for more concentrated mana, a mana core is used, which is gotten mostly from beasts, but can also be gotten from other living things that use mana."


    "To cultivate, you need to have awakened your element. The awakening ceremony is next week, so you''re in luck." Grace said. "You''re up to 15, right?"


    "Yes ma''am, I am"


    "Okay, so you and Riya will awaken next week."


    ''Hmm, that would be nice.''


    Soon, Kyle fell asleep. Awakened by the sound of the door, what greeted him was a gruesome sight.


    "Madam!! Madam!! Please help us!" cried out a man carrying another whose hand seemed to be chopped off by a beast. And the blood was a whole lot.


    Grace had already jumped off her mat and rushed to attend to the man, she seemed unfazed by the sight of much blood, though there was worry written on her face for the man.


    Immediately the man was laid on the bed she cast a healing spell on him, this time using dark magic, turns out Madam Grace is the first and only dual elementalst in the town of Frulia. One of the dark and light elements to boast, two extremely rare elements.


    Grace used the spell to stop the bleeding, which eventually stopped after 2 minutes of spell-casting. Then she brought out a pebble-shaped object and entered into a trance state, it looked like she was cultivating again. After about 3 minutes, one who looked well enough would notice its diminished size.


    She got back up and went to the man, this time using light magic to clot the arm, to prevent infection.


    After the process was over, and Grace was done recovering her energy she finally said to the man, "Your fee would be 1 gold coin."


    "I don''t know how to express my gratitude, Madam. I only have 50 silver coins with me, can you accept this for now? I promise I''ll get the remaining 50 no.. 75 to you tomorrow," he pleaded.


    "Okay, I''ll take that, bring the remaining 50 tomorrow," stressing on the 50 and not 75.


    "Thank you, madam! How can I repay you?" he said with tears of joy.


    "Don''t worry. If he wishes to regrow his arm, you''ll have to take him to meet a great mage in the city. Make sure he gets enough rest, and if any problem arises with the arm, you can repay me a visit." With this Grace dismissed them and went back to her mat.


    ''I learned a lot from this discussion, the most intriguing one being that one could have more than one element, and Madam Grace is surprisingly one of those.''


    ''Seems like she is a big shot here in Frulia. Also, the currency used here is just like in the Middle Ages; gold and silver, pretty sure bronze should follow in descending order of value.''


    ''I wonder what elements I awaken, I hope to become a dual elementalist too!''


    "Ma''am, is it possible to know what element one would awaken?" Kyle asked expectantly.


    "Not any way I know of, and these old bones sure have been through a lot,"


    "Old?? You look like you''re 30!" Kyle said with surprise.


    "Looks can indeed be deceiving, Kyle, as this lady is thrice your age. When one climbs up stages in cultivation, their life span is increased," Grace added.


    "Don''t get your hopes too high though, 92% of people never awaken," Grace quickly reminded him after seeing the excited look on his face.


    Kyle''s mood suddenly turned sour upon this revelation.


    "Don''t be down Kyle, I believe you''ll awaken," she reassured him after having given him the sad truth to avoid rash actions in case he fails to awaken.


    Eventually, the day ended with no other patients coming to get treated.


    "Let''s head home! Kyle," Grace called.

 Chapter 3: Training with Riya

    "Let''s head home! Kyle," Grace called.


    ''Finally!''


    "We would go to the market to purchase some stuff before we go home," Grace said to him after having traveled some meters.


    Soon, they arrived at the marketplace; it looked like your typical supermarket, split into different sections. They headed to the food section.


    Arriving at a store they met a tan middle-aged woman sitting before a table, cultivating.


    "I''d want a kilogram of meat, Martha," requested Grace.


    "Greetings madam Grace!" said Martha as she opened her eyes before arising from the chair which she sat on. "Of which tier, madam?"


    "900 grams of tier 0 meat, and 100 of tier 1," Grace quickly replied.


    "Okay, that''ll be 19 silver coins."


    After paying Grace took the meat and handed it over to Kyle, they were coated in a nylon-like material which felt cool on Kyle''s hand.


    "What''s that?" Kyle asked.


    "It''s a magic material, that helps to keep the meat cold, preventing spoilage," said Grace.


    Before they could take their leave, Martha called out, "Who''s the kid?"


    "Uhh... A friend of mine passed away. This is her kid, he''ll be staying with me in the meantime." Grace answered before asking, "Is there a problem?"


    "No madam, I was just curious," Martha said while raising her hands. She turned to Kyle and asked, "What''s your name little one?"


    "Kyle, Kyle Lin."


    "Sorry for the loss of your mum, Kyle," Martha said with sympathy, she could imagine how hard it was on the poor boy.


    "No problem ma''am, I''ve gotten over it," Kyle replied, pretending to wipe his eyes.


    Soon, they left the place and bought other food items, as they walked past the food section, they went through the weapon section. Kyle''s eyes were fixated on the training swords hung at a store.


    Grace upon noticing this asked:


    "Do you want me to buy anything for you?"


    "No ma''am, I''m okay," though he wanted a katana to practice with, how could he bother Grace for his selfish interests.


    "Sorry Kyle, but you don''t have a choice, I''ve decided to buy you something so what do you want," she replied with a smirk.


    "But..."


    "No buts, Kyle. Now let''s head over to the sword store I saw you staring at. When Riya wanted a bow, she dragged me to a store, and made me purchase a real bow for her," she quickly cut him off while dragging his arm to the store.


    "Nate! My boy here wants a sword,"


    "Greetings Madam Grace! Little one which sword would you want?" asked Nate.


    "I''d want this katana, sir!" Kyle answered while pointing at a katana hung on the wall.


    "Sure, that''d be 50 silver coins," Nate said, already packaging the katana.


    "What??!"


    ''That crap is made of wood! Is this guy alright?'' Kyle said internally while gritting his teeth.


    "Thanks for your time. We''ll be going," Kyle said with a wry smile.


    "Says who, Kyle?" Grace questioned before turning her head to Nate and saying, "We''ll be taking it, Nate."


    "Thank you, ma''am! This your boy is a funny one." Nate said with a wide laugh as he accepted the money from Grace.


    ''He''s probably laughing at us for being scammed.''


    After purchasing the items, they went home.


    "Welcome to your new home, Kyle!" Grace said to Kyle after they arrived.


    The house was¡­well not as Kyle imagined. It seemed to be a bungalow, those long types found in the villages. It stood firm despite being made of mud! Compared to other houses at Frulia, it didn''t seem so bad.


    "Riya!" Grace called out as she brought Kyle into the house.


    "Yes, mu... Hold it! What are you doing here?" Riya who came in from the back door turned towards Kyle upon noticing him.


    "Cough, cough. Is this how you welcome a guest, I''ll be staying here for the meantime." Kyle said with a smile.


    "On whose permission?!!" Riya asked with an angry expression.


    "I allowed him to stay here, Riya. Did you forget he has nowhere to stay??" Grace pointed out. "Help me show him around the house, he shall stay in the guest room."


    "Follow me," Riya called out to Kyle, she still seemed annoyed.


    ''What''s up with her? Ohh! Probably due to the morning incident. No wonder she''s so grumpy.''


    As they walked Riya observed the the item he held in his hand.


    "What''s that?"


    "It''s a training sword. Your mum got it for me!" Kyle replied.


    "You can use a sword?" Riya asked, her mood changing instantly.


    "Of course! Back at Yurigur, I was identified as a sword master," Kyle said with a smug look on his face.


    "Ha ha ha! You jest. Since you claim to be good, entertain a spar?" Riya asked Kyle expectantly.


    "Sure. But I think it would be better after I''m done refreshing," Kyle replied while already walking. "Where was the guest room again?"


    "No! We''ll spar now," Riya said already dragging Kyle''s hand away.


    ''I''ve been hauled away against my wishes twice today!! What have I gotten myself into?''


    They went through the back door where Kyle saw a cleared field.


    "Though I''m more trained with a bow, I can still beat you up with a sword. The problem is where I''ll get an extra sword from." Riya said to Kyle upon arrival.


    "I don''t mind you using your bow," Kyle said with a smile.


    "That won''t make sense."


    "How about this? We''ll keep a distance of 100m apart, then you can fire at me. I aim to avoid the arrows from hitting me without moving out of your range."


    "If any of that happens it''s your win, but if after 2 minutes you don''t hit me It''s my win."


    "Ha! You overrate yourself. Sure, but don''t cry to me about fairness after you lose. I''ll go get my bow."


    ''I can''t lose. No, I won''t lose.'' Kyle said to himself.


    "Ok, ready?" Riya said after arriving.


    Begin!


    Riya shot an arrow while observing his actions. As the arrow flew, Kyle observed it whilst positioned in the best way to parry it.


    He had to hit it with enough force to make it change trajectory and not too much for his Katana to handle without breaking. After all, it was a wooden one.


    Upon the arrow''s arrival, Kyle parried it seamlessly. "Let''s get serious, shall we?" Riya said with a smirk.


    Immediately she shot two arrows in rapid succession, Kyle''s blood seemed to boil as he parried them with ease. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    An arrow seemed to be coming every 2 seconds but they all littered the floor around Kyle.


    Just before the 2 minutes were almost up, Riya was already exhausted from overexerting herself. She decided to put her all into her final attack making her bow lie horizontally and nocking 5 arrows into it, she fired it at Kyle giving him no room to dodge.


    "I guess it''s game over, Kyle," Riya said whilst dropping her bow. The shot put a toll on her.


    ''No I can''t lose! I can block this one!''


    Kyle didn''t try to run as Riya expected but stood firm and prepared to face the incoming arrows.


    "SHATTER!!!" Kyle screamed.


    A white line came out from Kyle''s katana as the arrows were cleanly cut in half upon contact.


    Kyle''s hair swayed and his eyes shone a white light as was overflowing with power.


    Soon enough, the effect seemed to die down.


    [Congratulations!]


    [You have learned Aura: Sword intent!]


    [Sword intent mastery: 1%]


    Sword intent?! What''s that? System?


    [¡­.]


    Before Kyle could say anything else he felt like his energy was taken away from him after which he fell unconscious.

 Chapter 4: Revisiting the Forest

    "What happened? Where am I?" Kyle got up from a bed as he observed the room he stayed in.


    Scenes of what happened began to ravage his mind. "Ohh! Now I remember, I probably fell unconscious. This should be my room"


    The door creaked open as Riya entered the room. "You''re awake? It''s been just an hour!" Coming closer she asked, "What exactly happened out there?"


    "I''m as curious as you are," Kyle replied.


    "Hmm, my mum wants to see you, she was so worried when I brought you to her. But first, you stink so take a bath, I already kept some water for you to use in the bathroom," Riya said before leaving the room.


    Kyle waited for her to leave the room before sniffling himself. "She''s right; I smell horrible."


    Entering into the bathroom, though not as equipped as his own at Yurigur. It still had all the essentials; a bar of soap, a sponge, and a pail filled with water.


    After spending 15 minutes in the bathroom, making sure to appear spotless. Kyle left the bathroom.


    "I have no extra clothes! Would I really wear back these dirty ones? I should get some clothes," Kyle said with a wry smile.


    Kyle made sure to head to Grace''s room after refreshing.


    "Excuse me, ma''am, It''s Kyle," Kyle said while knocking on Grace''s room.


    "Come in," Grace said from inside.


    Grace sat at the center of the room in a lotus position, cultivating. "Have a sit Kyle," Grace said, pointing at the sole chair in the room.


    "I heard from Riya about what happened. Is it by any means related to Yurigur or Qi?"


    "No ma''am, I haven''t experienced something like this before today," Kyle explained.


    "Okay. Can you repeat what you did before?" Grace asked.


    "I''m not sure, but I can try," Kyle admitted.


    "Sure, but not now. You''ll do so after eating, Riya is preparing dinner. You can leave, Kyle" Grace said as she went back to her cultivation.


    ''I''ll find Riya, so I can help her out with the cooking!''


    "Can I help you out?" Kyle asked Riya after finding her in the kitchen.


    "Why not? Can you cook?" Riya asked Kyle with surprise.


    "Of course! How then did I survive 6 months in the wild?" Kyle answered with pride.


    "Congrats on your win! How were you able to release such power?" Riya asked, breaking the silence.


    "I do not know, I''ll try to see if I can do it again after dinner," Kyle replied.


    "You said something before your slash. Didn''t it have anything to do with it?" Riya questioned.


    "I''m very sure it didn''t, I just said ''shatter''. It''s a way of adding conviction to your attack." Kyle replied with a chuckle.


    "We''ll see if you can repeat the feat then," Riya said to Kyle while continuing her cooking.


    "Sure," Kyle replied, already helping her out with the cooking.


    After dinner was ready, they all ate to their satisfaction. Kyle was surprised at how nutritious the meat tasted.


    ''If the tier 0 meat already tastes this good, I can''t help but wonder what the tier 1 meat tastes like,'' he couldn''t help to lick his lips as he thought.


    "I see you enjoyed your meal, Kyle," Grace asked with a smile.


    "Yes ma''am, the meal was nice. Great job, Riya!" Kyle replied with a grin.


    "When you''ve digested your food, you come to the backyard, let''s analyze your attack," Grace reminded him before going outside.


    "Okay, ma''am!" Kyle replied with enthusiasm.


    After Kyle was done eating, he came outside to see Grace and Riya receiving the moonlight "I''m ready ma''am," Kyle said.


    "SLASH!!!" Kyle screamed out but was shocked to see no results.


    "Riya, shoot him your arrows, make sure to not alert him," Grace instructed Riya.


    Riya nodded her head in agreement with Grace''s instructions, nocking 5 arrows at once as she did before!


    Kyle on noticing the arrows didn''t bother to dodge, raising his sword at the arrows,


    "SHATTER!!!"


    It was already too late for him to dodge, as he stood firm awaiting the attack. Grace upon seeing no change whatsoever flicked her fingers making the arrows disintegrate with dark magic, centimeters before impacting Kyle.


    "Maybe it was a one-time stuff, but don''t give up Kyle keep on practicing your sword maybe you''ll be able to wield that power soon. But when you do, make sure to tell no one until you''re strong enough," Grace said.


    "Thank you, ma''am!¡­" Kyle said to Grace but was immediately cut off by Riya.


    "I deserve a thank you at least! Do you know how hard it was to pull off that shot yet I did it twice today," Riya ranted.


    "Sorry Riya, thanks to you too!" Kyle said with a slight smile. ''She looks cute when angry!''


    "Good night! I''m going to sleep," Grace said already going inside.


    Riya followed before Kyle finally went inside to sleep.


    Kyle woke up to see the day was already bright, he quickly did some push-ups. This has become a habit of his, this weak body of his could only perform 30 when strained, at Yurigur he could do push-ups for hours but he made doing a 100 every morning a routine!


    "Good morning ma''am!" Kyle greeted Grace who was at the dining.


    "Kyle, you''re up. How was your night?" Grace asked with a cheerful smile.


    "It was splendid ma''am!" Kyle replied with a smile. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Soon enough, Riya arrived with breakfast. As they ate Riya asked Grace, "Mum can me and Kyle go to the forest to train? That would be a nice place for Kyle to practice that power."


    "No," Grace replied, still enjoying her meal.


    "But you said I could go if I had company?" Riya asked, this time pouting her lips.


    "And I also said you were grounded," Grace added.


    "Ma''am, please I would also like to visit the forest and also purchase some clothes. Please let Riya off this one time," Kyle said, joining in on the conversation.


    "I''ll allow the two of you to go, but only because of Kyle. Be safe out there!" Grace warned, finally giving in.


    "Thanks, ma''am!" Kyle said with a smile.


    "You can set out once you''re done having your food," Grace reminded them.


    Kyle and Grace quickly finished having their meals, after which they got ready to depart. Grace gave Kyle 20 silver coins before they left who after much ''persuasion'' accepted.


    "We''re back in here again! Feels like it was just yesterday," Kyle said to Riya as they entered the forest.


    "How do you usually practice?" Kyle asked Riya.


    "I normally hone my archery skills by attempting to get a fruit with an arrow without damaging the fruit," Riya replied.


    "I''ll teach you some basic training exercises, it''ll help in your muscle development," Kyle told Riya after which he taught her to do a press-up. After which they repeated their last training exercise, in hopes for Kyle to summon the ''white line'' again.


    "Is it possible for us to hunt in this forest?" Kyle asked after seeing no results in training.


    "Do not say something like that again... Because if we encounter even a tier 0 beast we''re screwed. How do you expect us to fight beasts without magic? These puny arrows can''t even scratch a mana beast." Riya scolded, reacting to Kyle''s question.


    "Sorry! Back at Yurigur, I slayed over a hundred Qi beasts." Kyle said with pride.


    "Really!" Riya replied with a sarcastic smile.


    "I''m serious, whatever," Kyle gave up trying to convince her.


    "Stop acting like..."


    Growl.


    Riya immediately stopped speaking when she heard the sound. It was already too late to dodge, as the feline beast had already pounced at her.


    "Ah..." Riya''s scream was interrupted when Kyle who saw the beast, shoved her away from its path.


    The beast missing its pounce, got angry as it rose from the ground, getting ready for another.


    "That is a... Ma..na beast!" Riya managed to say, with a frightened look.


    Kyle sized up the creature, it looked strong, really strong, he felt he could defeat it, with his former body, that is. "Riya! Let''s leave here now!" Kyle screamed anxiously.


    Riya upon coming to terms with the current situation, immediately got up to flee. Unfortunately for them, the beast was poised at their escape path.


    Kyle and Riya didn''t need a moment to think before quickly deciding to flee in the opposite direction.


    The beast which was just a couple of meters away from them didn''t leave them be, of course. It only took some seconds to quickly realize their plan after which it strider towards them.


    "Riya!! Let''s separate; that would increase our chances." Kyle said.


    Riya immediately nodded, not bothering to reply. She dropped her bow and ran towards the west, Kyle decided to flee east, after confirming Riya''s decision.


    The beast was confused by their actions, buying them some more seconds, before it decided to pursue Kyle.


    ''This damn beast chose me after all! Not that I''d have wanted it to chase Riya, would I?'' Kyle had a wry smile as he thought.


    ''How long have I been sprinting for? This cat seems to be toying with me; it doesn''t seem to be exhausted. Kyle cried inwardly, slightly turning his head to observe the cat.


    Focusing his eyes ahead, Kyle observed a Bear, that seemed asleep, though already showing signs of getting up.


    ''I''m screwed!''

 Chapter 5: Its time!

    ''I''m screwed!''


    ''What even made me come back to this forest? I didn''t even gain anything!'' Kyle cried internally as he began to ponder,


    ''Running further won''t help, so I''ll have to take it on! Though that''ll be stupid I''m left with no other choice.''


    Kyle halted and turned to face the beast. The beast was confused at his sudden change.


    "Hey, are you gonna watch me all day? I don''t have much time to spare. So let''s get this over with," Kyle taunted, perfectly hiding his fear.


    The beast, angered, pounced at Kyle. Reading its attack, he easily sidestepped to the left allowing the beast to fall on the ground.


    Seizing the opportunity, Kyle used his katana to slash at the exposed skin of the beast.


    Slash!


    "Well, won''t say I wasn''t expecting that," Kyle said with a tense look, embarrassed of his unfutile attack, ''At least I tried.''


    "It was nice playing with you, kitty! Have a nice day!" Kyle said shamelessly as he turned around to flee, this time, out of the forest.


    Just before Kyle could transverse 10 meters, he saw the beast at his front, its face radiating rage!


    Growl.


    The beast once again pounced on Kyle, giving him no time to dodge and pinning him to the ground.


    Kyle was already bleeding from the beast''s claws, "Am I really going to die like this? I didn''t even get to learn magic," Kyle questioned after realizing his hopeless situation, "No, I refuse."


    Kyle forcefully tried to free himself from the beast''s paw without success, the beast withdrew an arm to slash at Kyle, giving him the chance to wriggle out.


    Kyle immediately grabbed his dropped katana and took a stance, not bothering to try running.


    The beast once again approached Kyle, its body enhanced with flames! This time it was serious.


    Kyle raised his katana high and slashed,


    "CUT!!"


    Kyle cried out.


    Once again his eyes shone white as his sword released a white line which cut the beast in two, slaying it!


    [Congratulations!]


    [You have slain tier 1 mana beast: flame tiger!]


    [Rewards will be obtained when the status is unlocked]


    [You''ve obtained mana core!]


    Kyle relaxed his head, trying his best to not pass out, "Woah! System, you''re still there?" Kyle asked with sarcasm.


    ''The power, it came again! Hmm, is it because my life was under threat.?I managed to kill a tier 1 beast, with a slash!'' Kyle pondered.


    "But first, I need to find Riya!" Kyle immediately began searching for Riya, fortunately he didn''t encounter any other beast as he retraced his steps.


    Moving towards the point where they separated, Kyle encountered Riya; already with her bow and was searching for him.


    "I''m glad you survived! What happened with the beast?" Riya asked after meeting Kyle.


    "I slayed it!" Kyle replied with a grin.


    "Stop kidding and tell me what happened," Riya asked with an annoyed expression.


    "I did slay it. You know that stuff that happened when we first trained? It came again and I managed to kill it with a strike!" Kyle added, shocking Riya even more.


    "A strike?!! That''s not possible! Let''s head home first!" Riya said, still pondering on what he said.


    "We didn''t buy the clothes," Kyle reminded.


    "True, we''ll do that," Riya replied.


    Kyle and Riya arrived home after their ''little'' adventure.


    Grace already back from work, sat at the front of the house, cultivating as usual.


    "Kyle, Riya, you''re back!" Grace called out, opening her eyes.


    Kyle who was still about 20 meters away from her said internally, ''She''s aware.''


    They both came closer before greeting her.


    "How was your adventure? Was it fruitful?"


    "Today was one hell of a day!" Kyle exclaimed before he began to recount the event.


    "Thank God you two are alright!" Grace said after listening to Kyle''s tale. "I don''t need to tell you you''re not going back there."


    "Of course! Maybe after awakening my magic," Kyle replied.


    "I prepared dinner," Grace reminded.


    They hurriedly ran inside as they were starving. After which they immediately went to bed.


    ''This is my second day here, and I killed a mana beast. I wonder how things are going at Yurigur,'' Kyle said to himself.


    Suddenly, Kyle remembered, "System, what did you say I obtained?"


    [You obtained kill rewards; to be gotten after unlocking status]


    [You obtained 1 mana core; check inventory!]


    "Mana core?? Never heard of that before."


    "Inventory!"


    Kyle saw a virtual game-like inventory, only one item was displayed, the mana core.


    As he thought of how to bring out the mana core, it immediately appeared on his hand, except its color¡ªred, it looked exactly like the one he had seen Grace use. It was about the size of a small stone and was warm¡ªIt felt alive.


    "What''s this for?" Kyle wondered, he already had a clue that it was used for replenishing mana.


    [Yes, the mana core can be used for cultivating and replenishing mana]


    [It is made up of concentrated mana and located in everything capable of wielding mana]


    "Since this was obtained from a mana beast, why isn''t there a ''Qi crystal'' from Qi beasts at Yurigur?"


    [Any beast at the Qi core formation stage has a Spirit stone]


    "Qi core formation?? I''m very sure this isn''t my strongest kill. Assuming I don''t have you, how does one obtain the crystal?"


    [It''s located within the body of a beast]


    "Now it makes sense! I never really ate the Qi beasts so there was no point in dissecting it!"


    I''ll be questioned on how I dissected the beast if I reveal the crystal; I''ll be with it for now.


    "System, thank you! Good night!" Kyle said as he laid down to sleep.


    [...]


    ~


    In the heart of a celestial realm, a palace stands. Towering spires of crystalline material reach towards the heavens, shimmering with an inner light that reflects the colors of the sky above.


    The walls are crafted from seamless white marble with veins of gold, and grand archways open to gardens where otherworldly flora bloom in a perpetual spring. Waterfalls of liquid silver cascade into tranquil pools, and the air is filled with the soft harmony of divine music.


    At the center, a throne room with a floor of cloud-like mist houses a throne, carved from a single, massive gemstone that radiates an aura of power and rage. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Getting up from the throne was a towering figure adored in robes that radiated power, his eyes seemed boundless like the void itself.


    "It''s time," he said, directing his message to a yellow-skinned old man.


    "Send my message to the other gods; The peace treaty is about over."


    "Yes, my lord," the old man said with a slight bow before teleporting away.


    Shortly after the old man left, a girl appeared in the room, she wore a white gown and had green hair. Her face looked like it was made of Jade, which gave her unparalleled beauty. Her amber eyes contrasted with her hair, which was already reaching her waist. One wouldn''t know she was divine from her appearance; her aura was gentle and warm, giving all who came around her a welcoming presence.


    "Father, your people aren''t ready enough. Do you still wish to go on with the war?" She asked with a frown.


    "Elysia," Pyrrhus called out with a chuckle. "What''s with you and these humans? Remember, they do not matter in the grand scheme of things."


    Elysia''s heart thumped on hearing her father speak; she knew how much he had warned her against harboring feelings for the humans.


    Pyrrhus on noting her sudden change quickly said, "Don''t worry, I left them with a little help."


    "Go on, tell Caelum to begin the training," Pyrrhus said, quickly ending the conversation.


    ''I have to take things into my own hands.''


    Elysia threw one last look at her father before disappearing just as she had appeared.


    "Once I conquer their galaxy and obtain the core of infinity; I''ll be able to transcend once more!" Pyrrhus smiled, sitting on his throne once more.

 Chapter 6: Orion

    Kyle got up from bed as soon as the sunlight pierced into his room.


    "What a long day it was yesterday," he said, to no one in particular. After stretching, he quickly did some push-ups, took a bath and left the room for breakfast.


    "Where''s Ma''am?" Kyle asked Riya, who sat on the couch with a bowl of chips.


    "She''s gone. Seems like you overslept?" Riya replied, taking a chip from the bowl.


    "Did I?" Kyle asked rhetorically as he looked at the wall clock which hung on the wall, "11 O''clock?!"


    "Yup. You can go have your breakfast, it''s in the kitchen."


    "It isn''t breakfast anymore," Kyle corrected. "Thanks," he quickly said as he ran to the kitchen; he was really hungry.


    After Kyle was done eating, Riya came up to him. "I''ll show you around the town," she offered.


    "I''d love that!"


    ~


    "This here is the forgery," Riya said to Kyle, she has been doing this for the past 2 hours. All in all it didn''t seem like an exciting place.


    "¡­here, Jack, an advanced mage creates magic equipment."


    "Magic equipments??"


    "Yup, there made with a mana core or something..." Riya explained but was immediately cut off by a voice inside the store.


    "What are you saying, dummy?" An olive-skinned boy, 159cm, with emerald green eyes said.


    "A magic equipment isn''t something simple. It''s made by transferring the pro-per-ties of a mana core into an equipment through many mediums; including but not limited to a mana core," the boy adjusted his glasses after speaking.


    "Who''s this one?" Kyle whispered to Riya.


    "Just an annoying shorty," Riya said with a wide smile.


    "My name is Orion, and I am by no means short; as a 15-year-old one would be considered short at 158cm. I''m hundred and fifty-nine centimeters," he said with a proud smile.


    *sigh*


    Kyle couldn''t help but facepalm.


    "Who''s this clueless clod?" Orion asked, eyes fixed on Kyle.


    "I''m Kyle Lin."


    Orion looked at him, from his head to his toes before asking, "Lin, from?"


    Lin thought on what to reply, ''I don''t know any town here, what would I say?''


    "Taige, he''s from Taige," Riya said, quickly coming to his rescue. "He''s the son of my mum''s friend who passed away."


    "Hmm, I hope you enjoy your stay, it''s painful when life withers," Orion said. "I''d love to know more about you though," he added with a smile that gave Kyle the creeps.


    "Orion, where''s Uncle Jack?" Riya asked changing the conversation.


    "He got some important business in the city. Why do you ask?"


    "I wanted to take a look at some magic equipment," Riya replied with hesitation.


    "Scrap that, I''ll show you something better," Orion said with an exciting smile. "Follow me."


    They were graced with light as they walked through the lab, the luster of the equipment spoke a lot of its quality.


    Kyle''s eyes were fixated on a katana, enclosed in a glass case which did poorly to hide its majesty. Its design was exquisite, he had never seen something like this.


    Slowly, he walked towards its position like he was being enchanted. On getting to touch the case, his hands received a heavy smack off its path.


    "Ouch! What was that for?" Kyle cried in pain.


    "How dare you try to touch a rare magic equipment, you dimwit?!" Orion screamed angrily, "I wonder why there wasn''t a ''sane''s only'' sign at the door."


    Not knowing what to say Kyle apologised, "Sorry, but I just wanted to look at it."


    "It''s not your fault, take a good look from afar because you''ll never see something like this ever in your life again," Orion replied with a serious expression.


    "¡­ Your dad made it?" Kyle asked, not knowing what to say.


    "No, you made it, didn''t you?" Orion replied, not bothering to hide the sarcasm on his face.


    Growl!


    Turning his head, Kyle saw a flame cat stuck in a cage.


    "What the hell is that doing in your lab?!" He asked Orion with surprise.


    "He''s my lab rat, err¡­ my pet," Orion said with a grin.


    "Growl!" the beast roared out, trying to expose the vile human.


    "I''m working on a project; a mana sensor. Tiger here is helping me on that," Orion said before heading to a book, he wrote:


    Experiment #216¡ª X-ray. He took an X-ray tube and directed 11 simultaneous waves of X-ray on the poor beast.


    Looking at the beast which was already on the ground in pain, he sighed, "Next time, I''ll do a fluoroscopy."


    "Kyle just looked on with fear, "Can''t you use a mana core or something?"


    "Of course, I''ve tried that, except I can get my hands on a tier 5 mana core; I''ll be using my pet."


    ''Poor guy,'' Kyle said inwardly, glancing at the beast that lay down.


    As they walked through the lab, Kyle saw a massive pod, huge enough to contain a human.


    "What''s that," he asked, pointing at the pod. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This baby? It''s my best work yet. It can manifest the spiritual energies of lightening and metal, giving a rich cultivation environment. It is powered by a tier 4 mana core. It''s going to be pivotal in making sure I awaken the lightning and metal elements," Orion explained, rubbing his hand on the pod.


    "Can I use it?" Kyle asked expectantly.


    "Of course not!" Orion replied with a laugh, he was amazed at the stupid question.


    They were shown other inventions, but another which caught Kyle''s eyes was a. Treadmill?!


    "What''s that?" Kyle asked.


    "It''s a treadmill, another of my inventions, though not original. What about it?" Orion replied he was starting to get annoyed.


    "What is it used for," Kyle asked, playing clueless. He knew what a treadmill was, he normally used it at Yurigur.


    Orion''s eyes had a sudden glint as he beckoned to Kyle, "You can try it!"


    "O...kay," Kyle said as he got up on it.


    Orion adjusted the speed to 20 km/hr. Kyle began running as the treadmill began. After 2 minutes he was thoroughly exhausted, "Orion, I think I''d run enough. Can you put it off now?"


    "Can I? Of course I can, but, will I?" Orion rubbed his hands and cackled.


    Riya had already put off the machine, making Orion stop his laugh.


    "How did you find it?" Orion asked Kyle with a smile.


    "Though it was challenging, I kinda liked it. Can I use it next time?" Kyle asked.


    Orion, furious said, "It was nice getting along with you guys. I have some stuff to take care of, so goodbye."


    Kyle and Riya, already overstayed decided to head home. "Expect me!" Kyle screamed just before he left the door.


    "My mum must be back already," Riya said as they approached the house.


    "I''ll say she''s not," Kyle guessed.


    On getting home, Kyle and Riya prepared dinner, as Grace wasn''t back yet. Soon, she came back, they had their meals and went to sleep.

 Chapter 7: The Awakening I

    *Knock, knock*


    "I wonder who''s at the door?" Orion asked tiredly, he reached out to the cupboard, picked up his glasses, and then wore them before standing up from the bed.


    "It''s 10 am already," Orion said after looking at the clock. "What did I even expect when I slept by 8 am?" he asked rhetorically as he walked to the door. Opening the door, "Hello!" Kyle said from the door.


    "What are you doing here?" Orion asked furiously.


    "I wanted to ask¡­" Kyle didn''t finish his request as Orion had already cut him off, "No, goodbye," he said as he covered the door.


    "Please, I just want to use your treadmill," Kyle begged from outside.


    Orion ignored the sounds as he went back to sleep.


    Time flew quickly as The Awakening soon approached, tension and anticipation had been in the air.


    "Riya, please be faster!" Grace called out to her, she had been getting ready for the past 30 minutes.


    Kyle who sat on the couch wasn''t sure how he felt. He was nervous, he wouldn''t lie. But was also curious and excited.


    ''I''ll soon be able to use magic. I wonder which element I''ll awaken,'' Kyle thought.


    Soon, they were joined by Riya, she looked nervous too.


    The Awakening was a massive opportunity for the people, their chance to awaken an element and be able to attend the academy. Students of the academy are trained to become protectors of the nation. They were like nobles, their families were well taken care of. This was a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the chance to become a real mage and every kid knew that.


    ~


    Sliding the door of the pod, Orion came out, unlike other kids he didn''t look nervous at all as he began heading to the town hall.


    In the town hall, children and their parents were in droves. Their eyes were on a raised platform, on it was a table which a transparent orb rested upon.


    "Good morning, esteemed people of Frulia! Welcome, to the awakening!" A man in a black tuxedo greeted the crowd.


    "Without any further ado let''s begin with the first name."


    "Will trujit!"


    A boy walked to the podium, taking steady breaths.


    "Per usual, you''re required to touch the orb the color manifested in it shows your element," the man reminded.


    The boy said a silent prayer before he placed his hand on the orb.


    Silence. The massive crowd was as silent as a graveyard.


    The boy, Will, opened his eyes to peek at the orb, sadly, it remained the same as ever, so clear it could be used as a mirror.


    Looking at his reflection, a teardrop fell from his eyes.


    "Will Trujit, null!" the man declared after he observed the orb.


    Will ran out of the stage, his hands on his face.


    The man sighed before he continued,


    "Anne Hoots!"


    The girl walked confidently to the stage, placing her hands on the orb.


    She felt a strange feeling within her as it seemed something had entered inside her. The orb shone pitch black as everyone began to clap.


    She awakened the dark element! Her lips curved into a smile as she saw the results.


    "Anne, congratulations on your awakening! Meet the rest of my team backstage to be attended to."


    The man spoke, congratulating the girl.


    "Trevor James!"


    Sadly, after Trevor placed his hand on the orb, he failed to elicit a response. In that fashion, the awakening continued, many more teens came up the stage and left saddened. None had awakened after Anne.


    "Riya Wood!"


    Riya upon hearing her name, stood up to approach the stage, though she was scared, words of encouragement from Kyle and Grace reassured her.


    Taking steady steps to approach the stage, she tried to hide her nervousness, but her heartbeat was a reminder of her fear.


    Reaching the stage, she blew air on her hands before she placed her hands on the orb.


    The orb shone with green light at one side and blue light on the other, the blue light had the appearance of flames as they glowed fiercely!


    "Good gracious! Blue flame, a dual elementalist!" the man couldn''t help but hide his surprise.


    Regaining his composure he said, "Riya, congratulations on your awakening! Meet the rest of my team backstage to be attended to."


    Riya punched the air in excitement on her awakening before she went backstage where Anne was staying.


    Continuing, there was no other awakening until...


    "Zack, congratulations on your awakening! Meet the rest of my team backstage to be attended to."


    Zack had awakened the earth element, the orb''s brown color had already faded and returned to being transparent.


    "Orion Glaide!"


    Orion had a confident smile on his face as he walked up to the stage.


    Placing his hand on the orb, silver and grey color parted the orb in two. He had awakened metal and electricity.


    "Oh my, another dual elemental isn''t, electricity?! ''No one has awakened it in the country! The emperor would be so pleased with this town,'' the man couldn''t hide his shock.


    Kyle who was in the audience was beyond shocked, ''That boy, he did it!''


    "Orion, congratulations on your awaken..." The man was about to congratulate Orion but was cut off by him.


    "Yeah, yeah, Can I take a look at this orb?" Orion asked, already picking it up before getting a reply.


    "It''s quite heavy, I wonder how it works?"


    "Orion Glaide please drop back the orb and go backstage!" the man reminded him, annoyed.


    "Finally, our last for the event!"


    "Kyle Lin!"


    Twisting his neck, Kyle got up. Was he scared? Not really. Though his heart was thumping loudly he was more excited than he could be scared.


    Reaching the podium, Kyle placed his hands on the orb.


    Suddenly there was a blinding flash, a white light that was too bright to handle. In the orb, multiple colors were manifested, but no one saw them before they merged. After all, the additive mixture of all colors would result in white. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Congratulations! You have awakened!]


    [You have completed the Quest, "awaken your element"]


    [You''ve obtained status!]


    [You have awakened the Element: Fire!]


    [You have awakened the Element: Water!]


    [You have awakened the Element: Air!]


    [You have awakened the Element: Earth!]


    [You have awakened the Element: Lightening!]


    [You have awakened the Element: Light!]


    [You have awakened the Element: Darkness!]


    [You have awakened the Element: Metal!]


    [You have awakened the Element: &#&!]


    ...


    [You''ve completed the hidden quest: "Become an Omni Mage"]


    [You''ve obtained an egg!]

 Chapter 8: The Awakening II

    [You''ve completed the hidden quest: "Become an Omni Mage"]


    [You''ve obtained an egg!]


    [Check inventory]


    As the glow dimmed, everyone could see the orb''s color. It was...White?! S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "White?! I wonder what your element could be. Kyle, congratulations on your awakening! Meet the rest of my team backstage to be attend to," After the man sent Kyle away he turned and faced the crowd.


    "People of Frulia, it was an honor to be with you, 5 valiant young ones had awakened! We look forward to the next awakening, next year. Goodbye!" he said before taking his leave.


    When Kyle came backstage, the four others who had awakened were already waiting, one would expect them to be discussing.


    Orion sat on a chair, reading a book.


    Anne, just sat still, staring into space, her eyes seemed so empty.


    Zack was grinning from ear to ear, which was creepy as no one bothered to speak to him.


    Riya sat with her eyes closed, she was meditating, trying to calm her excitement.


    He was given a form which he was supposed to fill. It was an entrance form to the academy. Like every person there, he wanted to join the academy so he filled it accordingly.


    It didn''t contain much, just stuff like name, age, gender, guardian etc.


    After being questioned on how he felt by a lady he sat and waited for the man who hosted the Awakening. Luckily, he didn''t wait for long as shortly the man arrived.


    "Once again, Anne, Zack, Orion, Riya, and Kyle, congratulations on awakening your elements. Most of you might already know the elements you had awakened but I''ll inform you anyway,"


    "Anne, darkness. Zack, earth. Orion, electricity and metal. Riya, Fire and wind. Kyle, yours is bothersome as we can''t recognize your element. Though elements can manifest in different colors like Riya''s blue flame, we didn''t observe much from yours to be able to tell your element."


    "There''s no cause for worry, as when you reach the academy, we will help you discover your element."


    "Now you all, most of you know your element, I''m gonna have to say, being a mage isn''t as easy as one thinks, you need to be dedicated and hardworking to be stronger."


    "So, until we come to pick you up in 5 days, don''t relent, keep trying, all of you are exceptional kids and I''m very sure you''ll turn out to be great,"


    "By the way, my name is Hans Daits, a recruiter of the academy. We''ll be taking our leave," A massive Raven came, on which they entered and left.


    The kids were awed at the sight.


    "Hi," Kyle waved his hand, breaking the silence.


    Anne looked at him, before standing up to leave, while Zack waved back at him.


    "I haven''t seen you before, Kyle, right?"


    "Yeah, I stay with Madam Grace, she''s like my aunt," Kyle replied.


    "Welcome then, I have to go my parents must be looking for me," Zack said before going.


    "Unexpectedly, the two of you awakened," Orion said with surprise.


    "Sure we did, and we didn''t need a freaking machine," Riya retorted.


    "Tsk," Orion hissed before walking away.


    Kyle and Riya also left to find Grace.


    "Congrats on your awakening!" Grace exclaimed, pulling the two into a big hug.


    "I''ll prepare something special for you guys!" Grace declared.


    "Hey Martha, give me 3 kilograms of tier 2 meat!" Grace said to Martha after they arrived at the marketplace.


    "3 kilograms?! What''s the event, Grace?"


    "You weren''t at the awakening? My kids here awakened! the two of them! Riya is even a dual elementalist, they''re still unsure of Kyle''s element but it should be special!" Grace replied with a hoot.


    "Congratulations! I''m so happy for you, in fact, because of you two I''ll give you a discount! So your fee would be 14 gold coins!" Martha declared, also excited by the news.


    "14 gold coins?!!" Kyle couldn''t help but say out loud. "On food!"


    "Is it your money?" Riya asked, rolling her eyes.


    "But..."


    "No buts Kyle, it isn''t your money so I''ll spend it how I want to!" Grace said, clicking her tongue.


    "I''ll take it, Martha," Grace said before accepting the meat.


    Arriving home, Grace began cooking while Kyle and Riya went to freshen up.


    ''Should I take a look at the system now?'' Kyle asked himself. ''I want to see it, but I''ll wait till dinner is over,'' Kyle decided before going to take his bath.


    Soon the dinner was ready, Grace had prepared lots of meat dishes, and the aroma quickly filled the house announcing the presence of the meals.


    Kyle and Riya immediately rushed out of their rooms to the dining.


    "Ma''am, have I ever told you you''re the best cook in the world! You would have opened a restaurant instead of becoming a healer," Kyle praised Grace as he stuffed more pieces of meat into his mouth.


    "Kyle, you jest, don''t speak with your mouth full," Grace let out a giggle as she blushed.


    "Mum, he''s right! The food is great!" Riya said with her mouth full.


    Kyle requested two more plates before he became full. "I feel stronger after eating this food."


    Yes, it''s tier-2 meat and would help keep you healthy as you train.


    After they were done eating, they both thanked Grace and went to wash the dishes.


    "Riya, now that you''ve awakened, would you still be using your bow?" Kyle asked Riya as they washed the plates.


    "Of course, I could even use my elements to enhance my archery! Maybe I could shoot flaming arrows, and with my wind element, I''ll never miss!" Riya said with pride like it was an easy feat.


    "You can do that?!"


    "Yeah, why not?"


    "Goodnight, Riya!" Kyle waved before he went to his room.


    They were a lot of stuff on the system after he awakened. Kyle wondered where to start from.


    ''I must have completed the quest to awaken, the reward should be something called a status.''


    ''Let''s check that out!'' he decided.


    "Status!"

 Chapter 9: Rewards

    "Status!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Awakened: Lv 5


    EXP: 0/160


    HP: 10/10


    Energy: 10/10


    Mana: Null


    Agility: 10


    Strength: 8


    Vitality: 5


    Stamina: 5


    Intelligence: Null


    SP: 20


    Inventory: 1* Tier-1 Mana core, 1*Egg.


    [Elements]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [100XP was obtained from Tier-1 beast kill. 50XP was obtained from Tier-2 beast meat]


    [Level up rewards¡ª 5 SP ¡Á 4]


    "Jeez! System, can those stat points increase my attributes?" Kyle asked with surprise.


    [Yes]


    ''Vitality? It might increase my HP. I''ll put 5 stat points there because 10 health points look scary!''


    Kyle allocated the following stat points as follows:


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    AGI: 10 >> 15


    STR: 8 >> 15


    VIT: 5 >> 10


    STA: 5 >> 8


    HP: 10 >> 20


    Energy: 10 >> 16


    SP: 20 >> 0


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    After assigning the Stat points, Kyle noticed that 1 point of vitality equals 2 points of HP and the same applied to Stamina and Energy.


    ''I feel so much stronger!'' Kyle said as he contracted his biceps. ''I need to test out my strength.''


    Looking around the room, he decided to go for the bed. It was made of wood so should be heavy enough.


    "Arrgh..." Kyle realized the best he could do was lift the side of the bed as the bed was just too heavy. He decided to try some push-ups,


    "499!"


    "500!" Kyle panted as he completed the last one.


    "I knew I improved," Kyle said before taking a look at his status.


    [Energy: 11/16]


    "System, I had awakened all the elements, right?"


    [Yes, you did awaken all the elements, but... As a measure, you will only be able to unlock them one after the other!]


    Kyle remembered he hadn''t viewed the element tab, "Elements!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Lightning (unlocked)


    Water (locked)


    Earth (locked)


    Air (locked)


    Fire (locked)


    Darkness (locked)


    Light (locked)


    Metal (locked)


    Space (locked)


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Okay, for now, I have awakened Lightning, that''s still great!"


    "Uhm... System, you said something about an egg?"


    [You obtained an egg! Check Inventory!]


    "Right," he willed the egg to come out and it did.


    The egg came upon Kyle''s hand, but it seemed too weak to be a support, resulting in its fall!


    "Nooo!" Kyle screamed as the egg dropped. Alas! It remained perfectly unharmed!


    Kyle heaved a sigh of relief before continuing, "You know when I heard egg, I thought it was another treat. I wonder what bird hatches from here, from its size, it''s gonna be real big, like the Raven I saw today!"


    "So, how do I hatch it? Don''t tell me I have to sit on it or something!"


    [Simple! To hatch the egg, drop your blood continuously for 60 days]


    "Drop my blood?!" Kyle hesitated but eventually bit his thumb and smeared blood on the egg before placing it back in the inventory.


    "System, can you wake me up by 6 AM?" Kyle asked because the system never slept.


    That night, he had a dream. A powerful man was battling various creatures; undeads, robots and even beasts!


    Surprisingly, their sheer number did little to make him falter, as his sword mercilessly slew many!


    [Buzz! Buzz!] The ringing sound continued in Kyle''s head, instantly waking him up from sleep.


    "Please, it''s enough," Kyle said after the alarm continued.


    [Daily Quest: Run 10 kilometers]


    [Reward: 1 STA point]


    "Daily quest?! At least, it''s helpful."


    [0/10 KM]


    [Timer: 0.00.00]


    "Thanks, there''s an indicator!"


    ''I''ll use this opportunity to test out my speed.


    Kyle began to run through Frulia, all was nice except for the excess compliments. "Congratulations, Boy!" he heard again, this was like the 50th time.


    "Thanks," he never forgot to reply.


    He had run 5 Kilometers and back, and entering his house he heard the system.


    [Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


    [You have obtained 1 STA point]


    [STA: 8 >> 9]


    [Energy: 16 >> 18]


    "Finally," glancing at the timer it read.


    [Time: 0:28:18]


    ''28 minutes! I improved!'' he told himself before going to get water. After which he took his bath and freshened up.


    Riya and Grace were still not awake when Kyle was done so he decided to help out in preparing breakfast. Could he cook? Of course, yes!


    He set the table for breakfast and waited for them. In some minutes, Grace came out from her room alongside Riya.


    "Kyle, you did this? Good job!" Grace gave him a thumbs-up after seeing the scene.


    After they were done eating, Grace told them, "Today, I''ll be teaching you how to cultivate.


    "Cultivate? Really!" they both exclaimed.


    "Do the dishes and come to the backyard," she instructed them before leaving.


    They were done in a flash, evidence of their anticipation!


    Grace smiled after seeing them before she began, "In cultivation, you try to breathe in mana, by isolating all other energies available."


    "You''ll try that now, remember to take breaks in between while cultivating, otherwise you''ll have respiratory issues.


    Kyle and Riya began trying, as talented kids they were, it didn''t take them long before they mastered it.


    [EXP +1]


    [EXP +1]


    ...


    The system''s message kept on coming every minute. Grace could feel they were making progress, so she went on, "A mana core contains more concentrated mana, but you have not yet formed your mana core so you can''t absorb it yet.


    Once you''ve saturated yourself with enough mana, you can finally form your mana core."


    Kyle could cultivate for 2 minutes; gaining 2 EXP, before he needed to take in some air. While Riya did so for a minute before taking in air.


    Grace allowed them to cultivate for an hour before telling them to stop, "Though there''s no harm in cultivation, you do not have a mana core so it will be better not to cultivate for too long to avoid overburdening your body with mana!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    EXP: 50/160


    Energy: 10/18


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle observed his stats after glancing at his status. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You two can go rest, I''ll be going to work."


    "Thank you!" Riya and Kyle showed their appreciation.


    As she left, Kyle thought hard about whether to continue cultivating. ''Nah, it''s best to listen to ma''am''s advice,'' he decided.


    Kyle had the opportunity to test out his strength, he tried carrying the heavy stone in the backyard and he could carry it. He didn''t know how heavy the stone was, so he got Riya to carry it too. But she couldn''t.


    As Grace advised, Kyle rested; he planned to cultivate at night.

 Chapter 10: The Academy?

    Kyle jolted up from the bed as the sunlight pierced his room. "I''m up late again," he groaned before stretching his hands.


    "I didn''t even later cultivate," he said with a sigh. "Hey, system, what''s the time?


    [12:09:47]


    "Twelve?!"


    Checking his quest tab:


    [Daily quest: Cultivate for an hour]


    [Reward: 1 STR point]


    ''Hmm, that one looks easy,'' he decided before accepting.


    ''Grace must be out by now,'' Kyle thought as he took his bath.


    He saw his food, covered at the dining. After eating, he went to the backyard. He had not seen Riya since he woke up.


    As expected, she was cultivating in the backyard. Kyle joined her, cultivating for an hour before coming to a stop.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    EXP: 100/160


    Energy: 10/18


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


    [You have obtained 1 STR point]


    [STR: 15 >>16]


    Kyle kept on with his routine; cultivating for an hour every day. He would have cultivated for longer periods but didn''t feel the need to, he used his excess time to practice his sword, and no progress was made in the aura though. He also made sure never to forget the egg.


    After three days...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Awakened: Lv MAX


    EXP: 160/160


    HP: 20/20


    Energy: 19/20


    Mana: Null


    Agility: 15 >> 16


    Strength: 16 >> 17


    Vitality: 10


    Stamina: 9 >> 10


    Intelligence: Null


    SP: 0


    Inventory: 1* Tier-1 Mana core, 1*Egg.


    [Elements]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    5 days have passed already since the Awakening. Kyle felt like he hadn''t achieved enough¡ª In regards to his sword intent that is. He had managed to complete level 5, after which cultivation didn''t seem to increase the bar anymore.


    He waited for Riya, as usual, she''d been cultivating. At the rate she''s going, she should have completed the 1st stage too.


    Today was the day Kyle would finally have a chance of becoming a mage. He could already imagine controlling the elements. ''I wonder what life at the academy would be like.''


    Kyle had tried asking Grace about the academy but was shocked to realize she didn''t attend the academy. Why? She refused to tell.


    Kyle made sure to put on his best clothes for the occasion, who knows whether they had a problem with hygiene or something. He had already completed his daily quest from which he got a STR point. He was as ready as could be!


    Soon, Riya arrived. She looked as ready as she could be, unlike during the awakening, she didn''t seem nervous but rather walked with confidence.


    They both met up with the rest¡ª Orion, Zack and Anne. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They all seemed happy except Anne, who had a very hard-to-read expression, one couldn''t easily tell if she was sad or happy.


    Not long after their arrival, a large Hawk descended on the ground, they looked around for a while before deciding to get on it. After they all got on the hawk, it wasted no time to take off.


    The hawk flew until it reached a large expanse of land, it was fenced with bricks, and the hawk flew in from its open roof. The land itself was about the size of a soccer field and was filled with young ones their age.


    "Is this the academy?" Kyle couldn''t help but ask after staying silent for a while.


    "I''m as confused as you," Orion replied, shaking his head.


    The hawk that had brought them to this place took off and continuously brought other kids.


    After a while, the gang began actively asking about their whereabouts, most of the kids they met were as clueless as them while others who were dressed in snobbish clothing simply ignored them.


    "Okay, we''re I dunno how many kilometers away from home, we were brought here by a hawk whom we assumed to be our carrier. Now, we''re all alone in this place with other fellow awakened. What''s our plan for a start?" Kyle summed up to the gang after an unfruitful information gathering.


    "Let''s just wait, this might be a kind of test or something," Zack suggested.


    "I think we should look for a way to get out of here," Riya suggested.


    "Can we even escape from here? The walls should be at least 4 meters long, Orion?"


    "You''re correct, the wall is roughly 4.5 meters. I''m not sure, but from my estimations on how long we flew and the beast''s speed; we''re about 160 kilometers away from Frulia!" Orion replied with his hands on his chin.


    "160 Kilometers?!" the rest exclaimed at the same time, even Anne couldn''t help but sigh.


    Their mood instantly deflated upon the revelation, immediately abandoning their idea of escaping.


    "I guess we can only wait and see," Kyle revealed.


    After 5 minutes, the hawk kept on bringing other kids into the field. The kids inside the field were about 500 in number!


    Soon, the hawk came again, but this time it bore a man. The dark-skinned man wore a suit and stood on the head of the hawk, on his hand was a cane, and his face bore no smile.


    As the hawk flew through the fenced land, the man jumped down! Waving his hands as if commanding the earth, a pillar raised from the ground causing those around it to fall.


    With a light thud, he proceeded to land on the pillar with his feet. Placing his hands and cane behind his back, the man''s face made way for a smile.


    "Good morning, Awakened ones! I hope you had a great time waiting, " the man addressed.


    Everyone''s eyes were glued on him, the field was so silent that the sound of the wind could be heard. The man radiated an aura that made no one dare to talk. Everyone had already put a hold on their discussions and begun to pay rapt attention.


    "The name is Michael. I''m the dean of the Vyna Academy. Pleased to see you all," his voice came once again.


    "All of you have awakened your respective element or elements. Congratulations on that! You all are here to make your journey as a mage, in the academy. Am I right?" he asked involving the audience.


    "Yes," the crowd responded at once. They all knew the reason while they were here, that was why they have been able to remain calm all this while.


    "Yes, of course," Michael chuckled before continuing, "This year, we''re prioritizing quality over quantity." He paused before saying:


    "Not all of you would get into the academy."

 Chapter 11: The Test

    "Not all of you would get into the academy."


    Everyone began to murmur out loud, it was difficult to describe their emotions. Anger, sadness, disappointment, it went on and on.


    Even Kyle wasn''t left out, ''After coming this far, this man comes here and tells us we might not be going to the academy. What the hell?''


    The dean allowed them to vent their frustration for some seconds before he continued,


    "Silence."


    His single word ceased all the murmuring around as his presence was made known again. Everyone felt like their body was not in their control, as they couldn''t talk no matter how they tried.


    "Back to what I was saying. While you were chit-chatting, I took a count of you all. In total, there are 532 awakened with me. Thankfully, there are no imposters or I would have stained the earth. So, out of 532 of you, I''ll be taking back 400 of you!"


    The crowd tried to murmur once again but was immediately warned by Michael.


    "I didn''t ask for your opinions here, guys. I''m the one calling the shots. Yes, 300 is a large number, just happened to be the number that came first to my head. So I guess you''re lucky because it could have been any number."


    "Now back to your test, you all would be given an equal chance to qualify. I just need the most determined ones amongst you. Being a mage is a perilous journey to embark on. The best mages aren''t the most talented whatsoever, but those willing to give their all into becoming stronger."


    "Before we begin the test, you were given 5 days after your awakening before this day. Most of you used that time wisely to learn how to cultivate, why others didn''t even bother themselves. So, with this, I''m eliminating everyone who hasn''t saturated their body with enough mana to complete the Awakening stage," Michael began.


    Kyle heaved a sigh of relief as he had completed the stage, which meant his academy hopes were still alive.


    ''I hope the others cultivated too, I wouldn''t want them to be eliminated,'' he muttered internally.


    "I like this your generation of mages. Of all of you here, just 28 awakened hasn''t saturated themselves," Michael came again.


    Gasps came from everyone around the crowd, some were confident about having themselves saturated while others didn''t even know if they were.


    "To the 28 of you. Rise!" he waved his hands as if instructing the earth to rise.


    Pillars began to emerge from the ground, raising some of the kids high.


    Kyle did a quick count after realizing he was not raised, and they were 28. ''These should be the ones.'' He quickly looked around to see if any of his townsmen was raised up and thankfully there wasn''t.


    "To those of you being eliminated, Vyne would continue to support you outside the academy. We will do our best to help you on your path to becoming a mage. Who knows? You could even come back to the academy. But unfortunately, at this moment, this is where your academy journey comes to an end. Adios!" Michael concluded, waving his hands at them.


    The hawk came once again and took them off the pillars before flying away.


    "It feels so sad to say goodbye," Michael revealed, using his hands to wipe his eyes. "Sadly, there''ll be lots of goodbyes to say today, because there''re still 204 of you who won''t be following me back."


    "Now we''ve gotten rid of the unserious ones, let''s remove some more. Being a mage requires discipline as well as determination. To test your will, you all are going to have to battle fear and stay determined. I don''t know what your fears are, so I''m gonna use a very common fear¡ª The fear of heights."


    Michael waved his hands once again, making cylindrical pillars made of earth begin to rise from the ground. Each pillar carried an awakened.


    The pillars which had a diameter of barely 30 centimeters continued to rise, easily reaching 200 feet above the ground before it came to a stop.


    The dean flew up above the ground, reaching eye level with the awakened before continuing, "First of all, if you fall from this height, you will certainly die. You can save yourself the risk of death by asking me to free you. But beware, doing that would result in you being disqualified. Good luck! Try not to look down!"


    Most of the awakened were already scared shitless when the pillars brought them up, some were scared to the extent that they were already crying to be brought down. Of course, their requests were carried out without delay.


    Immediately the dean had told them not to look down, some who had been putting on brave faces couldn''t help but falter after seeing the heights.


    Kyle was among those who had instinctually looked down after being told not to, he originally thought he had it in him not to be scared of heights. But what he experienced was a height he had never been even in his wildest dream.


    ''There''s no problem, soon, most will be eliminated and he''ll have no choice but to release us. I won''t fall, just have to keep my balance,'' Kyle continued to reassure himself, he looked to observe his peers.


    Riya didn''t seem to falter but even went to the extent of assuming a Yoga pose on the pillar!


    Anne stood with her arms crossed, as indifferent as ever.


    Orion closed his eyes and didn''t look like he planned to look down. Overall, he was composed. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack? He was laughing at the others with his hands on his chest.


    Kyle continued to endure, seconds seemed like minutes, and minutes like hours before Michael''s voice boomed again.


    "So that''s the last one," he said while using his air magic to control the descent of another kid. Despite his warning, many had jumped out of fright. At least, he wasn''t evil enough to let them be.


    "Congratulations to the rest of you Academics!" Michael came, making the pillars slowly descend.

 Chapter 12: The Academy

    "Congratulations to the rest of you Academics!" Michael came, making the pillars slowly descend.


    "Yesss!!"


    A wild cheer erupted from the crowd. The kids who were formerly crying and scared were now galloping in excitement, even Kyle was not left out as he punched his arms into the air with pride.


    The dean smiled as he watched the scene. He tapped his cane on the ground, drawing attention back to himself before continuing.


    "We would use a space device to head to the academy. Do tell me when you''re ready."


    "We''re ready," the kids immediately replied in unison.


    Michael brought some stuff from space. A core, some poles and a chalk. He proceeded to draw a circle with the poles as nodes before placing the core in the center. After he was done with the setup, he channeled his mana through a pole and the whole circle lit up, before manifesting a portal in space.


    "You all can enter through this portal," he said, pointing his cane at the already-formed portal.


    Kyle was baffled by what had taken place, from the item summoning from thin air to the drawing of the circle. He couldn''t help to want to ask but had to follow the instructions and enter as everyone was doing already.


    ~


    After Kyle entered the portal, he had a weird feeling of his whole body turning around. His mind was hurting from this process, even his stomach wasn''t left out as he could feel its contents on the verge of leaving.


    Soon enough, with a light thud he fell on the ground. No, it wasn''t the ground, more of a lawn with neatly cut grasses.


    Looking around, what he saw could only be described as Magical! From flying buses to floating buildings, the whole scene was nothing short of futuristic!


    ''Here I thought the whole world was like Frulia,'' Kyle thought, his mouth still wide in agape.


    His thought process was interrupted as a woman approached them saying, "Are you all the new academics?"


    The kids affirmed her question before she continued,


    "Follow me, I''ll check you in."


    Kyle and the other awakened and followed the lady silently to what looked like a large reception hall. It had a desk in a corner with a man manning it.


    "Hey Linda, are those the new academics?" The man asked, sipping his coffee.


    "Yeah, they just arrived. I brought them to be checked in," Linda replied.


    "Sure, I''ll get to that," The man said before addressing the awakened. "You all should take a seat. I have your names and I''ll be calling you one after the other."


    They all proceeded to have a seat as instructed. Kyle watched as names were called one after the other, the names seemed to be called in alphabetical order, so it might take quite a while before they got to him. Each awakened student spent some time with the man before either coming to meet up with their friends or leaving the place.


    "Kyle Lin."


    The man called out, it was finally his turn.


    Kyle walked confidently to the man. He was asked for details such as his town and other stuff they already knew, probably to confirm things.


    "You still have no clue about your element?"


    "Yes."


    "Take this comm," the man said while handing over the watch to him. "It is meant for you specifically. This would grant you access to some required places and can be used for communication and trading across the academy."


    Kyle examined the watch. It was quite fashionable, it had a silver band and and came with lots of features. At the top left corner of the screen, he saw: Credits- 50


    ''Hmm, credits? Must be the currency used around here.'' Kyle assumed before being affirmed by the man.


    "You said something about communication?" Kyle asked. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, each of you has your student ID, which serves as a key for each of you, you can call another student through the ID!"


    Kyle searched for his ID on the comm and eventually saw it. He memorized it as it only consisted of about 8 figures.


    The man noticing he was done with examining the comm gave him his uniform. The uniform consisted of a a white shirt, a golden western bow tie, a black jacket, a navy black trouser and a white cloak that was adorned with golden edges and of navy blue when turned around.


    "Are they my size?" Kyle asked after sizing up the uniform that was given to him without carrying any measurements.


    "You do not need to worry, the uniform not only has a self-cleaning ability but can also adjust to the size of the user!" the man reassured.


    "Your comm has a map of the academy. It should help you to navigate your way around as well as locate your house. Your house number is 88." The man concluded before calling up the next name.


    Kyle immediately went over to the gang and informed them of all he had received. Except for Anne, who refused, he gave them all his ID to add him up when they got their comm.


    After discussing for a while he decided to take his leave, reminding them to add him up.


    ''I have to find my room,'' Kyle said inwardly as he adjusted the map to find his way.


    Kyle found an area in the dorms that indicated, ''Year 1 Dorms''. He began heading there, using the map to navigate his surroundings.


    The dorms was quite near to the Reception so he didn''t get the opportunity to explore the academy. Shortly, he reached the gate to the dorms, which only opened for him after his watch was scanned.


    Entering into the dorm, he saw neat rows of houses lined up against a lawn. There was a very tall building at the center of the dorm, he saw some already checked-in academics going and coming out of the buildings.


    As he walked past the building, he took a look through its transparent glass walls and saw some people eating. ''So this the restaurant, huh?''


    He entertained the thought of eating but left that for later as he was still full. Kyle walked past some more houses before eventually seeing his own, house 88.


    It had the same look as other houses. It was a slender white house, with two floors and a porch that faced outwards on its upper floor. The houses were not enclosed in any way and were only aligned after each other.


    Kyle looked at the large front door of the house that had the number, ''88'' written in bold. He scanned his watch through what appeared to be a peephole as instructed by the receptionist.


    Entering into the house, he saw the fairly standard living room, with just couches for sitting.


    Kyle took in a breath before muttering, "Hmm, this is my new home from now on. It''s way better than the one in Frulia. Heck! It''s even better than mine at Yurigur!"


    He continued his exploration of his new house and set his eyes on the dining which was connected to the kitchen.


    Except for the kitchen, living and dining room, there was only one other room on the ground floor. Kyle entered the room which was very spacious and empty. "Hmm, what will I do with this place?" Kyle wondered. "Maybe later. I''ll figure out something."


    After he was done with examining the ground floor, he climbed up the stairs to view the rest of the house.


    The ground floor consisted of two rooms, separated by a passageway. He checked the two rooms, and they both came with a bed, wardrobe, a chair and table and a bathroom which came with a shower system!


    He easily picked the bigger one before finally arranging his stuff. "What a long day it was!" he declared while taking off his clothes and heading into the bathroom.


    After he was done refreshing, he decided to take a rest.


    "Hey, System! Wake me up in 3 hours." he decided after finding out the time.

 Chapter 13: Orientation

    It was already night-time in the academy, but everywhere was bustling as the newly admitted academics walked around and discussed with each other.


    The restaurant, which was at the center of the Year 1''s dormitory was especially brimming with academics. Some were hungry while others were just there to either satisfy their curiosities or for an idle chat.


    Kyle was already heading into the restaurant after he had gotten his much-needed rest.


    He went to a counter on the other side of the ground floor, he had enquired about the other floors but realized he needed to book a reservation in advance.


    Kyle looked at the menu list that was on the counter. He noticed that there were different grades of some foods with different prices.


    Kyle scanned the list some more before settling on a Tier-0 Beef and mushrooms with mashed potatoes, for 5 credits. He used his comm to transfer the required credits before settling to enjoy his meal.


    At this rate, this 50 credits wouldn''t last me up to 3 days. I wonder how you earn credits, kinda weird how they threw us all into this academy without providing us with any information.''


    Kyle thought as he ate his meal but was soon interrupted by an announcement.


    "Attention all Year 1 awakened! You''re expected to converge at the Year 1''s hall for your orientation. The buses would arrive by 8 pm."


    "Orientation? Makes sense," Kyle muttered before having a look at his comm. ''Four more minutes to eight.''


    As expected, the busses arrived by eight. The 10-meter-long, mana-core powered buses, were plain white and had the academy''s insignia on them. (a dragon surrounded by fire, air, earth, and water elements. The most outstanding feature of the buses was that they could fly.


    Though it was called a ''bus'', it seemed more like a cart instead. As it was just like a crate with chairs in it and no roof. The only opening on the ''bus'' other than its roof was a small section on one side that functioned as a door.


    There were 3 buses in total, each could contain 100 academics. Immediately they got on the busses, it took off and flew into the sky!


    The awakened were awed at the feeling of flight, something they had got to experience twice in one day. Many of them even stood up from their chairs to enjoy a better view of the academy.


    The bus flew out of the Year 1 dormitory as it approached one of the flying constructions. It was a large compound, about 10,000 square meters!


    They were four wide buildings that encircled a large field. One that took over eighty percent of the compound!


    The buildings were of four different colors; white, yellow, red, and black. The bus approached the white building, the Year 1''s hall, before allowing the awakened alight.


    The hall was arranged like an auditorium that had a larger-than-usual stage.


    After the academics took their seat, a woman came on stage to address them.


    Elizabeth Quill, the year 1''s head, was a vision of elegance and power. Clad in flowing robes of deep azure, she had an aura of both wisdom and formidable strength. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes, a piercing shade of violet, seemed to see into the very souls of those before her.


    Elizabeth stepped forward, her voice clear and resonant.


    "Welcome, young mages, to the Vyne Academy. Today marks the beginning of your journey into becoming warriors, a path that will test your limits, challenge your understanding, and mold you into true wielders of magic."


    She paused, letting her words sink in.


    "You have each been chosen because you possess a gift," she continued, her gaze sweeping across the room. "The element you have awakened is not merely a tool nor a weapon. It is a part of you, a reflection of your inner self, and it is through understanding this bond that you will harness your true potential."


    Elizabeth raised her hand, and with a subtle gesture, conjured a sphere of shimmering light. "Those of you with the power of fire," she said, and the sphere transformed into a flickering flame, "will learn to control the fierce and consuming nature of your element. Fire is passion, destruction, and rebirth. It can warm or it can burn. Mastery comes from understanding balance."


    The flame shifted to a sphere of water, fluid and glistening. "Water mages will explore the depths of their element''s versatility. Water is life, change, and adaptability. It can either cleanse or drown. Your challenge will be to remain fluid yet focused."


    She closed her hand, and the sphere vanished. "Throughout your time here, you will be guided by our esteemed faculty, each a master of their respective element. You will train, study, and grow together. The bonds you form here will be as important as the knowledge you gain. Remember, mastery of magic is not just about control; it is about understanding and harmony."


    Elizabeth''s expression softened slightly as she addressed the group more personally. "There will be challenges and trials, moments of doubt and fear. But know this: each of you has the potential to achieve greatness. The power within you is vast and wondrous. Embrace it, respect it, and let it guide you."


    With that, she gestured to a row of instructors standing along the sides of the hall. "These are your mentors. Seek their wisdom, learn from their experience, and trust in their guidance. The journey ahead is yours to take, and the Vyne Academy stands ready to support you every step of the way."


    Elizabeth let the silence linger for a moment longer, allowing the students to absorb the weight of her words. Then, with a graceful sweep of her hand, she conjured an ethereal map of the Academy in the air, its buildings and grounds glowing softly.


    "Now, let me acquaint you with the Vyne Academy," she began, her voice carrying a note of pride. "This institution has stood for centuries, a bastion of magical knowledge and a sanctuary for those like yourselves who seek to harness their elemental powers."


    She pointed to a majestic structure at the center of the map. "This is the Grand Library, where the collected wisdom of mages throughout the ages is stored. Here, you will find texts on everything from basic spellcraft to the most advanced theories of elemental magic. Our librarian, Master Orlin, will be an invaluable resource in your studies."


    Next, she highlighted a series of buildings surrounding the library. "These are your classrooms. Each element has its dedicated wing, where you will attend lectures and practical sessions specific to your powers. Classes are held every morning from the first bell at eight until noon.


    In the afternoons, you will have specialized training sessions, where you will practice and refine your skills under the guidance of your mentors."


    Elizabeth gestured to a sprawling courtyard. "This is the Elemental Arena, where you will engage in controlled magical duels, demonstrations, and collaborative exercises. It is here that you will learn to apply your powers in real-world scenarios, honing both your offensive and defensive capabilities."


    Her hand moved to a series of smaller buildings near the edge of the map, one that they were already familiar with. "These are the dormitories, where you will reside during your time at the Academy. Each dormitory is Year-specific, fostering camaraderie and mutual support among your peers. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, there will be many opportunities to interact with students of other years, your seniors, as cooperation and understanding are key components of your education here."


    She paused, letting her gaze settle on each student in turn. "In addition to your elemental training, you will also attend courses on history, ethics, and the broader principles of magic. These classes are crucial, as they will provide you with the context and understanding necessary to wield your powers responsibly."


    "Your days will be full, but the structure is designed to ensure a balance between rigorous training and personal growth. In the evenings, after dinner, you are encouraged to study, practice, or engage in leisure activities. The Academy offers various clubs and societies, from alchemy and enchanting to artifact creation.


    Participation in these groups will enrich your experience and help you develop a well-rounded mastery of the arcane arts."


    Elizabeth''s tone turned serious. "Discipline and respect are paramount. Until your second year, the use of magic outside of designated areas and times is strictly prohibited, except in cases of emergency. Violations of this rule will be met with severe consequences, as uncontrolled magic can have dire repercussions."


    She allowed her words to resonate, ensuring the gravity of her warning was understood. Then, her demeanor softened once more. "We are here to guide you, to support you, and to help you unlock your full potential. Remember, each of you was chosen because you have shown the promise and the capacity for greatness.


    Embrace the challenges ahead, and let the Vyna Academy be your foundation as you rise to meet them."


    With a final, reassuring smile, Elizabeth concluded the orientation. "Now, I invite you to explore the grounds and familiarize yourselves with your new home. From tomorrow, your classes will begin. You can check your comm for your timetable. Welcome to Vyna, young mages. Your journey begins now."


    The students rose from their seats, a mixture of excitement and determination evident on their faces. As they began to disperse, Elizabeth watched them with a sense of satisfaction. Each step they took was a step toward their destinies, and she knew that within these walls, greatness awaited. She knew they would be the defenders of Zekkoa!

 Chapter 14: Late for History

    Kyle was one of many who had felt invigorated from the Year head''s speech. He had mulled over what she spoke about as he lay on the bed.


    ''The map. I wonder how she managed to conjure such? Would I be able to do so?'' Kyle thought with glee.


    ''Ah, the timetable! I almost forgot,'' Kyle exclaimed before locating the timetable on his watch.


    [Pre- Mana Core, General Year 1 Time-table]


    He saw the available one. Other ones were grayed out.


    "Let''s see," he murmured, clicking on the available one, "8:00 to 10:00, History. What? History?!" Kyle exclaimed before continuing.


    "Then, 10:00 to 14:00, Mana-core Formation. After that, from 14:00 to 16:00, General Weapon Training."


    "Okay, the sessions would end by four. I wonder how there aren''t any breaks in between?" Kyle asked no one in particular. "Well, It''s gonna be hectic from now on."


    Kyle went to sleep, not bothering to set an alarm. The night passed in a blink of an eye as he was awoken by the morning sunlight.


    "It''s morning already?" Kyle asked as he glanced at his status. "7:40?!"


    He quickly took his bath and put on his academy uniform within ten minutes, not even sparing time to admire the uniform.


    "I should be able to get there within ten minutes, can''t I?" he used his comm to find the direction of the classes.


    "Five kilometers? Oh, crap. I know I can run ten kilometers in twenty-eight minutes, there''s no chance I''ll make it then."


    He eventually decided to stop his contemplation and begin to go. "At least I''ll make progress on the daily quest."


    [Daily Quest: Run 10 kilometers]


    [Reward: 1 STA point]


    [0/10 KM]


    [Timer: 0.00.00]


    He quickly began to run towards the class.


    Thankfully, the uniform was fairly light despite its number.


    The classes which encircled the library were numerous. In one section, there were general classes for each year and another was for the elemental wings.


    As Kyle approached the Year 1 history class, he reduced his steps and went inside. Thanks to his plentiful Stamina upgrade, he wasn''t as exhausted as someone who just run five kilometers.


    [12.45.87] S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Energy: 17/20]


    "Sigh. Though it was better than last time, still wasn''t enough," Kyle muttered.


    He took a glance at his Energy points which had only reduced by three. He had noticed they restored with time.


    ''Would my HP also restore if it reduces,'' the thought lingered for a moment as he prepared for the class.


    Kyle came to a halt outside the heavy wooden door of the history classroom, heart pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before turning the cold brass handle and pushing the door open. The creak of the hinges echoed through the room, drawing the attention of every student seated at the wooden desks arranged in neat rows.


    At the front of the class stood Professor Grendel, a tall, imposing figure with a mane of white hair and a permanent scowl etched across his face. His sharp, hawk-like eyes snapped to Kyle the moment he stepped inside, freezing him in his tracks.


    "Ah," Grendel''s voice was grave, dripping with sarcasm. "Decided to grace us with your presence, I see. Two minutes late. Do you think our history is of so little importance that you can waltz in whenever you please?"


    Kyle swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. "I-I''m sorry, sir. It won''t happen again."


    Grendel''s eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms over his chest. "It better not. Take your seat. Quickly."


    Kyle nodded and hurried to an empty desk near the back of the room, feeling the eyes of his classmates following his every move. He could hear whispers and the occasional snicker as he settled into his chair, but he was surprised when he saw Riya sitting beside him. She gave him a disapproving look before turning back in front.


    ''There''s no way I''m the only one who was late,'' he hoped.


    Professor Grendel turned back to the blackboard, where he had been in the middle of a lecture. His chalk moved swiftly across the surface, outlining key events and dates with a precision that spoke of years of practice. The subject today was the Zekkoa Civil War, a series of conflicts that had shaped the very foundations of their world.


    "As I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted," Grendel continued, his tone icy, " the Zekkoa Civil War were not merely battles for territory or power. They were fought over ideologies, over the very essence of what it means to wield magic. The scars of those wars run deep, influencing every aspect of our society to this day."


    Kyle looked around the class, few of them were with notebooks. Scribbling as much as they could, even Riya!


    ''How the hell did they get notebooks?'' he asked inwardly.


    He threw a questioning look at Riya who ignored him and paid attention to the lecture.


    Kyle decided to follow suit, grabbing every information he could. He made a mental note to ask about the notebooks after the class.


    The professor''s voice droned on, a monotonous lecture that, despite its importance, seemed designed to bore the students into submission.


    But Kyle determined not to fall further behind, forced himself to pay attention. He glanced around the room, noting the varying degrees of engagement on his classmates'' faces. Some were dutifully taking notes, while others doodled in the margins of their books or stared blankly at the wall.


    Professor Grendel''s disdain for his students was palpable. It was clear he believed that none of them truly appreciated the weight of the history he was teaching. His voice grew more bitter with each passing minute as if he were daring the class to care about the past.


    "And what do you think happened after the Treaty of Zekkoa?" Grendel suddenly barked, his eyes locking onto a student who had been nodding off in the front row. The student jolted awake, stammering an incoherent response.


    "Wrong," Grendel snapped. "It led to the formation of the Mage Association, an institution that dictates the very laws we live by today. But of course, you wouldn''t know that, would you? Too busy dreaming of glory and grandeur, ignoring the lessons that history offers."


    Kyle was enjoying the lesson, he just wished he had a pen.


    The rest of the class passed in a blur of dates, names, and pivotal moments, each delivered with the same disdainful edge.


    By the time the bell rang, signaling the end of the period, Kyle''s head was spinning with information and his stomach was rumbling. The thought that he didn''t have breakfast dawned upon him.


    As the students filed out, Professor Grendel remained at his desk, his stern gaze following them. "Remember," he called after them, "those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. And trust me, none of you are prepared for the consequences."


    Kyle slipped out the door, a mix of relief and determination coursing through him. He knew he had to do better, not just for himself, but to prove to Grendel that some students did care about history, that it wasn''t a lost cause. And he would start by never being late again. He hoped.

 Chapter 15: Mana control

    Kyle immediately found Riya after the class ended.


    "How the hell were you guys with writing materials?" Kyle asked as soon as he met her. "I didn''t even see one at Frulia."


    Riya facepalmed before saying, "You didn''t explore the map, did you?"


    "The map?! There''s no way I can explore that gargantuan map!" Kyle remarked.


    "I''m pretty sure you didn''t even try," she looked at him to see the defeated look on his face before continuing. "Well, there''s a mall barely two kilometers eastward of our Dormitory."


    "Ohh, thanks for sharing," Kyle said as they walked on to the Mana-core formation class.


    "No problem. Let''s work faster, you ain''t gonna make me late." Riya replied as she hastened her pace.


    The duo continued to chit-chat as they approached the Mana-core formation class.


    The room was very spacious, with walls lined with shelves filled with glowing crystals. At the front, a large blackboard bore complex diagrams and equations related to a mana-core. A soft hum of magic filled the air, making Kyle''s skin tingle.


    The awakened academics were already seated, chatting excitedly among themselves. Kyle spotted an empty seat near the middle and made his way there. As he settled in, the door at the front of the room opened, and their instructor entered.


    She was strikingly beautiful, with long, flowing hair that seemed to shimmer with a life of its own. Her curves were accentuated by her form-fitting robes, and her presence commanded immediate attention.


    Her eyes, a deep and mysterious shade of violet, scanned the room as she moved gracefully to the front. The room fell silent.


    "Good morning, class," she began, her voice smooth and melodic. "I am Professor Seraphina, and I will be your guide to forming your mana core and discovering elements."


    Kyle paid rapt attention to her and silently hoped he wouldn''t need to jot anything.


    "Mana core Formation is the fusion between your inner energy and the forces of the universe," Professor Seraphina continued. "Today, we will start with the basics, understanding the essence of mana and how to feel it."


    She waved her hand, and a large crystal orb floated to the center of the room. "This, my students, is a mana core. It is the heart of many magical constructs and the source of immense power. To form one, you must first understand the flow of mana within your own body."


    Professor Seraphina began to demonstrate, her hands moving gracefully through the air, tracing invisible patterns. The crystal orb responded, its glow intensifying and pulsing in rhythm with her movements. The class watched in awe as streams of light danced around her, illustrating the flow of mana.


    "Now, I want each of you to close your eyes," she instructed. "Feel the energy within you. It is there, waiting to be harnessed."


    Kyle closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing. He tried to sense the mana within him, but he felt nothing.


    "It''s quite easy to sense your mana. Don''t just look. Create! Your mana will reveal when your thoughts depict it."


    Kyle tried once again, he imagined his mana and tried to sense it. He saw a pool in his mind, he tried to catch it but it felt elusive, like trying to catch smoke with your hands. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Imagine a river flowing through you," Professor Seraphina''s voice guided them. "Mana is that river, and you are its master. You must learn to direct its flow, to shape it according to your will."


    Kyle pictured the river in his mind, a stream of shimmering light coursing through his veins. He willed it to move, to gather in his hands. Slowly, he felt the warmth grow stronger, pooling in his palms.


    "Good," Professor Seraphina''s voice broke through his concentration. "Now, open your eyes."


    Kyle did as he was told, and to his amazement, a faint glow emanated from his hands. It was weak, but it was there. He glanced around and saw that some of his classmates had managed similar results, while others still struggled.


    "Excellent," Professor Seraphina praised them. "You have taken your first step toward forming your mana core. Remember, this is just the beginning. With practice and dedication, you will learn to channel and shape mana with precision and power."


    She spent some time explaining the intricacies of mana flow and how to control it. Kyle listened intently, absorbing every detail.


    After explaining and practicing for a while, Professor Seraphina came again.


    "Now you''ve known the basics of controlling your mana. We will now proceed to the main goal of this class¡ª your mana core formation," she paused before continuing. "That river inside of you. I want you to try to mold it, in the shape of a spherical orb, condense it and make it as small as possible. The smaller it is, the better."


    Once again, Kyle closed his eyes, feeling the mana within him, he tried to condense it as instructed. It was like an elastic material that returned to its original state after being distorted.


    He kept on trying but made no progress. Like others, he looked at the instructor to be showered by her wise words.


    Professor Seraphina gave her signature radiant smile and began, "It''s all about your intent. You''re to use your willpower to be able to command it. It''s yours and you can control it," she clapped and commanded, "Keep on trying! Until the end of the class, I want you to be able to make your mana submit and bend to your will!"


    Kyle bit his lips and heaved a tired sigh. He thought this class would be better than the history class but he was having none of it.


    *Rumble*


    The sound of his hungry stomach made it even more difficult to concentrate. ''It''ll be a miracle if I make it past this class alive,'' he concluded.


    As the class drew to a close, Professor Seraphina gave them an assignment to practice channeling their mana and forming their cores.


    "Do not be discouraged if you struggle," she advised. "Mastery comes with time and patience. I will be here to guide you every step of the way."


    The students, all tired, filed out of the classroom. They were beginning to doubt becoming a mage a day into the academy.


    Kyle dragged himself to the next class, General Weapon Training. ''I hope there''s food at the next class, like this, I can eat a whole goat.''

 Chapter 16: Weapon fighting

    As Kyle entered the training grounds, he was met with a vast open space, the floor covered in a thick layer of sand.


    Along the edges, racks upon racks of weapons glinted under the sunlight: swords, axes, spears, and many more weapons. The variety was staggering.


    "Alright, gather around!" a deep voice boomed.


    The instructor, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a neatly trimmed beard and intense eyes, stood at the center. His presence commanded attention.


    He wore a simple tunic and trousers, but the way he carried himself spoke of experience and authority.


    "My name is Instructor Harris. Today, we delve into your weapon training. You might be wondering why a mage needs to learn about physical weapons. Let me tell you, the path of a mage is not solely about casting spells. Sometimes, a blade can be just as crucial as a spell."


    He began to pace, his gaze sweeping over the students. "Magic requires mana and your mana is finite. It''s not every time am enemy will wait for you to chant your spells. When this happens, your weapons become your lifeline."


    He stopped in front of one of the many racks. "We''ll start with the basics. Pick a weapon that speaks to you. Get a feel for it. See how it balances in your hand."


    Kyle moved towards the swords. His eyes were immediately drawn to a beautifully crafted katana. Its sleek, curved blade and elegant hilt called to him, memories of countless hours spent practicing with the weapon. He lifted it from the rack, adapting to its weight and balance.


    The students spread out, each selecting their weapon of choice. Some chose heavy broadswords, others lightweight rapiers or stout axes. Instructor Harris observed them, nodding occasionally.


    "Now, I want to see what you can do. Pair up and practice some basic moves. Nothing too advanced, just get comfortable with your weapon."


    Kyle partnered with a fellow student, a tall girl named Elara who had chosen a spear. They squared off, exchanging strikes and parries.


    Kyle''s movements were fluid and precise, his katana slicing through the air with grace and control. As instructed they just clashed their weapons against each other.


    Instructor Harris walked among the pairs, offering tips and corrections. When he reached Kyle and Elara, he paused, watching Kyle''s movements intently.


    "Stop," Harris commanded.


    The students froze, turning their attention to the instructor.


    "What''s your name?" Harris asked.


    "Kyle, Kyle Lin," Kyle responded, a bit surprised to be singled out.


    "Show me what you can do," Harris said, stepping back and gesturing for the other students to give Kyle some space.


    Kyle took a deep breath, centering himself. He began a series of kata, the traditional forms and movements of the katana. His body moved in perfect harmony with the blade, each strike, block, and parry executed with precision and power. The katana seemed to dance in his hands, reflecting his deep familiarity and skill.


    When he finished, there was a moment of stunned silence. Then, Harris clapped slowly, a smile breaking across his face.


    "Impressive, Kyle. Very impressive."


    Kyle kept a firm expression as he was praised but felt excited. "Thank you."


    Harris nodded, looking thoughtful. "Good. Very good. Your skills will serve you well, you have the potential to become a swordmaster. Don''t relent and continue to train with the sword."


    Kyle nodded again, feeling a surge of pride and determination.


    "Now, let''s discuss the importance of each type of weapon," Harris continued, addressing the class.


    He had observed how some of them were having problems with their chosen weapons. Most had already replaced their previous weapons countless times.


    "All weapons have their limitations and advantages. A sword is versatile and reliable, but sometimes a spear''s reach can keep danger at bay. An axe can deliver powerful, bone-crushing blows, but its weight can be a disadvantage in prolonged fights."


    He picked up a broadsword, swinging it effortlessly. "Strength and stamina are crucial for wielding heavier weapons. But remember, speed and precision can often outweigh brute force."


    Harris then selected a light, thin rapier. "Rapier users rely on agility and quick, accurate strikes. It''s a weapon for those who prefer finesse over force. It can exploit gaps in an opponent''s defense with deadly efficiency."


    Next, he moved to the archery section, picking up a longbow. "And then we have ranged weapons. Archery requires patience, precision, and a steady hand. A skilled archer can strike from a distance, avoiding close combat altogether. However, archers must always be aware of their surroundings and maintain distance from their enemies."


    Harris''s gaze fell upon Riya, a girl he had observed earlier with the bow. "You, step forward."


    Riya hesitated briefly before stepping up, bow in hand. Harris nodded in approval. "Show us your form."


    Riya notched an arrow and drew the bowstring back, her posture straight, her focus intense. She released the arrow, and it flew straight and true, hitting the target on the wall. The class murmured in appreciation.


    Though she hadn''t hit bullseye, hitting the target, something none of the Awakened had pulled off was enough to impress.


    "Excellent," Harris said. "A good archer is a valuable asset. Remember, your strength lies in your ability to remain unseen and strike from a distance."


    Riya nodded. Harris gestured for the class to continue practicing, walking among them and offering individualized advice.


    Kyle experimented with different weapons, though he always found himself returning to the katana. The bond he had with the blade was undeniable, a result of his hard work.


    Despite this, he tried his hand at a spear, a broadsword, and even a set of throwing knives, finding that each had its unique challenges and advantages but they still didn''t sit well with him.


    After some time, Harris called for attention again. "It''s time for sparring. Real combat is the best way to learn. Pair up and prepare for a series of matches."


    This time they were going to spar for real and not the other times they just exchanged attacks.


    Kyle looked forward to his opponent. He found himself paired with a muscular boy named Gareth, who had chosen a heavy war hammer. They moved to an open area, sizing each other up.


    "Ready?" Harris called.


    Both boys nodded, and the match began. Gareth charged, swinging his war hammer with immense force. Kyle sidestepped, his katana slicing through the air in a precise counterattack. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two exchanged blows, Gareth''s raw power against Kyle''s speed and precision. It quickly became clear that while Gareth''s attacks were devastating if they connected, Kyle''s agility and skill with the katana kept him just out of reach.


    Gareth, who had performed better than most didn''t stand a chance against Kyle and the match ended with Kyle disarming Gareth, his katana pointed at Gareth''s chest.


    Harris clapped again. "Well done, both of you. Remember, strength and skill go hand in hand. Gareth, focus on your timing and anticipation. Kyle, excellent use of agility and technique."


    Next, Harris paired Riya with a boy named Jarek, who wielded a pair of short swords. The two took their positions, Riya keeping her distance and Jarek crouching low, ready to strike.


    "Begin!" Harris shouted.


    Riya immediately notched an arrow and fired, but Jarek was fast, dodging and closing the distance quickly. Riya fired a second and third arrow in rapid succession, forcing Jarek to zigzag to avoid them.


    Just as he was about to reach her, she drew a small dagger from her belt, parrying his first strike which made him fall back a bit and created enough space for her to fire another arrow at point-blank range.


    The arrow grazed Jarek''s shoulder, and he stepped back, acknowledging the hit.


    Harris stopped the match. "Good work on your adaptability, Riya. As an archer, your greatest threat is when your opponent draws near. You adapted well to the close-quarters combat. Jarek, your speed and agility are impressive, but always be aware of your opponent''s range and capabilities."


    The sparring continued, each student learning valuable lessons from their matches. Kyle watched, analyzing each fight and mentally preparing himself for his next match. He noticed how different weapons required different strategies and how the fighters adapted to each other''s strengths and weaknesses.


    He also got to see more of his friends fight. Orion, who chose a rapier, had a very pitiful match as his opponent mawed him in seconds.


    Anne was very good with her daggers as she wrapped up a win.


    Nearby, Zack stood with a pair of gauntlets, the heavy iron gloves glinting in the sunlight. He tightened the straps around his wrists, his eyes focused and determined. Despite his lax attitude, Zack had always been a fierce competitor, his strength and tenacity unmatched among their peers.


    Instructor Harris called out, "Zack, you''re up next! You''ll be facing Leon."


    A tall, lean boy with a spear stepped forward. Leon''s movements were graceful and fluid. The two boys sized each other up, their expressions serious.


    "Remember, this is a learning exercise," Harris reminded them. "Show me what you''ve got."


    The other students formed a loose circle around the combatants, eager to watch the match unfold. Zack and Leon took their positions, their eyes locked in silent determination.


    "Begin!" Harris shouted.


    Leon moved first, his spear thrusting forward with blinding speed. Zack dodged to the side, his gauntlets raised in a defensive stance. The spear whistled past his ear, narrowly missing its target. Leon followed up with a series of rapid jabs, each strike aimed with precision.


    Zack deflected the blows with his gauntlets, his movements quick and calculated. He knew that closing the distance was crucial; the spear''s advantage lay in its reach.


    With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, aiming a punch at Leon''s midsection.


    Leon sidestepped, his spear sweeping in a wide arc. Zack ducked under the swing, rolling to the side and coming up in a crouch.


    He surged forward again, his fists a blur as he unleashed a flurry of punches. Leon struggled to keep up, his spear becoming a hindrance in close quarters.


    Zack''s relentless assault forced Leon to retreat, the taller boy''s expression growing more focused. He spun his spear, using the haft to block Zack''s strikes. But Zack was undeterred, his punches landing with increasing frequency.


    Finally, Zack saw his opening. He feinted to the left, drawing Leon''s spear in that direction. Then he pivoted sharply, his right fist crashing into Leon''s ribs.


    Leon grunted in pain, stumbling back. Zack pressed his advantage, delivering a powerful uppercut that sent Leon sprawling to the ground.


    Instructor Harris stepped forward, raising his hand to signal the end of the match. "Well done, both of you. Zack, your aggression and close-quarters combat were impressive. Leon, you demonstrated excellent speed and precision, but remember to adapt when your opponent closes the distance."


    The students clapped, acknowledging the skills displayed by both fighters. Zack offered a hand to Leon, who accepted it with a grateful nod. The two boys shared a brief smile, their rivalry tempered by mutual respect.


    As the session came to an end, Instructor Harris gathered the students once more.


    "Well done, all of you. Remember, the weapon you choose is an extension of yourself. Treat it with respect and continue to hone your skills. We''ll build on this in our future classes."

 Chapter 18: A different start

    The system woke Kyle from his sleep. He glanced at the clock. As expected, it was six in the morning.


    The academy was quiet, the day yet to begin. He stretched and sat up, feeling the cool morning air against his skin.


    Today was a new day, and he was determined to start it right.


    [Daily Quest: Do 300 sit-ups]


    [Reward: 1 STR point]


    [0/300]


    Kyle took a look at the daily quest and decided to complete it right away.


    ¡­


    "299!"


    "300!"


    Kyle counted as he did the last sit-up.


    [Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


    [You have obtained 1 STR point]


    [STR: 17 >> 18]


    After completing his daily quest, he dressed quickly, pulling on his academy uniform. He ran his hand through his hair, smoothing it down before grabbing the crossbody bag he had redeemed from the mall and heading out the door.


    The room was sparsely populated, a few early risers like himself scattered about. He grabbed a tray and filled it with a hearty breakfast: eggs, toast, bacon, and a steaming cup of coffee, all for 10 credits. He had sworn to always eat breakfast after yesterday.


    He found a seat by the window and settled in, savoring the quiet moment.


    As he ate, his mind wandered to the previous day''s events. The General Weapon Training class had been intense, but he had enjoyed the challenge. His prior knowledge of the katana had served him well, and he had earned a nod of approval from the instructor. Today, he was determined to make a similar impression in his History class.


    Finishing his breakfast, Kyle checked his comm. He still had some time before class started, so he decided to take a leisurely stroll through the academy grounds. The morning air was refreshing, and he enjoyed the peaceful solitude.


    Eventually, it was time to head to class. Kyle made his way to the History building, his steps quickening with anticipation. He reached the classroom and found it nearly empty. A few students were already there, but most of the seats were still vacant. He chose a seat near the front, wanting to be fully engaged in the lesson.


    As the classroom filled up, Kyle took out his notebook and pen, ready to take notes.


    Professor Grendel entered the room and greeted the class with a warm smile. "Good morning, everyone," he said, his voice calm and steady. "I hope you all had a good night''s rest. Today, we''ll be diving into the early history of mana and its impact on our civilization."


    Kyle leaned forward, eager to absorb the information. The professor began his lecture, by explaining the origins of mana and how it had shaped the world they lived in. He spoke of ancient civilizations that had harnessed mana to build incredible structures and achieve feats that seemed impossible. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mana," the professor began, "is the lifeblood of our world. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but ancient texts suggest that it has been present since the dawn of time. Early humans discovered its potential quite by accident, through trial and error. They learned to tap into this mystical energy to enhance their daily lives."


    The professor paused, allowing the students to take in the information. He then continued, "One of the earliest known uses of mana was in agriculture. Ancient farmers used mana to enhance their crops, resulting in bountiful harvests that could sustain larger populations. This, in turn, led to the growth of early civilizations."


    Kyle''s pen moved rapidly across the page, capturing every detail. The professor''s passion for the subject was evident, and it was infectious. Kyle found himself completely engrossed in the lesson, his earlier determination paying off.


    "With the growth of civilizations," the professor said, "came the need for defense and conquest. Mana played a crucial role in ancient warfare. Those who could wield mana effectively had a significant edge over their opponents. They could enhance their weapons, create barriers, and even manipulate the battlefield to their advantage."


    The professor moved to a large map on the wall, pointing to various regions. "The Kingdom of Thalor, for example, was renowned for its mana-infused weaponry. Their soldiers were equipped with swords that could cut through steel and armor that could withstand the mightiest of blows.


    This technological superiority allowed them to expand their territory and become one of the most powerful kingdoms of their time."


    Kyle kept paying attention. He scribbled notes furiously, trying to capture every detail. The professor''s lecture continued, covering various aspects of mana''s influence on ancient civilizations.


    "As time passed, scholars and mages sought new ways to harness and control mana, leading to the development of new spells, enchantments, and technologies. It was a time of great innovation."


    The professor paused again, this time to address the class directly.


    "Now, I''d like to hear your thoughts. How do you think the discovery and use of mana impacted the social structures of ancient civilizations?"


    Kyle took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts before he raised his hand.


    The professor noticing him from the front pointed at him, "Your name and answer."


    "Kyle Lin," he indicated. "Well, professor, I think mana created a significant divide between those who could wield it and those who couldn''t. Those with the ability to harness mana became the elite, holding positions of power and influence. This led to a hierarchical society where mages and scholars were revered, while commoners were often left to fend for themselves."


    The professor nodded, a pleased expression on his face. "Excellent observation, Kyle. Mana did indeed create social hierarchies. The ability to use mana became a status symbol, and those who could wield it were often seen as chosen by the gods. This belief reinforced the power structures and allowed the elite to maintain their dominance."


    The rest of the class passed in a blur. Kyle was completely immersed in the discussion, his mind buzzing with new ideas and insights.


    By the time the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, he felt a sense of accomplishment. He had not only kept up with the lecture but had also contributed meaningfully to the discussion.


    As he gathered his things, the professor approached him. "Kyle, I wanted to commend you on your participation today. It''s clear that you have a keen interest in the subject. Keep up the good work."


    "Thank you, professor," Kyle replied, feeling a swell of pride. "I''ll do my best."


    Leaving the classroom, Kyle thought, ''I had started the day early, prepared well, and it had paid off. He was determined to maintain this momentum.


    As he walked through the hallways, he thought about his next class and what new challenges it will bring.

 Chapter 19: A different class

    "Good morning, class." Professor Seraphina greeted the class as she came in. "I''ve done my part in guiding you on how to form your mana core. Sadly, I would not want to hold your hands so as not to contaminate your core. So I''ll have you begin practicing on your own. Feel free to come to me for guidance."


    As instructed, Kyle like the rest of the awakened assumed a lotus position and began to sense his mana flow once again.


    Time quickly flew before it was time for the class closure. None of the awakened made any major progress in the exercise.


    "Keep practicing. Remember, you have a deadline of seven days, with two gone already." Professor Seraphina encouraged them as they left the class.


    The awakened quickly made their way to the General weapon training class.


    The training ground, where they held the class was surrounded by a wooden fence, with a space for a large door.


    Unlike last time, the doors were shut. The academics tried knocking on it but when there wasn''t any response, they came in.


    They entered the training grounds to meet, its usual sights but Instructor Harris was nowhere to be found.


    Shortly after they entered, they heard a creaking sound, only for the door to shut.


    The students began panicking. They all began to run towards the door, trying to open it, only to hear a sound that sent shivers down their spine.


    Growl!


    The students turned around to see the feline mana beast. Its presence induced fear in them.


    Orion was the quickest to react. "It''s a tier-1 Flame tiger. Run! We stand no chance!"


    They all scrambled in different directions. Kyle was very familiar with his very first kill here. He was humble enough to know he was only able to kill it because of the sword''s intent.


    [New Quest: Desperate times call for desperate measures. Prove yourself reliable by taking down the beast! ]


    [Reward: 10 SP]


    ''There''s no way I''m facing that beast,'' Kyle decided as he ran.


    As he passed through the sword section, his mind underwent a sudden change. ''There''s also no harm in trying.''


    He picked up a Katana before he scanned the field for the beast. Luckily for him, the beast was chasing another student from the other direction.


    The beast felt like it was in an all-you-can-eat buffet as there were plenty of options to choose from.


    Kyle wasn''t the only one who had picked a weapon. Riya had managed to fire some arrows at it until she finally landed a shot. The attack proved futile as it only drew aggro towards her.


    The beast''s movement became predictable as it ran towards Riya allowing another arrow to land on it.


    The beasts roared, annoyed and confused about who to go after.


    The kids, bolstered with their efforts began to go for more daring actions.


    Kyle saw his chance as they ran towards the beast. He immediately went for a slash at its side, positioning his body to the impact of the maximum force.


    More and more slashes pelted the beasts from all sides and soon others began to build momentum and charge in with spears and lances.


    Many of them were already part of the onslaught as they further disturbed the beast with their attacks.


    Disturbed? Yes, disturbed. Except for being irritated, the beast felt barely any danger from their attacks. After enduring for a while, it decided to let them have a feel of why it was called a flame cat.


    The beast shook its body and shrugged off all its close-combat attackers. Before it started to gather mana from the atmosphere.


    Thankfully, most of the awakened had sensed the sudden change, so, the moment a fireball was spat out from the beast. They had already dived or rolled out of the way.


    The fireball was just about thirty centimeters in diameter. Allowing most of them to leave its radius. The other ones who were near only experienced slight burns from its heat.


    The beast panted after it threw its attack and prepared for another.


    Kyle picked up an ominous feeling from this one, having none of it slid towards it, raised his sword and screamed.


    "DIE!!"


    The beast felt a nudge from its underbelly as it looked face-to-face at the kid who had hit him.


    He stopped readying its payload and opened his mouth to deliver on the little human.


    "Freeze!"


    A calm voice spoke from the side. Harris directed his hands towards the beast which controlled the mana around it to reduce its temperature eventually freezing it in place, turning it into a popsicle! sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle lay on the floor frozen by fear was jolted by the system.


    [Quest Failed]


    The academics all heaved a sigh of relief after the appearance of Instructor Harris.


    "Good job, y''all!" he said as he resoundingly clapped his hands.


    He checked all their conditions and except for the select few who had gotten burnt; they were all right.


    "I''m impressed by all your performances today," Harris said with a smile. "This shows you took our training seriously.


    Kyle, great job sensing that attack. Your intuition proved to be sharper than I thought.


    Kyle slowly stood up not paying attention to Harris'' words. The fact remained that he had failed. Assuming, they received no help, he and the rest would have died.


    Harris noticed the dejected look on his face and then continued. "Yes, you all must have failed. But, to be honest I didn''t set up this test for you to slay the beast. I did so to test how you can face your fears and you all did excellent on that."


    He continued after giving them a thumbs up. "But, it''s nice that you''re seeing this as a failure," his eyes wandered over to Kyle. "Next time, trust in your weapon."


    "I would have wanted to teach you, but I''ll save that for next time. Today, we''ll dismiss early." Harris concluded as he dismissed the class.

 Chapter 20: The Arena

    The injured academics stayed back to receive treatment. Why Kyle went on to the dormitory, stopping by at the restaurant.


    He ate his fill before deciding to give Nate a call. The matter of how to obtain credits bothered him. The meal he has just had cost 7 credits. Leaving him with 14 to spare.


    After dialing his ID repeatedly without an answer, Kyle concluded he was in a class. They had been dismissed early, so the time was still a little past three.


    He got home, refreshed and began practicing his mana control. He remembered the Professor''s words: ''Great control comes with practice, there''s no shortcut to it.''


    Professor Seraphina had said this as they were practicing earlier. Kyle continued with his practice until he reached his limit.


    As he opened his eyes, he noticed it was already late. "7:02," he murmured after looking at the wall clock.


    He removed the egg from the inventory and dropped his blood on it again.


    He had enjoyed today, but Kyle was tired of the academy. ''Ah, I forgot to give Nate a call!'' Kyle remembered before dialing his ID.


    "Yo! Kyle?" Nate''s voice came after about two seconds.


    "Yeah, it''s me. Just wanted to ask. How exactly do we obtain credits?"


    "Ha, ha. The expenses, right?" Nate chuckled slightly. "It shouldn''t bother you. If you''re free, you can come over to my place; I''ll explain."


    "Okay, thanks. I''ll be coming."


    "Sure, I''ll send you an invite. We''ll meet at our restaurant," he informed before hanging up.


    Kyle didn''t wait long as a notification came upon his screen, informing him of his invitation with a QR code attached to it.


    Kyle accepted the invitation and got ready to go. It didn''t take long for him to arrive. He proceeded to walk into the Year 2 dormitory after his comm was scanned from the gate.


    Kyle observed the year 2 dormitory as he walked in. It looked like a 2.0 version of the Year 1''s, bigger space, bigger and better houses.


    He observed the academics in the dorm. They all carried themselves as they walked around the dorms. He noticed they were all in their uniform, which had a yellow cloak, unlike his white. Some only wore their main piece without the clothing.


    Kyle reached the restaurant before deciding to give Nate a call. It didn''t take long after he informed him that he saw Nate approach him with his wide smile as when they had first met. Same as before he wasn''t wearing the cloak that came with his uniform.


    "Let''s go inside," Nate suggested, his hands directed at the restaurant.


    Nate bought two plates of Tier-1 meals for 30 credits each!


    Nate enjoyed the meal before saying: "About the question you asked earlier, y''all will receive an academy allowance of 30 credits every two days. There''s no need to worry," he took a piece of his steak before continuing. "As an academic, you can be awarded credits from the teacher, or earn from selling your skills and products."


    Nate looked at Kyle before saying in a low tone. "Or you could visit... the arena."


    "The arena? The practice arena you told me about the other day?" Kyle asked with interest, he had already dropped his meal.


    "Noo!" Nate exclaimed in an exaggerated manner. "The underground arena."


    "Underground arena?! What''s that?" Kyle asked in a rather loud tone.


    "Keep your voice down, it''s a student thing. Although it''s quite popular, we prefer to keep it toned down. So, the arena is a place where academics battle against each other, gambling in the process."


    "I''m in! It would be a great way to practice," Kyle didn''t hesitate to say. "Do I have to come with my own weapons or something?"


    "You sure? Well, it''s your choice," he conceded after seeing the look on his face. "No, external weapons aren''t allowed."


    "So, can we go now?" Kyle asked after Nate agreed.


    "Yeah, it''s a night thing so now will be the best time. Besides, why do you need credits so desperately?" Nate asked.


    "I need a training weapon, but the credits aren''t my main reason. I want to fight." Kyle said as he clenched his fist.


    Nate burst out into laughter after he heard Kyle''s statement. "Sure, you''ll fight. Seems you don''t yet recognize the value of credits. Once you start your real learning, you''ll get."


    "Let''s get going already, it opens by eight," Nate informed.


    The boys quickly ate up their meal before they began to head out. Kyle recounted his day to Nate whose laughter was beginning to annoy him. It wasn''t until Nate explained something similar that was done in their first year.


    "...someone even peed on their pants," Nate added.


    Kyle couldn''t hold back and laughed nonstop. He was having a good time talking with Kyle and eventually, they reached ''The Arena''.


    The underground arena at the academy is buried deep beneath the grounds. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The entrance to this covert lair is ingeniously concealed within the oldest, least frequented part of the academy¡ªthe basement of the ancient library, a building that has stood for centuries.


    A staircase is used to descend to the arena. As Kyle and Nate walk down the stairs, the distant sounds of the arena grow louder: the dull roar of the crowd, the clash of steel, and the occasional explosive burst of magic.


    "There''s no how the academy won''t know about this place!" Kyle remarked, though hidden, that this was a place in their academy and they were meant to know its nook and cranny.


    "You''re right! Smart observation. This arena is more of an open secret while the academy knows about it. They allow it as it''s a good opportunity for the students to develop and experience real threat." Nate explained.


    Down the stairs, they find themselves in the main cavern¡ªa massive, natural underground chamber that has been adapted to serve as the arena.


    The ceiling is high and arched, and the walls are rough and uneven, glistening with moisture.


    The cavern is illuminated by a combination of magical lanterns and torches.


    The centerpiece of the cavern is the arenas themselves, two large circular pits dug into the ground.


    The pits are surrounded by academics, their eyes gleaming with excitement or tension.


    The pit''s walls are constructed from massive stone blocks. The floors of the pits are covered in a mixture of dirt and sand to provide a somewhat forgiving surface for the fighters.


    Scattered around the periphery of the arenas are various makeshift structures: a small medical station where healers stand ready to tend to the injured, a rudimentary armory stocked with weapons and equipment, and a series of booths where bookies take bets and exchange money.

 Chapter 21: Fire vs Water

    Kyle and Nate approached the registration booth where matches were fixed. The arena matches were divided into two categories; the elemental fights and the weapon fights.


    The elemental fights allowed the freedom to use one''s elements and go all out, while the weapon fights were normally a test of skill and raw strength.


    The booth was a wooden structure. Behind it sat a dark-skinned boy with glasses.


    "Alias?" the boy asked, pulling out a notebook and a pen.


    "Hmm," Kyle thought for a while before responding with a smile. "Omni lord."


    "Okay, cool name. Your fight is number 18," the boy informed before handing him a token with the number 18 on it. "We''re currently at number 13. Head over to the armory for your weapon."


    Kyle looked at the token before waiting for Nate to book a match of his. Unlike Kyle, he booked an elemental match. Kyle was expectant to watch it and thankfully, it took place after his.


    They went on to the armory where Kyle took a katana for his match. He examined the bladed weapon he held in his hand.


    He slowly ran his fingers through its blade and discovered it to be blunt, it looked like it was designed to hit a target rather than cut it.


    ''Explains how they had the nerves to exchange weapons without guidance.'' Kyle muttered. It was still a weapon nevertheless, one that could deal a lot of damage in the right hands.


    After acquiring their weapons, they went over to the gambling booth, where they both bet on their matches. Kyle placed his remaining sum of 14 credits as he already expected the allowance before the end of the day.


    The odds for Kyle''s match weren''t available yet as much people haven''t placed ln the match. Nate also placed his before they both went along to watch the matches.


    They both went along to watch the matches.


    "Looks like this one''s about to start," Nate said, pointing at the stage.


    The announcer, a tall burly boy with a booming voice, stepped into the center of the arena, raising his hands for silence. The crowd stopped their noise as they prepared for the next match.


    "Our next fighters are Bladewind and Ironclaw. Once again, the rules are simple: no killing, no maiming, no outside interference, no magic and no external weapon, magic artifact, potions or armor.


    Victory is achieved by either forcing your opponent to forfeit or go unconscious. If you do not forfeit but you''re declared unable to continue, It''s your loss. Let the match begin."


    The crowd erupted into cheers as the fighters squared off. Bladewind, a flexible and agile girl, wielded a pair of scimitars, their curved blades catching the light with each movement. Ironclaw, in contrast, was a brawny boy. He brandished a massive warhammer that seemed almost too heavy to lift.


    The two were well-known fighters from the third year as they were ranked ninth and thirteenth respectively. With forty-five and thirty-one glory points in the same order.


    Glory points were the manner combatants were ranked in the arena. You get 2 glory points when you defeat an opponent ranked 41 - 50, 3 for the upper ten, and eventually six for defeating the top ten. Every other win outside the top fifty granted 1 glory point. With a defeat removing a point!


    The two combatants faced off.


    The initial clash was explosive. Bladewind darted forward with incredible speed, her scimitars a blur as she struck at Ironclaw from multiple angles.


    Ironclaw met the assault with brute strength, his warhammer swinging in wide arcs that forced Bladewind to dance back, narrowly avoiding each crushing blow.


    "They''re good," Nate murmured, eyes wide with admiration. "Bladewind''s fast, but Ironclaw''s strength is something else."


    Kyle nodded, studying their techniques. "Bladewind is using her speed to outmaneuver Ironclaw, but if she gets caught by that hammer, it''s over. It''s a classic match of agility versus power."


    Bladewind leaped into the air, her scimitars spinning in a dazzling display of skill. She aimed a flurry of strikes at Ironclaw''s shoulders and arms, trying to find a weak spot in his defenses. Ironclaw grunted, the weapons not being able to deal him much damage.


    "Bladewind needs to tire him out," Kyle observed. "Keep dodging, make him miss, and then strike when she''s slower."


    The crowd was on their feet, cheering with every exchange. Bladewind''s speed and agility were mesmerizing, but Ironclaw''s sheer power and resilience were equally impressive.


    Finally, after a particularly intense exchange, Bladewind managed to slip past Ironclaw''s defenses, delivering a series of rapid strikes on his wrist that knocked the warhammer from his grasp.


    Ironclaw stumbled, momentarily disarmed, and Bladewind capitalized on the opening.


    She pointed one of his scimitars at Ironclaw''s throat, her breath increasing rapidly. "Forfeit!" she demanded.


    Ironclaw, already tired, raised his hands in surrender. "I forfeit."


    The crowd erupted into applause, the sound echoing off the cavern walls. The announcer stepped forward, raising Bladewind''s arm in victory. "The winner, Bladewind!"


    Kyle and Nate joined the applause, both impressed by the match. "That was incredible," Nate said, turning to Kyle. "Are you gonna back off?"


    Kyle smiled. "No. Don''t worry; I''ll win."


    As Bladewind and Ironclaw exited the pit, the announcer came to announce the next match.


    They didn''t have the time to enjoy this match, as some minutes in, it was Nate''s turn for his elemental match.


    The announcer''s voice boomed across the elemental arena, drawing the crowd''s attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, the next match is between Fallen angel and Marina! The rules are simple No weapons, no physical attacks¡ªonly magic. No killing, no maiming, no outside interference and no external weapon, magic artifact, potions or armor.


    Victory is achieved by either forcing your opponent to forfeit or go unconscious. If you do not forfeit but you''re declared unable to continue, It''s your loss. Let the match begin.


    The crowd cheered as Nate stepped into the pit, his confidence evident in his stride. His eyes scanned the arena, taking in the sight of Marina, who stood opposite him. She was a pretty girl with a calm aura, her hands already glowing with a faint blue light.


    ''Ah,'' he sighed. "Why do I have to fight such a damsel?''


    Nate''s own hands ignited with flickering flames as he raised them, the heat radiating off him in waves. He took a deep breath, centering himself.


    "Water waves!"


    Marina moved first, summoning a torrent of water that surged toward Nate like a living wave. Nate responded swiftly, throwing out a fireball that won out against her attack.


    Nate smiled, his confidence growing. He could see Marina''s strategy: overwhelm him with a sheer volume of water, hoping to extinguish his flames. But he had other plans.


    "Fireball!"


    Nate summoned another tier-1 fireball, a simple yet effective spell. The orb of fire hovered above his palm, growing brighter and hotter with each passing second. He hurled it towards Marina, who countered with a shield of water, the fireball exploding into a shower of steam upon impact.


    Undeterred, Nate conjured another fireball, and then another, each one larger and more intense than the last. Marina was forced to split her attention between offense and defense, her water shields barely holding up against the relentless assault of fireballs.


    Nate''s experience was evident in the way he controlled his magic. His movements were fluid and precise, each fireball launched with deadly accuracy.


    Marina attempted to regain control, summoning a whirlpool to engulf Nate. But Nate anticipated her move, disorienting her with another fireball.


    Sensing victory, Nate decided to end the match with a final, powerful fireball before he ran out of mana.


    He gathered his energy, the air around him crackling with heat. The fireball grew to an enormous size, radiating intense heat. With a shout, he hurled it towards Marina.


    "Fireball!"


    She tried to counter with a deluge of water, but it was too late. The fireball blasted through her defenses, erupting in a spectacular explosion of steam and light. Marina was knocked back, landing hard on the sandy floor of the arena.


    The announcer''s voice cut through the fading steam. "The winner, Fallen angel!"


    The crowd erupted in applause, cheering for the confident, skillful display. Nate walked over to Marina, extending a hand to help her up. She took it, smiling despite her defeat.


    "Good fight," Nate said, his voice warm and genuine.


    "You too," Marina replied, brushing sand off her clothes. "You''ve got some serious skills." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nate proceeded to heal his yearmate with his last remaining mana. It was easy for him to do so as he had made sure to hold back on his final attack.


    He turned to the crowd, raising his hands in victory. The cheers grew louder, a wave of approval washing over him. He spotted Kyle in the crowd, who gave him a thumbs-up, a proud grin on his face.


    It was already time for Kyle''s match, and Nate was eager to see his friend in action.


    The night was far from over, and the underground arena was alive with the promise of more thrilling battles.

 Chapter 22: Defeat the Giant!

    Kyle had watched the way Nate disposed of his opponent with ease. The very first elemental battle he witnessed.


    "I can''t wait to use magic too!" he muttered silently.


    "That was hot, am I right?" Nate''s voice came to Kyle, his face brimming with a proud smile.


    "No, it wasn''t," Kyle replied. "Watch and learn how I''ll handle mine."


    "With pleasure. Don''t lose after such strong words." Nate reminded.


    "I won''t," Kyle said as he held his katana in his left hand and walked towards the stage.


    The arena thrummed with anticipation, the hum of whispers and murmurs filling the dank, dimly lit place. Kyle, standing in the dim light, adjusted his grip on his katana.


    Kyle''s opponent, a giant figure known simply as ''Crusher'', was already in the ring, flexing his muscles and basking in the crowd''s cheers.


    He was a seasoned fighter; a third-year ranked 48th, known for his brutal strength and relentless aggression.


    He wielded a massive war hammer, its head dulled but still capable of delivering devastating blows. As Kyle stepped into the arena, a hush fell over the spectators.


    The system''s quest notification blinked in Kyle''s mind.


    [New quest: Heroes come in all sizes, and you don''t have to be a giant hero. Defeat the opponent before you! ]


    [Reward: 5 SP]


    Kyle took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. He planned on winning already and didn''t need the system to remind him.


    The announcer''s voice boomed through the arena, echoing off the stone walls. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have a special treat! In one corner, ranked 48th, the man with the hammer, Crusher!" The crowd roared, a cacophony of cheers and jeers. "And in the other corner, a newcomer, wielding the katana, Omni Lord!"


    An applause mixed with curious murmurs greeted Kyle''s introduction. He could feel their doubt. He was an unknown, a wildcard in this brutal game. But he relished the challenge, the chance to prove himself.


    The match began, and Crusher wasted no time, charging forward with a roar. His war hammer swung in a wide arc, aiming to knock Kyle off his feet with a single blow.


    Kyle sidestepped gracefully, his katana flicking out in a quick, precise strike. The blunt blade glanced off Crusher''s arm, more a distraction than a wound.


    Crusher bellowed in anger, swinging his hammer again with increased ferocity. But Kyle was fast, his movements a blur as he dodged and weaved, his katana a flash of silver in the dim light.


    Each strike was measured, aiming to disorient and weaken rather than to cut. He was analyzing his opponent''s movements, highlighting potential openings.


    Crusher''s frustration grew with each missed blow, his swings becoming wilder, more desperate. Kyle seized the opportunity, darting in with a series of quick thrusts.


    His katana struck Crusher''s thigh, his side, his shoulder. Each impact slowed the giant, sapping his strength and slowing his movements.


    But Crusher was not to be underestimated. With a roar of rage, he managed to land a glancing blow, his hammer slamming into Kyle''s side. Pain exploded through Kyle''s ribs, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to falter.


    [HP -1]


    His eyes darted towards the system''s notification, which had informed him of his health point loss.


    He could not afford to show weakness, not now, not ever. Ignoring the pain, Kyle pressed his attack. He moved with the grace and precision of a dancer.


    His strikes became more aggressive, more relentless, each one driving Crusher back, forcing him onto the defensive.


    Crusher swung his hammer in a desperate arc, aiming for Kyle''s head. Kyle ducked, feeling the rush of air as the heavy weapon missed him by inches.


    With a swift counterstrike, he jabbed the blunt end of his katana into Crusher''s ribs. The blow made Crusher stagger, a grunt of pain escaping his lips.


    Realizing that brute force alone wouldn''t be enough, Crusher changed tactics. He started using his size and reach to his advantage, forcing Kyle to stay on the move.


    Every swing of the hammer was a deadly arc, every step a potential trap. Kyle had to stay light on his feet, weaving in and out, striking whenever he saw an opening.


    The fight wore on, each combatant growing wearier but neither willing to yield. Sweat dripped down Kyle''s face, his muscles aching from the sustained effort but he was far from tired as a result of the countless Stamina points.


    Crusher''s breathing was labored, each breath a ragged gasp. Yet the crowd remained enthralled, their cheers and shouts driving the fighters onward.


    Kyle sensed that Crusher was reaching his limit, his energy waning and his attacks being sluggish.


    With renewed determination, Kyle switched his strategy. He started aiming for Crusher''s legs, trying to undermine his stability.


    A well-placed strike to the back of Crusher''s knee finally made the big man falter. As Crusher stumbled, Kyle took advantage of the moment.


    With a burst of speed, he launched himself at Crusher, his katana aimed at the man''s chest. The blunt blade struck true, knocking the wind out of Crusher and sending him sprawling to the ground.


    The crowd erupted in a deafening roar, the spectators on their feet, cheering and shouting. Kyle stood over his fallen opponent, his chest heaving, the taste of victory sweet and exhilarating.


    He had done it. He had defeated Crusher, completed the system''s quest, and proven himself in the eyes of the crowd.


    The system''s notification blinked in his mind. The reward filled his eyes.


    [Quest completed! ]


    [You''ve gained 5 SP! ]


    The announcer came and raised his hands. "The winner: Omni Lord."


    As the crowd''s cheers echoed in his ears, Kyle looked up, his eyes scanning the faces of the spectators. Among them, he spotted Nate, grinning broadly and giving him a thumbs-up.


    Kyle smiled back, having proven himself. He had faced a formidable opponent and emerged victorious. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Exiting the pit, Kyle was approached by Nate. "Impressive fight," Nate praised. "But don''t let it get to your head. There are tougher opponents out there."


    Kyle nodded with a calm smile. "I''m ready for whatever comes."


    "Let''s go get our money!" Nate exclaimed as they both headed to the gambling booth.

 Chapter 23: Gambling System

    The Arena is a hub of activity, especially when it comes to betting. The gambling system is straightforward yet sophisticated.


    Bets are placed based on the odds calculated by the arena''s bookies, who consider the fighters'' rankings, past performance, and overall reputation.


    The higher-ranked a fighter is, the lower the payout for a win, as they are considered more likely to succeed. Conversely, betting on a lower-ranked or unknown fighter yields higher returns if they win, due to the perceived lower chance of victory.


    When Kyle and Nate first registered for their fight, Kyle, as a newcomer, was given the lowest possible odds. The bookies assumed he would lose to his opponent, who was ranked 48th. On the other hand, Nate, being more familiar with the arena''s regulars and having a decent track record, had much higher odds of winning, resulting in lower potential payouts for bets placed on him.


    Kyle and Nate made their way to the gambling booth to collect their winnings. It was surrounded by a throng of disappointed gamblers who had lost significant sums betting against the unlikely victor, Kyle.


    Everyone was angry and frustrated, with murmurs of dissatisfaction growing louder as the reality of their losses set in.


    The system was automated and efficient. Kyle handed over his betting slip to the attendant, who fed it into a sleek, black machine. There was a momentary pause, and then the machine chimed, displaying the amount of credits he had won.


    The odds on Kyle to win was a staggering 20 as many had bet against him. This meant, Kyle had earned twenty times the amount he placed. Placing 14 credits, he had gotten 280 credits!


    "How could he have won? He was just a nobody!" A boy who had betted against him shouted, pointing his finger at Kyle.


    "He must''ve cheated! There''s no way a newcomer could beat someone ranked 48th!" another added, his voice tinged with desperation.


    The attendant behind the counter remained unfazed, accustomed to the mix of emotions that followed the submission of bet slips.


    She calmly transferred 280 credits to Kyle and moved on to Nate, who had a far less eventful collection.


    Nate''s victory, while impressive, was expected, and thus his odds were lower, being 1.50. Hence, since he had placed 100 credits; he obtained 150 credits in return.


    As they turned to leave, the crowd parted, some glaring at them with barely concealed resentment. A few academics shouted insults and accusations, their frustration palpable.


    It was clear that many had lost substantial amounts, having bet heavily on Crusher''s win over the supposed Omni Lord. The atmosphere was tense, with the potential for confrontation lingering in the air.


    Kyle, sensing the hostility, kept his head down and nudged Nate, who seemed more amused than concerned. "Let''s get out of here before things get ugly," Kyle muttered, his voice low and cautious.


    Nate chuckled, shrugging off the angry murmurs. "Relax, they won''t do anything. Not here, at least. Rules are rules," he replied, referring to the strict no-violence policy outside of the designated fighting areas.


    "I wonder why they can''t direct their anger on Crusher. He was the one who lost after all!" Kyle whispered to Nate as they left.


    "It''s their problem. The fact is that we won and they can''t do anything about it." Nate replied with a grin, raising his voice high to be heard.


    The two navigated through the dimly lit stairs of the underground complex, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly. The further they got from the arena, the quieter it became.


    The tense atmosphere of the arena gradually gave way to the relative calm of the academy''s main buildings. As they emerged from a hidden passageway behind the nondescript door, they left the ancient library where the arena was located.


    Kyle saw off Nate at his dormitory which came before his before heading towards the Year 1 dormitory.


    Kyle located his dormitory which was mostly quiet as most of the awakened were fast asleep, ready for the next day. The air was cool, a welcome change from the environment of the underground arena. Despite being night-time, it was well illuminated by various magic artifacts.


    Kyle entered his room and immediately got onto his bed, feeling the adrenaline of the evening finally wearing off. He let out a deep sigh, staring up at the ceiling. "What a night," he murmured, still processing everything that had happened.


    ''Yes, the five stat points I obtained from my victory!'' Kyle suddenly remembered and requested his status.


    "Status!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Awakened: Lv MAX


    EXP: 160/160


    HP: 20/20 Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Energy: 21/22


    Mana: Null


    Agility: 16


    Strength:18


    Vitality: 10


    Stamina: 11


    Intelligence: Null


    SP: 5


    Inventory: 1* Tier-1 Mana core, 1*Egg.


    [Elements]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle observed his status before deciding on how to allocate his Stat points. ''Agility has always been pivotal in how I fight.'' he concluded before making his improvements.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    AGI: 16 >> 20


    VIT: 10 >> 11


    HP: 20 >> 22


    SP: 5 >> 0


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    His HP had gone down during his fight, which confirmed his thoughts on how it worked. So, it didn''t hurt to add 2 extra points to it.


    Kyle wanted to have a feel of his Agility increase but eventually decided to do so the next day.


    "Good night, System. Wake me up by 7 am," he decided so he could get enough rest, even if it was for only seven hours.


    Kyle, exhausted from the night''s events, eventually drifted off to sleep.


    And so, the night passed quietly, the dormitory settling into a peaceful stillness. Outside, the academy''s grounds were bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, a serene contrast to the chaos and excitement of the underground arena. The future was uncertain, but for now, Kyle could rest, gathering his strength for the battles and adventures yet to come.


    He didn''t know that as he slept, he was being observed. His progress, will and determination were all being watched. Great responsibilities lay on his head, those affecting billions of lives!

 Chapter 24: Mana Core Creation

    The week passed in a flash with Kyle attending lessons during the day and going to the Arena at night. He had been making steady progress at forming his mana core, and he could now congest his mana into a spherical orb.


    Professor Seraphina had informed them that today would be the day they would create their mana core.


    The biggest improvement Kyle got through the week was in his sword mastery.


    [Sword intent mastery: 11%]


    He didn''t know how or why; he just knew he was making progress in the understanding of the sword. None of his fellow awakened could stand a chance against him. He normally sparred against Instructor Harris, who could only beat him due to his superior stats.


    ''Finally!'' Kyle exclaimed inwardly as he heard the bell signaling the history class closure.


    It was finally time for him to take a step forward in his dream to become a mage. He couldn''t help but take a look at his status to relish his improvements.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Awakened: Lv MAX


    EXP: 160/160


    HP: 20 >> 30


    Energy: 22 >> 28


    Mana: Null


    Agility: 20 >> 25


    Strength:18 >> 23


    Vitality: 10 >> 15


    Stamina: 11 >> 14


    Intelligence: Null


    SP: 0


    Inventory: 1* Tier-1 Mana core, 1*Egg.


    [Elements]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    He has had massive improvements which were evident on his streak in the arena. His wins had been the reason his stats saw such a massive boost.


    Kyle eventually got to the Mana-core awakening class and sat down near the front row.


    Professor Seraphina, as graceful as ever, stood at the center of the room. Her deep violet eyes swept over the students, a gentle smile gracing her lips.


    "Welcome, everyone," she began, her voice soothing. "Today, we will finalize the creation of your mana cores. You''ve all relearned to compress your mana. But forming a stable core requires a final step¡ªbinding your energies together with an external source."


    She gestured towards the front of the room, where several crystalline orbs filled a container. They were mana cores obtained to provide the necessary energy to catalyze the formation of the students'' cores.


    "These mana cores," Professor Seraphina continued, "will provide the energy needed to bind your elemental energies together. Each of you will use one to complete the process. Once your core is formed, it will manifest around you briefly, revealing your elemental affinities. This is an easy process, so focus and let it flow naturally."


    Seraphina went along to hand over one mana core to each student.


    "Now, begin the process we''ve practiced. Close your eyes, center yourself, and focus on the Mana within you. This time, let the energy of the mana core in your hand merge with your own, binding your internal energies together."


    Kyle focused on the void within him, the space where his mana core was forming. He had already prepared the sphere, but it felt hollow¡ª an empty vessel ready to be filled.


    With the way he had been taught, he began to draw the mana out of the orb and let it mingle with his.


    Slowly, the two energies began to merge, conjugating into a unified force. The mana core became duller as its energy was absorbed until it eventually became empty.


    Kyle felt a deep, resonant hum within him as his mana core solidified. It was a steady, pulsing presence, like a heart beating in time with his own.


    He knew that this core was now a permanent part of him, a pool of magic he could draw upon at will.


    Professor Seraphina''s voice broke through the silence. "Now, as your cores stabilize, allow the energy to manifest around you. This will be a brief but powerful display of your elemental affinities."


    Kyle opened his eyes just as the energy within him surged outward. Around him, arcs of lightning danced in the air, crackling with raw power.


    Ding!


    The room was filled with similar displays as each student manifested their elemental energies. Some were surrounded by swirling water or floating stones, while others radiated light or darkness.


    After a few seconds; it all began to fade, the energy settling back into their newly formed mana cores.


    Professor Seraphina smiled with pride. "You have all done very well. Each of you has successfully formed your mana core and connected with your elements. Your mana core will be your reservoir for mana and will evolve with every growth you experience."


    "You would now be divided into wings, each tailored for your element. Tomorrow, being a free day; you''ll be briefed on your new schedule." Professor Seraphina added. "You''re dismissed. You can all go home. No more classes for today."


    As Kyle left the classroom, he finally had the opportunity to check his system''s notifications.


    [Congratulations! You''ve formed your lightning mana core!]


    [You''ve unlocked a new panel, ''Skills''!]


    [You''ve unlocked skill points]


    [You''ve unlocked Mana Points!]


    [You''ve unlocked stat, Intelligence!]


    [New quest: Learning is not attained by chance. Learn a lightning specific spell.]


    [Rewards: 5 Skill points]


    ''Skills?! Quest?'' Kyle had lots of questions to ask but decided until he reached the dormitory.


    He quickly had a lavish meal at the restaurant for 20 credits. After all, he was rich! His comm which displayed ''1045 credits'' was proof of his arena successes. Though his odds of victory had reduced stupendously. He still made a lot with high bets.


    Kyle enjoyed his meal before heading to his house, having his bath and then paying attention to the system. All these had required a great deal of self-control to prevent him from opening his rewards beforehand.


    ''Status!''


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 1


    EXP: 0/1000


    HP: 30


    Energy: 28 S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    MP: 20


    Agility: 25


    Strength: 23


    Vitality: 15


    Stamina: 14


    Intelligence: 20


    SP: 0


    Skill points: 0


    Inventory: 1* Tier-1 Mana core, 1*Egg.


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    -Inventory


    A space where time is paused and energy flow restricted is used for storing items by the host.


    -Regeneration(Passive)


    Gain 1 MP and 1 HP every minute when not in combat for thirty seconds.


    -Inspect(Active) > Locked


    Using MP, you can see some stats of people and objects five meters before you.


    {This is a system-specific skill. Power and utility all depend on skill level}


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 25: The Briefing

    What was especially intriguing to Kyle was the [Inspect] skill he saw on the skill menu. Others like [Regeneration] and [Inventory] were what he was already accustomed to. Though, he hadn''t entertained the possibility of storing items in the inventory.


    ''Others have stats too?!'' Kyle wondered in surprise. He decided to give it a try and selected the skill. He didn''t need to tap as the system was more of a mental projection than a screen in front of him.


    [Inspect] >Locked


    - Cost: 5 Skill points


    ''Five skill points,'' Kyle thought. ''I''ll get that from the quest.''


    He took some time to survey the other changes. ''Intelligence. That may have to deal with mana points in the same manner as Stamina to Energy and Vitality to Health points,'' he guessed after observing their similarities. ''Maybe, one Intelligence stat equals an MP stat.''


    Kyle dropped his blood on the egg for the 13th day in a row. ''It''s funny how days fly, isn''t it?''


    Kyle stopped his conversation with the egg after he was done with the ritual and placed it back in the inventory.


    ''Uhhm, you know, the academy is advanced and stuff. What if they''re hidden cameras in my room watching me bring an egg out of thin air and drop my blood every day?'' A thought suddenly came to Kyle that made him gulp hard.


    [All system-related items can only be seen by the host] The system responded, relieving his worries.


    ''Hmm, you still answer my questions?'' Kyle asked the system with surprise. ''Well, let''s talk. Tell me more about who you are?''


    [...]


    Kyle gave up after the system failed to provide another response.


    ''Though they can''t see the egg. They still see me dropping my blood on the floor,'' Kyle thought with an embarrassed expression. ''They must think I''m a kinda weirdo or something.''


    Kyle thought hard about what to do before deciding to call Nate to share the good news. He had earlier decided not to visit the arena today as he was exhausted from his mana core formation process.


    As he scoured his comm for Nate''s ID; an unexpected call came in.


    "Hey, Riya!" Kyle greeted. After confirming the name on the ID.


    "Kyle! You now know your element." Riya''s voice burst through the comm. "What was it?"


    Kyle leaned back, resisting the urge to tell her. "Yeah, I did. Want to take a guess?"


    Riya laughed playfully. "Ooh, a guessing game, huh? Alright, let''s see. Fire? No, too common for you. Maybe something like ice?"


    Kyle chuckled. "Nope, keep guessing."


    "Hmm, okay. How about wind? You already have an affinity towards speed."


    "Close, but not quite," Kyle teased, enjoying the suspense.


    "Alright, I give up," Riya said, after mentioning lots of elements. "Just tell me already!"


    Kyle grinned. "It''s lightning."


    Riya facepalmed herself. "Lightning! Why didn''t I think of that?


    The two continued to discuss for some time before they ended the call.


    Kyle tried calling Nate, who didn''t pick up as he was most likely in class.


    He decided to go to sleep early, to gain a much-needed rest. He didn''t have to set an alarm as the bus would pick them up by nine.


    The night quickly passed before a new day came again.


    Kyle checked his comm to see the time. 7:38 AM. He felt as refreshed as ever. He had slept for almost fifteen hours! Something he''s never done, even in Yurigur.


    Stretching his arms, he pushed off the blanket and sat up, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. Today was a significant day; by nine, they would be briefed on their new arrangements.


    He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, feeling the cool wooden floor beneath his feet.


    After a quick shower, he dressed in casual clothes, a simple t-shirt, and shorts, suitable to complete his quest. His wardrobe was well stocked, thanks to his copious credits.


    Kyle made his way to the academy''s restaurant, his stomach rumbling in anticipation as he had been asleep for a long.


    Kyle joined the line and scanned the menu displayed on a large digital screen. After a moment of deliberation, he decided on a hearty meal: eggs, bacon, toast, and a large glass of orange juice. He swiped his comm, deducting the necessary credits, and grabbed a tray.


    Finding a quiet corner, Kyle sat down and began eating, savoring each bite. He watched the other students as they went about their morning routines. Some were engrossed in conversations, while others seemed lost in thought, no doubt pondering the same things Kyle was¡ª the briefing to be held.


    As he finished his meal, Kyle checked the time. 8:00 AM. He still had plenty of time to complete his quest before the briefing.


    [Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


    [You have obtained 1 STA point]


    [STA: 14 >> 15]


    [Energy: 28 >> 30]


    [Time: 0:27:09] S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once back in his room, Kyle quickly showered, feeling refreshed as the warm water washed away the sweat from his run.


    Kyle donned his academy uniform before checking his comm for the time. 8:55 AM.


    He waited for the bus which would transport them to the hall where the briefing would be held. It didn''t take long for the bus to arrive, flying then to the hall.


    Kyle found a seat near the front, where he spotted Orion. He waved and made his way over, sitting down beside him.


    "Hey, Orion," Kyle greeted. "I haven''t seen you in a while."


    "Ah, Kyle!" Orion exclaimed, surprised to see him. "The academy''s just too arduous."


    "So, what have you been up to?" Kyle asked. "Back to your devices?"


    "I require heavy funding to continue on my innovations, and these meager credits aren''t making it easier." Orion sighed. "It''s like a carrot in front of us which we can''t obtain."


    Kyle thought about all the credits he had from The Arena, subconsciously leaving a smile on his face.


    "I hope that would be addressed today," he wished.


    "You have a way to earn credits, don''t you?" Orion immediately asked. "Spill it out, now!"


    ''Jeez! This boy''s scary,'' Kyle concluded. "Yes, I do. But I''m not sure it''s something you''ll fancy."


    Orion nodded. "I''m listening."


    "Okay- "


    Their conversation was cut short as the room quieted, preventing Kyle from sharing his ways with Orion.


    The lights dimmed slightly, and a spotlight illuminated the stage. Elizabeth Quill, the Year 1 head, stepped up to the podium. Her presence commanded attention, and the room fell silent in anticipation.

 Chapter 26: Elective Courses

    "Good morning, students," the year 1 head began, her voice carrying clearly throughout the hall. "Today marks an important milestone in your journey here at the academy. You have all successfully formed your mana cores, an important step in your magical education. Congratulations."


    A round of applause filled the hall.


    Elizabeth continued, "With your mana cores formed, you are now ready to delve deeper into the study and practice of magic. From this point forward, you will be divided into wings, or elemental departments, based on your elemental affinity. These wings will guide your training and focus your studies, allowing you to hone your skills in alignment with your natural abilities."


    Elizabeth gestured to a large screen behind her, which lit up with the names of the various wings. Pyro Wing, Aqua Wing, Terra Wing, Aero Wing, Lumina Wing, Shadow Wing, Thunder Wing and so on. Each wing represented a different elemental affinity, and the students would be assigned to their respective wings based on their mana cores.


    Kyle exchanged a glance with Orion. Along with Orion, he would be placed in the Thunder Wing, a department focused on harnessing the power of electricity.


    "In addition to your core studies within your wings," Elizabeth continued, "you will have the opportunity to choose elective classes. These electives will allow you to expand your knowledge and skills beyond your primary element. Some of the electives available include Alchemy, Forge Mastering, Beast taming, and Rune making.


    Each elective offers unique insights and practical skills that can complement your magical abilities."


    Despite being pre-informed by Nate, Kyle remained excited. The opportunity to learn more than just elemental magic was thrilling.


    Except for forge mastering which he had learned from Nate, and Beast taming which was easy to understand from its name; he didn''t understand what was Alchemy or Rune making.


    As if sensing his confusion, Elizabeth explained.


    "Alchemy is the art and science of transformation. Alchemists combine various magical ingredients, mostly plants and herbs; to create potions, elixirs, and other mystical substances. An Alchemist uses a cauldron to make pills and potions, which could be used as a utility and a weapon."


    "Forge Mastering," Elizabeth continues, "is the discipline of crafting and enhancing weapons, armor, and other metal objects. It''s more than just blacksmithing; it involves imbuing these creations with magical properties. A Forge Master understands the strengths and weaknesses of different metals, alloys, and materials, as well as the magical energies that can be infused into them.


    The process often starts with selecting the right materials and continues with forging, shaping, and enchanting the items. Forge Masters must possess not only physical strength and craftsmanship but also the ability to channel magical energies into their creations. Thereby making equipment worthy to be used by a mage."


    "Rune Making is the craft of inscribing magical symbols onto objects, surfaces, or even in the air. Runes are symbols imbued with specific magical properties, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, from creating barriers to enhancing weapons and armor or even casting spells. Each rune has its unique effect, and the skill lies in the accurate drawing and activation of these symbols.


    Runes can be permanent or temporary, depending on the medium and the magic involved. Mastery of Rune Making requires a deep understanding of both the symbols themselves and the magic they channel. It''s a versatile discipline, as runes can be adapted for almost any magical need, limited only by the practitioner''s knowledge and creativity."


    Elizabeth took a breath from her explanation before explaining the last.


    "Beast Taming is the art of bonding with and controlling magical creatures. This discipline requires a deep understanding of different creatures'' behaviors, instincts, and magical properties. A Beast Tamer learns to communicate with these beings, often forming a bond that goes beyond mere control. This bond is mostly formed through magic connections.


    Beast Tamers can train their creatures for various purposes, such as combat, transportation, or companionship."


    Elizabeth paused, letting the students assimilate her information dump.


    "From now on, you will gain access to the Academy''s library where you can borrow spell books for credit."


    Elizabeth smiled as she remembered an issue. "Besides, you have all been complaining about your credit allowances. So, we''ll raise it. You''ll now receive 20 credits daily!"


    The students clapped with energy and excitement as they were glad of the news.


    The issue of obtaining credits has been a very serious problem here in Vyna. 20 credits every two days could barely feed you through that period.


    "You will also be given opportunities to trade your skills and specialties for credits!"


    A more thunderous clap echoed around the hall. At least, they had hope of earning credits, and not only depending on the Academy''s allowance.


    Kyle wasn''t so bothered about the credit issue which made his applause lack enthusiasm as Orion keenly observed him.


    ''This boy,'' Orion said internally. ''He''s making me desperate.''


    "As for your schedules," Elizabeth continued, "they will be distributed shortly. Your classes will be a mix of theoretical lessons, practical exercises, and elective sessions. The schedule is designed to provide a balanced education, allowing you to develop both your magical and non-magical skills."


    Elizabeth concluded her briefing with a warm smile. "You have all worked hard to get to this point. The journey ahead will not be easy, but it will be rewarding. Remember to support each other, aim for excellence, and never stop learning. Welcome to the next phase of your education. Good luck."


    The room erupted in applause, and Kyle felt even more excited. This was it, the beginning of their magical training in earnest. The students began to disperse, eager to discuss their newfound knowledge and speculate about the upcoming classes.


    Kyle who had gotten up from his seat, ready to depart, heard a voice from behind him.


    "Where are you going, Mister?"


    "Ah, Orion," Kyle called, "Let''s meet at my house. You okay with that?" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "We''ll meet at mine." Orion countered.


    "Sure," Kyle said with a thumbs up. "I''ll need to have a meal first. Care to join me?"


    "Lead the way."

 Chapter 27: Welcome to the Arena!

    The dorm restaurant bustles with students enjoying their meals and conversations.


    Kyle is midway through a plate of grilled chicken with roasted vegetables, while Orion is enjoying a rich, creamy pasta dish. They both sit together enjoying Kyle''s credits.


    Orion leans forward, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose with a thoughtful expression. "So, this underground arena... it''s real?" he asks with disbelief.


    Kyle grins, nodding as he cuts into his chicken.


    "Yeah, it''s real. It''s a place where students can go to test their skills against each other," he confirms, pausing to take a bite of his meal. He chews thoughtfully before continuing, "But it''s more than just fighting. There''s a whole atmosphere around it. Students bet on matches, enjoying the fights. It''s like our own little world."


    Orion''s eyes widen. He swallows his mouthful of pasta, then leans in closer, lowering his voice. "Isn''t it dangerous, though? I mean, what if someone gets hurt?" He picks up his glass of water, taking a sip as he listens intently.


    Kyle shakes his head, a reassuring smile on his face. "There are rules in place to keep things safe. The weapons aren''t sharp, and there''s a strict ''no death'' policy. It''s more about skill and control than anything else," he explains, reaching for a roasted carrot and popping it into his mouth. He savors the earthy sweetness before adding,


    "Plus, even if someone does get injured. They''re medics around the arena on standby to sell their services."


    Orion relaxes a bit, nodding as he digests the information. "That sounds... fascinating," he admits, his voice filled with jealousy.


    "But, I don''t think fighting is my kinda thing," he adds quickly, raising a hand as if to ward off the idea. "That doesn''t mean I''m backing off," he quickly added after observing Kyle. "You said something earlier about gambling?"


    *Cough, Cough*


    Kyle couldn''t control himself after he heard Orion, almost spilling the drink in his mouth.


    "You wanna gamble?" Kyle asked. "On others?"


    "Yup," Orion affirmed. "Any problem?"


    "No, not at all," Kyle explained, getting back into his meal. "But, staking on others is very risky, you know?"


    Orion used his finger to pick a meatball from the meal before throwing it into his mouth. "Well, I''m desperate. I''d rather gamble for now than stay idle," he adjusted his glasses before curving a proud smile. "I''ve always been good with numbers and probabilities. It could be interesting to see how my predictions match up with the outcomes."


    Kyle laughed for a while at Orion''s comment. "Sure, sure. We can even go tonight. You free?"


    "Alright, I''m in." He finishes his pasta, wiping the creamy sauce from the corner of his mouth with a napkin.


    Kyle nods. "Okay. We''ll meet at the restaurant by nine." He leans in slightly, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "Just make sure to keep it low-key. Not everyone needs to know about the place."


    Orion nods with a serious expression. "Of course. Discretion is key," he agrees, pushing his empty plate aside. He looks thoughtful for a moment, then adds, "This will be a good opportunity to understand more about the students here, too. The kind of environment that fosters this sort of underground activity... it''s fascinating."


    Kyle chuckles. "That''s one way to look at it," he says, standing up and stretching.


    They both returned to their houses. Kyle took his bath and performed his normal ritual on the egg before deciding on a nap, setting his alarm to be awakened by 8:45 PM.


    ~


    "You''re late." Orion who had been waiting for some minutes now said to the approaching Kyle.


    Kyle ignored Orion''s statement. "Follow my lead. The arena''s under the ancient library."


    At the bottom, Kyle guided them through a narrow hallway, barely lit by a single flickering bulb. They stopped in front of an unmarked door, slightly ajar. Kyle pushed it open, revealing a dusty storage room cluttered with old furniture and forgotten boxes.


    Orion glanced around, his curiosity piqued. "This is where the entrance is?" he asked, keeping his voice barely above a whisper.


    Kyle nodded, moving confidently toward the basement. "Yeah, it''s hidden to keep things under wraps," he replied. With a grunt, he shifted the wardrobe aside, revealing a concealed doorway behind it. He turned to Orion, a hint of excitement in his voice. "This is it."


    The narrow stairs beyond the door were cold and damp, the stone walls seeming to absorb any sound. They moved cautiously, the faint echoes of their footsteps the only noise. The tunnel twisted and turned, a labyrinth of forgotten architecture. Kyle led the way with practiced ease, while Orion followed closely, the thrill of the unknown growing with each step.


    Finally, they reached a heavy curtain that blocked the stair''s end. Kyle paused, turning to Orion with a serious expression. "On the other side is the arena," he whispered. "It''s not just a place for fights; it''s a gathering spot for those looking for something beyond the academy''s rules. Remember, respect is key."


    Orion nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. "Understood," he whispered back, adjusting his glasses. The gravity of the moment settled over him, joined with a thrill of excitement.


    With a final nod, Kyle pushed aside the curtain, revealing the underground arena.


    Kyle led Orion through the crowd, weaving past clusters of students who barely noticed them.


    Orion looked around, taking in the scene with wide eyes. The setup was surprisingly organized, yet it had an undeniable edge of danger and unpredictability.


    "This is... amazing," Orion said, his voice filled with awe. "I never imagined something like this could exist here."


    Kyle grinned, clearly pleased with Orion''s reaction. "Welcome to the Arena!" he said, his voice tinged with pride.


    "It''s a whole different side of the academy, a place where students can test their skills and push their limits."


    Orion nodded, still absorbing the atmosphere. "And the betting... it''s all part of it?" he asked, glancing toward the booth where a group of students was animatedly discussing odds.


    "Yeah," Kyle confirmed, guiding them to a quieter spot where they could observe the action. "It''s a big part of the scene. People bet on matches, trying to predict the outcomes."


    As they settled in, a hush fell over the crowd, signaling the start of another match. The fighters stepped into the ring, greeted by a murmur of anticipation from the audience.


    Kyle explained the two types of matches that took place in the pits.


    Orion''s eyes were very focused on the match. Though he has seen a fair share of magic from his father. He has never seen an elemental duel before. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 28: Dominion

    Kyle looked towards Orion who seemed to be very absorbed in the match.


    "I''ll get going," Kyle informed. "I''d like to book a match."


    Orion nodded in approval. "Sure, I''ll get acquainted with the arena''s statistics."


    Kyle made his way to the registration booth, he didn''t need an introduction to be remembered by the boy manning the booth.


    "Omni Lord! Wanna book a match?" the dark-skinned boy at the booth asked, already filling in some details.


    "Yup," Kyle affirmed. "Any available?"


    "Not at the moment," the boy replied while shaking his head. "You''re No. 11 and we''re currently at No. 9. It won''t take long till it''s your turn.


    "Sure, thanks," Kyle replied while collecting his token.


    "No problem," The boy replied before making way for another customer.


    Kyle had become a rising star in the arena. 9 games, 9 wins. Undefeated since he joined. His skills were enjoyed by the audience, despite being ranked 47th.


    He made his way to the gambling booth and placed fifty coins on himself. Due to his successes, his odds had always been on the lower end.


    He confirmed that a second opponent had already registered and decided to check their profile.


    =Elysia


    =0 games


    =0 wins


    ''Ah,'' Kyle sighed. ''A noob.''


    He was unhappy about not being able to battle someone stronger but eventually shrugged it off. ''Well, I''m just gonna extend my win streak.''


    He had a meager 1.12 odds of winning while his opponent''s was 28. It didn''t take long until he was called into the pit for his match.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we welcome back our sword prodigy, Omni Lord!" The announcer''s voice boomed, his voice carrying through the arena.


    The crowd roared, excited for the display.


    "Going up against him, a newcomer, wielding the rapier, Elysia!"


    Few claps came around the arena, and many were assured of the result.


    Kyle jumped into the pit as he awaited his opponent.


    A girl with long green hair and amber eyes, wearing a white flowing robe, gracefully walked towards the pit. She held the rapier in her hand carelessly, as it looked like it could fall anytime.


    Kyle observed her, almost enthralled by her appearance. Abandoning all distractions, he clasped his palms and bowed to his opponent.


    "Begin!"


    Elysia, who yawned as Kyle bowed, changed her posture as the match commenced, folding her hands across her bountiful chest.


    Kyle tried his best to ignore her blatant disregard for the match. ''I just hope she doesn''t lose too badly.''


    He came at her with his great Agility, aiming to knock her off the ground in one sweeping strike.


    The girl showed no movements as he drew closer to her.


    ''It''s over,'' Kyle resigned. ''There''s absolutely no how I won''t strike her feet from the way she''s standing.''


    As the blunt katana was inches away from Elysia''s leg; she went for what no one would have expected.


    She jumped!


    Jumping in a fight where your opponent was extremely close to you wasn''t a smart move at all. Not only did it expose you to a second attack whilst still in the air, but your landing was foreseen by your opponent giving them the advantage.


    All these were the risks affiliated with her move except if she was able to reach the ground so fast that the jump couldn''t be exploited. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Elysia not only managed to jump about thirty inches off the ground but lunged herself forward to Kyle, delivering a flying kick.


    "Im-po-ssible," Kyle barely stuttered as he coughed out mouthfuls of blood.


    [HP: 15/30]


    The hit took a lot from him, instantly haling his HP. Elysian landed softly on the ground before folding her arms once again.


    Elysia rolled her eyes in disgust. "Pathetic."


    The whole crowd was silent at the sight of the display. Many began to wonder about the true identity of the girl. This was a physical fight, hence, no magic was allowed making Elysia''s strength unexplainable.


    [New quest: Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. Survive against the opponent before you!]


    [Reward: 1 Skill point per minute]


    Kyle used his hands to wipe the blood off his mouth before slowly getting up. He thought about buying time by staying on the floor since Elysia did nothing to him when down but eventually stood up so as not to get disqualified.


    "Yeah," Kyle whispered. "I just have to survive."


    Elysia had a smile on her face after watching him get back up.


    Kyle raised his katana and adopted a stance.


    Elysia looked at the rapier in her hands and threw it away. Quickly approaching him, she went for a sweeping kick.


    Kyle, who had anticipated the kick in advance managed to jump up to avoid it. Unfortunately, Elysia angled her legs forward and threw him on the floor again.


    Kyle fell with a heavy thud, resulting in his back throbbing in pain.


    [HP: 9/30]


    "You''re a weakling, huh?" Elysia questioned him with scorn. She swept her hands around the silent crowd before saying. "These humans, they need you. What have you been doing all this while?!"


    Kyle caught up on her point. It was all starting to make sense. The system, its purpose. All these had been at the back of his head ever since he arrived here.


    Elysia folded her left palm, revealing two fingers. "2 years. That''s the time left before the first wave of attacks begins."


    Kyle didn''t understand what she was saying. He slowly stood up, refusing to falter before picking up his formerly dropped Katana.


    "DON''T. DARE. CALL. ME. A. WEAKLING!"


    Kyle said, word-by-word before releasing a slash from his Katana.


    A white blinding light fell on the arena after which his opponent disappeared completely from the scene.


    [You have survived for 1 minute and 53 seconds. You''ve gained 1 skill point!]


    [Congratulations, you have completed the hidden quest, "Defeat the goddess incarnation".]


    [You have gained Elysia''s approval]


    Silence ensued from the crowd as the light dimmed out. In the pit, a boy lay on the ground, still bleeding from his former wounds. The girl, however, the one who had brought him to this state, was nowhere to be found.

 Chapter 29: Aftermath

    The announcer stepped forward, ready to break the foreboding silence.


    "I regret to inform you that we don''t have a winner just yet," he announced, his voice carrying a tone of disappointment that matched the crowd''s mood. The news, however, did little to surprise the audience.


    "The fighter, Omni Lord, is currently under suspicion of cheating. We all witnessed the powerful attack that ended the battle, and it has raised some serious concerns."


    A hush fell over the crowd as they listened to the announcer, their minds wandering somewhere else. The tension, however, was momentarily eased as the announcer continued, his tone shifting to something more conciliatory.


    "Rest assured, there will be full refunds for those who placed bets on this match. We must obtain conclusive results before any decisions are made."


    A collective sigh of relief spread across the arena. The announcer paused as a soft chime signaled an incoming message on his comm. His expression remained impassive as he read it, and then he lifted his gaze back to the crowd.


    "The arena will now close for the evening. We ask that everyone return to their respective dormitories."


    It didn''t take long for the crowd to disperse. Their departure was orderly, but many still discussed the match and its implications.


    As the last of the spectators vanished through the exits, a group of fourth years, the ones tasked with the arena''s administration, made their way to the pit.


    One of them, a boy with fair skin and a striking green ponytail, pulled out a handheld device. The device whirred softly as he activated it, sweeping it across the pit where Kyle had fallen.


    The glow from the screen illuminated his focused expression, as he scanned the area, pausing briefly over Kyle''s unconscious form.


    After a few moments, he stood. He turned to his peers, who were waiting anxiously for his assessment.


    "There''s no trace of magic here," he stated firmly, his voice. "The boy has used a magic spell. He''s most likely a first-year."


    "Year 1?!" another boy blurted out, his voice tinged with shock. The notion of a first-year possessing such power was unbelievable.


    One of the more senior students, a tall figure with sharp, narrow eyes, stepped forward. He surveyed the pit, he had paid attention during the the match and had to confirm his idea.


    "He didn''t use magic... that was his sword intent."


    "Sword intent. Impossible!" murmurs spread through the group, their doubts voiced in hushed tones.


    "Quiet!" the boy with the device snapped, his voice laced with authority. The group immediately fell silent, focusing all attention on him. "We''re all forgetting something here. A girl was obliterated in the arena we were tasked to handle!"


    "So, what''s the next step? Am I to heal him?" a girl from the group inquired.


    "No," the boy with the device replied, his tone firm. "I''ll inform Michael about what had happened here." The casual way he mentioned the Dean''s name, spoke a lot about his standing within the academy. "We''ll keep the boy in the infirmary and report to him."


    The group nodded in agreement before they instructed some helpers to take Kyle to the infirmary.


    ***


    Michael sat in his office behind a grand desk. The room he stayed in was large, too large to be called an office. Shelves filled with neatly organized books, lined the walls in order, creating an academic atmosphere in the room.


    The large windows in the office were wide open, giving the office a warm atmosphere.


    *Knock, Knock*


    "Come in," Michael commanded, his voice calm yet authoritative. He didn''t need to guess who was at the door; he had already sensed the visitor.


    The door swung open to reveal Jordan, the fourth-year student who had earlier scanned the arena pit.


    He entered calmly, despite what had earlier transpired. His black and gold uniform of an Elite 10 fit him perfectly, a symbol of his elevated status among the academy''s best.


    "Jordan," Michael greeted him. "I assume you have something important to report."


    "Yes sir," Jordan replied. "There was an incident in the arena today."


    Michael leaned forward, his interest immediately piqued. The underground arena which he commissioned had been doing well so far. News from there always carried weight. "Go on."


    "There was a physical match between two new fighters," Jordan began. "One of them, who goes by the alias Omni Lord, had made his debut a few days ago. The other was fighting her first match today."


    Michael''s eyes narrowed slightly as Jordan continued.


    "The fighter, Omni Lord, is suspected of displaying sword intent during the match. We used a magic detection device on him afterward and found no traces of spell usage. This can only mean one thing..."


    "He''s a Year 1!" Michael interjected, his voice betraying his surprise.


    "Yes, he is," Jordan confirmed, though his expression remained grave, lacking any sense of triumph at the discovery.


    Michael studied Jordan for a moment, sensing there was more to the story. "There''s more to this, ain''t there?"


    Jordan took in a breath. "The sword intent... it was overwhelmingly strong. So strong that it obliterated his opponent in a single strike."


    A heavy silence filled the room as Michael absorbed this revelation. This wasn''t the first student to have died in the academy, but, not this way.


    After a moment, Michael broke the silence, his voice filled with concern. "The opponent... What was her name?"


    "Elysia," Jordan replied quietly.


    Michael exhaled, running a hand through his face. "Do we have any records of her?"


    "No," Jordan said, shaking his head. "We don''t have the records of the contestants."


    *Bang*


    Michael slammed his hand down on the desk, the sound reverberating through the room. The sturdy desk doing well to bear the brunt of his frustration.


    "We were careless!" he exclaimed, his tone filled with anger. "From now on, I want all combatants in the arena fully documented. Their real names, years, and IDs must be on file."


    "Understood, sir," Jordan affirmed, his voice steady despite the tense atmosphere.


    Michael sighed, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. He shifted his focus to the next pressing matter. "What about the boy, Omni Lord? Where is he now? I want to meet him."


    "Well..." Jordan began recounting the events leading up to the incident, including Kyle''s arena record and how he had been utterly defeated by Elysia before the final blow.


    Michael''s expression softened before waving his hands to dismiss the student. "It''s unfortunate we''ve lost such a talent. When he wakes up, send him to my office."


    "Yes sir," Jordan replied, bowing slightly before turning to leave.


    As Jordan exited, the room fell silent once more, leaving Michael alone with his thoughts. The Dean leaned back in his chair, staring through the window.


    "Sword intent... Year 1," Michael mused aloud with a bittersweet smile. "Dan will be pleased."


    S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 30: Meeting the Dean

    Kyle''s eyes slowly opened, greeted by the whiteness of the infirmary''s ceiling. He tried to stand up before realizing he was lying down on a bed with clean white sheets.


    ''How did I get here?'' Kyle thought after remembering the previous events. He instinctively moved his hand to his chest. As expected, it didn''t hurt as much.


    [HP: 30/30]


    He glanced at his status screen to confirm his thoughts.


    ''The aura, I used it again.'' Kyle thought to himself. ''I received something. What was it again, system?''


    The door slowly creaked open, interrupting Kyle''s thought.


    "You''re awake," a gentle voice coming from a woman said. "How do you feel?"


    "I feel really good. Like nothing happened to me at all," Kyle remarked.


    The medic chuckled. "That''s nice. The Dean wants to see you. I was told to inform you when you wake up."


    "The Dean?!" Kyle exclaimed in shock.


    "Yes," she affirmed. "You can go through the academy''s portal."


    Kyle wondered why the Dean would want to see him until the realization of him using sword intent surfaced. ''Welp, I hope I''m not in trouble.''


    Kyle got up from his bed and followed the medic. They went to a building some meters away from the infirmary. Entering inside after their identities were verified, Kyle was awed at the scene.


    Towering portal-like constructions were orderly lined in the spacious room. The circular portals though dormant¡ª gave off an aura that screamed power!


    As directed by the medic, Kyle entered one of the portals waiting for the Dean to approve his arrival before it turned on.


    The feeling of teleportation wasn''t enjoyable, to say the least. Kyle having already experienced it, dealt with it perfectly, as he was warped without any problems.


    The portals in the academy were interlinked with each other. A portal led to another and vice-versa.


    Kyle arrived in through a portal node at the Dean''s office. Kyle felt a whole lot better than when he had warped for the first time¡ª thanks to his improved stats.


    His eyes wandered through the spacious room, finally meeting the Dean.


    Kyle didn''t have a good first impression of him. The way he had made them all wait, only to arrive and not select all.


    Kyle could only imagine how those other kids felt, after having false hope of attending the academy, only to return home.


    ''Welp, good thing I made the cut.'' he warded out all other thoughts and focused on the reason he was here.


    "Good evening, sir," Kyle greeted, bowing slightly.


    The Dean nodded and gestured to a seat opposite his desk. "Good afternoon. Please, have a seat."


    Kyle sat, trying to free his mind of any thoughts that may implicate him.


    Michael studied him for a moment, taking note of his white cloak, evident of him being a Year 1 student. "I trust the portal experience wasn''t too overwhelming?"


    "It isn''t anymore," Kyle replied with a smile.


    Michael chuckled softly. "I''m impressed by your resilience. What is your name boy?"


    "Kyle Lin."


    "So, Kyle. You know why I called you?" Michael suddenly asked.


    "Err... I think it has to do with my attack." Kyle said with doubt, trying his best to appear clueless before the Dean.


    "Kyle," the Dean began. "Do you know what sword intent is?"


    "Sword intent, sir? I''m not sure I understand?" Kyle tried to feign confusion.


    Michael smiled at the display. "Sword intent is not merely a technique or a skill, Kyle. It is a manifestation of one''s will, spirit, and essence in the form of a blade. It''s an extension of the swordsman''s soul, capable of cutting through not just matter, but reality itself."


    Beads of sweat formed on Kyle''s face as he remembered Madam Grace''s warning.


    "Are you saying I used sword intent, sir?"


    "Yes, Kyle," The dean affirmed to his question. "It''s quite impressive for a young one like you to be able to use an aura, isn''t it?"


    Kyle kept his mouth shut, not willing to implicate himself further.


    "Your opponent, Elysia," Michael brought up, taking a sip of the beverage on his desk. "Ever thought what happened to her?"


    Kyle began to panic after hearing the Dean''s words. He truly never thought about the impact of his intent.


    The first time he had used it, it only managed to destroy Riya''s arrows and everything was okay. His mind trailed to how he killed the Tier-1 mana beast with the help of his intent.


    ''I hope she''s alright,'' he inwardly prayed. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Michael observed him for a while before answering his question.


    "Well, Kyle, I''m afraid to tell you she''s dead," The Dean dropped a bombshell. "Killed by your intent, you killed her, Kyle."


    Kyle paled in horror. "Noo! It can''t be."


    "But, it is," The Dean responded.


    "How? Why?" Kyle questioned his actions before breaking down in tears. "I killed her; I''m a murderer."


    Michael gave him some time to comport himself before adding.


    "The deed has been done. There''s no way to bring back the dead, Kyle," he stated the obvious. "What you can do, rather, is to learn to control your powers. So as not to take more lives carelessly."


    The Dean''s words did barely anything to pacify Kyle. The fact he had killed someone unjustly remained.


    "W-what''s my punishment, I killed a student," Kyle asked, bringing himself back to reality.


    "Nothing," Michael simply said.


    That one word made Kyle more angry at himself. He just killed a student, and nothing would be done to him.


    He couldn''t request for a punishment though, as that was stupid, punishing him wouldn''t bring back the dead


    The Dean paused before continuing. "Due to our carelessness with the arena''s management, we have no records of your opponent. But, we''ll do our best to show her support, if her guardians ever come looking."


    "Okay, thank you," Kyle slowly showed his gratitude.


    "As I said earlier, control is key," Michael continued. "As you can become formidable on the battlefield, if able to wield your powers well,"


    "I''ll try arranging an Instructor to take you in as a disciple, to teach you the ways of the sword."


    "An Instructor?"


    "Yes, a very powerful one," The Dean said with a chuckle. "I''m sure he''ll be interested in handling your tutelage."


    "Thank you." Kyle showed appreciation again, his mood still somber.


    "You can head to your dormitory now. It''s late and you have classes tomorrow," Michael concluded dismissing Kyle.

 Chapter 31: Elysia?

    Kyle lay on his bed, his eyes lost to the white ceiling, reminiscing about the day''s event.


    "I killed someone," he muttered, his eyes filled with tears.


    Ring, ring!


    Kyle withdrew his hand from underneath his head, glancing at his wrist to see the caller once again¡ª Riya.


    This was the ninth time she had called him. At first, Orion called, but after he didn''t pick up twice, he began seeing Riya''s calls some moments later.


    Kyle used his hands to wipe off his tears before prompting the comm to answer, it wasn''t nice leaving someone worried.


    "Hey," Riya''s voice greeted from the comm immediately the it connected.


    "Hey."


    A long silence ensued for a while before Riya broke it.


    "Orion told me what happened, are you alright?"


    "Yes... I am," Kyle replied with suppressed tears.


    "I just wanted to make sure everything was alright," Riya explained. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Riya... I''m a monster!" Kyle wailed. "I killed her."


    "Kyle,"


    "..."


    "Kyle, listen. Mistakes happen." Riya comforted Kyle in a low voice. "Don''t dwell on the past, it won''t change anything."


    "Riya, she has no future, because - of - me." Kyle managed to say despite his tears, that he knew it wouldn''t change anything, but the time had spent understanding his actions had left a void within him.


    "Hold on," Riya called out. "Where went the jovial swordmaster I knew? You''re acting like a wimp now, you know?


    "..."


    "Good night. Go to sleep, okay?" Riya reminded. "You bet I won''t forget today."


    Kyle nodded before muttering. "Thank you."


    He stared at the disconnected comm for quite some time before eventually drifting off to sleep.


    ***


    "Ah... !"


    Kyle screamed while trying to cover his eyes from the golden blinding light before him.


    It took a while, but his eyes eventually managed with the light... all be it barely.


    ''Where am I?'' Kyle questioned himself as his eyes scoured through his surroundings.


    He stood in the middle of a grand hall, too grand it would be passed off as a construction meant for giants. Tall golden pillars stretched upwards to the ever-high ceiling, being one of the only constructions within the hall.


    Aside from pillars was a large regal throne, crafted from the finest of ores. The throne''s golden hue gave off a feeling of majesty.


    Though so regal, the throne couldn''t suppress the aura of the one who sat on it. Green hair, Jade skin, unparalleled beauty and yet a face so pure.


    Elysia sat on the throne, her legs crossed while the hands entertained herself with some fruits being held up in a tray by a strange green man.


    ''Is this a dream?'' Kyle thought, simultaneously pinching himself to prove his thoughts. ''Okay, it''s not,'' Kyle confirmed, rubbing the part of his skin he pinched himself at.


    "Kyle," Elysia called out with a smile.


    ''This... Isn''t this my opponent¡­ Elysia?''


    "Yes, Kyle," Elysia confirmed his thoughts with a smile. "I''m Elysia"


    "Wait!" Kyle couldn''t help but blurt out. "Did you just read my mind?"


    "Yes, I did."


    "What? How?... No, where am I?" Kyle asked, confused about what questions to throw first.


    "You seem to have forgotten our conversation, Kyle," Elysia said with a chuckle, snapping her fingers at him.


    Memories began to flood into Kyle''s mind, reminding him of the detail, the arena event.


    "Ah, you... !" Kyle exclaimed as he processed his memories. "You brought me here, didn''t you?"


    "Nope," Elysia replied. "My dad... Pyrrhus did."


    "Pyrrhus... Yes, I remember."


    "I see..." Elysia whispered with her hands on her chin. "He didn''t tell you anything, huh?"


    "Nope," Kyle answered, his voice lacking the former sorrow he felt.


    Elysia lightly face-palmed. "That man... So annoying. He only cares about himself... Can''t even plan properly."


    "Well," Elysia said after her rants. "That''s why I called you here."


    "Have you ever heard about the Celestial War, Kyle?"


    "The Celestial War?"


    "It is a war between gods and their domains, a conquest of power and domination." She paused to see if Kyle was grabbing before continuing.


    "My dad needed a commander, someone he could communicate with... someone who would lead his forces. He chose you."


    Kyle nodded, his mind racing with thoughts like, ''I didn''t sign up for this'', but he was going to go with the flow... For now.


    "Kyle," Elysia called out with a face-palm. "This is serious... No one cares whether you signed up for it. Would you rather watch humanity perish?"


    ''Damn, she can read my mind,'' Kyle thought. ''I need to find a way to suppress my thoughts...''


    "..."


    "Uhm..." Kyle said with a light chuckle. "It''s kinda rude to read people''s minds. How do you even do that?"


    Elysia sighed. "That doesn''t matter. All that matters now is that you need to get much stronger... Fast!"


    "Tsk. Of course, I want to get stronger." Kyle said with a grin. "But... Why start a war at all? If you so much care about us humans."


    "Well, Kyle, I care about the humans ... My dad doesn''t. All he wants is power." Elysia explained. "Check out the blessing I gave you, Kyle."


    "Blessing?"


    [Elysia''s blessing: The goddess, Elysia had chosen you as her vassal.


    Your physical constitution will be improved!


    You will access 1% of her mana reserves!


    All your actions will be monitored by her.


    Bond would dissolve if you become stronger]


    [Do you accept?]


    [Yes] or [No]


    Kyle thought hard about the offer presented before him... It looked enticing, really enticing.


    ''1% of a goddess''s mana. How much is that?'' Despite not yet knowing the importance of mana, Kyle knew that having large reserves was a great plus.


    Kyle knew that there were downsides too. He didn''t know what the system meant by, "all your actions would be monitored by her" but of course knew that he would be below her if he accepted.


    He directed his gaze briefly to the goddess, whose eyes seemed to beg him to accept, then the flickering system message in his mind, before selecting his choice. One that would be big enough to change everything.

 Chapter 32: Homeroom class

    ''I accept,'' Kyle thought as he selected ''Yes''. He had weighed the two options and figured out:


    ''There''s nothing wrong with being her vassal, as long as it isn''t permanent.''


    Elysia clapped her hands in glee. "Great!"


    She used her mana to imprint a signature on Kyle, marking him as her vassal.


    Kyle felt a sudden surge of power within him, after which a great pain followed.


    "Arrgh..." Kyle cried in pain as he felt his insides crush. "Stop it! Please..."


    He couldn''t help to fall on the ground in pain, but thankfully some seconds that felt like minutes passed before he felt good again.


    [Your physical body has been improved]


    [Your affinity with mana has increased]


    [Your regeneration has been greatly] improved!]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginnier Mage: Lv 1


    EXP: 0/1000


    HP: 30


    Energy: 28


    MP: -


    Agility: 30


    Strength: 30


    Vitality: 15


    Stamina: 15


    Intelligence: 20


    SP: 0


    Skill points: 0


    Inventory: 1* Tier-1 Mana core, 1*Egg.


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    -Inventory


    A space where time is paused and energy flow restricted used for storing items by the host.


    -Regeneration(Passive)


    Recover 1% Energy and MP every second.


    -Inspect(Active) > Locked


    Using MP, you can see some stats of people and objects five meter before you.


    {This is a system-specific skill. Power and utility all depends on skill''s level}


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle stood up from the ground and examined his stats.


    "My MP. There''s a dash?"


    Elysia grinned with pride. "Yes. 1% of my mana cannot be quantified by your system at this stage.


    Kyle''s jaw dropped when he heard Elysia. "Cannot be quantified?! Are you freaking telling me I have infinite mana?"


    Elysia smiled after hearing him. "Well, almost infinite... At this stage, it could be considered infinite."


    "Wow! That should be amazing!"


    "You bet it is," Elysia said with a smirk. "Now get back to your dormitory; you have classes tomorrow."


    "Aye." Kyle felt nothing for some moments, before he opened his eyes and felt the bright light around him.


    He looked at his comm to check the time, "7:29 AM."


    "Nooo! I''m late again," Kyle screamed in sadness.


    He used his comm to take a look at his timetable that has skipped his mind.


    "Homeroom classes¡ª Weekdays. 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM. Weekends: 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM."


    "Wing classes¡ª Weekdays. 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM."


    "Electives¡ª Weekdays. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM."


    "History¡ª Weekends. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM."


    "General Weapon Training¡ª Weekends. 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM."


    "Finally, a break," Kyle smiled after reading the timetable. "I wonder why they''re just implementing it now."


    He jumped of from his bed, wondering why he was still wasting time, before getting ready for lessons.


    7:58 AM.


    ''There should be enough time to grab a meal,'' Kyle thought as he walked into the cafeteria. He opted for a take-away meal, packaging it before secretly storing it in his inventory.


    Kyle grinned as he thought. ''Properly using my cheats.''


    [Daily Quest: Run 10 kilometers]


    [Reward: 1 STA point]


    Kyle glanced at the quest as he ran to the homeroom class, the Year 1 homeroom hall was just some meters from the dormitory, so he couldn''t complete his quest on the process.


    ''8:02 AM,'' Kyle looked at his comm one last time as he stood outside the door. ''I hope this instructor isn''t as strict as Professor Grendel.''


    He made one last silent prayer before slowly opening the doors.


    He saw... Chaos!


    His year mates who had been behaving rather tame since the first day of the academy were all over the place.


    They engaged in loud discussions and had the chance to connect with everyone.


    Kyle directed his gaze to the Instructor''s desk. As expected, it was empty.


    ''No wonder.''


    He found Riya, Orion, Zack and Anne at a corner. The Frulia crew were back together.


    Unlike the others, there wasn''t an air of excitement among them, rather one of silence and quiet chatter.


    "Yo," Kyle called out with a wide smile, taking a seat beside them.


    "Kyle, you''re alright?" Zack said to him in concern.


    "Of course he is..." Orion hissed.


    "Alright? Why won''t I be alright?" Kyle asked with a light chuckle.


    "Orion told us what happened," Zack said slowly, scared of whether to continue talking. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Damn you, Orion,'' Kyle thought, giving Orion the ''who asked you glance''.


    "Welp," Kyle thought for a while before answering, technically, he didn''t kill anyone, so there was no reason to stay down.


    "Riya dear helped me feel better," he said, directing the conversation to Riya.


    "Me? What?" Riya said in denial. "I just told you that you can''t change anything."


    "Stop it, Riya," Kyle said with a smirk. "We all know you''re a good girl."


    Riya growled in anger, not finding the praises funny.


    Zack and Orion erupted into laughter, from the look on Riya''s face.


    "Let me get this straight," Anne finally spoke up, surprising everyone with her voice.


    "You killed an innocent kid and it doesn''t bother you."


    "It does, but I''ve accepted it''s a mistake... One that won''t happen again."


    "Humph." Anne suddenly stood up and left the place.


    Kyle stared at her in confusion as she left, before asking after she disappeared in the crowd.


    "What''s her problem?"


    "..."


    Riya and Zack maintained an odd silence before Orion blurted out.


    "She''s obviously disappointed in your unconcern."


    "Unconcern? Did you expect me to continue crying up till now?" Kyle asked Orion, raising his eyebrows slightly.


    "Nope." Orion replied. "But it would help if you thought about Elysia more."


    Kyle nodded. Maybe he wasn''t acting nice, maybe they were right. They might not know, but he knew that he didn''t kill anyone.


    ''I''ll apologize to her...'' he concluded after giving it some thought.


    His thoughts were interrupted when the door opened, and a certain man walked through the door, making everywhere as silent as a graveyard.


    He was quite tall with a firm build, had a very dark skin with short black styled hair.


    His dressed casually in a white shirt and black pants, but his presence impacted the room despite his warm smile.


    He was Instructor Dan, the Year 1 homeroom teacher.

 Chapter 33: Stay Behind

    "Hello," Instructor Dan greeted with a smile that almost looked scary. "I''m Daniel Hubbard, your homeroom teacher. You can call me Instructor Dan."


    The kids who had already rushed to their respective seats nodded their heads at him.


    "Why are y''all so hung up?" Dan asked with a smile.


    "I would love to know all of you by name... But, from your number, I''m not sure that''s possible."


    "Let''s cut to the chase then," Dan said as he began sharing a sheet with each student.


    He pointed at some students to help him with the distribution, making it faster.


    After he was done making sure every student got a sheet. He began to explain:


    "As you can see already, on that sheet lies all the elective courses offered by the academy.


    Just use your writing aid to tick on the box besides the one you wish to offer."


    A chubby student raised his hand after he was done talking.


    "Your name, element and question." Dan signified calmly.


    "Ehhm... My name is Paul Dickens. An earth elementalist," the boy introduced nervously. "I just wanted to ask if we can choose more than one course." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, Dan... If you observe your timetable, you''ll see that there is only one period for the elective course," Dan explained.


    "But, if you can somehow be in two classes at the same, you''re free to do so."


    Laughter and snickers erupted from the class after Dan finished talking, making Paul cover his face in shame.


    "Silence!"


    Dan announced with a sharp tone, unconsciously releasing some mana, which sent chills through some students.


    He smiled after seeing the result, retracting back his aura. "Did I say anything funny to warrant a laugh?"


    The whole class that had just felt the brunt of Dan''s mana remained quiet to his question.


    "Well, I don''t think I made a joke," he answered his question with sharp eyes before directing his gaze to Paul. "You may sit. Don''t let anyone intimidate you, you have the freedom to ask your mind, okay?"


    Paul nodded, swallowing hard in embarrassment while he took his seat.


    "Now, let''s continue," Dan suddenly said with a warm smile, his face taking a 180-degree turn.


    "By now, y''all should have chosen the elective course you want to offer, correct?"


    The class nodded, well, a majority did.


    "I''ll give you two minutes in case you haven''t, after that, I''ll be collecting the slips."


    Kyle looked at the sheet before him. ''How did this skip my mind?''


    Alchemy.


    Forge Mastering.


    Beast taming.


    Rune making.


    All of them sounded interesting, but he could only choose one.


    ''I won''t go for Forge mastering. It seems boring already. I''m a fighter, not a craftsman.''


    With that thought he mentally crossed out forge mastering, ''Alchemy as well, that''s ano-noo. Making pills and potions seems too boring for him.''


    ''Now I''m left with Beast taming and Rune making.''


    Both drew him for different reasons.


    He considered it nice to have a battle partner and was curious about how mana beasts were tamed, but a certain egg in his inventory immediately wrote it off.


    ''So I guess Rune making it is.'' Kyle thought, using his pen to tick the box next to his choice.


    Rune making wasn''t bad at all. The memory of the magic circle the Dean used in teleporting them to the academy was still fresh in his mind.


    Plus, as Mrs. Elizabeth said, Rune making was a versatile skill. He could attack, defend and even use it for his utility.


    "Time''s up." Instructor Dan said, startling those deep in thought about their choices and satisfying those waiting for him.


    He began to collect the sheets, this time without the help of any student.


    As he collected the sheets, he patiently waited for a few who were still indecisive, giving them some tips between.


    ''What a nice guy?'' Kyle thought, not knowing the reality he would soon find out.


    Dan glanced at his comm when he was done with the retrieval.


    "Okay. We still have about ten minutes before your wing classes, any questions before then?"


    Orion raised his hands calmly, preparing his question.


    "Go on," Dan indicated. "Name, element, and question."


    Orion stood up, lightly clearing his throat before asking.


    "Orion Glaide. Lightening and Metal dual elementalist." Orion introduced, earning some murmurs of reverence from him being a dual Elementalist.


    "We haven''t received any information regarding the Library; could you please clarify how we are expected to utilize it?"


    The class nodded at Orion''s question, thinking why it skipped their mind.


    "Nice question, Orion," Dan remarked. "I believe you''ve tried visiting the Library before, correct?"


    Orion nodded. "I was denied access."


    "Yes, that was during your first week," Dan clarified.


    "Your details had been updated after your promotion, so, when you visit again. You''ll receive a library card, which would determine a lot, like your access and all that."


    "I won''t dwell on it much. Master Orlin, the librarian will guide you during your next visit, okay?"


    "Thank you," Orion said with a satisfied smile before taking his seat.


    "You''re welcome." Dan replied before asking the class, "Any more questions?"


    The class thought for a while but remained silent.


    "Since we''re all cleared, for now at least, the class is dismissed," he said, signaling them to go.


    "Don''t forget to attend your wing classes on time," Dan remembered, as there were still over 5 minutes left before the class''s time for closure.


    The students nodded, replying with a unified ''Thank you''.


    "Kyle Lin, stay behind."


    The students who were already packing their materials paused to listen to Dan''s announcement.


    ''Oh no,'' Kyle thought wryly.


    The rest of the students left, occasionally turning their heads towards the demon who would always obliterate them in General Weapon Training Class, wondering what could have happened.


    "Best of luck, my man," Zack told Kyle with a wink, solidly slapping his chest. Unlike the others, he had a clue about what could happen.


    Kyle nodded his head, beads of sweat already forming on his head.


    Slowly, the whole students left the class, leaving Kyle alone with Instructor Dan.

 Chapter 34: Layla Von

    *Thud!*


    Dan closed the door as soon as all the students left the class, making Kyle feel even more tense.


    "Hush!"


    Dan moved his hands and cast a spell around them, causing their surroundings to warp into a mini vortex¡ªone that didn''t seem to affect them directly but distorted the world outside. Kyle''s eyes widened at the sight.


    "What was that?" he managed to ask, his voice tinged with awe.


    "It''s a magic spell," Dan explained with his usual calmness. "It''s an air bubble that surrounds us, making it so no one outside can hear our conversation, not even those at the doors."


    Kyle''s lips curled into a smile as he imagined himself wielding such a spell one day. Dan, catching the gleam in Kyle''s eyes, smirked.


    "Don''t get ahead of yourself, lad," he said with a slight chuckle. "It''s a wind spell, and you only have a lightning affinity, remember?"


    Kyle felt like laughing at Dan''s comment, but he quickly composed himself, forcing a sad look onto his face. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Joke''s on you,'' he thought with a silent grin, ''I can awaken all the elements.''


    "I don''t have time to waste, so I''ll get to the point," Dan said after he was done explaining. "You''ll be my disciple from this point onwards. I can''t let you wield an aura without control, okay?"


    ''Wait! What?'' Kyle thought, his mind flashing back to the Dean''s last words. He hadn''t paid much attention then, as his "murder" had been bothering him.


    "T-Thank you," Kyle managed to stammer, unsure of what else to say.


    Dan lightly chuckled. "I''ll need your ID to inform you of our meeting schedule."


    After collecting Kyle''s ID, Dan added, "I''ll consider your current commitments and craft a schedule that won''t infringe on your time, okay?"


    Kyle nodded in acknowledgment, murmuring another "Thank you" before Dan dismissed the spell with a flick of his wrist. The vortex around them dissipated instantly, and the normal sounds of the academy returned as if nothing had happened.


    Kyle made his way to the door. As he reached for the handle, the door suddenly swung open, revealing a few students who had been leaning against it, their ears pressed against the wood in an attempt to eavesdrop.


    They nearly toppled over as the door opened, trying to regain their balance.


    Kyle spotted Zack among them, glancing at him with a smile.


    "Kyle, you''re done?" Zack quickly said, embarrassment written all over his face.


    He quickly straightened up, trying to keep his cool. "I was just, uh... waiting for you... so we can go to class together."


    Kyle couldn''t help but burst into laughter from the silly excuse.


    "Zack, you do realize you''re in the Terra wing, while I''m in the Thundra wing, right?" he managed to say between laughs.


    Zack froze, realizing the unplanned blunder he just said.


    "Oh, right... 8:57 AM? I completely forgot!" he immediately diverted, glancing at his comm. "Sorry, Kyle, but Ive got to get to class. I''m going to be late!"


    Without waiting for a response, Zack zipped out of Kyle''s sight, disappearing before Kyle could say anything more.


    Kyle shook his head, still amused of Zack''s actions. He didn''t quite blame him, as a kid, it was alright to be curious, and that was just what he was doing.


    He glanced at his comm, confirming that there were three minutes left before the start of his wing class.


    ''Three minutes... Should I eat first?'' he wondered, his stomach growling in agreement.


    He hadn''t had breakfast, and he knew that skipping another meal would make the upcoming class feel like torture.


    ''I guess being a little late won''t kill me,'' he thought, recalling the misery of sitting through his first day on an empty stomach.


    That memory was enough to convince him, and he quickly made his way behind the building, ensuring he was out of sight before retrieving his hot meal from the inventory.


    Kyle entered the class to have his meal and wasn''t surprised to see a few students already inside, chatting casually as they ate their missed breakfast.


    He found a spot near the back, away from the others, and dug into his food, savoring each bite as he kept an eye on the time.


    Kyle didn''t waste time to finish his meal, taking his bag and running to his wing.


    ''9:01 AM.'' Kyle thought, ''Don''t come early, please.''


    His thoughts were interrupted as he stepped through the door of the hall.


    The hall was very wide, large enough to fit over a hundred students.


    It was arranged in a circle of twenty mats spread across the floor, each carrying a student¡ª well, except one.


    "You''re late."


    Kyle heard a sharp voice from inside. At the front of the hall, stood the instructor.


    She was a beautiful figure, with fair skin and light blue hair that fell gracefully over her shoulders.


    Her robes, of a midnight colour, contrasted sharply with her bright blue eyes.


    "Sit."


    She commanded, pointing her hands at the only empty mat in the hall.


    Kyle went to sit down at the mat immediately, to his side was Orion who ignored his wave as he sat.


    ''I wonder how Dual Elementalists have their classes,'' Kyle thought as he sat.


    The Instructor used her fingers to count the students again, in an attempt to agree with her previous count.


    "... 19¡­ 20."


    "Nice." she remarked after she finished her count. "Now we''re complete, the class may begin."


    "Good morning, young mages," she greeted like they''ve never met. "My name is Layla Von, your Instructor in the the Thundra wing."


    "Good morning." the students greeted back in unison.


    She clasped her hands in front of her and began to speak.


    "Lightning," Layla began. "Is one of the most versatile elements you can wield. It''s not just about speed or raw power. Lightning can be used for attack, support, defense, and so much more. With the right control, you can harness it for nearly anything."


    She paused, letting her words sink in. "For attacks, lightning can br deadly, fast and precise. It can strike before your opponent even realizes what''s happening.


    But it''s not just about offense. With lightning, you can create barriers of pure energy to shield yourself or others, deflecting or absorbing incoming attacks. On the support side, lightning can be used to enhance speed as it is one of the fastest elements."


    Layla continued. "And that''s just the beginning. Lightning can also be used in powering machinery or magical constructs. The possibilities are nearly endless."


    She stood in the center of the room, turning to face the class once more.


    "But before we dive deeper into these applications, I want to know more about each of you. Introduce yourselves, and tell me what your goal is with your lightning affinity. What do you hope to achieve by mastering this element?"

 Chapter 35: Lighting Bolt

    ''My goal with Lightning? I want to wield it for its utility. I want it to enable me to defeat my opponents, but it doesn''t stop there.


    I want to mold it as a weapon that can be used in any situation. I refuse to limit it to a specific function¡ª that is my goal.''


    "Hey, you. The latecomer, Let''s start with you."


    Kyle''s thought process was interrupted when Instructor Layla directed her voice to him, he looked up at her, trying to process her words before standing.


    "My name is Kyle Lin. I''m a Lightning Element user and I aspire to use it in the best way possible."


    His answer might have lacked depth, but it was okay for him. As he thought, there was no reason to limit his usage of the Lightning element.


    "I see. Next."


    Layla announced, she didn''t expect to see specialized students, as everyone wanted to battle¡ª her included.


    "... I want to run at the fastest speeds."


    A boy with dark black hair and a masculine face said at his turn, all the other students had agreed with Kyle on his idea, but this was something different¡ª albeit slightly.


    Funny enough, he was able to back it up. As he had awakened the two fastest elements¡ª Lightning and Light.


    ''Milo Olson...'' Kyle imprinted the name in his memory, along with the rest.


    "I intend to harness the power of lightning primarily as a force of creation rather than destruction, crafting formidable magical artifacts in the process..."


    Orion ended the introductions with a unique motivation, giving the instructor exactly what she wanted.


    He didn''t just stop there, dropping a bang:


    "... By combining it with my affinity for metal, I will bring my creations to life¡ª artifacts so powerful that they will change the world, making physical combat a thing of the past."


    Silence.


    His words were few but carried a weight that hung in the air, their meaning, difficult to fully understand by the students.


    They stared at him with puzzled expressions, trying to understand the depth of what he said. The confusion, however, quickly gave way to laughter.


    "Hilarious! He thinks he''s going to make mages obsolete..."


    "Bro''s been watching way too many sci-fi movies... Ha, ha!"


    The once composed, silent class erupted into fits of laughter, unable to contain their amusement at what they perceived as an outrageous idea.


    "Quiet!" Layla''s sharp voice cut through the noise, silencing the room instantly.


    "You''ve made a strong point, yes," she began, looking directly at Orion, "but it''s up to you to make it happen. You''ll do well since you have a goal¡­ unlike the rest of them."


    Kyle nodded, but couldn''t help feeling a sting from her words, as if they were meant to dismiss the others, himself included.


    "Thank you," Orion replied respectfully, sitting back with his usual composed pride, unbothered by the outburst as if none of it mattered to him.


    "Now we''re done with the introductions," Layla began. "We''ll move to the real reason we''re gathered here."


    Everyone had a smile on their faces. Satisfaction, fulfillment. They were all happy that they could finally learn spells, not even remembering the prior incident.


    Layla smiled. "You all want to learn spells, right?"


    They all nodded in agreement.


    "Well, I''ll tell you it''s not difficult at all... As long as you''ve formed your mana core, you''ll be able to learn spells depending on how advanced your mana core is."


    She brought some scrolls¡ª twenty to be exact and began to hand over one to each of them.


    The students looked at the scrolls they held on their hands, awaiting Layla''s instructions.


    "These scrolls contain all you need to know to cast the spell," Layla explained. "But remember, understanding the words is only part of it. You must feel the energy flow within you, connect with the element, and guide it with precision."


    Kyle unfurled the scroll carefully.


    [Do you want to learn the Tier-1 spell: Lightning Bolt]


    [Cost: 10 Skill Points]


    ''Wow! I can learn it just like that?'' Kyle wondered, his mouth wide in shock.


    He didn''t have 10 skill points but will get 5 when he learns the spell. He had a feeling that it was stupid to waste skill points in learning a spell when he could easily do so himself.


    Kyle halted his thoughts and focused on the spell scroll.


    At the top, the title Lightning Bolt was written, followed by detailed instructions:


    _Focus your mana toward the point of release, drawing upon the core of your lightning affinity_


    _Visualize the bolt forming at your fingertips, allowing the energy to condense and gather_


    _When ready, release the mana in a single, sharp burst toward your target_


    Kyle''s eyes moved through the scroll, trying to ingrain the words into his mind.


    It wasn''t only about memorizing the words; it was about channeling his very essence.


    The scroll went on to explain the precise mana flow required: how much to gather, how to balance it, and how to direct it with intent.


    Instructor Layla continued, pacing slowly around the hall. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The key to casting a spell is control. Without it, the energy can spiral out of your grasp, dissipating before it ever reaches your target. You must maintain absolute focus. Now, let''s begin."


    Kyle glanced around as his classmates began practicing.


    Some struggled immediately, while others seemed to grasp the initial stages of mana manipulation¡ª thanks to Professor Seraphina''s teaching.


    He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, concentrating, he began to draw mana from his core, just as the scroll instructed.


    Slowly, he visualized the lightning gathering in his palm. At first, it was unstable, like a small spark trying to ignite. But he persisted, focusing harder, feeling the energy coil tighter, more controlled.


    "Don''t rush it," Instructor Layla''s continued. "Patience. Let the mana gather at its own pace."


    Kyle heeded her words, slowing down, feeling the power condense into a single point. It was like holding a storm in his hand, barely contained.


    His eyes opened when a lightning bolt left his hand, hitting one of the walls.

 Chapter 36: Magic Duel (Unedited)

    [Quest completed: Learn a lightning specific spell!]


    [You''ve gained 5 skill points!]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Skills]


    ¡ªInventory


    A space where time is paused and energy flow restricted used for storing items by the host.


    ¡ªRegeneration(Passive)


    Recover 1% Energy and MP every second.


    ¡ªInspect(Active) > Locked


    Using MP, you can see some stats of people and objects five meter before you.


    {This is a system-specific skill. Power and utility all depends on skill''s level}


    ¡ªLightning Bolt(Lv. 1)


    A basic attack spell that fires a concentrated bolt of lightning at a target, dealing moderate damage.


    MP required: 5


    DMG: 5


    Skill points: 0


    Use skill points to learn, improve and master skills or spells.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle didn''t pay much attention to the system notifications, still enjoying the feeling of using magic for the next time.


    He glanced at the wall his spell landed on, it was still as pristine as ever, with no damage done whatsoever.


    Sounds of Lightning filled the air, as more and more students grasped the spell.


    Layla waited till everyone has casted the spell before speaking.


    "Congratulations, you''ve all done well," she remarked.


    She looked at the students that were eager to continue casting more spells before continuing.


    "When you casted the spell, you must have felt something leaving you, correct?"


    They nodded their heads in agreement.


    "That is your mana, stored within your mana core. It''s finite, so it''ll be better to take a break before you continue."


    They had a sad look on their face, but still nodded, they couldn''t refute the instructor''s words after all.


    ''Strange... I feel nothing. Like I could continue for eons,'' Kyle wondered. ''Welp, Mana ain''t a problem for me.''


    As the rest rested, he took the chance to view his system notifications. He had finally obtained his long awaited skill points, meaning he could now buy the skill.


    ''Purchase Inspect,'' he instructed the system.


    [Inspect (Lv 1)]


    [Using MP, you can see some stats of people and objects five meter before you.]


    ''Yess!'' Kyle exclaimed internally, struggling to control his excitement.


    ''Inspect.''


    He began looking around the hall, starting from the Instructor.


    [Name: Layla Von]


    [Affinity: Lightning]


    [Name: Orion Glaide]


    [Affinity: Lightning, Metal]


    ''I guess it''s only this for now,'' Kyle thought, not impressed from what. ''I wonder if those names are shown because I knew their names... Well, I''ll try that later.''


    Instructor Layla''s voice interrupted his thoughts.


    "You''ve all regenerated your mana, haven''t you?" she directed her question to the class.


    They nodded their heads rapidly, eager to continue.


    "I want you all to be at peak performance," she said with a sly smile. "You know why?"


    ''Please be a magic duel,'' Kyle prayed internally.


    Gone were the days where he always admired the elemental fights in the arena, there was a real chance for him to take part in one today. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''ll have you all duel with the Lightning Bolt you just learnt," Layla answered with a grin, confirming Kyle''s thought.


    "No weapons, nothing else but this spell you just learned, agreed?"


    They all nodded their head, anticipating the fight already.


    "You can go all out, by the way. I''ll closely monitor the fight to make sure no accidents happen," she added.


    "Who wants to go first?" she asked.


    As expected, everyone raised their hands¡ª except Orion.


    "Orion," Layla called out with a smirk. "You''ll go first. Erik will be your opponent."


    "My apologies, Instructor," Orion lightly said, trying to act composed. "I believe there''s been a misunderstanding. I don''t recall putting myself forward for this duel."


    Instructor Layla''s smirk widened as she crossed her arms.


    "Oh, I see, Mister, ''I Don''t Recall'' is too refined for a little sparring, huh? Well, allow me to simplify it for you¡ª get up, go to the center, and let''s see how well all those fancy words hold up in a fight."


    Orion approached the center of the room with a slow, deliberate walk.


    Erik stood across from him, already in position.


    "Ready?" Layla''s voice cut through the air.


    Orion glanced at her and gave a slight nod. Erik did the same, as they bowed to each other in respect.


    "Begin!" she called out.


    For a moment, neither of them moved. Orion''s analytical mind took in every detail, trying anticipate his move in advance.


    It took some time for them to ready their spell, and Orion was willing to take advantage of that.


    Erik struck first, thrusting his hand forward with a swift motion.


    A bolt of lightning shot out, aiming for Orion''s chest.


    But Orion had anticipated it. His eyes narrowed, and with a graceful step to the side, the bolt passed by him, crackling into the air harmlessly.


    ''Predictable,'' Orion thought, barely suppressing a smirk.


    Without wasting any time, he raised his own hand, summoning a bolt of lightning with ease.


    Both boys circled each other now, casting one bolt after another.


    Erik''s strikes were strong, but Orion could see the flaws in each of them.


    Erik launched another bolt, but Orion sidestepped it effortlessly, almost bored with how obvious the attack had been.


    He raised his hand again, sending his third bolt of lightning in a wide arc, forcing Erik to dodge in a clumsy roll to the side. The other students murmured, impressed by Orion''s control.


    Erik''s breath was coming harder now, his stance less steady.


    He had only two bolts left to cast before his mana depleted, and Orion could see the panic starting to creep into his opponent''s eyes.


    ''He''s almost out,'' Orion noted. ''One more mistake, and this is over.''


    Summoning his third bolt, Orion aimed for Erik''s shoulder. It wasn''t a powerful hit¡ª he didn''t need it to be. He just needed to keep applying pressure, forcing Erik to use his final spell in a desperate move. Erik dodged again, but he was slowing down, sweat beading on his brow.


    With a deep breath, Erik gathered the last of his mana, his expression tightening as he fired his final bolt. This one was aimed directly at Orion, fast and direct¡ª his most powerful strike yet.


    But Orion was ready. His eyes gleamed with the confidence of someone who had been in control the entire time.


    As Erik''s lightning bolt raced toward him, Orion didn''t flinch. Instead, he waited until the last possible second before raising his hand, summoning his fourth spell.


    With a flick of his wrist, he sent a precise counter-bolt that collided with Erik''s in midair. The room was briefly filled with a brilliant flash of light as the two spells clashed, canceling each other out in a crackle of energy.


    Erik stood there, breathing heavily, his mana completely spent. Orion had little mana, enough for one more spell at least.


    "Out of mana already?" Orion asked quietly, just loud enough for Erik to hear, his tone sharp but not unkind. Erik simply nodded, acknowledging his defeat with a tired smile.


    Orion''s hand dropped to his side, and he looked to Instructor Layla, waiting for the final call.


    "That''s enough," Layla announced, stepping forward. "Winner: Orion."


    The room filled with scattered applause as Orion gave a small nod, though he didn''t bask in the victory.


    For him, this hadn''t been about proving himself to others¡ªit was about maintaining control, demonstrating his superiority in magic. He might have won, but he knew with enough practice, his opponent might win him in the future.


    They were both amateurs now, making this more of a dog-fight.


    He glanced at Erik, who was still catching his breath, and offered a respectful nod.


    "You fought well," Orion said.


    Erik, still exhausted, gave a tired grin. "Thanks. You were¡­ better."


    Orion allowed himself a faint smirk. "Of course I was."


    As he made his way back to his seat, Orion couldn''t help but feel a surge of satisfaction.


    But just as he was settling back down, Layla''s voice rang out again. "Don''t get too comfortable, Orion. That was just the warm-up."


    He froze, his smirk fading as Layla''s eyes locked onto him with a knowing smile.


    ''Just the warm-up?''

 Chapter 37: Kyle Vs Milo

    Kyle observed Orion as he sat on his mat.


    ''Impressive. I never believed he''ll win,'' Kyle pondered. ''I wonder how he''s feeling now, after having proved himself to not be a nerd.''


    "Kyle. Milo. You''re up next," Layla called out, interrupting Kyle''s thoughts.


    Ding!


    [New Quest: You have all it takes to be a master of all. Win your first Magic Duel!]


    [Reward: 50 EXP!]


    Kyle had a grin on his face after observing the quest. "This would be a breeze," he muttered confidently, while getting up.


    Milo, another one with a grand ambition calmly walked to the stage, a face that showed neither arrogance nor pride.


    Everyone knew that he was the least favorite to win, after all, this wasn''t the first time he had duelled Kyle, which he had lost miserably.


    In General Weapon Training, Kyle had fought majority of his classmates. Proving his sword skills time and time again.


    ''Let''s see if you''ll beat me without your Katana, dear Kyle.''


    Kyle arrived at the stage, cupped his hands and lightly bowed, he picked up something from his opponent.


    "You won''t win me... Not this time."


    "Oh. We''ve fought before?" Kyle slightly chuckled.


    Milo gritted his teeth in anger and took his stance. They couldn''t begin channeling their mana until the Instructor started the match.


    ''I have to be careful not to use the spell too much...'' Kyle thought, he had observed from the Orion''s match, their ability to only cast Lightning Bolt five times before their mana depleted. He''ll have to follow as well.


    "Begin!" Instructor Layla''s voice came, signaling the start of the match.


    Immediately he heard the instructor''s voice, Kyle began to draw mana from his core, like he had done earlier.


    ''Gather it in your hand... Visualize... Patience.''


    "Ouch!"


    Kyle clenched his stomach in pain, and crouched on the floor.


    [HP: 25/30]


    He knew he couldnt lose focus. His opponent might have been fast, way faster than him. But he could still win.


    He had been too absorbed in the spell preparation that he hadn''t noticed when Milo fired.


    Zap!


    Another spell came his way, but thankfully, this time he had been prepared when he saw Milo move his hand and had quickly rolled out of the way.


    He didn''t just stop there, as he jumped to his feet the next second and threw the already formed lightning Bolt.


    "Tsk."


    Milo hissed, as he had already stepped from its path before it left his palms.


    He threw another lightning bolt, which ended up meeting Kyle''s, who had already gotten a hang of spell casting.


    Light flared around the room as the two spells met each other, canceling the other out.


    Kyle immediately began preparing to cast another spell, but like the first it was taken much time.


    The worst came when the Mana he had drawn dissipated into the air, making Milo hit him with another spell.


    [HP: 17/30]


    Milo smiled with pride after landing another hit, simultaneously preparing another spell¡ª his last.


    "Let''s end this." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Scrap this. Give me a sword and I''ll teach this kid a lesson," Kyle cried out, while preparing another spell¡ª his third.


    "Yes!!" Kyle couldn''t help but cry out after he formed the spell.


    Unfortunately, the spell met nothing and struck the wall harmlessly.


    Milo''s lips curled to a grin as he threw his own attack, he had held it for a while, to improve his accuracy.


    Now his opponent missed, it will be hard for his not to hit.


    Zap!


    Time seemed to slow down for the fast approaching bolt as it moved towards Kyle.


    "Ah¡­" Kyle screamed again, as the spell had cleanly landed on him.


    "Enough," Layla called, announcing the result to everyone. "The Winner: Milo!"


    "Yay!"


    Everyone cherred as Kyle had been defeated.


    [Quest Failed!]


    He heard two words, that broke him further.


    Kyle looked up and observed a firm hand being offered to his. He took his hand and slowly stood up, getting ready for the taunts.


    And here it came...


    "You ain''t invisible here, are you?" Milo asked him.


    "Don''t worry. It''s a promise, I''ll win you next time." Kyle said firmly.


    "Ha. We''ll see about that," Milo retorted, clenching his palms tighter.


    "We''ll see..." Kyle used all his strength to grip Milo''s hand tighter, making him regret going for his.


    "Ouch! Leave me, you monster."


    "He he," Kyle laughed.


    Layla immediately came and separated them from their little brawl.


    Kyle made his way back to his seat, his body still tingling from the residual effects of Milo''s final *Lightning Bolt*. He could hear the murmurs of the other students, though he ignored them, his thoughts still locked on the fight. Losing wasn''t something he was used to, and even though he knew why it happened¡ªhis need to hold back¡ªit didn''t make the defeat any easier to swallow.


    As he sat down on his mat, Orion leaned over with a smirk on his face. "Didn''t expect to see you lose, Kyle. I thought you were supposed to be tough. Guess I was wrong."


    Kyle shot him a glare. "I''m not weak, Orion," he snapped, his voice low enough that only the nearby students could hear. "I''ll win next time."


    Orion shrugged, adjusting his glasses with a smirk that irritated Kyle more than he wanted to admit. "Yeah, sure. Just don''t let Milo make you look like a fool again." His tone was teasing, but Kyle could sense the hint of satisfaction underneath it. Orion had won his match earlier, and now it seemed like he was enjoying Kyle''s brief moment of weakness.


    Kyle clenched his fists but said nothing. He''d prove himself soon enough, but there was no point in arguing with Orion now. The rest of the matches went by without much of a hitch. Some were fast, others drawn-out, but none of them had the same intensity as his battle with Milo. Students were growing weary, and their movements became more sluggish as the duels dragged on.


    When the final match ended, Instructor Von stepped forward, her gaze sharp as she addressed the class. "Now that you''ve experienced combat firsthand, it''s time to focus on your cultivation. Lightning is fast, volatile¡ªalways moving. If you don''t control it, it''ll burn you out just as quickly as it takes down an opponent."


    She paused, letting the lesson sink in. "Your homework is to cultivate every day. Practice drawing on your mana, expanding your reserves, and refining your control over Lightning Bolt. The more you cultivate, the more power you''ll be able to draw on during fights. Don''t neglect this¡ªyour progress depends on it."


    With that, she dismissed the class, the room buzzing as students gathered their things. Kyle stood, his mind already focused on what came next. Elective class was soon, and while the loss still sat heavy on his shoulders, he knew one thing for sure¡ªhe wouldn''t let this defeat define him.

 Chapter 38: The Library

    Kyle quickly left the class after it ended. He didn''t want to linger and lose face further.


    ''12:02 PM. It''s funny how three hours had flew so fast,'' Kyle thought as walked out of the class.


    He thought about it and figured it made sense for so much time to have passed. From the introduction, to the time we spent comprehending the spell, even the fight. All took enough time to warrant such.


    ''There''s almost an hour left before the Elective class,'' Kyle pondered. ''What can I do with this time?''


    A few options came up to his mind. He could head to the Library, practice his mana control in the dorms, or even have lunch.


    Among the options that faced him, he quickly ruled out practicing his mana control.


    ''I have enough time to do that when after today''s classes, and who knew how much time might go by if I get to indulged.'' Kyle concluded.


    ''Now, it''s either having lunch or heading to the Library,'' Kyle thought.


    ''Going to the Library would be nice. I could even get a headstart at the basics of Rune making. But... I can''t read on an empty stomach.''


    Kyle pondered for a while before a sudden thought dawned upon him, one that made him question his intelligence for not thinking about it earlier.


    ''I can''t spend an hour eating, can I? I''ll have lunch, then go to the library after that.''


    Kyle finally resumed walking, after having a direction in mind.


    ''12:07. I''ll have to be quick to get something out of this.''


    Kyle headed to the dorm, entering into the cafeteria, he immediately bought a meal for 20 credits, cleared it and walked out in 8 minutes like he never entered.


    "Now, let''s find that Library," Kyle muttered as he wiped his face with a napkin.


    The Academy''s Library was different from the Ancient Library, where the arena was based.


    From the orientation, he could make out that the Library stood at the center of the academy. But he consulted his comm for easy navigation.


    Kyle followed the path through the academy grounds, weaving past students engaged in their own tasks.


    Soon, he was greeted by the tall, grandeur structure if the Library.


    Kyle walked through the large open doors and was greeted by an impressive sight.


    The interior of the library was even more impressive than its exterior. High ceilings stretched upward, with large windows that allowed sunlight in, casting golden beams over rows and rows of bookshelves.


    The scent of old parchment and ink filled the air, and Kyle immediately felt a sense of awe. The library wasn''t just a place of study¡ªit was a sanctuary for the mind.


    To his left, a massive, marble staircase spiraled upward to the higher floors. Each floor was reserved for different years, with first-year students restricted to the ground level.


    The second floor was for second years, and so on. The top floors were said to be reserved for advanced research, where only the most knowledgeable students and faculty had access.


    Looking around, Kyle noticed several of his year mates scattered throughout the ground floor, along with older students from higher years.


    Some sat in the reading area, their heads buried in books, while others wandered the shelves, searching for something specific.


    Kyle spotted a few familiar faces from his class, but he quickly averted his gaze. The memory of his loss to Milo dawned upon him, and he couldn''t bring himself to be scorned by his classmates.


    He kept his head down and walked past them.


    At the far end of the library, there was a large wooden desk. Behind it sat an elderly man with a long white beard and robes that looked even older than he was.


    His glasses were perched at the edge of his nose as he scribbled something onto a scroll. Kyle approached cautiously, unsure of the protocol.


    "Excuse me," he said softly after his arrival.


    The man looked up from his work, his sharp, pale grey eyes scrutinizing Kyle for a moment before softening.


    "Ah, a new face. First year, I presume?"


    Kyle nodded. "Yes, sir. I''m looking to register so I can use the library."


    The man rose from his chair with surprising agility for someone of his age.


    "I am Master Orlon, the keeper of this library. I oversee everything from the books to the students who use them."


    He walked around the desk and gestured for Kyle to follow him to a small pedestal nearby, where a many stacks of blank cards lay.


    "This, you see, is your library card," Orlon said, rummaging through the cards, and obtaining one. "It is enchanted to track which books you check out, and also acts as a key to access restricted areas of the library as you progress through the years. Keep it well."


    Kyle accepted the card and glanced at it. The library card had all his details on it, even his photo.


    ''It must have been prepared before,'' Kyle thought.


    "Now," Master Orlon continued, "before you begin exploring, a few rules. Silence is required at all times in the reading areas.


    The enchanted orb in the center of the reading tables ensures that no outside noise disturbs those who are studying, but do not rely on it too much.


    Respect your fellow students and maintain quietness as best as you can. If you need assistance finding a book, you may consult the library index over there." He pointed to a glowing, rune-etched terminal that stood near the entrance. "And finally, remember that the knowledge here is a gift, not a right. Use it wisely."


    "Thank you."


    Kyle nodded again, before turning to leave. He went to the library index, observing it to locate books on Rune making.


    "Section 9A, Row 09," he muttered.


    After a while, Kyle located a shelf that held books of Rune making.


    He picked each book, one by one, looking for the most basic one.


    It didn''t take long before he found the one wanted.


    "Introduction to Rune Making I," Kyle read our the name from the front cover. The book didn''t have much design. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This should suffice," he muttered as he walked away with the book, heading for the reading area.


    The reading area was a spacious corner at the ground floor of the Library, filled with tables, that had an orb fixated in them.


    The environment was already quiet, but after Kyle imbued his mana on the orb. Everywhere became more silent, as if he suddenly became deaf.


    "Wow!" Kyle exclaimed at such magic, before opening the first page.


    [Would you like to learn the book, ''Introduction to Rune Making I'' for 10 Skill points!]


    [Yes] [No]

 Chapter 39: Victoria Murray

    [Would you like to learn the book, ''Introduction to Rune Making I'' for 10 Skill points!]


    [Yes] [No]


    "Woah!" Kyle couldn''t help but exclaim out loud after seeing the text before me.


    He looked around to observe if he''d get scolded, as he had spoken too loudly but noticed that everyone around him was continuing with their activities, not even sparing a glance at him.


    "Haha. I forgot about this orb," Kyle remembered but still didn''t trust the orb, opting to keep all his system-related thoughts within him.


    ''I can''t believe I can assimilate knowledge like this... I wonder if this applies to all books,'' Kyle pondered.


    ''It should, first, it was the Spell Scroll, now this. I think these are the only books I''ve touched since coming here.'' Kyle realized.


    [Yes] [No]


    Kyle looked at the options before him and sighed. ''If only I had more skill points.''


    He immediately selected [No] in resignation. "I guess I''ll have to read the old, normal way."


    Kyle turned and directed his eyes to the Author''s name, memorizing it.


    ''Alaric Thorne.''


    He was met with a question from the first page.


    *What is a Rune?


    A rune is a magical symbol, carefully crafted to harness, direct, and store magical energy. In its simplest form, a rune can be thought of as a tool, a way to stabilize magic, amplifying or modifying its output depending on the design.


    Runes are ancient. Many believe that they were the first form of magical expression, long before spellcasting as we know it was discovered.


    By inscribing a rune, you create a permanent form of magic, something that can last without constant effort or energy from the mage. This makes runes invaluable for the creation of enchanted objects, defensive wards, and even complex rituals.*


    Kyle understood the more he read. Before, he didn''t have much knowledge of Rune making, but the book was certainly helping.


    *The Importance of Runes.


    Without runes, most modern enchantments wouldn''t exist. Runes form the main structure upon which enchantments are built. Think of them like the scaffolding of a building.


    A rune provides the framework and support needed to hold and maintain magic. Without a properly drawn rune, magic would be unstable.


    Runes allow mages to focus their power efficiently. By engraving runes onto weapons, armor, or structures, a mage can ensure that the object channels and sustains the magic, enhancing its strength or providing continuous protection.*


    The explanation was surprisingly straightforward, and Kyle found himself following along.


    *How Runes Are Created.


    To create a rune, one must first understand that it is not simply about drawing a symbol; the shape, intent, and magical energy must all align perfectly. Each rune is designed with a purpose, and that purpose dictates its structure.


    The process begins with an understanding of magical flow. A rune channels and directs magic, so it must be carved or drawn with absolute precision. Even a slight deviation in its form can lead to catastrophic failure, causing the magic to backfire or dissipate entirely...*


    Bzzz!


    Kyle was interrupted by the buzz from his comm, signifying the alarm he had set earlier.


    "Damn, 12:53 PM. Time really flies!" Kyle exclaimed, quickly picking up the textbook and hurrying out of the Library.


    He made sure not to forget to borrow the book, taking it away for 2 weeks, the maximum time permitted.


    Kyle looked through his comm, and it didn''t take long before he found out the location of the hall. Thankfully, it wasn''t so far away, and he managed to reach there in about five minutes.


    He stepped through the large doors of the Rune making hall, impressed by its high ceilings, glistening walls and welcoming aura.


    Kyle observed to see some students there already, while some continuously passed through the large doors.


    He took a seat in the middle front row, a row that was devoid of any students at the moment.


    He brought out the textbook¡ª the one which he had borrowed from the library¡ª his notebook and a pen, placing them on the desk. He knew how serious this course was, as it was a new territory for him.


    Kyle didn''t feel like reading the textbook, as he was tired already, so he took some time to scour through the hall, observing to recognize any familiar faces.


    Unfortunately, he didn''t. From his observations, there were about thirty students in the hall at that moment, which made sense as many were still coming in, after all, there had been a a break before this class.


    ''They must have lost track of time... Been there,'' Kyle thought.


    His thoughts were interrupted when the vibrant atmosphere in the hall was immediately replaced with a chilling silence.


    Everyone turned their heads to the door in unison, as if pre-programmed to do so.


    She was unlike any teacher he''d expected, she looked young... so young, like a lady in her late teens.


    Tall and slender, she moved with grace, her long, black hair twisted into a thick braid that hung over one shoulder.


    She had brown eyes, her skin was dark like ebony, and her hourglass figure looked too heavy for her slim figure.


    Kyle was thrown out of his trance when he saw her slam the doors, and in one swift motion, locked it.


    "I believe those here are my students, we''re complete. Take your seats," she commanded in a sharp tone, walking to the teacher''s desk.


    ''What? How could such an angel be so mean?'' Kyle thought, still entranced by the instructor.


    "Good morning, students. My name is Victoria Murray. You''re all here to learn the craft of Rune crafting. Welcome and thank you for being here on time."


    Instructor Victoria greeted them after they took their seat. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "One, two, ... thirty-one." she counted. "I want all your names, ID and elements on this sheet I''ll pass to you. I don''t want any intruder to join in on our classes," she said with an icy smile.


    Instructor Victoria handed them a sheet, which they passed on to their neighbors, writing their names on it once it got their turn.


    Until...


    "How despicable. You don''t have stationaries? Get out!"


    "S- sorry ma. I forgot," the poor girl held her head in embarrassment.


    "I won''t spare you if you forget to close the door upon going out."


    The girl stood up and took her leave in tears, running out of the class, making sure not to try the teacher by leaving the door open.


    "Nice. I believe we''re done?" she turned to the class and asked, her demeanor already replaced with a cheerful one.


    "Yes."


    Kyle swallowed hard and answered, his thoughts trailing to his first class in the academy.


    "Now," she said, walking back to her desk with the sheets. "Let''s begin."

 Chapter 40: Rune Structure

    "Before we begin," Instructor Victoria suddenly said with a chilly smile, walking towards Kyle''s desk. "I believe you all have this book with you¡ª Introduction to Rune Making I."


    Some nodded their heads while others stayed silent.


    "Raise your hands if you do!"


    Few hands sprung up from the seats, a lot fewer than those who had nodded before.


    "Hmm. Only seven out of thirty are ready for this class, huh?"


    "..."


    Her question was met with silence, as no one dared to say something that would provoke her.


    "Okay, I''ll pardon you this once. Provided it doesn''t repeat itself, will it?"


    Everyone shaked their head to refute, some muttering out ''thank yous''.


    "For those with the textbook, I need your rapt attention. As for the rest, make sure you take notes."


    Victoria concluded and went to the board on the wall and drew something on it. It didn''t take her five seconds before she was done.


    She moved away, allowing the students to have a glimpse of what she had drawn. It was a symbol.


    "This, you see here, is a rune. The fire rune to be exact." Instructor Victoria said, gesturing her hands to the circle on the board.


    "A rune is more than just a symbol. It is a condensed form of magic, an encoded language that allows mages to store, channel, and release energy."


    Victoria continued. "Runes are used in various ways. They can be inscribed on weapons to enhance them, and etched into scrolls for casting spells. They''re even some on your uniform responsible for defense, and self-cleaning." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The importance of Rune crafting is very obvious compared to spell casting, as it makes magic more permanent, allows spells to stay active for longer periods and can only be triggered when needed."


    "But of course, for every action, there''s an equal and opposite reaction," she said with a smile. "This applies to rune making as well. Who can tell me some of the disadvantages of rune making?"


    The room remained silent for a few moments but was soon followed up with a few raised hands. Kyle who had already formulated this thought on his head while studying the book also raised his, in an attempt to give it a try.


    Victoria''s eyes immediately locked onto him from the front. "Yes, Name, Affinity, and Answer?"


    Kyle stood up, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "Kyle Lin, Lightning."


    "Okay. Your thoughts, Kyle?"


    "Rune making can be incredibly powerful, but it comes with significant limitations. One of the main disadvantages is its permanence. Once a rune is etched, it becomes a part of the object or surface it''s inscribed on. That means, if you make a mistake, it''s not easy to correct. And you could end up with a failed or dangerous effect."


    Victoria nodded, clapping her hands lightly, before signaling for him to sit. "Good. Anyone else?"


    This time a girl from the back seat stood. "Lora Ings. Light affinity," she said with a timid voice.


    "Uhm, another disadvantage is the amount of mana it consumes. Depending on the complexity of the rune, it can drain a mage''s reserves quickly. A single rune may seem harmless, but a series of them can leave you vulnerable if you''re not careful. You have to balance power with sustainability."


    Lora said quickly and sat down.


    "Very good, the two of you," Victoria remarked. "I''m impressed with your preparedness. A round of applause for the two of them."


    She faced the class and continued.


    "To draw an effective rune, stable surfaces are key.


    Runes require a solid foundation to anchor the magic they contain. The most common materials are solid matter, as they offer the most stable molecular movements, unlike liquid and gas.


    Do note that a skilled inscriptionist can draw runes on any type of surface, by forcefully stabilizing their molecules."


    She moved on. "For now, we''ll work with something far more reliable¡ª a runic paper. This is a specially treated material designed to hold magic in a stable state.


    It allows beginners to practice inscribing runes without worrying about the surface affecting the outcome. You''ll each receive some today for your exercises, but can buy from the Academy''s mall at a cheap price."


    She obtained a stack of Runic papers from thin air, shocking the students.


    ''First the Dean, now her. I knew I was not the only one with an inventory,'' Kyle thought with a sad smile.


    Victoria began to distribute the Runic papers to each student, 5 to all those with a textbook, and 3 to the others.


    "To those who received five, consider it my reward for being disciplined."


    ''I''m with seven. I wonder if it was a mistake,'' Kyle thought but refrained to say.


    "Kyle, Lora, you got seven. Keep making contributions for more rewards," Victoria added, leaving Kyle with a proud smile.


    Victoria walked to the front of the class. "Let''s begin with understanding the core structure of a rune. Runes are made up of f three parts: the base, the conduit, and the trigger."


    She drew a simple shape in the air. It looked like a small circle with two lines extending outward. "This is the base. It holds the magic. Without a strong base, the rune will collapse."


    She added a zigzag line between the two extending lines before continuing: "This is the conduit. It channels the magic from the base to the point where it will be used."


    Finally, she drew a small triangle at the end. "This is the trigger. It''s the part of the rune that determines how the magic is released¡ªwhether it''s by touch, mana, or even a spoken word.


    Do note that the location of these parts varies with the Rune you have drawn.


    "Let''s now move on to the fundamental rune symbols¡ª the building blocks. Each of these symbols represents an element and channels its unique energy.


    Understanding these runes is important before you can move on to more complex inscriptions."


    Let''s start with a Fire rune," she said as she sketched a simple, angular design with three intersecting lines. "This channels heat and flame, a source of destruction and raw energy. This rune can ignite objects or enhance fire-based spells, based on how it''s applied."


    She stepped back, letting the students absorb the image. The rune was dormant, as it was not yet activated.


    Her hand moved once again, this time slower, as she began the next symbol.


    "This is the Water Rune," she said after drawing. "It represents the fluidity and adaptability of water. Water magic is about balance, not force."


    Victoria paused, ensuring the students were following along, before proceeding to draw the remaining runes¡ª earth and air.


    When she was done, she stepped back, inspecting the four runes she had drawn.


    "Now, I want you all to attempt drawing these runes on your runic paper, one after the other. A single paper is large enough to contain all four, don''t waste it."


    Kyle nodded his head along with the rest, smirking and saying internally:


    ''Drawing some symbols from the board. How hard could that be?''

 Chapter 41: Long Night Ahead

    Kyle analyzed the Runic paper before him. It had a brown color that made it look aged and a hard texture. It was a square with each length measuring about 50 centimeter.


    ''I wonder if we''re meant to use our pen?''


    "What would we be using to draw, Instructor?"


    As if reading Kyle''s thoughts, a boy from his back has stood up and asked the Instructor.


    Instructor Victoria, who sat behind her desk answered from the chair.


    "You saw me use a marker, didn''t you? You''re free to use whatever you want."


    Some students who had already begun drawing sighed in relief from Victoria''s response.


    Kyle picked up his pen and began drawing. Though he knew to write, he hadn''t drawn much in his previous life.


    But from his observations, it didn''t look hard at all. Wasn''t it just the same thing as copying what someone has written?


    {45 minutes later...}


    Ring!


    "You can stop, the bell has gone."


    Victoria''s voice snapped Kyle out of his concentration, making him drop his pen weakly.


    He managed to twist his neck, freeing it of some fatigue before raising it to look at the devil who had spoken. Gone were his thoughts of her being an angel.


    The torture she had put all of them through was something he had never experienced.


    He had exhausted every inch of two papers from his allotted seven. Canceled drawings filled the them, making it look he had been scribbling all along.


    They were meant to draw the runes, exactly how it was on the board¡ª failure to do so meant a repeat. This had continued till the end of the class.


    Kyle''s reminiscence of the hellish class were interrupted by a grin announcement from the teacher.


    "For your assignment, I''ll want you to draw the fire rune. Correctly," she said just before she left the door. "Have a nice day!"


    A collective sigh came out from the class, as everyone grunted in anger.


    A boy took the initiative to speak up after the teacher left the class.


    He had thick black hair, a slim build and sharp eyes¡ª The boy who had earlier asked what they''d use to draw.


    "No one told me, I would be an art students when I signed up for Rune making!"


    Everyone nodded their head in agreement, including Kyle.


    "We came here to learn how to inscribe powerful effects not to learn how to draw!"


    "Yess!" Everyone screamed in fervor.


    "Now, who''s with me? Let''s not do the assignment."


    His question made everyone to resume packing, ignoring his outrageous plan.


    Kyle sighed, slinging his bag to his shoulder, he left the hall.


    ''I have to practice channeling my mana for that spell, now I also have to draw that Rune correctly¡­ What a day this is."


    He walked towards his dormitory before a certain thought came to him.


    ''Ah. I almost forgot my daily quest. Welp, I''ll do it after having a rest.'' he concluded as he was so tired.


    He walked groggily to his dormitory, changed his clothes and set an alarm for 5:00 PM. He had a long night to go through, and he wouldn''t mind getting enough sleep to keep him energized.


    ***


    [Bzzzz!]


    ''It''s 5:00 PM already?'' Kyle sighed, fighting the urge to go on with his sleep and heading straight to the bathroom.


    He took a quick bath, changed his clothes and got ready to complete his quest.


    ''From there, I''ll grab a meal,'' Kyle decided, setting off for his run.


    ***


    [Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


    [You have obtained 1 STA point]


    [STA: 15 >> 16]


    [Energy: 30 >> 32]


    [Time: 0:37:09]


    He didn''t push himself hard this time, enjoying the calm before the coming storm as he ran.


    The cafeteria was bustling with the chatter of students as Kyle sat down at a small table near the corner, his dinner tray in front of him.


    He had chosen a simple meal that would keep him up: some roasted meat, vegetables, and a cup of coffee.


    As he ate, his mind wandered to what awaited him this night.


    ''I guess I''m not sleeping tonight,'' he decided.


    He chewed slowly, savoring the flavors while using the opportunity to access his comm.


    With a few quick taps, Kyle pulled up his messages, as a notification showed on it.


    [Message from Instructor Dan]


    Kyle read, opening the message.


    [Kyle, I''ve arranged our personal training session for this Saturday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Do well to arrive early ^_^]


    Kyle''s eyes widened at the message.


    ''Saturday? 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM?'' He let out a soft groan under his breath. "More stuff on my schedule... just great."


    He sighed, rubbing his temple with his free hand. Between classes, practicing spells, and refining his mana control, his time was already stretched thin.


    Now, this training session with Instructor Dan was going to take a chunk out of his Saturday evening.


    ''Who knew the much coveted academy life could be this stressful?''


    He stuffed another bite into his mouth, chewing without tasting it. The academy demanded much, and Kyle was starting to feel like there was barely any room to breathe.


    After he finished his meal, Kyle placed his tray on the disposal rack and quietly left the bustling cafeteria, heading toward his house.


    As soon as he closed the door behind him, the silence greeted him like an old friend.


    The sky outside was already dark, glowing stars contrasting well.


    He confirmed the time before he began. 6:09 PM.


    Kyle''s gaze lingered out the window for a moment, appreciating the brief calm before he dove into more practice.


    He stretched his arms and shoulders before settling down on the floor, legs crossed, preparing himself for the long night ahead.


    Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and focused on his mana core, feeling the familiar mana within him.


    He decided to practice the Lightning Bolt, channeling it and forming it.


    No one needed to remind him about the importance, as he had lost miserably due to his slow casting speed


    For the next two hours, Kyle worked on improving his speed.


    He concentrated on forming drawing out the mana, and holding it without releasing it for as long as possible. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With each attempt, he could feel his control increasing. The frequency of the spell dissipating after being formed kept decreasing, evident of his useful practice.


    After what felt like only minutes, but had been hours, he exhaled deeply, his muscles tight from the effort. His control had improved, but there was still much more work to be done.


    Next, Kyle moved on to drawing the Fire Rune.


    Drawing Runes was a different beast altogether. It required patience, steady hands, and the ability to visualize the rune''s shape in his mind.


    He didn''t need that, as he had the Rune on his textbook


    He grabbed a runic paper and began drawing. After many trial and errors, everyone in the class had already been trained by Instructor Victoria on recognizing if it was perfect, as that was what she wanted.


    After exhausting another Runic paper, Kyle was satisfied with his progress for the night.


    ''I can''t kill myself,'' he thought, placing the Runic paper and pen in his bag.


    He sighed, staring up at the ceiling before closing his eyes. He needed rest, even if his mind wouldn''t stop racing. Tomorrow would bring more challenges, but for now, sleep was the only thing on his agenda.


    And for now, that would have to be enough.

 Chapter 42: Beautiful!

    Kyle groaned as the sunlight pierced through the gaps in his curtains, forcing him out of his deep sleep.


    He turned over lazily, burying his face in his pillow, but something felt off. His eyes shot open, and he jumped up from the bed immediately.


    The comm strapped to his hand read: 8:47 AM.


    He was late.


    "Dammit!"


    Kyle cursed under his breath, running his hands through his unkempt hair.


    He had overslept once again, all because he didn''t set his system alarm, his comm''s alarm must have rang, but it wasn''t enough to wake a deep sleeper like him.


    "Stupid, stupid," he muttered. "After claiming to stay up all night.


    Kyle darted into the bathroom, coming out after some minutes, dripping, he threw on his academy uniform.


    The time kept ticking away as he fastened his shoes and snatched his bag.


    Bursting out of his dorm, he made a quick detour to the cafeteria. His stomach growled fiercely, a reminder of the extent he had pushed himself last night. Cultivation takes a toll one''s body, hence requiring a high amount of energy.


    He wasn''t surprised to see no students there, as any sane person would be in homeroom class right now, rather than dining.


    "Just give me anything to go!" Kyle shouted immediately after he got there, making the cafeteria worker give him a look of irritation before quickly handing him a pre-packed sandwich and a drink.


    "Thanks!" Kyle called out, transferring the credits in record speed.


    The sandwich felt heavy in his hand as he bolted across the campus grounds, unwrapping it with one hand while clutching his bag with the other.


    ''I wonder how Instructor Dan would react,'' Kyle thought as he chewed the sandwich. ''I''m not just coming late. I''m missing the class entirely.''


    9:01 AM. He confirmed the time once again. ''Hopefully, they don''t take attendance, do they?''


    ***


    [12:56 PM]


    Kyle entered the Rune making hall. All thirty students were complete, four minutes before it began.


    Many had thoughts about dropping the course, including Kyle, but after a lengthy discussion with Instructor Dan, all those thoughts had faded away, replaced by a newfound determination to conquer the course and become Rune makers.


    He just had to show them a few tricks they should be able to perform when they became good enough.


    For his late coming. Instructor Dan called for a meeting with him, and even after all his excuses and half-truths, he still got 10 credits deducted from him.


    Even though such a measly amount of credits did barely anything to hurt his deep pockets, he picked up the lesson and resolved to become punctual.


    His wing class had been extremely boring, as all Instructor Layla did was teach them about cultivation and make them spend almost the whole of the class, cultivating.


    To his benefit, the long cultivation session had proven useful for Kyle. His status panel can display such.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 1


    EXP: 101/1000


    HP: 30


    Energy: 32


    MP: -


    Agility: 30


    Strength: 31


    Vitality: 15


    Stamina: 16


    Intelligence: 20


    SP: 0


    Inventory: 1* Tier-1 Mana core, 1*Egg.


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The extra point he got was from completing his daily quest, which just had to be very convenient for him.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Daily quest: Cultivate for an hour]


    [Reward: 1 STR point]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle panted as he recollected the day''s event. He spent the whole break drawing the Fire Rune, exhausting another Runic Paper, leaving him with just three.


    ''I wonder how the others would fare,'' Kyle thought as he looked at his dwindling Runic papers from yesterday. ''I''ll see how much these cost at the mall, she said it was cheap.''


    His thoughts were interrupted as he heard the door lock once again¡ª Instructor Victoria had arrived.


    They stood up in unison to greet her, obtaining a wave that signaled them to sit.


    "Greet me with your assignments," Instructor Victoria said with a wide smile.


    Everyone''s sad expression contorted further upon hearing her words. They proceeded to place their Runic papers, right next to their Textbook, earning a smile from Instructor Victoria before she began checking.


    Kyle looked at the two Runic papers before him, his mind racing with thoughts as others were inspected:


    ''I wonder what happens now, since I did 9 manage to draw the Rune perfectly, like she demanded.'' He bit his lips and took another glance at his drawings, ''I''m close, that I can tell. If I just had more time. It wasn''t like I did give it my all.''


    He had asked around, and he hadn''t seen anyone who managed to draw it perfectly, that alone raised his hopes high.


    "Beautiful!" Instructor Victoria''s voice pulled Kyle away from his thoughts, not only him, but the whole class focused on the table she stood beside.


    "Remind me your name again," she asked with a genuine smile.


    "Lora¡ª Lora Ings," the girl who everyone''s eyes were focused on, nervously stammered under her breath.


    "Lora, dear. I''m impressed," Victoria remarked. "Here, 200 credits for your hard work."


    Everyone''s jaws dropped upon hearing the generous reward, well, everyone except Kyle, but he was impressed, and a bit jealous too.


    ''Why did she have to?'' Kyle thought as he bit his lips. ''I wonder how much changes after someone has got it.''


    "T- thank you," Lora stuttered, unsure of what to say.


    "Don''t forget, y''all. She''s your classmate." Victoria reminded before she continued with her silent check.


    She only nodded at their work, asking some questions while reserving her final judgment for later.


    Eventually, she reached Kyle''s desk, proceeding similarly.


    "You''ve used four papers already?"


    Kyle nodded hastily. "Yes." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He tried to observe her reaction after his reply, but her face remained as neutral as ever, not exposing anything.


    It didn''t take much longer before she was done with her homework inspection, and returning to her desk.


    Everyone looked at her in nervous anticipation, awaiting the big reveal.


    The fact that only one person had managed to draw the Rune perfectly boosted his confidence, albeit slightly.


    "I''m bothering myself too much,'' Kyle said internally. ''Worst case scenario, we all get kicked out of this class and they are three other electives I could go for if that happens.''


    Even though this was what he thought, he didn''t want to get kicked out... Not in the slightest. Especially after knowing all that awaited him in this craft.

 Chapter 43: Alone

    "I''m impressed with all of you," Instructor Victoria said after a while, making them collectively sigh in relief. "But..."


    ''Ah, the but,'' Kyle curled his lips after hearing her.


    Instructor Victoria continued. "... I''m only impressed because of your perseverance and dedication, not the results. I don''t get how drawing a simple symbol could be difficult for you.


    So, from now onwards till you''ve mastered it, we''ll practice drawing Runes, soon it''ll be so easy for you that you can do it like me."


    She took less than 30 seconds to draw the four basic runes(fire, air, earth, water), taking her time in showing them the way she handled the marker.


    Kyle looked in awe at the sight of her artistic skill, feeling motivated to achieve such heights.


    ''I must conquer this,'' he calmly decided within him.


    "Lora dear, practice on your speed and accuracy in drawing the Fire rune before you can move on to the next, okay?" Instructor Victoria said after drawing the runes.


    Lora nodded sheepishly.


    Instructor Victoria turned to face the rest of the class. "Now, get to work!"


    Kyle nodded along with the rest of the students, and focused on drawing.


    Creak!


    The sound of the door opening made him pause his drawing and look up.


    The Instructor has left the class!


    He was surprised, but eventually shrugged it off and went back to drawing.


    Even as she left the whole class remained as silent as a graveyard, nobody dared to do anything other than her instructions. After all, who knew if she was observing them?


    ***


    [3:31 PM]


    The bell had long gone, and the students didn''t hesitate to swarm out of the class immediately. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle stayed in the class as others left, he felt he was experiencing a breakthrough.


    He looked at his Runic paper, beaming with pride over his success. He observed the perfectly drawn Fire Rune, which he had drawn not just once, not twice, but three times!


    Turns out that his success rate improves after getting it right, as he could now draw it correctly on three out of five attempts!


    "That should do for now," Kyle said, his voice echoing in the silent hall. "I wonder how many people managed to draw it.


    The hall was very quiet as no one said a word when the class lasted. Though the atmosphere experienced a complete change immediately after the bell went, everyone discussed and lamented about their struggles.


    Kyle wasn''t paying attention to the noise, as at that time he was having a breakthrough in his drawing.


    Now, the class was most likely empty. He turned around to confirm his thoughts.


    He was wrong.


    At his back sat the first girl to have drawn the rune¡ª Lora Ings.


    He never truly observed her as he couldn''t always turn back now and then.


    Looking at her figure, puberty had been kind to her, to say the least. Though shorter than most of the other girls in their year, her figure was unmistakable.


    Her uniform hugged her ample curves in ways that made it difficult not to notice.


    Her chestnut hair fell in soft waves around her face, and even though her expression was serious, there was something undeniably cute about her.


    Kyle''s throat tightened. His heart began to race from the sudden realization that they were alone.


    She seemed to be done with what she was doing as she raised her head upwards, her brown eyes meeting Kyle''s blue.


    There was an awkward silence between the two, before she immediately averted her gaze, her face blushing in embarrassment that Kyle didn''t notice.


    ''Damnit, what was I doing?'' Kyle thought in embarrassment. ''She must have seen me looking at her weirdly.''


    He hesitated for a moment, wondering if to leave the class immediately.


    ''No. That''ll just leave a bad impression on her,'' Kyle thought, ''Maybe I should say something. Yes, I''ll say something.''


    Taking a breath, he gathered his courage, pushing down the anxiety in his chest. He stood slowly, the scrape of his chair against the floor betraying his nervousness.


    Lora glanced over her shoulder as Kyle''s figure stood before her desk, wondering what he wanted to say.


    "Uh¡­ Lora," he managed to say with a cracking voice. "You''re¡­ still here?"


    She managed to say softly, "Yes... I had some extra work to finish."


    "Same here. Had a breakthrough and, uh¡­ couldn''t really leave." He realized his hands were still shaking slightly from the rush of adrenaline and tried to shove them into his pockets.


    Kyle cleared his throat, hoping to break the awkward tension between them.


    "You were amazing, you know. I couldn''t believe someone would have drawn that rune over a night.


    Her eyes met his for a split second before darting away again, a blush appearing on her cheeks.


    "It... wasn''t that good," she whispered, clearly uncomfortable with the praise. "I... just got lucky."


    "Pfft!" Kyle laughed. "No way, that wasn''t luck."


    He glanced at her Runic papers, she looked so close to perfecting the Water Rune.


    "You''re just good, I have to admit," Kyle said with a smile.


    "You''re almost done with a second rune, while most of us are still drawing our first. You make it look so easy," he managed to say in embarrassment.


    For a moment, she hesitated, her gaze slowly lifting back to meet his. Her lips moved slightly, and she murmured, "Thanks."


    There was a brief silence between them, the air around them feeling almost peaceful, and Lora feeling less tense.


    "You know," Kyle said after taking a deep breath, "I''m planning to stay after class more often to practice. Maybe¡­ if you ever wanted to stay too, we could... you know, work together?"


    Her eyes widened with surprise. She seemed to be weighing his offer, as her fingers fidgeting with the sleeve of her uniform.


    For a long moment, she didn''t respond, making Kyle wonder if he had overstepped. But then, she gave a small nod.


    "I''d be happy to do so."


    "Great," Kyle said, trying to sound casual.


    He clicked his comm, before saying with a nervous chuckle.


    "Uh, let''s exchange IDs, for communication."


    Lora nodded her head, before saving his number and giving him her''s.


    For a moment, neither of them said anything. Kyle could sense that the conversation had reached its natural end, and as much as he wanted to keep talking to her, he didn''t want to push her too far.


    "Alright, well... I''ll see you around, Lora," he said, flashing her a friendly smile.


    She glanced up at him briefly, her lips parting just enough for a quiet, "Bye."


    With that, Kyle turned and made his way out of the hall, feeling strangely excited and fulfilled.

 Chapter 44: I Owe You

    ''I need to increase my stock of Runic Papers,'' Kyle thought after leaving the hall. ''Looks like I''ll have to visit the mall again. Might as well pick up a few other essentials while I''m at it.''


    With his plan formed, Kyle decided to head home first for a quick refresh. After a long day of drawing, it was necessary to rid himself of some stench and change to something new before visiting a place as populated as the mall.


    Less than an hour later, he found himself walking through the mall''s grand entrance for only the second time.


    Despite having seen it once before, the sheer size and energy of the place still took him by surprise.


    Rows upon rows of stores lined the mall''s interior, each offering something different.


    He wasn''t here to sight-see though, as he had a reason for coming here.


    He quickly approached one of the mall attendants, a young man in academy robes, and asked for directions to the Rune section.


    "Straight down this aisle, third door on your left," the attendant replied with a polite smile.


    Kyle nodded his thanks and followed the directions. Weaving through the crowd, it didn''t take long before he arrived.


    The Rune section was located in a crescent-shaped enclave, surrounded by the other elective stores.


    The Alchemy shop was the most colorful of them all, the interior lined with glass shelves filled with glowing vials of every hue imaginable. The air inside the Alchemy shop was thick with the scent of herbs and ingredients.


    Finely designed Cauldrons were seen on the shelves too. While students tested and weighed the ingredients of their choice.


    Next to it was the Beast Taming section, which seemed more like a zoo than a store. The interior was natural, filled with cages that housed mana beasts.


    There were collars, binding crystals, and other tools for taming creatures on the shelves too.


    Further down was the Forge Mastering shop, a fiery, industrial-looking space that radiated heat even from the entrance. Inside, massive anvils, hammers, forges, and a variety of metals and ores occupied the majority of the floor space.


    Finally, Kyle found himself standing before the Rune Making shop. The entrance was modest compared to the others,


    At the far end of the room was a counter where an attendant, a middle-aged man with dark, rune-marked gloves, stood.


    Behind him, shelves were lined with stacks of Runic Papers, inscription pens, and bottles of enchanted ink but something caught his attention near the counter.


    A slightly short girl stood beside the counter, her voice low and a bit shaky.


    Kyle recognized her instantly, after all, they had just spoken less than an hour ago¡ª Lora.


    "Is there any way you could lower the price just a little? I, um, I wasn''t expecting them to be this expensive," Lora said, her hands fidgeting as she glanced at the Runic Papers she was trying to buy. She could barely afford two with her current savings.


    The attendant, a patient man with weathered hands, smiled kindly but shook his head.


    "The prices are fixed, young miss. I''m afraid I can''t go lower."


    Lora looked down, biting her lip as she debated her next move. It was clear she didn''t want to leave empty-handed, but the price seemed to be beyond her current means.


    Kyle, who had been watching from some feet away, stepped forward, ready to act.


    "I''ll cover it," Kyle said, placing a hand on the counter.


    Lora looked up, startled. Her brown eyes widened as she recognized him.


    "Kyle? No, no, you don''t have to¡ª"


    "I insist," Kyle interrupted with a smile. "It''s no big deal. We''re study buddies, remember?"


    Lora''s cheeks flushed, and she waved her hands in protest. "I can''t let you do that. I''ll figure something out. I¡ªmaybe I can come back later."


    Kyle chuckled softly. "It''s not a problem. You need these, and I have a good reserve of credits. Consider it a favor, okay?"


    She continued to protest, but Kyle looked at the bundle of Runic Papers on the counter and turned his gaze to the attendant.


    "How much for the papers?" Kyle asked.


    Before Lora could stop him, the attendant replied in a calm tone. "Thirty credits per sheet. Three hundred for a bundle."


    Kyle froze. "Thirty what?!" He squeezed his lips together, trying to hide his shock. His brows furrowed as he glanced at the small stack of parchment.


    ''That lying instructor,'' he thought with anger. ''She called it cheap.


    Lora, noticing his reaction, quickly stepped in. "It''s too expensive. You don''t have to¡ª"


    Kyle cut her off with a shake of his head, still processing the price. Without further hesitation, Kyle turned to the attendant. "I''ll take two bundles."


    Lora''s eyes widened and she screamed unlike her. "Kyle, no! That''s way too much!"


    He shrugged, ignoring her protests as he handed over the credits. "Don''t worry about it."


    The attendant quickly wrapped up the bundles, his face impassive as though this price was nothing out of the ordinary.


    Kyle took the packages, handing one to Lora, who stared at him with gratitude and guilt.


    "Kyle, you didn''t have to do that," she said quietly, clutching the bundle to her chest.


    He smiled at her. "I wanted to. No problem, okay?"


    She sighed, still clearly uncomfortable. "I owe you, seriously. This is¡­ a lot."


    Kyle laughed. "Lol. It''s nothing serious."


    Lora smiled, though her face still carried traces of embarrassment. "Still, I owe you."


    "We''ll see," Kyle said with a grin.


    They walked together for a short while before parting ways. At the exit of the door, Lora gave him a final look.


    "I''ll pay you back. I promise."


    He waved her off. "I''m counting on it."


    With a small smile, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Kyle to his thoughts.


    He glanced down at the bundle of Runic Papers in his hand and felt like crying.


    ''I just lost 600 credits in some minutes. I guess it''s back to the Arena.''


    He thought about putting the papers in his inventory but decided against it because of his location.


    As he thought about where to go next, a familiar voice called out from nearby.


    "Kyle!"


    He turned, only to spot Riya from the Alchemy Hall striding toward him. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 45: Academy Struggles

    Kyle blinked in surprise after seeing Riya approach him. "Riya?"


    They met halfway, looking stunned to have seen each other.


    "I didn''t expect to run into you here," Riya said with a smile before glancing towards the Rune Making store Kyle stood next to. "I guess you chose Rune Making?"


    "Yup, I did. I came to grab some supplies," Kyle said with a nod. "But Rune Making isn''t as fun as I thought it would be¡ª our instructor is putting us through torture.


    Drawing runes over and over again, just to make it perfect and identical to the original."


    He rubbed his wrist which was still sore as a result of all the drawing.


    Riya laughed a little. "Jeez, that''s rough. How''re you coping?"


    Kyle sighed. "Welp, I finally managed to perfect a rune, at the expense of of my Runic Papers. I came here to the Mall to purchase some, after all, our Instructor called it cheap. You won''t believe its cost?"


    Riya grinned, enjoying Kyle''s tale. "Tell me."


    "Thirty credits per sheet. Three hundred credits for a bundle. I bought two bundles today, and now I''m practically broke," Kyle said with a sigh.


    Riya''s eyes widened upon Kyle''s revelation. "What?! That''s insane! How the heck did you even get such Credits."


    "Hehe. It''s a secret," Kyle said with a light smile.


    Riya rolled her eyes and said in a sharp tone. "Spill it."


    Kyle began to narrate to Riya about the Arena.


    "Hmm. That sounds real nice," Riya said after listening to Kyle. "I''m an archer, so I''m not that good with 1v1''s, but the elemental fights sound interesting."


    "What about you?" Kyle asked. "What brought you to the mall?"


    Riya nodded, excited to share her story. "I came to check out the Alchemy store to see how much the ingredients would cost... but seeing the prices, I couldn''t buy anything," she said with a sheepish smile.


    "Our instructor''s been making us cram ingredients. We spend hours memorizing the look, function, and properties of hundreds of herbs and substances. It''s so unlike what we expected."


    "You''re right. None of us are having what we expected," Kyle said with a sad smile. "I never knew the Academy could be this stressful. To be honest, I partly came here to take a break from everything."


    Riya nodded her head in agreement. "We both need one."


    Kyle glanced around, realizing they were still standing near the store.


    "Let''s go somewhere else. Wanna walk for a bit?"


    Riya agreed, and they started strolling together through the crowded mall, moving away from the stores.


    "So, how''re y''all dual elementalist coping?" Kyle asked as they walked. "I''ve been wondering because there''s only one period for Wing class."


    Riya sighed. "It''s brutal, honestly. Having two elements means I have to attend two different wings, alternating between them. One day I''m in the Pyro Wing, the next I''m in the Aero Wing. It''s like having twice the workload. I barely have time to keep up with both classes, and it''s not like I can pick which one I want to focus on¡ª they''re both important."


    "Jeez! Sorry. That doesn''t seem nice," Kyle said, feeling some sympathy, as he wondered when he''ll awaken the rest of his elements.


    She nodded. "It will all be worth it when I master both elements. I''ll try to keep up."


    Kyle gave her a reassuring smile. "I''ve known you to be great at managing stuff. You''ll scale through, don''t worry."


    "Thanks," Riya said with a soft voice.


    They walked a little longer, talking about their classes and how they were adjusting to life at the academy.


    Eventually, Riya heard her comm chime, she clicked some stuff on it and let out a sigh.


    "That was my alarm," she revealed. "I''ve overstayed and I have to go. Gotta keep to my schedule."


    Kyle gave an understanding nod. "Yeah, I should probably get going too."


    They exchanged a light-hearted laugh, and Riya gave him a small wave. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don''t let those runes drive you crazy."


    "You too. Good luck with your studies." Kyle called after her as she disappeared into the crowd.


    As she left, Kyle glanced at his comm to confirm his credits.


    [Credits: 71]


    He bit his lips as he thought about how the mighty had fallen so low.


    ''I''ve been meaning to get a sword since coming here,'' he thought. ''Might as well check it out now. I just hope these would be enough to get a good one.''


    He made his way toward the weapons section, passing by more shops filled with all manner of enchanted gear and magical items.


    The swords section was nestled near the back, with an array of blades displayed in glass cases and on racks.


    The last time he came here, he could afford none. He silently prayed it would be different this time.


    As Kyle browsed the selection, his excitement began to wane. The prices for the swords were well out of his range. Most of the finely crafted weapons cost far more than he could afford after his recent purchase of the Runic Papers.


    "Six hundred credits for this?" Kyle muttered, picking up a simple longsword. "This is crazy."


    He continued to scan the racks, his eyes falling on a more modest display. The Training Swords section, and he walked over, inspecting the simpler, less expensive options.


    They were not like the ones Grace got for him in Frulia. These were more like the ones he used in the Arena¡ª blunt-edged and durable, with a weight that mimicked the feel of a real weapon.


    ''This will have to do for now,'' Kyle thought, picking up a training katana that cost 50 credits. It was nothing special¡ª just a standard, unadorned blade with a plain hilt¡ª but it would serve its purpose.


    He figured it would be good enough to practice until he could afford something better.


    He brought the training sword to the counter and made the purchase, feeling the weight of his dwindling credits more than the sword itself.


    With his new weapon in hand, he left the shop and headed back toward his dormitory.


    As Kyle walked through the academy grounds, the sky was already darkened, and few students were seen as he entered the dormitory.


    His stomach let out a growl as he passed by the cafeteria, he realized he couldn''t head back without eating.


    Besides, he had enough credits left for one good meal. ''Might as well use the last of my credits on something worthwhile,'' he thought with a small smirk.


    Inside, the cafeteria bustled with few students. Some sat at long tables, chatting animatedly over their food, while others lined up at the counters to order their meals.


    Kyle quickly joined the line, scanning the day''s menu displayed on a glowing board overhead.


    He let out a sigh, as he couldn''t afford Tier-1 meals anymore, but they were still nice Tier-0 meals to satisfy anyone.


    ''Let''s not go cheap today,'' he thought, eyeing the special¡ª a hearty bowl of spiced stew with freshly baked bread on the side. It was pricier than what he''d usually pick for a Tier-0 meal, but it was the kind of meal that would fill him up for the rest of the evening.


    When his turn came, he ordered the special, the cafeteria worker nodding before quickly dishing it out and handing it over to him.


    Kyle instinctively tapped his comm device against the scanner, and a faint beep confirmed the payment. A glance at his comm showed him what he already knew: his balance was now completely drained.


    ''Great,'' he thought wryly. ''I''m broke until the next allowance. Thankfully, that''ll be this night.''


    With his tray in hand, Kyle scanned the room for an empty seat.


    He sat down, letting out a contented sigh as he dug into the stew. The rich, spiced flavors danced across his tongue, and the bread was perfectly soft, just the way he liked it.


    For a moment, all his worries¡ªabout credits, classes, and the constant pressure from his instructors¡ª faded into the background.


    As he ate, he watched the other students around him, discussing


    It was a rare moment of peace from the constant grind of the Academy.


    ''This was worth it,'' Kyle thought, a small smile playing on his lips as he stood up to leave with his stomach full.


    After finishing his meal, Kyle reached his house.


    He placed his sword in his inventory and continued his ritual of blood-dropping on the egg.


    He proceeded to continue his night grind¡ª drawing runes and cultivating.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 1


    EXP: 161/1000


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Sitting on the edge of his bed, Kyle let out a tired sigh. ''I need to earn some more credits soon.''


    His mind wandered to the arena. It had been a while since he''d signed up for a match, and the thought of battling for some extra credits was appealing.


    ''Maybe one of these days, I''ll return there. I could use the extra cash¡­ and the practice,'' Kyle thought.


    For now, though, all he could do was rest. He made sure to set his alarm before lying back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, he slowly drifted to sleep.

 Chapter 46: Upcoming Tournaments

    Three boring days passed in the blink of an eye for Kyle, as he stuck to the same routine every day.


    On the bright side, he had managed to perfect drawing all the basic Runes, a great achievement on his part but he was 2 days too late to beat the monstrous Lora.


    However, with her kind help and guidance, he managed to leave the rest of the class in the dust, completing all the Runes.


    Remembering Victoria''s words yesterday, he couldn''t help but feel a pang bit of pity for them.


    ***


    "Two of your classmates have already completed the set of runes," she began, her voice cutting through the quiet class. "And last I checked, every single one of you has the same number of heads. So tell me¡ªwhy is it that some of you are still struggling with two runes or the first?"


    She let her words hang in the air before concluding:


    "If you can''t manage to draw all four runes by Monday, don''t bother showing up. I''ll have no use for dead weight in this class."


    ***


    ''Welp, most will scale through,'' Kyle thought as he kept on jogging.


    One''s ability to draw runes increased with each try. It had something to do with familiarity, that was why he took 2 days to draw one rune, and another 3 days to draw the remaining three.


    As for Lora who used a day to draw a rune and another day to draw another. She was simply unexplainable¡ª a monster.


    ''Luckily, I have that monster as a friend,'' Kyle said within him with a proud smile.


    As for the Lightning Wing class. Kyle had spent most of his time cultivating and practicing his mana control, and that has yielded amazing results.


    He managed to reduce his spell cast time drastically, and his improvement became evident when he cleaned the floor with some of his classmates, Orion included.


    He let the pride get into his head and challenge Milo, the only one to remain undefeated in the wing and his first loss since his reincarnation(not counting Harris''s that is).


    That was a chance for him to redeem himself. Milo had been feeling too proud as of late, and Kyle was ready to crush him.


    The fight between them was very well received, as everyone paid attention, hoping to learn some tricks from the two top dogs in their class.


    Unfortunately for Kyle, he lost against Milo, again. He might have improved but Milo saw a more massive improvement than him.


    Kyle gritted his teeth as he remembered his match with Milo.


    ''If only I could use my mana freely, I would have won,'' he thought. He lost as a result of ''depleting his mana'' and that was what stung him the most.


    ''I''ll just keep cultivating, I might not beat him in a fight yet. But I''ll beat him to receiving a second Tier-1 spell by breaking through first.'' Kyle smirked as he thought.


    Instructor Layla had promised a Tier-1 spell to anyone who broke through to the next level first.


    She had said that only when they breakthrough would their mana core be able to handle another spell, and the academy wasn''t obliged to provide them with spells for free.


    However, by breaking through first, Kyle could guarantee a spell for him. He looked at his status to confirm how far he had gone in his race to see a breakthrough first.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 1


    EXP: 402/1000


    HP: 30


    Energy: 34


    MP: -


    Agility: 30


    Strength: 34


    Vitality: 15


    Stamina: 17


    Intelligence: 20


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle sighed. He had been trying his very best, but it seemed he had to cultivate more.


    ''I wish I was able to see how far others had gone too,'' Kyle thought. ''Maybe subsequent level-ups will provide that,'' he comforted himself.


    [8/10 KM]


    [Timer: 0.14.78]


    Kyle glanced at his status screen, realizing he had run over his mark. "Welp, Time to go back."


    It didn''t take him long to arrive at his house.


    [Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


    [You have obtained 1 STA point]


    [STA: 17 >> 18] Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Energy: 34 >> 36]


    [Time: 0:27:09]


    He worked out some more, as Homeroom began by 9:30 AM. After working out, he quickly refreshed and prepared for class, stopping by the cafeteria to grab breakfast.


    ''I really need to visit the arena,'' Kyle thought as he looked at his meal, which was a far cry away from the luxury he was used to before.


    He has to postpone his plan to go there though, as he first had to ''level up'' in his cultivation.


    ''I''ll return there with a bang after obtaining another spell,'' Kyle thought, forming a grin on his face as he ate his meal.


    Finishing his meal, he glanced at the clock and realized it was almost time for homeroom. Without delay, he made his way to the classroom.


    Some moments after he settled down, the door creaked open again and Instructor Dan came in.


    "Alright, quiet down, everyone," Dan said, his voice easily cutting through the noise. "I hope y''all enjoyed your night''s sleep."


    The students stood up and paid their greetings, allowing him to continue.


    "I''ve got some news for you all."


    Everyone kept silent to listen.


    "In about one month, a month and a half to be exact. We''ll be hosting the Electives Battle. This is where you''ll finally get to showcase everything you''ve learned in your elective classes¡ª Rune Making, Alchemy, Beast Taming, and Forge Mastering.


    You''ll be fighting, yes, but not in the way you''re used to. This event will focus on how well you can use your chosen skills and combine them with your combat abilities as well as how good you are with them."


    Excitement buzzed around the classroom, as everyone was excited about something different for a change. but Dan wasn''t done.


    "And that''s not all. Toward the end of the semester, we''ll have the Vyne Yearly Tournament."


    He paused for effect, letting the name sink in. "This is where you''ll face off against your year mates¡ªand possibly some seniors¡ª in three categories: Elective Battles, where you''ll use your elective skills like in the one before; Elemental Fights, where you''ll fight with your different elements; and Physical Combat, where raw power and skill with weapons are tested."


    Everyone was silent in awe, processing everything Dan said to the last.


    "The Tournament happens at the end of the semester," Dan continued. "It''s a big deal. Victory here can mean access to rewards, weapons, spells, rare resources, and more."


    The excitement in the room was palpable now, everyone sitting on the edge of their seats.


    "Prepare well. The Electives Battle is your first test, and from there, you''ll build up to the Tournament. Now, I''d love to keep talking about this, but..." Dan glanced at the clock and sighed. "We''ve run over time. You''re late for History class."


    A collective groan echoed through the room as Dan chuckled.


    "Alright, you''re dismissed. Head straight to class."

 Chapter 47: Sword Intent

    Kyle walked out of the General Weapon Training Class, feeling tired but bored. As usual, he had dominated the class from start to finish, but it seemed like Harris was becoming Lazy.


    All he did was let them spar with themselves why he meditated. After sparing, they were also made to self-practice with their chosen weapons, which involved slashing, or repeating a move with their weapon.


    Kyle sighed. ''That class is a waste of time. I have limited time and I can''t afford to waste it on doing something like this.''


    He knew how important having a feel and of your weapon was, but... He has been doing that since he was a little kid and didn''t see a reason to use his limited time to swing swords in the name of a class, when he could any other time.


    ''I wonder if History and General Weapon Training Class is compulsory... I''ll ask Instructor Dan if I can drop.''


    He kept on walking till he reached his dormitory. He spurlged enough credits on a meal, as he received 20 from Instructor Harris. He didn''t want to take any chances, wanting to be in the best form possible for his training.


    He quickly refreshed and got ready before deciding to give Dan a call.


    The comm rang twice before Dan picked up.


    "Hey, Kyle. You ready?" Dan asked.


    "Almost. I was just wondering where we''ll be meeting today?" Kyle replied.


    "Ah, right. I''ll send you the location. We''ll be training at my place in the staff quarters."


    A notification pinged on Kyle''s comm, a map opening with a marked location deep within the academy grounds.


    The staff quarters weren''t a part of the academy that he usually heard of. He thanked Dan and began before making his way out.


    The walk to the staff quarters was long, as it was deeper into the academy grounds. Soon, he got to a large gate manned by some personnels, they granted him access as soon as he showed them Dan''s invite.


    As Kyle approached Dan''s house, his eyes widened. The Instructors houses were massive¡ª far larger than any residence he''d seen within the academy walls.


    The buildings stood tall with clean, modern lines of white and steel, surrounded by a large, manicured garden that hinted at the prestige of its occupant.


    He quickly located Dan''s and entered in through the automatic gate that recognized his comm and granted him access.


    The stone pathway leading to the door gave an ancient feel, framed by low hedges and trees that provided a serene atmosphere.


    Kyle stepped up to the front door, hesitating for a moment before knocking. The door swung open almost immediately, revealing Dan in casual training attire, a smile on his face.


    "Right on time, Kyle. Come on in."


    As Kyle stepped inside, the grandeur of the house hit him. The ceilings were high, and the walls were lined with art , giving the space an elegant yet disciplined feel.


    "Quite the place, right?" Dan said with a chuckle, noticing Kyle''s awe.


    Kyle nodded, earning a a laugh from Dan.


    "The academy takes care of its instructors. Let''s head to the dojo."


    They walked through the house, Eventually, Dan led him through a set of sliding wooden doors, revealing the dojo.


    Kyle stood at the entrance for a moment, taking it all in. The room was expansive, far larger than he''d imagined.


    The floors were made of polished wood that glowed in the afternoon sunlight coming in through the tall windows on the far walls.


    At one side of the room stood a large weapon rack, neatly organized with an assortment of weapons, all looking well maintained.


    In the center of the room lay a large white mat, pristine and ready for training.


    Dan moved to a wooden cabinet and pulled out a neatly folded training outfit, handing it to Kyle. "Here, put this on."


    Kyle took the outfit, It was a plain white gi, nothing special.


    He went to a corner to change, slipping it on, he realized it was slightly too big¡ª loose in the shoulders and legs, the sleeves hanging past his wrists.


    Dan smiled after seeing him. "It''s a bit big, but you''ll grow into it. I had to guess your size."


    Kyle nodding. "It''s a little to free, but it''ll do."


    Dan stepped closer with a more serious expression.


    "Kyle, tell me something. How long have you been training with the sword?"


    Kyle hesitated k what to say. He didn''t know how much info the Academy had on him, but he guessed they would likely have none and decided to go for it:


    "Since I was young. I picked it up on my own since, diligently training in the way of the sword."


    "You received no training whatsoever, and you''ve already tapped into Sword Intent? How?"


    Kyle nodded. "Yeah... I don''t really know how it happened. It just sort of... came to me one day during practice, I experienced a threat when training and it just came. Ever since then, I usually manifest it at times when I''m under threat."


    "You refuse to be threatened, huh? Interesting," Dan''s muttered before saying:


    "Do you realize how rare sword intent is?" Dan asked rhetorically. "Sword Intent isn''t something you just ''find.'' It''s born from years of training, from deep mastery and connection to the sword. The fact that you''ve achieved it at your age¡­ Kyle, that''s not just talent¡ª that''s extraordinary."


    Kyle was short of words. He knew sword intent was very helpful and strong, but he wasn''t exactly sure of its rarity.


    Dan continued with his teaching. "Sword Intent is more than just a powerful technique. It''s an expression of your soul, your intent. It''s what separates a master from an ordinary swordsman. At its most basic, it can overwhelm your opponents, crush their spirit with a swing yiur blade. But at its peak¡­" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dan paused for the effect, letting his words linger in Kyle. "With full control of Sword Intent, you could split mountains with a single slash. You could change the course of a battle in an instant. And with the lightest touch, you could scar your opponents¡ª leave a mark on their very essence, one that''s impossible to forget."


    Kyle swallowed. He didn''t know how possible all these were, but they were all amazing.


    Dan continued:


    "Sword Intent can be destructive, yes. But it''s also about precision. It''s about understanding the fine balance between force and finesse. In the right hands, you could do more with a single stroke than most can do with an entire battle."


    He stopped in front of Kyle, his eyes piercing. "But that''s only if you master it. Right now, what you have is raw, unrefined. They''re many levels of intent and you''re only about to scratch its surface.


    You''re already ahead of most who seek that answer. But mastery of Sword Intent requires more than just practice¡ª it requires discipline, focus, and a deep understanding of both yourself and the sword."


    He placed a hand on Kyle''s shoulder. "You''re a rare talent, Kyle. But talent alone won''t be enough. You have to be willing to dedicate yourself fully to this path. You have to respect the power you''ve been given, and learn to control it before it controls you."


    Kyle nodded with determination.


    Dan''s voice continued. "With proper training, Kyle, you could become a great swordsmen of your generation. But know this: power like this can shape not only your enemies but yourself. The question is do you agree to embark on this path?"


    "I''ll do whatever it takes," Kyle said, his voice firm.


    Dan nodded approvingly, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. "Good. Then let''s begin."

 Chapter 48: Intense Training

    Instructor Dan led Kyle to the center of the dojo, making him to stand on the large mat there.


    He walked over to the weapon rack, scanning the rows of swords on it with his eyes.


    He reached out and selected a longsword, the polished steel reflecting the sunlight coming in through the windows.


    "Pick yours," Dan turned around and said to Kyle.


    "We''re using real weapons?" Kyle couldn''t help but say after noticing the weapons on the rack. He hadn''t used such since coming here. "What if someone got injured?"


    Dan nodded with smile and replied. "Don''t worry. You won''t be getting injured."


    Kyle shrugged his shoulders and approached the rack, with a Katana in mind... Obviously.


    He observed it after he held it up. The curved blade was sleek and the handle was wrapped up in black leather.


    "A katana, huh?" Dan noted, ready to inform Kyle on his weapon choice.


    "It''s a solid choice, but not without its limitations. Its strength lies in its sharp, quick cuts and precision. It''s ideal for fast, fluid strikes, perfect for someone with speed. But the weakness is its lack of versatility. You can''t use a curved blade to thrust or stab, neither can its blunt side be used to slash, making it require careful control.


    If you lose your grip or balance, you''ll find yourself wide open."


    Kyle nodded, gripping the katana a little tighter. He was familiar with the weapon, but hearing Dan explain its intricacies gave him a new level of respect for it.


    "First," Dan began, stepping closer to Kyle. "Let''s talk about your grip." "


    He raised his longsword, showing Kyle how his hands were positioned on its hilt¡ª it was firm but relaxed. His fingers curled around the handle, leaving just enough space for movement.


    "Your grip needs to be firm, but don''t choke the handle. You want control, but you also need flexibility. If your hands are too tense, you''ll lose fluidity in your strikes."


    Kyle adjusted his grip as Dan demonstrated, loosening his hold just enough to feel the difference.


    Dan nodded. "Not bad. Now, I''ll see you make a basic slash. The strength of your slash doesn''t only come from brute force. It''s about precision and speed. should want to make a clean, quick cut with the minimum force necessary.


    Anything more, and you''ll throw yourself off balance. Watch and learn."


    Dan raised his sword above his head and brought it down in a smooth, swift arc.


    The air seemed to cut as the sword traveled. He stopped just before the tip of the sword reached the ground.


    "Now you," he said, stepping aside.


    Kyle took a deep breath, positioning the katana above his head as Dan had done. With a quick motion, he brought the blade down in a supposingly clean slash.


    Dan responded after watching him with concentration. "You''ve got the basics down, that''s nice. But there''s always room for improvement. Your wrists need to be more relaxed. You''re still putting too much force into the swing. Again."


    Kyle nodded and reset his stance, raising the katana and bringing it down once more. He focused on loosening his wrists, trying to let the sword move freely when released.


    "Better,"Dan said. "Keep going."


    For the next thirty minutes, Kyle repeated the motion over and over, each time adjusting his grip, and the force of the slash.


    Dan corrected him as needed, but for the most part, but Kyle wasn''t far off from what the instructor wanted. Still, Dan pushed him, demanding almost perfection.


    Sweat beaded on Kyle''s forehead, and his arms began to tremble with the strain. His wrists were sore, and his muscles ached from the repetition, but he kept going, determined to get it right.


    ''Damn this man!''


    He said after going for another slash. It reached a point, where he didn?t even care to listen to Instructor Dan''s words before repeating.


    "No. No. Hold it there, boy," Dan suddenly said after sensing Kyle''s spirit. "You want to do these for the duration of this class, huh? If you don''t want that, be more serious at getting it right, because the number of slashes you achieve won''t help you here."


    With that, Kyle''s rhythm experienced a sudden change, as he began to slash with more determination.


    After what felt like the hundredth slash, Dan held up his hand." Good enough."


    ''Finally,'' Kyle thought lowering the katana. His chest rised and fell with heavy breaths. His wrists throbbed in pain.


    "Let''s move on, shall we?" Dan said with a smirk. "Show me your stance."


    "What?!"


    Kyle unknowingly said his intentions our loud.


    "I said you should show me your stance. Quick."


    ''Ah... I can''t even get a rest.''


    Kyle let out a wry smile and shifted his feet, taking a traditional fighting stance¡ªHis left foot forward, right foot back, his knees slightly bent, and his sword held in both hands, the tip angled forward.


    He had practiced this stance a thousand times, and it felt natural to him.


    Dan circled him, his critical eye analyzing every muscle, every shift in weight. "Good. Solid form. But I can tell you''re holding back. Relax your shoulders a little, keep your center of gravity lower."


    Kyle adjusted as Dan instructed, feeling the change in his balance. There was a moment of tension in the air before Dan struck¡ªa quick, probing attack aimed at Kyle''s side.


    Kyle reacted instinctively, his sword coming up to block the blow with a sharp metallic *clink*.


    Dan nodded approvingly. "Nice reflexes. But you''re still too stiff. Sword fighting isn''t just about defense, Kyle. It''s about flow, about knowing when to move and when to strike."


    Dan moved again, this time faster, swinging his sword in a wide arc toward Kyle''s shoulder. Kyle brought his sword up to parry, and their blades clashed, but this time the force of Dan''s strike pushed Kyle back a step.


    Kyle grimaced, feeling the weight behind the blow. Dan wasn''t just testing him; he was pushing him to see how much he could handle.


    "Don''t just block," Dan instructed as he stepped back. "Redirect. Use your opponent''s momentum against them."


    Kyle nodded, gripping his sword tighter as Dan came at him again.


    This time, when their swords met,


    Kyle didn''t simply block. He angled his blade slightly, letting Dan''s strike slide off to the side. It was a minor movement, but it shifted the balance of the fight. Kyle followed up with a quick strike of his own, aiming for Dan''s midsection.


    Dan blocked it easily with fluid movement, but there was a glint of approval in his eyes. "Better. Much better. Keep that up."


    For the next half-hour, they sparred like this¡ªDan attacking, Kyle defending and countering, slowly learning to adapt to the rhythm of the fight.


    Every time Kyle thought he was getting the hang of it, Dan would change the tempo, increasing the speed or power of his strikes, forcing Kyle to react faster, and think faster.


    By the end of the first hour, Kyle was breathing heavily and his muscles burned from the effort. Sweat dripped down his forehead, and his arms felt like lead, but he refused to slow down.


    Dan wasn''t just testing his skill; he was testing his endurance and his resolve.


    "Take a break," Dan said finally, stepping back and lowering his sword.


    ''Finally... !''


    Kyle exhaled in relief, lowering his own weapon. His hands were shaking slightly from the strain, but there was a thrill in the exhaustion.


    He had never pushed himself like this before, but at least he was feeling improvement almost already.


    Dan handed him a towel and a bottle of water.


    "You''re doing well, Kyle. Better than I expected, honestly. But you''ve got to learn to pace yourself. Sword fighting isn''t a sprint; it''s a marathon. You''ve got to conserve your energy, know when to strike and when to hold back."


    [Energy: 6/36]


    Kyle nodded, taking a long drink of water.


    [Energy +10]


    .


    .


    .


    [Energy +10]


    .


    .


    .


    [Energy +10]


    .


    .


    .


    [Energy +10]


    [Energy: 36/36]


    ''What the hell? It should be the water.'' S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He wiped the sweat from his brow with the towel and looked up at Dan, who was watching him closely. He was feeling much refreshed, almost like he woke up from a long rest.


    "That. The water you gave me, it made me feel refreshed... Anew. What was it?"


    He asked Dan, wanting to find our such godly water he had received.


    "Don''t worry about it... Unless you want to pay for it, do you?"


    "What? Heck, no!" Kyle said with a laughter, as they both laughed for some time.


    "How do you know when to do that?" Kyle asked, breaking the few moments of silence. "When to hold back and when to go all in?"


    Dan smiled slightly, leaning on his sword. "Experience. It''s something you learn over time. Every fight is different. You''ve got to learn to read your opponent, to anticipate their moves. But more than that, you''ve got to know yourself.


    You''ve got to be in tune with your body, your mind, and your sword. When you''re in control, everything else falls into place."


    Kyle thought about that for a moment, feeling the weight of the words. He had always focused on his technique, on mastering the movements, but Dan was talking about something deeper, something more intuitive.


    After a few minutes, Dan straightened and gestured toward the mat. "Ready to go again?"


    Kyle nodded, he wasn''t feeling much of the fatigue in his limbs thanks to the water, and was determined to keep going. He couldn''t stop now, not when he was learning so much.


    They resumed their sparring, this time with a different focus. Dan began to teach Kyle about the finer points of swordplay¡ªhow to shift his weight during a strike, how to read an opponent''s stance, how to feint and draw them into making a mistake. It was like a dance, each movement carefully calculated, but with an undercurrent of danger.


    As the second hour passed, Kyle began to feel more confident. His movements became more fluid, more instinctual. He could feel the sword in his hand, not just as a tool, but as an extension of himself. Every strike, every parry, flowed together like water, and for brief moments, he felt like he was in control, like he was truly beginning to understand what Dan had been talking about.


    But Dan wasn''t done pushing him.


    In the third hour, Dan began to test Kyle''s limits. He increased the intensity of his attacks, moving faster, striking harder, forcing Kyle to react with everything he had. Sweat poured down Kyle''s face as he struggled to keep up, his muscles screaming in protest. But he refused to stop.


    "Focus, Kyle!" Dan barked as their swords clashed again. "Don''t let your fatigue control you! Push through it!"


    Kyle gritted his teeth, parrying a strike and countering with a quick slash that Dan barely blocked in time. His vision was starting to blur from the exhaustion, but he could feel something inside him¡ªa spark, a flicker of the Sword Intent Dan had spoken of. It was faint, but it was there.


    Dan must have sensed it too, because he suddenly stopped, stepping back and lowering his sword. Kyle blinked in surprise, breathing heavily as he lowered his own blade.


    "What¡­ what is it?" Kyle asked between breaths.


    Dan smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "You felt it, didn''t you? That connection. That moment when the sword wasn''t just a weapon in your hand, but an extension of your will."


    Kyle nodded slowly, still catching his breath. "Yeah¡­ I think I did."


    Dan sheathed his sword and walked over to Kyle, placing a hand on his shoulder. "That''s the beginning, Kyle. That''s where real mastery starts. You''ve got the talent, the potential. But you''ve got to nurture that connection, refine it. Sword Intent isn''t something you can force.


    It comes from understanding, from discipline."


    Kyle looked down at his sword, his mind racing with everything he had learned in the last three hours. It was a lot to take in, but he knew Dan was right. There was something more to sword fighting than just the physical movements. There was a mental, even spiritual, component that he had only just begun to tap into.


    Dan stepped back, looking at Kyle with a mixture of pride and expectation. "You''ve done well today. But this is just the start. You''ve got a long way to go before you can truly master Sword Intent."


    Kyle nodded, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. "I''ll do whatever it takes."


    Dan smiled, the first genuine smile Kyle had seen from him all day. "I believe you will."


    The clock on the dojo wall read 7:00 PM. The three hours had passed in a blur, but Kyle felt like he had gained months, maybe years, worth of experience in that short time. As he gathered his things and prepared to leave, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of excitement.

 Chapter 49: Grinding

    "Thank you, Instructor. I''m grateful for your guidance," Kyle said with respect, cupping his hands and lowering his back for a formal bow.


    Dan chuckled warmly, waving off his formality. "No problem, Kyle. Care for a meal before you return?"


    ''A meal? Heck, yeah!'' Kyle''s eyes lit up as he nodded eagerly.


    ''I might even take something special like the water I had before,'' he thought, a sly grin creeping onto his lips.


    ***


    A few minutes later, Kyle and Dan sat across from each other at the dining table, eating their respective meals. Kyle had been hoping for something exciting, but much to his dismay, Dan refused to offer him anything more than a Tier-0 meal.


    Meanwhile, Dan indulged himself in a mana-rich feast.


    Kyle could sense the mana and pressure being emitted from the meal across the table, and it only served to deepen his envy.


    He played with the simple steak on his plate, pushing it around with his fork as his eyes greedily followed Dan''s fork dipping into a rich, glistening mana-infused stew.


    "Don''t play with your food, Kyle," Dan teased, noticing the longing in his student''s eyes.


    "But... Why can''t I have that?" Kyle finally blurted out, unable to hide his disappointment. His expression shifted into one of exaggerated sadness, hoping to touch to Dan''s generosity.


    Dan smiled knowingly, shaking his head. "We instructors can''t provide students with cultivation resources... at least not until you''re allowed to keep personal Instructors. It''s part of the academy''s rules, Kyle."


    "Hmph." Kyle grumbled softly, giving up. He knew arguing wouldn''t get him anywhere. He reluctantly took a bite of his plain steak, chewing with a grumpy expression.


    As they ate, Kyle used his inspect on Dan.


    [Name: Dan Hubbard]


    [Affinity: Wind]


    He decided to check his own progress, quickly pulling up his stats as he chewed on his meal.


    [Sword Intent Mastery: 22.20%]


    Kyle''s eyes widened slightly. ''It improved a lot¡­ As expected,'' he thought, satisfied with his progress. ''I wonder what happens when it reaches 100.''


    "Uhm, Instructor," Kyle began cautiously, lowering his head a bit as if to avoid eye contact, "General Weapon Training Class and History Class... they''re not really proving useful to me. Would there be any issue if I skipped them?"


    Kyle''s voice trailed off as he quickly glanced up, trying to gauge Dan''s expression. His instructor had been understanding so far, but this was a bit more audacious.


    Dan leaned back in his chair, considering the question before responding. "Well¡­ It''s your choice, Kyle. The students might not know this yet, but those classes aren''t compulsory. However," he added with a raised finger, "I''ll warn you¡ªdon''t underestimate any class. You never know what you might learn. Even in History or Weapon Training, there could be something that changes your perspective."


    Kyle grinned internally, pleased by the response. ''Yess!'' he celebrated quietly. Dan''s advice was solid, but Kyle already had his own plans. He wasn''t going to skip entirely¡ªjust on the days when he felt like he could be doing something more productive.


    The rest of their meal passed in relative silence. Once Kyle finished the last of his meal, he thanked Dan once again and excused himself, heading back to his dormitory.


    As soon as he returned, Kyle collapsed onto his bed. He was tired, but not in the physical sense¡ªhis mind felt heavy with all the things he needed to focus on. Tomorrow was a ''free day,'' meaning no classes or mandatory training sessions.


    ''Tomorrow¡­ I''ll break through,'' he decided, his eyes fluttering shut. It was time to push his limits. No distractions, no holding back.


    He didn''t set any alarms. There was no need. His body would rest for as long as it needed, and when he woke up, he would be ready.


    ***


    The night passed quickly, and Kyle woke to the soft glow of sunlight spilling through the curtains of his dorm room. He stretched lazily, feeling an odd sense of satisfaction as his body felt perfectly rejuvenated, free of the aches and soreness from the previous day.


    9:12 AM. He noticed the time from his comm.


    ''Perfect,'' Kyle thought as he rolled out of bed and stretched his limbs. His muscles felt loose, ready for action. ''Let''s grind.'' Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He began his day as usual, slipping into his running shoes and stepping out of his dorm for a few laps around the academy grounds. What started as a daily quest had now become a routine¡ª a habit that he couldn''t shake off.


    After a solid run, he made a quick stop at the cafeteria for breakfast, where he found the hall empty.


    ''They were most likely in class.''


    He took his food quickly and made his way back to his dormitory for a bath.


    By 10:03 AM, Kyle had finished his preparations. He sat on the floor, assuming a lotus position, his breathing steady as he began to focus inward.


    The world outside fell away. His mind cleared of all distractions, and Kyle felt the familiar pull of mana surrounding him. His body and spirit aligned as he drew it in, circulating the energy through his core.


    [EXP +1]


    [EXP +1]


    ...


    Hours passed in the blink of an eye.


    ***


    By 12:00 PM, Kyle''s energy was beginning to wane.


    [Energy: 20/36]


    [EXP: 501/1000]


    [Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


    [You have obtained 1 STR point]


    [STR: 34 >> 35]


    Kyle took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. The cultivation was slow going, even though he knew that this pace was still considered impressive by most standards.


    ''Why does cultivation have to be so slow?'' Kyle sighed internally, lying back on his bed to recover his energy.


    He reflected for a moment, thinking back to his time at Yurigur. Back then, he had to spend a month in seclusion to break through two initial minor realms. In comparison, he was very fast here.


    After a short rest, Kyle sat up and resumed his cultivation, determined to push himself further. The cycle repeated¡ªtwo hours of focused cultivation, followed by short breaks to regain his energy.


    ***


    11:11 PM. Kyle felt a surge of power course through him.


    [Energy: 9/36]


    [EXP: 1000/1000]


    [Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!]


    [Beginner Mage: Lv 1 >> Lv 2]


    [All stats: +10]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 2


    EXP: 0/2000


    HP: 50


    Energy: 56


    MP: -


    Agility: 40


    Strength: 44


    Vitality: 25


    Stamina: 28


    Intelligence: 30


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Finally!!" Kyle screamed in triumph, unable to contain his excitement. He immediately collapsed onto the floor, physically and mentally drained but utterly satisfied.

 Chapter 50: Lightning Dash

    [Bzzz! Bzzz! ... ]


    Kyle groaned as his system''s alarm sounded in his head, waking him up from his sleep.


    "7:30 AM, as expected," Kyle muttered under his breath, stretching his hands. ''Why did I even set this alarm?I needed some rest,'' he thought sadly.


    He didn''t wallow on his thoughts though, as it was nice he had woken early, now he could avoid coming late to class. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He quickly took a quick warm bath, dressed in his academy uniform, before he made his way down to the cafeteria.


    [Credits: 6]


    Kyle stared at his comm with resignation after seeing his meager sum of credits.


    They could barely get him a sustainable meal, so he had no other option than to settle for an credits an orange drink, quickly gulping it down before he went for Homeroom.


    He was right at time upon reaching Homeroom, slipping in as Dan called for attention.


    Roll call happened in a blur, while Kyle''s mind drifted to the new spell he would acquire for breaking through first.


    Dan''s voice snapped him back to reality. "For those who weren''t present in yesterday''s homeroom class, I''m deducting 10 credits from your account. If you''ve skipped before, double the amount.


    If you''re wondering why, it''s because attendance to homeroom class is compulsory," he proceeded to make a few taps on his comm after which some pings resounded around the class.


    ''I should miss other classes but attend to homeroom. What the hell?'' he thought, cursing Dan for not informing him properly.


    Kyle felt a slight pang in his chest as his comm chimed. He glanced at his comm to observe what his balance would be, since he had 1 credit at the moment.


    [Credits: -19]


    As he expected, his next 19 credits would be deducted. Kyle grimaced as he stared as his comm.


    As Dan wrapped up and left early, Kyle was already itching to leave. However, Riya caught his attention as she slid into the seat next to him.


    "Why are you so hyped today?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. She had been noticing him since the class''s beginning, and there was a lack of the usual concentration from him.


    Kyle grinned, leaning closer. "I broke through."


    Riya''s eyes widened in shock. "You what?"


    For a moment, she was speechless before her expression shifted to determination.


    "You broke through already?" Her lips tightened, and she clenched her fists. "I''ll break through today too, just watch."


    Kyle felt some sympathy for her and decided to confess. "Welp, it happened so fast because I didn''t attend classes yesterday. It''s not as easy as it looks,"


    Riya blinked, processing his words before shooting him a glance of disbelief. "You skipped an entire day of classes? Seriously?"


    "Yeah," Kyle admitted, scratching the back of his head. "But hey, don''t feel bad. You''ll catch up. I''m sure you don''t need to skip classes to do so."


    Her competitive spirit blazed. "Of course not. I won''t skip any classes."


    Kyle chuckled, nodding his head.


    Moments later, the bell rang, signaling the end of Homeroom. Kyle didn''t waste any time. He dashed out of the classroom to reach the Thundra Wing.


    His heart raced with anticipation as he navigated through the academy grounds before finally arriving at the Lightning Hall.


    Instructor Layla was already present, her eyes scanning the students as they slowly filed in.


    Kyle was among the first to arrive, but soon enough, the room filled with students, all settling down on their respective mats.


    Kyle noticed a mat that was absent of any student¡ª Orion. Like Riya had said, they alternated between what wing to attend, and he must have opted for Metal today.


    Layla stepped forward with her usual commanding voice. "Now, let''s get started. I want a progress update from each of you."


    The students took turns, sharing how far they were close to breakthroughs.


    They couldn''t exactly quantity it like Kyle, but could tell to an extent how far they had gone with saturating thier mana core with mana.


    Milo stood up, and boasted that he was just a step away. "In fact, I might even breakthrough today."


    The instructor nodded her head at him, while others felt it was normal for someone like him.


    A few others gave updates, before Kyle proudly stood up with a smile on his face.


    "I broke through," he announced calmly.


    The room fell silent for a brief moment as all eyes turned to him. Layla''s expression shifted from surprise to approval.


    "Impressive, Kyle," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Congratulations. As promised, for being the first in the class to break through, you''ll receive your reward."


    Some students, Milo especially looked at Kyle with envy while a few others looked up to him with respect.


    Layla continued. "As expected, your reward is a second Tier-1 spell: Lightning Dash. This spell allows you to move with the speed of lightning itself for a brief moment. It will enhance your mobility and give you an edge in combat."


    She handed him a scroll. "Take this and practice. The rest of you should continue cultivating. I expect more breakthroughs soon."


    Kyle felt a surge of excitement as he unrolled the scroll. The words were detailed like in the last scroll, allowing him to carefully practice.


    [Do you want to learn the Tier-1 spell: Lightning Bolt]


    [Cost: 10 Skill Points]


    Like before the system prompt came on, he ignored it as he didn''t have enough skill points. Even if he did, he wasn''t sure he would waste it for that when he could easily learn it himself.


    He focused and began channeling his mana as the scroll instructed, visualizing his mana. He managed to channel it through his body after a long while, feeling it course through his muscles waiting to be released.


    ''Is this it?'' he inwardly asked himself on what he was feeling at that moment.


    He stood up, instinctively stepping forward, and in an instant, he felt it¡ª Speed!


    He moved to the opposite end of the the room in few seconds, faster than he had ever moved before.


    [Ding!]


    [You''ve learned Tier-1 spell: Lightning Dash!]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 1)] :


    [A movement spell that momentarily boosts the user''s Agility by 200%, allowing one to transverse a distance through a short burst of speed.]


    MP required: 10


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 51: No Lunch This Time

    The eyes of the whole class were fixated on Kyle, who had zipped to the other side of the room with a trail of Lightning. Their mouths were wide open in astonishment, and their eyes glowed with desire.


    "Wow! That''s fast."


    "We get to learn that?!"


    "Lightning rocks, man!"


    Whispers gradually became shouts, as they couldn''t control their reactions from the spell.


    Milo had stood up from his mat, clenching his fists and gritting his teeth in anger.


    ''Arrgh... I''m so stupid. I can''t even first him to breakthrough... Now, he''s all there having a speed spell and I''m here cultivating,'' he felt frustrated with himself and wanted to take it out on something or someone, but eventually controlled himself and sat back on his mat.


    He tried to calm in nerves, taking in a breath and exhaling out, before continuing his session. "I have to breakthrough."


    Kyle, who was unaware of the happenings around him felt disoriented from his outburst of speed.


    ''Wow! That was great!'' he thought, itching to go again.


    He had already began trying to channel his mana before Instructor Layla''s voice interrupted his plan.


    "Well done, Kyle. It''s great to cast spells and all, but you have to be aware of your mana," she said, sweeping her gaze across the class in a bid to address them too.


    "As a mage, it is very important to be conscious of your mana usage, as they can prove vital in a fight. For you, Kyle, you should be able to use [Lightning Dash] for about two to three times, so try to be conservative when using it."


    Kyle nodded his head approvingly at her words, imagining how well he could use the spell with his mana.


    "Go and practice with your spell casting. Improve your speed for summoning the spell," Layla instructed Kyle before turning towards the rest of the class, "I want the rest of you to cultivate. Time waits for no one. Get to work, now!"


    Everyone followed her command and sat on their mat beginning their long cultivation session.


    [12:05 PM]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Energy: 31/56]


    [EXP: 47/2000]


    [Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


    [You have obtained 1 STR point]


    [STR: 45 >> 46]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle sat up from his mat as soon as the bell went. He had managed to achieve alot, even managing to cultivate for some time, between.


    He looked around the class to observe their expressions. Sadly, judging from the look on their faces, none of them must have seen a breakthrough.


    Everybody were already dispersing out from the class for their break, everyone except one¡ª Milo.


    Kyle watched as Milo sat cross-legged, his black hair wet with sweat and clinging to his forehead.


    His expression gave away an intense focus and his breathing was rough but controlled.


    Unlike the others, he refused to take in-between breaks, clearly pushing himself to his his limits.


    ''He sure looks serious,'' Kyle shaked his head, not helping but feel a slight pinge of pity for him.


    ''He gave it his all, but, eventually it all came back to the best,'' Kyle chuckled as he left the class, feeling a swell of pride.


    He thought for a while on what to do with this break. He glanced around, seeing students wandering about, chatting in groups, or hurrying off to their next destination.


    ''Maybe I should head to the library?'' Kyle thought but quickly dismissed the idea. ''I''m too tired for that... I''ll go get lunch first.''


    Kyle began making his way to the dorm but suddenly stopped on his tracks immediately a certain thought surfaced on his mind.


    ''Ah... I have no credits,'' he remembered, fighting back tears.


    He was even in debt of 19 credits and he was entertaining thoughts of an early feast some moments ago.


    He decided to head to the Rune Making hall. On getting there, he was surprised to find some students already there.


    It made sense, as not many had the luxury to eat by this time, like he did before.


    He began striding to the back seat, his eyes falling Lora, who sat at a corner reading a book.


    A smirk formed on Kyle''s lips. ''Of course she''s reading ahead,'' he thought as he made his way toward her.


    "Yo, Lora," Kyle said as he dropped into the seat beside her, looking at the book she read¡ª Introduction To Rune Making II.


    "Part two already? I didn''t even know you finished the first one."


    Lora glanced up, startled at first but quickly relaxing when she saw it was Kyle.


    "Um, yeah. I''ve finished it¡­"


    Kyle chuckled. "Are you trying to make the rest of us look bad, or is it just me?"


    Lora looked down, a small smile playing at her lips, but she didn''t respond. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Come on, share the secret. How are you so fast? Don''t you cultivate?"


    She shook her head, still smiling faintly but clearly unsure how to respond to his teasing.


    Kyle leaned back, grinning. "You know, you could give me a crash course sometime. Help me understand what you''re reading... I''m pretty behind, you know?"


    "You''re not¡­ behind," Lora mumbled softly, her eyes moving to him for a moment before returning to the book. "I just like to¡­ read ahead."


    "Of course, of course, You''re too good for us."


    Lora rolled her eyes slightly but didn''t say anything, choosing instead to focus on her book, though an amused smile tugged on her lips.


    Kyle leaned closer, pretending to read the pages. "So, what''s so special about this second book? Do the runes get more complex, or are they more runes?"


    Lora couldn''t help but try to laugh, shaking her head. "No¡­ it''s¡­ um¡­ more complex runes, combinations for more powerful effects."


    "Ah, I see... So it''s like Rune Making on hard mode," Kyle said, nodding like a wise man would.


    They continued chatting, or rather, Kyle did most of the talking while Lora occasionally nodded or offered a shy response.


    He teased her about reading too much and asked random questions about runes, trying to keep the conversation while learning a few.


    Lora seemed to appreciate it, even if she didn''t say much. She loved it more to explain when her help was asked for.


    After a while, the classroom started to fill up with more students, and just as Kyle was about to tease Lora again, the door at the front of the room swung open.


    Instructor Victoria walked in with her usual commanding presence. Her eyes scanned the room, taking note of possible drop-outs


    "Good afternoon, class," she said with a smile as fake a 3 dollar bill. "I hope some of you heeded to my advice."


    Kyle glanced at Lora, who had already closed her book and straightened in her seat, her expression shifting to one of quiet focus.


    While he leaned back on his sear, ready to see what Rune Making had in store for the day.

 Chapter 52: Inscription

    Instructor Victoria strode to the front of the classroom, her violet robes swirling with every step.


    The room fell silent as her gaze swept through the gathered students. She paused for a moment raising her brows in mild surprise as she mentally counted everyone present.


    "Well," she said, clasping her hands behind her back. "It seems I''ve underestimated y''all a lot. Not a single one of you has dropped yet. I guess you''re more determined than I thought."


    A murmur rippled through the room, as the students felt proud and recognized their will to still remain here.


    Instructor Victoria stepped forward, her mouth widening as she continued.


    "Now, before we move on, I need to know¡ª did you all manage to draw the basic runes like I said? Or should I start sending you packing out of here by myself?"


    Several heads nodded in response, affirming that they had done so.


    "Good," Victoria said with a slight smile. "I''m pleased."


    She began walking down the rows, stopping to check each student''s work one by one.


    Her sharp eyes scrutinized the drawn runes, making sure the students had drawn it almost perfectly.


    Once Victoria finished her inspection, she returned to the front of the room, standing tall and proud.


    "Well then," she began. "Now that you''ve all successfully drawn the basic runes, it''s time we move forward. Drawing runes is an essential skill, but it''s only the beginning. Today, we''ll take the next step. You''ll learn how to make runes¡ª how to truly inscribe them so they can channel function."


    She paused, letting her words sink before continuing, "To do that, you''ll need something special. The basic rune drawing you''ve been practicing is nothing more than an outline.


    To make real runes, you should use an inscription pen." Victoria held up a sleek, slender pen-like tool, its tip was lustrous and looked extremely sharp and pointed as well.


    "This is an inscription pen. Unlike regular pens or markers, this tool adds depth to the lines and curves of your runes. Depth is key because it provides the necessary channels for mana to flow through."


    She tapped the pen against her palm. "It''s not compulsory to use an inscription pen. Any tool capable of inscribing, carving, or even creating holes on a surface can be used to make runes. However, the pen makes the process far more efficient, and it offers better control, especially for beginners like yourself."


    Kyle paid close attention. He knew this was bound to be more challenging, unlike the drawings. He had never carved before and was eager to try it out.


    He used the side of his eyes to glance at Lora who sat beside him, as expected she was taking notes already, scribbling in her magnificent handwriting.


    ''I wonder what she''s writing,'' Kyle thought, focusing his attention back on the Instructor.


    "To demonstrate," Victoria continued, walking to the far end of the classroom where a large, plain white wall stood. "I''ll show you the difference."


    The class watched as she approached the wall, her inscription pen held firmly in her hand.


    She raised it to the surface and began to draw slowly, the room was soon filled with the soft, steady sound of the pen scratching against the wall''s surface.


    Kyle''s eyes followed the lines she was drawing, recognizing the familiar shape of the fire rune, but this time, it was different.


    The rune was being carved into the wall, not just drawn. The lines weren''t flat but had a slight depth, like shallow grooves etched into the surface. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Victoria worked slowly enough for everyone to observe... But her slowness was impossibly fast for the students, and she stepped back from the wall after a moment, admiring her work.


    "Now, come take a closer look."


    The students moved to the front of the classroom, gathering around to inspect the rune.


    Kyle could immediately see what she meant¡ªthe lines had some depth, barely a few millimeters, but enough to make a difference. The rune wasn''t just a drawing; it had substance.


    "You''ll notice the grooves," Victoria said, pointing to the etched lines. "That depth allows the rune to hold something. And that something is¡ª?"


    "Mana!" the students completed her sentence, proving that they were paying attention.


    Kyle leaned closer, fascinated. The fire rune was right when drawn on paper, but seeing it inscribed in this way made it feel more powerful¡ª like it was ready to come to life.


    "Yes, Mana," Victoria nodded her head, confirming their answer. "For a rune to work, it needs mana. Mana is the fuel that powers the rune''s effect. When inscribed properly, these grooves or pathways act as channels for mana to flow through, activating the rune."


    She turned back to the rune on the wall and raised her hand. "Watch closely."


    The room fell silent as Victoria placed her palm against the rune. Kyle could feel the energy shift in the air as she channeled her mana to it.


    Slowly, the rune began to glow¡ªa faint, warm red at first, but quickly growing brighter. The warmth spread through the room, and Kyle could feel the heat radiating from the rune.


    The fire rune had come alive.


    Victoria turned to face the class, her hand still pressed against the glowing symbol.


    "Notice the glow, the warmth. This is what happens when mana is channeled through a properly inscribed rune.


    The intensity of the effect¡ªthe heat, the light¡ªdepends on several factors: the type of rune, the size of the rune, the material it''s inscribed on, and most importantly, the quality of the mana used to activate it."


    She stepped away and disabled the Rune, letting its glow slowly fade until the room returned to its previous temperature.


    "For now," Victoria said, breaking the silence in the class. "Your task is to learn how to channel mana through runes like this one. Mana is the lifeblood of all rune work. Without it, a rune is just an empty symbol. You can use a mana core too, but it is too expensive and you haven''t reached that level yet. But for today''s lesson, I''ll show you how to channel your mana into a rune."


    The students listened intently as Victoria went into detail, explaining the process of controlling their mana flow, directing it toward the rune, and ensuring the pathways in the rune were properly filled. It wasn''t just about dumping mana into the rune¡ª it required precision and balance.


    "Channel too much mana," she warned. "And the rune will overcharge, either burning out or exploding in the worst-case scenario. Too little, and the rune won''t activate at all."


    Kyle nodded, absorbing the information. He was eager to try it for himself, but he knew it wasn''t going to be easy.


    Drawing runes had been one thing. Inscribing them would be another thing.


    She dismissed the class after giving everyone an Inscription pen, leaving them with her words.


    "The Rune inscriptions won''t be a hassle for you, once you''ve known how to draw them. But for channeling your mana, I want you to practice.


    Trial and error is key to learning, find the perfect balance of mana and what you''ve drawn. I''ll see how far you go tomorrow."

 Chapter 53: Veil of Silence

    Kyle decided to stay after class again, something he was already accustomed to doing.


    He watched as the other students filtered through the door one by one, their laughter and murmurs fading as they left.


    Lora, sat on his opposite side, neatly arranging her supplies for the extra session.


    Kyle had come to appreciate these extra lessons with Lora. As much as he hated to admit it, Lora''s explanations often filled in the gaps left by Instructor Victoria''s faster-paced lectures.


    "Alright, let''s pick up from where the Instructor left off," Lora said with her usual soft voice.


    She leaned over and pulled something out of her bag¡ªa single piece of runic paper. Kyle''s eyes widened in surprise as she carefully laid it out in front of him. The paper was pristine, with four basic element inscriptions carved onto its surface. Fire, water, earth, and air¡ªeach rune was beautifully inscribed with fine precision.


    Kyle stared at the inscriptions, impressed. She had carved the runes beforehand. Amazing!


    "Wow," he finally muttered, unable to suppress his awe. "You did all this?"


    Lora shrugged, but a faint blush touched her cheeks. "It''s not as hard as it looks. The trick is keeping your inscription tool steady enough. I''ve been practicing a lot with a knife and it wasn''t easy. An Inscription pen should do better."


    Kyle grinned, feeling impressed she did that with a knife. "You''ve outdone yourself. This is amazing."


    They continued working for another half hour, exchanging thoughts and carving runes. But at the thirty-minute mark, Kyle stood, stretching his arms.


    "Alright, I think that''s enough for today."


    Lora nodded her head calmly. "It''s okay. But... We barely stayed an hour?"


    He grinned, grabbing his bag. "Not all of us are born prodigies, Lora. I have to pace myself."


    She rolled her eyes at his comment and went back to her work.


    Kyle winked at her as he slung his bag over his shoulder. "Thanks again for the help. You''d be available tomorrow?"


    "Yes," she replied with a nod, watching as he headed towards the door.


    As Kyle stepped out from the hall, his stomach growled loudly, reminding him that he only had an Orange drink since breakfast. With a sigh, he pulled out his phone and gave Nate a call.


    "What''s up?" Nate''s voice crackled over the line.


    "Yo, Nate. I''m broke and I need money. Think you can lend me some credit?"


    Nate snorted, laughter following quickly after. "Ah, so now you see the value of credits, huh?"


    "Yeah, yeah," Kyle replied, rubbing the back of his head. "I get it now. Come on, Nate. Help a friend out. I''ll pay you back."


    "Sure. I''ll lend you 100, okay?"


    "Fine," Kyle said with relief.


    "But you owe me 200 back. Interest, my friend."


    Kyle chuckled, shaking his head. "You''re feeling greedy, huh?"


    "Hey, I''m doing you a favor here!" Nate shot back playfully. "I''ll send it over now."


    "Thanks, man. I''ll pay you back... soon."


    With 100 credits in his account, Kyle made his way to the mall. He had a plan, and he needed a mask for it to work out.


    After asking around, he found his way to the mask magic equipment section. As expected, these masks were way out of his budget.


    Kyle thought about using [Inspect] on equipment, deciding to give it a try.


    ''Inspect.''


    [Mask]


    [Grade: Basic]


    [Mask]


    [Grade: Rare]


    As expected, he could see some stats on equipment too. ''What a nice skill.''


    The cheapest mask he managed to find was 1000 credits, and he simply couldn''t afford that right now.


    With a sigh, Kyle decided to stop wasting time and moved on to the common section.


    Here, the masks were ordinary and non-magical equipment, but they should get the job done.


    Out of his recent habit, he began to use [Inspect] on all of them.


    [Mask]


    [Grade: Null]


    [Mask]


    [Grade: Null]


    ...


    All the masks kept showing the same stats, it was unfortunate, but Kyle planned on trying a bit more to find something unique.


    "Come on... there has to be something," he muttered under his breath, half ready to just pick anyone.


    As he was about to give up and walk to the counter with a well-designed black mask in hand, something in the corner of the display caught his eye.


    At first, it looked like just another simple mask, tucked away behind several others, almost forgotten.


    It was a dull, faded black mask, with nothing particularly striking about it. But something felt... off. Kyle couldn''t quite put his finger on it, but his instincts urged him to take a closer look.


    He leaned down, careful not to draw too much attention from the shopkeeper across the room, who was busy scrolling through something on a tablet.


    His hand slid through the narrow space between the other masks and pulled the black one free from its hiding place. Holding it up, he studied it carefully.


    At first glance, the mask was made of rough, black material that felt like leather, with a texture that felt worn over time but still sturdy. Its design was minimal¡ªtwo small eyeholes, a ridge running down the center, and faint markings along the sides that seemed more like scars than intentional carvings. There was something almost primal about it.


    Its color was uneven, fading into darker patches near the edges, and the material looked like it had seen better days, but Kyle couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to it.


    "Let''s see what you''ve got," Kyle inwardly prayed before using [Inspect].


    Trying not to draw any attention from the shopkeeper as he did.


    [Veil of Silence]


    [Grade: Divine (Lv0)]


    [Status: Inactive]


    [Description: A world born in silence is destined to end the same]


    Kyle''s heart skipped a beat as he read the stats, but he forced himself to remain calm.


    ''Divine?! What the hell is that grade? It must be strong, real strong,'' He glanced back toward the shopkeeper, who was still oblivious, then carefully examined the mask again.


    His thoughts raced as he weighed his options. If he made a big deal out of this, there was a chance the shopkeeper might realize what it was.


    He might not withhold the mask, as it has been here since and they did nothing. It could only mean¡ª ''They didn''t have the means to determine it.''


    But they could still jack up the price nevertheless, if they sensed his excitement.


    He couldn''t let that happen.


    Keeping his expression casual, Kyle walked slowly to the counter, holding the mask like it was just another cheap piece of equipment.


    He plopped the mask down on the counter with a deliberately uninterested sigh, making it seem as if he was just picking something to be done with it.


    "I''ll take this one," he said.


    The shopkeeper barely glanced up from his tablet, giving the mask a quick scan with the pricing tool. "That''ll be fifty credits." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle nodded, transferring the credits without a word. Inside, though, his mind was buzzing with excitement.


    ''Fifty credits for an unheard grade?'' He had to resist the urge to smirk as the transaction was processed.


    The shopkeeper handed him the mask in a simple brown bag, still completely unaware of what he had just transacted¡ª something that could change the balance of the Galaxy.


    "Thanks," Kyle said casually, tucking the bag under his arm as he turned to leave the store, his heart pounding in his chest.


    Once outside, he allowed himself a brief moment of triumph, his fingers curling around the mask hidden in the bag.


    Overcome by excitement, he ran home as quickly as possible.


    Upon sitting on his bed, he decided to unwrap the mask but eventually decided against it.


    ''No. I''ll wait until I''m ready to go,'' he felt like enjoying the moment, so he couldn''t let his impatience spoil it for him.


    Kyle checked the time¡ª5:02 PM. Still early enough to rest before the match. He set his system''s alarm to wake him up by 8:00 PM, then collapsed onto his bed, allowing fantasies to take over from where he had stopped.


    ***


    The alarm buzzed in his mind exactly at 8:00 PM, startling him awake. For a moment, he lay there, appreciating the satisfaction of a full nap.


    He hadn''t realized how tired he was until now. Kyle washed his face, did a few stretches, and grabbed his mask from his bag, placing it carefully on the reading table in his room.


    ''Now. Let''s see what you''ve got,'' he said, licking his lips.


    Immediately he touched the mask and adjusted it on his face, just before a series of system prompts appeared on the screen.


    [Potential Soul Equipment Detected!!]


    .


    .


    .


    [Do you accept to equip Divine Mask: ''Veil of Silence'' as a Soul Equipment?]


    [Yes] or [No]


    [Divine Mask: ''Veil of Silence'' cannot be used without accepting!]


    .


    .


    .


    [Soul Weapon capacity can be increased!]


    [Available: 0/2]


    [Host is advised to reject Divine


    Mask: ''Veil of Silence''!!]


    .


    .


    .


    [Yes] or [No]

 Chapter 54: Bonding

    Kyle looked at the two blinking words on the screen, after carefully reading all the notifications that had appeared.


    He took a deep breath and read through everything once again to ensure he didn''t miss anything crucial.


    ''Why am I advised to reject it?'' Kyle thought, growing more curious with each glance. He decided to try asking the system, hoping for a proper response this time.


    From what he had read so far, there didn''t seem to be anything wrong with accepting the mask as a soul weapon. So why was the system pushing him to decline?


    Maybe, just maybe, something was off about the mask.


    [WARNING!!]


    [Balance must be maintained!]


    [Host is advised to reject!]


    ''Balance? The hell is that?'' Kyle thought, controlling the urge to laugh at the absurdity of it all.


    ''What do you mean by balance?''


    [WARNING!!]


    [Balance must be maintained!]


    [Host is advised to reject!]


    Kyle rolled his eyes when the system repeated the same message. ''And here I thought it was for an important reason.''


    The system was not going to elaborate, which made Kyle even more doubtful of the advice.


    If there was a genuine reason to reject the mask, the system would explain it¡ªor so he reasoned. This so-called "balance" nonsense wasn''t going to make him reject it.


    ''I accept,'' Kyle said, a mischievous smirk formed on his lips as he chose without giving it any more thought.


    [Do you accept to confirm Divine Mask: ''Veil of Silence'' as a Soul Equipment?]


    [Yes] or [No]


    [Host is advised to rethink choices!]


    [Balance must be maintained!]


    The system''s repeated warnings were beginning to get on Kyle''s nerves.


    ''Yes,'' he said, nodding calmly and ignoring the final warning.


    .


    .


    .


    [Suit yourself.]


    The two words appeared on the screen a few moments later, confirming that his decision had been processed.


    Kyle had been half-expecting some last-ditch effort from the system to reverse his choice, but it seemed that it, too, had given up on convincing him.


    ''At least, it can''t overwrite my command,'' Kyle thought with mild satisfaction. But before he could be absorbed in his thoughts, another notification appeared.


    [You have chosen to accept Divine Mask: ''Veil of Silence'' as Soul Equipment!]


    [Binding process may now begin!]


    Before Kyle could react, an intense, sharp pain exploded through his body. It started from his chest and quickly spread like wildfire, burning through every nerve.


    The agony hit his mana core first, feeling as though it were being torn apart, rearranged forcefully, and then set ablaze.


    Kyle gasped and stumbled, his legs finally giving out when he collapsed to the cold, hard floor beneath him.


    Every inch of his body felt like it was under attack like it was being twisted and reshaped from the inside out.


    His lungs screamed with every breath, as though shards of glass were shredding them from within.


    His vision dimmed, flickering in and out as waves of relentless pain surged through him. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever experienced before¡ªnot just physical, but something far deeper.


    After what felt like an eternity of torment, his strength finally left him, and he lay there, heaving his chest, his face soaked in sweat.


    The minutes dragged on like hours as the burning pain continued, but slowly, mercifully, it began to fade.


    Ten excruciating minutes later, it was over.


    [The Divine Mask: ''Veil of Silence'' has successfully bonded with your soul.]


    Kyle, still panting heavily, wiped the sweat from his brow. His body felt drained, but at least the process was finished.


    Slowly, he forced himself to stand on his weakened legs.


    ''Finally,'' Kyle thought with a low voice as he checked his screen once more.


    [Veil of Silence]


    [Grade: Divine (Lv0)]


    [Enchantments: Unknown, Soul Reaper]


    [Flaw: Silenced]


    [Unknown: A name erased from memory. No eyes can track, no minds can know. A whisper lost in eternity.] Your next adventure is on m_v_l_e_mpyr


    [Soul Reaper: Your power grows with every soul you claim.] ¡ª affects equipment''s level.


    [Vanquished Souls: 0/1000] S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Silenced: The master must remain silent while donning this mask.]


    Kyle''s jaw dropped slightly as he read through the attributes of the [Veil of Silence].


    The [Unknown] enchantment was especially confusing.


    From what Kyle could guess, it would make him completely undetectable, erasing his presence.


    No one would be able to recognize him or know where he was, at least while the mask was active.


    But how far did that go? Did it work against magic detection? Does it make people around me not be remembered among friends?


    The enchantment hinted at an incredible power, but Kyle couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to it than what was written.


    Then there was [Soul Reaper], which was much more straightforward¡ªhis power would grow with every soul he claimed.


    And by ''his power'', they meant the level of the mask itself would increase, though he had no idea what benefits that would bring.


    Kyle frowned as he read the 0/1000 requirement. A thousand souls. That wasn''t something he would be able to achieve within the academy.


    The potential was there, but fulfilling that condition would be a challenge in itself.


    Lastly, there was the [Silenced] flaw. Kyle narrowed his eyes as he re-read the description.


    He wouldn''t be able to speak while wearing the mask. As if to test it, he tried to speak with the mask still on his face.


    Nothing, as expected. Not a single sound came out from his lips.


    Kyle removed the mask and let out a frustrated sigh.


    ''Is it even worth it?'' he thought bitterly.


    The [Silenced] flaw was a major inconvenience, especially with the way he liked calling out attacks while fighting.


    He could fight without all that, but that might not do him much good.


    Still, the power the mask offered was tempting. He just needed to find out how valuable it is... Hopefully it won''t disappoint.


    ''Welp... Only one way to find out,'' Kyle thought, slipping the mask back on. He cracked his neck to release tension, before completing his thought.


    ''...In the arena.''

 Chapter 55: An Example I

    Despite the busy schedule of the Academy. The arena buzzed with life as always.


    ''I wonder how they manage to find time,'' Kyle thought as walked through the entrance of the Arena.


    He observed the crowd reacting with so much passion on the matches as he headed towards the Registration booth.


    After waiting in the not so long line, it finally got to Kyle''s turn.


    The boy manning the booth this time was different. He didn''t seem particularly interested in Kyle, though his eyes widened slightly at the sight of the mask.


    It wasn''t every day someone came to fight while hiding their face.


    "Name?" the boy asked without looking up fully, still scribbling down notes on a match roster.


    Kyle stood still for a moment, considering his options. He had already planned on making a new identity, and with that came a new name.


    He thought hard before deciding, opening his mouth to provide his name.


    "..."


    ''Oh. I can''t speak,'' Kyle remembered, forming a wry smile on his face that was visible to no one.


    He used his hand to imitate a writing aid for the boy, making him pass a paper and pen to him.


    He clearly wrote the name he had choose on the paper, handing it back to him.


    Abyss.


    He had chose the name for many reason. An Abyss was infinite as well as silent¡ª that would be his name. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A name like that could have been chosen before, but here in the arena. Nobody owns a name. Achievements would determine the true name bearer, and Kyle was determined to stand out.


    "Abyss?" the boy said, writing it down somewhere. "You''re new?"


    Kyle nodded his head in approval.


    "We''ll need your ID. It''s a new rule."


    Kyle shook his head in refusal.


    The boy raised an eyebrow at him. "You''re refusing?"


    Kyle nodded.


    "It''s for your own good, man. You get into trouble, they''ll be on you..." He paused, then shrugged. He wasn''t one of the first to have refused, there was no reason trying to convince him.


    "Well, alright. Just know you''re on your own if things get serious."


    The boy scribbled down a few more notes on his book, then handed Kyle a small metal token after Kyle made a match request. Discover tales on m_vl_em_p_yr


    "Here''s your match token. You''re registered for an elemental match. Wait for your number to be called."


    Kyle gave a slow nod in acknowledgment and tucked the token into his cloth before turning away, allowing for others to use the booth.


    Soon, he found himself standing before the gambling booth. A neon light flickered overhead, its lights casting shadows across the faces of the anxious gamblers.


    Some were shouting from placing last-minute bets, while others checked their remaining credits, thinking how to spend for the next matches.


    Kyle stepped forward, sliding his match token across the counter along with a note:


    Bet: 50 credits. On myself. Match #22.


    The attendant behind the counter blinked, clearly confused by the use of notes.


    The attendant scribbled down the bet after Kyle transferred the credits and handed Kyle a slip with his wager printed on it.


    As Kyle turned to leave, another figure stepped up, holding a device that resembled a portable scanner. The attendant gestured toward Kyle''s mask.


    "Standard procedure," he said, his voice cautious. "Need to check for any illegal enchantments and magic equipments. Can''t have you cheating in there."


    ''Ah, I forgot external equipment aren''t allowed.'' Kyle thought before composing himself to stay still as the scanner hovered near his face, its faint light pulsing as it attempted to read the magic in the mask.


    A few moments passed before the device beeped, and the screen flashed with the word *Null*.


    "Null?" the attendant muttered. "Just a normal mask. You''re clear."


    Kyle smiled within the mask before walking away. H wondered if they couldn''t scan the mask because of the [Unknown] enchantment or because it''s too advanced.


    ''Welp... It could be both.''


    **"


    It wasn''t long before the arena speakers crackled to life once again, this time the announcer''s voice calling Kyle''s match.


    "Next up, we''ve got a special treat! A new face stepping into the arena for the first time¡ªABYSSS!"


    Kyle stepped forward, walking slowly into the light of the elemental pit.


    "And his opponent!" the announcer''s voice continued, bringing back the crowd''s excitement once more. "Ranked No. 9! Give it up for Vance Renlor!"


    The arena exploded in cheers, their sound echoing off the pit walls.


    Vance Renlor was a well-known third year. He was very strong, a dual elementalist of Fire and Earth.


    This was expected to be an easy match.


    Kyle stood in his corner, watching as Vance entered the arena, his posture was relaxed and his face cocky.


    He wore a confident grin, already certain of his victory. His eyes scanned Kyle, and his grin widened more.


    "A masked newbie?" He called out with a laugh. "Hiding your face won''t help you, you know? Especially not against me."


    The crowd cheered louder, excited by Vance''s bravado. Someone even shouted, "Free money!" and others laughed in agreement. All the attention was on Vance, the academy''s star.


    Vance was the strongest student in his year, as well as the only Third year on the Top-10 arena rankings.


    That didn''t make him one of the Academy''s Elite 10 though, because they were many students, fourth years and others alike, that didn''t bother to fight in the arena.


    They had access to something better, as per what Nate said.


    That didn''t mean Vance was weak, he was strong, very strong and Kyle was confident that most if not all of the student would have placed their bets on Vance to win. But that was perfect.


    His eyes glinted with mischief:


    ''It''s all part of it, brother. The more the merrier. ''


    Kyle responded with a laugh of his own under his mask. There was no hell way he would stake all his borrowed money, if he wasn''t certain of a win.


    ''I''ll use you as an example. An example that will make a statement for me!''


    [ New Quest: Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all. Silence the Crowd by defeating the opponent before you! ]


    [ Reward: 5 skill points! ]


    Kyle widened his lips for a smile upon seeing the quest. "A bonus for completing what he was going to do. Let''s do this"


    As the announcer''s voice boomed one last time, the match was set to begin.


    "Begin!"

 Chapter 56: An Example II

    "BEGIN!"


    Vance didn''t plan on wasting time, as he was confident that he could finish the match swiftly.


    He slammed his foot into the ground, and with a low rumble, the earth beneath them began to shake violently¡ª his first spell, [Earthquake].


    The ground began to tremble and cracks began to split the arena in arcs.


    Kyle barely had time to brace himself as the shaking began.


    Thanks to the stance he had assumed, he had enough footing on the ground so as not to falter.


    He didn''t plan on rooting to a spot forever as he had already began channeling his mana, even before Vance.


    Vance might have beat him to casting a spell, but he had forseen that to happen already.


    That was why, the spell he had channeled was his second Tier-1 spell¡ª [Lightning Dash]


    His opponent might be quicker than him in summoning spells and have stronger spells. But he was here to go all out, and see the potential if his ''infinite mana''.


    As soon as he activated [Lightning Dash], his body disappeared in a flash of speed, narrowly avoiding the jagged cracks forming around him.


    The crowd gasped, excited by the usual thrill of an elemental battle.


    Vance frowned. "Lightning, huh? Let''s see how long you can keep that up."


    Kyle materialized at his back, already drawing mana for his next move. He was still getting used to the time it took to cast his spells, but he knew he had an advantage.


    With a sharp thrust of his arm, he released [Lightning Bolt]¡ª the quickest spell at his disposal.


    The bolt of electric energy shot through the air, aimed directly at Vance''s back.


    But Vance was no amateur. As if being able to see his back, he made the ground rise up with a single gesture, forming a thick [Stone Wall]


    Kyle''s lightning bolt crashed into the rock, dispersing harmlessly against its surface. Vance laughed, stepping out from behind his wall with ease.


    Embark on new adventures with m-vl-em,pyr S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Is that all you''ve got?" he taunted, his hands already glowing with the heat of his next spell.


    He summoned a swirling orb of fire, hurling it toward Kyle¡ª [Fireball]. The fiery projectile tore through the air, leaving a trail of heat as it passed.


    Thankfully, Kyle was prepared. He was able to dodge again, this time leaping to the side with another burst of [Lightning Dash].


    The fireball exploded against the far wall of the pit, sending a plume of smoke as the wall held well.


    Vance, however, wasn''t finished. He conjured another [Fireball], sending it toward Kyle.


    The fight was becoming a chase. Kyle darted from one spot to another, evading each attack, drawing mana for his next bolt of lightning.


    It was always very close for Kyle, as he had to be perfect with spell and make sure he does so in time.


    Every time Vance launched a spell, Kyle would dodge, but the gap between their power levels was clear.


    Vance was relentless, barely breaking a sweat as he alternated between [Fireball] and [Stone Wall] to keep Kyle on the defensive.


    "You''re quick, I''ll give you that," Vance called out, his eyes narrowing. "But speed won''t save you forever."


    Kyle knew Vance was right. He couldn''t keep dodging indefinitely. His infinite mana allowed him to maintain his abilities, but he needed to find an opening.


    A single [Lightning Bolt] wasn''t enough to break Vance''s defenses, and the crowd was wondering why Vance hadn''t won yet.


    ''He must be either Third or Fourth year, with his mana pool. But... I wonder why he''s only using two spells, Tier-1 spells as of that,''


    Vance monologued, observing his depleting mana pool. It was getting difficult to keep up, as he couldn''t draw out the fight for much longer.


    ''I''ll make sure he fights back.''


    Vance hurled five [Fireball], waiting for Kyle to run. As expected, he did, but this time he didn''t use a spell, bending his back slightly over so the fireballs flew past him.


    It was quite stupid for him to fire in that fashion.


    "Running out of mana, huh?" Vance smirked as he taunted.


    Kyle didn''t reply, not that he could if he wanted. He had been readying something and it was time to unleash it.


    Planting his feet on the ground and standing straight once more. His body tensed, lightning crackling around him in violent arcs.


    The crowd held their breath, watching as Kyle prepared to unleash something more powerful.


    Vance noticed the shift in energy and smirked. "Finally going to fight back?"


    With a roar, Kyle hurled a barrage of [Lightning Bolts] he had been building up for long.


    They crackled through the air until they met a large expansive [Stone Wall] Vance had set up.


    However, they had enough force to shatter it into pieces. The crowd gasped as the wall crumbled, leaving Vance momentarily exposed.


    Seizing the opportunity, Kyle dashed forward, his body moving faster than the eye could follow.


    In a flash, he was behind Vance, his hand sparking with lightning. He aimed to strike, but Vance reacted quickly with [Earthquake], stomping the ground with enough force to send a shockwave of earth shooting upward.


    Kyle was then thrown back, crashing against the far wall of the arena.


    "Not bad!" Vance called out, his grin widening. "But this is where it ends!"


    The air around Vance began to heat up as he raised his arms to the sky, calling forth his signature move¡ª[Meteor Shower]. The sky above the arena darkened as fiery orbs appeared, growing larger and larger as they prepared to rain down on the battlefield.


    Kyle''s heart raced. He had a bad feeling about this spell. It should be devastating, but that didn''t mean he should cower.


    ''It''s now or never,'' Kyle inwardly hoped for godspeed on his spell casting.


    As the meteors began to fall, Kyle activated [Lightning Dash], zigzagging across the arena with blinding speed.


    The fiery rocks crashed into the ground around him, shaking the arena with each impact.


    The crowd was on the edge of their toes, watching as Kyle narrowly avoided each meteor, his movements a blur of lightning.


    But he wasn''t just dodging.


    Between each dash, Kyle gathered more mana, charging his next attack. His body glowed with a fierce light, his eyes locked onto Vance, who stood at the center of the storm, controlling the chaos with ease.


    "Time to end this," Kyle thought, his body crackling with energy.


    In one final dash, Kyle appeared in front of Vance, his hand outstretched.


    He released all the mana he had been gathering in one concentrated burst¡ª[Lightning Bolt] enhanced beyond its normal strength.


    The bolt struck Vance directly, the force of it sending him flying backward, his body crashing into the arena floor.


    The crowd erupted in shock. Vance, the third-year powerhouse, had been hit.


    But it wasn''t over. Vance struggled to his feet, his body smoking from the impact. He glared at Kyle, his eyes filled with fury. "You think that''s enough to beat me?"


    Kyle didn''t respond, his body still glowing with residual lightning. F


    Vance roared, slamming his fists into the ground. The earth rumbled violently as another [Earthquake] tore through the arena, but this time, Kyle didn''t move. He stood his ground, his eyes glowing behind the mask.


    With a final surge of mana, Kyle activated [Lightning Dash], moving so fast that he became nothing more than a streak of light. He circled around Vance, striking him from every angle with bolts of lightning, each hit chipping away at his defenses.


    Vance roared in frustration, unable to keep up with Kyle''s speed. The worst came when he realized that he had exhausted his mana, and the damage was beginning to take its toll.


    Finally, with one last powerful [Lightning Bolt], Kyle struck Vance directly in the chest, sending him crashing to the ground. The arena fell silent as Vance lay still, his body smoking from the lightning''s impact.


    Kyle stood over him, breathing heavily, his body still crackling with residual energy. The crowd, the spectators and not the gamblers, stunned by the outcome, slowly began to cheer.


    "The winner: ABYYSSSS!" the announcer''s voice boomed, breaking the silence.


    Kyle smiled behind his mask, his chest heaving from the intense battle. He had done it.


    This was only the beginning, he was sure of that.


    [Quest completed! ]


    [You''ve gained 5 Skill points! ]

 Chapter 57: Rich!

    The crowd''s energy shifted rapidly in the aftermath of the match, buzzing with a mix of awe, confusion, and frustration.


    It wasn''t every day that someone like Vance Renlor¡ªa Top-10 ranker¡ªwas taken down, especially by a complete unknown.


    The arena, normally dominated by almost predictable outcomes and safe bets, had just been thrown into chaos by Kyle''s victory.


    For the spectators, this was a show beyond expectations.


    Most of them didn''t care about the outcome; they were there for the thrill of the fight and to learn from the great fighters.


    Their cheers hadn''t died down since the match ended. Conversations in the stands were filled with admiration for Kyle.


    "I can''t believe it! A newbie, out of nowhere, took Vance down!"


    "Did you see his attacks? He only used Tier-1 spells!"


    "Yeah. He managed to win while holding back. I wonder who can stop him if he goes all out."


    "This ''Abyss'' guy... he''s going to shake things up here for sure."


    They didn''t care that they didn''t know Kyle''s history or his mask-shrouded identity, making all kinds of crazy speculations.


    The spectators were here for the entertainment, and Kyle had delivered.


    They were already eagerly awaiting Abyss'' next battle.


    But for the gamblers, it was a very different story.


    Some part of the crowd grew in silence as they wondered what went wrong.


    It was not possible and had never happened¡ª a Top-10 ranker, being defeated by a newbie.


    Today, they had been burned.


    One of them was already losing it and couldn''t help but speak up.


    "This is rigged! There''s no way a newbie like that beats Vance clean! No way!"


    His comments gave others the confidence to speak on.


    "I lost 1000 credits on this match. Impossible!"


    "Yeah!" chimed in another gambler. "You don''t just walk in here and beat someone like Vance. He''s ranked ninth for a reason. I''ve watched his matches for years¡ªno newcomer gets a win like that, not without help."


    Murmurs spread through the gambling section, growing louder by the second. More voices joined in, accusing Kyle even more.


    "It''s a setup!"


    "He''s not a newbie. He''s some pro pretending to be an amateur!"


    "I bet he''s been hiding his rank for years, waiting to pull this scam."


    Accusations flew freely, and the gamblers were nearing a boiling point, their frustrations spilling over.


    They felt deceived, and their losses made the sting all the more painful. The air was thick with tension, and the shouting was on the verge of erupting into chaos.


    But before the situation could escalate further, a commanding voice rang out from behind them. "Enough."


    A tall figure with a green ponytail stepped forward, walking onto the podium with authority.


    His voice cut through the noise, silencing the angry crowd in an instant.


    This was Jordan, an administrator and a member of the Elite 10.


    He crossed his arms and gave the group a long, cold stare.


    "I''ve been around here long enough to see gamblers complain after losing big," he began with a steady voice.


    "And let me remind all of you¡ªgambling is a risk. You stake your credits, you accept the possibility of loss."


    One of the angriest men from earlier, still fuming, tried to interject. "But this was¡ª"


    Lorian silenced him with a raised hand.


    "I don''t care who you bet on or how much you lost. We don''t question the history of our fighters here. This is the arena. Find adventures on m,v lem|p,yr


    What matters is what happens in the pit, not whatever story you''ve cooked up to explain why you lost."


    The crowd fell silent as Jordan''s words sank in. His presence alone was enough to bring a sense of order to the chaos.


    He turned, addressing the crowd in full. "I get it. You''re angry because a newbie won, and you lost your credits. But maybe instead of blaming some conspiracy, you should recognize what you saw today.


    That guy¡ªAbyss¡ªhe''s strong. Stronger than any of you gave him credit for. And that''s not on him. That''s on you."


    The murmurs died down, the anger slowly fading as the gamblers realized they had little choice but to accept the outcome.


    Jordan gave them one last look before turning away. "Remember, you''re here because you enjoy the thrill of the risk. The moment you forget that, you''ve lost sight of what this is all about."


    With his intervention, the tension in the gambling section finally eased. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Some of the gamblers muttered under their breath but began dispersing, the majority accepting their losses with grumbling defeat.


    The arena gradually returned to its previous excitement, and the anger dissipated.


    Kyle, standing by the edge of the pit, couldn''t help but laugh under his mask.


    He''d heard everything, and the idea that these gamblers had thought the match was rigged amused him. ''Me, a pro?''


    The most funny was of him holding back¡ª The thought was almost funny.


    He walked over to the gambling booth, to calculate his earnings.


    His original stake had been 50 credits¡ªall the credits he had left.


    But, no one had expected him to win, so the odds had been heavily in Vance''s favor. But with his victory, the payout had skyrocketed.


    The attendant at the booth gave Kyle a respectful nod as she handed him a shet.


    "Your earnings, Abyss. You staked 50 credits at a 55 odd. That brings your total payout to 2,750 credits."


    Kyle''s jaw dropped when the amount entered his comm.


    ''I''m rich!!''


    2,750 credits was more than enough to set him up comfortably for the next few weeks.


    ''I knew coming here was the perfect idea,'' he couldn''t help but think, after all, he had gotten so much from a single fight.


    He knew he was just getting started, as they were many more credits to come.


    [Ding! ]


    [You have 5 Skill points available! ]


    Kyle saw the prompt that lit up his status. ''Yes, my reward. Remind me what it''s for, system?''


    [Skill points can be used to upgrade Learn and Upgrade Skills]


    Kyle observed the two skills, thinking about which to go for.


    ''Level up Lightning Bolt!''

 Chapter 58: Kyles Revenge

    [Lightning Bolt: Lv 1 >> Lv 2]


    ''I want to test this out,'' Kyle thought, dismissing his previous thought of returning home. ''I''ll go book another fight!''


    He quickly went to the registration booth and booked another Elemental Battle, after which he returned to the Gambling booth, staking all 2750 credits on himself.


    He had a 1.5 odd of winning the match, that means his opponent might not be much stronger than him.


    Some matches passed before his time finally came for his match.


    The crowd roared as the announcer''s voice echoed throughout the arena.


    "Returning for his second match of the day, we have Abyss ranked 101! Going against him, a newbie, Milo.


    Two lightning mages clash in what promises to be an electrifying battle! Who will come out on top?"


    Kyle recognized his opponent almost immediately¡ªMilo, his first real defeat in this world and he even managed to defeated him twice.


    ''I wonder why he''s here. But, who cares?'' Kyle licked his lips and smiled beneath the mask. ''This is gonna be fun.''


    "Begin!"


    The announcer began the match and Milo wasted no time.


    He summoned a Lightning Bolt with blinding speed, and launched it towards Kyle.


    The bolt flew across the pit in a flash of brilliant light, aimed directly at Kyle''s chest.


    But Kyle had no intention of letting Milo have the upper hand.


    In a blur, he activated Lightning Dash, his body moving out of the bolt''s path with zero effort.


    The crowd gasped, impressed by the sudden burst of speed from the masked fighter.


    Milo frowned when his bolt failed to hit, quickly firing off another Lightning Bolt with his incredibly quick casting speed.


    But Kyle dodged again, this time, the bolt missed him by some inches.


    Milo grew frustrated that he hadn''t landed a hit, he knew he wouldn''t be able to keep up if his opponent kept using that spell.


    ''Why didn''t I try harder? I would have had that spell too.''


    He had already seen a breakthrough that day, but he couldn''t afford [Lightning Dash].


    Milo made a trip to the mall after he missed his elective course to break through.


    But the price of 200 credits was not something he could come close to, except he starved himself for a long time.


    Milo, dejected, decided to try asking a senior on how he could make credits.


    That was what brought him here. The senior proposed that he gave with 10% of his Arena earnings this month to him, which he agreed immediately.


    Nowz he was here with a purpose, but first he had to get through his first hurdle¡ª the masked guy.


    But, every time Milo unleashed a bolt, Kyle would slip out of range, his Lightning Dash giving him the ability to cover ground in an instant.


    Milo could only fire a limited number of bolts¡ªfive, at most six¡ªbefore his mana reserves would be depleted.


    And right now, Kyle was playing with Milo, letting him burn through his mana without landing a single hit.


    A third Lightning Bolt crackled through the air, and Kyle sidestepped it easily, his movements smooth and fluid. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He hadn''t cast a single spell yet, and the crowd murmured, wondering why Abyss was toying with his opponent.


    Milo''s frustration became more apparent with each miss. His brow furrowed, and his hands trembled slightly as he summoned a fourth bolt.


    This time, Kyle decided to respond.


    Milo launched the bolt, and in the same instant, Kyle raised his hand, gathering lightning energy of his own. Lightning Bolt.


    A brilliant surge of electricity leaped from his palm, colliding with Milo''s attack in mid-air. The clash of the two spells sent a shockwave through the arena, and sparks rained down like fireworks.


    Milo took a step back, his eyes widening. He hadn''t expected Abyss to cast back at him so quickly¡ªand with such precision.


    Kyle could feel Milo''s growing anxiety, and it only fueled his desire to make the fight more enjoyable for himself.


    He hadn''t forgotten how Milo had ridiculed him in training, how he''d looked down on Kyle as if he were insignificant. Now, Kyle had the chance to turn the tables.


    The next moment, Milo launched his fifth Lightning Bolt, the speed still incredible, but this time Kyle didn''t dodge.


    Instead, he activated Lightning Dash just as the bolt closed in, not to avoid it, but to close the distance between them. He appeared directly in front of Milo in the blink of an eye.


    Milo''s eyes widened in shock as Kyle''s hand crackled with energy. Lightning Bolt. Kyle unleashed the spell at point-blank range, and before Milo could even react, the bolt struck him squarely in the chest, sending him flying backward across the arena. The crowd erupted in cheers, the intensity of the fight escalating.


    Milo groaned as he struggled to get back on his feet, his body aching from the direct hit.


    He was out of Lightning Bolts now, his mana pool dangerously low.


    He had one more shot, and that was it. Desperation flickered in his eyes as he summoned the last remnants of his strength for one final attack.


    Kyle, on the other hand, was still perfectly composed. His mana reserves were untouched, and his movements were effortless.


    He waited patiently for Milo to make his final move, the mischievous smile still lingering under his mask.


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    "Zap!!"


    With a furious shout, Milo fired his sixth and final Lightning Bolt, pouring everything he had into the spell.


    The bolt was faster, brighter, more powerful than the previous ones¡ªbut it didn''t matter.


    Kyle raised his hand calmly and cast another Lightning Bolt, the spell ripping through the air with frightening accuracy.


    The two bolts collided once again, but this time, Kyle''s was stronger. His bolt overpowered Milo''s, pushing through and slamming into Milo''s chest for the second time.


    Milo crumpled to the ground, defeated. His mana was depleted, his energy spent, and there was nothing left for him to give.


    The crowd cheered wildly as Kyle stood victorious, the masked fighter having dominated the entire match without breaking a sweat.


    Kyle stared down at Milo for a moment, savoring the victory. The payback was sweeter than he had imagined.


    Milo had no idea who had just beaten him, and that made the win all the more satisfying. Revenge, after all, was best served cold¡ªand in this case, masked.


    The announcer''s voice boomed through the arena once again. "Two matches, two victories for the rising star! Give it up for ABYSSSS!!!"


    The crowd erupted into applause, excited by the display of skill and power they had just witnessed.


    Kyle turned away from Milo, heading back toward the exit of the pit. His heart raced, not from exertion, but from the exhilaration of the fight.


    He had played with Milo, tested his limits, and emerged victorious without even needing to reveal the full extent of his power.


    As he left the arena floor, Kyle couldn''t help but think about what would come next.


    His rank would undoubtedly rise again, and with each victory, more eyes would be on him.


    The gamblers, the spectators, the other fighters¡ªthey were all starting to take notice of Abyss.


    But for Kyle, this was just the beginning.

 Chapter 59: The Elective Battles

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 3


    EXP: 1666/4000


    HP: 74


    Energy: 92


    MP: -


    Agility: 51


    Strength: 55


    Vitality: 37


    Stamina: 46


    Intelligence: 41


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 1)]


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 2)]


    [Inspect(Lv 2)]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "It is with great pleasure to commence the opening of the Electives Battle!"


    Kyle looked up, directing his gaze to Instructor Dan once more.


    A ripple of excitement passed through the gathered Year 1 students.


    Forty-five days had gone by in a blur since they''d begun preparing for this very moment. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle, like the others, was eager, but for him, the excitement was more than just a rush of adrenaline. It was about something tangible. The rewards.


    The Electives Battle wasn''t just a spectacle; it was an opportunity. The top performers weren''t just going to get pats on the back or fleeting praise¡ªthey were going to walk away with significant benefits.


    Kyle couldn''t help but drool when his eyes locked onto the glass cases lined up on the podium. Each one held something that could elevate a student to the next level, a rare and valuable item that most of them could only dream of getting their hands on.


    Four items gleamed under the spotlight: a space pouch, a cauldron, a sword, and a Runic Textbook. These weren''t just any items. They were the kind of things that made the Electives Battle worth fighting for.


    The first item, a small leather pouch, almost seemed out of place among the larger, more obvious rewards.


    But any beast tamer worth their salt knew its true value. A space pouch wasn''t just a simple bag¡ªit was a container that could hold a something without any weight.


    Like Kyle''s inventory... Its interior was a separate dimension, capable of storing anything from weapons to potions, and it could shrink or expand based on the user''s need.


    For the more combat-focused disciplines, like Beast Taming, a space pouch was a must-have.


    Being able to carry your beasts was a huge advantage. The pouch Kyle was staring at wasn''t an ordinary one either.


    He didn''t feel so desperate to have it though, as he had access to something way better. His inventory.


    He couldn''t retrieve items out of his inventory in public for reasons best known to him.


    That was why the Space Pouch would be crucial in hiding that. But that wasn''t enough to convince him to go for it.


    Next to the pouch was a gleaming, intricately designed cauldron. It was a bit larger, with runes etched into the metal that glowed faintly under the arena lights.


    The cauldron wasn''t just for show¡ªit was a top-tier alchemical tool designed for brewing potions at an accelerated rate.


    For the alchemists, this cauldron was the holy grail. Its rune-enhanced structure allowed for greater control over temperatures and the speed of brewing, reducing the margin of error for complex concoctions.


    With it, a novice could brew advanced potions that might otherwise take years to master.


    Kyle could see why every Alchemy student was probably eyeing it like a hawk. The academy''s standard equipment was good, but this? This cauldron would make them the envy of every potion-maker in the academy, giving them an edge in both classwork and any future battles where potions were crucial.


    Your source is m-vl|em|p,yr


    The third item was a textbook with an exaggerated size. It had an estimated height of 15 inches, a length of 28 inches and a width 21 inches.


    Kyle could observe the gleaming eyes of his fellow course mates, especially Lora''s as they laid their sight on it.


    Instructor Layla had explained the splendor of this textbook countless time to them.


    She said it contained an expansive list of various rare and common Runic symbols, instructions on how to draw them along with a guide on their usage.


    He could feel the book''s aura from where he stood. It truly was magnificent, but it failed to capture Kyle''s whole attention.


    Kyle''s gaze locked onto the katana, his heart skipping a beat. The blade, with its faint blue aura, seemed to hum with latent energy, as though waiting for a master to wield it.


    The craftsmanship was impeccable¡ªsleek, razor-sharp, and perfectly balanced. The hilt, wrapped in black silk with silver threads forming intricate patterns.


    This wasn''t just a sword; it was a masterpiece, a weapon worthy of a true swordsman.


    He could already imagine the feel of the katana in his hands, the weight perfectly aligned with his movements, the blade slicing through the air with effortless grace. Every part of him wanted it, needed it.


    Kyle clenched his fists, a quiet determination settling in. This katana wasn''t just a reward¡ªit was the key to unlocking his full potential. Whatever it took, he was going to make it his.


    Kyle sighed as he observed the whole items at once. They were all useful and excellent rewards.


    But it''ll not be easy to get his hands on them.


    Kyle knew from experience that power didn''t only only come from natural talent or hard work.


    All these items could potentially boost someone''s power level to another level. That was why he coveted them.


    But it wasn''t just the rewards that had him buzzing with anticipation. The last 45 days had been intense.


    The days of preparation.


    Each day was a balance of cultivation, training, and lessons. Instructor


    Linda had been especially tough when it came to spellcasting.


    Mastering [Lightning Bolt] and improving [Lightning Dash] were no easy feats, but she demanded nothing less than perfection.


    Kyle had spent hours perfecting his form, ensuring that his casting was sharp, quick, and deadly.


    Every mistake was met with either a stern rebuke or an exhaustive drill to correct it.


    On some days he wasn''t working on his magic, Kyle trained with his weapon.


    The expansive hall in his house along with his new sword were being put to use.


    It was paying off as the katana felt like an extension of his arm now. Every swing, every parry¡ªit all became muscle memory after countless sparring sessions.


    There were moments when he pushed himself to the brink of collapse, but that was the point.


    The battle wasn''t just about raw skill¡ªit was about stamina, endurance, and how long you could last in a real fight.


    Between those, he dedicated time to cultivating his mana.


    Mana cultivation was painstakingly slow, Kyle had to admit but it was worth it.


    Kyle could feel the slow but steady buildup inside him, like a flame that was stoked day by day, growing hotter and stronger.


    It was slow but worth it, and he eventually managed to break through to the third level. Milo beating him to it.


    He didn''t mind as the feeling of his revenge always made him look at Milo with a proud smile.


    Unfortunately for him, there had been no new spell to learn after breaking through.


    Instructor Victoria had said he''ll have to wait till the 7th Level to do so. That was still a very long way to go and Kyle could do nothing but wait.


    The instructors had done their best to prepare the Year 1''s for the Electives Battle.


    Every day, there had been something new to learn in their Electives, some new way to push their limits.


    Instructor Dan, had put extra emphasis on strategy with their personal training, drilling him on the importance of reading their opponents.


    It wasn''t enough to be strong¡ªyou had to be smart.


    "Pay attention to their movements, their habits," Dan had said their sessions. "The smartest fighter in the room isn''t always the fastest or strongest. It''s the one who can outthink the others."


    Kyle had taken his advice to heart, learning and improving always.... And he could feel he was almost there.


    [Sword Intent Mastery: 41.71%]


    He wasn''t the only one preparing, though. Everyone was on edge, training harder than ever before.


    Even Riya had began to show6up in the Arena, slowly creating a name for herself.


    She couldn''t measure up to him though, as he was already No. 13 in the Arena rankings.


    The name Abyss was on everybody''s lips due to the nature of his fights¡ª the way he continued overwhelming everyone by using only two Tier-1 skills!


    "Abyss... He''s amazing!"


    "Yes... He had only used Tier-1 skills. What stage do you see him at?"


    "Haha! He''s definitely an Advanced mage or higher. Didn''t you see his mana pool? I''ve never seen it get exhausted in a match."


    "An advanced Mage? Hell, no! He''s definitely higher than that."


    Kyle who stood at the midst of all these was loving it and even managed to get some rewards from defeating strong opponents.


    Back to the present¡­


    And now, all of that preparation was about to pay off. The atmosphere was buzzing as Instructor Dan continued.


    "For the next few days, you will be divided into groups based on your electives.


    The battles will be in a round-robin format, with each student facing off against others who have chosen different disciplines."


    Kyle looked around, catching glimpses of his peers. Some looked nervous, others focused.


    He could feel the same energy inside him¡ªthe kind that made his muscles twitch with anticipation.


    "The first round will be single combat," Dan explained. "Victory is earned by knocking your opponent out of the ring or rendering them unable to continue.


    Remember: the goal is to demonstrate your skill and growth, not to cause lasting harm. Any violation of the academy''s safety rules will lead to immediate disqualification."


    Kyle smirked. He was ready. His cultivation, his weapon training, his spells¡ªeverything was on point. He wasn''t here to hurt anyone, but he wasn''t going to hold back either.


    "In addition to the combat trials, there will be specialized tests for your elective skills," Dan continued.


    "These will sum up to your points gotten from the group matches and determine your advancement to the Knockout stages.


    For example, the Rune Makers will be tasked with creating functional runes under pressure, and the Alchemists will need to brew an advanced potion in a timed challenge."


    Kyle''s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Rune Making.


    He had spent weeks learning the intricacies of rune formation, memorizing the complex symbols, and perfecting his technique.


    It wasn''t easy work, but it was fascinating. He was confident to claim to be the best Rune maker after Lora.


    Dan paused, letting the weight of the words sink in. "Remember, this is your first test as students of this academy. You''ve worked hard to get here¡ªnow show us what you''ve got."


    The cheers that followed were deafening, the crowd of students hyping each other up, clapping and hollering as they psyched themselves for what was to come.


    Kyle couldn''t help but grin. This was what he had been waiting for.


    "Good luck," Dan said with a grin of his own. "You''re going to need it."


    With that, the battle was officially on.


    Kyle cracked his knuckles, feeling the surge of energy course through his veins as he got ready for the first event.

 Chapter 60: Thinning Down (1)

    The moment Dan''s voice boomed through the coliseum, signaling the beginning of the Electives Battle, everyone was hyped and eager for the competition.


    The coliseum that would host the events was a grand, circular arena with towering glass walls and a roof that stretched high above them.


    The transparent walls created a sense of openness as if they were under the sky itself, as it allowed natural sunlight that gave the surroundings a warm glow.


    The seating was a circular arrangement, extended far up into the stands, though today, only the Elective teachers occupied most of the seats.


    However, the real sense of awe came from the VIP area far above. It was cloaked in shadows, and though the figure seated there was barely discernible, Kyle could feel the immense presence radiating down.


    Dan''s voice rang out again, pulling Kyle back to the present.


    "Listen up! Y''all are 300 here, but only 128 will be allowed to participate in the group stage.


    Here''s how it''s going to work: There will be 32 groups, each group with 4 contestants, one from each elective.


    You''ll face off against every other member in your group, meaning six matches per group.


    The top two contestants of a group will automatically advance to the knockout stages."


    Kyle processed the information quickly. Six matches. Three opponents. Two spots to advance.


    Dan continued, "For some of you, though, we''ll need to trim the numbers down before the group stage begins.


    Not all of the electives have the exact 32 students needed. So, let''s talk about how that''ll work."


    "The Rune Makers, you''re 30 students in total, so none of you will need to compete for a spot. Consider yourselves very fortunate, as you''re all moving directly into the group stage." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A low ripple of cheers came out from the Rune makers as they were happy with their luck.


    "Alchemy, Forge Mastering and Beast Taming students," Dan continued. "There are 80, 70 and 120 of you respectively. We would thin you down to 32, one after the other."


    "But first... We''ll begin with the Alchemy students. So, your first task is to brew a tier-1 healing potion within an allotted time of an hour. The top 32 will advance."


    The Alchemists exchanged tense looks.


    Dan directed them to a long counter on the stage that had all that was required for them to begin.


    They all took their places behind the assortments of herbs and cauldrons on the counter, waiting for a signal to begin.


    After Dan confirmed they were all set, he raised his hands, prompting them to begin.


    "Your time starts now!" Dan announced, setting a timer for 1 hour.


    The clanging of metal, the bubbling of liquids, and the sharp smell of brewing ingredients immediately filled the air as the Alchemy students got to work.


    Kyle could not understand most of what they were doing, but he could feel their dedication and passion as they worked.


    The students worked as quickly as possible, so as not to get beaten by the time constraint. Discover new adventures at m-vl-em-pyr


    Their hands moved with practiced precision as they measured out powders and stirred their mixtures.


    Many still fumbled slightly, as their eyes occasionally darted nervously between their competitors and their cauldrons.


    "5 minutes more!"


    The students began working faster immediately when they heard the announcement.


    It worked out for some, while others only ended up spoiling their work even more.


    As Kyle observed the chaos unfold, he couldn''t help but mutter under his breath, "Desperation''s a sure way to ruin a good brew."


    His eyes picked out Riya among the Alchemy students. As expected, she was among the rare students who were done already.


    She calmly arranged and cleaned her corner, as she used her excess time to prepare for her evaluation.


    5 minutes quickly passed for the contestants before Dan''s voice brought them out of their rush.


    "Time''s up! Step back from your work."


    They all obeyed instructions and took a step back from their work, many halting some processes that would deem it complete.


    It was necessary to do this as it would be stupid to be disqualified in such a manner after coming so far.


    After the students stepped back, Dan waved to someone off-stage. A tall woman with short, jet-black hair and piercing green eyes walked forward.


    Her long, flowing robes of deep violet shimmered slightly under the lights, marking her as the Alchemy Instructor.


    She had an air of authority, with a stern expression softened only by her careful and calculating gaze.


    "You should be familiar with your Instructor, Instructor Valeria," Dan introduced. "She will be judging your work."


    Valeria moved slowly down the row of potions, her eyes examining each cauldron and her hands talking notes.


    She stopped at the first cauldron, swirling the mixture gently before bringing a small vial of it up to her nose. A brief sniff, and she moved on with a neutral nod.


    The potions varied in appearance, ranging from vibrant red hues to murky, almost brownish mixtures that indicated mistakes in the brewing process.


    Most were slightly viscous, though a few stood out for being either too thick or far too watery.


    She paused at a cauldron where the potion was a pale, diluted red. Valeria raised an eyebrow, lifting the vial and swirling it under her nose.


    Her expression barely changed, but the slight downturn of her lips spoke volumes. Without a word, she moved to the next.


    When Valeria reached Riya''s station, she raised the vial to inspect the shimmering, perfectly crimson liquid.


    It was clear, consistent, and reflected the candlelight with a deep, vibrant glow. She gave a single nod of approval, her lips pressing into the slightest hint of a smile¡ªsomething rare for Valeria.


    "Impressive work," Valeria murmured, loud enough for only Riya to hear. She continued down the line, giving a final sweep of the room before stepping back toward Dan.


    After a moment of conferring with Valeria, Dan called out, "The results are in. Congratulations to the 32 of you who will move forward. Your hard work has paid off."


    "As a reward, the potion you have brewed belongs to you."


    The students nodded their heads at his statement, they couldn''t celebrate yet as they didn''t know if they had earned the so-called reward.


    Dan continued, as he stared at a list of names on his hand, getting ready to announce the names.


    "If you hear your name, it means you were disqualified. Better luck next time."


    Every Alchemy student gulped and held their breath as the names were called out. Hoping not to hear theirs.


    Eventually, he was done with the name-calling, allowing the eye-shut students to open their eyes.


    A collective sigh of relief washed over the successful students, some exchanging grins and high-fives.


    Riya, true to her nature, simply smiled with quiet confidence, already preparing for the next stage.


    The rest of the students who had their names called, however, bore the weight of their failure.


    Their shoulders were slumped, and some clenched their fists in frustration.


    A few tried to hide their disappointment behind polite smiles, while others couldn''t mask their sadness as they gazed at their spoiled concoctions.


    Dan''s voice echoed across the room one last time. "Forge Mastering students, you''re up next."

 Chapter 61: DONT UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOUVE READ THIS BEFORE!

    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE!


    DON''T UNLOCK THIS CHAPTER!! YOU''VE READ THIS BEFORE! DON''T READ!!


    DON''T READ!!


    The moment Dan''s voice boomed through the coliseum, signaling the beginning of the Electives Battle, everyone was hyped and eager for the competition.


    The coliseum that would host the events was a grand, circular arena with towering glass walls and a roof that stretched high above them.


    The transparent walls created a sense of openness as if they were under the sky itself, as it allowed natural sunlight that gave the surroundings a warm glow.


    The seating was a circular arrangement, extended far up into the stands, though today, only the Elective teachers occupied most of the seats.


    However, the real sense of awe came from the VIP area far above. It was cloaked in shadows, and though the figure seated there was barely discernible, Kyle could feel the immense presence radiating down.


    Dan''s voice rang out again, pulling Kyle back to the present.


    "Listen up! Y''all are 300 here, but only 128 will be allowed to participate in the group stage.


    Here''s how it''s going to work: There will be 32 groups, each group with 4 contestants, one from each elective.


    You''ll face off against every other member in your group, meaning six matches per group.


    The top two contestants of a group will automatically advance to the knockout stages."


    Kyle processed the information quickly. Six matches. Three opponents. Two spots to advance.


    Dan continued, "For some of you, though, we''ll need to trim the numbers down before the group stage begins.


    Not all of the electives have the exact 32 students needed. So, let''s talk about how that''ll work." Stay updated via m_v_l_e_m_p_y_r


    "The Rune Makers, you''re 30 students in total, so none of you will need to compete for a spot. Consider yourselves very fortunate, as you''re all moving directly into the group stage."


    A low ripple of cheers came out from the Rune makers as they were happy with their luck.


    "Alchemy, Forge Mastering and Beast Taming students," Dan continued. "There are 80, 70 and 120 of you respectively. We would thin you down to 32, one after the other."


    "But first... We''ll begin with the Alchemy students. So, your first task is to brew a tier-1 healing potion within an allotted time of an hour. The top 32 will advance."


    The Alchemists exchanged tense looks.


    Dan directed them to a long counter on the stage that had all that was required for them to begin.


    They all took their places behind the assortments of herbs and cauldrons on the counter, waiting for a signal to begin.


    After Dan confirmed they were all set, he raised his hands, prompting them to begin.


    "Your time starts now!" Dan announced, setting a timer for 1 hour.


    The clanging of metal, the bubbling of liquids, and the sharp smell of brewing ingredients immediately filled the air as the Alchemy students got to work.


    Kyle could not understand most of what they were doing, but he could feel their dedication and passion as they worked.


    The students worked as quickly as possible, so as not to get beaten by the time constraint.


    Their hands moved with practiced precision as they measured out powders and stirred their mixtures.


    Many still fumbled slightly, as their eyes occasionally darted nervously between their competitors and their cauldrons.


    "5 minutes more!"


    The students began working faster immediately when they heard the announcement.


    It worked out for some, while others only ended up spoiling their work even more.


    As Kyle observed the chaos unfold, he couldn''t help but mutter under his breath, "Desperation''s a sure way to ruin a good brew."


    His eyes picked out Riya among the Alchemy students. As expected, she was among the rare students who were done already.


    She calmly arranged and cleaned her corner, as she used her excess time to prepare for her evaluation.


    5 minutes quickly passed for the contestants before Dan''s voice brought them out of their rush.


    "Time''s up! Step back from your work."


    They all obeyed instructions and took a step back from their work, many halting some processes that would deem it complete.


    It was necessary to do this as it would be stupid to be disqualified in such a manner after coming so far.


    After the students stepped back, Dan waved to someone off-stage. A tall woman with short, jet-black hair and piercing green eyes walked forward.


    Her long, flowing robes of deep violet shimmered slightly under the lights, marking her as the Alchemy Instructor.


    She had an air of authority, with a stern expression softened only by her careful and calculating gaze.


    "You should be familiar with your Instructor, Instructor Valeria," Dan introduced. "She will be judging your work."


    Valeria moved slowly down the row of potions, her eyes examining each cauldron and her hands talking notes.


    She stopped at the first cauldron, swirling the mixture gently before bringing a small vial of it up to her nose. A brief sniff, and she moved on with a neutral nod.


    The potions varied in appearance, ranging from vibrant red hues to murky, almost brownish mixtures that indicated mistakes in the brewing process.


    Most were slightly viscous, though a few stood out for being either too thick or far too watery.


    She paused at a cauldron where the potion was a pale, diluted red. Valeria raised an eyebrow, lifting the vial and swirling it under her nose.


    Her expression barely changed, but the slight downturn of her lips spoke volumes. Without a word, she moved to the next.


    When Valeria reached Riya''s station, she raised the vial to inspect the shimmering, perfectly crimson liquid.


    It was clear, consistent, and reflected the candlelight with a deep, vibrant glow. She gave a single nod of approval, her lips pressing into the slightest hint of a smile¡ªsomething rare for Valeria.


    "Impressive work," Valeria murmured, loud enough for only Riya to hear. She continued down the line, giving a final sweep of the room before stepping back toward Dan.


    After a moment of conferring with Valeria, Dan called out, "The results are in. Congratulations to the 32 of you who will move forward. Your hard work has paid off."


    "As a reward, the potion you have brewed belongs to you."


    The students nodded their heads at his statement, they couldn''t celebrate yet as they didn''t know if they had earned the so-called reward. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dan continued, as he stared at a list of names on his hand, getting ready to announce the names.


    "If you hear your name, it means you were disqualified. Better luck next time."


    Every Alchemy student gulped and held their breath as the names were called out. Hoping not to hear theirs.


    Eventually, he was done with the name-calling, allowing the eye-shut students to open their eyes.


    A collective sigh of relief washed over the successful students, some exchanging grins and high-fives.


    Riya, true to her nature, simply smiled with quiet confidence, already preparing for the next stage.


    The rest of the students who had their names called, however, bore the weight of their failure.


    Their shoulders were slumped, and some clenched their fists in frustration.


    A few tried to hide their disappointment behind polite smiles, while others couldn''t mask their sadness as they gazed at their spoiled concoctions.


    Dan''s voice echoed across the room one last time. "Forge Mastering students, you''re up next."

 Chapter 62: Thinning Down (2)

    "Forge Mastering students, you''re up next."


    The Alchemy students began clearing their stations as the Forge Mastering students moved into position.


    Kyle''s eyes darted toward the new group. These were the creators of weapons like his Katana, and their tasks would be far more physical than what they had just witnessed with the delicate, chemical brews of the Alchemists.


    As the students filed into the center of the arena, the stage transformed.


    The long counter where the Alchemy students had worked was replaced by several individual forges, each equipped with an anvil, tongs, hammers, and various other tools.


    Large bellows sat beside each forge, along with bins filled with glowing coals that gave off waves of heat.


    Stacks of raw materials, including all types of metals were laid out in front of the students, ready to be shaped by their hands.


    Orion stood out immediately because of his sheer confidence.


    He scanned the materials laid out before him with his eyes, before curling his mouth for a smirk.


    "Pfft," Orion laughed, loud enough for the students nearby to hear. "This is child''s play."


    A few of them shot him glares, but he didn''t care. Orion had long since established himself as a force to be reckoned with.


    His reputation in Forge Mastering was built on his superior skill, and he knew he was the best.


    Kyle could see the way Orion''s confident demeanor contrasted with the nervous emotions of the others.


    Most were already preparing to dive into their work, carefully selecting their materials with their eyes, but Orion hadn''t even moved yet.


    Dan''s voice interrupted the tension. "You have two hours to forge a basic equipment of your choice. Your time starts now!"


    The forges roared to life as students immediately began using the flames to heat their metals.


    Sparks flew in every direction, and the coliseum was soon filled with the smell of heated metal.


    Orion, however, took his time. He let the others rush into their work while he simply drew some stuff on paper.


    "Amateurs," Orion muttered under his breath. "Rushing into it like that. This isn''t a race; it''s an art."


    Finally, after several minutes, Orion stepped forward and selected his materials with deliberate care.


    His hands moved with precision, calculating every step before he even touched the forge.


    He took his selected materials to the flames, heating them with a calculated intensity.


    As they reached the perfect temperature, Orion pulled it from the flames and set it on the anvil.


    He channeled a spell and began molding the melted metal. He took it slowly and delicately, making the metal assume its shape with time.


    Even as others focused on their work, they couldn''t help but glance at Orion''s direction.


    ''He''s making... A Gaunlet?'' Kyle couldn''t help but notice.


    That was a rare choice as everyone went for something simple like... Swords, axes, spears.


    Making a Gaunlet might not be difficult. But it wasn''t easy to make it stand out.


    ''He must be cooking... I''ll just wait and see,'' Kyle decided and continued watching him work.


    Find more to read at m.v.l.e.m.p.y.r


    As the minutes ticked by, Orion''s Gaunlet took shape faster than anyone expected.


    Kyle could hear whispers from the crowd. Even the instructors, seated in the stands, seemed to be paying particular attention to Orion''s work.


    Dan''s voice rang out again. "Five minutes left!"


    The students began getting desperate and increased their pace when they heard the time.


    But Orion? He was done. He stood back, admiring his work with a self-satisfied grin, as if he had known all along that he would finish first.


    "Not bad for an hour''s work," Orion muttered to himself, wiping his hands clean and stepping away from his station.


    With time running out, the other students did their best to wrap up their projects.


    The final clangs of metal against metal echoed through the coliseum before Dan''s voice called out once more, "Time''s up! Step away from your forges!"


    The Forge Mastering students did as instructed, stepping back from their creations with varying levels of confidence.


    Some looked at their weapons with pride, while others couldn''t hide their disappointment at their rushed, incomplete projects.


    Orion, on the other hand, stood with his arms crossed, admiring his Gauntlet.


    Its color was an imposing blend of green, silver and brown. The green color made up its base, with traces of brown claw marks around it. Finished off with a golden color for the fingers.


    The Gauntlet had a small gaping hole, of about 2cm in diameter. Designed to fit a ball of some sort.


    Dan motioned toward the instructor standing off to the side. He was stocky, with thick arms and a beard that almost reached his chest.


    "Master Holt will be judging your work," Dan announced.


    Master Holt stepped forward, his expression neutral as he approached the first forge.


    He inspected the weapons methodically, testing the balance, the sharpness, and the craftsmanship of each piece.


    For some, he gave a nod of approval, while others received only a frown or a shake of the head.


    When he reached Orion''s station, there was no reaction at first. Master Holt simply picked up the Gaunlet, testing its weight in his hand.


    "This... It''s a masterpiece!"


    He took some time to regain his composure before asking, "Explain what you created, Orion."


    He crossed his hands behind his back and began with a smirk.


    "This is not your average gauntlet. It''s a conduit for elemental power, specifically for mine. That space over there," he gestured to the prominent spherical hole on the wrist.


    "Not only can it be used to cast, but also for storing energy¡ª mana.


    Mater Holt''s mouth was already wide open at this point... He was out of words.


    Orion smirked, not done yet, he continued.


    "With this gauntlet, I can amplify my attacks, store energy for later use, or even redirect it to block incoming elemental strikes.


    And it''s adaptable. I could slot in different mana cores, depending on the affinity I want to use, but for now, this is optimized for my elemental powers."


    He was brimming with confidence at this point.


    "Orion... This is amazing!" Master Holt said. "You''ve outdone yourself."


    "I know... I haven''t outdone myself though."


    Master Holt wanted to say something but controlled himself.


    "We''ll talk later about how you did this, okay?"


    He proceeded to check the remaining works. But... Orion''s work had captured everyone''s attention,


    As the judging continued, Kyle leaned back in his seat, a small smile playing on his lips.


    Orion might be a pain sometimes, but he was one of the best. There was no denying that.


    Finally, after what seemed like an eternity for the students, Dan called for silence.


    "The results are in. Congratulations to the 32 of you who will be moving on. As for the rest of you, better luck next time."


    "Like before," Instructor Dan said, glancing at Orion and his gauntlet. "You''re free to take your forged equipment... It''s yours."


    Orion had a proud smile on his face when that was said. He had already planned lots of contingency measures in the case they didn''t give him the gauntlet. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Measures that''d be to make sure the gauntlet proved to be useless. Luckily... It didn''t have to come to that.


    He took his Gaunlet and wore it on his right hand, before taking a bow and leaving the stage.


    "The Beast Tamers... It''s your turn!"

 Chapter 63: Zack vs Milo (1)

    The coliseum was filled with anticipation for the next event as the Forge Mastering students left the stage.


    Aside the losers, everyone present was enjoying the events so far and they hoped to get another treat.


    "The Beast Tamers... you''re up next!"


    Kyle smiled as he used picked up on two familiar faces¡ª Zack and Milo. Their expressions were vastly different in comparison to their peers.


    Zack looked as Jovial as ever, as if he had come to have fun. While Milo raised his head high and maintained his usual stoic face.


    As the Beast Taming students made their way into the arena, the central platform began to shift once more.


    The previous forges and anvils disappeared, replaced by a vast open field. Massive iron gates at the edge of the arena creaked open, revealing the stable that housed all their companions.


    The field was designed for movement, with plenty of space for both the tamers and their beasts to navigate and battle.


    Tall pillars stood at intervals, providing cover and obstacles, while the ground itself was a mix of earth and stone¡ªperfect for the kinds of spells that would soon be unleashed.


    Kyle watched as Zack and Milo prepared. Each student had trained their beasts, but Beast Taming was about more than just commands¡ªit was about forming a bond.


    Unlike with weapons or alchemy, the students didn''t simply control their beasts. They had a mutual agreement and saw each other as companions.


    Mana beasts weren''t mindless tools; they had wills of their own.


    Dan''s voice broke the tension in the air. "The beasts are ready. Tamers, call your companions!"


    The gates swung fully open, and a variety of beasts began to emerge.


    Some were small and nimble, others large and imposing. Each student stood their ground, calling their beasts to them with their mana signature.


    The beasts responded not just to their Tamer''s call, but to the bond they had formed over time.


    Zack''s beast was a Terranback, a massive turtle-like creature with a shell made of solid stone.


    Zack had named it Terra due to its massive size. It easily reached a height of 1 meter at its infancy. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack gave his usual bright smile as Terra approached, gently patting the beast''s shell.


    "Good to see you, buddy."


    On the opposite side of the field, Milo stood with arms crossed.


    A streak of lightning flashed before a beast approached him in a blur. Milo''s beast was a Voltclaw Cheetah, a lightning-affinity mana beast known for its incredible speed and agility.


    Its fur was a blend of silver and black, with streaks of blue lightning crackling along its limbs as it moved.


    Milo had named it ''Blitz'' and it was a reflection of his desire to run at the fastest speeds.


    Blitz came to a halt beside Milo, its glowing yellow eyes scanning the field with a predatory gaze.


    Unlike Zack, who always treated Terra like a companion, Milo''s relationship with Blitz was built on dominance.


    Blitz was fast, and Milo was even faster when it came to issuing commands.


    They were a perfect match¡ªboth always on the move, both always hunting for an edge.


    "Let''s show them what speed really looks like," Milo muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the rest.


    Dan''s voice rang out once again, pulling the students'' focus.


    "The rules are simple. This will be a battle royale that will feature you and your beasts facing off against others on the field.


    No lethal injuries allowed¡ªyour goal is to incapacitate or force your opponents to surrender.


    The last 32 standing will move on to the group matches. Beast Tamers, prepare yourselves!"


    Kyle twisted his head, getting ready to enjoy the show. These were the kind of matches he craved for.


    His eyes met Zack''s for a while, prompting him to give him a thumbs up.


    After a moment, Instructor Dan raised his hands. Amplifying his voice with Wind magic he screamed,


    "Begin!"


    Immediately, the arena exploded into motion. Beasts roared, magic crackled, and the sound of feet pounding against the ground filled the air.


    Students and beasts alike leapt into action, spells flying and attacks being unleashed in every direction.


    Zack was among the first to make his move. Terra stomped the ground, and the earth responded to his command.


    With a wave of his hand, Zack activated his first spell: [Stone Wall]


    A large barrier of rock erupted from the ground, shielding him and Terra from the chaos around them.


    It wasn''t long before other students took notice and began to target them, their beasts charging toward him.


    But Zack and Terra were ready. As the first group of opponents closed in, Zack shouted, promoting Terra to act.


    Its feet slammed into the ground, and the earth shook violently. Several of the oncoming attackers lost their balance, their beasts stumbling as the ground beneath them rippled.


    Meanwhile, Milo was in his element. Blitz moved like lightning, darting between opponents with incredible speed.


    Blitz had its claws crackling with electricity as it pounced on unsuspecting opponents.


    They continued to fight in this fashion, whittling down the several competitors in a matter of minutes.


    Their beasts proved to be more than a match for most of the others in the arena.


    But it was only a matter of time before Zack and Milo found themselves facing off.


    The two aces of the Beast Taming class had been conserving their Mana for their epic showdown.


    Zack raised an eyebrow, grinning, as he saw Milo calmly approaching him. "I was wondering when you''d show up."


    Milo smirked in response. "Hmph. You ready to lose, Zack?"


    "You never learn, do you?" Zack striked back at him. "Or do you want me to bring back memories?"


    Milo''s face contorted to that of anger as the memory of their former clash surfaced on his memory.


    "I''ll finish you!!"


    He shouted out in anger, quickly drawing out mana for a spell.


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    But Zack was ready, having already prepared his spell in advance.


    "Stone Wall!" he commanded, raising another barrier of earth between himself and Milo''s attack.


    The lightning bolt crashed into the wall, sending shards of stone flying, but the barrier held.


    As Blitz closed in, Terra swung its massive tail, aiming to knock the cheetah off its feet. Check for updates on m-vl-em-py-r


    Blitz dodged with ease, its speed far outmatching the turtle''s slow, deliberate movements. But Zack wasn''t done yet.


    "Quake!" he shouted once more, and the ground trembled beneath Blitz''s feet.


    The cheetah stumbled, momentarily losing its balance as the earth shifted beneath it.


    Milo cursed under his breath. "Not bad, but you''ll have to do better than that."


    Blitz recovered quickly, darting around Terra and aiming for Zack himself.


    The speed was overwhelming, and even Zack''s earth magic couldn''t keep up with the lightning-fast movements of Blitz.


    Zack''s heart pounded as he narrowly dodged a lightning-infused slash from Blitz''s charged claws.


    He gritted his teeth, knowing that Terra''s slow movements were no match for Blitz''s speed. But that was never the plan. Zack had prepared for this.


    "Now!" he shouted, prompting Terra to use a spell.


    The earth rumbled once more, but this time, instead of raising another wall, Terra unleashed a different spell.


    "Stone Cage!"

 Chapter 64: Zack Vs Milo (2)

    Massive stone pillars erupted from the ground around Blitz, forming an enclosed prison that blocked its escape.


    The walls were thick and sturdy and the gaps were too small for Blitz to slip through.


    Milo''s eyes widened in surprise, his smirk faltering for the first time. Blitz was fast, but it couldn''t break through such a fortified structure.


    The cage pulsed with mana, holding the beast in place while Zack caught his breath.


    "You think a cage is enough to stop us?" Milo growled, his competitive spirit flaring wildly. He wasn''t about to let Zack get the upper hand.


    "Blitz, Lightning Discharge!" Inside the stone cage, Blitz''s fur sparked violently, and a massive surge of lightning exploded from its body.


    The discharge crackled through the air, arcs of electricity slamming into the stone walls. The energy spread out like a web, targeting every crack and weak point in the structure.


    The audience gasped as the cage trembled under the assault, but Zack stood firm, his eyes locked on the weakening stone.


    "Come on, Terra! Reinforce!"


    Terra stomped its massive feet, channeling its earth magic into the stone cage.


    The cracks in the stone filled in, and the walls thickened, resisting the pressure from Blitz''s attack.


    It was a test of endurance now¡ªwhether Zack and Terra''s earth magic could hold out against the raw power of Milo''s lightning.


    Kyle watched from the stands, leaning forward with intense focus. He had to admit, Zack was holding his own better than expected. But Milo wasn''t one to give up easily.


    "Blitz, Full Charge!" Milo yelled, his voice filled with determination. He wasn''t about to let a stone cage be his downfall.


    Blitz responded instantly, its entire body glowing with an intense blue light as it charged up for a final, devastating strike.


    The electricity in the air grew thicker, and Kyle could feel the hairs on his neck standing on end from the sheer power Blitz was generating.


    Zack''s eyes widened. He knew that this next attack would be enough to break the cage. He had to act fast.


    Discover magic on m_v_l_e_m_p_y_r


    "Terra, Shell Smash!" he called out, and his turtle companion responded by spinning its massive body.


    With a heavy grunt, Terra hurled itself toward the cage, crashing into the side with enough force to break through. The stone shattered, creating an escape route just as Blitz unleashed its fully charged attack.


    A massive bolt of lightning struck the ground where the cage had been, obliterating the remaining stone and leaving a smoking crater in its wake. But Zack and Terra were already moving.


    Terra''s powerful tail swung in a wide arc, and it began sending forth some forth some rocks, trying to keep him on the defensive.


    Milo dodged, his body moving with the same speed and precision as Blitz.


    "You think you can keep me away with some rocks?" he taunted, weaving through the incoming attacks.


    His movements were sharp and calculated, but Zack wasn''t aiming for Milo.


    "Terra, Ground Quake!"


    The arena shook violently, and this time, the earth under Blitz''s feet gave way.


    The ground crumbled into a pit, sending the Voltclaw Cheetah tumbling into a hole too deep and narrow for it to climb out of easily.


    Blitz scrambled, its claws sparking against the walls, but the trap was well-constructed.


    Milo''s eyes flashed with anger.


    "I''m not done yet!"


    He charged forward, closing the distance between himself and Zack.


    "Blitz, get out of there!" His voice rang with authority, and Blitz responded, its body shimmering with electricity as it began to dig its way out of the pit.


    Zack''s brow furrowed. Milo''s relentless push was exhausting. He could see that Terra was starting to slow down, the massive turtle''s movements becoming heavier. Meanwhile, Milo was barely breaking a sweat.


    But Zack wasn''t ready to give up. He took a deep breath, gathering his mana, he began to channel it towards Terra for one final attack.


    "Terra, let''s finish this!"


    The ground beneath Milo''s feet suddenly erupted, and giant stone hands burst from the earth, grabbing at his legs and trying to pin him down.


    At the same time, Terra charged forward, aiming to slam into Milo with its full weight.


    Milo''s eyes widened in shock as the stone hands gripped him tightly, slowing him down.


    He gritted his teeth, trying to summon enough lightning to break free, but Terra''s massive shadow loomed over him.


    For a moment, it looked like Zack had won.


    But then, with a fierce cry, Milo unleashed everything he had. "Lightning Bolt!"


    A blinding flash of light filled the arena as Milo exploded with raw lightning energy, the shockwave shattering the stone hands and sending Terra skidding backward.


    The crowd gasped, the sheer force of the spell leaving them speechless.


    When the light faded, Milo stood in the center of the crater, his clothes torn and his body sparking with residual electricity.


    Blitz had clawed its way out of the pit, standing beside its Tamer with a low growl.


    Zack was panting, his mana nearly spent. Terra stood by his side, but the giant turtle was clearly exhausted. It was clear that neither side had much left to give.


    Milo wiped the sweat from his brow, glaring at Zack with fierce determination. "You gave me a good fight, Zack. But I think it''s time we end this."


    Zack clenched his fists, knowing Milo was right. He had pushed himself and Terra to their limits, but Milo still had more in the tank.


    The audience was on the edge of their seats, waiting to see the final clash between the two rivals. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But just as Milo was about to make his move, the loud sound of a horn blared through the arena, signaling the end of the match.


    Dan''s voice echoed over the coliseum. "Time''s up! All of you left on the stage have qualified for the next round!"


    Zack let out a long breath, collapsing to one knee in relief. Terra straightened its long neck, nudging Zack gently.


    Milo frowned, clearly frustrated that he couldn''t finish the fight, but he let it go, giving Zack a grudging nod of respect.


    The crowd erupted into applause, and Kyle smiled from the stands, impressed by how far Zack had come.


    Both he and Milo had put on a spectacular show, and now they would move on to the next stage of the competition.


    As Zack stood up, he flashed Kyle a tired but triumphant grin, giving him a wink.


    Kyle returned the gesture. He was impressed by the fight. This showed that the beast tamers were leaps ahead in combat compared to the other students.


    Kyle had observed the way the way they combined with their companions to effectively fight stronger battles.


    This made his mind trail to a certain egg that just hatched at home.


    ''They weren''t the only ones that improved too... All these won''t stop me from winning,'' Kyle grinned as he thought, ready to show his improvements in the next battles.


    Instructor Dan stepped forward after they had all left the arena.


    With a gentle smile on his face, he scanned the spectators and exhausted contestants before saying:


    "Well done, all of you. Today''s battles have proven your worth as young mages of Vyna Academy. You''ve earned your place in the next round.


    Rest up, because the next challenge will test you even further. You''re Dismissed!"

 Chapter 65: I shall call it... VOID

    [Mana Absorption Completion: 99.02%]


    Kyle smiled as he watched the number after returning home, knowing what it meant.


    The egg¡ªhis egg¡ªwas almost ready. All he could do now was wait, and the anticipation made him restless especially after the brilliant display he watched today.


    This had been weeks in the making, and now the culmination of all his efforts, all those drops of blood, was nearly upon him.


    Kyle shuddered at the memory of the 60th drop. That had been the moment everything changed.


    When he dropped his blood for the 60th time, the egg absorbed it as it always did, its surface glowing faintly as the liquid vanished into it.


    He had been used to the subtle gleam that followed each feeding of blood, but this time, the glow intensified, filling the entire room.


    He could practically hear his heart beat in his chest as the light grew blinding.


    After a long while of glowing light, strange pressure filled the air, heavy and suffocating, like something vast and ancient was awakening in the shadows.


    And then, the room fell into an eerie darkness and silence.


    The silence had been worse than the light.


    It was as if an ominous presence had descended, draping the room in a weight so thick that Kyle could barely breathe.


    He stood frozen, his hand still hovering above the egg.


    The air seemed to vibrate with a sense of foreboding, a feeling that something¡ªor someone¡ªwas watching him.


    He had felt the cold feeling of fear creeping up his spine, his instincts screaming at him to run, to get away from whatever was happening.


    But he couldn''t move. He could only stand there, his heart pounding as the oppressive presence settled over him.


    That experience... He couldn''t forget.


    Now, as Kyle stared at the message floating in front of him, he couldn''t help but shiver at the memory. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It had been days since that happened, but the sense of dread still lingered in the back of his mind.


    The egg hadn''t shown any signs of activity since then, just the steady increase in mana absorption.


    But now it was at 99.02%, Kyle had a feeling that something was about to happen. Soon.


    Rumble!


    He could hear the growling of his stomach, reminding him that he hadn''t eaten since his last in the morning.


    He glanced at the time and then at the egg. He something could happen anytime, but it hadn''t happened yet.


    "There should be enough time to grab a single meal," Kyle muttered, though it sounded more like he was trying to convince himself.


    Kyle checked his credit balance as he grabbed a coat, and couldn''t help but smile after seeing the familiar screen.


    [Credits: 3018]


    The Rune Making supplies and Sword he had bought recently might have eaten into his finds alot.


    But the amount he had left was enough to make his former self jealous.


    Kyle quickly made his way to the academy''s cafeteria, quickly ordering a takeaway meal to eat back in his room.


    His fingers tapped impatiently against the counter as he waited, he couldn''t afford to miss the egg''s hatching.


    As soon as the package was handed to him, he hurried back to his room, practically sprinting as he went. When he entered his room, breathless, he stopped in his tracks.


    ''I''m right of time.''


    Cracks were spreading across the egg''s shell, faint lines of light trying to escape through the fractures as the egg kept shaking ever so slightly.


    His breath caught in his throat, and a familiar weight settled in the air¡ªthe same ominous presence he had felt before.


    Only this time, it was stronger. More intense. Kyle''s body boiled and his instincts screamed in danger, but he just couldn''t look away.


    The room grew colder as the presence thickened. His vision blurred for a moment, and then, without warning, the temperature dropped further as something began to materialize above the egg.


    It wasn''t just a feeling anymore¡ªit was real.


    ''W¡ª what is this?''


    A shape appeared, hazy at first but it grew clearer by the passing seconds. It was ethereal, and looked like a ghost, its form towered over the egg.


    The figure resembled... a... a...


    "Dragon?!"


    Majestic and terrifying all at once, with glowing eyes that seemed to pierce through Kyle''s very soul.


    Kyle''s knees almost buckled under the weight of its gaze. The presence was overwhelming, both real and unreal, like standing at the edge of a dream that could swallow him whole.


    Then it spoke.


    The voice wasn''t loud, but it echoed through the room, filling every corner. It was deep, ancient, and most prominently, filled with sorrow.


    "To whoever possesses this egg..."


    The words seemed pre-recorded, as though this spirit had spoken this before. It continued, its voice trembling with emotion.


    "The creature within this egg... is my dear child. The last of our race. I beg of you... whoever you are... protect it."


    Kyle could feel the weight of the dragon''s plea. The spirit''s voice cracked, as if it was on the verge of tears.


    Its ethereal form flickered, growing fainter with every passing second.


    "Please... do what I could not... protect it..."


    And with that, the presence dissipated, vanishing like mist in the wind. Continue your journey on m-v-l-e-m-p-y-r


    The room''s temperature slowly returned to normal, but the tension in the air lingered.


    Kyle stood there, mouth dry, trying to comprehend what had just happened.


    He felt like opening his mouth to ask something¡ªanything¡ªbut the spirit was already gone.


    The room was still again, save for the egg, which continued to crack.


    He used his hands to clean his eyes to make sure what he was seeing was real.


    ''This isn''t a dream,'' Kyle thought after confirming the reality of the events.


    His heart was still pounding in his chest. The aura in the room had calmed, but it wasn''t entirely gone.


    This one came from him. He felt this sense of anticipation, awaiting what would come out from the egg.


    Obviously, it would be a dragon... But Kyle was still shocked, he didn''t know how common dragons were.


    But in Yurigur, they didn''t exist... It was more of a myth than a reality, and now that myth was about to belong to him.


    And then, with one final shudder, the egg burst open.


    From the fragments of the shell, a small creature emerged¡ªa dragon.


    Its tiny form was covered in shimmering scales, a deep black color that seemed to absorb all forms of light, with streaks of silver running along its back.


    Its wings, though small, looked powerful, and its eyes¡ªbrilliant, glowing golden eyes¡ªmet Kyle''s the moment it was free.


    For a long moment, neither of them moved. The dragon blinked, its eyes glowing and standing out the dim light of the room.


    This was it. This was the creature the spirit had pleaded for him to protect. The last of its race.


    This was his new pet, it would be his companion. And now, it was his responsibility.


    [Congratulations on obtaining pet: OmniDrakkon!]


    [Pet''s name is required!]


    [Input Pet''s name!]


    ''Hmm...'' Kyle thought for a long while.


    He remembered what he felt during the dragon''s descent, then a thought came upon his mind.


    "I shall call it¡­ VOID!"

 Chapter 66: Testing Out Voids Skills

    "I shall call it¡­ Void!"


    [Pet''s name confirmed]


    [Void''s stats are available!]


    ''Stats!''


    |Void|


    |Race: Omni Drakkon|


    |Level: 1|


    |EXP: 0/1000|


    |HP: 200|


    |Energy: 500|


    |MP: 500|


    |Agility: 20|


    |Strength: 20|


    |Vitality: 100|


    |Stamina: 250|


    |Intelligence: 500|


    [Skills: Lightning Breath, Lightning Dash, Invincible, Phase]


    [Invisible: Ability to remain completely undetected.


    Mana cost: 50 MP per second]


    [Phase: Ability to pass through barriers


    Mana cost: 50 MP per second]


    [Abilities]


    [Devourer: Capable of devouring anything]


    [Clean Slate: OmniDrakkons are not limited to a single element. Skills and Affinities are shared between the pet and master]


    [You''ve obtained a new skill: Gobbler]


    [Gobbler: Gobble a Mana core to acquire 10% Mana]


    "What?! This is crazy!" Kyle couldn''t help but say, directing his gaze over the creature on his desk.


    Its dark scales glowed in the dim light of his room, and its piercing golden eyes followed his every movement.


    Kyle gulped, unsure of what to say.


    "Uh¡­ hey there, Void."


    To his utter surprise, the small dragon moved his lips.


    "Hi! Nice to meet you!"


    Kyle froze when he heard the dragon''s cute, childish voice. "Wait! You can talk?"


    Void sneered and comically face-palmed. "You can talk, right? So why can''t I?"


    Kyle shook his head and laughed nervously.


    "No... I mean. I didn''t expect you to be able to speak so quickly... How did you manage to learn to talk?"


    "Well, I''m not speaking the human tongue, not yet," Void replied with a laugh.


    "You''re not?!"


    "Yep. You can understand me and I can understand you as well."


    Kyle decided to ask. "How''s that even possible?"


    Void directed a start to Kyle that spoke volumes. "Stop behaving like a kid. You''re asking too many questions."


    It jumped down from the desk and raised its eyebrow at Kyle.


    "And... How do you expect me to know the answer to all these? I arrived here some minutes ago, remember?"


    "Yeah, right," Kyle nodded, not wanting to dwell on the matter much longer.


    He remembered the skill [Gobbler]. ''My cultivation speed would drastically increase if I could absorb mana by eating mana cores.''


    ''No. That can''t be possible... But it won''t hurt to give it a try.''


    Kyle stood up and made his way to his supplies.


    Among the many items he had spent his credits on, he had purchased some mana cores.


    A Tier-1 mana core cost 200 credits, and he had 5 left from the bunch he had bought.


    Kyle picked up a mana core, ready to do it. It normally took him about 45 minutes to fully absorb one, and now he was about to do it in one go¡ªby eating it.


    "Here goes nothing," he muttered, picking one up and studying it closely. The mana core pulsed gently in his palm; he could almost feel the energy coursing through it.


    His throat tightened as he thought about eating it. "Can I even chew this?" he wondered aloud.


    ''Let''s do this.''


    With a deep breath, Kyle popped the mana core into his mouth, half-expecting to break his teeth.


    To his surprise, he chewed it easily, his teeth easily breaking it within his mouth and allowing the Mana to dissolve almost immediately on his tongue.


    His eyes widened as the warmth spread through his body, and he got a notification right away.


    [EXP +10]


    It worked.


    "I can''t believe it¡­" he whispered, a wide grin spreading across his face. "It worked!"


    "Hahaha! It worked."


    The sheer absurdity of what just happened made him laugh in disbelief.


    His gaze shifted to Void, who was now watching him more intently. Drool was slowly forming at the edge of its mouth, which Kyle easily noticed and smirked.


    "Wanna try one?" he asked, holding out another mana core.


    Void''s eyes gleamed with excitement, and the small dragon leaped towards the core, swallowing it whole without hesitation.


    It let out a tiny, satisfied growl, its eyes glowing for a moment before returning to their usual sharp gaze.


    "More?" Kyle asked, amused at making the sharp-tongued dragon submit.


    "More!" Void echoed with excitement.


    Kyle bent and laughed, tossing another core to Void, who caught it eagerly and devoured it.


    The process repeated a few times before Void depleted the four remaining mana cores.


    He stood up, feeling happy from his new ability.


    "Alright, Void, let''s see what else you can do," he said, heading toward the door. "We''re testing those skills of yours."


    Void nodded, jumping on Kyle''s shoulder and following after him.


    The pair made their way downstairs to an open area Kyle often used for training. As soon as they stepped inside, Kyle took a few steps back and suggested.


    "Let''s try Lightning Breath," Voidleapedt down from his shoulder, landing gracefully on the ground. Kyle nodded to the small dragon. "Go for it."


    Void took a deep breath, and for a moment, Kyle wondered if it even knew how to activate its abilities.


    But then, a bolt of brilliant lightning erupted from Void''s mouth, illuminating the entire area with a dazzling display of raw power.


    The crackling energy shot forward, scorching the ground where it landed, leaving a smoldering mark.


    Kyle''s jaw dropped, the lightning even looked more pure than his. "That¡­ was incredible!"


    Void looked up at him with a proud expression, its tail swishing back and forth in satisfaction.


    "Alright, now try Lightning Dash," Kyle urged.


    In the blink of an eye, Void ran to the other side of the room in the same way he normally did.


    He knelt, calling Void over with a grin. "You''re amazing, Void."


    "I know," Void replied with a proud smile, earning a laugh for Kyle. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright, Void, let''s test Invisibility now," Kyle said, standing with arms crossed and watching the small dragon carefully.


    Void blinked a few times as if contemplating how to pull off the skill. Then, without much fanfare, his shimmering scales started to lose their color, fading into the air until Void vanished completely from sight.


    Kyle''s eyes widened.


    "Whoa..." he muttered under his breath, circling the spot where Void had been standing just moments ago.


    There was no sign of the little dragon¡ªnot even a shadow. "I can''t see you at all... It''s real."


    For several seconds, Kyle tried moving his hands around in an attempt to catch Void before giving up.


    "Okay, you can come back now, Void."


    Suddenly, Void reappeared with a smirk.


    "That was fun."


    Kyle knelt, impressed. "I''ll be honest. I''m kinda jealous of you. It''ll be very nice to be able to go invisible."


    "Alright, last one," Kyle announced. "Let''s see you use Phase."


    Void nodded, determination clear in his sharp eyes. He backed up a little, then dashed forward, heading straight for the wall.


    Kyle almost flinched, worried that the small dragon might slam into the wall, but Void passed right through it effortlessly. The wall didn''t slow him down in the slightest!


    Kyle ran over, his hands brushing the solid surface as he gaped in disbelief.


    "That''s real! You just went through a solid wall!"


    Void came back from the other side and gave a proud smirk. "Piece of cake."


    Kyle shook his head, grinning. "You''re ridiculous."


    He made Void repeat some more skills before his mana exhaustion became evident.


    "Why are my mana reserves so pitiful?"


    Kyle laughed at the statement, remembering that Void had 500 MP. "Well... They''re a lot compared to others"


    "None of my business. I''m an OmniDrakkon, not an ''other''!"


    "Haha. I guess it''s enough for today then."


    Void gave a tired nod, jumping onto Kyle''s shoulder again. "Yeah¡­ that was exhausting."


    Kyle chuckled. "You did great, though." He glanced toward the window, noting how late it had gotten.


    "We should call it a night. Tomorrow''s a big day."


    "What''s the event?" he asked curiously.


    Kyle grinned as they climbed the stairs, entering his room. "You''ll see."


    As he stepped inside, the darkened room felt more peaceful after the excitement of the day.


    He considered sitting down to cultivate, but his new skill made him dismiss the thought.


    Why bother with the slow process of absorbing mana over hours when he could just consume cores now?


    "Yeah, I think I''ll skip cultivating for tonight," he muttered to himself with a smirk, pulling the blankets over himself.


    Void, already curled up at the foot of the bed and let out a soft yawn. "Goodnight, Kyle."


    Experience tales at m-vl-e-mpyr


    Kyle smiled at his new companion. "Goodnight, Void."

 Chapter 67: The Group Matches

    Kyle stood among the other successful contestants in the coliseum.


    The day had finally arrived for the group stage of the elective battles, and everyone felt tense as well as excited. Stay immersed with m_vl_em_p_yr


    The students who qualified from Alchemy, Beast Taming, and Forge Mastering stood alongside the Rune Makers, who didn''t have as much difficulty participating. All waited for their moment to shine.


    It didn''t take long before Instructor Dan stepped forward into the center of the coliseum, his voice magically amplified to reach everyone''s ears.


    "Welcome to Day 2 of the Electives Battles, young mages!" Dan''s voice boomed, silencing the growing whispers of the spectators.


    "Today, we begin the group stage of the competition. There are 128 of you from four different disciplines: Rune Making, Alchemy, Beast Taming, and Forge Mastering.


    Each of you has trained hard and earned your place here, but only 64 will advance to the knockout rounds!"


    "The group stage will be conducted as follows: You''ve all been divided into 32 groups of 4 contestants.


    Within each group, you will battle three opponents from different classes.


    Except for Group 32, which will feature three Beast Taming students and one Alchemy student.


    As well as Group 31, which will consist of two Forge Mastering students, one Alchemy student, and one Beast Taming student."


    Kyle did a quick mental calculation. There were 128 participants in total: 32 each from Alchemy and Forge Mastering, with 30 and 34 for Rune Making and Beast Taming, respectively.


    With 32 groups of four contestants each, it made sense¡ªthe structure seemed fair, and the number of battles didn''t look overwhelming.


    Dan gestured toward a large display that hovered in the air the coliseum, a projection showing the match-ups.


    "For every victory, you will earn three points. If your battle ends in a draw, both contestants will earn one point, and a loss will earn zero points."


    "After all matches have been fought, the top two participants from each group¡ª64 contestants¡ªwith the highest points will advance to the knockout stage.


    From there, the competition will intensify. Losing a match will mean you go back home, and winning will see you face off against another winner."


    A murmur swept through the contestants as they glanced up at the groups.


    Kyle looked at the screen, quickly finding his name listed in Group 9, alongside a familiar face.


    ''This is bound to be interesting,'' he thought with a smile.


    "To prevent excessive time consumption, multiple battles will take place at once across various stages of the coliseum.


    You will all fight one match every day for the next two days until the group stages are over," Dan explained.


    "Each stage is enchanted to isolate individual battles, so don''t worry about distractions or interference. Your health condition will also be monitored, and all injuries will be treated immediately.


    Remember: this is an individual competition, so fight with everything you''ve got!"


    Kyle could feel the weight of Dan''s words. The excitement was evident among the crowd already.


    "Now, without further ado, let the group stages begin! Contestants for the first matches, please step forward!"


    The display shifted again, showing the initial lineup. Kyle scanned the names, seeing that he wasn''t fighting his ''friend'' just yet.


    "Let''s give them a show," Kyle said with a confident smirk, walking to the stage to face his first opponent.


    The Electives Battles were quite simple. They were required to fight against their opponents with the advantages of their different Electives.


    Beast Tamers were allowed to fight with their companions.


    Rune Makers could use formerly self-prepared runes.


    Alchemists could enhance their strength and heal themselves with formerly self-prepared potions and elixirs.


    Forge Masters could use their self-crafted weapons and armor to fight.


    Practically every advantage of the students'' Electives could be used in a fight, as long as it all fell under the tier limitations that were placed.


    From an outsider''s point of view, it looked like the Beast Tamers had a massive advantage. That was true, but the gap wasn''t as huge as it seemed.


    Kyle might not have seen a massive improvement in his cultivation recently, but he had made significant strides in Rune Making.


    He could now craft battle-changing runes that were sure to help him win, even without relying on his mana advantage.


    He was ready to show why he should be the contestant to beat in this tournament.


    As Kyle walked toward his designated stage, he couldn''t help but feel the massive difference between here and the arena.


    The spectators, mostly students who failed to qualify and Instructors, sparsely occupied some seats surrounding the arena.


    The setup was vast, allowing the audience to pick and choose which battles they wanted to observe.


    Giant magical screens hovered around the coliseum, projecting the different matches from each stage, so no one would miss a moment of the action.


    Kyle reached his stage¡ªa circular platform magically elevated and enclosed by a shimmering barrier. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It isolated the combatants from distractions and ensured the fight could proceed uninterrupted.


    On the opposite side of the stage stood his opponent: a Beast Tamer with a Tempest Falcon.


    The tamer had a confident look on her face, his brown eyes filled with confidence. Her Falcon hovered slightly above her, flapping its wings with pride.


    ''This won''t be easy,'' Kyle thought, as he looked up at the flying beast.


    He had experience fighting flying opponents at Yurigur, but this would be the first here.


    [Tsk! That chicken is nothing compared to me]


    Void couldn''t help but say within Kyle after hearing his master speak so passionately about the falcon.


    ''Haha... I see you''re jelly!''


    [Jealous?! How dare you?]


    ''Don''t worry, I''ll win,'' Kyle said sharply, changing the conversation.'' It won''t be a problem.''


    [W...]


    "Ladies and gentlemen," an amplified voice boomed, interrupting Void and drawing the attention of the very few spectators.


    "We now begin the match between Kyle, representing Rune Making, and Lila, a Beast Tamer.


    The announcer continued, building the suspense. "Rune Makers rely on their prepared inscriptions, while Beast Tamers have the power of their companions. Who will come out victorious in this glorious showdown?"

 Chapter 68: First Win

    "Begin!"


    The announcer, as well as the referee for the match, signaled, commencing the start of the match.


    Lila wasted no time after the match had begun, she raised her hands to the sky, commanding her falcon.


    "Zephyrion, take flight!"


    The Tempestwing falcon screeched, its powerful wings beating as it soared higher above the arena, circling with the grace and speed of a predator ready to strike.


    Kyle remained calm and care-carefree hands cooly tucked inside his pockets.


    There was a pouch of runes strapped to his waist, and he made sure to take notice of it too.


    He had not exactly prepared for this match-up, a fight against a flying creature. But to an extent he was ready for multiple scenarios.


    All he needed to do was play smart and avoid exposing too much.


    Lila smirked. "Trying to prove tough, aren''t you?" she called out before chanting her spell,


    "Wind Slash!"


    Swinging her arm forward, condensed air was released in the form of a razor-sharp gust. The blade of wind quickly approached Kyle, its sound howling through the arena.


    Kyle reacted instantly, activating a rune he had slipped onto the ground earlier. The rune glowed briefly before an earth wall of hardened mud materialized in front of him.


    The Wind Slash collided with the mud wall, dispersing into the armless wind.


    ''That''s one rune,'' Kyle mentally took note.


    He was allowed to bring in a maximum of 7 self-made runes, and he wanted to be mindful of the way he used it.


    "Lightning Dash!" Kyle muttered under his breath.


    In a flash of electric energy, Kyle''s form blurred as he shot across the arena like a bolt of lightning, closing the distance between him and Lila in a heartbeat.


    The sudden burst of speed startled Lila, but she reacted quickly, her falcon screeching above.


    "Wind Dash!" she shouted, her body becoming a blur as the wind propelled her backward at a slower speed than Kyle, but it still did its work, putting enough space between them once more.


    The battle was already fast-paced, both of them darting around the arena, lightning and wind colliding in bursts of energy. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Above, Zephyrion circled menacingly, waiting for the right moment to strike.


    Kyle skidded to a stop, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the situation.


    He couldn''t rely too much on his spells; he had to be conservative, pretending to operate within the same limitations as everyone else.


    His runes should be his key to victory.


    Quickly, he activated another rune at his feet¡ªa lightning rune he had inscribed with precision before the match.


    This one functioned like [Lightning Dash], its primary function being to increase his speed and reaction time.


    As the rune glowed beneath him, Kyle felt a surge of energy flood his body.


    "Zephyrion, now!" Lila''s voice rang out, shortly after he had activated his rune.


    The Tempestwing falcon screeched once more, diving toward Kyle like a silver arrow. Its talons crackled with wind energy as it aimed for his exposed back.


    Kyle''s eyes flicked upward, catching the glint of the falcon''s wings as it dov.


    He had been anticipating the Tempest Falcon''s move since the match began, and he was able to avoid the surprise attack easily.


    Without hesitation, he threw a Paralysis Rune to the bird that hovered very closely to him, slamming the glowing inscription onto the Falcon''s body just as it was about to strike.


    A pulse of electrical energy shot outward from the rune, crackling through the air and briefly stunning the Tempest wing mid-dive.


    Zephyrion faltered and its wings seemed to vibrate as the electric pulse coursed through its body.


    The few spectators who were paying attention to the match gasped at the sight¡ªthe mighty falcon was momentarily paralyzed in the air.


    Kyle didn''t waste a second, planning to seize the chance and take the initiative.


    He thrust his palm forward and cast a spell.


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    A bolt of lightning shot from his hand, arcing through the air and striking the paralyzed Zephyrion directly.


    The falcon let out a screech of pain as the lightning rippled through its body, sending it careening off course.


    It wasn''t enough to take the creature down, but it had certainly weakened it.


    Lila''s eyes widened in fear and shock.


    "Zephyrion, recover!" She screamed anxiously, prompting the Falcon to desperately flap its wings in an attempt to regain altitude.


    The falcon flapped its wings desperately, regaining altitude, but Kyle could see the strain in its movements. The paralysis rune and lightning strike had done their job.


    Now it was time to continue pressing his advantage. He reached for another rune¡ªthis one etched with a symbol for Amplification.


    As he activated it, he felt the effects immediately. His next attack would hit harder, and he had just the right spell in mind.


    But Lila wasn''t going to give him the opportunity so easily.


    "Wind Slash!" she cried out again, sending another blade of wind hurtling toward Kyle.


    Kyle didn''t flinch. He didn''t plan on wasting the amplification he had applied on himself, so he quickly threw another rune, his last defense rune.


    Like before, an earth wall sprung up from the ground, easily blocking the spell.


    Lila gritted her teeth. "You can''t hide behind runes forever!"


    Kyle smirked and thought, ''I don''t plan to.''


    "Constantly fighting with the Veil Of Silence has made him appreciate staying silent in a match.


    ''My skills would do the talking!''


    Kyle dashed forward once again with [Lightning Bolt], his movements a blur thanks to the amplification rune that was still on.


    Lila was quick to react, her own Wind Dash sending her sliding across the arena floor, but Kyle was already prepared for her evasive tactics.


    Kyle had a mischievous smile as Lila approached a certain spot in the Arena.


    ''Hehe. Right into my trap!'' Experience tales at m-vl-e-mpyr


    The ground beneath Lila glowed as the Trap rune he had placed at the early stages of the fight flared to life.


    It got muddy and soon became thick, slowly making her legs sink until it bound her in place.


    The Rune he had placed was a Tier-2 rune, an advanced rune that took after the spell [Mud Trap].


    It had taken him a lot of effort to craft it, but with Lora''s kind help, he had managed to master it.


    The rune worked wonders when it came to binding opponents and that was what he needed right now.


    He didn''t hesitate, ready to finish her off. With Lila trapped, Kyle raised his hand, lightning crackling around his fingers.


    "Lightning Bolt!" he shouted, sending another bolt of electricity streaking toward her.


    Lila raised her arms to defend, but the lightning struck true, sending a jolt of energy through her body.


    The lightning made her wince in pain, and her knees buckled slightly from the impact.


    The crowd let out a collective gasp as they watched Lila struggle to stay on her feet.


    But Kyle knew it wasn''t over. HLila still had Zephyrion, and the falcon wasn''t out of the fight yet.


    "Zephyrion!" Lila cried out weakly in desperation. "Take him down!"


    The Tempest Falcon screeched once again, its wings flared as it summoned a gust of wind around its body.


    The wind whipped into a vortex, and in an instant, Zephyrion dove toward Kyle with blinding speed, its talons glowing with wind energy.


    Kyle''s eyes narrowed. This was the moment he had been waiting for.


    As Zephyrion closed in, Kyle activated his final rune¡ªanother Paralysis Rune that he had been saving for this exact moment.


    The Rune had done its job the last time he used it against the bird. Now... He expected it to deliver.


    The rune flashed in his hands, as he waited for the perfect moment to place it on the Falcon.


    Zephyrion, mid-dive, saw Kyle''s plan and used its whole strength to twist its body out of the way.


    Unfortunately, it was too late and Kyle''s hand had already slammed into the bird, paralyzing it mid-air.


    The falcon let out a screech as it felt its body seize and wings locked in place


    It then crashed into the ground in front of Kyle, skidding across the arena floor and leaving behind a cloud of dust.


    Lila''s eyes widened in horror as she watched her prized companion fall.


    Kyle didn''t waste any time. He dashed forward once more, casting [Lightning Dash].


    And in a flash, he was already in front of Lila, his hand crackling with lightning.


    "Lightning Bolt!" Kyle whispered, using the ''last of his mana'' to deliver a final, decisive blow.


    The air crackled with lightning for a moment before a burst of lightning energy surged through her, sending her stumbling forward.


    The Tempestwing falcon, still recovering from the stun, let out a weak cry as it struggled to rise.


    The battle was over.


    Lila collapsed to her knees, panting heavily, while Zephyrion lay weakly on the floor.


    Everywhere was relatively quiet, no one celebrated the win because they didn''t care much about the results.


    The announcer''s voice cut the prevailing silence, confirming the result.


    "And the winner is¡­ Kyle, of Rune Making!"


    Kyle stood tall with a proud grin, raising his hands high to savor the victory. He was happy about his win because he deserved it.


    The system might not have deemed the match tough enough to assign a quest, but a win was still a win.


    He glanced down at Lila, who was being helped to her feet by a medic. She gave him a hard smile, nodding at him out of respect.


    Kyle returned the nod, respecting her efforts before he walked out of the stage.


    "3 points. 6 more to go!"

 Chapter 69: You can cultivate?!

    After stepping down from the stage, Kyle wiped the sweat from his brow and made his way toward the stands.


    The matches were still going on, and he figured it would be smart to observe his friends'' progress.


    As he settled into a seat with a clear view of the displays, Kyle focused on the holographic scoreboard that showed the results and group points.


    He quickly scanned through the names and located some.


    "As expected, they had all secured victories." Kyle muttered, as he saw 3 points beside the names of Orion, Riya, Milo, Zack and Lora. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was unfortunate he couldn''t watch their matches but it didn''t matter anyway.


    The familiar face in his group had also secured a victory. He darted his eyes towards the fixtures to confirm once more.


    ''Tomorrow, we''ll see,'' he smiled and got up to leave.


    Satisfied with his observations, Kyle stretched his arms and decided it was time to leave.


    He decided on going to the mall to get some mana cores. They would be for Void, allowing him to level up.


    Once there, he quickly located a vendor selling mana cores. His remaining credits had been carefully budgeted, but it wouldn''t hurt to spend 1200 credits on Void.


    He paid for the cores and left the mall, heading straight for his dorm.


    As soon as he entered, Void, who had been inside the System''s pet space jumped out and instantly locked onto the mana cores Kyle carried.


    Before Kyle could even say a word, Void lungef forward, usind his teeth to carry the bags away from Kyle.


    "I never said those were for you," Kyle asked with a serious expression.


    "What? It can''t be... " Void wanted to continue but paused after noticing Kyle''s poker face. "Pardon me for my lack of manners, Kyle."


    He took a step back from the bag of mana cores and bent his head slightly.


    "Haha!" Kyle couldn''t control himself and laughed loudly. "I was just teasing you. They''re yours, you can have them."


    "Uh, Void¡­ what''s your gender? I''ve been meaning to ask."


    Void puffed out his chest proudly. "I am male, of course," he answered without hesitation. "A proud male Omni Drakkon."


    "Good. You can have your cores."


    Void''s golden eyes gleamed and without a word, it quickly jumped at the bag again and ate the whole mana cores in mere seconds.


    Kyle widened his mouth in shock as he watched the speed Void ate the whole mana cores.


    It didn''t last long before it a surge of mana coursed through Void. It had levelled up!


    Void''s stats displayed clearly in Kyle''s mind after the level up.


    |Void|


    |Race: Omni Drakkon|


    |Level: 2|*


    |EXP: 0/2000|*


    |HP: 220|*


    |Energy: 520|*


    |MP: 510|*


    |Agility: 30|*


    |Strength: 30|*


    |Vitality: 110|*


    |Stamina: 260|*


    |Intelligence: 510|*


    [Skills: Lightning Breath, Lightning Dash, Invisible, Phase]


    "Congrats, Void!" Kyle clapped his hands as he said.


    "Sure. I''ll begin my cultivation now."


    "Wait... What?!" Kyle exclaimed in shock after he heard Void. "You could cultivate?"


    Void shrugged. "Of couse. Who can''t?"


    "And... You made me buy you mana cores?!"


    "Yup. I enjoy them! You can afford it, so what''s wrong?"


    "What''s wrong? You know what? You''re not following me tomorrow. I''ll make you cultivate right here."


    "Intriguing," Void muttered with his paws on his chin. "Too bad I planned on doing that before."


    Kyle''s face contorted into one of anger. "Y-yes... Good for you!"


    *Sigh*


    Void sighed and sat on the floor, ready to begin his cultivation session.


    Kyle went to his reading desk and sat, before taking out his inscription materials¡ªhis inscription pen and runic paper.


    He had over 6 hours before 10:00 PM and he couldn''t waste it. ''I might as well inscribe some more Runes.''


    As the night came and progressed, Kyle opened his eyes and glanced at the time¡ª9:00 PM.


    He had been inscribing for hours, feeling refreshed from the session. He stretched his limbs, cracking his neck side to side as he looked over at Void, who remained still, eyes closed in deep meditation.


    Kyle smirked. "How diligent," he muttered, shaking his head.


    Void hadn''t moved an inch since he''d started, and Kyle didn''t want to interrupt his process.


    Instead, he decided to go grab some food. After all, they would both need energy after their session.


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    He left the dorm quietly, stepping into the cool night air.


    The dorm cafeteria still had some students in it, eating while discussing about the battles.


    Kyle made his way to the counter, ordering a large amount of food¡ªenough for both him and Void.


    Once he was handed over the bags that contained his food, he returned to the dorm, placing the food on the table.


    Kyle considered for a moment about waking Void to remind him about the meal but decided against it.


    Void could eat after finishing his cultivation.


    Satisfied, Kyle lied onto his bed and quickly drifted off to sleep.


    ***


    The next morning, Kyle woke up refreshed, right at time for the battles. His mind was sharp from the long sleep he had gotten.


    He glanced at Void, who was still meditating, his small chest rising and falling in rhythmic breaths.


    "He''s been at it all night," Kyle thought, impressed. "I guess I really shouldn''t be wasting credits on mana cores for him anymore."


    He grabbed a quick bite from the leftovers he''d bought the night before, leaving more for Void to eat whenever he finished.


    The dragon hadn''t gotten up, but Kyle knew that when Void was ready, he''d consume the food in an instant.


    With everything settled, Kyle grabbed his gear and headed for the coliseum. Today marked the third day of the Electives Battle and the second match of the Group stages, and the competition was only going to get fiercer from here.


    As he walked through the academy grounds, the excitement in the air was palpable. Hundreds of students were buzzing with energy, all talking about the upcoming matches.


    Walking into the main coliseum area, Kyle took a seat with a clear view of the arenas. The holographic displays were already lighting up, listing the matchups for the day.


    His name appeared on one of the boards, and his first opponent was due up in just a few minutes.


    Kyle glanced over the list of names, mentally running through the names of his friends.


    A magic amplified voice brought him back to the present.


    "All participants, please prepare for the opening matches of Day 3! First round begins in five minutes!"


    It didn''t take much longer before the matches were called to begin, prompting Kyle to make his way to his arena.


    Kyle stood up, feeling the adrenaline course through his veins. He was ready.


    The thick, magical barriers that separated the arenas shimmered as they opened.


    Kyle made his way to the Arena, his opponent waiting there already.


    "You know? I won''t be holding back just because we''re friends... So gimme all you got!"


    His opponent''s cold eyes remained fixed on him, offering no response.


    The announcer stepped forward, his voice amplified by magic.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for a clash of skill, wit, and power! Who would taste their first defeat in the tournament?"


    He cheerfully announced as always, the few number of spectators doing nothing to tone down his excitement.


    "On one side, we have Kyle, Rune master of the Lightning Affinity!


    And his opponent, a fierce Alchemist and wielder of the...!"

 Chapter 70: Kyle Vs Ann

    And his opponent, from the land of Frulia, a fierce Alchemist and master of the dark element¡­ Ann!"


    Kyle''s eyes locked on Ann as she stepped forward, her expression as cold and unreadable as ever.


    Her dark hair framed her pale face, and her eyes, almost black, stared back at him with a quiet intensity.


    Kyle struggled to understand her look. Was she angry with him? Or was this just her normal?


    ''She must still be disappointed over ''the death'' I caused... '' Kyle reasoned.


    Ann said nothing, her expression unchanging as she slowly reached into the pouch strapped to her waist.


    Kyle watched closely, knowing that alchemists fought differently. She would have prepared potions in advance, and each one would be carefully crafted to give her the upper hand.


    Alchemists typically carried five potions into battle, each with a specific purpose¡ªenhancing their physical abilities, boosting their magical output, or providing healing. Ann would be no different.


    The announcer raised his hand.


    "Let the match... begin!"


    Without hesitation, Ann uncorked one of the small glass vials from her pouch and downed its contents in a single swift motion.


    A faint dark aura immediately surrounded her body, and Kyle felt the shift in her mana. She was ready.


    She wasted no time, raising her hand, a shadowy orb began to form above her palm.


    Kyle narrowed his eyes, recognizing the dark energy swirling within it. This wasn''t just any ordinary dark spell.


    "Orb of Darkness." Ann said silently, her voice cutting through the air as the orb shot toward Kyle.


    It moved fast, too fast for him to dodge outright, so he had no choice but to raise his defenses.


    "Lightning Bolt!" Kyle countered, his own spell crackling to life. He launched a bolt of searing lightning directly at the incoming shadow orb.


    The two spells collided mid-air, resulting in an explosion of dark energy and crackling light.


    Kyle gritted his teeth as the force of the impact pushed him back slightly. Experience the best from m|v|l|e|mp|y|r


    The residual darkness from Ann''s spell swirled around him, clinging to his skin and making it harder to see.


    The shadows crawled over his vision, distorting the arena around him.


    He knew what the spell¡ªOrb of Darkness, after all it wasn''t the first time he had experienced it.


    Spells like this proved why the Dark affinity was very rare to awaken.


    It was a spell that clouded the senses, distorting sight and sound and making it difficult for the opponent to focus.


    With her enchantments from the potion, the spell was stronger and seemed to be doing its job, he was practically struggling to see around him.


    Kyle quickly activated his a spell, thanks to his arena experience, he knew how to handle the spell.


    "Lightning Dash!"


    In an instant, his body was engulfed in a burst of lightning, and he shot forward at blinding speed, cutting through the lingering darkness.


    He reappeared behind Ann, hoping to catch her off-guard.


    But she was ready.


    Without turning, Ann muttered another spell, her voice low and chilling. "Shadow Grasp."


    Dark tendrils erupted from the ground around her, lashing out toward Kyle with terrifying speed.


    He barely had time to react, his body still humming with the aftereffects of Lightning Dash. He twisted in mid-air, narrowly avoiding the first wave of shadowy tendrils.


    But one caught him by the ankle, yanking him downward with brutal force. He hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of him.


    Ann turned slowly, her dark eyes gleaming with satisfaction. The tendril tightened around Kyle''s leg, and he felt the cold grip of shadow magic seeping into his skin, draining his energy.


    Kyle held his jaw tight. He could feel the shadows trying to sap his strength, but he wasn''t done yet. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Channeling his mana, he summoned a surge of lightning, sending a jolt of energy down the length of his body and into the tendril.


    The shadow burned away with a hiss, releasing its grip on him. Kyle rolled to his feet, breathing heavily but far from finished.


    Ann''s spells were tough, but he had faced worse.


    "I''m just getting started," he said, his voice low but filled with determination.


    Ann''s cold expression didn''t falter. She reached into her pouch again, pulling out another vial.


    This time, the potion glowed a deep crimson. She drank it swiftly, and Kyle could feel the power radiating from her.


    Whatever it was, it had boosted her strength even more.


    Kyle had to think quickly. Ann''s dark magic was incredibly effective at keeping him on the defensive.


    ''I''ll have to attack harder!''


    As Ann prepared to launch another attack, Kyle activated a rune that boosted his speed.


    His body pulsed with a new wave of energy, as he got ready to zip.


    Ann launched her next spell, a wave of shadowy spikes erupting from the ground and hurtling toward him.


    "Shadow Grasp." she called once again, her voice cutting through the air like ice.


    Kyle reacted instantly and shot forward once again, zig-zagging through the tendrils that came out from the ground.


    The air crackled with energy as he closed the distance between them.


    Ann''s eyes widened slightly, realizing too late that Kyle was already upon her.


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    Kyle unleashed the spell point-blank, sending a bolt of crackling energy directly into her chest.


    Ann stumbled backward, her dark aura flickering, but she didn''t go down.


    She grit her teeth, her cold exterior finally breaking as she glared at him.


    "I won''t lose to you, Kyle!" she hissed, her voice filled with venom.


    Kyle barely had time to react as Ann drank her final potion. This one glowed an eerie black, and the moment it touched her lips, her entire body seemed to darken.


    The shadows around her thickened, and her mana spiked to a terrifying level.


    She raised both hands, dark energy swirling violently around her.


    "Dark Eclipse!"


    The spell was unlike anything Kyle had seen before. A massive wave of shadow magic erupted from her body, spreading across the entire arena.


    The darkness was suffocating, pressing down on Kyle from all sides. His vision blurred, his senses dulling as the shadows closed in.


    But Kyle wasn''t giving up. He activated some runes once again, these ones amplifying his magic.


    He knew he had made the right choice bringing them with him. Lightning crackled around him, trying to overwhelm the darkness with its brightness.


    He channeled a lot of mana into a final spell.


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    The bolt of lightning tore through the darkness, illuminating the arena as it struck Ann with incredible force.


    The shadows around her shattered, and Ann let out a gasp, her body collapsing to the ground.


    The potions had pushed her to her limits, but Kyle''s relentless attacks had finally overwhelmed her.


    Everywhere was silent as the magical barriers fell, signaling the end of the match.


    Kyle stood there, breathing heavily and aching from exhaustion.


    He looked down at Ann, who was still on the ground, her cold eyes glaring up at him. Despite her defeat, the fire of hatred still burned in her gaze.


    Kyle offered her a hand, but Ann slapped it away, struggling to her feet on her own.


    "I might be weak now... But not forever," she said as she turned and walked off the stage.


    Kyle watched her go, feeling a little regret. Whatever bad blood that existed between them was far from being over.

 Chapter 71: Level up... Twice!

    Kyle walked out of the coliseum, making his way to the dormitory.


    The streets were mostly empty, with only a few students walking about. it wasn''t compulsory to attend but most of those who didn''t would be likely being meaningful with the time.


    As he entered his room, everything seemed in place at first glance¡ªhis books scattered across the table, his katana hanged on the wall.


    Void curled on the bed, sound asleep. His eyes darted at the food pack on the desk¡ªcompletely empty. It looked like a lot of effort was made to not leave behind any food particles.


    Kyle knelt beside Void, watching the slow rise and fall of the dragon''s chest.


    He could feel that something was wrong. Something felt off about Void.


    Kyle couldn''t take it anymore.


    ''Pet''s Status!''


    |Void|


    |Race: Omni Drakkon|


    |Level: 4|*


    |EXP: 6100/8000|*


    |HP: 260|*


    |Energy: 560|*


    |MP: 530|*


    |Agility: 50|*


    |Strength: 50|*


    |Vitality: 130|*


    |Stamina: 280|*


    |Intelligence: 530|*


    [Skills: Lightning Breath, Lightning Dash, Invisible, Phase]


    As he read the information displayed on the panel, Kyle''s eyes widened in shock.


    Void had leveled up¡ªtwice!


    Level 4.


    "How...?" Kyle muttered, staring at the status in disbelief.


    Void had been at level 2 just the other day, right before the Electives Battle. He was sure of it.


    But now, the dragon had not only gained one level, but two. And that meant... Void was now stronger than him.


    Kyle''s mind raced. He didn''t know how Void did it. Did he consume anything? He looked around the room to confirm nothing looked amiss.


    To gain two levels in such a short period of time. No¡ªnot just two levels. 12000 EXP!


    Kyle looked back at his companion that lay on the bed.


    ''I have to confirm,'' he decided, beginning to call out Void''s name.


    Void stirred slightly at the sound of Kyle''s voice but didn''t wake.


    "Alright, enough sleeping," Kyle muttered, reaching out to shake Void gently.


    Void let out a small grunt and his golden eyes slowly began opening. The dragon blinked a few times.


    "Ugh... what do you want, Kyle?" Void grumbled with a groggy voice. "I was having a good dream."


    "Bro, you leveled up. Twice."


    Void puffed his chest out in pride and said:


    "I know."


    "You''re now level 4, Void. That''s higher than me," Kyle said with a tinge of grief in his voice.


    Why won''t he feel sad when his pet that started cultivating the last day took a just a day to surpass him?


    "How did you do this, Void? Teach me your ways!"


    He knelt on the floor, bending his head low and clasping his hands, proving how desperately he was to improve his cultivation speed.


    "Hahaha!" Void laughed hard at Kyle, seeing his posture. "There''s nothing to worry about, Kyle. We OmniDrakkons usually have a faster than average speed."


    Kyle felt defeated and could only reply, "Ohh, okay."


    Kyle sat back against his bed, the sound of Void''s snoring was the only sound in the background.


    Void had laughed himself back to sleep after his plea foe tips and now Kyle was left to his thoughts.


    He thought about cultivating, he couldn''t keep waiting for Mana cores now he didn''t have enough credits.


    He remembered that his companion who had only begun his path of cultivation the day before, had already surpassed him.


    Kyle shook his head, suppressing a wave of frustration. He didn''t have the luxury to dwell on it.


    He stood up, glancing at the clock. 4:04 PM. "Might as well begin," he muttered.


    He sat cross-legged in the center of the room and focused inward, feeling the familiar pulse of mana deep within his core.


    He began to draw in mana from the surrounding atmosphere as he had done hundreds of times already, but today, something felt different.


    It was more difficult to focus, but his mind quickly adjusted and he eventually got immersed in cultivation.


    For hours, Kyle pushed himself, cycling his mana and cultivating as best as he could.


    When 7:00 PM rolled around, Kyle finally opened his eyes. He glanced at his progress.


    [EXP: 1792/4000]


    "Still not enough," Kyle muttered%% in disappointment.


    Standing up, he stretched his limbs to rid out its stiffness when Void''s voice broke the silence.


    "I''m hungry."


    Kyle froze mid-stretch. "What? You just woke up right now, and the first thing you''re thinking about is food?!"


    Void wagged his tail lazily before he opened his eyes halfway and let out a yawn.


    "I need sustenance, Kyle. It''s your job as my caretaker to provide it... Nothing big, I''ll make do with some mana cores."


    Kyle glared at the dragon. "No. No more mana cores for you. You can cultivate on your own."


    Void snorted, clearly unimpressed with Kyle''s reasoning. "Fine, fine. Just get me something else then."


    Kyle shook his head, letting out a sigh. "Hmm. Okay."


    "So, food?"


    "Yeah, let''s go." Join us at m_v le mpyr


    With that, Void retreated into the system space, but Kyle could still hear his voice immediately filling the mental connection between them.


    [Remember, nothing too cheap. We''re celebrating my level up, after all.]


    Kyle rolled his eyes. "Yeah, we''ll see about that."


    [No vegetables either. Meat. Lots of it.]


    Kyle ignored him as they made their way toward the cafeteria, Void''s voice continuing to offer endless opinions on the food choices.


    [That chicken looks dry. Don''t even think about it.]


    "Shut up, Void."


    By the time Kyle had finished grabbing enough food to feed an army, he was down 190 credits. He stared at the total, shaking his head in disbelief.


    "Thank you for all this," Kyle muttered.


    [You''re welcome.]


    With the food packed up, Kyle made his way back to the dorm. Upon entering the room, he wasted no time laying everything out on the table.


    "Alright, Void, you made me purchase this much food¡ªdon''t leave any of this uneaten. You hear?"


    Void''s laugh echoed in Kyle''s mind.


    [Haha! You''re hilarious. Leave some? You should be hoping it''s enough.]


    Kyle glared at the dragon as Void popped out of the system space and, true to his words, devoured almost everything in an few minutes.


    He was left with barely enough to satisfy his own hunger, shaking his head in resignation.


    "Unbelievable," Kyle muttered, watching the once filled table.


    *Burp!*


    "Thanks for the meal, Kyle, that should be enough... For now."


    "What?! What do you mean ''for now''? That''s enough food to last me a week!"


    "Haha. We dragons have a large appetite... As my owner, it''s your job to fill me up."


    Kyle chose not to reply, signaling him to come upstairs for a bath. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a quick bath, the two of them settled into bed, Kyle still fuming quietly while Void drifted off, content and full.


    ***


    The next day, Kyle found himself in the coliseum once again, standing on the grounds.


    Void had decided to remain in the system space, claiming that cultivating was "too boring" for the day.


    "I wish I could cultivate even half as fast as you," Kyle grumbled, glaring at the empty space. But there was no time to dwell on it now¡ªhe had a battle to focus on.


    This was his final match of the group stage. With 6 points under his belt, he had already qualified for the knockout stages, but Kyle wouldn''t like to leave things unfinished.


    He was planning on going into the battle with the intent on securing all 9 points, and in less than ten minutes, it was over.


    His opponent barely stood a chance. The fight wasn''t even worth describing¡ªit was simply another step forward in Kyle''s journey.


    As the battle concluded, Kyle exited the arena, brushing off the light layer of dust on his clothes.


    He stood among the other contestants, waiting as the final few matches wrapped up.


    His eyes scanned the crowd, picking out familiar faces here and there, but his thoughts remained elsewhere.


    Instructor Dan''s voice boomed across the coliseum once every contestant was assembled, calling everyone''s attention.


    "Alright, listen up! Now that the group stages are finished, we''ll be moving on to the knockout rounds. There are 64 of you left. The tournament will follow a tree structure¡ªtwo sides, leading to the finals. Matches will be drawn shortly."


    Kyle felt a small rush of excitement as Dan explained the next steps. The knockout rounds were where things really heated up. There would be no second chances, no safety nets. Every match could be his last.


    He clenched his fists, he was close to wining and it all began here. He wasn''t planning on losing any time soon.


    The drawing for his next opponent was just moments away, and Kyle was ready for whatever came next.


    It didn''t take too long before the matches were drawn, showing Kyle the potential matches and opponents he could face before reaching the finals.


    He observed the tree intently, trying to see if they were any worthy opponent at his side of the tree, and he saw some few.


    ''Milo, Zack, Orion... This should be interesting.''

 Chapter 72: 20 Mana Cores!

    Instructor Dan''s booming voice echoed through the coliseum as the contestants stood gathered after observing their matches.


    "Listen up!" he called out, his arms crossed as he faced the 64 students who had qualified for the knockout stages.


    "Tomorrow, the real battle begins. There will be three matches each, and if you lose, you''re out. No second chances, no comebacks. It''s simple¡ªwin, or go home."


    Kyle calmly nodded his head as he listened, unlike some of the others, he didn''t feel intimidated by Instructor Dan''s words.


    Rather, he felt pity. A tad bit of pity for those who had made it this far, only to return with nothing.


    ''I''m too kind. Why are my being bothered by their fate?'' Kyle thought with a smile.


    Dan continued to explain, cutting Kyle''s thoughts.


    "You''ll fight three matches tomorrow..." Only on m v|le|mp|yr


    "Three matches? That''s impossible!"


    Murmurs began spreading around the contestants as they expressed their disconcern from the match arrangements.


    All the fights, especially at this stage of the competition were usually intense.


    They had limited reserves of mana and would also be very exhausted for the next match¡ªto sum it up, they did not agree with Dan''s words.


    "Quiet!"


    Dan called, releasing some pressure on the student that made them shiver.


    He stared at them with an eye that said: You don''t have the right to argue with the rules.


    "Now... May I continue?" Dan asked with an evil smile after the tranquility was brought back.


    The students were buckling in their shoes from the pressure released by Dan, some even felt themselves peeing on their clothes.


    Kyle handled the pressure better, as he was used to it.


    This wasn''t the first time he had experienced such from him, as had done it a few times during training to disorient his balance.


    Even though he wasn''t cowering in fear like the others, he still wasn''t happy for the match arrangements.


    He was absolutely sure he would fare miles better than the others when his stamina was considered... But he still had to play by the rules and regulate his ''mana capacity''.


    It wasn''t easy losing because you were claiming not to have what you had.


    Hopefully, he won''t lose.


    ''I just need to sweep each match wiyn minimal effort, right? How hard could that be?''


    Dan continued, his voice echoing in the still coliseum.


    "You''ll fight two more the day after, and the final match on the last day of the tournament.


    This tournament is a test of endurance as well as skill, may the best mage win. You have one night left to prepare, so make it count."


    Kyle nodded his head at Dan''s words, knowing that his road to victory wouldn''t come easy.


    "You''re dismissed," Dan said, waving them off with his hand.


    Kyle watched as the other contestants filtered out of the coliseum, most still silent and lost in thought.


    As he turned to leave, a certain thought surfaced on his mind.


    He made a connection with Void to communicate with him.


    ''Yo, Void. Care for a deal?"


    [What now, Kyle?] Void answered lazily.


    ''I''ll make a deal with you. If you stay behind and cultivate while I fight, I''ll give you 20 mana cores once you reach level 10.''


    Void''s interest piqued instantly. [Twenty mana cores?! You ain''t joking, are you?]


    ''Nope, I''m serious. But you''ll have to get to level 10 first,'' Kyle responded with a smirk.


    [Deal! I''ll stay back and cultivate like you''ve never seen before. Just you wait!]


    Void said with a voice filled with determination.


    Kyle smiled to himself as he left the coliseum, making his way back to the dormitory.


    Void''s greed was sometimes annoying, but at least it was easy to motivate him.


    He could now rest easy tonight, knowing Void would be busy pushing himself and not putting his talents to waste.


    He decided to spend the rest of the day cultivating.


    Despite his exhaustion from the previous fights, there was no time for rest. He had to be ready.


    ***


    The next morning, Kyle stood at the coliseum once again, the sun hanging low in the sky as the cool morning breeze swept across the grounds.


    Without Void by his side, everywhere felt silent... Too silent.


    But he pushed it aside, focusing on the challenge ahead today.


    Around him, the other contestants were similarly preparing, some stretching, others quietly meditating.


    Kyle noticed a few familiar faces, he hadn''t spoken to them in a while, something he planned on doing soon...


    ''Maybe after the tournament, we''ll have a small get together,'' Kyle thought.


    He won''t face them now, but the possibility of meeting them in the later rounds was there, as long as they would win like him.


    It didn''t take long before the first set of matches were called for.


    Kyle watched the announcement as the names flashed on the large board in the center of the coliseum.


    His eyes caught his own name, paired with that of his first opponent: Marlon Kain, a Beast Tamer of the fire element.


    As Kyle stepped into the arena, the usual magic barrier shimmered and enclosed them.


    Across from him stood Marlon, a burly figure with a fiery silhouette of a large cat-like creature beside him¡ªa flame cat! S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    How could he forget his very first kill in this world? It wasn''t to say that the match would be easy since he''d slain a similar beast before.


    The only reason why he could kill it was due to the outburst of sword intent.


    Kyle remembered when Instructor Harris placed them alone with it and how the beast had tormented them.


    ''Well, thoughts aside. Let''s do this!'' Kyle said, focusing back on reality.


    "... and when we''re done with you, you''ll wish you gave up long ago!"


    ''Oh. Bro''s been talking,'' Kyle thought with a smile on his face, he nodded his head at Morlon''s words to make it look like he had been paying attention.


    "You''re nodding your head?!" Morlon grunted in anger.


    ''Seems like the talkative,'' Kyle reasoned, staring back at Morlon without blinking. ''Let''s fight already, man.''


    The announcer''s voice boomed through the coliseum, signaling the start of the fight.


    "Begin!"


    Marlon was quick. With a shout, he ordered his beast forward, and the flame cat lunged, fire erupting from its body.


    Kyle sidestepped smoothly, activating Lightning Dash, and the moment the flame cat passed him.


    He turned around, quickly catching it mid-dive, he charged his hand with Lightning Bolt and blasted the cat away.


    ''Amarteur,'' Kyle sighed. ''Seconds into the match and I''ve gotten a direct hit.''


    Marlon snarled in frustration as he saw his cat flung some distance away.


    "Fireball!"


    His hand glowed red and a searing ball of flame left his palm.


    Kyle was ready, as he had already anticipated such move.


    With a twist of his body that was still enhanced by lightning dash, Kyle dodged the fireball, letting the flames dissipate harmlessly against the barrier surrounding the arena.


    A few more moves passed between them, but Kyle remained calm, barely exerting himself.


    He used the minimum amount of mana, just as he had planned, making do with his runes in most cases.


    ''Let''s end this.''


    In a final move, Kyle released a Lightning Bolt, finishing Morlon off.


    The flame cat, already exhausted from multiple failed attacks, collapsed to the ground beside its master with a direct kick on its face.


    ''Sometimes, I forget that I have inhuman strength as well!''


    "Match over! Kyle wins!"

 Chapter 73: A Calculated Win

    "Match over! Kyle wins!"


    Kyle didn''t bother looking back at Marlon, who was panting heavily, his flame cat was barely able to lift its head.


    Kyle had won without much effort, just as he had planned. He crossed his hands behind his back and gracefully walked out of the arena.


    ''One down, two to go.''


    Kyle made his way back to his corner of the coliseum, observing the others that were still fighting.


    The time between battles was short¡ªhis own beginning in 30 minutes.


    It was just long enough for the contestants to recover slightly, but not long enough to fully regain their stamina or mana.


    Like Dan said, this was was part of the challenge¡ªa test of endurance.


    He didn''t allow himself to get complacent. The next opponent, Lila Vance, was another Beast Tamer, but with a water element.


    He had seen her fight before, and she was by far stronger than many of the competition.


    The board flashed his name again. It was time.


    Lila was already waiting for him on the platform, her water serpent coiled around her feet.


    "Begin!"


    The moment the signal was given for the fight to commence, Lila wasted no time.


    "Attack!"


    She commanded, and the serpent shot forward, unleashing high-pressure streams of water.


    The jets tore through the air with frightening speed, cutting towards Kyle in rapid succession.


    Kyle''s reaction was almost instant. Lightning crackled all over his body as he casted Lightning Dash.


    His propelled forward from the lightning and he ran out of the spell''s range just before it hit him, letting it crash into the ground where he had been standing.


    "Water Blast!"


    Lila called out, summoning another jet of Lightning to the spot where he was.


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    Kyle reacted instinctively, firing a bolt of pure lightning that met in the air, filling it with lightning arcs.


    He didn''t just stop there though, this was his moment to end the fight quickly and he directed his eyes to his first target.


    ''You''ll be going down.''


    Kyle activated a wind rune that boosted his movement speed, not as much as his Lightning Dash though.


    ''This would be risky.''


    He dashed off to the serpent, straight at it and in a grabbing motion, he pulled it with him propelling it towards the small pool of water it have formed.


    "Arrgh!"


    Kyle screamed when the Snake''s fangs bit into his arm... It was expected, he had asked for it by attempting to hurdle a snake.


    [HP: 65/74]


    He managed to reach the water pool, activating Lightning Dash to propell his way backwards.


    "Water Blast!"


    Lila called out to the spot Kyle was , helping out Kyle even more by adding more water on her companion.


    Kyle activated an amplifying Rune and casted the spell of the occasion.


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    The bolt of lightning left wildly in blinding speed, hitting the snake directly.


    It didn''t just stop there though, as it was conducted easily by the water pool, spreading violently against the Serpent.


    The snake hissed in pain as it was assaulted by an almost unending arc of lightning.


    "I forfeit!"


    Lila''s voice echoed within the Arena as she screamed in fear. She was scared of what would happen to her companion if the match was to continue.


    Luckily for her, the referee waved its hand around the serpent, prompting its anguish to be over. The lightning was gone.


    Kyle smirked at his brilliant win, directing his gaze to the two companions that currently cuddled each other.


    "Match over! Kyle wins by forfeit!"


    Kyle smirked as he heard the announcement. The match had gone exactly as he planned, a brilliant victory without much effort.


    He turned away from Lila and her serpent, who now coiled in defeat. There was no need to celebrate. He had one more fight left for the day.


    As Kyle walked off the platform, he felt a sharp sting in his arm where the serpent had bitten him.


    The wound wasn''t deep, but it throbbed painfully. He flexed his fingers to shake off the discomfort, but he knew better than to ignore it.


    He had more fights ahead, and any injury, no matter how small, could affect his performance.


    Making his way toward the infirmary, Kyle passed by other fighters, some limping, others had bruises.


    The coliseum''s healing area was bustling with injured students from the day''s battles, each waiting for their turn with the healers.


    He entered the room, the air cooler and quieter than the chaotic arena outside.


    The soft glow of Light magic filled the space as the staff worked diligently to tend to the injured fighters.


    A few beds lined the walls, occupied by students resting after grueling matches.


    A healer approached Kyle, a young woman with short blonde hair and a gentle smile. "Let me take care of that for you," she said, gesturing to his arm.


    Kyle nodded, sitting on one of the empty beds. He watched as she placed her hands over his wound, her fingers glowing with a soft, golden light.


    The warmth spread through his arm, soothing the pain instantly. It wasn''t just the wound that was healed; the fatigue in his muscles seemed to lessen slightly as well, though it didn''t replenish his stamina.


    The staff wasn''t permitted to restore energy¡ªit was up to the contestants to manage that themselves.


    The process was quick, efficient. In just a few moments, the bite mark was completely gone, leaving behind only smooth skin. Kyle flexed his arm, satisfied with the result.


    [HP: 74/74]


    "You''re good to go," the healer said, giving him a nod. "Just take it easy."


    Kyle offered a brief thanks before leaving the infirmary. He still had plenty of energy left, more than enough for the final match of the day.


    As he walked back toward the arena, his mind was already racing through strategies for his next opponent.


    Lila had been tough, but the serpent''s water element had given him the advantage. He''d need to approach this next fight with the same level of caution and precision. Stay connected with m|vl|e|mp|y|r


    The board flashed his name once again. It was time.


    His opponent this time was Roland, a fellow Rune Maker with the air element. Kyle had seen him fight before¡ªRoland was fast, using wind runes to enhance his movement and strikes.


    Unlike most Rune Makers who relied heavily on magic, Roland incorporated physical combat into his style, making him a versatile and unpredictable fighter.


    Kyle stepped onto the platform, his eyes meeting Roland''s across the arena. The air around Roland shimmered as wind swirled at his feet, already boosting his speed. This would be a challenge.


    "Begin!"


    "Wind dash!"


    The moment the match started, Roland summoned a spell, dashing forward, his body blurred as he moved with unnatural speed.


    Kyle immediately activated Lightning Dash, his own body crackling with electricity as he dodged Roland''s opening strike.


    The two of them exchanged blows in rapid succession, neither gaining the upper hand. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Roland was fast¡ªfaster than Lila''s serpent. His air-enhanced strikes came at Kyle from every angle, forcing him to stay on the defensive.


    Kyle blocked and parried, his movements precise and calculated. He couldn''t afford to waste mana too early in the fight.

 Chapter 74: Tagging Along

    Roland kept on moving with ferocity, as if he couldn''t waste a second without attacking.


    This made Kyle to notice something Roland. He was already showing signs of fatigue.


    His mana reserves must''ve been low, yet he was fighting as if he had an endless well of power.


    ''I see... He wants to go all out from the start,'' Kyle pondered. ''Well, it won''t work against me.''


    Kyle activated a rune, boosting his movement speed. With the added speed, he started to maneuver through Roland''s increasingly desperate attacks.


    After a few more exchanges, it became clear¡ªRoland had run out of mana.


    His movements were sluggish, and his breathing was ragged. The match was practically over.


    "You should resign," Kyle offered with a serious tone. Without mana, there as no how he could fight against him.


    "No. I refuse to backdown!"


    Roland said with determination etched on his face, shaking his head.


    *Sigh*


    "Suit yourself."


    Kyle crossed his hands over his chest and waited for what Roland would attempt.


    In a rush of anxious movements, Roland released some runes from his pouch, activating them almost simultaneously.


    Kyle on seeing the incoming runes, recognized them already.


    ''That one''s a rune, modelled after [Quake], the other''s a fire damage rune, while the last is for an earthquake,'' Kyle analyzed the runes.


    ''It''s great fighting a fellow rune maker... To avoid all these effects, I just need to leave the range of those runes and not returning to that spot.''


    Kyle proceeded to activate Lightning Dash, giving himself some distance from the spells.


    He didn''t just stop there, activating his own [Quake] rune and engulfing the area Roland stood.


    He managed to react quickly, identifying the activated rune and giving some distance.


    Kyle smiled, observing that Roland had acted according to his plan.


    He just needed him to move away from his trap radius, and now he had done this... It was time to end it!


    "Lightning Dash!"


    Lightning particles oozed out of his body and he zipped towards Roland.


    He could do nothing but watch as Kyle approached him and struck him with Lightning Bolt at point blank range.


    The rest was history. The match was over. Kyle had won his last battle.


    Kyle stood over his fallen opponent, breathing heavily. The urge to reach out and help him up crossed his mind for a split second, but his eyes darted to the attendants already making their way over.


    He thought better of it, letting his hand fall back to his side. "It''s not my job," he muttered to himself.


    Turning away from the scene, he felt the weight of the competition closing in.


    "We''re down to eight already," Kyle murmured as he walked out of the arena. "Everything''s moving too fast."


    His gaze shifted towards the remaining fighters on the field. With the quarterfinals approaching, he couldn''t help but wonder how his friends were holding up.


    ''I wonder if they made the cut,'' he mused, moving toward the stands where the rest of the matches were taking place.


    By the time Kyle reached the stands, most of the remaining matches had already concluded. To no one''s surprise, every name he had expected showed up on the screen of qualifiers: Ann, Zack, Milo, Riya, Orion, and, to his astonishment, Lora.


    His eyebrows furrowed as he considered Lora''s presence. ''Lora? Really? I thought she was out by now¡­'' Kyle shook his head. ''Well, she must have gotten lucky. Good for her.''


    As the contestants gathered after all the fights reached its conclusion.


    Instructor Dan made his way to the center of the coliseum, standing tall before the remaining eight fighters.


    His booming voice echoed throughout the grounds, drawing the attention of everyone.


    "Congratulations. You''ve made it through some tough battles to get here, and now you''re the final eight.


    But the hardest part is still ahead. Tomorrow, you''ll be facing your biggest challenge yet. The quarterfinals are where we separate the contenders from the champions."


    Dan directed his gaze to the small group before him and he added:


    "Your next matchups will be posted shortly, but keep in mind: You''ve done well by coming this far already, so don''t feel bad if you lose from this point¡ªthere''s no shame losing if you gave it your all."


    "Ha!" Kyle laughed lightly. "Those words are for losers... I''m winning this."


    "Rest up tonight, because tomorrow, the real test begins."


    Dan gestured to the board where the matchups for the next round were being revealed and Kyle''s eyes instinctively darted toward the list.


    ''Let''s see who I send home.''


    .Kyle vs Zack


    .Orion vs Milo


    .Riya vs Ann


    .Lora vs Jacob


    Kyle smiled when he saw his name paired with Zack.


    ''So, I''m up against Zack¡­ That''s gonna be interesting.''


    He couldn''t help but feel sad when he thought:


    ''I would have loved to face off Milo. He''s been getting too corky as of late... Well, Orion should do the job.''


    Milo versus Orion was going to be an interesting match up. He was rooting for Orion to win though, but it won''t be an easy match. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And Riya? Well, Kyle knew her well enough to understand that Ann stood no chance.


    Riya was a force of nature, confident and determined. Ann might be strong, but Kyle could see Riya coming out on top of this duel.


    Then there was Lora. He had no clue about who this Jacob guy was, so he couldn''t say anything about it.


    ''Enough analyzing... We''ll see tomorrow.''


    Dan soon dismissed them but Kyle stayed for a moment, watching as the remaining spectators filed out of the coliseum.


    Hee spotted the quarter finalists near the entrance. Riya, Zack, Milo, Orion, Lora, and Jacob¡ªall of them buzzing with excitement from their victories. Discover stories at m,v l''-NovelFire


    Ann, ever the silent one, had already left without a word, much to no one''s surprise.


    "Well, look who we have here," Zack called out, waving Kyle over.


    "The man who''s about to be my punching bag tomorrow!"


    Kyle laughed inwardly, shaking his head as he approached. "We''ll see about that."


    "You''re all gonna need to be more than ready," Riya interjected, crossing her arms with a smirk.


    "I''m aiming for the top, and that means all of you are in my way. Especially you, Anne."


    She paused, looking around. "Oh, wait¡­ she''s gone already."


    "Left without a sound," Milo muttered, leaning casually against the wall.


    "That girl''s more mysterious than a forbidden spell scroll.


    Kyle shrugged, not surprised of Anne leaving.


    "Either way, Riya, don''t get too cocky. Ann''s no pushover."


    Riya scoffed. "Please. By tomorrow, she''ll be wishing she hadn''t qualified."


    "Speaking of qualifications," Orion came in, adjusting his glasses.


    "If we statistically analyze the current matchups based on prior performance and projected outcomes, the probability of my victory against Milo exceeds 55%.


    Of course, this doesn''t factor in Milo''s random outbursts of brute force."


    Milo rolled his eyes. "You''re gonna need more than numbers and fancy words to win, Orion."


    "I''d argue that numbers are the foundation of every victory," Orion shot back.


    "After all, how do you think we measure skill? Data doesn''t lie. But don''t worry, I''ll let you figure that out tomorrow¡ªwhen I crush you."


    Zack laughed, giving Milo a playful shove. "Better watch out, man. Orion''s got the numbers on his side."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, enjoying the banter. "Let''s not get ahead of ourselves. You''ve still got to actually fight."


    "Don''t worry, Kyle," Lora said, she had been talking more often from hanging out with them but her voice was still softer than usual.


    "I won''t go easy on Jacob either. If I made it this far, I might as well win it."


    Jacob laughed, giving her a nod of approval. "That''s the spirit! But I''m not going easy on you just because you''re the underdog."


    Kyle was about to respond when his stomach growled loudly, interrupting the conversation.


    He suddenly remember he hadn''t eaten much since the morning.


    "Alright, I need to head to the cafeteria and grab something before I collapse from hunger."


    Riya''s ears perked up immediately. "You''re heading to the cafeteria? Perfect! I''m starving."


    Zack''s eyes lit up, and he grinned. "You know what? Me too! Guess we''re all tagging along."


    Kyle turned to face them, holding up his hands in protest.


    "Wait, I didn''t say I was paying for anyone!"


    "Sure you did," Riya teased, hooking her arm around Kyle''s shoulder.


    "It''s the least you can do after we''ve all made it this far."


    The rest of the group quickly joined in, laughing and throwing more playful threats Kyle''s way.


    "I mean, come on, Kyle," Zack said, crossing an arm over his other shoulder.


    "We deserve a little reward for making it to the quarterfinals."


    "You''re all forcing me into this, aren''t you?"


    "You could always try running," Milo joked, though there was a mischievous shine on his eye that made it clear he''d give chase if Kyle tried.


    Kyle finally sighed in defeat, his voice filled with resignation. "Fine, fine. Let''s go."

 Chapter 75: The Quarterfinals

    The group let out a cheer, and together they made their way to the cafeteria.


    Once inside, Kyle ordered enough food to satisfy not only himself, but the appetites of his so-called friends.


    The trays were piled high with a mix of roasted meats, savory stews, and fresh bread. Riya snatched up her plate first, beaming at the spread.


    "You''re the best, Kyle. See? This is why we keep you around," she teased.


    Zack took his food with a grin, leaning in to whisper dramatically, "He''s secretly loaded. That''s why."


    Kyle rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Don''t get used to this."


    They all sat around one of the large tables, the chatter and clatter of cutlery filling the space as they dug into their meals.


    The mood lightened even further as they recounted their fights, each of them eager to one-up the other with their stories.


    "Did you see how close that last punch was?" Zack said, pointing a fork at Kyle. "I swear, if I''d been even a second slower, I''d be eating through a straw right now." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You mean if your opponent had been any faster," Kyle shot back, earning a round of laughter.


    Orion, between bites, raised an eyebrow at Zack. "As a matter of fact, the academy medics are more than capable enough to heal your presumed fracture. You were never in any real danger."


    Zack shook his head and chuckled. "Man, you take the fun out of everything."


    Riya leaned back in her chair, stretching lazily.


    "Well, I''m just glad we made it this far. Tomorrow''s going to be insane, but right now? This food is all I care about."


    Lora, sitting quietly beside them, smiled as she nibbled on her food.


    "It''s nice to have a moment to breathe. Tomorrow will be tough, but we''ll figure it out."


    After a while, their plates were empty, and the group''s laughter had turned to contented silence.


    One by one, they began to rise, muttering about heading back to their rooms.


    "Well," Kyle said, standing up with a stretch. "This has been fun, but this is where I call it a night."


    The group waved goodbye as they headed toward their houes.


    Kyle smiled as he watched them go before turning to the cafeteria counter to buy the extra food for Void.


    He grabbed a hefty amount for Void, not skimping on anything.


    ''Void''s gonna need all the energy he can get to keep cultivating,'' he thought, knowing his little dragon was growing stronger by the day.


    Kyle let his thoughts wander as he walked towards his house with the food in a bag.


    He wondered how Void was doing back in his room. ''Probably sleeping,'' Kyle mused, then quickly corrected himself.


    ''Nah, knowing him, he''s probably cultivating right now. I shouldn''t underestimate that little guy.''


    The memory of Void''s long cultivation session that had seen him level up twice was still fresh in his mind.


    He soon reached home after a while, upon opening the door to his room, his suspicions were confirmed.


    The food he had left for Void earlier was completely gone, not even a crumb remaining.


    But Void sat still in the corner of the room, a serious, almost regal expression on his face. The tiny dragon was completely absorbed in his cultivation, the air around him humming with mana.


    Kyle placed the food down softly, careful not to disturb Void''s focus. He couldn''t help but chuckle. ''Still going, huh? Guess I''ll leave you to it, then.''


    Kyle quickly freshened up before setting up his Rune-making equipment on the desk.


    He pulled out a few blank cut up runic papers and began to work, etching symbols with precision.


    He did that for a long time, before eventually drifting off to sleep.


    When morning came, Kyle opened his eyes and immediately checked on Void.


    As expected, the little dragon was still deep in cultivation, his food from last night untouched.


    Kyle rubbed his eyes, surprised. "You''re something else, aren''t you?" he muttered to himself. He stretched before heading to the bathroom to take a quick shower.


    After freshening up, Kyle took some to cultivate, completing his daily quest as a result.


    Immediately he was through with his short cultivation session, Kyle glanced over at Void one last time.


    "Make sure to eat something, alright? You can''t cultivate on an empty stomach forever."


    His remainder failed to leave an impact, as Void remained fixed to the spot¡ªcultivating.


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    Kyle knew better than to bother. He knew Void well enough to handle the food when he gets hungry.


    Kyle left the house to the coliseum, stopping by the cafeteria to grab a quick, light breakfast.


    Upon entering the coliseum, he noticed the distinct change in atmosphere from the earlier days of the competion.


    There were fewer competitors now, and the crowd had grown larger, made up mostly of those who had already been disqualified along with spectators eager to see the final battles.


    More and more people kept filing in as time passed.


    Kyle found his place among the other contestants just as Instructor Dan stepped forward to address the group.


    With his usual warm smile, he swept his gaze across the remaining fighters.


    "Congratulations, all of you," he told them once again.


    "You''ve made it this far, which is no small feat. The battles you''ve fought have tested your skills as well as your endurance, which have proven you worthy to stand here as the last eight."


    He paused for a while before continuing. "Today, only two will remain standing. The rest of you will have given it your all, but only the strongest and the most prepared, will make it to the finals."


    Dan clapped his hands together, signaling the start of the day''s events.


    "Without wasting time. May the quarter-finals begin! Good luck to you all."


    Without further ado, the first group of matches were called, and the day was to begin in earnest.


    The crowd that had gathered erupted into cheers as the matches were called to begin.


    With that, Kyle, Zack, and Terra stepped into thier arena.

 Chapter 76: Kyle Vs Zack (1)

    The usual magical barrier shimmered to life around them and sealed them in.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen, today we have a fierce lineup! Representing Rune Making, we have Kyle of Lightning Affinity!


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    And facing off against him is Zack from Beast Taming, accompanied by his companion, Terra!"


    "Let the match... begin!"


    They didn''t begin fighting immediately, silence hung in the air as they stared at each other.


    For a moment, everyone thought they weren''t going to fight, until Zack spoke up, stretching his hand forward.


    "May the best man win."


    Kyle''s hands met his and they both nodded, before giving each other some distance. Everyone could sense it¡ªthe fight had begun!


    Zack made the first move, stamping his feet on the ground while beckoning his companion to do the same.


    "Mud Wall!"


    Thick walls of earth erupted around the arena, one by one.


    It didn''t take Kyle long to figure out what his plan was. Zack was trying to box him in¡ªthe moment this happened, the match was as good as over.


    This was one of his signature moves and he used it so early in the fight, to catch Kyle unaware.


    ''Fat chance.''


    Kyle never planned to let that happen.


    "Lightning Dash!"


    With a burst of speed, he shot forward, his body moving faster than Zack could track.


    It wasn''t easy for him, as Terra kept sprouting more mud walls. That was another advantage of Zack''s box move.


    It could make one have second thoughts on whether to use a movement boost spell, as a collision at that speed with a mud wall could see a match being over.


    Kyle had to be careful not to collide with any wall, timing his speed to adjust if anyone popped into his view¡ªhe could do this thanks to his experience with this spell.


    "Not bad, Kyle... I see you''re not only good with your katana."


    Zack said with his usual grin, seeing how easily Kyle was dodging the walls, he couldn''t keep them up forever so he had to do something quick.


    "Quake!"


    The ground beneath Kyle trembled violently, throwing off his balance.


    He stumbled, barely managing to catch and avoid a wall as the ground around him rumbled.


    Zack''s control over the earth was frighteningly precise, luckily he had managed to avoid all the walls successfully and they were all fading away already.


    Kyle gritted his teeth. He had to attack now, he couldn''t let Zack get the upper hand.


    Lightning crackled at his fingertips as he prepared his next move.


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    A sharp arc of electricity shot through the air, aimed directly at Zack.


    But before it could reach him, Terra lumbered into the path, its shell absorbing the hit with ease.


    Zack''s pet was as much a shield as it was a weapon.


    ''Damn, these beast tamers... They''re a massive cheat!''


    He had gotten rid of all his thoughts on all electives being equally strong. The beast tamers were far too strong at this level.


    He hadn''t realized this sooner because none of the beast tamers he had fought so far could amount to Zack''s level.


    He realized that Zack''s claim of dominating all his matches was true.


    Kyle felt like he was fighting 1 versus 2, the latter featuring a stronger opponent.


    That was illegal!


    "Nice try!" Zack called, directing Terra forward.


    The massive creature charged, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground with each step.


    Kyle could feel the raw power in Terra''s movements, and he knew he couldn''t take it head-on.


    Not fast enough, Kyle muttered under his breath, dashing sideways just as Terra brought down its tail where Kyle had been standing moments before, leaving dust in its wake.


    Zack followed up with another Mud Wall, trapping Kyle from the back.


    Kyle skidded to a stop, his back against the wall.


    "Nowhere to run!"


    Zack shouted, and Terra raised its forelimbs for a crushing blow.


    But Kyle wasn''t trapped... Not even close.


    With a grin of his own, he thrust his hand to the wall behind him, using the runes he''d prepared earlier.


    They glowed faintly, and in an instant, the wall shattered into pieces, freeing him from Zack''s earth prison.


    He shot forward, faster this time, his body coursing with electric energy.


    "Lightning Dash!"


    Zack cursed, unable to react in time as Kyle closed the gap. He aimed a punch at Zack''s side, landing a solid hit that sent his friend stumbling.


    But Zack wasn''t finished.


    "Terra! Quake!"


    The ground shook violently again, and this time, Kyle wasn''t ready for it.


    He was thrown off balance, and just before he could recover, Terra was already on him, swinging its massive arm.


    Kyle barely managed to roll out of the way, the creature''s fist smashing into the ground where he had been. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle''s heart raced. This battle was turning out to be even more intense than he had imagined.


    He''d have to try harder if he ever wanted to come out on top.


    Zack wiped the sweat from his brow, grinning through the exhaustion.


    "Come on Kyle, is this all you got?"


    "Hell, no!" Kyle replied, his body crackling with renewed energy as he prepared for the next round.


    Kyle narrowed his eyes, feeling the sparks dance along his skin.


    He needed to outmaneuver both Zack and Terra if he had any chance of victory.


    Zack''s control over the battlefield was impressive, but Kyle had one advantage¡ªhe was unpredictable.


    "Alright, Zack," Kyle muttered to himself. "Time to switch it up."


    He summoned his lightning again, this time with more focus. "Lightning Bolt!"


    The arc of electricity shot out, but this time it wasn''t aimed at Zack.


    Instead, it struck the ground just in front of Terra, creating a blinding flash that disoriented the massive beast.


    Terra roared in frustration, losing its sense of direction for a moment.


    Kyle seized the opportunity, dashing forward with [Lightning Dash].


    The speed of his movement left a trail of crackling energy as he zipped, and before Terra or Zack could recover, Kyle was behind them.


    His body was brimming with energy, and his mana kept surging.


    ''Time to end this!'' Kyle thought, charging up a [Lightning Bolt] the moment he neared them.


    Suddenly, the whole crowd became silent as they struggled to grasp how quickly the tide has changed.


    All that could be heard in the Arena was Zack''s voice that echoed within it..


    "Not bad!" Zack grinned, turning around to face the frozen Kyle.


    "But you''ll have to do better than this to defeat me."

 Chapter 77: Kyle Vs Zack (2)

    Kyle glanced down at his feet, it had suddenly stopped and his legs were unable to budge.


    "Mud Trap..." he muttered, recognizing the technique immediately.


    But this one was different¡ªit was stronger than any he''d encountered before.


    Terra and Zack must have combined their mana into a single, potent trap.


    They had been planning for this, patiently waiting for him to get close. And now, he had walked straight into it.


    He gritted his teeth, trying to summon another [Lightning Bolt], but before he could release it, a thick [Mud Wall] shot up, blocking his attack completely.


    Terra and Zack were on the other side, which was exactly what he wanted. He would be finished if they could act on him in his situation.


    He activated [Lightning Dash] again almost immediately and tried to zip out of the hardened mud.


    "Damn it!" Kyle cursed under his breath after his plan failed.


    ''Okay, I can''t force my way out. But I can...'' His mind was racing and he eventually thought of a solution.


    There was a certain rune he could use and Kyle didn''t hesitate, reaching into his pouch, he pulled out a rune that made him grateful he crafted it.


    It was a simple but effective one: [Dispel]. It was a rune that could siphon mana out of a spell, although it took time to do so.


    With one hand, he quickly pressed it into the mud around his legs and channeled a burst of his mana into it.


    The rune glowed briefly before it slowly began doing its job.


    "From the rate the mana''s being dispelled, it''ll take about 45 seconds before it''s through," Kyle calculated, his thoughts racing. "I can''t afford to wait 45 seconds."


    His heart pounded as his eyes darted toward the mud wall, wary of the moment Zack would charge in.


    But there was nothing¡ªno movement yet. Kyle''s mind raced. Why hadn''t Zack taken the opportunity to finish him?


    "Oh," Kyle realized. "I left Terra blind. He must be waiting for her sight to return."


    His eyes narrowed. "Why can''t he just come at me alone? I''m trapped, so he should be able to handle me... unless¡ªhe''s out of mana!"


    Kyle''s lips curled into a grin, confidence surging. "I''m so going to defeat him if I get out before he comes."


    He glanced at the rune one more time, confirming it was still doing its job, its faint glow providing him hope.


    "Almost there¡­ just hold on."


    ***


    Zack paced nervously around the blinded Terra lying on the arena floor, weighing his options.


    His face, usually full of humor, was clouded with a rare seriousness that felt out of place with demeanor.


    "I''m out of mana and Terra''s still blind... should I just call it quits?"


    Twack!


    He slapped the side of his head hard. "No. I can''t quit. Not after coming this far."


    He had burned through his mana recklessly, pushing Kyle into a corner, giving him a fight that few could handle.


    But unluckily, the decisive blow never came, and now the momentum was slipping away.


    Zack had hoped his last-ditch trap would hold Kyle long enough¡ªbut Terra''s blindness was stalling his victory.


    "The spell should last 60 seconds," Zack calculated, breathing heavily. "Terra''s eyes will be fine before then."


    A smile crept back onto his face as he envisioned his comeback.


    BOOM!


    Debris erupted from the mud wall in a loud explosion, chunks of earth flying everywhere.


    Zack''s smile froze when he directed his gaze to the previous erected wall, his eyes was widened in shock.


    "Oh shit..." he muttered, watching the wall collapse in on itself.


    Kyle stepped out from behind the wreckage, his posture confident, eyes cold and calculating as they locked onto Zack''s.


    Zack had clearly underestimated just how quickly Kyle could turn the tables¡ªand now, his chances of winning were slipping through his fingers.


    "Nice trap," Kyle called out, a confident grin spreading across his face.


    "But you''ll need more than that to stop me."


    Zack raised an eyebrow, not fazed in an attempt to look confident¡ªhe couldn''t let Kyle sense his weakness.


    "Oh. I like a challenge. Let''s see what else you''ve got."


    Kyle''s fingers crackled with energy as he prepared for the next round.


    Zack looked at his companion that was already getting up¡ªthat was his only hope in this fight.


    With a grin, he screamed. "Terra! Mud wall!"


    This time, the wall rose wider and faster and Zack and Terra disappeared behind them. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle took a deep breath, steadying himself. He could feel the walls closing in, but Kyle wasn''t out of options.


    He pressed his hand to the wall. The runes he had etched earlier began to glow faintly as he infused them with his mana.


    In a flash, the wall exploded outward, chunks of earth scattering across the arena.


    He dashed through the opening, just in time to see Terra charging toward him again. Kyle''s mind raced.


    Terra''s sheer strength was its biggest asset, but Kyle knew he had to exploit its sluggishness.


    Kyle stretched out his hand and summoned another rune mid-air, sending a [Lightning Bolt] directly at Terra.


    The beast absorbed the hit again, its stone body showing little signs of damage, but Kyle wasn''t aiming to hurt it.


    The impact was enough to disrupt its forward momentum, causing Terra to stumble.


    Seizing his chance, Kyle leapt onto Terra''s back, lightning sparking at his fingertips as he summoned his energy once more.


    Terra roared in anger, thrashing wildly, but Kyle clung on, using his enhanced speed and agility to stay atop the massive creature.


    "Zack!" Kyle called, his voice echoing across the arena. "Looks like your pet''s a little slow today!"


    Zack grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "You''re gonna regret that, Kyle! Terra! Quake!"


    The ground beneath them rumbled violently again, but this time Kyle was prepared.


    As Terra''s powerful quake began to disrupt the arena floor, Kyle leapt off the beast, using his momentum to propel himself into the air.


    Lightning surged through his body, and with a crack of thunder, he shot forward, racing straight toward Zack.


    Zack raised his arms defensively, but Kyle was too fast.


    In the blink of an eye, Kyle was in front of him, delivering a powerful punch charged with lightning energy.


    The force of the blow sent Zack stumbling backward, struggling to regain his balance.


    Panting, Zack glanced over at Terra, who was still recovering from its disorientation.


    "You''re good, Kyle," Zack said between breaths. "But we''re not done yet."


    Kyle grinned. "I wouldn''t expect anything less."


    Terra roared again, recovering its balance and charging toward Kyle with renewed fury.


    Kyle''s heart raced¡ªhe could feel the intensity of the battle building. This was it. He had to finish this, and fast.


    Kyle leapt back, giving himself some space as he prepared his next move.


    He knew Zack would keep using Terra as a shield, and with their combined power, he couldn''t afford to be reckless. But Kyle had one last trick up his sleeve.


    He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small rune he had prepared earlier. It glowed faintly in his palm as he infused it with mana.


    "Let''s see how you handle this," Kyle muttered, tossing the rune toward Zack and Terra.


    As soon as the rune hit the ground, it erupted in a burst of electricity, forming a temporary barrier of lightning between Kyle and his opponents¡ªthe barrier would last for 3 seconds and that more than enough for Kyle.


    The barrier crackled with energy, preventing Terra from charging forward and giving Kyle the time he needed.


    Kyle summoned alot of mana , feeling the energy surge through him.


    "Lightning Dash!"


    In a blur of movement, Kyle shot forward, bypassing Terra entirely and heading straight for Zack.


    Zack''s eyes widened in surprise, but he didn''t have time to react.


    Kyle closed the distance in an instant, landing a powerful blow to Zack''s chest.


    The impact sent Zack flying backward, crashing into the ground with a grunt. He tried to stand, but the force of Kyle''s attack had left him winded.


    Breathing heavily, Kyle stood over Zack, his lightning still crackling faintly around him.


    The spectators were on their feet, cheering wildly as the match had reached its climax.


    Zack lay on the ground for a moment before chuckling softly.


    He glanced at Terra and could sense she had exhausted her mana too¡ªthere was really no fight they could produce against Kyle at this point. He knew it was over.


    "Alright, alright. You got me," he said, raising a hand in surrender.


    "I''m down."


    Kyle offered Zack a hand, helping him to his feet. "That was one hell of a match," Kyle said with a wide smile.


    Zack grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow, an evidence of how exhausted he was.


    "Yeah, you too, man. You earned that win."


    The crowd roared in approval as the announcer stepped forward, raising his hand. "And the winner is¡­ Kyle!"


    Kyle smiled, breathing a sigh of relief as the tension in his body began to fade.


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    He had won, but it had been a close call. Zack had pushed him harder than anyone so far, and he knew the next battle might be even tougher.


    As the crowd continued to cheer, Kyle glanced over at Zack and Terra.


    Zack''s grin was wide, and despite the loss, he seemed genuinely happy for Kyle.


    "Well," Zack said, clapping Kyle on the shoulder. "You better win this whole thing now. I didn''t get knocked out for nothing."


    Kyle laughed and said with a proud expression.


    "You bet I will!"

 Chapter 78: No Blitz

    Kyle walked out of the arena floor, making his way to the spectator stands.


    He could have 3 hours before his next match, more than enough to fully recover, unlike yesterday''s thirty minutes.


    It was all determined by who finished first because that was when the 3-hour countdown would begin.


    Kyle inwardly hoped that Milo and Orion were still fighting as that was where his next opponent would come from per the future screen.


    Upon observing the matches, he found out that they were still fighting.


    Sure enough, after over 30 minutes of intense back-and-forth between the two, Milo managed to claim victory.


    But it hadn''t been easy for him. Kyle noticed the Blitz limping off to the side.


    Milo''s companion had taken a nasty hit, and even though the medics healed him immediately, the injury was too severe for Blitz to continue.


    The medics were restricted in how much they could heal the contestants. Some wounds were left untreated to force them to drop out and visit the general academy infirmary.


    Milo''s expression looked devoid of any emotion, but one could see the sorrow and frustration if they looked at him closely.


    Kyle on the other hand equally felt sad for him, but a greater share of relief.


    Milo might have won, but without Blitz, Kyle''s battle against him would be an easy one.


    ''Hopefully, he saves himself the additional stress and drops out.''


    Kyle directed his gaze to where Riya and Lora sat. He was disappointed he had missed Lora''s victory over Jacob, who he had later found out to be a dual-elementalist of fire and water.


    Still, he had watched Riya''s match with Anne, where Riya had shown incredible grit and determination, overcoming her opponent in a hard-fought battle.


    Both of his friends had made it through, and that gave him a small sense of satisfaction... Now, it was all about who would fight him between Riya and Lora.


    ''It would obviously be Riya,'' Kyle concluded without much pondering.


    Kyle knew how determined Riya was and didn''t think Lora would be able to put up a fight against her.


    Before he knew it, his rest time was over. Kyle stood up, feeling refreshed and anew once again and ready to go for round two.


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    He made his way to the arena and spotted Milo on the other side. The boy looked frustrated, and his eyes locked into Kyle in great anger.


    ''Chill, man... It''s not my fault you''re handicapped,'' Kyle wanted to say but held back his thoughts.


    He might have lost his companion, but Kyle wasn''t going to underestimate him, after all a wounded lion was always the strongest of all.


    Despite Milo''s fatigue, he knew that he would push himself to the limit, and that meant he had to be sharp.


    As they both stepped into their respective starting positions, the arena went quiet for a brief moment.


    The atmosphere thickened with anticipation as the referee raised his hand.


    "Begin!"


    Milo wasted no time. With a surge of mana, he launched himself forward using [Lightning Dash], his body becoming a blur of crackling electricity.


    Kyle instinctively equally dashed to the side, narrowly avoiding the first attack as Milo came crashing down where he had been standing moments before.


    Kyle was still surprised by Milo''s agility, even with all his stat points, Milo was somehow able to keep up with him.


    "This is going to be fun," Kyle remarked, loud enough to Milo''s hearing. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Milo didn''t speak. Instead, he responded by firing a quick [Lightning Bolt], the arc of electricity zipping toward Kyle with blinding speed.


    Kyle raised his arm and released his own [Lightning Bolt], the two spells colliding in midair with a deafening crack.


    The explosion of light and sound sent ripples of energy through the arena, but Kyle was already on the move.


    He shot forward using [Lightning Dash], closing the distance between them in an instant.


    Milo barely had time to react before Kyle was upon him, delivering a sharp punch to his midsection, charged with the residual electricity from his dash.


    The force of the blow sent Milo stumbling backward, gritting his teeth in pain, but he didn''t falter.


    With a quick recovery, Milo retaliated, swinging his arm forward and casting another [Lightning Bolt] at point-blank range.


    The bolt slammed into Kyle, sending a jolt of electricity surging through his body.


    [HP: 64/76]


    Kyle grunted as the shockwave pushed him back. It was painful... But he wasn''t out yet.


    "Is that all you got?"


    Milo''s brow furrowed in frustration, but he kept his composure, launching into another [Lightning Dash] to try and keep Kyle on the defensive.


    Kyle dodged, narrowly evading a strike, and countered with a rune he had been charging in his hand.


    With a quick toss, the rune hit the ground, forming cracks in the earth that shook Milo''s balance.


    Taking advantage of the opening, Kyle charged up a [Lightning Bolt] and hurled it at Milo''s back.


    The spell hit its mark, sending Milo sprawling to the ground, electricity crackling across his body as he groaned in pain.


    Kyle took his chance, moving in quickly, he delivered a quick kick to Milo''s side and pushed him further across the arena floor.


    Milo coughed, pushing himself to his knees. There was still a spark in his eyes, evident of his unwavering determination.


    Kyle shook his head, admiring Milo''s resilience.


    "I told you to drop out, didn''t I?" he said, his tone almost mocking. But deep down, he respected Milo''s spirit.


    "The point of this tournament is to fight using the different boons of your electives and you''re planning on beating me raw."


    "Like hell I will!" Milo growled, summoning the last of his mana reserves.


    He stood up shakily and launched into one final desperate attack, casting [Lightning Bolt] after [Lightning Bolt] in rapid succession.


    The air was filled with the crackle of electricity as the bolts shot toward Kyle one after another, but Kyle dodged them with ease, each movement precise and controlled.


    Milo''s attacks grew sloppier and his mana was nearly depleted already.


    Sweat kept pouring down from his face and his breath came in short gasps. Kyle could see that Milo was already nearing his limit.


    With a calm breath, Kyle decided it was time to end this.


    He activated an amplification rune before gathering his mana on one hand, preparing his final move.


    Milo was still struggling to catch his breath when Kyle unleashed [Lightning Dash], closing the distance between them in a blink.


    As he appeared right in front of Milo, he slammed his fist into Milo''s chest, the force of the blow amplified by the rune he had activated.


    The impact was devastating. Milo''s eyes widened in shock as he was launched backward, his body tumbling across the arena floor until he finally came to a stop, unmoving.


    For a moment, the arena was silent, the tension thick in the air. Then, slowly, Milo pushed himself up onto his hands and knees, panting heavily.


    But it was over. He had no mana left, and his body was too battered to continue.


    With a resigned sigh, Milo looked up at the referee and gave a small nod.


    With that, the referee raised his hand, signaling the end of the match.


    "And the winner is¡­ Kyle!"

 Chapter 79: Prelude To The Finals (Edited)

    The crowd erupted into wild cheers, their voices echoing through the arena as Kyle stood tall, the crackling remnants of his lightning still flickering around him.


    He turned to Milo, who was being helped up by the medics, and offered a small nod of respect.


    Milo glanced back at him. His face was a mixture of anger and frustration.


    He didn''t say a word as he was led off the field, but Kyle could tell Milo wasn''t going to forget this fight anytime soon.


    Kyle stepped out of the arena feeling very happy. He had won another match and had made it to the Finals.


    Now it was either Lora or Riya that was left for him to win.


    ''I wonder who made it!''


    Once he reached the stands, Kyle sat among the spectators, finding a good spot to watch the match.


    He was already late when he came as the match had ended and the winner was determined already.


    "And the winner is... Lora!"


    Lora had won! The fight had ended in a similar fashion to Kyle''s.


    Riya laid on the ground, her body filled with frustration while Lora stood victorious, her hand raised high by the referee.


    ''I guess it''s Lora in the finals to tomorrow,'' Kyle concluded, anticipating the match already.


    After confirming the results, Kyle decided to head home.


    He took a small detour to the mall to purchase something, before buying his usual takeouts meals from the cafeteria.


    ''I hope he''s still not cultivating,'' Kyle thought as he walked into the door of his house.


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    Yes, he admired Void''s determination or rather greed, but he couldn''t afford him still cultivating by now.


    ''I''ll have to stop him if he is,'' Kyle decided as he entered his room.


    What greeted him was the curled up small dragon on the bed, soundly at sleep. Its chest rose and fell in a slow, steady rhythm.


    Kyle couldn''t help but sigh in relief. He was happy Void was resting... ''Such a smart dragon.''


    He set the food down and took a quick bath, scrubbing away the sweat of the day. Once clean, he sat at his desk and began working on his runes.


    The grind was familiar¡ªcarefully etching each line and making sure the patterns were perfect.


    Hours passed as Kyle immersed himself in the work, the world outside temporarily forgotten from him.


    When the time was a little past 8 PM, a rustling sound came from the bed.


    Kyle glanced over to see Void stretching and yawning. The dragon''s bright eyes focused on Kyle, curious as ever.


    "I made it to the finals today," Kyle said casually, expecting some kind of celebratory outburst from Void.


    But Void simply blinked, tilting his head. "We''ll celebrate when you win," the dragon replied in a matter-of-fact tone. "No need for that now."


    Kyle chuckled, a bit surprised. Void wasn''t wrong¡ªthere was still one more fight to go.


    "Fair enough," he said. "Still, I could use some motivation."


    Void considered Kyle''s words for a moment. "Do you want me to come tomorrow?"


    Kyle raised an eyebrow at the question. "You''re actually thinking about it?"


    Void paused, going deep into thought. It was clear that the dragon took the question seriously, weighing his options.


    The faster he got to level 10, the faster his rewards would come... He couldn''t afford to waste time like this...


    These were his thoughts process as he contemplated on the matter, but just before he could disagree, Kyle''s voice snapped him out.


    "Just come. It''ll be fun."


    With that, Kyle rummaged through his belongings and pulled out a mana core.


    Void''s eyes widened, but to Kyle''s surprise, the dragon didn''t leap at it immediately like before.


    Instead, Void approached with an almost regal air, looking at Kyle, he asked, "Is this mine?"


    Kyle grinned. "Yup, it''s yours."


    Void eyes widened for a moment and just before be could grab the core, he muttered, "Thank you."


    He carefully took the core into his claws and with a single movement threw it into his mouth and chewed it.


    Kyle watched, amused by Void''s sudden show of manners. "Well, someone''s grown up."


    Satisfied that Void was taken care of, Kyle finished up his work and decided to call it a night.


    As he lay down, exhaustion finally caught up with him, he felt a sense of calm settle over him as he was about to sleep.


    Tomorrow was the day¡ªhis chance to prove himself.


    But as sleep took him, Kyle could still sense Void in the corner of the room, steadily cultivating.


    The next day would bring the finals, and Kyle knew he had to be ready for whatever challenge awaited him.


    [BZZZ!]


    The alarm sounded loudly in Kyle''s head, pulling him out of sleep. Kyle stirred up, directing his gaze to the little dragon curled up right beside him, fast asleep.


    Kyle smiled to himself¡ªVoid must have gotten tired after last night''s cultivating.


    He carefully slid out of bed, doing his best not to wake the sleeping dragon.


    ''I''ll let you rest a bit longer,'' Kyle thought, heading out for a morning jog to complete his daily quest.


    [Daily Quest: Run 10 kilometers] S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Reward: 1 STA point]


    As he stepped outside, the cool morning air hit him, invigorating his body.


    Kyle stretched briefly and then set off, pacing himself for his usual 10-kilometer run.


    [Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


    [You have obtained 1 STA point]


    [STA: 51 >> 52]


    [Energy: 102 >> 104]


    [Time: 0:17:08]


    By the time he finished his run, he felt more alert and ready for the day.


    On his way back, Kyle picked up some food for himself and Void.


    Upon entering his house, he noticed Void was still sleeping peacefully, the small dragon now sprawled out across the bed. Kyle chuckled softly and set the food on the table.


    After a quick shower, Kyle dried himself off, preparing for the day ahead.


    When he returned to the room, he found Void awake, stretching lazily on the bed.


    They both had a quick bath together and began preparing for the tournament.


    As Kyle dressed, Void perched himself on the bed, watching intently.


    "You should take care of your skin better," he said after noticing that Kyle didn''t put on any lotion. "You''re about to be in the finals, after all."


    Kyle rolled his eyes as he pulled on his clothes.


    "No one''s going to care about my skin, Void. It''s a fight, not a fashion show."


    Void tilted his head in mock seriousness. "Every detail matters. You never know who''s watching."


    "You are sounding like a parent," Kyle shot back, but despite his words, he reluctantly reached for the lotion.


    They bantered lightly as he prepared, the back-and-forth making Kyle feel at ease, though he couldn''t help but feel Void was winning all their little argument.


    Once they were ready, Kyle and Void sat at the table to eat breakfast. .


    After breakfast, Kyle activated the system pet space, and Void vanished with a shimmer, settling into the space where he could continue showing his support.


    His voice echoed in Kyle''s mind as they prepared to head out.


    [Don''t forget, I expect a flawless win today!]


    Kyle smiled. ''Don''t worry, I''m on it.''

 Chapter 80: Kyle Vs Lora

    Together, they made their way to the coliseum. Upon arrival, Kyle could feel the energy in the air¡ªthis was the final day of the tournament, and the stands were already packed with spectators.


    At the center of the stage stood Instructor Dan, towering as always, his amplified in voice booming across the coliseum as he addressed the crowd.


    "Welcome, everyone, to the final day of the tournament!" Dan began, his voice echoing powerfully.


    "Over the past days, we''ve witnessed talent like no other. From fierce battles to brilliant strategies, our students have proven their mettle in every way.


    Today, we see the best of the best compete for the title of champion. Only two remain, and soon, we will know who stands above the rest."


    He paused before continuing:


    "In our final match, two exceptional Rune Makers will face each other in a battle of skill, magic, and runes.


    On one side, we have Kyle, whose prowess in combat has been nothing short of remarkable.


    And on the other¡ªLora, a master of advanced runes, whose tactical genius has brought her to this stage."


    Dan''s voice rang out again. "And now, without further delay¡ªlet the final match begin! Kyle versus Lora!"


    Kyle made his way to the center of the arena. He could hear his heart pounding.


    ''Why is it pounding?'' Kyle thought, before a certain thought surfaced on his mind. ''I''m not nervous, am I?''


    He brushed all thoughts aside and tried to calm himself, stepping onto the arena.


    The main arena was made up of a vast, circular, sand floor, surrounded by a magical barrier to protect the audience from stray attacks.


    Kyle stood across from Lora in the arena. Her usual soft gaze was filled with determination, the shy girl he had known was replaced by someone serious, someone ready for battle.


    Both of them were allowed to use up to ten runes in this final match, a limit that added strategy to the battle.


    He had prepared with this in mind, focusing on a combination of offensive and defensive runes.


    But Kyle knew Lora should have a whole lot of advanced runes that could change the course of a fight.


    He took a deep breath, stepping forward slightly. "Hey, Lora," he said while trying to keep his tone light despite the tension in the air.


    "Didn''t think we''d end up here, huh?"


    Lora''s lips curved into a small smile, though she didn''t quite meet his eyes at first.


    "Yeah... I didn''t expect this either," she murmured with a soft voice. "But... I guess it had to happen sometime."


    There was a while of silence between them. It didn''t last for long though as Lora chose to break it:


    "I''ve been watching you fight and I noticed you''ve gotten better with your runes," Lora continued, her tone gaining a little strength as she glanced up at him.


    "I mean, I always knew you would, but... you''ve really improved."


    Kyle chuckled softly. "Well, I''ve had a good teacher."


    His smile faded slightly as he realized they were wasting much time. "You ready for this? I know it''s weird, but I won''t be holding back because we''re friends."


    "I don''t plan on holding back either."


    Before either of them could say more, the referee stepped forward, raising his hand.


    The crowd roared to life once again, their anticipation very evident as they waited for the match to begin.


    "Good luck, Kyle," Lora said, her voice barely audible over the din of the crowd.


    Kyle gave her a small nod, feeling his heart rate pick up once again. "You too. Let''s give them a show."


    [You sure about this? She looks like she''s going to wipe the floor with you]


    Void''s voice interrupted in Kyle''s mind, sounding as casual as ever. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle kept his focus, trying not to let his playful teasing get to him. ''This is serious, Void. I need to concentrate.''


    [Just saying, you might want to be careful. Wouldn''t want you to embarrass yourself in front of all these people.]


    Kyle sighed, tuning Void out as best he could. He didn''t have time for distractions.


    And with that, the referee''s hand dropped, signaling the start of the match.


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    "Begin!"


    Lora was the first to act, channeling her mana for a spell the moment the match started.


    The area around the two of them became surrounded by an enveloping blinding light.


    Kyle instantly recognized the spell.


    "Blind," he muttered, trying to adapt his eyes to the sudden brightness.


    His vision blurred and the world around him began transforming into a haze of white light.


    He had earlier found our that Lora had two offense oriented Light spells: [Blind] and [Light Beam], she didn''t go for any of the support Tier-1 skills, but Kyle was prepared for this.


    ''Lightning Dash!''


    Without hesitating, his body crackled with lightning and he zoomed out of the spell''s radius.


    Lora didn''t take long to launch another rune at Kyle after seeing him escape from the [Blind] radius.


    This one was unfamiliar to Kyle¡ªit glowed with a pulsing silver light, burst open in midair, and transformed into several streams of energy that shot toward him.


    His instincts immediately took over, using [Lightning Dash] to move swiftly, Kyle zipped out of the way, his form blurring as he sped across the arena.


    The streams of light slammed into the ground where he had just stood, leaving scorch marks in the sand.


    "That''s new," Kyle muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing at Lora.


    They were realms apart when it came to Rune Making, Kyle had to admit... That didn''t mean he was going to lose though.


    He skidded to a stop and pulled out another rune from his pouch, one of his trump cards¡ªa Paralysis Rune.


    On activating, he hurled it toward Lora. The rune glowed with a faint blue light as it arced through the air.


    Lora, seeing the incoming threat, reacted quickly. She placed her hand in her pouch once more, releasing another rune, this one glowing with a golden hue.


    As it activated, a wave of golden light spread out from her, forming a protective shield around her. The [Paralysis Rune] struck the shield, but its effects were neutralized instantly.


    Lora''s shield shimmered for a moment longer before dissipating, leaving her unscathed. Kyle gritted his teeth. He knew she had strong runes, but seeing them in action was another story entirely.


    "You''re not going to make this easy, are you?" Kyle called out, his voice tinged with some amusement.


    Lora shook her head, her lips forming a small smile. "You didn''t really think I would, did you?"


    Kyle couldn''t help but grin. This was what he had wanted¡ªa real challenge.


    Lora''s movements were fluid as she drew yet another rune from her pouch, this one glowing with an intense light.


    Kyle knew he had to act fast. He grabbed a Mana Siphoner Rune, intending to disrupt her flow of magic.


    He threw it toward her just as she activated her rune. The moment the Mana Siphoner took effect, a faint glow surrounded Lora, drawing some of her magical energy toward Kyle. It wasn''t a game-ending move, but it would weaken her, even if only for a short time. Kyle could feel the boost in his own mana reserves as he absorbed some of her energy.


    But Lora wasn''t done yet. Despite the siphoning, she drew her mana,


    sending a blinding [Light Beam] straight at Kyle.


    The beam shot toward him at incredible speed, and Kyle barely had time to react.


    His instincts took over again before the spell left her hand as he activated a rune, mud wall.


    The towering wall of earth rose from the ground quickly enough to stop the approaching spell, sending a ripple of energy through the air.


    The impact was powerful, and Kyle could feel the strain as his barrier struggled to hold up against the attack.


    The barrier held, but only just. Kyle could feel the last remnants of its energy flickering out as the [Light Beam] dissipated.


    He couldn''t afford to stay on the defensive any longer. He needed to push back.


    With a swift motion, Kyle reached into his pouch and pulled out his next rune¡ªa spell amplifier.


    He held it tightly, feeling its magic hum in his hand as he activated it. The rune''s energy surged through him, amplifying his next spell.


    Kyle raised his hand, and with a sharp motion, he cast [Lightning Bolt].


    The familiar crackle of energy built up in his hand before surging forward, the bolt of lightning enhanced by the spell amplifier rune. It shot across the arena, aimed directly at Lora.


    Lora''s eyes widened in surprise at the sheer power of the attack. She moved quickly, activating another rune from her pouch.


    A bright burst of light surrounded her as she formed a protective shield, but even with her defense in place, Kyle''s amplified [Lightning Bolt] was too strong.


    The lightning bolt struck her shield with a deafening crack, and the barrier shattered like glass, sending Lora tumbling backward across the arena floor. She hit the ground hard, sliding to a stop in the sand.


    Kyle stood there, panting slightly from the exertion, watching her carefully.


    For a moment, he thought it was over. Lora lay on the ground, unmoving, her rune pouch scattered beside her. The crowd had gone silent, the air thick with anticipation.


    But then, slowly, Lora began to stir.


    She pushed herself up on her elbows, wincing in pain, but her eyes were still sharp, still full of determination.


    Kyle''s heart sank a little after seeing her get back up. She wasn''t done yet.

 Chapter 81: Genius

    "You''re tough," Kyle muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "I don''t know how you''re still standing."


    Lora''s lips curved into a faint smile, though she was clearly struggling to stay on her feet. "I told you, Kyle¡­ I''m not holding back."


    Kyle felt some respect for her from her action. Even after taking a hit like that, she wasn''t giving up.


    But he couldn''t let that distract him. He still had to end this, and he had to do that soon, before she could have some chance to recover.


    He took a step forward, his eyes locked on Lora. "I''m sorry, Lora. But I


    can''t hold back either."


    Kyle shot forward like a bolt of lightning, faster than how he usually moved.


    His body was a blur of energy as he closed the distance between him and Lora.


    Lora''s eyes widened in shock as she tried to react, but it was too late. Kyle was already upon her.


    With a fierce battle cry, he unleashed a powerful punch at her, aiming directly for her torso.


    The punch connected, and for a moment, time seemed to slow.


    The force of the impact sent Lora gasping for air, her body crumpling under the force of Kyle''s strike.


    She was thrown backward, tumbling across the sand until she came to a stop near the edge of the arena.


    The crowd fell into a stunned silence.


    Kyle stood there, panting heavily. He glanced at Lora, who lay motionless on the ground. For a moment, he thought it was over.


    But then, Lora''s body moved.


    She pushed herself up onto her hands and knees, coughing as she tried to catch her breath.


    Her body was battered and bruised, but she wasn''t finished yet.


    Kyle''s eyes widened in disbelief. "How¡­?"


    Lora looked up at him, her expression fierce despite the pain. "You''re not the only one who can fight until the end." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She struggled to her feet, swaying slightly as she stood.


    Her hands trembled as she reached for her final rune, the last one in her pouch.


    It glowed faintly, a soft white light that seemed to pulse with a gentle warmth.


    "This is it," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "My last rune."


    Kyle kept watching her. He didn''t know why his body wasn''t triggered to act... Maybe because he didn''t feel any danger coming of it.


    Lora activated the rune, and the air around her seemed to shimmer. A soft, radiant light enveloped her, and for a moment, Kyle could feel the warmth of it wash over him.


    He blinked in surprise. That wasn''t an attack.


    It was a healing rune.


    The wounds on Lora''s body began to close, her bruises fading as the rune worked its magic.


    Her breathing steadied, and the trembling in her hands ceased. She stood taller now, her strength returning.


    Kyle cursed under his breath. ''A healing rune¡­ I never knew those existed.''


    Lora smiled faintly, her eyes locking onto his. "I told you I wouldn''t make this easy."


    Kyle clenched his fists, electricity crackling around him once more. "Fine. Then let''s finish this."


    Kyle activated his [Lightning Dash], his body surging forward in a blur of speed.


    Lora reached for her last remaining mana reserves. There wasn''t much she could do but she was ready to give it her all.


    ''Light Beam!''


    ''Lightning Bolt!''


    The two spells came from the opposite sides almost immediately, colliding into a burst of light and energy.


    The lingering energy in the air eventually dissipated and Lora fell onto the floor. She had no runes. She had no mana left... What was the point of fighting even further?


    She faced the ground but refused to admit forfeit.


    "I''ll help you end this," Kyle muttered, and with that he brought out his last rune¡ªanother spell amplifier.


    Activating it, he began drawing lightning energy into a massive [Lightning Bolt], it took him a while to do so, but he knew this would end it for sure.


    ''Lightning Bolt!''


    The bolt of lightning shot forward, faster and more powerful than before, its bright light streaking across the arena, aiming straight for Lora.


    For a split second, it seemed like she wouldn''t be able to dodge it in time.


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    But... In an unexpected turn of event, Lora''s body suddenly crackled with electricity as she rolled out of the ground in a blur, letting the [Lightning Bolt] fall on the ground she was on.


    Void''s voice suddenly echoed in Kyle''s mind.


    [You might want to keep an eye on that rune. It feels¡­ dangerous.]


    ''What r¨C?''


    Before Kyle could complete his sentence, a sudden burst of lightning left the ground where his [Lightning Bolt] had hit and surged towards him.


    Kyle had not expected such attack and it struck him clean on his chest, leaving him out cold.


    [HP: 8/76]


    *Thud!*


    Immediately Kyle fell down with a loud thud, everyone knew it was over. The tournament was over.


    Lora had won!


    The crowd in the coliseum struggled to grasp the absurdity of what had just happened.


    For a minute there, Kyle was dominating... Everyone would agree that Lora didn''t stand a chance. It was meant to be over.


    The event that happened in this fight was very difficult to explain. Despite Kyle lying on the ground and Lora still standing tall; the announcer hadn''t declared her the winner yet.


    He suddenly acted, walking closer to the spot where Lora was previously lying.


    He observed it intently and could see the rough runic circles, crudely inscribed on the sand floor.


    "Impossible!" the announcer muttered, though his voice was loud enough to be heard by the whole crowd.


    "This girl¡ªshe''s a genius! A once in a million years genius I say..."


    He kept staring at the spot, trying to comprehend how possible it was for a first year to draw a runic circle in seconds.


    He didn''t hesitate anymore, having knowledge of the rules at the back of his head, he declared what the crowd had been desiring to hear for some time now.


    "THE WINNER OF THE FINAL MATCH: LORA INGS!!"

 Chapter 82: A Surprising Outcome

    "THE WINNER OF THE FINAL MATCH: LORA INGS!!"


    The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, not out of loyalty to the winner, but in celebration of the exhilarating battle they had just witnessed.


    The coliseum''s stands vibrated with the sheer energy of their excitement.


    It didn''t matter that Kyle, the favorite, had lost. What mattered was that both he and Lora had delivered a fight for the ages.


    Cheers, shouts, and whistles filled the air as the students reveled in the thrill of the match''s unexpected conclusion.


    In the stands, Kyle''s friends reacted in their own ways.


    Riya crossed her arms, a frown etched on her face.


    "I didn''t get defeated by a nobody," she muttered under her breath with a proud smirk.


    Lora''s win might have been surprising, but Riya could assure herself that she got defeated by the winner in the semi-finals, which meant she got first pick on the grand prizes.


    Orion, ever the analytical one, adjusted his glasses as he tried to piece together what had just happened.


    "That¡­ that shouldn''t have been possible." He sounded almost baffled as he shook his head, eyes locked on the arena floor where the runic circle was barely visible.


    "The time it takes to draw a rune, activate it, and set a trap in the middle of a fight¡ªstatistically speaking, that''s beyond improbable for someone like Lora. It''s... borderline impossible."


    Anne sat beside them, quiet as usual, but there was something different in her expression.


    Though she said nothing, her eyes gleamed with an odd satisfaction, her lips twitching in a hint of a smile.


    It was as if she had watched something deeply personal unfold. Her foe had stumbled, and despite her silence, she seemed quietly pleased.


    Milo, meanwhile, clicked his tongue in annoyance. Explore stories at m,v l''e-NovelFire.net


    "Tsk. I would''ve done better," he grumbled, arms crossed. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His competitive nature refused to acknowledge Lora''s victory as anything more than luck.


    "Kyle let his guard down. If I had been in there, that wouldn''t have happened."


    But Zack, always the lighthearted one, was bouncing on his feet, shaking his head in disbelief.


    "Bro lied to me!" he exclaimed, pointing accusingly at the arena as if Kyle could hear him. "He told me it was a sure thing! Lora¡ªhow did she even...?"


    Zack couldn''t contain his excitement, his eyes wide with disbelief and amusement at the twist of fate.


    "Damn. This is wild!"


    While Kyle''s friends processed the fight in their own ways, Kyle himself lay unconscious on the arena floor.


    His body was devoid from signs of a brutal match, but that didn''t make him any healthier.


    Medics were already rushing to his side, carefully lifting him onto a stretcher.


    The lightning strike that had hit him cleanly on the chest had taken its toll, leaving his body limp.


    Yet, despite the pain, his face was calm, his lips slightly parted as if he were still processing the events even in his unconscious state.


    Lora, on the other hand, stood at the edge of the arena, still breathing heavily from the exertion.


    Her legs trembled, barely holding her up, but her expression was one of calm satisfaction.


    She hadn''t expected to win either¡ªnot like this¡ªbut she had done it. She glanced at the medics carrying Kyle away, her eyes softening as she watched him.


    The victory tasted bittersweet. She respected Kyle, and seeing him like this aroused something within her.


    She wanted to go and help. She was deeply concerned for his well being but she couldn''t run off after him when she could practically do nothing to help his condition.


    Lora had no other option than to watch as the medics took Kyle''s body away from the arena.


    Instructor Dan made his way into the arena as the medics hurried past him with Kyle in tow.


    He approached Lora, clapping her on the shoulder, his face beaming with pride.


    "Well done, Lora," he said with a smile. "You''ve shown incredible talent. You earned this win."


    Lora blinked, still dazed, but she managed a nod, her lips curving into a small smile. She had done it. She had won.


    Dan turned to the crowd, raising his hands to quiet them. "The prize ceremony will begin in an hour!" he announced. The crowd cheered once more, eager for what was to come.


    Meanwhile, Kyle woke up in the coliseum infirmary, his muscles hurting in pain.


    He blinked a few times, groaning as he tried to sit up, his body protesting with every movement.


    His chest felt like it had been smashed with a sledgehammer.


    "What¡­ the hell happened?" he muttered to himself, his voice thick with frustration.


    And then, without warning, Void''s voice echoed in his mind, mocking him as usual.


    [That was quite the performance, Master. Truly inspiring. Especially that part where you let yourself get fried by your own lightning bolt. Bravo.]


    Kyle clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. "Shut up, Void," he growled, his frustration mounting.


    He replayed the last moments of the battle in his mind, trying to make sense of how Lora had managed to turn the tables. He hadn''t seen the trap, hadn''t even sensed it.


    [Oh, don''t worry. It was subtle, but clearly beyond your level of comprehension,] Void continued with a smug tone.


    [You let your guard down even after I warned you about the rune. And to think I''m stuck with you¡­]


    Kyle swore under his breath, his anger bubbling up inside him. "I had that fight. I should''ve won."


    [''Should''ve,'' ''could''ve''¡­ all meaningless. Fact is, you didn''t win. Maybe next time, don''t underestimate your opponent.]


    Kyle lay back on the infirmary bed, his mind racing as he replayed the battle over and over. He had lost¡ªfair and square. But that didn''t mean he was going to forgive himself.


    He felt great pain coming this far into the tournament only to see himself lose afterwards.


    Ding!


    Just as he was about to rest his eyes once again, Kyle heard a familiar pinge from the system directly in his mind.

 Chapter 83: Willing To Help

    [You''ve Failed Hidden Quest: Win The Electives Battles.]


    [You reached the Finals. 5 stat points have been awarded.]


    The system''s rewards only made Kyle feel even worse, realizing that he had missed out on potential greater rewards.


    Kyle clenched his fists, muttering under his breath, "I''m such a loser."


    *Creak*


    The door to the room he stayed in slowly creaked open. Kyle directed his gaze upwards to get a clearer view of the visitor. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She wasn''t a visitor though, rather l one of the academy''s medical staff, dressed in a pristine white uniform that contrasted sharply with her dark skin.


    "Ah, you''re awake," she said with a warm smile. Her voice was soothing, calm¡ªeverything Kyle needed in this moment of frustration.


    She moved gracefully to his bedside, checking the readings on a small device beside him. "How are you feeling?"


    Kyle ran a hand across his aching chest, realizing that he hadn''t Ben teated yet.


    [HP: 20/76]


    He took a slight peek at his status screen to confirm his health points and he was right.


    "My chest¡­ it still hurts," Kyle finally gave an answer after a relatively long while for the medic.


    She nodded sympathetically, not minding Kyle''s ''reluctance'' to answer her question, and placed a gentle hand over his chest.


    "Let''s take care of that."


    With a soft hum, she began to channel light magic. A soft glow emanated from her palm, spreading across Kyle''s body.


    It was warm, but not in an uncomfortable way. Instead, it felt like the sunlight on a cool morning, soothing and gentle.


    As the familiar magic effect coursed through him, the pain melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of relief.


    Kyle exhaled sharply, his entire body relaxing under the effects of the healing spell.


    "That feels... incredible."


    The medic smiled as she finished the healing, stepping back with a satisfied nod.


    "There we go. Much better, right?"


    Kyle nodded, sitting up fully now with little effort. "Yeah, thanks. I feel like a new person."


    He rolled his shoulders, marveling at how the aches and pains had vanished as if they had never existed.


    "Good to hear," she replied, her eyes studying him for a moment longer, making sure there were no lingering issues.


    "You''ve been out for almost an hour. I decided not to wake you¡ªseemed like you needed the rest."


    Kyle blinked in surprise. "An hour?" He glanced around the small infirmary room, trying to piece together how much time had passed since the battle.


    "How could I sleep for that long? Did I miss anything?"


    The medic shook her head with a kind smile.


    "Nothing too important. The awards ceremony will be starting soon, though. They''re probably getting everything set up."


    Kyle''s eyes lit up for a brief moment at the mention of the ceremony.


    Despite everything, he hadn''t forgotten the rewards that came with going so far into the tournament, at least, he wouldn''t be going home empty-handed.


    [Don''t get too excited] Void''s voice cut through Kyle''s thoughts. He looked like he was still disappointed with Kyle over the match results.


    [You''re not getting the grand prize, remember? Try not to embarrass yourself more than you already have.]


    Kyle''s brief spark of excitement for his rewards fizzled out almost instantly before it could rise any further.


    He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah¡­ I guess you''re right."


    The medic watched him closely, noticing the sudden shift in his mood.


    Her brow furrowed, and she hesitated for a moment before speaking again.


    "You know, it''s not easy losing a match like that. Especially when you were so close to winning."


    Kyle glanced up at her, surprised that she seemed to understand exactly what he was feeling.


    "I watched the fight," she continued softly, "and I know it must hurt to have come so far only to fall short at the end. But you still did an amazing job. You should be proud."


    Kyle managed a weak nod, though her words barely registered.


    He was confident and very sure of a win going into this fight, even bragging on multiple times on how he was going to win it all.


    Now he had disappointed his expectations, pride wasn''t something he could cling to right now. Not after a loss like that.


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    The medic seemed to pick up on his lack of enthusiasm and offered him a small smile, her eyes lighting up as an idea formed in her mind.


    "How about this? If you''re feeling up to it, why don''t you go to the ceremony? You''ll still be receiving your prizes, after all."


    Kyle hesitated, the thought of sitting through the ceremony suddenly lookin unappealing before him.


    He wasn''t in the mood for more disappointment.


    [She''s got a point, though] Void chimed in again, this time more practical.


    [You may have lost, but you still earned some rewards. If you don''t want your rewards; I''m always willing to help you out with it, as long as its approved by me]


    Kyle almost felt amused from Void''s display of greediness. He had to get his rewards, he couldn''t afford for them to waste. "Yeah¡­ okay. I''ll go."


    The medic smiled, clearly pleased with his decision. "Good. I''m sure you''ll feel better once you''re out there."


    She gave him a final nod before turning to leave the room. "Take your time. The ceremony should be starting soon."


    Kyle watched her go, then turned to the mirror across the room. He stood up slowly, testing his legs as he walked over to his reflection.


    Just as he had guessed, his face was back to normal¡ªpristine, as if the battle had never happened. There was no sign of the exhaustion or injuries he had endured.


    He took a moment to admire himself, running a hand through his hair and smoothing out his clothes before finally leaving the infirmary.


    As he stepped outside, the atmosphere hit him like a wave. The coliseum grounds were alive with energy.


    Students filled the stands, their excitement easily felt in the air as they buzzed in anticipation for the ceremony.


    The chatter of voices, laughter, and the occasional cheer filled the air, creating an electric atmosphere that mirrored the intensity of the final battles.


    There was a section reserved for the participants who had made it to the final 16, and Kyle quickly spotted a row that was empty.


    The ceremony hadn''t started yet, so most of the seats were devoid of students.


    He made his way over, slipping into the seat with a quiet sigh. A few of the other contestants were already seated, most chatting excitedly.


    Kyle let his eyes wander over the arena, taking in the scene.


    The large stage at the center was where the awards would be handed out, and the crowd''s excitement continued to build as the minutes ticked by.


    Slowly, people filled up the stands, participants sitting together in their designated sections.


    "Kyle.."


    After a short while of Kyle staring into space, a soft tap on Kyle''s shoulder broke his trance.


    The fingers that touched him were so delicate, and the voice that followed was just as meek and quiet.


    He already knew who it was before he even had to turn around¡ª

 Chapter 84: Mind Blowing Credits!

    He hesitated for a moment, before slowly turning to face her so as to confirm his thoughts.


    Lora stood behind him, her expression timid, almost shy. Her chestnut hair fell in gentle waves around her face and her eyes avoided direct contact with Kyle''s.


    Without a word, Kyle turned away, ignoring her completely and facing the stage once more.


    Lora seemed to hesitate, standing there for a long moment before she finally had a seat next to him.


    An awkward silence fell between them, but it wasn''t maintained for long as Lora spoke, her voice barely a audible.


    "I''m... I''m sorry."


    ''Sorry?'' Kyke''s eyes narrowed slightly, staring harder at the empty stage in front of him.


    ''Sorry for what?'' The words echoed in his head, but he didn''t speak them aloud.


    Kyle felt his frustration build up once again but tried to remain calm, ignoring her comment.


    An awkward silence stretched between them once more until, eventually, the other finalists began to filter into the row.


    Zack was the first to arrive, followed closely by Milo, Joseph, and Riya. They all seemed to share a similar energy¡ªexcited, relieved, and chatty.


    Zack''s jovial voice cut through the tension almost immediately, throwing out a friendly insult that made Kyle''s muscles tense.


    "Well, well, look who finally decided to show up," Zack said with a grin, seating down next to Lora, as he stayed closest to Kyle.


    "Thought you had it all in the bag. What happened?"


    Kyle gritted his teeth but said nothing. Milo snorted, leaning forward to look at Kyle with a cocky grin.


    "Yeah, man, what happened? All that talk about winning it all, and then¡ª" Milo clapped his hands mockingly.


    "Boom! Down you go."


    Joseph chuckled, while Riya tried to hide the amusement on her face. It wasn''t teasing, but she was clearly amused by the banter.


    Kyle clenched his fists harder trying to control himself and before he could stop himself, he snapped.


    "Shut up."


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    The words came out colder than he intended, and the sudden silence that followed was deafening.


    Zack, Milo, and the others blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sharpness in Kyle''s tone.


    "I get it, okay? I lost. But I don''t need you guys rubbing it in. So just... drop it."


    "..."


    An uncomfortable silence settled over the group. Milo opened his mouth as if to say something, but then quickly shut it, apparently deciding that now wasn''t the time for more jokes.


    Kyle exhaled, running his temples as he relaxed on his seat. He didn''t want to think about what just happened.


    Moments later to Kyle''s good, Instructor Dan stepped onto the stage, his tall figure commanding the attention of the entire coliseum.


    The crowd slowly quieted down, all eyes on the man as he prepared to address the participants and spectators alike.


    "Good evening, everyone."


    "First off, I''d like to congratulate every single participant who competed in the Electives Battles. Y''all have shown incredible skill and determination, and for that, you should be proud."


    Dan continued, listing the highlights of the tournament and thanking the various instructors and staff who had made it possible.


    Then, with a flourish, he moved on to the part everyone was waiting for¡ªthe rewards.


    "As you all know, each of you will be receiving rewards based on your performance.


    Let''s start with those who made it till the Round of 16." Dan paused dramatically, scanning the crowd. "Each of you will receive 500 credits."


    There was a murmur of excitement from the crowd, particularly from the participants who hadn''t made it further. 500 credits was a very generous reward, and it was more than most had expected.


    But Dan wasn''t done. "For those who reached up to the Quarter Finals, you''ll be receiving 1,000 credits."


    Another round of murmurs, this time louder. Most of the students had never gotten their hands on such money, now some would.


    The ones in the stands felt bad, while the Quarter Finalists exchanged pleased and excited looks. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dan continued, his voice picking up energy. "Semi-finalists, you''ll each be awarded 2,000 credits."


    Kyle felt a slight twinge in his chest. He had made it past that point, yet hearing those rewards only reminded him of how close he had come.


    "And for the finalists..." Dan''s voice rang out, pulling Kyle''s attention back to the stage. "5,000 credits."


    Kyle blinked, feeling a strange mix of emotions. 5,000 credits. It was... Just there. It might be a windfall for the others but was just slightly more money than usual for him.


    [It''s not that bad] Void''s voice echoed in his mind, though it lacked its usual bite. [That''s 25 mana cores, you know?...]


    Kyle almost chuckled, shaking his head slightly. ''Greedy dragon.''


    "And finally, for the winner of the Electives Battles," Dan said, building up to the climax. "10,000 credits."


    There was an audible gasp from the crowd, and Kyle noticed the jaws of many participants¡ªparticularly those who had been eliminated earlier¡ªhanging open in disbelief.


    Even all of the contestants in his row¡ªLora included, looked stunned by the amount.


    The amount of credits... It was mind blowing!


    Kyle, however, just sat there, his expression blank. He was surprised, yes, but not to the extent of the others.


    The credits were significant, but it wasn''t something unattainable for him.


    All around him, there were whispers, some participants even looking tearful, realizing how close they had come to earning more.


    But for Kyle, the credits felt like a consolation prize. A reminder of what he had lost, not what he had gained.


    Dan''s voice cut through the murmurs as he stepped back, gesturing toward the center of the stage.


    With a dramatic flourish, he removed a cloak from four large glass cases that had been positioned near the beginning of the tournament.


    The objects inside glimmered under the coliseum''s bright lights, casting a mesmerizing glow that captured everyone''s attention.


    A katana, a space pouch, a cauldron, and a runic textbook.


    These were not just prizes. They were treasures, each capable of elevating its owner''s skills to unimaginable heights.


    Dan turned back to face the participants, his voice booming again.


    "Now, for those who reached the semifinals, your performances were exceptional, and it''s time to receive your primary rewards.


    First, please step forward: Riya, Milo, Lora, and Kyle."


    The four of them stood, their gazes briefly meeting before they began the walk to the stage.


    Kyle could feel the weight of the other contestants'' eyes on him, but all he could focus on was the katana, gleaming like a beacon in the glass case.


    The desire to hold it, to wield it, surged through him like a current of electricity.


    As they reached the stage, Instructor Dan gave them all a proud smile.


    "As the winner or the tournament. Lora, you''ll have first pick."


    Everyone nodded their head in agreement as it felt right. "Kyle, you''ll go second. Then Riya and Milo as third and fourth respectively."


    Milo had a confused expression on his face as he felt wronged, he couldn''t protest though, he could only hope Dan justified himself.


    As if reading everyone''s thought, Instructor Dan continued.


    "Milo would go after Riya due to Riya being the Semi-final path that led to the winner."


    That may not be an accurate measure of performance, but they''d had to make do with it. It wasn''t like a third place match could be initiated to determine who picked first.


    "Lora Ings, make your pick!"

 Chapter 85: Expected Picks

    Lora hesitated for a brief moment, but her steps were steady as she moved forward, drawing the attention of every eye in the coliseum.


    Everyone watched with intense expressions, though there was little doubt about what her choice would be.


    As expected, she walked toward the glass case housing the Runic Textbook.


    The crowd murmured in approval. It was the most logical choice for Lora, who had proven to be a genius in the field.


    Even Kyle, who had been lost in his own thoughts, couldn''t deny the pull of the textbook''s allure.


    Instructor Victoria had hammered it into their heads repeatedly throughout their elective classes.


    The finest collection of advanced runes in this academy," Victoria had said, nearly reverent in her explanation.


    The textbook wasn''t just a manual¡ªit is a treasure of ancient knowledge, containing runic inscriptions that could elevate even a novice to mastery.


    With it, Lora would gain the ability to engrave runes of much higher power.


    As Lora reached for the textbook, a quiet sense of inevitability settled over the group.


    No one was surprised. It was exactly what they expected her to pick. Lora''s face remained expressionless, though her fingers lingered on the glass for just a moment before she took the book.


    The crowd offered a respectful round of applause as the textbook was carefully wrapped up and handed to her, while she returned to her seat.


    Now, it was Kyle''s turn.


    Dan''s voice rang out, "Kyle, your pick."


    Kyle had known what he wanted from the very start. Since Day 1 of the Electives Battles, his eyes had been drawn to the katana gleaming in its case, a weapon that seemed to beckon him.


    There was something undeniably magnetic about it¡ªit all stemmed down to what he the stats he had seen when he used [Inspect] on it.


    Yet, as Kyle took a step forward, doubt began to creep in.


    The space pouch caught his attention, its enchanted leather glistening subtly under the bright lights.


    With a space pouch like that, he could cover up for his system''s inventory.


    And then, there was the cauldron. Kyle couldn''s dismiss it entirely. Alchemy wasn''t his field of expertise, but who knew what the future held?


    Kyle didn''t think there was any harm in becoming a Jack of all trades. One day, he might want to dabble in potion-making or other alchemical arts.


    His mind was racing, considering all the possibilities. But it was set though, as he had already thought this through.


    The katana, he reminded himself. Its significance ran deeper than any practical reward or logical benefit. Without another moment of hesitation, Kyle made his decision.


    His strides became purposeful, and his eyes locker onto the blade that had been on his mind since the start of the tournament.


    The crowd fell into a hush as he reached forward, lifting the katana from its glass case with deliberate care.


    For a moment, he just stared at it, the familiar weight resting comfortably in his hand.


    Kyle raised it slightly, having the feel of wielding it. There was something special about this weapon. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a satisfied nod, Kyle tucked the katana into the carrying case he was given and returned to his seat.


    Next up was Riya. She had a calm expression as she stepped toward the case that held the cauldron.


    It wasn''t just an average cauldron though. It shimmered with a deep, otherworldly white hue, indicating its magical properties.


    The metal wasn''t ordinary, either¡ªit was crafted from rare, mana-infused ores known for their stability during complex potion-brewing processes.


    There was no doubt that this cauldron was a treasure, and with it, Riya''s skills in alchemy might be pushed to new heights.


    As she touched it, she smiled ever so slightly, pleased with her choice.


    Finally, Milo approached the last item¡ªthe space pouch.


    Though his first choice had likely been the katana, Milo couldn''t hide his excitement as he reached for the enchanted pouch.


    No beast tamer would overlook the incredible utility it offered.


    Kyle didn''t know, but the pouch was no ordinary storage bag¡ªit could contain live beings, which made it especially useful for a Beast Tamer like Milo.


    Most beast tamers wouldn''s get their hands on a space pouch until the end of the year, and even then, it wouldn''t compare to the one now in Milo''s possession.


    He grinned as he secured it, imagining the many uses it would have in future battles.


    With all four semi-finalists having made their picks, the atmosphere shifted once again.


    The audience watched as Dan stepped forward once more, a chuckle escaping his lips as he took in their evident emotions.


    "Well, it''s clear by the looks on your faces that you''re pleased with your choices," Dan said, his tone light and congratulatory.


    "And you should be. These rewards aren''t just prizes¡ªthey''re tools that will help you grow in your respective fields. So be proud of what you''ve earned today."


    The participants sat a little straighter, even Milo, who had been a bit disgruntled earlier, seemed to relax at Dan''s words.


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    For Kyle, it was a bittersweet moment. The katana was his prize, but he couldn''t shake the feeling that it was a consolation for what he had lost in the tournament.


    Dan turned his attention to the rest of the participants, spreading his arms wide as if to encompass the entire coliseum.


    "As for the rest of you, don''t think it''s over just yet! There''s still one more chance to prove yourselves¡ªthe Vyne Yearly Tournament would be coming up next, and that will be your opportunity to rise again."


    There was a murmur of excitement from the students as Dan continued...


    "Now that you''ve all claimed your rewards, let''s talk about the real challenge ahead. The Vyne Yearly Tournament is coming up, and this is where you get the chance to prove your worth to the academy¡ªand to yourselves."


    He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing, "The top 8 from today''s Electives Battle automatically qualify for the general category of the tournament.


    This is where you''ll face off using everything at your disposal¡ªyour weapons, runes, pills, potions, beasts, and elements. Every tool you''ve gathered, every skill you''ve honed will be tested."


    Kyle, who had been absently running his fingers over the smooth surface of his newly acquired katana, perked up.


    The general category was where things would get serious, where his mastery of swordsmanship could pair up with his elemental mastery and could give him an edge.


    "For the rest of you, don''t lose hope. There are still 8 more spots to be filled in the general category. Sixteen spots are reserved for the physical combat division, and another sixteen for the elemental battles.


    If you didn''t make it into the top 8 today, you''ll have to earn your place there yourselves."


    A wave of anticipation rippled through the participants as they exchanged glances, already plotting strategies. Kyle felt a surge of competitive energy. This was his chance to redeem himself.


    Dan grinned, clearly enjoying the tension he was building.


    "With that said, you''re all dismissed. Go rest, train, and prepare yourselves. Do remember that the tournament would have contestants across all the years, and it''s right around the corner."


    As the crowd began to disperse, Kyle glanced over at the others. Lora was cradling the Runic Textbook with a mixture of reverence and determination on her face.


    Riya, with her cauldron secured in its case, stood talking quietly with some of her alchemy peers.


    Milo, especially happy, was proudly showing off his prize to Zack.


    Kyle tightened his grip on the katana''s case, rising to leave. It didn''t take him long before he reached the dorm, throwing himself onto the bed the moment he arrived.


    As Kyle relaxed himself by staring up at the ceiling. Void''s familiar voice filled the room as he jumped out of the system''s space, seemingly like he appeared out of thin air.


    Despite seeing this happen few times already, Kyle was stop surprised on how it worked.


    "Kyle, you still have credits left. Over 7000, if you remember." Void''s voice pulled him out of his thoughts.


    "Not now," Kyle muttered, turning on his side and ignoring Void.


    Void, however, didn''t give up. [You know, a mana core''s just 200 credits. That''s barely three percent of your balance.]


    Kyle groaned but said nothing, letting the silence envelop him as sleep claimed him.


    ***


    Night quickly approached as Kyle slept, but he managed to wake up before it turned pitch dark, feeling slightly more refreshed.


    He sat up, stretching, and noticed the katana lying across his desk. The weapon that had called to him during the Electives Battles, before he could inspect it once again, Void''s comment interrupted him.


    "So, Kyle... I''ve been wanting to tell you, but you were kind of uncool with your friends after your loss."


    "What do you mean?"


    "You know what I mean. They didn''t cause your defeat. They were there for you, but you''ve been shutting them out. Lora even apologized to you after the match."


    Kyle froze, memories rushing back.Lora had indeed apologized for what she thought was her role in his loss. She hadn''t done anything wrong, of course.


    Neither had Riya or Zack. He had just been frustrated with himself, and in the process, he had pushed them all away.


    Kyle sighed, feeling a wave of guilt wash over him. "Damn, I''ve been a terrible friend," he muttered, rubbing his temples.


    He tapped the screen of his comm, debating whether he should give Lora a call and apologize.


    ''I''ll give her a call,'' Kyle decided.


    But, just as he was about to, his comm buzzed with an incoming call. The name ''Orion'' flashed across the screen.

 Chapter 86: Orions Proposal

    Kyle stared at the glowing comm on his wrist, wondering why Orion could be calling him.


    ''It has to be something important. He wouldn''t call me for nothing.''


    With that thought, Kyle concluded, clicking on the answer button.


    "Hey, Orion. What''s up?"


    "Meet me in the cafeteria," Orion''s voice came through almost immediately, straight to the point.


    "What for?"


    "It''s important." Orion''s tone didn''t leave much room for negotiation. Kyle could picture his friend''s usual impatient, almost annoyed look.


    Kyle scratched the back of his head, debating for a second. He wasn''t exactly in the mood for a late-night meeting, but Orion wouldn''t lie when he said something was important.


    Eventually, he decided to comply with Orion''s request, it wasn''t like he had any other thing to do that night.


    "Fine, I''ll meet you there. Just give me a minute."


    "Good. I''ll be waiting," Orion replied, and then the line went dead.


    Kyle groaned, sitting up from his bed and stretching his stiff muscles.


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    He grabbed his jacket and threw it over his shoulders. Directing his gaze to Void who had begun the bus cultivation session, Kyle stepped out of the room, making his way toward the cafeteria.


    The night air was cool, and the academy grounds were quiet, save for the occasional footsteps of students hurrying back to their dorms.


    As Kyle walked through the doors to the cafeteria, his eyes immediately landed on Orion.


    He was sitting at a table in the far corner, his hands calmly placed on the table as he contemplated something.


    The usual buzz of the cafeteria had dulled with only a few students scattered about.


    Orion didn''t look up until Kyle approached the table, setting his katana case down beside him before taking a seat.


    "Orion."


    Orion adjusted his glasses, finally locking eyes with Kyle. "Kyle."


    "What''s this about?" Kyle leaned back, crossing his arms as he waited for his friend to explain.


    Orion wasted no time. He straightened his posture and said:


    "I have a proposal for you."


    "A proposal?" Kyle raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on. I''m listening."


    Orion''s lips quirked into a slight smirk, but his expression quickly returned to its usual seriousness.


    "Give me your katana... The one you got today as a prize."


    "No! Why would I even do that?" Kyle screamed before toning down his voice to sound more mature, S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If that''s why you called me; you''ve succeeded in wasting our time. I''ll be taking my leave."


    Kyle made a motion to stand up from his seat before Orion''s calm voice interrupted him.


    "You didn''t ask me what I''ll be needing your katana for, neither did you ask if I could compensate you for it."


    Kyle suddenly remembered he hadn''t asked about any of this. Who cared about what Orion might be planning to cook with his katana, as long as it ended up benefiting him?


    "Right," Kyle muttered, loud enough to his hearing as he took his seat once again, this time with a hint of embarrassment.


    "Nice," Orion said with a wide smile, adjusting his glasses once again. "I''ll continue, shall I?"


    Kyle nodded his head, now anticipating what Orion had to say.


    "I have two plans that involve you, but I''ll begin with the first. As you already know, there exist seven main weapon tiers: Basic, Rare, Intermediate, Advanced, Epic, Legendary, Mythic and Ancient."


    Kyle nodded his head in agreement. He had used his time in the academy property, frequenting the library and gaining various insights into this world.


    "The katana you won is classified as Intermediate, a solid upgrade from anything you''ve previously wielded.


    I need to get my hands on such a weapon tier and tinker with it a bit to understand the in''s and outs. Plus I would try my best to improve it in any way I can... When it''s back to you it should be more strong than before."


    Kyle frowned, tapping a finger on the table as he processed Orion''s words.


    He valued the katana, not just for its quality but for what it represented.


    And now, Orion was suggesting taking it apart for some experiment. The thought unsettled him.


    "And what exactly would you do to it?" Kyle finally asked, narrowing his eyes at his friend.


    "I wouldn''t want to end up with a pile of scraps."


    He focused on the potential improvements as that was the part that affected him.


    Orion adjusted his glasses, his typical sign of confidence.


    "Enhance it. Refine the mana channels within the blade, optimize its structure to better resonate with your element, and maybe even embed a rune or two.


    I can make it stronger, faster, deadlier. Trust me, I''ve been researching weapons crafting in my spare time, and I know how to push this katana beyond its current limits. The results will be worth it."


    Kyle sat back in his chair, thinking it over. On the one hand, he could fully admit that Orion''s intelligence was unmatched, and if anyone could enhance the weapon, it would be him.


    But on the other hand, Kyle wasn''t blind to the risks. Orion''s experiments, while often successful as he claimed, were still experiments.


    There was always the possibility it could fail, and if it did, Kyle would be left without his katana¡ªa tool he knew he could rely on in the foreseeable future.


    ''It could get stronger, much stronger if it works,'' Kyle pondered, staring at the polished surface of the table.


    ''But if it doesn''t, I lose one of my best assets. Is it worth the risk?''


    Kyle bit his lip, the pros and cons weighing heavily in his mind. He wasn''t one to believe people easily, but Orion wasn''t just anyone.


    He was one of his earliest friends in this world and they had known each other for long, if there was one thing Kyle knew, it was that Orion wouldn''t make an empty promise.


    If Orion said he could enhance the katana, then there was a good chance he would succeed.


    "Alright," Kyle finally said, letting out a breath he hadn''t realized he was holding.


    "I''ll trust you with it. But don''t mess this up, Orion. I need that katana."


    A wide grin spread across Orion''s7 face, though he quickly masked it with his usual composure.


    "Good choice, Kyle. I''ll ensure that you don''t regret it."


    Kyle nodded, though the lingering nagging doubt at the back of his mind had refused to fade out entirely.


    He had made his decision, but that didn''t mean he wasn''t nervous about what could go wrong or if he had made the right choice.


    ''There''s no use mulling over it much longer,'' Kyle thought. ''The deed has been done and it must be worth it.''


    Orion interrupted his trail of thoughts. Leaning forward with a slightly more serious expression, he continued:


    "Now, let''s move on to the second proposal."


    He paused, looking Kyle straight in the eye.


    "It slipped my mind to offer my congratulations to you."


    Kyle raised his eyebrows, wondering what he was blabbing about.


    "Congratulations on losing?" he let his thoughts slip out by mistake.


    "Of course not," Orion said with a light chuckle. "Congratulations on getting richer. I imagine you must be sitting on quite a sum now."


    Kyle narrowed his eyes, sensing where this was going.

 Chapter 87: Scammed?

    "Yeah, I have a bit more than I did yesterday," Kyle calmly replied with a nod.


    Orion''s smirk returned, though it was more subdued this time. "Because I know a way for you to make the best value out of those credits you have."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. "How?"


    "It''s simple, really," Orion continued, leaning back in his chair with a casual air. "You invest in me."


    Kyle blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Invest? In you?"


    "Yes," Orion said, his tone confident as ever. "You see, credits are everything in this academy. They fuel your progress, and allow you access to rare materials, better equipment, and higher-level resources.


    I''ve been making do with what I have, but frankly, the lack of funding has been a serious limitation in my research and projects.


    With the right backing, I could speed things up significantly, and trust me, you''d be the first to benefit."


    Kyle crossed his arms, tilting his head. "And how exactly would that work?"


    Orion''s smile widened as he sensed Kyle''s interest. "Here''s the deal: You give me 10,000 credits every week¡ªconsider it an investment in my work¡ªand in return, I help you with whatever you need.


    Want a custom weapon? I''ll craft it for you. Need help that requires special tools? I''ll design them specifically for you. You bring the materials, and I''ll take care of the rest."


    Kyle let out a low whistle after hearing Orion''s salesman pitch, not sure whether to be impressed or insulted. "10,000 credits?! Every week? That''s a lot and I don''t even have that much."


    He was truly interested in the offer brought up by Orion, but he couldn''t accept that price. It was simply ridiculous!


    "Not yet," Orion said with a wink. "But you will soon, especially with the extra credits from today. The credits will come, Kyle. You just need to trust me."


    Kyle thought about it for a moment, weighing Orion''s words carefully. On the surface, it sounded like a decent deal.


    Orion was a genius when it came to crafting and research, and if anyone could help Kyle get stronger, it was him. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But 10,000 credits? And Kyle would still have to provide the materials on top of that? It seemed like a bit of a scam.


    "Orion, that''s way too much," Kyle finally said, shaking his head. "I''m not giving you 10,000 credits, plus materials.


    That''s insane. I don''t even have up to that, and even if I did, I''m not about to throw it all at you."


    Orion chuckled, waving a hand as if to brush off Kyle''s concerns.


    "Kyle, I get it. It sounds like a lot now, but you have to think long-term.


    This isn''t just about the credits¡ªit''s about your future. I''m giving you the chance to invest in yourself, through me.


    Once my projects take off, we''ll both benefit. Besides, did I mention this was a lifetime offer? You''ll keep leeching off my work for years to come, as long as you can provide enough."


    Kyle rolled his eyes. "You''re a terrible salesman, you know that? But fine, I''ll bite. How about we negotiate?"


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    Orion raised an eyebrow, a small glint of amusement forming in his eyes. "Negotiate, you say? Alright, let''s hear your offer."


    "5,000 credits," Kyle said, his voice firm. "That''s my final offer. Half of what you''re asking, and you still help me with everything you promised."


    Orion tilted his head, pretending to think it over. After a moment, he sighed dramatically.


    "Fine. 5,000 credits it is. But don''t come crying to me when you realize what a steal this deal is for you."


    Kyle couldn''t help the smug grin that spread across his face. "I''m such a good haggler, aren''t I?"


    He could never let himself get something lower than their value and he was confident that he had done a good job here.


    Orion smirked, adjusting his glasses. "Indeed."


    They shook hands to seal the deal, but the moment their palms met, Kyle noticed the mischievous glint in Orion''s eyes.


    His stomach dropped as he realized what had just happened.


    "You... You scammed me, didn''t you?" Kyle muttered, pulling his hand away.


    Orion chuckled, his smirk widening. "I wouldn''t say scammed. More like... I got the better end of the deal. But don''t worry, Kyle. You''ll see the benefits soon enough."


    Kyle groaned, slumping back in his seat. He couldn''t believe he had let Orion talk him into this.


    5,000 credits was still a huge amount. He had only accounted for his earning ability and had not relatively compared it with other students who would compare that sum to a dream.


    Most students managed the 20 credits they got every day, now he was about to change Orion''s life as a result of this stupid deal.


    And on top of that, he had to supply the materials for whatever projects Orion had in mind.


    Orion stood up, patting Kyle on the shoulder.


    "Cheer up, my friend. You won''t regret this. I''ll come pick up your katana tomorrow, I''ll begin working on it then, and once you see the results, you''ll realize this was the best investment you''ve ever made."


    Kyle offered a half-hearted nod, his expression a mix of resignation and frustration.


    He had agreed to the deal, and now he was stuck with it. But deep down, he knew Orion was probably right. If anyone could make this work, it was him.


    Still, as Orion walked away, Kyle couldn''t shake the feeling that he had been played. He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.


    ''Great. Now I''m down credits and I have no idea how this is going to turn out.''


    Orion''s voice floated back to him as he exited the cafeteria. "Don''t worry, Kyle. It''ll all be worth it in the end."


    Kyle watched him go, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and dread. This had to prove valuable to him unless...


    As he stood to leave, Kyle couldn''t help but chuckle bitterly. "Yeah, sure. Worth it."


    With one last glance at the cafeteria''s dim lights, Kyle turned and headed back to his dorm, already trying to figure out how Void would react to all this.

 Chapter 88: More Wealth!

    Kyle made his way back to his dorm, his footsteps quiet as he entered his room.


    In the corner, Void sat gracefully, still in deep cultivation. The sight of his companion hard at work made Kyle smile.


    Void had been pushing himself very hard, desiring for reward Kyle promised him once their agreements were fulfilled.


    Even though he pushed himself to this extent because of what be stood to gain, that didn''t make Kyle lose the admiration he held for Void on his dedication.


    Void working hard gave Kyle the feel of a parent, he knew the impact he had made in the previously lazy Void.


    Now he was confide that in the future, Void wouldn''t need to be compelled to cultivate.


    Kyle worked closer to Void in an attempt to peer into his improvement. Surely, Void must have increased massively, Kyle could even guess he was bigger and taller now.


    Formerly the size of a young house cat, he could now be compared to an adult cat, albeit a house cat.


    Kyle couldn''t exactly tell how far Void had gone from observation alone, but could easily check his stats via the system at any moment.


    However, Void had asked him not to. He wanted the results to be a surprise, and Kyle could respect that.


    It was difficult for him not to peek, but he truly wanted to be surprised.


    ''He''s really working for it,'' Kyle mused. ''When it''s all done, I''ll make sure he''s rewarded properly.''


    Kyle smiled faintly to himself. Twenty mana cores weren''t going to be enough for what Void was doing.


    He''d need to come up with something better, something that would truly show his appreciation.


    As he pondered Void''s progress, another thought struck him¡ªthe reality of what awaited his credit balance.


    [Credits: 7469]


    Tomorrow, he''d have to hand over 5000 of those to Orion, leaving him with just over 2000. The thought of it made him sigh.


    "I''m really about to throw 5000 credits each week at him, huh?" Kyle grimly chuckled to himself, shaking his head.


    It was a lot, but if Orion came through with his promises, the investment might pay off. Still, the hit to his balance stung.


    Glancing at Void once more, Kyle straightened up. It was time to focus.


    He pulled the Veil of Silence from his inventory, its smooth, dark material reflecting the faint light of the room.


    He ran his fingers over the fabric before slipping it over his face.


    No sound could escape his lips while he wore the mask, leaving him alone with his thoughts:


    ''It''s time.''


    With that, Kyle left the dorm, the door closing with a soft click behind him.


    The cool night air hit his skin as he made his way through the academy grounds.


    The streets were quieter at this hour, with most students either in their dorms or engaged in their own training sessions.


    A few groups of students passed him, some heading to the library, others walking in the direction of the training grounds. He ignored them, his mind was focused on what lay ahead.


    As he walked through the tunnel that led to the Arena, Kyle couldn''t help but remember all the memories he had here¡ªthe credits, honing if his skills, the wins and only the wins.


    Tonight would be no different.


    Entering the Arena was always a rush. The moment he stepped inside, the energy in the air seemed to shift, becoming charged with the thrill of competition.


    Kyle headed toward the registration desk, joining the long line. It didn''t take long before it got to his turn.


    The clerk didn''t ask much questions upon recognizing his mask that had induced fear into many.


    "Physical or Elemental?"


    Kyle thought hard on it before going for the former, he already had enough of elemental fights from the tournament so he''ll start of his night with a physical fight.


    After registering, he went to the gambling booth and staked 7,000 credits when he saw the odds were massively in his favour. That was his confidence.


    Kyle picked up a katana from the weapon rack, initially, he had feared he''ll be recognized if he used a katana.


    But there were tons of fighters other than him who used katana''s and no one was able to connect any dots, plus his skill level grew with every fight and training session with Instructor Dan.


    ''I''ll have to train with my sword more frequently. I must achieve 100% Sword intent mastery before the Yearly tournament,'' Kyle decided.


    He wondered what he stood to gain if he achieved 100% mastery, maybe he''ll be able to throw sword intent at will and might even be able to dream of winning.


    Kyle didn''t stay in his thoughts for too long, as he began making his way to one of the pits, deciding to watch on from the sidelines.


    After a few more fights, the announcer''s voice boomed through the Arena.


    "... Going against him, the undying sword demon: ABYSSS!"


    A massive ripple of excitement swept through the crowd as Kyle stepped onto the pit. He had become a favorite among the spectators.


    Who wouldn''t like a hidden master who seamlessly defeats all his opponents while holding back?


    Kyle had a proud smile as he walked onto the stage, he could feel the cheers and stares from everyone, but they did little to give him pressure.


    There were some who desperately wished for him to lose in the crowd, risking it high on the match to win it big and those were the ones he was going to prove wrong.


    His opponent was already waiting for him¡ªa bulky, broad-shouldered third year, with a mace as a weapon.


    Kyle deduced he should be the kind to rely on brute force, but he never underestimated him for a second.


    "Begin!"


    The moment the fight was called to begin, Kyle rushed at him with his superior agility, slipping gracefully past his opponent''s heavy swings. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His opponent''s attacks were powerful but slow, and Kyle used that to his advantage. He dodged effortlessly, his body weaving through the strikes like water around rocks.


    When his opponent overcommitted with a wild swing Kyle saw his chance. With a quick step, he was inside the man''s guard, his katana flashing in a controlled arc.


    The blunt edge of the weapon struck the man''s side, sending him stumbling backward with a grunt of pain.


    Kyle pressed forward, not letting up. His strikes were calculated, each one landing with pinpoint accuracy, targeting weak spots and joints. Continue your journey with m|v-l''-NovelFire.net


    The fight was over in minutes. His opponent fell to the ground, winded and unable to continue, but not seriously harmed.


    The crowd erupted in cheers, but Kyle barely acknowledged them as he left the pit, his mind already moving to the next match. He hadn''t broken a sweat.


    By the time his second match was called, Kyle was more than ready. His confidence soared, and he felt the growth in his skill as he faced off against a new challenger.


    This opponent was faster than the last but lacked the finesse that Kyle had honed over countless sessions.


    They clashed, his katana meeting the other fighter''s staff with a sharp ring, but Kyle''s superior technique soon showed. He slipped inside again, using the same calculated strikes, overwhelming his opponent until the match was his.


    Each fight passed in a blur after that, resulting in a seamless flow of movements and strikes.


    Kyle kept dominating all the fights he took part in, and as the night wore on, he only became sharper, faster, stronger.


    By the time the clock struck midnight, Kyle had won every match he participated in. His body ached, not only from fatigue, but from the exhilaration of constant combat.


    As the Arena started to clear out, he walked back to the gambling booth one last time to confirm the night''s winnings.


    The clerk handed him a slip, and Kyle couldn''t help but grin widely under his mask as he read the total.


    [Credits: 23,040]


    ''Not bad for a night''s work,'' Kyle couldn''t help but think as he made his way back to the dorm.


    Immediately Kyle got to his dorm, he slipped inside, careful not to disturb Void, who was still deep into his intense cultivation.


    After stepping out of the long, hot bath, Kyle glanced over at the katana lying on the table¡ªits cold, sleek blade catching the dim light of the room.


    Tomorrow, it would be handed over to Orion, and something about that felt bittersweet.


    Kyle''s eyes lingered on the weapon as his mind wandered back to its stats. He couldn''t help use [Inspect] on it once more.


    [Frozen Claw]


    [Weapon Type: Katana]


    [Enchantments: Ice Slash]


    [Ice Slash: Momentarily imbue properties of the ice element on blade.


    Mana is required to activate this property.


    Time and power of this effect increases with proficiency of the water element.]


    Kyle couldn''t help but marvel at the enchantment once again.


    "Ice slash... I haven''t even tried it out," he murmured, almost annoyed at himself for neglecting such a promising weapon.


    It was rare to come across magic equipment of this caliber, and the way it worked fascinated him.


    The ability to use elemental magic through a weapon¡ªit was something he''d read about, but seeing it in person felt almost unreal.


    He sighed and leaned against the table, remembering the whirlwind of events that had prevented him from testing the sword''s abilities.


    "Everything happened so fast," Kyle thought aloud, shaking his head. There hadn''t been a moment to breathe, much less test out the sword.


    But now? Now there was nothing standing in his way. No excuses.


    "Should I?"

 Chapter 89: Testing Out The Katana

    Kyle''s gaze shifted to the clock¡ª 12:08 AM¡ªIt was a little late for swinging around a magic-infused katana, but considering he had already slept earlier, Kyle wasn''t feeling too tired.


    Plus, tomorrow, he''d be handing over the katana to Orion. If he didn''t test its enchantment tonight, when would he ever?


    Kyle stood up, feeling the familiar thrill of curiosity surge through him. "I may as well give it a go," he muttered to himself.


    His hand reached for the katana''s hilt, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Let''s see what this thing can really do."


    Kyle descended the stairs into the expansive hall he''d turned into his personal training ground.


    It was a place where he could test his limits, push his skills, and tonight, explore the potential of his newly acquired katana, Frozen Claw.


    His hand tightened on the hilt as he pulled the blade from its scabbard.


    The metal glowed in the soft light, and the weight of the katana felt perfect. It was balanced and smooth.


    Even though he had only gotten Frozen Claw that day, it felt familiar in his hands, like any other katana he had mastered in the past.


    The difference here was that this weapon had more to offer than just its blade¡ªit held an enchantment, one that he was about to test out.


    "I''ll start with a few slashes," Kyle muttered to himself as he began making slow swings with the sword, allowing his body to reacquaint itself with the weapon''s weight and flow.


    Despite his lack of experience with this specific weapon, his natural proficiency with the sword made it feel like second nature.


    As he circled the room, Kyle''s gaze fell on the training dummy in the corner.


    It had taken quite a few credits to acquire, but it was worth it. Built tough, it could withstand all kinds of tests without breaking down. It was the perfect target to test out Frozen Claw''s capabilities.


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    He approached the dummy and held the sword firmly in both hands, the hilt snug in his grip. With a quick inhale, he unleashed a series of sharp strikes.


    His body moved fluidly, the katana whistling with each swing. The impact was solid¡ªhe could feel the force traveling through the blade into the dummy, but it was the precision that stood out.


    Every cut was perfect, exactly where he intended it to land¡ªthat was the extent of his control. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle paused, eyeing the blade. He had been eager to test the real enchantment¡ªthe Ice Slash.


    It had intrigued him ever since he first inspected the sword. Kyle had had enough time already and he knew that it was time to test our enchantment.


    Kyle took a deep breath, focusing on the katana''s enchantment. The concept seemed straightforward: channel mana into the blade, then release it through a strike.


    Easier said than done. His first few attempts yielded nothing¡ªas the sword remained cold and unmoving.


    Kyle frowned, concentrating harder. ''How exactly am I supposed to activate it?''


    After several more tries, he began to try something new. He didn''t just channel his mana through the blade, he used his mana to wash the blade.


    It showed results as a faint glow of mana was emitted from the blade as his mana occupied the blade.


    Kyle was overcome with excitement as he saw it was working.


    Slowly, the katana began to glow with a faint blue light as a cool aura enveloped the blade. Kyle grinned to himself.


    ''This is it.''


    He stepped forward, directing his mana with more purpose now, watching as the sword''s glow intensified.


    The air around him grew noticeably cooler, and with a swift, clean slash, he brought the katana down on the training dummy.


    The effect was instant¡ªice formed at the point of impact, spreading across the surface where the blade had struck. The once-tough wood of the dummy splintered slightly, frost creeping across the cracks.


    Kyle stepped back, his eyes wide with admiration. As expected, the sword didn''t just deliver a normal blow¡ªthe strike was sharper and stronger, and the chilling effect from the ice was unmistakable.


    The weapon had chipped more into the dummy than his previous strikes, leaving a noticeable layer of frost behind.


    He swung again, this time pouring more mana into the blade. The icy glow was more pronounced as it slashed through the air.


    Like before, the cold energy it emitted lingered even after the strike.


    Even though Kyle wasn''t yet proficient with water affinity, the sword''s enchantment was responding well enough to his mana and was producing impressive results.


    Kyle couldn''t help but imagine how much more powerful Frozen Claw would become once he awakened a water affinity.


    The sword wasn''t a growth-type weapon, but it didn''t need to be¡ªits capabilities were already beyond what he had expected.


    He could only dream of the devastation it could cause once he mastered its potential.


    It was almost disappointing that he''d be handing it over to Orion tomorrow, but the promise of getting it back even stronger kept him going.


    After a few more strikes, the sword''s frozen glow dimmed and finally vanished.


    "I see¡­ it has a limit," Kyle thought, recalling the system''s description.


    [The duration and power of this effect increases with proficiency in the water element.]


    He sighed, glancing over the description again. For a moment, he felt tempted to pursue water affinity as his next element.


    "No¡­ basing my future on one weapon isn''t smart," Kyle immediately banished such thoughts. "There are far more powerful elements I could unlock."


    A thought sparked in his mind. I never figured out how to awaken more elemental affinities?


    "System, how can I unlock additional elements?"


    [...]


    When the system offered no response, Kyle sighed again.


    "Looks like I''ll have to figure it out myself." He knew the answer wouldn''t come easily but was determined to seek it out.


    With that decision made, Kyle retired for the night. His body ached¡ªnot from exhaustion, but from the satisfying soreness that followed a productive training session.


    He sheathed Frozen Claw, the soft click of the blade sliding into its scabbard a satisfying punctuation to his successful night¡ªor rather, early morning.


    Kyle stood there for a moment, observing the training dummy. It had done well to receive a beating and he didn''t regret purchasing it.


    It looked slightly damaged but Kyle wasn''t worried as its innate function allowed it to heal itself over time with the help of the mana core ingrained within it.


    He glanced at his katana one last time. It had lived up to his expectations, and tomorrow, he would hand it over to Orion. He knew that when it returned, it would be enhanced beyond its current state.


    As much as he hated parting with the weapon, Kyle was content knowing it would come back even stronger.


    With a final look at the training area, he made his way back to his room. Void was still deep in his cultivation, undisturbed by the night''s events.


    Kyle decided not to bother him. Instead, he climbed into the soft, welcoming bed, ready to surrender to sleep, his mind already thinking of the next day''s plans.

 Chapter 90: A Thousand Mana Cores?!

    Kyle woke to a persistent tapping on his forehead.


    He groaned before aimlessly swatting the bugging annoyance resulting in his hand connected with something hard and scaly.


    The tapping stopped for a moment before resuming, more insistent this time.


    "Wake up!" Void''s voice, as sharp as ever, cut through the fog of Kyle''s sleep.


    Kyle groaned again, parting his eyelids to see the small dragon perched firmly on his chest.


    The creature''s golden eyes were locked onto him, its tail wagging back and forth in an impatient rhythm.


    "Ugh... Void, what time is it?" Kyle mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he tried to shake off the remnants of his sleep.


    Void, unimpressed by the sluggishness, shifted its weight and gave an exasperated snort.


    "Check for yourself. I''m not your personal timekeeper."


    Kyle groggily reached for his comm on the bedside table. His eyes widened in horror as he caught sight of the time. 11:23 AM. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What the¡ª" Kyle shot upright, sending Void tumbling off his chest and onto the bed in a backward roll. The little dragon hissed in annoyance, regaining its footing with a glare.


    "I''ve been trying to wake you for the past hour!" Void snapped, hopping back onto the bed.


    "You''re lucky I didn''t leave you there. Honestly, for a student, you''re quite the heavy sleeper."


    Kyle ignored the sarcastic tone, running a hand through his disheveled hair.


    "An hour? Seriously?" He yawned, trying to process how he had slept through Void''s disturbance for so long.


    Void sat back on its limbs, watching Kyle with a serious look.


    "I tried everything short of breathing fire on you. Not that I have the strength to breathe fire¡ªyet."


    Kyle couldn''t help but chuckle, despite the stress creeping in. "Yeah, I guess I owe you for that."


    "You do," Void replied smoothly, tail flicking again. "And speaking of debts¡­"


    Kyle''s chuckle died in his throat, his instincts warning him of impending doom.


    "Wait... what do you mean, debts?" he asked slowly, eyeing the dragon with suspicion.


    Void''s grin was far too smug for Kyle''s liking.


    "Remember our little agreement? The one about mana cores?" Void''s eyes sparkled mischievously as it paced on the bed.


    "Yeah, I remember. I''ll give you 20 mana cores when you become an Intermediate Mage, right?"


    Void gave a small, almost undetectable nod, then sat still for a moment before adding,


    "You''re correct, but scrap that deal. I''ve changed my mind."


    "Changed your mind? About what?"


    Void''s grin widened further. "I think 20 cores are far too few for a being of my level. I''m going to need... let''s say... 1000."


    Kyle widened his moth, his jaw dropping as if he hadn''t heard Void correctly.


    "A thousand mana cores?! Are you insane? Do you have any idea how much that would cost?"


    Void, unfazed, tilted its head slightly, as if considering the matter.


    "At current market value, that would be roughly 200,000 credits, give or take a few thousand."


    "Give or take?" Kyle repeated, his voice rising.


    "Void, that''s a fortune! That''s 27 years of our current allowance! How do you expect me to come up with that kind of money?"


    Void shrugged, completely unconcerned.


    "How you acquire them is not my problem. I need them for my growth, and as my master, it''s your responsibility to provide."


    Kyle stared in disbelief. "My responsibility? You can''t just drop these ridiculous demands out of nowhere!"


    "This is hardly ridiculous. If you want me to grow and be a proper partner, I need resources. Consider this an investment.


    My strength will directly impact yours, and you know how important that is, don''t you?"


    "Void, we''re talking about a thousand cores. Do you realize how long that would take me to gather?"


    Void fixed him with a cool, calculating look. "I''ve done the math, actually. Based on my current rate of mana absorption, it will take approximately 203 days for me to reach level 10 and become an Intermediate Mage¡ªassuming I cultivate for ten hours daily.


    You have more than enough time to gather that amount of cores before then."


    Kyle blinked, momentarily stunned into silence. "Wait, you did... math?"


    Void nodded proudly.


    "I am more than a cute face, Kyle. I''ve calculated the most efficient path to power. And 1000 cores is a small price to pay for the strength I will offer you in return."


    Kyle sank back onto the bed, his head spinning. He was used to Void''s confident attitude, but this felt like a whole new level of audacity.


    Still, as unreasonable as it sounded, Void wasn''t wrong. The little dragon was key to his growth especially outside the academy , and in a world where power meant survival, their mutual advancement was essential.


    "Alright, fine," Kyle sighed, rubbing his temples.


    Kyle couldn''t help but feel he had been scammed once again. Furst, Orion now Void.


    ''Wait... Orion,'' Kyle suddenly remembered their agreement.


    He directed his gaze to his comm again, scrolling through the notifications.


    Sure enough, there were five missed calls from Orion¡ªone at 7:00 AM, then 8:00, then 9:00... all the way up to 11:00, as if Orion had been trying to reach him every hour.


    "Crap," Kyle muttered under his breath. He opened an unread message from Orion, which contained nothing but an address marker and a simple line of text: Be here when you wake up.


    Kyle grimaced. He had totally forgotten they had made plans to meet today, and knowing Orion, the guy was probably fuming by now. Enjoy new chapters from m-v l''-NovelFire.net


    He grabbed the Frozen Claw, from the desk, giving it a quick once-over before placing it in a bag.


    Just as he was about to head out the door, Void''s voice called out again. "Wait!"


    Kyle stopped mid-step, glancing back to see Void hopping off the bed and trotting over to him, its eyes gleaming with excitement.


    "I''m coming with you!" Void announced, looking up at him expectantly.


    Kyle shook his head, already knowing where this was going. "No way. You''re staying here. You''ll only be a disturbance to me."


    Void''s face fell into an exaggerated pout, its eyes wide and pleading.


    "But I''ll be good! I promise! I won''t cause any problems. I just want to see what you''re up to."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Since when do you care about what I''m up to?"


    Void straightened, the pout vanishing as quickly as it had appeared.


    "I have my reasons. And besides, I''m curious about this ''Orion guy'' you''re always talking about. I need to assess the competition."


    Kyle blinked, taken aback. "Competition? What are you¡ª"


    "I''m2 your most important partner, aren''t I?" Void interrupted, puffing its chest. "I need to know who else is vying for your attention."


    Kyle stared at the little dragon, momentarily at a loss for words.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me."


    Void replied with a smug voice. "I''m not. You should appreciate the effort I''m making. After all, I''m your most valuable asset."


    "Hmph. Let''s go," Kyle finally sighed in defeat. "But... Try not to be a disturbance."


    Void hopped into the system pet space in a flash, its voice echoing in Kyle''s mind as it settled in.


    [I wouldn''t dream of it.]


    Kyle snorted. "Sure."


    With that, he finally headed out the door, locking it behind him as he made his way to Orion''s place.

 Chapter 91: Before You Need It

    Void remained silent in the system pet space as Kyle walked toward Orion''s house, which was unusual, because the dragon usually had something snarky to say.


    The rows of dormitory houses were all identical, each one-story tall, with uniform brickwork, sloped roofs, and neat little front lawns.


    Kyle soon reached Orion''s house. He glanced at the number "6" that confirmed it was his before pressing the doorbell.


    Immediately the doorbell rang, Kyle heard quick footsteps approaching before the door was flunged open.


    Orion stood there, his hair slightly disheveled, with an eager expression on his face as though he''d been waiting by the door all morning.


    "Took you long enough," Orion said, waving Kyle inside.


    Kyle smirked and walked in, observing the layout. It was similar to his own dorm house¡ªlarge and expansive sitting room with plush couches and a neat table.


    The whole place had a sterile cleanliness to it, like Orion didn''t spend much time here.


    They walked through the sitting room toward a large open room, similar to the one Kyle had converted to his training center.


    Kyle had expected to see some kind of grand forge or lab setup like the one in Frulia¡ªa place where Orion would be crafting intricate tools or researching.


    But as they stepped inside, Kyle was greeted with¡­ nothing. The room was practically barren, save for a few scattered books and runic papers. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle blinked, a little surprised. "Wait, this is your lab? You haven''t set up anything yet?"


    Orion chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck.


    "Yeah, well, you need credits to get all the top-tier stuff. And unfortunately, I haven''t exactly had the funds to build out the whole workshop yet. But thanks to you¡­"


    He winked with a mischievous smile before adding, "I''m not in the dark anymore."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, catching on. "So I''m your light bringer now, huh?"


    Orion smirked. "Call it what you want, but thanks to that last credit transfer you sent, I''ve got plans in motion."


    Kyle groaned but didn''t dwell on it that much. He remembered something he had observed and decided to bring it up.


    "I saw some runic papers all over the floor... You do runes?"


    "Yeah... I''ve been dabbling into that recently. Any problem?"


    "No... No, I''m just surprised. How good are you exactly?" Kyle asked with a slight, nervous chuckle.


    It damaged his confidence to realize that Orion could inscribe runes. Worst of all... He learnt it all by himself.


    "I might not be as good as you just yet... But I''m getting there."


    Kyle sighed in relief when he heard Orion''s claim, inwardly steeling himself to work harder and not let Orion catch up to him.


    ''I can''t let him be a master in everything.''


    [Snap out of it. You''re acting like a child] Void''s voice echoed in Kyle''s mind carrying hints of laughter.


    He forgot that Void could read his thoughts when in the pet space, as they were connected through a mind link.


    Kyle wanted to retort to Void'' s remark but kept his calm. ''Remember you promised to be good; so keep quiet.''


    Void clicked [Yeah right]


    "What¡ª"


    Alright, enough with the small talk," Orion said, unexpectedly interrupting Kyle''s building banter with Orion.


    "Let''s talk business. Let me have the katana?"


    Kyle nodded, reaching into his bag and carefully pulling out the Frozen Claw.


    The moment his hand wrapped around the hilt, he could feel the familiar cool sensation radiating from the blade. Explore new worlds at m,v l''-NovelFire.net


    He placed the katana gently on the table between them.


    "Frozen Claw," Kyle said quietly, eyeing the blade. "It''s got an ice enchantment called ''Ice Slash.''


    Every time it hits something, it forms frost and ice at the point of impact. The closer attuned you are with the water element, the stronger the effect."


    [You idiot! You''ve said too much! How are you going to explain that one? System mechanics aren''t common knowledge!]


    Kyle froze for a second. He hadn''t meant to say that much. He hadn''t meant to say that much. Panic flashed through his mind, as he desperately began thinking of ways to backtrack.


    "Uh... I just guessed so, since ice is a branch of water magic. Maybe a water elemental mage should no better."


    Orion gave him a suspicious look, clearly not buying the excuse.


    "So you''re saying proficiency with the element enhances the enchantment?"


    Kyle forced a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Something like that. Honestly, I''m not sure about that; I''m just considering."


    [Sure, that''ll throw him off] Void muttered sarcastically.


    Orion narrowed his eyes, clearly unconvinced, but he didn''t bother pushing the subject.


    "You''ve been dabbling in forge mastering, haven''t you? How could you figure that weave."


    Kyle let out a nervous chuckle. "Lucky guess, I think."


    Orion gave him a long look before finally leaning back in his chair.


    "Alright, alright. No need to get defensive. Let''s talk about what I''m going to do with this beauty."


    Orion picked up the katana and gave it a few experimental swings in the air.


    The blade made a satisfying whooshing sound, and Kyle couldn''t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. This was his sword, after all.


    "Hey, don''t get too comfortable with that," Kyle said, his tone playful but with a hint of seriousness.


    Orion laughed, spinning the blade in his hand before carefully setting it back down on the table.


    "Relax. I''m not gonna keep it. But I need time to study the enchantment properly. The longer I have it, the better I can understand its mechanics and improve it for you."


    "When do you think you''ll give it back?" Kyle asked with hints of desperation.


    Orion waved his hand dismissively. "Before you need it, I promise."


    Kyle pondered that for a moment. When would he really need it? He couldn''t use it in the arena because sharp weapons were banned. He couldn''t use it in class either.


    Suddenly, the realization hit him¡ªFrozen Claw, like the Veil of Silence, was a weapon meant for the world outside the academy. Its true power couldn''t be unleashed here.


    "This world really wants me to leave the academy," Kyle muttered to himself, thinking about all of his boons.


    Orion snapped him out of his thoughts.


    "The longer I''m with the katana, the better I can enhance it. Trust me on this."


    "Fine. But don''t get too attached to it... And most importantly don''t damage it."


    Orion chuckled before moving on to the next topic. "Now, about those credits¡­"


    Kyle groaned internally, knowing exactly what was coming next.


    "Yeah, yeah, the deal. How much do I owe you again?"


    Orion leaned back, grinning. "Don''t act like you forgot. It''s 5,000 credits, every Wednesday."


    Kyle grumbled under his breath, swiping open his comm to transfer the credits.


    "More like an allowance," he muttered as he punched in the transfer details.


    Orion smirked as the credits hit his account. "Hey, I''m just providing a service. You want top-tier gear, don''t you?"


    Kyle opened his mouth to respond, but before he could get a word out, Orion stood up and motioned toward the door.


    "Alright, we''re done here. I''ve got a lot of work to do; so... see yourself out."


    Kyle blinked in surprise. "What? You''re kicking me out already?"


    Orion shot him a sly grin. "Time is money, and I''ve got a lot of work to do thanks to you."


    Kyle stood up, muttering, "See the bro I made rich," under his breath as he headed for the door.


    Void, who had been disturbingly quiet for most of the conversation, suddenly chimed in with a soft laugh.


    [You really did make him rich. Look at him now¡ªkicking you out like you''re some beggar.]


    Kyle rolled his eyes. "Shut up, Void."


    [Hey, just pointing out the obvious.]


    Kyle stepped out of Orion''s house, the door shutting firmly behind him. He stood outside Orion''s house for a moment, staring at the closed door.


    He didn''t bother to dwell more on his send off, rather, committing his mind on what to do next.


    ''The best option would be to cultivate,'' Kyle mused. ''There''ll be no classes this week, so I''ll have to use this time wisely and grow stronger by any means possible.''


    Kyle was about to turn around and head back to his house when he heard Void''s voice chime in.


    [You have thousands of credits and you''re planning on cultivating?]


    ''Ah... I totally forgot that skill,'' Kyle laughed nervously, simultaneously pulling out his comm to confirm his remaining credits.


    [Credits: 18,005].


    He still had a decent amount left after the last transfer to Orion.


    "Nice idea... Let''s head to the mall!"


    Void remained quiet, to avoid saying anything that will annoy Kyle. This was his opportunity to eat more mana cores, and he just had to stay good.


    After a short walk, Kyle arrived at the academy''s bustling mall; the place was packed with students as usual, mostly the first years as this was a free day for them.


    Kyle scanned the area, searching for a shop that sold mana cores. There were always multiple mana core stores, some belonged to the academy staff while others belonged to students.


    Kyle located a store that had a large amount of cores available, including cores of other tiers aside from tier-1.


    As he stepped into the store, he momentarily admired all the cores that were neatly packed in various glass cases.


    ''Imagine having access to all these cores...'' Kyle couldn''t help but dream.


    Void who had been oddly quiet during the walk to the mall cut him off, sounding very serious.


    [Then let''s steal them. I''ve grown very much stronger... We should be able to pull it off if we execute it properly]


    ''You...'' Kyle wanted to remark on Void''s plan when out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a familiar face.


    Standing by the counter and speaking with the salesman, was none other than Lora.

 Chapter 92: Leagues Ahead [Edited]

    Kyle lingered for a moment at the back of the shop, his thoughts swirling after identifying Lora.


    He remembered how he had been such a jerk to her after he had lost. He meant to call her and apologize, but ever since Orion''s interruption it completely slipped his mind.


    Now, here she was. She was right in front of him but he couldn''t help but hesitate.


    ''I never did get the chance to apologize for being rude,'' Kyle thought to himself, glancing over at Lora again.


    ''And nothing''s stopping me from doing it now.''


    [Stop acting like you''re gearing up to talk to your crush]


    Void suddenly chimed in as usual, cutting through Kyle''s thoughts with an amused tone.


    ''What?! Crush? The hell... What made you even think in such manner.''


    [Sure, sure. You don''t need to panic.]


    Kyle could already feel the banter with Void building, but this wasn''t the time for that.


    ''I should go talk to her,'' he decided, steeling himself.


    Taking a deep breath, Kyle made his way over to where Lora stood, forming a confident expression admist his nervousness as he approached her.


    "Hey, Lora," Kyle called out casually, waving slightly to catch her attention.


    Lora turned around to the direction of the voice that called her name almost immediately, her eyes widening in surprise the moment it met him.


    For a moment, a soft smile graced her lips, but it quickly vanished as her expression fell. She looked down, clearly remembering what had happened between them.


    "I... I''m sorry," she said almost immediately, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "I know I''ve already said it before, but... I really am."


    Kyle sighed, feeling an instant pang of guilt. He raised his hand and gently face-palmed, shaking his head.


    "No. Stop apologizing. You didn''t do anything wrong. If anything, I''m the one who should be apologizing. I was the jerk, not you."


    Lora blinked, confused. "But I¡ª"


    Kyle cut her off. "It wasn''t your fault, okay? I lost, and I took it out on you, which wasn''t fair. I should''ve known better."


    Lora bit her lip, still looking uncertain. "You really wanted to¡ª"


    "Lora, really," Kyle interrupted again, this time with a soft chuckle.


    "It''s okay. You won fair and square, but now I need you to forgive me. I shouldn''t have acted like that... Please forgive me."


    For a moment, they stood in silence, Lora processing his words. Slowly, she nodded, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks.


    "Okay," she whispered. "I forgive you."


    Kyle smiled now the tension between them had disappeared.


    "Good. Now that we''ve got that out of the way, let me make it up to you by paying for your mana cores," he said, motioning to the glass cases filled with cores.


    Lora''s eyes widened in shock.


    "Oh, no way. You don''t need to do that. I still owe you for the last time." she said quickly, waving her hands in protest.


    "C''mon," Kyle pressed, "It''s the least I can do after being such an ass."


    Lora shook her head vehemently, her usual shyness creeping back into her voice.


    "I don''t need you to pay for them. I''ve got tons credits."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, trying to argue, but Lora cut him off this time.


    "Really, Kyle. I''ve got plenty of credits. I''ve sold a good amount of runes, plus the prize I received from the tournament, I don''t have a problem with credits."


    The elective courses weren''t just about gaining knowledge; they also helped in creating products that had value in the market.


    Rune makers could sell pre-made runes. The alchemists students could prepare pills and potions, while the forge masters sold weapons and armor.


    The only exception to this system of monetization was the Beast Tamers. They didn''t sell any products or resources, as their focus was entirely on training and bonding with powerful creatures.


    However, the strength of a tamed beast in battle more than made up for the lack of a traditional income stream.


    Beast Tamers didn''t need to sell goods¡ªthey had their companions, and that was a trade-off most were willing to accept.


    It also explained how Lora had managed to accumulate a decent sum of credits.


    Her superior skills in rune making, combined with her speed and precision, could easily turn her into a machine when it came to churning out marketable runes.


    This might seem heavenly to the students, but it wasn''t appealing for Kyle. He had a more reliable source of income than to spend hours creating runes, all for another person''s use.


    He glanced at the counter, where the salesman was carefully packing up the mana cores for Lora. "How many did you buy?"


    "Twenty," Lora calmly replied.


    Kyle blinked in shock. "Twenty? That''s a lot of cores."


    Lora shrugged. "I need them. They''re essential for my research."


    Kyle couldn''t believe his ears. Most students, aside from a few exceptions like himself, rarely bought more than a handful of mana cores at a time.


    The high prices alone were enough to deter most, and yet Lora had just bought twenty as if it were no big deal.


    "What kind of research are you doing?" Kyle asked, now more intrigued than ever.


    "I''ve been studying Runic Circles," Lora answered, her eyes lighting up with excitement.


    Kyle''s jaw dropped. "You''re working with Runic Circles? At your level?"


    Lora nodded, a small smile on her face. "Yeah. It''s really challenging, but I think I''m making progress. That''s why I need so many mana cores. They''re key to making the circles work."


    Runic circles were a collection of runes combined together in an intricate formation to create much more advanced magic.


    An example was the teleportation circle used by the Dean to transport them here.


    Kyle was speechless for a moment. He knew how complicated Runic Circles were, and for Lora to be delving into that kind of advanced magic so early was nothing short of incredible.


    It reminded him just how far apart they were when it came to Rune Making.


    [You''re leagues apart] Void suddenly cut in, his voice smug in Kyle''s mind.


    [She''s far smarter and stronger than you, and yet you''re supposed to be the main character]


    Kyle couldn''t help but feel a small sting at Void''s words. He wanted to argue that Lora wasn''t stronger than him just because she had beat him, but quickly pushed it aside.


    It didn''t matter that Lora was ahead of him. What mattered was that she was amazing at what she did, and he could close that gap soon.


    "You''re seriously talented," Kyle finally said, his voice full of admiration.


    Lora blushed, glancing away shyly. "No, I''m not..."


    "You are," Kyle insisted. "I mean, I don''t even understand what Runic Circles are. Yet you''re learning on how to create them."


    Lora''s blush deepened, and she looked down at her feet.


    "I''m just trying my best.".


    "Well, keep it up. You''re definitely going to be a legend one day. Make sure you remember me," Kyle added with a wink.


    Lora giggled softly, clearly embarrassed by the compliment. "Thank you."


    They stood there for a moment in comfortable silence before Lora finally picked up her box of mana cores.


    "I should get going. I''ve got a lot of work to do."


    Kyle nodded. "Yeah, I''ll let you get back to it."


    Lora turned around just before she left the door. "We should meet up again soon... I''ve missed our study sessions."


    "Oh, so you missed me, huh?" Read exclusive content at m_v-l''-NovelFire.net


    Her face immediately turned a deep shade of red as she sputtered,


    "No! I mean... I missed the study sessions, not you!"


    Kyle pretended to pout. "So you like runes more than me? That''s harsh, Lora."


    Lora''s eyes widened in horror. "No! That''s not what I meant¡ª" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before she could finish, Kyle burst into laughter, unable to keep up the act any longer.


    "I''m just messing with you."


    Lora''s face squeezed up in a cute angry expression as she realized he''d tricked her.


    "That''s not funny!"


    Kyle grinned, still chuckling. "Sorry, sorry. I couldn''t resist."


    Lora shook her head, though there was a small smile on her face. "You''re impossible."


    Kyle watched as Lora turned to leave, her blush still faintly visible on her cheeks.


    "See you around, Kyle," she said softly before heading out the door.


    "See you," Kyle called after her, still smiling as he watched her go.


    Once she was out of sight, Kyle turned back to the counter. The salesman was waiting for him, raising an eyebrow as if to ask if he needed help.


    Kyle stepped forward, clearing his throat.


    "I''d like sixty mana cores, please."

 Chapter 93: Level Up Gobbler!

    The salesman raised his eyebrow, momentarily stunned by Kyle''s request.


    "Sixty mana cores, you said?" He blinked in disbelief, as if waiting for Kyle to laugh and say it was a joke.


    Kyle met his gaze with a smirk. "That''s right. Sixty."


    The man''s mouth hung slightly open for a beat, and then, as the realization settled in, a spark of excitement lit up his eyes.


    He quickly composed himself, adopting a professional tone, though the eager gleam in his eyes betrayed how pleased he was.


    "Sixty mana cores coming right up."


    He turned back to his counter, grabbing a set of keys from his belt as he moved toward a glass case.


    As he carefully unlocked it and began removing the cores one by one, Kyle could see the man trying¡ªand failing¡ªto hide his glee.


    He couldn''t help but smile to himself, recognizing how much his purchase was brightening up someone else day.


    "Quite the busy day for you, huh?" Kyle said casually, glancing around the shop.


    He caught sight of a few other customers walking about, some of them casting curious glances his way, perhaps overhearing the absurd number of cores he was purchasing.


    The salesman chuckled nervously as he continued to pack the cores in a box.


    "Indeed! It''s not every day that someone buys this many mana cores in one go. First the young lady with her twenty... and now you." He gave Kyle a respectful nod.


    "You''ve made this one of the best days I''ve had in a while, sir."


    Kyle waved off the flattery, not feeling comfortable from being referred as ''sir''.


    As the salesman continued to pack the cores, he glanced up at Kyle, clearly curious but too professional to ask any personal questions.


    Instead, he simply said, "If you ever need more mana cores, please feel free to return. I''ll always have stock ready for you."


    Kyle smiled at the comment, appreciating the man''s professionalism.


    "I''ll keep that in mind," he replied as he transferred the credits.


    The salesman''s hands moved with practiced care as he closed the box and slid it across the counter toward Kyle.


    "Here you go, sir," he said with a flourish. "Sixty mana cores, packed delicately, just as requested."


    Kyle took the box and gave the man a nod of thanks. "I appreciate it. I''ll definitely be back."


    "Anytime!" The salesman bowed slightly, clearly satisfied with the transaction.


    "You have yourself a wonderful day."


    Kyle turned, box in hand, and made his way out of the shop. As he stepped into the main passage of the mall, the chatter of students filled the air.


    He allowed himself a brief moment to enjoy the bustle before Void''s voice cut through the peaceful atmosphere.


    [Sixty cores, huh? That''s quite the feast you''ve lined up]


    Kyle couldn''t help but chuckle. He had been expecting Void to speak on on this topic sooner.


    "Yeah, it''s all for me. Don''t get any ideas."


    [All for you?] Void repeated, sounding hurt.


    [Kyle, I''m wounded. I''ve6 been so good to you lately, giving you space and everything. Isn''t it only fair that we share?]


    Kyle laughed, shaking his head as he continued walking through the marketplace.


    "Nice try. But you don''t get to manipulate me that easily. Besides, if I let you have your way, I''d be lucky to keep even one core for myself."


    [Oh, come on] Void whined. [Just a few. You don''t need all sixty, right? Think of the benefits we''d both get if you just shared a little.]


    Kyle grinned, loving how easy it was to rile Void up. "Nope. They''re mine."


    [Selfish] Void muttered. [You''re becoming selfish, Kyle.]


    Kyle rolled his eyes as they left the mall and headed back toward his dorm.


    "I was wondering... You were unusually quiet when I talked to Lora, what happened?" Kyle asked as he walked. "Not like you to let me have so much peace."


    [Quiet?] Void echoed. [I was merely giving you space to make your moves. You seemed so focused on apologizing to Lora. Didn''t want to mess that up for you.]


    Kyle couldn''t help but snort. "You were giving me space? I''m not buying it."


    [Okay, okay, maybe I was just enjoying the show a little,] Void admitted, sounding amused. [You humans are always so awkward about these things.]


    Kyle laughed. "Yeah, well, thanks for not interrupting. I didn''t need your commentary on that one."


    They continued walking in comfortable silence until they reached the house.


    Kyle made his way to his room the moment he got inside, setting the box of mana cores down on the desk.


    "Alright," Kyle said, cracking his knuckles as he eyed the box. "Time to get to work."


    He opened the box, revealing the neatly packed mana cores, each one glowing faintly with contained energy. He could already feel the faint pulse of power radiating from them.


    But before he began Kyle had something to take care of first¡ªSkill points were used for either upgrading or learning skills.


    Kyle had obtained 5 skill points from the system on reaching the Finals¡ªthe bare minimum for upgrading a base skill to the next level.


    Now he was presented with the opportunity to take mana cores. He couldn''t waste this opportunity to try leveling up [Gobbler].


    ''Level up Gobbler,'' He willed with the system, inwardly hoping for it to work.


    [Gobbler: Lv 1 >> Lv 2]


    [Gobbler(Lv 2): Gobble a Mana core to acquire 20% Mana]


    "Nice!" Kyle muttered with a wide grin, not very encouraging but would do.


    He picked up the first one, rolling it between his fingers for a moment before popping it into his mouth. Explore stories on m,v l-NovelFire.net


    His teeth handled the core perfectly, allowing it to dissolve instantly, a burst of raw mana flooding his senses.


    Kyle closed his eyes, focusing on the flow of energy as it coursed through his body. The system pinged almost immediately, notifying him of his gain.


    [+20 EXP]


    The notifications appeared with each core he consumed. One after another, the mana cores vanished as Kyle devoured them, his body absorbing the energy at a rapid pace.


    The sensation of power building within him was intoxicating, and he could feel his mana reserves swelling with each core.


    Void, at first, watched with eager anticipation. But as the pile of cores dwindled, his excitement began to wane. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''re really going to eat them all, huh?" Void asked, his tone now more dejected.


    Kyle smirked as he picked up another core. "Told you. All mine."


    Void''s frustration grew more apparent with each core that disappeared. "You can''t be serious! Kyle, you don''t need all of them!"


    Kyle just grinned, tossing another core into his mouth. The system continued to ping with each bite, the notifications coming in quick succession.


    [+20 EXP]


    [+20 EXP]


    ...


    Void''s voice grew more desperate as the number of remaining cores dwindled. "You''re killing me here! How can you be this heartless? Look at all that delicious mana¡ª"


    Kyle finally reached the last core, holding it between his fingers as Void watched. He was as broken already and tears were building in his eyes.


    "Kyle, wait¡ª"


    Kyle ignored him and motioned to pop the core into his mouth, but in a swift reverse motion, he tossed the core into the air.


    Time seemed to slow down for Void as he focused his eyes on the mana core in the air.


    His eyes were widened in excitement and he didn''t hesitate, before Kyle could blink, Void had leapt up at lightning speed, swallowing the core whole with a single chomp.


    "Burp."


    Kyle burst out laughing, watching Void float back down, clearly pleased with himself. "Well, you got one," Kyle said with a grin.


    Void, however, turned his back on Kyle, clearly sulking.


    [That was torture. You could have given me at least fifty, but no. You let me starve and then tossed me the crumbs.]


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, amused. "Crumbs? That core was worth the same as the others."


    [Doesn''t matter] Void muttered. [I was still deprived.]


    Kyle chuckled, watching Void pout as he floated toward the corner of the room, clearly intending to "cultivate" his anger away.


    He was enjoying getting on Void''s skin a bit, and he wasn''t ready to stop just yet.


    "Hey," Kyle called out after a moment. "Aren''t you forgetting something?"


    Void ignored him, continuing his slow drift to the corner, still radiating anger as he walked.


    "Oh, I don''t know... Maybe a little thank you for giving you that last core?"

 Chapter 94: An Angry Void

    Void stiffened mid-walk, his back still turned to Kyle. It seemed like he wanted to turn around and say something, but he held it in and continued walking, reaching the corner and crouching to cultivate.


    Kyle chuckled softly to himself, already knowing how to push Void''s buttons further. Enjoy new tales from m-v l''-NovelFire.net


    He slowly stood up, pretending to walk out of the door. "Welp, if that''s how it''s going to be... I guess I''ll just head out to buy some more mana cores."


    Void''s eyes snapped open the moment he heard mana cores, and in the blink of an eye, he zoomed across the room at a blinding speed, blocking Kyle''s path by positioning himself directly between Kyle and the door.


    "W-wait! Hold on! No need to leave just yet!" Void stammered, his voice suddenly bright and eager, as if trying to make up for his earlier cold shoulder.


    Kyle smirked, crossing his arms over his chest as he raised an eyebrow. "Oh, now you want to talk?"


    Void nodded furiously, his usual bravado replaced with a pleading, almost desperate tone.


    "Of course, of course! You''ve already gotten yourself some mana cores. Can''t you get some for me too, please!"


    Kyle pretended to think about it for a moment.


    "Hmm... I don''t know. You''ve been really bad lately, I''ve not been happy with that¡ª"


    Void, sensing that he was about to lose, suddenly changed tactics. He puffed up his cheeks and made his eyes go wide and teary and his whole face transformed into a picture of exaggerated cuteness.


    "Kyle, please! Look! I''m being good now!"


    Kyle stared at Void with a straight face, barely holding back his laughter.


    "You know I''m not buying your act."


    Void immediately switched strategies, dropping the cute act and instead bowing dramatically, hands clasped together in a gesture of total supplication.


    "Please! Oh great Kyle, oh kind and generous Kyle, I beg of you! But for me mana cores! I''ll do anything! Anything!"


    Kyle kept his poker face, though he could feel his resolve weakening. "Anything, huh?"


    Void nodded enthusiastically, practically throwing himself at Kyle''s feet.


    "Yes! Yes! Anything! You want compliments? I''ve got compliments! You''re strong, powerful, and the best cultivator in the academy.


    Your mana core shines brighter than the sun!"


    "Hehe!" Kyle suddenly burst into laughter, not able to take it anymore. Void''s compliments had pushed him too far.


    He kept laughing for some time while Void quietly stared at him, feeling an ominous dread from his sudden outburst of laughter.


    ''Did I say anything funny? Is he laughing at my desperation?'' Void pondered as beads of sweat fell off his face.


    ''No. I know why he''s laughing... He had been lying all around!''


    Void eventually came to a conclusion on the reason for Kyle''s laughter, but he couldn''t bring himself to admit it, deciding to probe him further.


    "Do you mind letting me share in your laughter?" Void asked, trying to maintain his politeness, just in case he was wrong.


    Kyle tried to control his laughter, but it was no use. "Sorry, Void," he managed to say between the chuckles.


    "This was all just a prank. I wasn''t actually planning on going out to get more mana cores right now."


    Void''s face hardened as the truth sank in. His usual playful nature vanished, replaced by a cold, simmering rage.


    His eyes narrowed, and for the first time since hatching, Kyle saw an expression on Void''s face that made him uneasy.


    ''I might have gone too far this time,'' Kyle thought as he saw Void''s anger rise.


    "A prank?" Void''s tone was cold and flat. "You watched me lower myself... beg, and it was all for a joke?"


    Kyle swallowed, suddenly uncomfortable under Void''s piercing gaze. "Hey, Void, I didn''t mean to¡ª"


    "No," Void interrupted, his voice sharper now. "You did mean to. You enjoyed it, didn''t you? You enjoyed watching me grovel for something you never intended to give. What''s worse, you knew how much I liked mana cores. And you laughed."


    Kyle opened his mouth to respond, but Void wasn''t done. The small dragon''s tail flicked with irritation, and his voice trembled, not with weakness but with restrained fury.


    "Do you know what it''s like, Kyle?" Void continued, his tone rising. "To need something so badly? To feel that burning hunger, that drive, and then to be made a fool of for wanting it?"


    His voice broke, but the intensity of his anger only kept on growing. "You toyed with me. You watched me grovel, and you found it funny."


    Kyle flinched. Void''s words hit harder than any spell could. He hadn''t realized how deeply he had hurt his companion.


    He thought it was a simple joke, a light tease, but now he saw it for what it was¡ªcruelty.


    ''Damn, I really screwed up,'' Kyle thought. His chest tightened as he realized just how badly he had misjudged the situation.


    Void''s anger wasn''t just about the joke¡ªit was about trust. Trust that Kyle had shattered in a matter of moments.


    Kyle reached out, taking a step forward. "Void, I didn''t mean¡ª"


    "You didn''t mean what?!" Void cut him off again. "Didn''t mean to humiliate me? Didn''t mean to use the one thing I wanted to manipulate me? You saw me beg. I begged you, Kyle. Do you know how that felt?


    How much it hurt?"


    Void''s claws twitched, and his tail whipped to the side with frustration. Kyle could see it now¡ªthe pride Void had, and how Kyle had trampled all over it.


    Void was still a kid who had just hatched some days ago, he had strong feelings¡ªand he had toyed with those things like they didn''t matter.


    Kyle stood there, rooted to the spot, his guilt rising inside him. This move was a complete failure on his part. He hadn''t thought at all.


    ''I messed up. Badly.''


    Void turned his back on Kyle, his shoulders trembling slightly with suppressed anger.


    Without another word, he walked to the corner of the room, curling up into a tight ball.


    His tail wrapped around him protectively, and his golden glowing eyes closed as he began to cultivate, shutting Kyle out entirely.


    "Void?" Kyle called out after some moment.


    The room remained silent, Void didn''t even flinch. He took a step forward, then stopped.


    What could he say that would make things better? He had hurt Void, not just with a careless joke, but by betraying the trust the dragon had placed in him.


    ''What the hell was I thinking?'' Kyle''s thoughts spiraled, and he ran a hand through his hair.


    ''I''m such a douchebag. Why did I think teasing him like that was a good idea? Void''s heart is so young, and I played with his emotions just like that?''


    He sighed heavily. Kyle knew that he couldn''t change anything by complaining. He could only try to reverse the situation.


    ''I''ll make it up to him,'' Kyle promised himself. ''I''ll get him mana cores¡ªlots of them.''


    Kyle glanced over at Void who was still curled up, before crossing his legs and sitting on the bed.


    He had to focus on something productive, and cultivating was the best idea.


    ''Status.''


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 3


    EXP: 3291/4000


    HP: 78


    Energy: 100


    MP: -


    Agility: 51


    Strength: 55


    Vitality: 37


    Stamina:


    Intelligence: 41


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 1)]


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 2)]


    [Inspect(Lv 2)]


    [Gobbler(Lv2)]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle scanned his status screen. His EXP was going up steadily and he was almost there. But despite the obvious improvements, he couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that it wasn''t enough.


    He frowned, his eyes narrowing on his EXP bar¡ªjust 709 more points until he reached Level 4. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''So close,'' he thought, staring at the number. ''Yet it feels like I''ve been stuck at this level forever.''


    Kyle felt that his cultivation was improving at a snail''s pace. He should be the closest to a breakthrough among most of his peers, especially considering the mana cores he had just had now, but that didn''t make the wait any less frustrating.


    Kyle couldn''t help but compare himself to Void, who could gain 100% mana from a mana core after devouring it.


    ''If only I could achieve the same,'' Kyle thought. ''I''d be in Level 4 already¡ªprobably halfway through it.''


    It wasn''t that he wasn''t grateful for how what he had access to. He knew plenty of students who would kill to be able to gobble mana cores in exchange for cultivation.


    But knowing how much potential he had inside him, he couldn''t stop himself from wanting more.


    With a sigh, he dismissed the status screen and crossed his legs on the bed. There was no point in obsessing over numbers.


    If he wanted to push past this bottleneck, he had to keep cultivating.


    ''I''ll get there,'' he told himself, closing his eyes and beginning to cultivate. ''I''ll make sure of it.''


    As he began to cultivate, he could feel the energy around him building up as he began inhaling the Mana around him.


    But as his thoughts drifted back to Void, a plan began to form in his mind. The small dragon had been furious, and Kyle knew he owed him big time.


    A simple apology wouldn''t cut it. Void wanted mana cores, and Kyle had promised himself he would make it up to him.


    ''I''ll grind for some credits in the arena tonight,'' he thought. ''I''ll get him enough mana cores that he''ll forget everything.''


    He opened one eye, glancing over at the small figure curled up in the corner. Void was still cultivating, lost in his world of mana.


    ''Tonight,'' Kyle promised himself as he returned to his cultivation, ''I''m going to make things right.''

 Chapter 95: Satisfying Storekeepers

    Kyle opened his eyes and glanced toward the corner of the room. As expected, Void was still curled up¡ªcultivating.


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    He directed his gaze to the comm on his wrist next. ''7:11 PM.'' He had been cultivating for hours and he had finished just in time.


    [EXP: 3402/4000]


    ''Time to fix this mess,'' Kyle decided, standing up quietly to ensure he doesn''t disturb Void. He tiptoed to the door, so as not to alert the dragon, reaching for the handle and turning it slowly to avoid any sound.


    Kyle threw one last glance at Void before he left the room, immediately making his way to the Arena.


    His normal routine felt different tonight¡ªmore like a mission. He needed to win many fights in the quickest possible time, so as to rack up enough credits.


    So, for the next few hours, Kyle lost himself in the rhythm of battle. He barely noticed his opponents as his focus solely lied on ending quickly.


    His mind worked like it was on autopilot, and he defeated every single opponent he faced in rapid succession, ignoring his accumulating fatigue, he kept on going until the arena closed.


    Kyle began heading out for the mall immediately after. Except for those who had stayed till the arena''s closure and were already returning to their respective dormitories, the academy grounds were mostly empty, especially the path leading to the mall.


    ''It''s most likely that the mall is closed by this hour,'' Kyle mused as he trekked slowly. ''I could just come back tomorrow, there''s no harm in that.''


    He considered it seriously for a moment, stopping his walk completely. The idea of a warm bed was tempting, almost too tempting.


    But then he shook his head, pushing the thought away. No, he had already promised himself he''d visit the store tonight. Besides, there was always a chance the mall was still open, he had never been there by this hour after all.


    "I can''t give up now," Kyle muttered under his breath as he forced himself to pick up the pace.


    Finally, he reached the mall at last. Most of the other shops were closed or in the process of shutting down, but a few seemed to still be operating.


    Kyle was about to step into a random store to make his purchase when something stopped him.


    ''Ah, yes... I promised that man.''A promise. Kyle''s mind replayed the memory of his earlier visit, where he had promised to return to that specific storekeeper. He owed it to the man to keep his word. Turning around, he made his way through the mall, searching for the shop.


    When he arrived, he was surprised on who he saw. The man behind the counter didn''t look like the one he remembered. This new guy was slightly taller and dark-skinned, unlike the other.


    "Good morning! Looking for something specific?"


    Kyle hesitated for a moment, glancing around to confirm whether he was in the right shop and from the details he could gleam from his observations, he was.


    "Yeah, I was here earlier, and... the guy from this morning. Is he still around?"


    The shopkeeper chuckled, nodding in understanding. "Ah, you must mean Jared. We work in shifts. I handle the night shifts¡ªusually from eight in the evening to around five in the morning. Jared takes over during the day."


    "Hmm... Makes sense."


    "Yes, it keeps things running smoothly," the shopkeeper replied, trying to drag the conversation. "We get all kinds of customers at odd hours, so having someone here around the clock is pretty necessary."


    Kyle couldn''t help but guess how his sleep pattern would be, wondering if he could accept such an offer, working all night, all alone.


    "Anyway, I need seventy-five mana cores."


    The shopkeeper''s smile faltered, just slightly, before it widened again, this time with a hint of surprise. "Seventy-five? Are you sure about that?"


    "Yeah, seventy-five."


    The shopkeeper''s eyes lit up with a mixture of disbelief and excitement. He quickly grabbed a few storage containers and began packing the mana cores with care.


    As he worked, he couldn''t help but think about the earlier part of his shift. Jared had been bragging nonstop about his morning sales, going on and on about the huge purchases he had made.


    ''Always boasting about how much more he sells. But I''ll show him. I''ll show him when we compare tomorrow.''


    The storekeeper grinned to himself, feeling a strange satisfaction settle over him. This was a massive sale, and he was the one who got to claim it. They worked on commission, after all, and the more you sold, the bigger the payout.


    ''Jared won''t be able to say a thing when I tell him about this,'' he thought smugly, already imagining their next conversation.


    He finished packing the mana cores and slid the storage containers toward Kyle. "That''ll be 15,000 credits," he said, still beaming with a smile.


    Kyle tapped on his comm, transferring the credits with a swift motion. The shopkeeper watched eagerly as the transaction went through, the sound of the confirmation ringing pleasantly in his ears.


    [Credits: 1788]


    "Thanks for your business!" the shopkeeper said with an even wider smile. "And... if you ever need more mana cores, we''ve got some of the best quality around, and I''m always happy to help out a good customer."


    Kyle nodded, offering a small, tired smile in return. "I''ll keep that in mind. Thanks."


    As he turned to leave, the shopkeeper couldn''t resist giving one last pitch. "And don''t forget to tell your friends! We''re always open, and we pride ourselves on great service."


    Kyle waved over his shoulder, already thinking about the long walk back. He was exhausted, but at least he had managed to keep his promise and get what he came for. And as the mall''s doors slid shut behind him, the shopkeeper stood there, still grinning. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Jared''s gonna lose it when he hears about this,'' the man mused, already planning how to rub his success in his colleague''s face when they met again.


    Kyle left the mall and made his way back to the dorm. He walked at a moderate pace until he reached home.


    ''It''s late, but Void should still be cultivating,'' Kyle thought as he quietly opened the door and slipped inside, taking a quick glance to confirm that Void was still curled up in the corner... And he was.


    Kyle cleared his throat. "Void."


    Kyle sighed, knowing full well Void had heard him. He had expected not to be answered, but that was where the mana cores came in.


    "I''m sorry for the prank I played on you. I''m sorry for being selfish... Please forgive me!" Kyle begged with his hands cupped, but his plea failed to attract any response.


    "I brought some mana cores for you... take it as an apology," Kyle added, dangling the bag of mana cores in the air, but still no response.


    ''Plan B then,'' Kyle''s lips curled into a mischievous grin as thought, reaching into the bag, he pulled out a single core and held it up.


    "Since you''re not interested, I''ll just eat them myself," he said nonchalantly. He knew Void was listening, and sure enough, the dragon''s tail twitched ever so slightly.


    Kyle held the mana core close to his mouth. "I''ll just take a bite then¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Void''s eyes snapped open, and he darted across the room with alarming speed.


    "Wait!" Void cried, standing before Kyle with his small chest heaving. "Okay, fine, I''m up. But only because you begged and apologized!" he added with a defensive tone, a last ditch effort to keep his pride.


    Kyle chuckled, placing the bag of cores on the floor.


    Void reached out, his small claws trembling slightly as he grabbed one of the mana cores. His demeanor shifted immediately.


    Despite the casual front he was putting up, Kyle could see the hunger in Void''s eyes. Without wasting another second, Void devoured the core with a swallow.


    In the same manner, one after another, Void ate the mana cores, furiously and without pause.


    Kyle watched in awe as Void tore through the stash. The speed at which he consumed them was remarkable. By the time Void had eaten his forty-fifth core, he finally stopped, wiping his mouth with the back of his claw.


    "You can have the rest," Void said casually, as though it was no big deal.


    Kyle blinked in surprise. "What? You''re giving them to me?"


    Void nodded, sitting back on his haunches. "You need them more than I do. I''m far from a breakthrough, but you¡­ you''re close. Use them."


    Kyle felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. Void, despite everything, was being incredibly generous.


    "Thanks, Void," he said sincerely, taking one of the remaining mana cores in hand. "You''re an amazing dragon, you know that?


    Void shrugged, feigning indifference, but Kyle could tell that the dragon was pleased with himself.


    "Just don''t mess with me again, okay?" Void grumbled, though there was no real malice in his voice.


    Kyle smiled warmly as he began consuming the mana cores. The familiar rush of energy coursed through him with each core, and by the time he had finished, a surge of power hit him.


    [EXP: 4000/4000]


    [Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!]


    [Beginner Mage: Lv 3 >> Lv 4]


    [All stats: +10]


    His status screen blinked into view, and Kyle grinned as he saw his experience bar shoot past the threshold.

 Chapter 96: Experience?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 4*


    EXP: 0/6000*


    HP: 98*


    Energy: 120*


    MP: -


    Agility: 61*


    Strength: 65*


    Vitality: 49*


    Stamina: 60*


    Intelligence: 51*


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 1)]


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 2)]


    [Inspect(Lv 2)]


    [Gobbler(Lv 2)]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle could feel a mix of emotions as he stared at his status screen. Pride, Excitement, Anger; he felt them all.


    He was proud of how far he had gone in reaching this milestone. Most importantly, he had managed to beat his friends to a breakthrough once again and he knew the gap between them would only grow wider.


    ''I can''t help but imagine Milo''s reaction when I break the news to him.'' A mischievous smile couldn''t help but form on Kyle''s face when he realized that he has once again triumphed against his self proclaimed rival.


    He knew how much effort Milo has been giving to gain back some face after the constant humiliation he had been put through.


    It was saddening that he had lost out once again because Kyle could recall him bragging about being halfway through for a breakthrough just before the start of the tournament.


    Others might not have a system to quantify their progress, but one could estimate how far they were by observing their mana core. That was how every other person could check their progress.


    The level up also brought an equal share of excitement to Kyle. He was excited on how much he had improved¡ªhis growing prowess¡ªand couldn''t help but observe the leap from when he just started.


    ''I''ll try to test my improvements later,'' Kyle made a mental note to fulfill later.


    But there was a shadow beneath the brightness of his pride and excitement. A small reminder that not all of his progress was perfect.


    As his gaze fell upon his Intelligence stat, Kyle couldn''t help but feel a slight tinge of anger. Intelligence was supposed to fuel his mana reserves, a valuable asset for any mage.


    But for Kyle, it was pointless. Thanks to Elysia''s gift, he had limitless mana. This meant that each of those 10 points he had painstakingly gained was a wasted investment, stat points that could have gone towards his agility or strength¡ªstats that would actively benefit him.


    ''It''s¡­ not that big of a deal,'' Kyle comforted himself, though the points still bothered him. Ten wasted points might not seem like much, but when each point could increase his strength further, it stung.


    Kyle shook his head, a half-smile breaking through his surfacing anger. The breakthrough was what mattered. The rest was a minor annoyance. Besides, the thrill of surpassing his limits far outweighed the temporary frustration over a few lost points.


    Just as he was starting to push past his frustration, a familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts.


    "Congratulations on leveling up, Kyle," Void said with his usual prideful voice, though a flicker of playfulness could be found within it this time.


    "I must say, you''re still a long way from catching up to me."


    Kyle couldn''t help but laugh, he could guess that this would be Void''s comment due to the tone of his voice.


    "I don''t know, Void. I''ve been growing pretty fast lately. I bet I''m getting close."


    Void''s eyes narrowed, a glint of amusement flashing through his gaze. "Oh, is that so? How confident. Do you even know what my level is?"


    Kyle paused. He hadn''t checked Void''s stats in a long time, after all, he had been instructed not to by the dragon himself.


    He knew Void was stronger than him, but also knew how much difficult it was to increase your power level as you progressed further. Especially for Void, who had revealed that his needed EXP doubled with each level.


    Kyle was surprised and relieved at the same time, when he discovered the same didn''t apply to him¡ªthat meant that there was still a chance to catch up to Void, he just had to put in extra effort.


    "Well... True, I don''t know your level," Kyle admitted. "But you made me promise not to check, remember?"


    Void nodded his head when he remembered his command. That was him feeling arrogant in his ability to reach Level 10 in a flash. It was only when he found out the true reality that he didn''t mind anymore.


    "Ah, that. Don''t worry about it anymore, if you''re so curious, go on. Check my level."


    "Pet''s Status!"


    The screen shifted, and his eyes widened as Void''s stats appeared, each number and ability laid out in detail.


    ---


    |Void|


    | Race: Omni Drakkon |


    | Level: 6 |*


    | EXP: 3100/32000 |*


    | HP: 300 |*


    | Energy: 600 |*


    | MP: 550 |*


    | Agility: 78 |*


    | Strength: 77 |*


    | Vitality: 150 |*


    | Stamina: 300 |*


    | Intelligence: 550 |* sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Skills: Lightning Breath (Lv 2), Lightning Dash (Lv 2), Invisible (Lv 3), Phase (Lv 3)]


    ---


    Kyle''s jaw nearly dropped. Void''s stats were more than impressive; they were staggering.


    "Okay, Void, I''ll admit it. You''re still ahead... way ahead." he said, barely able to tear his eyes from the screen.


    Continue reading at m|v-l''-NovelFire.net


    Void tilted his head, looking down at Kyle with a smug expression that practically screamed, "I know." Then, noticing Kyle''s curious stare, Void puffed up his chest a little.


    "Impressed? I told you I was leagues ahead."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. "It''s not just your stats, though. Your skills¡­ You''ve actually leveled them up. How did you manage that?"


    Void shrugged nonchalantly. "I don''t know, Kyle. I practice my skills every now and then. Maybe that''s all it takes?"


    Kyle''s jaw clenched. Just like that? Just by practicing "every now and then"? Void had managed to reach level three in some of his skills, while he himself was still struggling to bring his own abilities to higher levels. If not for the Skill Points he''d earned through the system, Kyle doubted he''d have advanced at all.


    "Oh, sure," Kyle said with a dramatic sigh, running a hand through his hair. "So all it takes is a little practice now and then? Void, you don''t know how lucky you are. I''ve spent countless hours training my Lightning Bolt and Dash, and they''re barely up a level. If it weren''t for Skill Points, I''d probably still be at level one."


    Void''s smug expression shifted to something more serious, as if considering Kyle''s words. But in an instant, that cocky grin returned. "Maybe you''re just not as talented as I am, Kyle," he teased.


    Kyle rolled his eyes, though he could feel his competitive spirit rising. "Is that right? Care to back up those words?"


    "Oh? Are you inviting me to a spar?" he asked with a mocking voice that wore innocence.


    "You bet I am," Kyle replied, crossing his arms. "But don''t get too confident. I''ve got experience on my side."


    Void couldn''t control falling over in laughter when he heard Kyle''s words. "Experience? Haha..."


    "I''m serious, Void. Experience counts for a lot more than you''d think. You''ve only just hatched. I''ve been fighting for many years, and I''ve had to push through battles, hard training, and life-or-death situations to get this far. You, on the other hand¡­"


    Kyle smirked. "You haven''t even been alive a full week yet."


    "And what of it? I may be young, but I am an Omni Drakkon, Kyle. My strength speaks for itself."


    Kyle chuckled, shaking his head. The dragon''s sheer pride was both amusing and slightly impressive.


    "Strength alone doesn''t win fights, Void. Believe me. There''s a difference between having raw power and knowing how to use it when it counts. And that''s what makes the difference between victory and defeat."


    "Tsk! Experience is just another word. When you have talent and power, those are what truly matter¡ªnot some years you spent fighting. In the end, strength will come out on top."


    Kyle couldn''t hold back a laugh. "You''re full of confidence, Void, I''ll give you that. But confidence only takes you so far. A real fight is about balance¡ªabout knowing when to go all in and when to hold back. You''ll learn that one day."


    "You''re wrong," he replied coolly. "Confidence comes from knowing my limits¡ªand I know mine. You can keep your years of ''experience.'' I''m ready to fight anytime, and I''ll make sure to prove my point."


    Kyle raised a brow as he was genuinely intrigued. This little dragon wasn''t just arrogant; he was fearless. He could feel his own pride being stroked at the thought of teaching Void a lesson. He would make sure to properly remind Void of all his words after disciplining him.


    "You know what? I think I''ll remember this moment," Kyle decided to let his thoughts out to Void. His voice was low but he meant everything he was saying.


    "I am doing this, just so I can remind you when you lose. You''ll see that experience does count for something."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure you eat those words," Void concluded with a relaxed expression. It was evident on his face that he didn''t panic at all


    "Alright, enough talk," Kyle finally said as he walked towards the stairs. "Let''s settle this. We''ll spar... Think of it as a training session."


    "A training session?" Void repeated with a laugh. "If anything, I''ll be training you."


    Kyle burst into laughter as he was truly moved by Void''s last remark. "You''ll be training me? Don''t worry we''ll see about that."

 Chapter 97: Kyle Vs Void

    Kyle and Void made their way down to the expansive training room downstairs.


    As they reached the center of the room, Kyle stretched his neck before calling out the rules for the match.


    "Alright, Void, let''s set some ground rules. The match ends when one of us forfeits or goes unconscious, got it?"


    "Please, I know all these already. Just get ready to lose."


    Kyle chuckled, but before he could signal the start, Void held up a claw. "Wait. How about we make this more interesting?"


    "Hmm. What did you have in mind?"


    Void smiled with mischief. "If I win, you owe me¡­ let''s say¡­ ten mana cores."


    "Twenty, huh? That''s quite the demand for someone who''s not going to win." He pretended to consider it before nodding. "Okay, ten mana cores if you win."


    Void smiled when Kyle agreed to his deal, before promoting Kyle for his.


    "And what about you? What do you want in return if by some miracle you win?"


    "Honestly, I don''t need anything from you, Void. Teaching you a lesson is enough of a reward," Kyle said with a grin.


    "Suit yourself, then. There''s no need in even asking because there''s no way you''re winning."


    "Yeah, right. Take note I''m not holding back; I''ll be using my mana reserves to their fullest."


    "Blah, blah. Enough talking. Let''s fight," Void said with a yawn, trying to feign boredom.


    Kyle barely had time to blink before Void had shot forward. Thankfully he had reacted quickly and dashed to the side, just before Void''s claws slashed through the air where he''d stood.


    ''That speed... He didn''t use a spell,'' Kyle bit his lips grimly after his observation. ''T-that was his natural speed!''


    Kyle felt a shiver on his spine as he wondered how hellish what he had gotten into would be. He couldn''t let himself lose, not when he was trying to teach Void¡ªthat would only make him more arrogant.


    ''I have to win this!'' Kyle concluded, activating [Lightning Dash] once again and giving Void more distance.


    "You''re trying to run?" Void asked after seeing Kyle dash further away from him. "Too bad I like to run too."


    Immediately Void finished his statement, he activated [Lightning Dash] and gave Kyle chase. Kyle had already given some distance between them, but he was confident in his ability to catch up; if the speed he was witnessing was truly his speed.


    ''Ah shit!'' Kyle couldn''t help but exclaim when he saw Void rapidly approaching. He was in a very precarious situation at that point, as he was just running in circles and couldn''t make a mistake, as that would cause Void to catch up with him.


    Kyle knew that this wouldn''t last forever. Surely, Void''s mana could deplete but he still had 550 MP and had only used [Lightning Dash] thrice¡ª15 MP.


    Practically, Void could continue going and he would surely discover his moves and catch up if this went up.


    ''I have to do something.''


    Kyle immediately formulated a plan as he weaved across the room. Just before Void could attempt to lunge at him once again; Kyle slowed his movement, and in a quick spin, he met Void''s face, who was a hair breadth away from him, with a [Lightning Bolt]


    The bolt cracked through the air with a flash, and though Void swerved to avoid a direct hit, the residual energy crackled around him, slowing his momentum.


    Void shook it off and glared, his eyes practically glinting with excitement. "That all you got?" he taunted, grinning wide enough to show his sharp teeth. Continue reading at m|v-l''e -NovelFire.net


    Kyle grinned back, masking the tension in his chest. "Not even close."


    He immediately activated [Lightning Dash] once again, surging forward with a surge of electricity, weaving erratically around the room to keep Void guessing.


    He fired bolts whenever he could, capitalizing on his mana. Void snarled, retaliating with a swift [Lightning Breath], sending a dense blast of raw electricity in Kyle''s direction. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle barely managed to dodge, but even the grazing force was enough to singe his clothes.


    ''Damn, that was close. I have to keep up the pressure,'' he thought, landing after his dash and flicking his hand to release another rapid [Lightning Bolt].


    Void twisted his body, evading the bolt with ease. "You''re just going to keep throwing those? You''ll have to try harder!"


    "You''re talking big for someone who''s missing every chance to land a hit," Kyle shot back, masking his nerves.


    He knew Void wasn''t bluffing about his strength and speed¡ªthe dragon was built for close-quarters power. And he could feel it every time Void lunged at him¡ªthe power the claws used to slash the air.


    Void clicked his tongue. "Fine. Guess I''ll stop playing around."


    Before Kyle could brace himself, Void vanished¡ªdisappearing without a trace.


    Kyle''s eyes darted around. He knew Void had used [Invisible], but the exact location was now a mystery.


    Bracing himself, he focused his senses, trying to anticipate where Void would strike. He knew Void couldn''t phase through elemental attacks, so his lightning bolts should reveal his location even if he was phased.


    He whipped his arm around, firing off a series of [Lightning Bolts] in every direction. Sparks filled the air, illuminating the room, but Void didn''t reappear.


    Kyle''s heart pounded. He couldn''t afford to slip up now. Just then, his intuition screamed that Void was close to him. He was moving fast and desperation was filled in his attack, as he well knew the mana that was burned every second from keeping the skill active.


    "Nice try," Kyle muttered, spinning and sending a crackling arc toward the shimmer. Void dodged, quickly losing his invisibility in the process.


    "You''re getting annoying, you know that?" Void suddenly said with a hiss.


    "Just trying to make it fun for you," Kyle added with a smirk.


    With that, Void''s eyes narrowed. He leaped backward, creating some distance before disappearing again into thin air.


    Kyle could feel the pressure building; he knew Void was going all-out, probably watching for any pattern in Kyle''s attacks to exploit. Kyle would need to switch things up to stay ahead.


    Kyle fired another sequence of [Lightning Bolts] into the air, calculating that Void would get closer each time he blinked in and out of invisibility.


    He activated [Lightning Dash], keeping his movement unpredictable as he dashed forward and then stopped abruptly, whirling around just in time to see Void reappear, a mere breath away.


    Kyle grinned. "Got you!" He summoned a dense [Lightning Bolt] and released it point-blank. Void managed to raise a claw, deflecting most of the impact, but the blast was enough to rattle him.


    "I see you''re not holding back," Void growled as he steadied himself.


    "Neither are you," Kyle replied. He knew Void''s mana reserves were extensive, but Kyle''s relentless spell-spamming strategy seemed to be paying off. He had infinite mana¡ªVoid didn''t.


    They continued their deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Kyle alternating between dodging with [Lightning Dash] and firing spells at Void''s anticipated positions.


    Void relied on his superior speed and strength, countering with well-timed [Lightning Breath] attacks that made the ground around Kyle crackle, forcing him to stay mobile.


    Just as Kyle anticipated, Void went invisible again, the faint shimmer indicating he was coming at him fast from the right.


    Kyle quickly summoned another [Lightning Bolt] to intercept, but Void had moved away before the bolt hit and appearing right at Kyle''s side.


    [HP: 58/98]


    Before Kyle could react, Void''s claws slashed across his arm. Pain shot through him as he barely managed to stagger away, clutching his arm where blood welled from a fresh cut.


    Void grinned as his confidence returned. "It''s only a matter of time before you''re worn down."


    He was shocked at how much HP Void had chopped off him with that slash. He knew he couldn''t afford to get hit again.Instead, he forced a smile, summoning another bolt. "We''ll see about that."


    The next several minutes of the fight turned into a relentless exchange of attacks. Kyle continued to spam [Lightning Bolts], keeping Void at bay while strategically dashing out of reach.


    Void''s superior speed and strength were a constant threat for Kyle, but he had confidence of lasting, the longer the fight was drawn.


    Each time Void attempted a sneak attack with [Invisible], Kyle was able to read his movements, gradually picking up on Void''s slight tells and adjusting his timing to intercept.


    Void''s panting was now audible. That was a clear sign that his mana reserves were already depleting. He''d used [Invisible] several times, and Kyle had calculated that each usage must be taking a toll.


    ''He''s got to be low by now,'' Kyle thought, noticing the labored rise and fall of Void''s chest. Still, Void''s strength remained a formidable challenge. But Kyle had committed to the battle, and he would see it through.


    Void glared, realizing the tide was turning. He lunged one last time, aiming his claws at Kyle''s side, but Kyle anticipated the move.


    In a final burst of energy, he used [Lightning Dash] to sidestep, spinning on his heel to face Void. Before Void could react, Kyle released a powerful [Lightning Bolt] directly into his chest, the impact finally forcing him backward with a thunderous crack.


    Kyle kept his guard up, but he knew Void was reaching his limit. Void attempted one last charge, he barely had any mana left.


    Kyle sidestepped and unleashed another series of bolts, each one cleanly hitting Void until, finally, Void collapsed to the ground. Kyle had won


    Kyle approached, breathing heavily but victorious. He looked down at Void, who was down already.


    "You¡­ you actually won," Void admitted with a soft voice.


    Kyle knelt beside him with a smirk. "Told you it was all about experience."


    Void grunted when he heard Kyle rant about experience once more. "Hmph... You were just lucky. If I hadn''t run out of mana, I would''ve clawed you down in no time."


    "Luck, huh? Maybe. Or maybe it''s just that I know you a bit better than you think. Besides, a win''s a win." Kyle reached out, giving Void a small pat on his scaly shoulder.


    "Don''t feel too bad. You were impressive out there... You just made some mistake, tons of them I meant."


    Void''s sharp eyes softened just slightly, though he immediately huffed and turned his head away. "Next time, I won''t be so merciful."


    Kyle laughed, "Looking forward to it. But you''ll have to earn those ten mana cores now."


    Void snorted, rolling his eyes. "Keep dreaming. Next time, you won''t stand a chance."


    Kyle leaned back, crossing his arms as he watched Void settle down, visibly exhausted but still proudly holding his head high. "Guess you learned a thing or two about not underestimating your opponent, huh?"


    Void''s expression softened, and though he remained silen; he felt some respect for Kyle after his loss. He had superior stats and skills, yet Kyle had triumphed, that could earn Kyle some respect.


    After a long pause, Void sighed, sounding half amused and half annoyed. "Fine, Kyle. I''ll admit it. You''re¡­not terrible. Maybe worth keeping around."

 Chapter 98: Analysis and Pointers

    Kyle narrowed his eyes as he looked at Void, remembering the promise he had made before the match. He had been observing Void''s moves intently, and he was ready to give him very much needed pointers.


    "Alright, Void," Kyle began, crossing his arms around his chest and giving the Omni Drakkon a smirk. "Remember what you promised? This fight was supposed to be a learning experience for you."


    "Ah... I know, I know," Voud muttered, barely meeting Kyle''s gaze. "Just get on with it already."


    Kyle chuckled, though his tone turned serious as he knelt beside Void.


    Void grunted but met Kyle''s gaze. He still felt great pain from his loss against Kyle, as it had greatly damaged his pride. Yet, despite his frustration, Void felt was genuinely eager to hear what Kyle had to say. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He knew he would only get better when Kyle exposed what had gone wrong in their mind.


    ''I''ll learn from him and become even better.'' Void mused with a mental evil laugh, ''Hehe. With time, the student shall become the master!''


    "Let''s start with your Invisibility skill," Kyle who was oblivious to what went on in Void''s mind began.


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    "You went invisible way too often. In a real fight, relying on that trick over and over is risky because it drains mana fast. Plus, to use it properly, you have to keep everything in check¡ªyour breathing, your intent, even the faintest sound of movement."


    He paused for a moment, wanting to know if Void was paying attention or had anything to ask, and sure enough he did.


    "Uhm... What do you mean by ''intent''?"


    Kyle nodded his head at Void''s question, that showed he was paying attention.


    "Intent is¡­ welp, it is the feeling of your presence, your desire to strike or to win," he explained, choosing his words carefully so as not to stump Void further.


    "Lets say... You were excited, maybe even a little too eager to win, and it showed. Your intent was loud, and even though you thought you were invisible, I could feel where you''d be because your intent led me right to you."


    Void''s golden eyes widened as he tried to process Kyle''s words. "So, if I want to improve, I have to¡­ calm down?"


    "Exactly," Kyle nodded in affirmation. "Calm down and control your breathing. If you''re invisible but panting heavily, or radiating that killer intent, anyone with enough skill will sense you.


    Especially in situations where stealth is key, you can''t afford to give yourself away like that."


    Void absorbed the information, his sharp eyes reflecting on what Kyle had said, but he knew that he had some good points to his fight, so he decided to bring it up,


    "I see¡­ And what about my attacks then?"


    "Glad you asked!" Kyle exclaimed, transitioning to another point. "Your speed is insane. When you slashed me, you took a good chunk of my health..."


    Void had a proud smile on his face as he listened to Kyle''s praise.


    "... But then you backed off. You could''ve finished me right then, but you failed to capitalize on that opportunity."


    "What?" Void asked with surprise. "I was trying to..."


    Void paused as he thought over his excuse. Kyle was right; he had the chance to win early into the match, but didn''t. Why exactly didn''t he finish him off?


    Kyle recognized the look on his face. "You''re powerful, but that power is wasted if you don''t capitalize on your opportunities.


    When you land a good hit, follow it up with more. Keep pushing your advantage."


    "You''re right," Void couldn''t help but admit.


    The dragon''s pride made him ponder. He couldn''t believe that he would hesitate to win. ''How could he be this naive?'' Void thought with anger.


    "Look, Void, I know it''s easy to go easy on someone you consider a friend or a weaker opponent. But in a real fight, you don''t want to give anyone a chance to make a comeback."


    "And you didn''t have a real reason to pull back, especially with your speed." Kyle emphasized, "With your natural speed, you can close in before I even realize it. It''s your strength¡ªuse it to overwhelm your opponent before they can counter or regain their footing.


    Imagine if you kept up that pressure right after you hit me; I wouldn''t have had time to plan my next move. Speed and pressure can be your biggest assets, but only if you maintain control over them."


    Kyle observed Void contemplating, and could tell his he had successfully landed another point.


    "Let''s move on to your overall approach," Kyle said, crossing his arms.


    "You focused too much on trying to land one perfect strike instead of staying adaptable. Combat isn''t about a single grand move; it''s a flow, a balance of attacks, reactions, and counters."


    Kyle explained further. "Think about it: each time you missed or I countered, you hesitated as if expecting a single move to finish things. In real combat, that kind of expectation is risky. If you expect a fight to end on one hit, you''ll often end up unprepared when it doesn''t."


    Kyle gestured around the training room. "Here''s a scenario to picture: imagine you''re fighting some bad guys who''re weaker than you but fast. If they manage to evade your first strike, they''re likely going to regroup and prepare a counterattack.


    By thinking ahead and staying flexible, while also using your speed for quick follow-ups, you stay one step ahead. Instead of swinging with the hope it''ll all end in one blow, plan for the next move and the one after that. That''s what makes an opponent unpredictable."


    Void nodded slowly, absorbing Kyle''s advice. His own tactics paled greatly with Kyle.


    "Another thing," Kyle added, "is how you burn through your mana. Skills like [Invisible] and [Lightning Dash] are powerful, but they''re also costly.


    When you use them too often, it''s like a giant sign saying, ''I''m desperate to end this fast,'' and that''s dangerous. By the end, you were exhausted, and it was obvious."


    "Hmm, I should my skills only when necessary¡­ not just to show off,"


    "Of course. Reserve them as tools; if you''re in a situation where they give you an edge, go ahead. But make sure you''re not draining yourself just to keep the upper hand.


    Sometimes, simple, straightforward moves work better than flashy ones. Your natural speed and power? They''re already formidable without any enhancements. Know when to hold back, and when to let loose."


    Kyle then addressed one final point. "The main reason I could keep up with you was because I was watching, reading you every step of the way.


    Your body language, the way you tensed right before a big attack¡ªthat''s what gave you away. When you go for an attack, try to relax and keep your focus steady. The less you telegraph your moves, the harder it''ll be for anyone to read you."


    Kyle held up his hand, illustrating a basic stance. "If you look like you''re ready to strike, I''ll know to dodge or block.


    But if you keep your intent hidden, even at the last second, I''ll have to guess. And in a fight, guessing often leads to mistakes. Try keeping your strikes unpredictable by not showing them in your stance."


    Void tilted his head, letting the advice sink in. Kyle could tell he was working through each point seriously, almost visualizing himself correcting the mistakes in his mind.


    Kyle smiled, patting Void on the shoulder. "I know it''s a lot, Void, but trust me. These are things that''ll come with practice. You''re young, still growing, and with your potential? Once you polish these skills, you''ll be nearly unstoppable."


    Void''s lips curled into a fierce grin as his pride returned. "I''ll make sure you regret those words someday, Kyle. Next time, you''ll be the one on the ground."


    Kyle laughed, appreciating the fire in Void''s eyes. "Yeah, that''s the spirit. I look forward to it. But remember, the goal is to improve, not just to beat me.


    There''s a whole world out there filled with tougher foes, and every time we train, you''re getting closer to becoming unbeatable. So keep practicing, stay patient, and before you know it, you''ll be more than just my sparring partner."


    Void rolled his eyes as his sharp teeth widened into an evil-like grin.


    "Oh, I''ll train, alright. And I''ll be the best¡­ even if it takes beating you a thousand times."

 Chapter 99: End Of Holiday

    The past few days had passed in a blur for Kyle, but that didn''t mean he wasn''t making full use of it. It was still a window of time he could hardly believe he''d earned.


    As Kyle took a moment to remember how fruitful the past days had been, thanks to him properly structuring them, a slight smile crept across his face¡ªhe''d made the most of his time off in every way he could.


    Each day had begun the same, with Kyle rising early and beginning a long cultivation session, he made sure to continue until the sun came out at the very least.


    As for the afternoons, it was a mixed affair, with Kyle alternating between visits to the academy library and sparring sessions with Void.


    Kyle had spent countless hours learning the history of this world, as well as the various types of mana beasts, special herbs and their features.


    He was preparing himself should there be any day that called for him to leave the academy.


    He had also had a meet up with his friends on Thursday. They had gathered at one of the more laid-back spots near the academy, catching up over drinks and sharing laughs that reminded him why he valued these friendships.


    Kyle had used that as an opportunity to apologize to them, but they laughed it off and didn''t see it as something serious to warrant an apology.


    Kyle had felt good to simply relax among his friends and set aside the responsibilities and expectations¡ªeven if only for an evening.


    Then there were the nights. With a clear plan in mind, Kyle had returned to the underground arena, aiming to bolster his credits, and he did so with surprising success.


    Each night, he continued his win streak while honing his skills through the arena fights.


    [Credits: 39,099]


    Kyle smiled as he glanced at his comm to confirm that number. That was the result of his success.


    It was alot, but Kyle wasn''t ready to spend them just yet, though. No, he had something bigger in mind. Kyle had decided to wait for the right moment, and bid his time until he could invest in a large stock of mana cores all at once.


    The only immediate expense looming was the 5,000 credits he owed Orion. Honestly, it still hurt him. But he could feel it won''t anymore, as him and Void had devised some devious plans to make his credits count. He''ll make sure Orion had to work for them, as there was no such thing as free lunch.


    However, that plan would have to wait until after his training session with Instructor Dan.


    And that brought him to today. The last message from Instructor Dan had come in the day before, cutting his impromptu holiday short with a direct summon:


    [Meet at my place tomorrow for training. 9:00 AM sharp. Don''t be late]


    Kyle could practically hear Dan''s no-nonsense tone in the text, and he couldn''t even try to protest.


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    He had hoped his break would last until Monday, when classes resumed, but it seemed fate¡ªor rather, Instructor Dan¡ªhad other plans.


    He sighed as he remembered the message, feeling a slight pain of reluctance. Still, there was no getting around it; 9:00 AM meant now.


    He stepped out of the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel as he glanced at the time.


    It was 8:21 AM. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever Dan had in store today. He had began his preparations early, as he knew he couldn''t afford to be late.


    Kyle shuddered as the memory of the last time he was late surfaced. It was a painful reminder that his usual lateness persona had to hide when it dealt with Dan. He had learnt that lesson the hard way, and he would never let it repeat itself.


    He threw on his clothes, opting for a more comfortable wear over his academy uniform, since he had no idea what the day could hold.


    Casting a final look in the mirror, he straightened his shirt and gave a quick nod of approval.


    Satisfied with his appearance, Kyle shot a glance at Void, who was curled up in the corner, eyes closed, but unmistakably awake and cultivating.


    "Stay out of trouble, alright?" he said with a half-smile.


    Void opened one eye and gave a nod of acknowledgment, then returned to his diligent cultivation without a sound.


    Kyle marveled at the dragon''s dedication and progress; Void had advanced at an astonishing rate, almost as if he were born for combat.


    Kyle knew that Void''s potential was immense, and it was satisfying to watch him grow stronger with each passing day.


    Void had increased by leaps and bounds in his fighting skills, thanks to Kyle training and Kyle didn''t want him be his sparring partner anytime soon.


    It was amazing how much talent this young dragon has, being able to grab and apply all his teachings so quickly.


    After one last glance around his room, Kyle exited, making his way through the dormitory''s quiet morning pathways. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The walk to the staff quarters was a bit longer than he preferred, but it gave him time to mentally brace himself.


    It didn''t take long before Kyle arrived at the gates. Due to his frequent visits, the personnels that manned the gate had already recognized him as Dan''s student already.


    But Kyle showed them the invitation just to observe procedures. Kyle approached Dan''s house the moment he entered.


    Upon reaching the door, he took a moment before he rang the doorbell. A few seconds passed, then the door opened, revealing Dan, looking slightly disheveled and as if he''d just woken up.


    "Good Morning," Kyle greeted, trying forcing a cheerful tone.


    Dan gave a low grunt in response, scratching the back of his head as he adjusted to the morning light.


    "You''re early," he muttered, but there was a glint of approval in his eyes. "Good."


    With that, Dan stepped aside, allowing Kyle to enter. Inside, the house was... A mess!


    ''What? How could it be this bad?'' Kyle thought to himself in surprise.


    Dan pointed to the living room, which looked even more disorganized than usual. "Today''s warm-up. Tidy up this place. Then, head to the kitchen, make something edible, and clean the dishes. Got it?"


    Kyle almost let out a chuckle but caught himself. He''d grown used to these sorts of tasks, it had become something of a routine during their evening sessions, though he''d never done this many chores in one go before as it wasn''t usually this dirty.


    "Yes, sir," Kyle replied, mustering up a wry smile as he looked around the chaos he was about to tackle.


    Dan was clearly satisfied with his compliance, and gave a nod before retreating back toward his room.


    "Wake me up when you''re done," he said as his voice trailed off when he disappeared down the hallway. Moments later, Kyle heard the soft click of Dan''s door, leaving him alone with the mess.


    Kyle rolled up his sleeves and set to work, starting with the living room.


    ''I''ll arrange the book first,'' he decided upon getting to the living room, as he looked at the books that littered the floor.


    Kyle got to work almost immediately, he began arranging the books one after the other in order, while skillfully cleaning them at the same time.


    This continued for some time before his hands brushed over an unusual, dusty book tucked away on the farthest corner of a lower shelf.


    The book looked ancient, with a black leather cover nearly worn smooth by time, and strange, jagged marks faintly embossed along its spine.


    Intrigued by its unusual appearance, he slid it out carefully, feeling the weight of the leather-bound volume in his hands. A title, barely visible through the dust and wear, read simply "Chaos"


    Something about the book drew Kyle in, and as he turned it over, he noticed its cover bore a dark, swirling symbol that seemed to flicker between shadows.


    ''Let''s see what we have here.''


    Upon opening the cover of the book, a familiar chime interrupted him, flashing a series of notifications across his vision.


    [You have discovered a tome containing knowledge of a forbidden element: Chaos!!]


    [The path of Chaos is unable to be harnessed by anyone in this world due to its requirements, instability and unparalleled power!]


    [You have been found to be compatible with the element: Chaos!]


    [Would you like to learn this for 0 Skill Points?]


    [Yes] or [No]


    [System strongly advises to select Yes!!!]

 Chapter 100: Azagrut, Demon of Chaos

    [Yes] or [No]


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    The two holographic options hovered directly before Kyle''s eyes, awaiting his choice.


    Kyle was still trying hard to comprehend the absurdity of what just happened¡ªor rather, what was about to happen.


    ''What the hell is Chaos?'' Kyle finally asked the question that disturbed his mind, and as expected he didn''t get any response. It wasn''t like he had expected one in the first place.


    He wasn''t completely lost on the matter though, as he had managed to gleam some details on what was going on from his earlier notifications.


    ...


    [You have discovered a tome containing knowledge of a forbidden element: Chaos!!]


    [The path of Chaos is unable to be harnessed by anyone in this world due to its requirements, instability and unparalleled power!]


    [You have been found to be compatible with the element: Chaos!]


    ...


    As exposed by the system, Chaos is an element¡ªa forbidden one at that¡ªwhich was exposed to be compatible with him. Maybe it was because of his nature as an omni mage, or a player; Kyle didn''t know. But what mattered was that he could learn it if he willed to.


    With this known to him, the next question that disturbed was: Is it a good idea to learn it? sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle had managed to catch up on a very crucial adjective used to describe the element¡ªForbidden.


    The word echoed in his mind as he tried to understand what it meant in that context. Kyle had read about powerful skills, secret techniques, and hidden spells before, but nothing had ever been labeled "forbidden."


    ''What does "forbidden" really mean here?'' he thought as he stared down on the old cover of the book.


    Kyle knew that it was a word reserved for things that crossed a line, things that even those who sought power dared not touch.


    "Why would the system term it as forbidden?" Kyle murmured. Could it harm him, corrupt him, or maybe even twist him into something unrecognizable?


    What if the knowledge in this book had cost others their sanity, or worse? Kyle''s mind raced with possibilities, each of them more disturbing than the last.


    Chaos. The word alone sounded uncontrollable, volatile. Every element he knew had some order to it, a set of rules that governed its strength and form.


    Fire, lightning, and all the rest¡ª they were all powerful, but still bound by balance and discipline. But chaos? Its very nature was unpredictable to Kyle, maybe could even be untamable. He could only imagine what sort of power it could hold, but at what cost?


    What if Chaos magic wasn''t something he could turn off or control once it was unleashed? If that happened, he could endanger his friends, the academy, maybe even himself.


    "Is that why it''s forbidden?" Kyle wondered aloud. "Not because of its power, but because of its potential to destroy everything it touches?"


    The system''s strong recommendation to select "Yes" didn''t ease his doubts, either. Why would the system push him toward something that was considered so dangerous? Did it know something he didn''t, or was this some twisted test of his resolve?


    ''What if accepting Chaos could change me?'' Kyle mused. Would it corrupt him, make him crave power beyond reason? What if he ended up like those mages in the ancient stories, the ones who had abandoned everything for power, losing their humanity piece by piece until nothing but a shell remained?


    Still, he couldn''t deny the curiosity that was within him. Power like this was tempting, yes, but perhaps it was also necessary and the system promised unparalleled power.


    ''If the system thought I needed this to survive¡­ what kind of battles are waiting for me?'' Kyle didn''t really know what option to chose, he couldn''t help but wish Void was around in moments like this, his advise would be really helpful.


    Gazing at the notification once more, Kyle left out a breath. ''It wouldn''t cost me any skill points,'' Kyle thought before biting his lips and selecting [Yes].


    [Excellent choice! You have embraced the path of Chaos. Prepare yourself¡­]


    Kyle''s heart pounded as a strange sensation washed over him. He barely had time to register the warning before a wave of pain exploded inside him, as if his body, mind, and spirit were all being twisted. He shut his eyes tightly and gritted his teeth, feeling like he was being torn apart.


    Everything went dark, and for a moment, he feared he''d blacked out¡ªexcept he could still feel himself, somehow detached, weightless.


    His consciousness drifted, like he was caught in a vast, empty void, with no up or down, only an endless expanse of nothingness surrounding him.


    He felt small, insignificantly floating through the dark unknown. There was no sound, no sensation of time passing¡ªonly an overwhelming emptiness pressing in from every direction.


    Kyle couldn''t even feel his heartbeat or the familiar comfort of his breathing. Panic scratched at his mind as he struggled to grasp his surroundings. He was¡­ floating? Or falling? There was no way to tell.


    As he drifted, a distant but growing sensation stirred, like an ominous presence watching him from the shadows of this void. And then, something caught his attention¡ªa figure. It was far off at first, an indiscernible shape in the void, but as he approached, the outline began to solidify.


    A hulking silhouette loomed before him, emanating a darkness so profound it seemed to swallow light itself. Kyle''s instinct screamed at him to run, to put as much distance between himself and this entity as possible, yet he found himself unable to move, held captive by some unseen force.


    A pair of red eyes flared to life within the darkness, piercing through him with an intensity that chilled his very soul.


    The figure emerged further, revealing itself. It was a massive, easily towering over him even in this strange, soul-bound form. Its body was composed of shifting shadows, as though Chaos itself was found within its being.


    A pair of goat-like curved horns branched out from its head, and its claws glinted with an otherworldly sharpness.


    It was... A demon.


    Kyle swallowed hard after he comprehended whom he stood before. He was short of words, and choked off his breath. It was as if its presence took out all the air around.


    The demon''s mouth began opening into a wide, sinister grin, revealing rows of sharp, glinting teeth that sent a cold shiver down Kyle''s spine.


    But then, just as quickly, the demon''s grin vanished, replaced by a deep scowl. It was a look of pure contempt, as if Kyle''s very existence was offensive. The air in the void grew colder, suffocatingly so, and Kyle couldn''t even hear his heartbeat anymore as the dark, menacing presence pressed down on him.


    "MARKED BY AN ANGEL... DISGUSTING!"


    Kyle finally heard the demon''s voice. It was suffocating as it echoed in the empty space. Kyle couldn''t pay any heed to that though, as he tried to grasp the implications of the demon''s word.


    ''Angel?'' Kyle couldn''t help but wonder, before coming to a conclusion. ''It had to be Elysia, she might be an angel, that blessing she gave me might have been the mark he''s talking about,'' Kyle guessed but didn''t rule out other options though.


    ''There''s also her father, who had supposingly brought him to this world, and granted him his system.'' Kyle suddenly remembered something that made his body course with cold even more.


    ''But... if they had left some sort of divine mark on him, then¡­ did that mean the demon saw him as some kind of enemy?''


    As if reading his thoughts, the demon''s eyes blazed with anger and his dark aura grew more heavier and more suffocating.


    "An angel dared to taint my thing?" the demon continued, this time his voice was a low and Kyle could feel a chill through his soul and each word hit him like a shockwave.


    The demon''s lips curled back, revealing those sharp teeth once more.


    "You are of no use to me," he simply said, his voice dropping even more. "It would be better if I ended you here and now."


    Panic immediately spread within Kyle and his thoughts began racing frantically. Every instinct screamed at him to run, to do something to survive.


    But he was trapped, there was no where to run to. He was completely at this demon''s mercy, and the demon''s rage was a storm ready to consume him.


    A dark realization washed over him, this could be it. His life, his journey, all he''d struggled for¡ªsnuffed out here in an instant.


    All for what? For making a choice that the system had practically pushed on him? The system should have know about all this, but still urged him to accept.


    Beads of sweat dropped from Kyle''s face, not from the heat but from fear. His mind was in hyper drive, trying to conjure a plan to escape from this predicament.


    ''Should I beg?'' Kyle considered to himself before rejecting that thought. ''That will be stupid. Begging wouldn''t save me from a demon, it might even anger him further.''


    With no other plan in his mind, Kyle began observing his surroundings more intently, trying to locate an escape from here. He vigorously looked around until his eyes met that of the demon.


    *Gulp*


    Kyle couldn''t help but swallow hard as he met the empty eyes of the demon. He noticed that the demon was deep in thought, as if pondering what to do with him.


    That single act made Kyle calm down a little, the fact that the demon hadn''t acted yet still gave him hope.


    "A human¡­" the demon finally mummured with a twisted smile plastered across his face.


    "¡­With both a demon''s and an angel''s mark."


    The words hung heavily in the air, dripping with a strange mixture of fascination and malice. Kyle felt his stomach drop as the demon''s gaze seemed to penetrate deeper, as though examining him with a newfound interest.


    The demon took another step forward, his looming presence so overwhelming that it felt like the void itself was closing in on Kyle.


    His voice softened, but there was an edge to it, something disturbingly eager. "How¡­ curious," the demon said, his tone laced with dark amusement.


    "A mortal tainted by both light and shadow. I wonder what such a creature is capable of¡­"


    A chill crept down Kyle''s spine as the demon''s twisted smile grew wider and his eyes glinted with an even more predatory gleam.


    "I''ll see how this unfolds," he murmured with a cold breath. The smile that stretched across his face was nothing short of terrifying, it fully depicted a sadistic amusement. It was as though he saw Kyle as nothing more than a fascinating lab rat.


    The demon straightened, and his voice shifted to a tone of dark authority.


    "I am Azagrut, Demon of Chaos, harbinger of ruin and bearer of wrath. Remember my name, mortal, for it is I who decides your fate."

 Chapter 101: Azagruts Blessing

    "I am Azagrut, Demon of Chaos, harbinger of ruin and bearer of wrath. Remember my name, mortal, for it is I who decides your fate."


    Kyle trembled after hearing the demon mention its name. Azagrut. He didn''t know how, but it was like the name was spoken directly into him. He couldn''t forget that name.


    On the bright side, he was overjoyed that he had managed to survive, and from what he could make out, the demon might have just decided to spare his life¡ªthat was all that mattered at this moment.


    The believe didn''t last for long though, as Azagrut had his hand directed towards Kyle with dark energy coiling and twisting around it like a living thing.


    Kyle''s breath stopped the moment their gazes met once more; prompting him to begin panicking.


    Had Azagrut changed his mind? Was this energy meant to end him? He could do nothing to stop the inevitable though, as Azagrut had already raised his hand, making the void around them to darken further and swallowing all traces while directing the chaotic energy into Kyle.


    A blinding rush of heat immediately followed after and flooded through every of Kyle''s nerve and muscle upon it hit his body.


    For a second, he thought he was burning alive and he began bracing himself for the unbearable agony that was to follow¡ªonly to find, surprisingly, that the energy coursing through him was warm, almost comforting. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He could feel it washing over him like a gentle flame and filling him up from the inside. But that warmth quickly twisted and warped into a feeling far more complex and alien, then his vision blurred.


    In an instant after his vision went off, he found himself being pulled into pulled into a vortex of visions so vivid they threatened to consume his very soul.


    ***


    [You have awakened the Element: Chaos!]


    Finally, after what felt like a cycle that lasted for eternity, the visions stopped, leaving Kyle gasping for breath.


    But the endless barrage if visions that had threatened to make him insane kept on playing in his head for a moment before adjusted to reality.


    Kyle felt drained, but there was a little madness in his eyes. He couldn''t help but appreciate what he saw. That was power. True chaos.


    It made him crave such power. He wanted it all. His mind immediately got to work trying to process such vision before Azagrut''s laughter broke the silence.


    "HAHAHA!" he laughed maniacally, 8the sound of his laughter echoing in the Void and threatening to damage Kyle''s eardrums.


    "I knew I made the right choice... I HAVE CHOSEN A SPECIAL ONE!"


    Kyle gulped as he witnessed his maniacal laughter and his usual wide evil grin that slowly formed on his face. From what he could make out, it was a special feat to withstand those chaos trials.


    Maybe... Few couldn''t survive. And... That meant: ''...There was a chance for me to have died.''


    Kyle concluded with a grim expression, and from what he had read in the library. Death might have been an optimistic possibility. Something far worse could have happened to him... Like corruption.


    Kyle clenched his fists in anger after the realization dawned upon him that he had been experimented on like a lab rat. ''That asshole. I''ll make sure he pays dearly for trying such shit.''


    Kyle didn''t know how he had thought of such curse words he had never before, or what confidence made him think bad about Azagrut, knowing fullly well there was a chance he could read his mind.


    Azagrut who had been watching Kyle have his monologue, simply had an evil grin plastered on his face.


    He began laughing once again the moment his dark endless eyes met Kyle''s.


    "You''re free to curse me all you want, but with time, you''ll understand... I''ll only pardon you for being able to withstand that, which had shown how valuable you are to me."


    He paused for a moment to register Kyle''s expression as he spoke and as expected, Kyle was still boiling in anger. He didn''t pay him any heed though, ignoring him, he continued.


    "Congratulations, mortal. You are now a benefactor of Chaos. Our fates are intertwined now," he added in finality. "Get stronger and prove yourself worthy of the path of destruction."


    Azagrut''s figure began to fade immediately after he said this, his form dissolving back into the shadows like he was never there before.


    But before he vanished completely, he cast one last look at Kyle. "Embrace the chaos, mortal. Become more... or perish."


    A final, mocking laugh echoed through the void, and with that, Kyle felt himself being pulled back, the world around him began warping, until...


    ***


    In Kyle''s eyes snapped open, and he was back in Dan''s living room. The familiar surroundings looked almost alien after the horrors he had just experienced.


    Ding!


    As he tried to adjust himself, a soft chime sounded, and a series of notifications flashed before his eyes.


    [You have gained Azagrut''s blessing!]


    [The demon Azagrut has chosen you as his vassal.


    You will gain a special trait: Undying.


    You will access 1% of his mana reserves.


    All your actions will be monitored by him.


    The bond will dissolve if you become stronger.]


    [Do you accept?]


    [Yes] [No]


    ***


    Kyle''s gaze lingered on the options displayed before him. Every fiber of his being urged him to press [No]


    He didn''t want to be anyone''s pawn¡ªnot anymore. Kyle could still remember Azagrut''s laughter echoing in his mind.


    ''I''ll never let anyone control me like that again,'' he vowed silently, hovering his fingers on rejection.


    But just as he was about to seal his decision, the words [Undying] and "1% mana" flashed before him, giving him a spark of interest.


    Kyle already had access to 1% of Elysia''s mana which have him infinite-like mana, but it wouldn''t be a bad idea if he could double his mana pool with Azagrut''s 1%.


    That only applied only if they were if the same power level, which Kyle disagreed on. Azagrut''s fraction might even triple his current pool if he was right on their power difference. That would make him even more unstoppable.


    As for the Undying trait, ''What the hell was that?'' Kyle wondered and as in reply to his thoughts, a new notification from the system blinked into view.


    Kyle''s heart pounded as he read the description, and a grin stretched across his face.


    [Undying: You''re able to regenerate your body to peak condition unless completely destroyed. Regeneration speed is also tremendously increased and is proportional to skill''s level]


    Kyle''s eyes widened in awe as he understood the implications¡ªhe''ll be practically unkillable.


    Even in this world where magic and danger walked hand in hand, he would have an advantage that most could only dream of.


    A slow smile curled on his lips, and he couldn''t deny how helpful the skill was. The skill was¡­ broken. It was exactly what he needed. His hands still shook, but now it was with anticipation.


    Kyle had already resolved himself to accept the blessing. He had to accept the reality that he was a pawn to Azagrut from the moment he opened that book, and that was solidified after he learned Chaos.


    It didn''t mean he was ready to accept such fate. With time, Kyle believed he would grow stronger and no Angel nor Demon would try to control him anymore.


    With one last look at the options, Kyle made his choice. His finger tapped [Yes] with confidence, stamping his decision.


    Immediately he selected [Yes], Kyle could feel a mana signature imprinted on his, after which a surge of power surged through him.


    What followed after was pain, pain that was meant to be unbearable. But Kyle easily handled it and stood his ground.


    It wasn''t because the effect was less agonizing than Elysia''s blessing that Kyle managed to bear it¡ªinfact it was the opposite. Kyle felt this current sensation was meant to be worse than his previous.


    Rather, it was him who have changed. Not only had his stats seen a huge leap from then, Kyle''s mental strength has also increased by leaps and bounds after the hell those visions had put him through.


    Soon, what was meant to be a hellish experience for Kyle finally ended and he could see his stats.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 4


    EXP: 491/6000


    HP: 118*


    Energy: 140*


    MP: -*


    Agility: 71*


    Strength: 75*


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    Vitality: 59*


    Stamina: 70*


    Intelligence: 61*


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 1)]


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 2)]


    [Inspect(Lv 2)]


    [Gobbler(Lv 2)]


    [Undying]*


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 102: Handling Chores

    Kyle noticed the changes on his stat panel. ''All my stats had increased by 10,'' he thought with a smile, feeling glad he had selected [Yes].


    ''I''ll give Dan a huge surprise in today''s training.''


    Kyle thought as his stats had increased by alot from the last time they had trained. Maybe it would be enough to defeat him this time when they sparred.


    Suddenly, Kyle remembered he had awakened a new element: Chaos. He directed his senses within him to observe whether there was any new mana core formed¡ªand as expected only his lightning mana core dwelled within him.


    Kyle wasn''t surprised that no chaos core was there, after all the cores just didn''t form by themselves. Like in the case of his lightning element, he had to compress the chaotic mana within him and form a core.


    ''That shouldn''t be difficult; I''ll form a core this night,'' Kyle decided with a proud grin before taking in to his surroundings.


    It was at that moment that something clocked in his mind. ''Aside from the visions I was put through which lasted for years, I''m very sure I spent hours there,'' Kyle thought.


    ''Instructor Dan must have checked up on me already,'' Kyle quickly dispelled that thought because he wouldn''t still be on the floor if Dan had checked on him, but that didn''t mean that Dan wouldn''t get suspicious.


    ''I have to work faster.'' With he directed his gaze to the bookcase where this whole ordeal had begun.


    The entire room seemed exactly as how he''d left it, with that he got to work.


    He continued dusting and arranging the books one after the other, and eventually he reached the one that had caused all this.


    As he stared at the book, Kyle didn''t know whether to feel angry for the agony that he had been put through as a result of opening this book or feel happy of the powers and improvements he had gained as a result.


    Naturally, the latter overwhelmed the former and Kyle was grateful that it had managed to catch his eyes.


    There was one more thing that bothered him in his mind though. Questions like: What this book was doing with Dan and why it wasn''t kept safe, rather casually kept in the Living room''s book shelf.


    Kyle could think of possible scenarios, for one Dan and most of the world didn''t know about this Chaos, and he it coincidently managed to end up in his hands.


    A possibility that he very much dreaded was that Dan wasn''t an ordinary Academy Instructor and might this book was have entrusted into hands.


    From what Kyle could gleam, the system stated he was compatible to learn Chaos, maybe that was the reason why this book wasn''t used yet.


    ''Ah, I better get back to work,'' Kyle closed the book and picked up another to be cleaned. ''All these thinking is making my head ache.''


    Kyle continued with the cleaning, making sure to open each book to find something special and unfortunately he didn''t.


    ''I never expected to strike gold twice in a row,'' Kyle reassured himself as he continued. Truth to be told, they were amazing books that would make a student like Lora or Orion go mad.


    They were even some that fancied Kyle, which included some book about martial arts techniques.


    ''Martial arts techniques?'' Kyle wasn''t too sure about what that meant. He tried opening one to see the familiar notification, but this one made him bleed.


    [Do you want to learn the Basic Martial Arts Technique: Air Steps]


    [Cost: 100 Skill Points]


    ''100 skill points?!'' Kyle almost thought out loud. The price was absurd, especially when relatively compared to the other stuff he could learn.


    ''I''ll ask Instructor Dan about Martial Arts Techniques later,'' Kyle made a mental note and got back to work.


    ***


    Once the books were sorted, Kyle moved to the rest of the house. The small messes scattered across the room¡ªpapers, empty cups, a stray pen¡ªquickly found their places and he located a mob and began doing some cleaning.


    "Times like this makes me wish I had water affinity," Kyle muttered as he scrubbed. ''With time it won''t be a problem as I''ll have them all,'' A proud grin flashed on his face and that gave him renewed confidence to work faster.


    After he was done with all the rooms Dan had allowed him to access, Kyle made his way to the Kitchen.


    He began by washing the dishes, and after what felt like an eternity, he finished the dishes and set them aside to dry.


    With that out of the way, he finally turned his attention to preparing some food.


    Rummaging through the Tier-3 ingredients he found in Dan''s fridge, Kyle managed to whip up a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, and some fruits.


    It wasn''t gourmet, but it was enough to fuel whatever intense training session Dan had planned.


    Finally, after setting the plates neatly on the table, he took a step back, admiring his handiwork. The once-cluttered room was now orderly, the kitchen spotless, and a meal ready to be served.


    He wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, feeling some accomplishment for a job well done. He hadn''t come to the academy expecting that one day he''d be doing household chores for his instructor, but here he was, and he had done it well.


    Satisfied, Kyle made his way to Dan''s room, knocking lightly on the door.


    "Instructor Dan? I''m finished." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Done already?" Dan''s voice sounded from the room. Kyle heard his footsteps sound from the door before the door opened, "Wow! You were quite quick."


    Kyle nodded his head and gave a tense smile. This meant that nothing suspicious happened while he passed out. He couldn''t conclude yet though as he decided to probe Dan.


    "How quick, sir?"


    Dan raised an eyebrow at Kyle, wondering why he''ll ask such. "Don''t you have your comm?"


    ''Ah, my comm!'' Kyle exclaimed within. ''How the hell did I forget about that?''


    He knew he had arrived around 8:40 AM, so it won''t be difficult to find out how much time he had spent.


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    Kyle glanced towards the comm. 9:42 AM. He had truly finished fast. No wonder, Dan had remarked on his speed.


    That meant... Time in that realm flowed differently from normal. That realization dawned upon Kyle as he pondered. ''Imagine if I had cultivated all this while. My cultivation would have been greatly increased.''


    He was practically trying to comprehend this but he simply couldn''t come to terms with it. ''That''s just too broken!''


    He suddenly remembered the silent Instructor that stared at him as he had all this thoughts.


    Kyle chuckled nervously as he directed his gaze him.


    "Uhm. Sorry for that, I forgot I had a comm."


    "Unacceptable! Your mind is your greatest asset and you can''t keep losing concentration," Dan snapped despite Kyle''s early apology. Kyle wasn''t surprised of his reaction as he knew how disciplined Dan could be.


    "I''m sorry, I won''t repeat it again," Kyle cupped his fists together and bowed his head low in apology.


    "Hmph. I''ll reduce your punishment, but it better not."


    Kyle nodded grimly at Kyle''s proclamation. That was how far he could come.


    "Well, I hope you didn''t mess up my books," Dan asked with a teasing smile as he left the room.


    Kyle grinned, finding his question funny. After all, his book messed him up, not the other way round. "Everything''s where it should be, sir. And breakfast is ready too."


    "Well, let''s see if you''ve kept that promise," Dan murmured and began heading to the dining room, while Kyle followed behind him.


    Dan observed the house and it looked clean enough, he nodded in approval to Kyle before taking his seat and glancing over the meal Kyle had prepared.


    Without another word, he took a seat at the table, motioning for Kyle to join him. Kyle sat across from him, trying to gauge his instructor''s mood as Dan took a bite of the eggs.


    After a few bites, Dan finally looked up. "Not bad," he admitted, earning Kyle a relieved expression.


    "Though I hope your stamina''s just as good as your cooking. Today''s training isn''t going to be easy."


    Kyle merely nodded. He had survived the chores, he had survived the chaos and he knew that whatever Dan had planned, he was prepared to face it head-on.

 Chapter 103: Another Demon

    "Before we begin, your punishment for the earlier lapse in concentration must be completed."


    "Understood, sir," Kyle replied, fully expecting Dan to bring it up.


    Dan gestured to the heavy iron weights and a series of resistance bands neatly arranged along the side of the dojo.


    "You''ll carry these weights while maintaining a handstand for thirty minutes. The timer would reset each time you falter.''


    Kyle almost let out an exhausted sigh after seeing the weights. Not only were they very heavy to carry, but the longer you carried it , the heavier the pressure and like Dan had said, dropping it before the thirty minute mark would make him restart.


    This was a task that tested one''s physical endurance and required perfect balance, focus and stamina.


    Kyle took a deep breath, before moving to the extreme end of the room where the weights were.


    He positioned himself on the mat, and shifted his weight forward into a handstand. With controlled movements, he adjusted the iron weights, securing them on his legs and holding a position that tested the limits of his core strength.


    The strain hit him almost immediately as his muscles tightened and his balance shaked, but he managed to maintain it well.


    Dan kept on watching with an impassive expression but his keen eyes were taking note of every micro-adjustment Kyle made to keep steady.


    At the ten-minute mark, he raised an eyebrow. Kyle''s arms trembled slightly under the weight, but his posture held steady. Fifteen minutes in, the minor strain in his shoulders deepened, but Kyle fought through it, pushing the burning sensation away with sheer willpower.


    When the half-hour mark finally passed without a single fall, Dan stepped forward. "Enough. You can come down."


    "I can continue," Kyle replied, causing Dan to raise his eyebrow at him. He usually only barely endure for 30 minutes. Now, not only was he handling the routine far better than before, he even asked for more time.


    Dan simply nodded and continued watching. As he had promised, Kyle continued to keep on with the weights and eventually the one hour mark came, that was when lowered himself and collapsed onto his knees.


    Kyle took a few deep breaths, trying to slow his racing heart. The routine had taken a toll out him, but he had handled it far better than before. He had even done so for thirty minutes, something that had never happened in his training with Dan.


    "You improved again, didn''t you?" Dan approached him with a sharp gaze and threw the thought om his mind.


    Kyle looked up at his instructor with a nervous chuckle. "Yes, sir. I broke through to the fourth stage," he chose to say.


    Dan nodded, though the gesture seemed almost mechanical. It wasn''t the shock or amazement that Kyle might have seen before, just a simple acknowledgment.


    Dan''s mind was already processing this information and moving on. Kyle had surprised him too many times for it to be truly shocking anymore.


    It was quite normal for Kyle to be of a different power level each time they met. He had only asked because this time, the leap was too great.


    Perhaps the boy was just special¡ªmore special than he had first realized. He turned away, though the slight furrow in his eyebrow gave him away that he was thinking something far deeper.


    ''Let''s move on. Training waits for no one," Dan said, clapping his hands once. Kyle pushed himself back to his feet, after taking Dan''s special water bottle. It was time for the real challenge.


    Dan took his place at one end of the dojo, rolling his shoulders and adjusting his stance. The sparring sessions with Dan were always brutal, but each one pushed Kyle beyond what he thought possible.


    Today, he felt ready to win, even if he knew deep down that defeating Dan was still a distant dream.


    The moment Dan''s signal came, Kyle launched himself forward, drawing his selected katana in a smooth arc.


    He aimed a swift strike at Dan, who sidestepped with practiced ease and countered with a sweep that nearly knocked Kyle off balance.


    Kyle regained his footing quickly. With a proud smile, he charged again. Kyle was confident of winning Dan now after seeing his speed, maybe they weren''t too far apart after all.


    A few minutes later, Kyle panted as they circled each other. He had come close to beating Dan quite a few times, but through some unexpected turn of events, Dan kept surviving.


    This gave Kyle confidence to push more harder. He could feel it. He was going to defeat Dan today. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Not enough," Dan muttered, breaking Kyle''s thoughts. He stepped forward and began pressuring Kyle into a defensive stance.


    Kyle parried and retreated, knowing that Dan was pushing him to his limit deliberately. And then, without warning, Kyle felt something stir within him. At that moment, he knew the battle was over.


    ''Let''s end this.''


    He immediately went back a little and then with a slash of his katana, a thin, white line of energy surged from the blade¡ªhis sword intent.


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    Kyle thought he had got Dan. There was now how that Dan would react fast enough to deal with it.


    But then, the room turned cold¡ªdead cold as Dan released a tiny bit of aura, nullifying the intent as easily as snuffing out a flame.


    ''I''ve faced two demons today,'' Kyle thought with a tired sigh, "The last one stands before me."


    "Good!" Dan remarked after dealing with Kyle''s intent. "Don''t worry, you''ll get there."


    Kyle nodded and continued with the fight. If he couldn''t win with his intent, he''ll beat up Dan the traditional way.


    After some moves more, when Kyle almost got Dan. The speed the latter had used to leave his range was outstanding¡ªhe hadn''t expected such.


    ''That meant...'' Kyle thought as he panted. ''He''s been holding back this whole time.''


    It all made sense, Kyle had noticed that Dan had been one step ahead, while giving him the impression that he could stand a chance; Dan had been toying with him and giving him false pride right from Day 1.


    ''This man, how dare him do such to me?'' Kyle thought with anger. ''He''s played me dirty.


    Each time Kyle thought he''d closed the gap, Dan revealed another layer of strength that made Kyle feel like he was just starting over.


    Kyle channelled his anger into the fight and began pushing h


    arder. He still believed he could win Dan.


    ''I just have to be too fast for him,'' Kyle calculated. ''He''ll be on the floor the moment he tries to re-adjust his speed.


    This continued for what felt like an eternity, but the chance never came for Kyle to turn the tides of the battle. Worst of all, he was thoroughly exhausted and didn''t think he could continue.


    As if sensing his condition, Dan stepped back and raised a hand. "Enough. You can rest."


    Kyle didn''t even think of questioning his decision as he knew he couldn''t continue anymore. He dropped to the floor and stared at the ceiling to catch his breath.


    After some moments on the floor, Dan approached him after and began offering pointers, detailing every move Kyle had made and every flaw in his form.


    Kyle listened intently as he drank Dan''s magical water, committing each correction to memory. And after Dan wad done speaking; Kyle remembered a question he planned on asking.


    "Instructor Dan, there''s something I''ve been meaning to ask."


    Dan directed his gaze to Kyle before nodding his head. "Go on."


    "What''s a martial arts technique? I saw one in your book shelf when I cleaned it and I want to know more about them."


    "You''ve been observant," Dan remarked with a nod of approval. "Martial arts are very essential, especially physical fighters like us."


    Dan paused, as if recalling memories from his own training. "Martial arts, at their core, are not just about fighting. It is a discipline that sharpens the body, the mind, and the soul.


    Mastery over them allows you to fight with a certain style the technique was tailored for. Take note, these techniques are not just physical. They require patience, practice, meditation and understanding of your body and mana.


    That is why few people succeed in learning them, they underestimate the mental and spiritual discipline required."


    With Dan''s explanation, Kyle could understand a bit about what Martial arts were. He wanted to learn them, anything that could make him stronger was worth learning, talk more of something that could improve his skill with the katana.

 Chapter 104: Secret Library

    Kyle''s eyes shone with a newfound determination. He had faced impossible odds before, but this felt different. It felt like a challenge that would shape him not just as a fighter, but as a person. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I want to learn, Instructor," Kyle said with his fists cupped and a light bow. "I want to master it. Would you lend me that book? I promise I''ll dedicate myself to it."


    Dan''s expression softened into something unreadable¡ªpride, perhaps, or admiration. He placed a hand on Kyle''s shoulder and looked at him squarely.


    "You''ve proven your dedication time and time again, Kyle. I can''t deny you a martial art technique at your current skill level, you''re more than ready to take this step.


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    But before I hand you that book, I need you to know that the techniques will challenge you beyond anything you''ve faced."


    Kyle nodded without hesitation. "I understand. I''m ready for it."


    A pause stretched between them before Dan nodded with satisfaction. "Good. But it''s not as simple as reading a book and mimicking the movements.


    You need to choose the path that resonates with you the most."


    Kyle''s brow furrowed in confusion, but before he could voice his question, Dan continued.


    "There are different schools of martial arts, each of them with their own philosophy and techniques. Your task is to choose the one that fits you best."


    "Schools of martial arts?" Kyle repeated. "Do you mean a place where martial arts are taught?"


    Dan''s mouth twitched into a small smile, and he chuckled. "Not quite, but you''re close."


    A martial arts school isn''t just a place, Kyle. It''s an entire discipline¡ªa path chosen by practitioners that embodies their core techniques, philosophies, and combat styles.


    Some schools focus on offensive might, teaching their followers how to overwhelm their opponents with crushing force.


    Others are defensive, emphasizing unyielding stances and counterattacks that make their user as solid as a fortress."


    There are schools that emulate the flow of water, always moving, adapting to their opponent''s moves with ease and grace.


    Then, there are schools inspired by the untamable wind, emphasizing speed, precision, and unpredictability.


    The most ancient and revered schools merge physical combat with spiritual teachings, demanding that their students master their inner energies to unleash techniques that border on mystical."


    Kyle''s breath quickened as Dan spoke, painting vivid images of powerful martial artists whose abilities transcended anything he had imagined.


    Dan continued, "To choose a school means to commit to a way of life. It''s not something to be taken lightly.


    Your mastery of the sword and your elemental prowess can only benefit from this path if you understand that it will require a complete shift in how you view combat and yourself."


    Kyle nodded his head quickly. "I''m willing to take that step."


    "Then it''s time you see something that few have ever laid eyes on. Follow me."


    Kyle''s heart skipped a beat as Dan walked toward the far wall of the dojo. For as long as he had been training here, this wall had always seemed unremarkable.


    Yet now, Dan reached out and pressed his palm on it, chanelling his mana through it, a section of the wall began to part, only to reveal a narrow stone passageway.


    Kyle widened his eyes in surprise. "You have a secret chamber?... Damn!"


    Dan laughed at Kyle''s remark. "Cool, right?"


    Kyle simply nodded his head as he followed Dan while they walked deeper until they reached a large iron door. Pushing the door open, Kyle witnessed a sight that stole the breath from his lungs.


    Before him stretched a library unlike any he had ever seen. It was colossal, far larger than even the Year-1 section of the academy''s library.


    It was filled with shelves that bore books of different sizes and age. To the right, a section of the room was devoted to research¡ªdesks equipped with magnifying glasses, alchemical instruments, and mana detectors. On observing closely, one could even notice that it had just been used recently.


    Kyle''s jaw dropped as he took it all in. He turned to Dan and said in surprise.


    "This¡­ this is incredible. How do you even¡ª"


    "Welcome to my sanctum, Kyle."


    Dan watched Kyle take in the scene for some moments before beckoning him him to follow.


    Kyle followed after Dan as they weaved through the towering shelves, until they stopped before a section where books were arranged according to their respective martial art schools.


    The section was divided into tiers¡ªBeginner, Intermediate and Advanced.


    "Woah!" Kyle couldn''t help but gasp as he read the overbearing names of the martial techniques.


    "How do I know which one to pick?" he finally asked, breaking the silence.


    "You won''t be picking from any of these, Kyle." Dan replied with a smile, making Kyle look at him in surprise.


    "Then¡­ why are we here?"


    Dan didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he took a step back and placed his hand on a specific point on the shelf, one that looked indistinguishable from the others.


    With a soft click, he pulled out a book unlike any Kyle had seen. IThe title read: Martial Arts: Fundamentals.


    Dan''s expression turned serious as he held out the book. "This will teach you the origins and philosophies of most revered schools. It will also teach you what each path stands for and how to find the one that resonates with your very essence."


    Kyle''s breath caught as he took the book, feeling the weight settle in his hands. The book was quite heavy in his hands, but Kyle had already made up his mind to do justice to it.


    "I''ll do more than read it¡ªI''ll study it."


    "That''s what I want to hear." Dan said wiyj a soft voice. "The knowledge in that book is not a casual read. You need to understand it, because knly then will you be ready to choose a school, and only then will I allow you to learn your first technique."


    Kyle nodded his head in approval to his instructor''s words. "I will."


    "Great! Now, let me show you out."


    Kyle followed as Dan led him back through the maze of towering shelves until they got to the Library''s entrance.


    "Find your way home from here, Kyle. Remember, School resumes on Monday. I expect you to be in Homeroom on time and ready."


    The reminder pulled Kyle back to the reality that school was resuming soon.. "I''ll be there, Instructor," Kyle said with a wry smile.


    "I''m counting on it. Now go."


    Kyle stepped out of the library, making his way to the entrance of the secret passage.


    He glanced back as he exited, just in time to see Dan press his palm against the stone wall and watch the secret entrance seal itself shut, leaving no trace of the vast library behind.


    For a moment, Kyle marveled at the flawless mechanism, wondering what kind of magic or craftsmanship made that.


    With a shrug, he placed the matter at the back of his head and made his way to the dojo door.


    As Kyle entered the living room, he set his eyes on how clean it looked compared to when he had arrived and couldn''t help but marvel at what a good job he had done in such a limited time.


    He didn''t linger in the house for too long and soon made his way for the door, making sure to slam it shut.


    ''Today was one hell of a day,'' Kyle sighed as he remembered all the events that had all taken place before making his way home, planning how he''ll narrate his experiences to Void.

 Chapter 105: Hungry Void

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    Kyle made the long walk home, finally reaching his room. The moment he entered, he was met with the sight of Void sprawled out on the bed, and his eyes locked on the ceiling with an unmistakable expression of boredom. The dragon''s sleek black scales glistened under the faint light filtering in through the window.


    Void''s head snapped toward the door the moment he heard a creak. "Finally, you''re back. Thought you''d decided to abandon me for good this time."


    "I expected you to be cultivating, not brooding. What''s going on?"


    "What''s going on?!" Void repeated Kyle''s question. Standing up to show his anger. "You left me here without food, starving while you gallivanted around! How do you expect a mighty Drakkon to reach his peak on an empty stomach?"


    Kyle thought about what Void had said and concluded that the complaint was fair. What was supposed to be a short training session that would last a couple of hours had extended well into the day.


    It was his fault, he should have suspected that Dan wouldn''t let him of leave early after making him come for training in the morning.


    He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to soften the realization that he''d overlooked Void''s needs.


    ''Speaking of Void''s hunger, I haven''t eaten anything too,'' Kyle suddenly remembered and his stomack responded with a growl.


    "You''re right, that''s on me," Kyle admitted, raising his hands in surrender. "How about we go grab some food? I need it as much as you do."


    Void''s eyes gleamed, and in one swift motion, he leaped off the bed and disappeared into his pet space. "Finally, a reasonable offer."


    Kyle couldn''t help but chuckle at the dragon''s enthusiasm. The lightness of their banter brought a needed pause after the day''s intensity.


    He made his way out the door, heading toward the bustling cafeteria. The cafeteria was filled with students as they were trying to squeeze in the last bit of fun and socializing before classes resumed in full swing.


    Kyle sidestepped groups of students chatting and laughing, barely noticing them as he focused on the assortment of dishes before him.


    He ordered enough to feed not just himself and Void, but what could have easily satisfied a small party. Laden with packages of food, he turned back for home, balancing the load carefully.


    As soon as he set the containers down in his room, Void emerged from his pet space like a blur, landing beside Kyle and eyeing the spread with delight.


    Within moments, the room was filled with the clinking of plates and the rhythmic chomping of a dragon thoroughly enjoying his meal. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Between bites, Kyle started recounting his day to Void. He described the cleaning Dan had made him do, the book he''d discovered while organizing Dan''s shelves, and his encounter with Azagrut.


    Void, for his part was listening¡ªor so Kyle believed¡ªeven as he devoured the large pile of food at an astonishing pace.


    "Azagrut. Just a side character; we''ll deal with him real quick," Void said between bites, referencing Kyle''s rivalry with a demon as if it were merely an afterthought.


    Kyle let out a laugh at the dragon''s casual remark. "Besides, thanks to that book, I awakened the Chaos element."


    The sound of chewing stopped abruptly. Void froze mid-bite, and a plate slipped from his claws, shattering into shards on the floor. He hastily summoned his status window, eyes scanning for confirmation.


    | Affinities: Lightning |


    "But... there''s nothing here," Void muttered, his eyes narrowing in confusion as he stared at the list.


    He had assumed that [Clean Slate] would have enabled him to share any new affinity Kyle gained.


    [Clean Slate: OmniDrakkons are not limited to a single element. Skills and affinities are shared between the pet and master.]


    "Why don''t I see it?" Void looked up at Kyle, the usually confident glint in his eyes replaced with uncertainty.


    Kyle, who had been mulling over the same question, finally offered his theory. "Maybe¡­ it''s because I haven''t formed a core for it yet?"


    Void''s eyes widened, and he slapped a claw to his face. "Then what are you waiting for? If you''ve got Chaos, we need to use it. Form the core tonight."


    Kyle''s lips twitched upward in an amused grin. "I was planning to, but I thought I''d study this first." He gestured at the thick, ancient book lying beside him. It had a worn cover that hinted at countless years of use, and its pages brimmed with secrets about martial techniques.


    Void''s eyes narrowed as he regarded the book with suspicion. "What is that?"


    Kyle explained how he''d found the book while rearranging Dan''s collection and how the instructor had explained the concept of martial techniques and schools to him.


    He recounted Dan''s insight into the power of martial techniques and the meaning of martial schools, before stating how this book was a guide on him delving into martial arts.


    "I see..." Void muttered. His expression was a mix of impatience and intrigue. "I get it, but the book can wait. Form the core first."


    Kyle smirked at the dragon''s urgency, of course the thought of gaining a new element, especially one that was too powerful to be heard of, was too tempting to pass up, and Void''s insistence only confirmed that he wasn''t the only one excited by the prospect.


    "All right, Void. Tonight, we''ll create that core tonight."


    They spent the next half hour cleaning up the remnants of their feast, with Void making sure no scrap of food went to waste.


    Once the plates were stacked and the last crumbs devoured, Kyle set the book aside and prepared himself mentally. He washed up quickly, splashing cool water on his face to shake off any lingering exhaustion from the day.


    After Kyle was done with his preparations and all, he sat cross-legged on the bed.


    He closed his eyes to feel his heartbeat before taking a deep breath, allowing his mind to focus solely on the task at hand.


    "Let''s create a new core," Kyle whispered, more to himself than to Void.

 Chapter 106: Attempting to Form a Chaos Core

    Creating a mana core was a delicate and essential process, after all, your ability to create a core directly affected your ability to channel that magic.Due to the importance of this step in your journey to become a mage; the academy made all first years attend a 1-week-long class specifically meant to teach them how to sense their mana, control it, and form it into a functional core.


    Kyle had already been through this ordeal before when he created his lightning mana core, and it wasn''t a very difficult process.


    In fact, Kyle believed that he could create a core that night, as his mana control was on a different level compared to when he created his Lightning core.


    He just had to sense his chaos mana pool before controlling it with his will to compress it into a small spherical orb.


    Once the orb achieved the smallest possible volume, that further compression might make it collapse, Kyle simply had to use external mana¡ªa mana core to obtain the highest concentration¡ªand bind the core with the external energy. That was simple.


    "Let''s begin," Kyle muttered to himself as he began sensing his mana flow. It didn''t take much time for him to locate it.


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    The stream of his chaos mana flowed in an opposite direction with his lightning core. It shone with a chaotic blend of different colors, making it stand sharply in Kyle''s mind.


    Kyle quickly got to work. It took him a few moments to get acquainted with the Chaos mana, but he managed to do so at the end and could now direct its mana flow.


    ''Just like before,'' Kyle thought, recalling how he''d formed his first core. But as soon as he reached out to guide the chaos mana, its wild nature fought back in an attempt to resist his will.


    It was like trying to catch the wind with bare hands. Despite his focus, the mana crumbled, scattering into streams before he could even begin forming it into an orb.


    Kyle was saddened at what happened, but he didn''t fully expect to form the core on his first try. Forming a core wasn''t meant to be easy.


    "Alright," Kyle whispered to himself. "I''ll do it this time."


    He tried again, this time envisioning his chaos mana pool like a turbulent river. He attempted to direct the current, slowly compressing the flow inward to form a small, dense sphere.


    At first, it seemed to be working. The chaos mana began to swirl, forming the rough outline of a sphere. Kyle felt a bit of hope when he saw that it was working, but just as quickly as it appeared, the mana scattered, bursting apart in a violent dispersal.


    Kyle felt a bit of pain in his chest after realizing that he had failed twice in a row.


    ''Not yet,'' he told himself. Sitting back up, he knew it was time to control the chaos.


    Kyle took a deep breath and closed his eyes once more before reaching out mentally, trying to command the wild mana to bend to his will, coaxing and forcing it into formation.


    The pool of mana twisted but kept resisting every attempt at order. It would start to shape, only to shatter again as if mocking him.


    Kyle muttered through gritted teeth, "No¡­ I will make this work." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Minutes soon turned into hours for Kyle, while the relentless cycle of molding and collapsing repeated itself over and over again, each failure dampening his resolve.


    He hadn''t expected to perfect it on the first try, but he''d hoped to make more progress than this.


    ''This mana, it''s like it has a mind of its own,'' Kyle couldn''t help but conclude. The mana just couldn''t be controlled by him but Kyle knew better than to give up.


    Kyle closed his eyes once more and continued. In a blink of an eye, five full hours had passed and Kyle hadn''t made any progress.


    He was exhausted and his body was drenched in sweat. The effort of controlling and condensing chaos mana had really drained him mentally.


    ''No. I can''t give up,'' Kyle thought, shaking off the doubt that made him feel like giving up. The challenge was expected. He was trying to mold chaos itself, after all¡ªsomething that defied structure by its very nature.


    But Kyle didn''t want to surrender just yet. He pushed himself upright, ignoring the groan of his body protesting the movement.


    "I will do this."


    Kyle sat cross-legged again and inhaled deeply. He emptied his mind, reaching deep within himself, pulling on every ounce of mental discipline he had.


    This time, he employed a different approach. Instead of brute-forcing the mana into submission, he tried guiding it with a gentler touch, like taming a wild animal rather than caging it.


    The chaos mana shifted slightly, hesitating as if surprised by the change. Encouraged, Kyle nudged the energy, using his will to coax it into a coiling form.


    For a moment, it responded, moving almost willingly, but before he could feel the rush of success, it fractured again, scattering into jagged bursts.


    Kyle sighed after failing again. He was very much tired and he knew he needed some rest before the night crawled to an end.


    Kyle''s gaze drifted to the bed, where Void slept peacefully, undisturbed from all he was passing through.


    He followed suit making space on the bed for him to lie down. "Tomorrow..." Kyle promised himself


    as he lay down. "...I''ll continue,"


    With that Kyle shut his eyes, he knew how important it was for him to succeed in this; failure was not an option. He had to rely on himself to form a chaos core, as there was no one he could run to nor anyone who knew about such an element.


    These thoughts echoed in Kyle''s mind as he finally allowed his body to relax, surrendering to the pull of sleep. Chaos would bend to him¡ªhe would make sure of it. But for now, he needed rest.

 Chapter 107: Origin of Martial Arts

    Kyle sat on a chair, before the desk he had dragged from his room outside. His fingers rested on the cover of the book Dan had given him, Martial Arts: Fundamentals.He had come outside so as to enjoy the cool morning sun as he read... and also to avoid Void for a while.


    Kyle couldn''t help but smile wryly as he remembered what had happened earlier in the morning.


    Kyle had once again attempted tobcreatr the core, but sadly, he was greeted with the same result as last night¡ªfailure.


    Before that, Void had asked him how the night went and why he didn''t form the core yet; and Kyle, not wanting to lose face had lied, saying that he slept off after failing his first try.


    He had reassured Void that it wasn''t a problem, he''ll form the core later. But Void didn''t take his words lightly and had forced him to create the core that instant. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That had not ended up well for Kyle as Void''s sharp tongue was used to humiliate him further, adding salt to his wound.


    Now, with the morning stretching before and nothing to distract him, Kyle decided to delve into the book.


    Perhaps learning the basics of martial arts could offer him some respite from the frustration building up in him.


    With a deep breath, he flipped open the heavy book that rested on his lap. Martial Arts: Fundamentals by Marcus Fent. The cover alone carried an air of authority, promising answers that Kyle was eager to uncover.


    Kyle traced the bold, blocky letters on the cover with his fingertips before whispering,


    "Martial Arts: Fundamentals by Marcus Fent."


    On opening the first page, he was greeted with the usual notification from the system.


    [Would you like to learn the book, ''Martial Arts: Fundamentals'' for 10 Skill points!]


    [Yes] [No]


    Kyle sighed and quickly took off the notification. He didn''t have any skill points to patronize the system.


    "I guess I can only rely on myself to do this," Kyle muttered as he began reading.


    The book began with an introduction, detailing the history and essence of martial arts as a practice that had empowered those without magic¡ªduds, as they were referred to¡ªprotect themselves and stand tall against their magically gifted counterparts.


    ''So this is where it started,'' Kyle thought. His eyes moved across the words, absorbing the tale of those who, decades ago, had faced a world dominated by elemental mages.


    Without the innate ability to wield mana, they had seemed destined to fall prey to forces beyond their control.


    "Out of desperation was born the first art of resistance," the book declared. Kyle''s eyebrows lifted slightly as he read on.


    The early practitioners had not been warriors by nature. They were farmers, blacksmiths, scholars¡ªpeople who had no choice but to fight or perish.


    They gathered together and began trying to learn. They began practicing movements that mimicked the beasts they feared, studying the flow of the wind, the shifting of the earth beneath their feet, the roaring surge of water.


    ''So, necessity birthed it all,'' Kyle thought, the realization sinking in. He ran his fingers across the printed words, pausing to absorb what it meant.


    Martial arts, in its infancy, had not been about glory or power. It was all about survival. Surviving in a world that constantly tried to crush those without mana.


    Kyle sat back, feeling the weight of that revelation. These words were more than just history¡ªthey were a testament to the strength of the human spirit.


    "They fought without magic, facing creatures that could tear them apart in an instant," he said aloud, as if trying to make sense of it. "And they won."


    How could fists and feet alone overcome the raw force of mana or the natural weapons of a beast? Kyle shook his head, finding the idea hard to grasp. But the book seemed to anticipate his doubt:


    What they lacked in mana, they made up for in mastery of their own bodies. They understood the value of movement, of using every ounce of strength and energy in precise, powerful bursts. They learned to become more than what they were¡ªto transform limitations into weapons.


    The book moved into the philosophical roots behind martial arts, explaining that it was more than just an answer to violence.


    "To those early practitioners, the art was sacred. It was a reflection of their resilience, a statement that they would not bow to fear."


    Kyle''s fingers tightened on the edge of the page. ''Sacred,'' he thought, the word resonating in him. He''d always seen fighting as a means to an end¡ªa way to win, to defend, to survive.


    But the early chapters of the book spoke of something deeper. They spoke of discipline, of understanding one''s self as intimately as one would a weapon.


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    "Is that where I''ve gone wrong?" Kyle asked aloud, the quietness of the clearing absorbing his voice. Had he always approached combat as just a tool, a brute-force method?


    The early martial artists seemed to see it as a language¡ªa way of expressing their strength, their will to stand when others fell.


    The origins of martial arts, according to the author, were rooted not just in physical training but in observing the world around them.


    "A true master sees beyond the act of fighting; they see the essence of life reflected in every strike, every block, every breath." The words made Kyle pause, and his gaze shifting to the flutter of leaves overhead.


    Did those ancient warriors see nature as their mentor? He wondered. He could almost imagine it¡ªwatching how the wind shifted and learning to mimic its movement, or studying the coiled power of a panther before it pounced.


    The idea fascinated him, the notion that strength wasn''t just about sheer power but about being in harmony with everything around you.


    Kyle turned the page, feeling a newfound respect for the people described within. The author spoke of how martial arts had evolved, schools forming as practitioners refined their philosophies and techniques.


    But the essence that Marcus Fent insisted on remained the same: To take what life gave you and find strength within it.


    "Adaptation," Kyle said softly. The word rolled around in his mind like a piece of a puzzle, fitting with a sudden click.


    The early martial artists had adapted to a world of magic and monsters not by trying to imitate what they couldn''t do, but by excelling at what they could.


    ''Could that apply to me?'' Kyle asked himself. He thought about what bothered him now. His approach to chaos mana had always been about forcing it to yield and to bend to his will.


    But maybe that was the wrong way. Maybe, like those ancient warriors, he needed to learn from it¡ªstudy it, mimic it, understand how it flowed and surged before trying to control it.


    Kyle could hear his heart pace even faster in his chest and the sudden realization made him to sit straighter.


    He hadn''t been observing how his mana acted. He had been trying to delicately pressure it to bend, or to forcefully do so without knowing its true nature and what would make it yield.


    "This book might have just made my day!" Kyle said with a wide grin as he turned the page.

 Chapter 108: The Four Pillars of Martial Arts

    The discovery of martial arts was only the beginning. While individual practitioners managed to survive in a world ruled by mana and magic, their fragmented knowledge was not enough. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.They needed unity, a way to refine their techniques and pass them on to future generations. Thus, the concept of the martial school was born.


    Kyle narrowed his eyes and gave his maximum attention as he read this part. This was the major reason Dan had given this book to him after all.


    At first, these schools were modest, the book continued. They were only gatherings of a few like-minded individuals practicing in secluded forests or mountains, driven by a singular goal¡ªto create a legacy of mastery that would outlive them.


    Each school was founded on an elemental principle, not just for strength, but as an interpretation of how one could engage with the world.


    The book highlighted four main martial schools:


    First on the list was the school most synonymous with sheer power and devastation¡ª


    The Radiant Inferno school was born from the fury of the elements: fire, lightning, and light.


    Their techniques embodied raw destruction, and they were unparalleled in their offensive capabilities.


    He knew that while the power of this school was tempting, it required relentless control and constant risk.


    Kyle read the long text on its history and doctrines before coming to his conclusion. "Theirs is an art that does not simply strike¡ªit obliterates."


    Kyle felt drawn to this school already, maybe it was because of their strength, who knows? ''I can''t choose yet until I''m done with reading,'' Kyle decided before turning the book''s page.


    "Iron Earth," Kyle muttered the name of the next school.


    As revealed by the name, this school was shaped by the twin elements of earth and metal.


    Its foundation was rooted in defense and physical might. While the Radiant Inferno school sought to overwhelm, the Iron Earth school stood like a mountain, unshakable and formidable.


    "Their philosophy," Marcus wrote, "Is that true power comes from endurance and control.


    The body is a fortress, and every motion is a testament to unbreakable will.


    The art of the Iron Earth teaches one to be unyielding, turning defense into offense at the perfect moment."


    Kyle could see the appeal. Practitioners of this school were known to outlast their opponents, absorbing their attacks like a mountain weathering a storm, only to strike back with the force of an avalanche.


    It was a school of grit, patience, and unmatched resilience.


    "This is for those who don''t mind a long fight," Kyle thought aloud, recognizing the similarities to his own way of wearing down opponents in battle. Yet, the thought of moving like an immovable statue, slow and powerful, wasn''t quite his style.


    He didn''t put to much stress in that school and moved on to the next.


    The Wind Chasers school embodied the air element. Their art was built on the principles of speed, agility, and dexterity. All practitioners of this school made it their goal to move like the wind.


    "Speed is not just movement¡ªit is awareness," the book continued. "The Wind Chasers School teaches its disciples to anticipate, react, and outmaneuver, turning every moment into an opportunity."


    "This isn''t... Bad," Kyle thought after reading some more on it, he could already imagine his way of fighting with some of the listed techniques.


    Like before, he didn''t make up his mind, deciding to finish up first. He continued reading into the last school highlighted by the book.


    The Serene Wave school is a school of patience and grace, derived solely from water," the text began. "Where the other schools may rush or overpower, the Serene Wave school understands the value of pacing and waiting for the precise moment."


    Kyle''s eyes followed the description, tracing how the order''s philosophy revolved around fluidity in both thought and movement.


    .


    "The path of the Serene Tide is one of control and inevitability. Every move flows into the next, like a river carving through stone. The practitioner does not seek to match an opponent''s aggression but to guide it, like steering the currents.


    Kyle sat back in his chair, absorbing the essence of this school. It wasn''t about overpowering or overwhelming.


    It was about being an unyielding current, constant and adaptable, slowly wearing down any resistance.


    "So, slow and steady wins the race, huh?" Kyle murmured. The Serene Wave school reminded him of his own tendency to study and observe before acting.


    There was something deeply appealing about using technique and strategy over raw power.


    "That''s all," Kyle sighed as he closed the book. He had managed to glimpse on the potential of martial arts and now the hurdle of choosing a school stumped him.


    All the schools were each chose a unique style of combat and all of them were appealing in their own way.


    The Radiant Inferno school called to those who thrived on power and domination, warriors who needed to strike first and strike hard.


    The Iron Earth school was for the resolute, those willing to become an unyielding wall before unleashing a devastating counter.


    The Wind Chasers school captured the essence of motion, speed, and precision, perfect for those who trusted their agility.


    And the Serene Wave school... it was a path of patience, calmness, and directing the flow of battle.


    Kyle opened the book once more and skimmed through the rest of it, noting chapters on martial techniques and applications. Read latest chapters at mvl


    They were impressive but felt less relevant right now. He leaned back in the chair, letting out a deep sigh as he stared up at the sun, which had risen higher in the sky.


    The morning air was very quiet and that helped him to think more clearly.


    He''d admired the power of the Radiant Inferno, marveled at the fortitude of the Iron Earth, envied the speed of the Wind Chasers, and respected the unassuming might of the Serene Tide.


    Kyle took another breath and ran his hand over the rough cover of the book. "What school do I embark on now?"

 Chapter 109: First Stage Completion

    The weight of the decision pressed on Kyle. Each school held something valuable, something that could transform his fighting style and elevate him beyond the limits he currently faced.The power of the Radiant Inferno school had left a strong impression on Kyle. "It''s all about offense, about raw, unrestrained power. But¡­ do I need that?" he considered for a moment before shaking his head, Discover more content at mvl


    "My spells are already potent enough. I don''t think adding more offensive techniques would help me as much."


    This made Kyle put a strike on the Radiant Inferno school, that didn''t mean he had ruled it out completely though. He could still re-consider if he doesn''t find any fitting one.


    "Iron Earth," Kyle considered next. "A fortress in motion. Unyielding, immovable, waiting for the perfect moment to counter."


    He thought about the long, grueling battles that the school''s practitioners were used to enduring.


    "I''m not the kind to stay put and absorb blows. It''s just not me. I''d rather stay on the move," Kyle decided.


    Fighting to stay on the defensive was not something he could consider. It was not only boring but could make him change his style of fighting completely.


    "Wind Chasers," Kyle muttered after. The name alone sparked an idea in his mind. It was a school built on speed, precision, and agility¡ªelements that complemented his lightning affinity.


    "Speed isn''t just movement¡ªit''s awareness," Kyle recalled the line from the book.


    The idea of reacting, outmaneuvering, and exploiting every opportunity felt right, but the Wind Chasers weren''t the only school that offered Movement Techniques.


    There was the Serene Wave. It''s philosophy had to do with patience, calmness, and guiding the battle rather than matching force with force.


    He traced a sentence on the book with his finger that described their philosophy. "Adaptable, like water."


    "I already fight with some level of patience," Kyle reasoned. "I study my opponents, adapt to their moves, and look for weaknesses. But¡­ is that enough?"


    Kyle sat in silence for a moment before voicing his thoughts. "I need to improve my movement. That''s what I want."


    A movement technique would complement his current style and let him engage and disengage at will, avoid hits, and create openings.


    One could argue that he had a movement spell already¡ª[Lightning Dash]. But from what Kyle had read from the book, techniques were more than just spells.


    Spells are raw bursts of mana shaped for immediate use, but techniques... they''re art in motion, and could be adapted into combat.


    "That narrows it down to movement techniques. Now, between the Serene Wave and the Wind Chasers¡­" Kyle paused for a while, weighing the two options.


    The Serene Wave offered a unique approach, a patient and adaptable style that allowed for strategic responses.


    But Kyle''s heart leaned toward the Wind Chasers. The thought of embodying the wind, moving with unmatched speed and agility, resonated with him.


    He could envision himself dodging attacks effortlessly, striking at his opponents'' weakest moments, and controlling the tempo of every fight.


    "The Wind Chasers," Kyle said aloud with a voice filled with conviction. "I prefer their way of fighting. They were quick, unpredictable, and always one step ahead."


    He could almost see himself darting around the battlefield, turning every encounter into a dance of precision and swiftness.


    Kyle took a deep breath, feeling the decision settle within him. It felt right, like the missing piece in his combat puzzle. "Alright, that''s it. The Wind Chasers school it is."


    Having decided on what school to embark on, Kyle stood up and stretched his arms.


    "Alright, time to head back," he said, tucking the book under his arm.


    Returning to his room, Kyle saw Void in the center of the room, his eyes closed and aura pulsing gently as he cultivated.


    Then suddenly, Kyle remembered what he had pieced earlier from reading the history of Martial arts. That was the key for creating his chaos mana core.


    ''Adaptation,'' Kyle referenced in his mind. ''I need to think like the core, act like it.''


    He placed the book on a nearby table, and with a smile, Kyle approached his bed.


    Without hesitation, he sat cross-legged, steadying his breath as he prepared for the task ahead.


    He began by sensing the chaos pool of mana within him. He had done this for the umpteenth time already, but Kyle didn''t mind. He had set his focus already.


    Unlike his previous attempts, which had been full of coercion and rigid control, this time he allowed his approach to mirror chaos itself¡ªunpredictable and varied.


    He drew on his internal energy with an array of methods, shifting between aggressive surges and subtle manipulations. He pushed his mana flow, then allowed it to pull back, testing the limits and pressing without forming a pattern.


    Minutes flew quickly and in a blink of an eye, 2 hours passed in a flash with Kyle still trying to form an orb.


    He didn''t feel discouraged though, as he knew that it was working. With each attempt made, Kyle knew he was inching ever closer to his goal.


    He kept on shifting from controlled focus to sudden bursts of intent, trying to mirror the chaos within him.


    And then it happened.


    A warmth surged in Kyle''s core as he was already in the process of forming an orb. He quickly moved, varying his actions even more in an attempt to mold the core.


    With time, the mana finally condensed into an orb... and it didn''t shatter. It held!


    "I did it!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle knew he had done it. He had completed the first stage of forming his core¡ªforming a spherical orb.


    Truth to be told, the orb was of a very large volume and Kyle knew that he had a difficult task in hand when it came to its compression.


    It would be very challenging to make it as small as possible, but Kyle couldn''t dampen his victory with such thoughts now. What mattered was that he was on track. He had taking the first step!

 Chapter 110: Back to School (1)

    ...[Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


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    [STA: 71 >> 72]


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    [20/10 KM]


    A faint smile appeared on Kyle''s lips after he was done with his early morning jog.


    "7:02 AM," Kyle muttered the time from his comm. It was quite shocking that he had woken up so early¡ª6:30 AM, no less.


    But that was only made possible due to the fact that he slept very early, about 5 PM to be exact.


    Yesterday, Kyle had spent hours working on compressing the chaos orb, a task that had demanded every ounce of concentration and mana control he possessed.


    The swirling, erratic energy within the orb had resisted him at every turn, bucking and lashing out like a living being.


    He had kept on trying and truth be told, he was making progress. He had managed to reduce its volume by about 2% from its original.


    That was all he had managed to achieve and it truly pained Kyle. The progress was almost negligible and to anyone else who observed its new state and the former, they could argue that it was unchanged.


    But Kyle knew better. He felt the change, even if it was minuscule. The fact that it had taken hours of relentless focus for such an insignificant result pained him though.


    Kyle sighed, running a hand through his hair. The effort hadn''t been for nothing; it was progress, but it was a painstaking reminder of how far he still had to go.


    Kyle finally pushed the thoughts away, pushing the door open and walking in.


    Today marked the resumption of classes, and he couldn''t afford to be late. He stepped into the bathroom and turned on the shower, getting a well-deserved long bath.


    Kyle wiped away the fog on him after leaving the bathroom before taking some minutes to take care of his hair before the mirror and putting on his uniform.


    "Looking good," Kyle said with a wink at his reflection.


    After Kyle ensured he was ready, he brought out some plates from his inventory. He had earlier purchased breakfast from the mall on his way back, enough for him and Void.


    The aroma of freshly baked Tier-2 bread and spiced eggs filled the air, and he set the plates down on the table.


    The slight noise woke Void up, who wasn''t too deep into sleep in the first place.


    "Good morning," Void greeted with a yawn before taking a long look at the food and then at Kyle.


    "Morning," Kyle responded before adding with a smirk, "You can join if you want."


    The dragon didn''t need a second invitation from Kyle to hop onto the table.


    They ate in silence until they were done with the meal, after which Kyle stood up and wiped his mouth, glancing at his comm; he knew had just enough time to make it if he left now.


    But before Kyle could step toward the door, a soft, insistent noise caught his attention.


    Kyle turned to find Void staring up at him and making a face that he easily recognized.


    "Come on, Void, what is it?" Kyle asked.


    "Can I come with you, Kyle? Please! I''ll be so good. You won''t even know I''m there!"


    Kyle thought about whether to bring Void with him. Void had never truly been to a class as he had hatched during the tournament and Kyle could place himself in Void''s shoes and he knew he wouldn''t want to be left behind.


    "You sure about following me?"


    "Yes! It''ll be fun, and I''ll learn a lot, too. I promise I won''t cause any trouble."


    "Alright, fine. But you''re staying in the pet space the entire time, understood? Don''t distract me."


    Void''s eyes lit up, and he practically bounced in happiness. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! You won''t regret it, I swear!"


    Kyle chuckled as Void disappeared into the pet space with a shimmer, only to hear his excited voice.


    [Let''s go!]


    ***


    "7:50 AM," Kyle confirmed the time with his comm as he walked through the doors of homeroom class.


    Greeting him upon his entrance was a hall filled with many students. Kyle could say that almost all of his classmates were present, which was something unexpected provided how early he had arrived.


    He moved through the maze of desks and students, ignoring the various conversations that went on in the class.


    Familiar faces flashed by as Kyle weaved his way to his usual spot near the center, where his friends were already gathered.


    "Kyle!" Zack''s voice boomed over the noise as he waved him over, his ever-present grin stretched across his face.


    Riya gave him an appraising look and raised an eyebrow. "Well, look who decided to show up on time," she teased, her tone playful but edged with genuine surprise.


    "Guess I wanted to see what this place looked like before the instructor arrived," Kyle replied, earning a round of chuckles.


    As they settled into their spots, Kyle caught sight of Orion, who was leaning against his desk with the usual air of quiet confidence, his glasses catching the light in a way that made his eyes unreadable.


    Kyle walked over and lowered his voice. "Hey, how''s the progress on the items?"


    Orion''s face twisted slightly in annoyance, but his reply was still controlled.


    "They''ll be done by Saturday, as per your extravagant demands," he said, crossing his arms. "And before you ask, yes, everything is on schedule, though if you keep adding more projects, I might actually start billing you interest."


    "Good to hear. Keep up the good work," Kyle said, giving him a playful nudge.


    He took immense pleasure in making Orion work hard, not just as a show of his capabilities but as part of their agreement.


    Kyle''s 5,000 credits were not going to waste; he had commissioned Orion to craft various items, some of which bordered on the absurd but were still intriguing ideas nonetheless.


    He owed Void for most of the brainstorming sessions. Between the two of them, they''d come up with some genuinely innovative¡ªand sometimes questionable¡ªconcepts.


    Orion''s eyes narrowed at Kyle when he felt the light nudge but before he could remark on it, Riya''s attention had shifted on them. She had managed to pick up on their conversation.


    "What are you two scheming about now?"


    Kyle shrugged with an exaggerated nonchalance. "Oh, nothing. Just an agreement between gentlemen."


    "Exactly, nothing that would concern anyone else," Orion added.


    "You know, when I do decide to find out, I won''t take ''nothing'' for an answer," Riya said with a threatening tone that made Kyle chuckle nervously. He knew better than to underestimate her when she set her mind to something.


    The group''s conversation shifted to lighter topics, filled with Zack''s jokes.


    The atmosphere was lively, and it reminded Kyle of why he enjoyed being here. But just as he was about to mention something important he had gotten recently.


    He planned on telling them about his discovery of Martial Arts. But just before that; the whole class fell unusually quiet and everyone turned their head towards the door.


    At the door, a tall figure stood with short black-styled hair and dark skin. The Instructor had arrived.

 Chapter 111: Back to School (2)

    The whole class fell unusually quiet and everyone turned their head towards the door.At the door, a tall figure stood with short black-styled hair and a dark skin. The Instructor had arrived.


    Dan walked into the class with his usual warm smile that was famous for misleading many.


    He was dressed in a simple attire¡ªblack trousers and a sleeveless jacket that highlighted his broad, muscular shoulders¡ªwhich was expected as he didn''t seem like a real instructor of the academy. Except for the Year 1''s homeroom, Dan didn''t handle any other class in the academy. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good morning, Instructor Dan!" the whole students echoed the


    greeting they were used to in unison after Dan walked to his table.


    "Good morning to you too!" Dan replied with a smile, waving his hand at them to have their seats. "I hope y''all made full use of your short break?"


    They all affirmed his question with a nod.


    "Great!" Dan remarked. "I won''t go on to question each of you on how you spent your time, but I fully trust that you used it well, even if you had slept through the break."


    Many felt like laughing at Dan''s joke, including Kyle, but they all quickly restrained themselves; they couldn''t dare to laugh while he spoke.


    Dan smiled as he saw the controlled smiles on their faces before adding. "Honestly, sleeping through your break wouldn''t be a bad idea, it''ll even help you stay rejuvenated for what is to come..."


    Everyone''s brain began working in overdrive to understand what Dan meant by ''what is to come''


    ''I don''t like where this is going,'' Kyle couldn''t help but think. He wasn''t ready for another stressful rodeo.


    "Haha!" Dan lightly laughed. "Lazy little children. You''re scared already?


    Well... You shouldn''t. Because I''m sure you all look forward to leaving the academy temporarily, don''t you?"


    ''Temporarily leaving the academy...'' those words echoed in Kyle''s mind, and as he tried to process them, a genuine smile formed on his face and his lips widened in joy. ''This is what I''ve been asking for! Finally, it''s possible.''


    It wasn''t only Kyle who was overjoyed by Dan''s revelation; many other students had similar smiles beaming on their faces.


    As a matter of fact, they would have been screaming at the top of their voices if it wasn''t for Dan''s presence¡ªthey couldn''t afford to face his wrath if he got annoyed by their actions.


    Dan waited for a moment so they could all have their respective monologues before he continued:


    "You''re all happy even without knowing why you would be leaving the academy."


    The atmosphere in the class dropped by a few degrees after Dan exposed their ignorance.


    "There''s no cause to be alarmed though. Like I mentioned earlier, you''ll be looking forward to what is to happen and I didn''t lie when I said so," Dan continued after sensing their expression change.


    "The academy has decided to begin the implementation of what we term as a mission hall. A mission hall offers various missions that come with their respective rewards.


    Missions are tasks or problems that may require your help.


    You can accept missions during a mission week and during that period, you will have the opportunity to accept any mission of your choice.


    Do note that if you do not accept or take in any mission during a mission week, you will continue your usual classes as normal, this time, with a higher intensity."


    Dan finally paused after explaining everything in one go, allowing the students some time to weigh and understand what he had just said.


    [This sounds exciting!] Void finally commented from the pet space, breaking the silence he had maintained ever since.


    "I know right? This is our chance to test our various strengths; I''m really looking forward to going on a mission."


    [Yes. I bet I''ll find some interesting treasures to devour while we''re on it] Void said with a flat tone as if devouring treasures were perfectly normal.


    "You only care about what goes in your stomach," Kyle said within himself, even going to the extent of face-palming himself and earning some strange glances from around him. "I''d like to see you try to devour my treasure."


    [No, Kyle, it''s for our own g¡ª] Void hastily tried to explain but unfortunately for him, Kyle had fixed his eyes back on the Instructor who had resumed talking.


    "For further clarification on the concept of missions, I''ll suggest you visit the mission hall. Your comm''s map had already been updated with its location."


    Almost immediately, everyone shifted their gaze to their wrist and were already clicking it to access the map.


    "I was still speaking," Dan calmly said with a smile, but the existing pressure that made the students gulp hard in fear questioned the smile on his face.


    "Nice," Dan remarked and removed the imposed pressure after seeing that his expected results were met.


    "In addition to what I''ve said before, your mission week begins the next week¡ªMonday. From then on till Sunday, you''re free to accept missions from the mission hall. Understood?"


    Everyone once again nodded their head in affirmation, paving the way for Dan to continue with the normal formalities.


    He began with a roll call which entailed him spreading his mana around the whole class because he couldn''t begin calling out the names of 300 students and as expected, everyone was present.


    After which he began explaining the day''s schedule that they were already aware of.


    As all these happened, Kyle could only daydream of what awaited him when he accepted a mission.


    Leaving the academy would be his chance to explore the rest of this world. He would also have the opportunity to test out most of his boons.


    Kyle''s mind wondered as he imagined it all. He was overjoyed because of this announcement.


    ''I''ll be needing the Frozen Claw,'' Kyle thought, making a mental note to ask Orion about it later. If possible, he should do what he can do to it before Monday.


    It didn''t take too long before the bell rang, signaling the class''s dismissal and the beginning of their wing classes.


    Everyone streamed out of the class immediately Dan permitted them to do so. Kyle had earlier planned on conversing with his friends about Dan''s announcement but had to cancel his plans due to Dan''s late dismissal.


    There was no break between Wing classes and Homeroom, so Kyle was meant to be in the Thundra wing because like every other instructor in the Academy, she didn''t tolerate lateness.


    Kyle immediately slung his bag and began walking to the class as quick as he could muster without running.


    [Why don''t you use your Lightning Dash to get there faster?] Void innocently suggested to Kyle as he walked.


    "Well, as tempting as that may sound, Void, there are rules against using spells out in the open like this," Kyle replied. "I''ll get into a great deal of trouble if I do otherwise."


    [Ah, rules¡­] Void said with disappointment. [Learning these things is important for when I eventually walk outside with you.]


    Kyle smiled at Void''s curiosity. He knew he had made the right decision to bring Void along with him.


    He finally made a final turn down the street and could see the grand doors of the Thundra Wing up ahead.


    Kyle picked up his pace and it didn''t tale long for him to arrive. Instructor Layla stood at the front with her usual commanding posture and with her arms folded across her chest.


    Her expression remained unreadable, but there was an impatience in her eyes that was hard to miss.


    Kyle looked around and saw that he was the first to arrive before settling in on a mat that was part of the circle, shortly after he came, Milo came in and sat beside him, followed by the rest of the students.


    Instructor Layla had been silent this whole while until all twenty of her students were present, she asked the expected question.


    "Why are you late?"


    Before anyone could reply to her question, Orion had stood up with his usual confidence.


    "Instructor Layla, our homeroom teacher, Instructor Dan, held us back longer than usual due to an important announcement.


    It pertained to the new mission hall system and our upcoming mission week."


    He had chosen his words carefully so as to pacify Layla, even managing to earn a nod from her.


    The instructor''s expression softened slightly, though her steely demeanor remained.


    "I see... Given the significance of the announcement, I will not penalize you this time."

 Chapter 112: Back to School (3)

    "I see... Given the significance of the announcement, I will not penalize you this time."Everyone sighed in relief after hearing that they wouldn''t be punished. Instructor Layla decided to voice out her thoughts on the Missions.


    "I''m sure many of you are excited by the prospect of these missions. But understand that leaving the academy is not without its risks.


    Outside these walls, you will be on your own and your strength and decision-making will be tested beyond anything you''ve faced so far.


    That is why you need to put more effort into getting stronger, only then can you survive in such a difficult world."


    Everyone remained silent as they nodded their heads at what she had said. Maybe they didn''t feel fear towards leaving the Academy but her words were true nevertheless¡ªthey had to grow stronger.


    Instructor Layla broke the silence after surveying each of them. "Now tell me, how close are you all to breaking through?"


    One by one, the students stood up to share their progress. Some admitted they were only halfway through, while others were farther from breaking through.


    Orion, who had a dual-affinity was the farthest from a breakthrough but everyone fell within the 40% to 55% mark and Layla was impressed.


    Soon it got to Milo''s turn. He was the last person before Kyle and he stood up with his usual air of confidence and pride.


    "I''m about 75% through."


    Gasps and murmurs filled the hall after Milo declared his progress.


    "Once again, he''s one step ahead of us."


    "Yeah, he has really outpaced us."


    Many felt some bit of jealousy towards him but the emotion that stood out more in their hearts was admiration.


    Even Instructor Layla was impressed at Milo''s cultivation speed. It was extraordinary and that was due to the extra effort he was putting into cultivation above the others. "Well done, Milo, I''m impressed."


    Kyle joined to congratulate Milo, giving him an approving nod. "Impressive work, Milo."


    Void couldn''t stay silent when he saw Kyle congratulate Milo. [Kyle, you''re wicked. You are giving Milo confidence when you know you''re ahead of him]


    Kyle suppressed a laugh, before replying inwardly, "It''s not about competition, Void. Milo''s progress is still impressive. He deserves recognition for it."


    [Hmm. Stop trying to act all humble]


    Milo''s lips curled into a smirk as he glanced sideways at Kyle, unknowingly interrupting his conversation with Void.


    "Thanks, but don''t think I''ve forgotten our little rivalry. What about you, Kyle? Care to share?"


    Kyle cringed so hard when Milo called their relationship a rivalry but he didn''t dwell on it.


    The hall was quiet once more and all eyes were focused on Kyle as he stood up. With a voice as modest as Kyle could muster, he spoke three simple words that could make many question if he was still human.


    "I broke through."


    Everywhere remained silent for a while before they all began letting know their reactions.


    "Impossible!"


    "There''s no way he had broken through!"


    ...


    Kyle sat down back, not bothering how the rest had viewed his breakthrough. Milo in particular was practically fuming.


    "Instructor Layla, I''m very sure he''s lying," Milo had rushed to plead with Layla. "He can''t have broken through in such a short amount of time."


    The last time Milo had asked Kyle about his progress, he had confirmed that he was far ahead of the latter.


    Ever since then, Milo had still not relaxed. Even though that there was no real chance for Kyle to close the gap, Milo had kept on cultivating with any chance he could spare and all that hard work just to get slapped in the face later.


    Milo couldn''t take it anymore and walked up to Kyle to obtain answers. "Enough of your jokes. Tell us your real progress."


    He had already begun releasing some of his mana pressure on Kyle, in an attempt to make him falter.


    Kyle had to control himself really well so as not to laugh out loud.


    Milo''s pressure couldn''t even affect him in the slightest, not only was he of a higher level than Milo and his mental resilience was very strong thanks to his intent, Kyle had experienced far worse through Dan and Azagrut.


    "How cute," Kyle had muttered with a restrained smile but his voice was loud enough for Milo to hear. This had caused him to increase the pressure even more, unleashing as much strength as he could use.


    "Enough!" Instructor Layla who had been keeping quiet this whole while finally spoke up.


    There was a displeased look in her eyes, but it didn''t stem from Milo''s rudeness, rather she was disappointed that this hadn''t caused a fight between the two.


    Kyle had managed the situation with so much control that Milo had no reason to attack him. ''Tsk! These kids can be so boring,'' Layla thought before turning towards Milo and saying.


    "I know you''re upset that Kyle had once again surpassed you but you''ll have to come to terms with reality," Layla explained with a tone that shattered Milo''s heart. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Kyle had indeed broken through and there''s nothing you can do to reverse that, you just have to put in some more effort if you don''t want to be left behind in the dust."


    Milo didn''t say a word and calmly sat down back on his mat. His eyes were still flashing furiously as a result of his great anger.


    ''There''s no problem, I''ll surpass him soon,'' Milo comforted himself as he inhaled and exhaled to calm down his nerves. ''He is lazy and will eventually relapse, surpassing him won''t be a problem.''


    After Milo was done with his musings, he felt less bad about the situation as he considered it only a matter of time before he surpassed Kyle.


    Instructor Layla had waited till everywhere was calm before she continued and with a sly smile she stepped back into the center of the Lightning Hall.


    "Since you all need more practical preparation, we''ll be dueling today. This will help assess your combat readiness and sharpen your abilities."


    Excitement filled the hall after she announced what they would be doing, except when Milo and Kyle came into the picture, everyone usually found Dueling a fun experience.


    Layla''s gaze moved through the students to pick out the pair that would be going first.


    Her smile grew wider as her eyes settled on the students to fight. ''Since you won''t fight it out like real men, I''ll make you do so myself.''


    "For our first match; we have: Milo versus Kyle."


    Layla had not only selected them to duel because of the tension between them. Kyle had broken through and she truly wanted to see how much he had improved, and only Milo was strong enough to make Kyle fight seriously.


    ''This wouldn''t be an easy fight for Kyle,'' Layla mused. ''Milo is angry and his determination is being fueled by that. I won''t be surprised if he comes out on top.''


    Meanwhile, the two who had been selected to fight bore opposite reactions. Milo''s eyes had lit up with a mix of anticipation and vengeful eagerness the moment it was announced he''d fight Kyle. He knew this was a chance to prove himself and return his confidence. He had to win Kyle.


    Kyle, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow at the choice but quickly shrugged it off. He had long expected something like this to happen.


    However, Void didn''t plan on letting it slide. [Kyle, can''t you see? She''s doing this on purpose. She wants the two of you to fight.]


    Kyle chuckled inwardly with amusement. "I know, Void. She''s probably tired of waiting for us to clash."


    [You''re taking this too lightly. But knowing you, I''m sure it''ll be an easy win.]


    Of course, Kyle was confident that he''d win Milo, there wasn''t any real chance for Milo to win him as his stats had seen a massive leap from the last time he fought.


    Kyle glanced at Milo, who was already stepping into the ring. Despite the existing tension between them, Kyle approached the arena with an air of calm. Either way, he knew the outcome of this duel.


    Milo shot Kyle a glare as he walked up to him before deciding to leave behind some empty words.


    "I don''t care if you''ve leveled up, Kyle. I''m still going to make sure you regret ever trying to outshine me."

 Chapter 113: Back to School (4)

    "I don''t care if you''ve leveled up, Kyle. I''m still going to make sure you regret ever trying to outshine meKyle calmly nodded upon meeting Milo''s heated gaze, with a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. He had resisted the urge to respond, as found Milo''s delusion amusing.


    It was a familiar dance¡ªMilo always seemed to believe that sheer effort could close the gap between them.


    ''Poor Milo,'' Kyle thought, inwardly smiling. ''He doesn''t even know how outmatched he is.''


    As Instructor Layla walked up to the edge of the arena, her eyes shone with satisfaction. She raised her hand and called out, "Positions."


    Both students moved into their fighting stances, Milo exuded raw lightning energy, his mana visibly crackling in the air around him while Kyle stood steadily with his hands relaxed but positioned, showing no sign of urgency.


    Layla''s gaze moved between the two before she signaled.


    "Begin!"


    At Layla''s signal, both Kyle and Milo sprang into action, mana crackling in the air as they activated their first spells.


    "Lightning Dash!" Milo shouted, his figure becoming a blur as he darted across the arena, leaving a trail of sparking energy behind him.


    The spell enhanced his speed to unnatural levels, making him appear in multiple spots in quick succession.


    Kyle watched Milo''s movements with an almost casual focus, feeling the air pressure shift as Milo closed in.


    Kyle smirked and matched Milo''s maneuver. "Lightning Dash," he whispered, and in a heartbeat, he, too, vanished into a flash of light. The two collided at the center of the arena, sparks exploding like miniature fireworks as their mana clashed.


    The sound of crackling energy resonated, echoing off the walls as the students leaned forward, eyes wide with anticipation.


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    Milo''s first strike aimed directly at Kyle''s torso, but Kyle shifted just a fraction to the side, causing Milo''s punch to graze his sleeve.


    The redirected momentum nearly caused Milo to stumble, but he recovered quickly, pushing off the ground to create some distance before throwing a quick glance at Kyle.


    Milo''s eyes narrowed. He had caught up to the spark of amusement in Kyle''s expression.


    "You''re playing with me," he gritted out, charging up mana in his hands. His frustration was evident; he felt like he was fighting a ghost.


    Without wasting another second, he extended his arm forward, veins of lightning crackling around his fist. "Let''s see you dodge this!"


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    The shout rang out, and a bolt of white-blue lightning burst from Milo''s palm, sizzling through the air with lethal speed.


    The room erupted in gasps as the attack shot toward Kyle like a spear of raw energy.


    Kyle didn''t move until the last possible moment. With a graceful pivot, he summoned a controlled surge of mana, and his own voice rang out.


    "Lightning Bolt." His bolt clashed with Milo''s mid-air, and the collision produced a flash of light so bright that it blinded the onlookers momentarily. The sheer force sent ripples through the air, shaking the mats under their feet.


    As the light dimmed, Milo''s eyes widened when he noticed Kyle had already closed the gap. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The clash of lightning had been nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal Kyle''s movement. Kyle''s speed was incomprehensible, even with the limits he placed on himself.


    "Not bad," Kyle commented with a low and confident voice before he drove his elbow toward Milo''s side.


    Luckily for Milo, he had twisted just in time, resulting in the hit landing with less force than intended, but it still sent him skidding across the mat.


    He felt pain through his body but still forced himself to keep standing, drawing heavy breaths of air.


    Milo''s heart was racing, not from exertion but from the shock that Kyle was so much more formidable than he anticipated.


    [You''re really holding back, aren''t you?] Void''s amused voice echoed in Kyle''s mind.


    "I have to, Void. Let''s not end this too soon," Kyle responded silently with a small smile on his lips.


    Milo''s gaze hardened. He wasn''t done yet. With renewed determination, he dashed forward again, zig-zagging unpredictably, then leaping high into the air.


    He wanted to attack from above, a risky move but one that could potentially disorient Kyle.


    Kyle''s eyes followed Milo''s trajectory as he mentally counted the spells he had cast. He had only used two so far, while Milo was at three. Perfect.


    "Lightning Bolt!" Milo shouted mid-air, launching another attack aimed downward at Kyle.


    This time, he poured more mana into the spell, increasing its intensity. The bolt crackled as it descended, fast and fierce. The spectators felt a pulse of mana wash over them as the spell struck.


    Kyle summoned [Lightning Dash] just before the [Lightning Bolt] hit, dashing out of the way and letting it fall harmlessly onto the floor.


    Kyle countered almost immediately after leaving the way. "Lightning Bolt."


    His spell was clean and controlled, aimed at the spot where Milo would land. Milo, mid-descent, realized he was about to crash right into it. He twisted his body desperately, managing to avoid a direct hit but feeling the edges of the bolt graze his arm.


    The pain seared through him, making him clench his jaw to hold back a scream.


    The match continued with a relentless pace, with Milo refusing to back down. He unleashed another flurry of attacks, dashing and striking, each time with increasing force.


    But Kyle dodged or parried with precise movements, not even breaking a sweat. To everyone watching, it was clear: Milo was giving it everything he had, while Kyle still had an air of effortless composure.


    After some more movements in the fight, Milo was showing signs of fatigue. His breathing grew labored and his movements became less fluid.


    The sweat that dripped down his temples wasn''t only an evidence of his tiredness but also from the frustration of facing an opponent he couldn''t pin down.


    Kyle, on the other hand was standing tall with his breathing even.


    "Keep going, Milo," Kyle said softly, just loud enough for his opponent to hear. It wasn''t a taunt but an encouragement.


    Despite everything, Kyle admired Milo''s spirit. He knew what it felt like to push past limits, even when victory seemed unreachable.


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    Milo glared at him. He raised his hand for his another spell, but his mana was almost done, signaling he was nearing his limit.


    "Lightning Dash!" He shot forward again, aiming for a direct strike.


    Kyle matched the move with his own [Lightning Dash] effortlessly sidestepping Milo''s lunge and sweeping a leg out to unbalance him.


    Milo had tripped and landed hard on the mat, before he rolled away and scrambled to his feet. But it was clear his strength was waning.


    By the time Milo cast his final spell, another [Lightning Bolt] it was more sluggish and the light was dimmer than before.


    Kyle countered it easily, his own spell intersected and dissipated Milo''s and the air buzzed with the last remnants of energy before the arena charged with tension.


    Kyle didn''t even need to cast more spells to end this; he had only used seven so far.


    But he decided to finish the fight decisively. He stepped forward and his body became a blur as he activated [Lightning Dash] again, appearing right behind Milo.


    Before Milo could turn, Kyle placed a hand on his back, not attacking but showing that he had already won.


    "It''s over," Kyle whispered.


    Milo''s body tensed, then slumped. He knew it too. His mana reserves were depleted, and even standing was becoming a task.


    Instructor Layla''s voice cut through the silence.


    "The match is over. Kyle wins."


    A wave of murmurs swept through the remaining students, a mixture of awe and disbelief. Milo had put up an impressive fight, his resilience undeniable, but Kyle''s dominance was clear.


    "As usual, they didn''t didn''t disappoint," one of the students said, showing that they had truly enjoyed the clash.


    "I know right. That fight was epic... Electrifying!" another added.


    There were similar conversations going on in the classroom about the just concluded duel and all of them shared something in common. It was a good fight.


    Meanwhile, admits all these discussions, Milo still had to face Kyle. His shoulders sagged as he turned to face him, his eyes filled with a complex mix of defeat and begrudging respect.


    "I''ll get stronger," he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Kyle to hear.


    Kyle nodded, offering a small smile. "I know you will."


    Instructor Layla stepped forward, the echoes of the students'' chatter dying down as her commanding presence drew all eyes to her.


    "Well done, Kyle," she said with respect to Kyle. "You demonstrated control, precision, and strategy. This is what true mastery of lightning looks like¡ªearned through dedication and effort, not just boasts or hollow promises."


    Kyle inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the praise but maintaining a humble demeanor. He knew Layla''s compliments were hard-won and didn''t come lightly.


    Turning to Milo, Instructor Layla''s tone grew firmer. "Milo, you fought with tenacity, and that is commendable. But remember, raw power is only half the battle. If you wish to surpass others, it will take more than declarations.


    Train harder, push beyond your current limits, and learn the discipline that will sharpen your skill."


    Milo''s jaw tightened, he wasn''t happy from her words as forced himself to nod.


    He swallowed his frustration and sat back on his mat, seething quietly.


    With that, the class resumed. More students stepped forward, the arena becoming a whirlwind of charged mana and determined expressions as duel after duel took place.


    The hour flew by in a blur of energy and shouts, the room pulsing with the thrill of competition and the sizzling hum of lightning magic.


    Finally, Instructor Layla raised her hand, silencing the last echoes of battle. The room stilled, and the remaining students turned to face her, some still catching their breath while others wore the exhilarated glow of victory.


    "Today has shown me much about your readiness," Layla began, her eyes sweeping the room. "You all have potential, but potential alone does not win battles. Remember to refine your techniques, control your mana, and understand the strengths and weaknesses of your spells. Only then will you stand as true lightning mages."


    The students nodded, absorbing her words.


    "Now, return to your mats and cultivate. Dismissal will come soon. Let the mana of this space settle within you and replenish your strength."


    Obediently, the students closed their eyes, breathing deeply as they began to draw in the ambient mana, their bodies still thrumming from the exertion of their matches.


    The room settled into a peaceful quiet, broken only by the occasional crackle of residual lightning.


    Minutes later, the bell rang, a soft chime that signaled the end of the session.

 Chapter 114: Back to School (5)

    The bell had gone and it was time for their break. Everyone streamed out of the hall almost immediately, including Kyle, but n just before he left, his eyes caught Milo who sat cross-legged, cultivating.''He is really going all out to surpass me... Well, I can only wish him good luck in his plan.'' Kyle looked at him for a while with eyes of admiration before he left.


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    After leaving the hall, Kyle didn''t begin to ponder on how to use the break as usual. He already had lunch, enough for him and Void in his inventory and planned to visit the Library after he was done with it.


    ''I wonder where I and Void could eat now,'' Kyle looked around as he thought. There weren''t many private areas in the class areas. ''I guess I have no other choice than to return to the dormitory.''


    Kyle entered his house and left in a matter of minutes with his stomach full.


    After that, he headed to the Library and continued reading on the history of Zekkoa. He had to absorb as much knowledge as he could before it was time to leave the Academy.


    The moment there were 10 minutes left before Rune Making class began, Kyle immediately left the Library and headed to the hall.


    On getting there, Kyle could observe that everyone was already present, some had even chosen to eat there to prevent losing track of time. Kyle found a sit beside Lora and they began conversing until Instructor Layla arrived.


    Layla had walked into the hall with grace and elegance. She closed and locked the door behind her before heading to the front of the class.


    The room had already fallen silent, and just as she reached her desk, all the students rose from their seats in unison to greet her.


    "Good afternoon, Instructor Layla," they chorused respectfully.


    "Good afternoon, everyone. Please sit," Layla responded with a soft nod.


    As the students settled back into their seats, she paused for a moment, letting the silence fill the room before beginning.


    "First of all, I want to commend everyone for their efforts in the recent Elective Battles. Many of you performed very well and demonstrated true growth."


    Her gaze swept over the room, stopping for a while the moment she got to where Kyle and Lora sat.


    "I''m proud to say that two students from this very class were even the finalists in that competition. That had filled my heart with great joy and pride."


    The class murmured as everyone followed Instructor Layla''s gaze to where they sat.


    Layla continued, this time, specifically addressing Lora. "Lora, you truly impressed us all. Your last-ditch rune improvisation was nothing short of remarkable. I''ve never seen first-year students perform such action before, talk more of doing so in the heat of battle.


    Lora had a faint blush on her face as she nodded before saying with a low voice, "Thank you, Instructor."


    Layla nodded approvingly at Lora and turned to face the rest of the class.


    "That''s exactly what I want each of you to strive for¡ªnot just strength but wisdom in using it. Use Lora as an example, everyone.


    Battles aren''t only about raw power; they''re about adaptability and intelligence. Lora didn''t just rely on what she knew; she adapted on the spot. That is what true mastery of Rune Making looks like."


    ''What''s there to adapt on when I can''t inscribe that fast,'' Kyle mused but kept his thoughts silent.


    What Lora had done was not something easy to achieve at all. The fastest time Kyle could use to inscribe such advanced rune was 30 minutes and that was only provided that he was working under proper conditions. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lora had not only managed to inscribe two advanced runes on the hard floor in a matter of seconds, but she did that right in the heat of a battle.


    ''Sigh... If only I could be as good as her,'' Kyle knew that only hard work in this art would make him reach Lora''s level and not his wishes.


    Kylee could only sigh once more before glancing back at Lora, who had received another question from Instructor Layla.


    "Speaking of which, how are you finding the textbook that was rewarded to you?"


    "It''s¡­ really helpful, Instructor. I feel like I''m finally starting to understand the principles behind complex runes."


    Layla''s eyes glowed with pride as she acknowledged Lora''s effort.


    "Good. That''s exactly what I hoped to hear." Then, with a grin that seemed meant only for Lora, she added, "Keep going. Soon enough, you''ll outgrow this class completely."


    Her statement raised a few murmurs in the class that made Lora duck her head in embarrassment.


    Layla continued, addressing the rest of the class this time.


    "Now, I want everyone except Lora to work on honing their speed and precision in inscribing Advanced runes. Speed doesn''t come innate, it is achieved only with enough experience. Understood."


    "Yes, Instructor Layla," the class choruses in affirmation altogether.


    "Good," Instructor Layla remarked before turning to face Lora next. "You''re exempted from this exercise. Feel free to use this time for whatever it is that you desire."


    Lora nodded with a "Thank you", before opening up the Runic Textbook and continuing on her studies on Runic circles.


    ***


    After some minutes into the exercise, Instructor Layla moved through the hall, inspecting everyone''s progress. She paused after reaching Kyle''s work.


    "Kyle, I saw your performance in the battles," she said in a low tone, audible only to him. "Good work out there. You might have lost but you had fought really well through the tournament. This should help you realize your mistake of underestimating the enemy and avoid it from repeating during a real-life or death battle, okay?"


    Kyle nodded his head at her, admitting all she said. That experience had taught him a lesson and he knew he wouldn''t ever let it repeat itself.


    Instructor Layla looked at his Runic paper and saw that he was progressing faster than his peers in the exercise.


    "You''re doing well but honestly, it''s barely up to enough," Layla directed her gaze to Lora who seemed very absorbed in her current task before saying. "Your friend over there can do that in a matter of seconds. Try harder, I want you to give it your all in all of today''s exercises."


    Kyle gave a determined nod. He didn''t need anyone to inform him how pathetic he was compared to Lora and the need to improve. "Thank you, Instructor Layla, I''ll try even harder."


    Kyle began moving his hands more quickly while also working his brain more to figure out the shortest path to drawing that Rune.


    Layla smiled at the change in his demeanor before moving on, this time heading over to Kyle''s seatmate¡ªLora.


    She stopped beside her and noticed the intricate diagram of a Runic Circle she was studying in her textbook.


    A small, proud smile crept across Layla''s face as she gave Lora''s shoulder a light tap.


    "That''s my girl," she murmured, just loud enough for Lora to hear, making Lora''s cheeks flush again, but she was too focused to break concentration.


    For the rest of the class, Layla kept a close eye on everyone, moving between rows and offering corrections.


    She was relentless throughout 5he class, making sure each student repeated the exercises until their movements became fluid and confident


    Even those who had initially struggled found themselves improving under her sharp eye.


    ***


    After almost two hours of intense practice, the bell had gone and it remained for Layla to call the class to a close.


    "Alright, that''s enough for today. You''ve all made progress, but remember, this is only the beginning. True mastery requires patience and dedication."


    She paused, allowing her words to sink in before saying what they all wanted to hear. "Dismissed."


    After announcing the end of the class, Instructor Layla stepped out of the class.


    As soon as she left, the room buzzed back to life. Students stretched, packed up their belongings, and began filing out¡ªthough not everyone was rushing to leave.


    Several students, particularly those who had struggled with today''s exercises, crowded around Lora''s table, eager for her guidance.


    They held their notebooks in their hands and their faces filled with hope and determination.


    "Lora, please! Just show us how you inscribe so fast!" one of them pleaded.


    "Yeah, I can''t even get halfway through before Layla''s already pointing out my mistakes," another groaned, holding up his runic paper.


    Lora caught off guard, looked around with a faint blush, clearly unsure how to respond to the sudden wave of attention.


    She glanced at Kyle as if hoping he might rescue her, but he only observed with a slight smile and folded arms as he watched the scene unfold.


    "Uh¡­ well¡­" Lora stammered, searching for the right words to politely refuse. "I''m¡­ actually a little busy right now¡­"


    She tried to hint that she had other plans¡ªplans that involved her lesson session with Kyle.But they didn''t get the hint. Instead, the students exchanged looks, seemingly more confused than before.


    "What do you mean, ''busy''?" one of them asked with an evident frown.


    "I see... She''s trying to play hard to get!"


    Many more conclusions were made on what she said, making Lora shift uncomfortably, she was still trying to find a way out of the situation without upsetting anyone.


    Meanwhile, Kyle was unable to resist what he was seeing any longer. He decided to finally speak up, with a casual and clear tone, he said:


    "What she means is that she''s busy. As in, she already has plans. Now scram, would you?"

 Chapter 115: Back to School (6)

    "What she means is that she''s busy. As in, she already has plans. Now scram, would you?"Everywhere became silent immediately after these words left Kyle''s mouth. His words had prompted their expressions to darken and they turned towards Kyle, clearly not amused by his comment.


    One of the students finally 5broke the tension and ignited others'' confidence by scoffing at Kyle''s statement.


    "Oh, look who''s talking. You think you''re special just because you made it to the finals?" the student muttered.


    "Yeah, he thinks he''s some kind of big shot around here?" another added.


    "Don''t act like you own Lora," the first one who spoke said. "She''s not your tutor, you know."


    Kyle simply raised an eyebrow at their stupid comebacks and his smile remained unfazed.


    "Oh, is that so? So I guess I need to spell it out for you. She''s taken, which means you''re interrupting our plans."


    The murmuring grew louder, some of them looking ready to argue back, but Kyle only sighed. Without another word, he let out a wave of mana pressure, mixing it with a hint of his sword intent, something Dan had taught him.


    This was the perfect opportunity to test it out, usually, he was at its receiving end but this was an opportunity to relish the feeling of sending it.


    The air around Kyle and Lora became very quiet as if it had dropped by various degrees but in actuality, the temperature had remained the same, evident in the sweat beads that trickled down their foreheads.


    This caused the to students freeze, their bodies stiffening as if held in place by invisible weights.


    Silence fell, and no one was able to move. They stood there wide-eyed while staring at Kyle with expressions that shifted from frustration to fear.


    A few seconds later after Kyle made them go through that feeling, Kyle relaxed his hold, retracting the mana pressure.


    Keeping it active took a great toll on him and he couldn''t maintain it forever, besides, it wasn''t good for their mental health if he left them intimidated in such a manner.


    The room warmed slightly, though the chill of his aura seemed to linger in the students'' minds. One by one, they exhaled in relief but they were still shivering.


    "Monster¡­" one of them muttered under his breath. If one looked closely, one would observe that there was a wet map drawn underneath his trousers. That showed how scared they were.


    Another stumbled back, gripping his books tightly, and then they all bolted for the door, glancing nervously over their shoulders as they fled, casting Kyle to look fear.


    Kyle watched them go with a satisfied smile playing on his lips. He turned back to Lora, whose face had gone pale. Her eyes were wide as she tried to process what had just happened.


    "Forget all that just happened," Kyle said casually as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. "It''s best not to dwell on it."


    Lora gulped, nodding quickly. "O-of course. Thank you¡­ for helping me."


    Kyle only chuckled, settling into his seat beside her. "Alright, let''s get started. We don''t have all day."


    The two of them fell into their usual rhythm, with Lora diving into her explanations of various methods for drawing rune pathways.


    She demonstrated each method with a slow speed and precision, and Kyle listened attentively, occasionally taking notes and asking questions.


    Her knowledge and passion for the craft were evident in every word she shared, and Kyle couldn''t help but admire her dedication and skill.


    Time passed quickly as they worked side by side, and an hour later, Lora finally looked up from her textbook, closing it with a satisfied nod.


    "That''s all I have for today," she said with a soft and content voice. She tucked her textbooks back into her bag, glancing at Kyle with a slight smile.


    "You''ve improved a lot since we first started these sessions. Keep it up, and I''m sure you''ll be able to handle Runic circles in no time."


    Kyle returned her smile, genuinely appreciative. "Thanks, Lora. I''ll keep practicing¡ªcan''t fall too far behind, right?" He shot her a playful wink.


    Lora lightly facepalmed with a faint blush on her cheeks. "Right¡­ Just remember, it''s not a competition." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle chuckled before rising from his seat. "Sure, sure. But maybe one day I''ll catch up to you. Until then, I''ll just keep learning as much as I can."


    He slung his bag over his shoulder and gave her a reassuring look. "And don''t let those other guys intimidate you, alright? They''ll come around once they see you''re serious."


    "I''ll try... Thank you, Kyle."


    With that, the two of them exchanged goodbyes, and Kyle made his way to the dormitory.


    As Kyle walked, he was joined by the familiar voice of Void, who had been strangely quiet for most of the time today.


    [You know, following you was a lot more entertaining than I expected. The best part of it all was watching you scare off those clowns]


    Kyle couldn''t help but laugh. "You enjoyed that, huh? You''re just glad you didn''t have to be in school with me, sitting through all those lectures."


    [Maybe, but your life is way more fun than mine¡ªno argument. I mean, training and cultivation is fine, but I wish I could have fun like you]


    Kyle could sense the building sadness in Void''s voice and tried to comfort him. "Not everything I do is that exciting, you know?"


    [Oh, sure, not everything. But today was still absolutely worth it]


    Kyle chuckled, feeling a certain lightness that only Void could bring. They continued chatting about the day''s events, sharing a few laughs as Kyle entered the dormitory.


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    He immediately located the cafeteria and ordered a generous amount of food, proceeding to store it in his inventory.


    Once he''d stocked up, he headed to his room, where he and Void took turns refreshing themselves before enjoying their meal together.


    When the meal was over, Void went back to cultivating, while Kyle, meanwhile, decided to have some sleep to recharge¡ªsetting an alarm to go off by 8:00 PM.


    ***


    [BZZZZZZZ!!!]


    The system alarm instantly woke Kyle the moment it rang in his head. After some stretches to relieve the last remnants of sleep, Kyle confirmed his credits with his comm.


    [Credits: 38,959]


    "I wonder how much it''ll be by next Monday." With that, Kyle slid the already materialized [Veil of Silence] through his face. "It''s grind time!"

 Chapter 116: Final Training

    [Energy +10][Energy +10]


    ...


    Kyle wiped the sweat from his brow and took a long, refreshing gulp of water, letting the coolness slide down his throat.


    The dojo was utterly silent except for the sound of his heavy breathing and the quiet gulps of water.


    Tonight had been intense for Kyle. This was his final day of training with Instructor Dan before he set out for his next big step: the Mission Hall.


    It was Saturday, marking nearly a week since the start of school. Every day had been filled with classes, training, and self-study as Kyle had pushed himself harder than ever.


    Kyle had spent most of his free time in the Academy library, devouring books on any topic that might aid him outside the Academy.


    Maps, ancient symbols, rare beasts, survival tactics¡ªif it looked even remotely useful, Kyle committed it to memory.


    His nights, however, were a different story. Every night, Kyle had made sure to visit the Arena. Not only was he improving better as a fighter, he was earning more credits by staking and he had managed to stockpile some over these few days.


    Kyle had also shown preparedness in other ways, he had stockpiled a lot of runes over the past few days, dedicating time every day to drawing different types for various scenarios.


    It was a slow process, but Kyle knew it would prove useful.


    Drawing countless Runes had also helped Kyle improve his Inscription speed and ability, thanks to his rune making instructor, Victoria, Kyle was better and faster than before.


    Above all, Lora''s help had proven invaluable. Though soft-spoken and reserved, she had a remarkable clarity when it came to explaining rune pathways. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She had guided him patiently, correcting his smallest mistakes and introducing him to more intricate patterns than the basics covered in class.


    Under her guidance, Kyle had not only improved in drawing runes faster but also in understanding the underlying principles, which made him appreciate her help even more.


    Despite all this progress, Kyle hadn''t spent much time on his cultivation. With so many tasks on his plate, Kyle could only choose to focus on refining his skills first.


    Besides, he had a plan regarding his cultivation and knew it was only a matter of time before he broke through once again.


    Now, here he was, at the dojo. They had already gone through their usual sparring session, but today felt different, like a finale somehow.


    Dan walked up to Kyle after he was done with the water bottles, observing him with pride.


    "You''ve done well today, Kyle... Not just today. Every session has shown how much effort you''re putting in."


    Kyle smiled, running a hand through his damp hair. "Thanks, Instructor."


    "So, you''re headed to the Mission Hall tomorrow?" Dan asked after a while of silence.


    "Yes... I am."


    "You''re strong, Kyle¡ªstronger than most first years. I''d say you''ll be able to handle most missions they throw at you," Dan said to Kyle.


    "But remember, you need to pick a mission that suits you, something you know you can handle alone or with minimal help. Missions are meant to push you, not bury you, okay?"


    Kyle kept a mental note of what Dan had said and nodded his head before asking. "Any recommendations, ?"


    "Tomorrow, you''ll understand better," Dan said, looking thoughtful. "They''ll be ranked by difficulty, experience, rewards¡ªdetails you''ll want to weigh carefully."


    Kyle nodded slowly. He trusted Dan''s advice. Dan was more than an instructor to Kyle and Kyle could oy listen to what he had to say.


    "There''s something else," Dan added with a serious tone. "I trust you''ll complete your mission and come back. But I want you to be careful. There are dangers out there that aren''t written in any mission briefing."


    "I understand, sir," Kyle replied. "I''ll be careful. And¡­ I''ll come back."


    Dan''s shoulders relaxed a fraction. "Good. Now, one last piece of advice before you go rushing off." He glanced around the dojo, gathering his thoughts.


    "Stockpile on what you might need¡ªhealth potions, some mana cores if you can find them at a decent price. They might prove very useful to you in the future and you may not have access to them during the mission."


    Kyle nodded, thinking back to the credits he''d earned in the Arena. "I''ve saved up a decent amount. I''ll make sure I''m ready."


    Dan smiled approvingly. "That''s what I like to hear. Preparation is half the battle. Even the most skilled warrior can fall if they don''t respect the risks."


    He paused, then added with a hint of humor, "And don''t skimp on food. It may seem trivial, but you''d be surprised how many get caught up with supplies and end up struggling over something as basic as keeping their energy up."


    Kyle laughed out a little before replying, "I get it. I''ll be sure to pack a decent stash then¡ªfood included."


    They both fell into a comfortable silence before Dan broke it.


    "There''s something different about you, Kyle. I don''t know exactly what it is, but¡­ you have this drive. Something pushes you beyond just regular ambition."


    Kyle hesitated, taken aback by the statement. He had never spoken about the reasons that fueled his dedication¡ªabout his second chance, his mission, and the silent resolve that drove him to excel.


    "I guess I just¡­ want to make the most of my time here."


    Dan nodded slowly, seeming to understand more than he let on. "Well, you''re on the right path. Just remember that while it''s good to push hard, don''t forget why you''re doing this. Sometimes, it''s easy to get lost in the race and forget the reason you started." Stay updated with mvl


    Kyle met his gaze, feeling a surge of gratitude for the guidance he''d received. "Thank you, sir. For everything."


    "You''re welcome," Dan calmly said, before standing up and motioning to Kyle, "All right, come on. I think it''s time you received a technique."


    ''Yesss... Finally!''


    Excitement and anticipation surged within Kyle as he followed behind Dan.

 Chapter 117: Receiving the Technique

    Dan led Kyle to the far side of the dojo, stopping in front of the ordinary-looking wall.Like before, after Dan pressed his hands on the wall and channeled his mana through it, it began to part.


    Kyle looked around, as they walked through the narrow stone passageway, wondering how such magic was possible¡ªthough he had experienced this before, it still didn''t fail to impress him.


    They eventually reached the library and Kyle took sight of it once more with admiration written all over his eyes.


    "Still takes you by surprise, doesn''t it?" Dan observed with a low chuckle as he watched Kyle''s reaction.


    "Every single time," Kyle admitted, his eyes scanning the rows of shelves. "It''s¡­ there''s so much here. I can hardly believe you have all this just for yourself."


    "Knowledge is power, Kyle. And sometimes, it''s a power best kept close. Everything here has a purpose, just as every warrior does," Dan explained with a proud smile. "Speaking of which¡­" He beckoned Kyle to follow him deeper into the rows of shelves.


    They walked through the shelves, stopping near a section dedicated to Martial Arts.


    "Earlier this week, you told me you''d settled on Wind Chasers," Dan began, glancing at Kyle. "Tell me why you chose it."


    "I felt like movement techniques would enhance my combat style. I want to be able to move in ways my opponents don''t expect, to stay unpredictable and adaptive. It''s not just about the speed but the freedom. Wind Chasers'' techniques¡ªthey''re fast and direct. They''d give me the flexibility to adapt in the middle of a fight."


    "I see," Dan muttered with a thoughtful look. It makes sense, especially given your natural agility. But I wondered why you didn''t pick Serene Wave. They also offer movement techniques."


    "Honestly, I was tempted by Serene Wave, I really was. The calm control they supposedly bring to the battlefield¡ªit''s impressive," Kyle replied.


    "But there''s something about the Wind Chasers that just... clicked. It''s a little rougher, more unrestrained, and I like that. I want to fight with intensity and momentum, and Wind Chasers seems like the best way to get there."


    Dan gave a small nod, seeming to understand. "Hmm... So it''s the freedom and speed that appeal to you. Wind Chasers offers both, though it''s no easy path" His eyes softened with a hint of approval. "I think you made the right choice."


    With that, he turned and began scanning the scrolls on the shelf, running his fingers along the spines until he found what he was looking for.


    He pulled out a thick book bound with a deep blue ribbon and handed it to Kyle, who felt a thrill of excitement as he read the title: Air Steps.


    Kyle''s eyes widened. He''d seen this very bool before. He saw it in the Living room while he''d been cleaning the bookshelf. The sight of it had sparked his curiosity in the meaning of martial arts, and now it was being offered to him.


    "Air Steps," Dan said, his voice carrying a certain reverence. "This is one of the core techniques of the Wind Chasers.


    With it, you''ll be able to move lightly, almost as if you''re floating. In combat, this means dodging attacks with ease, gaining quick bursts of speed, and creating the space you need to turn the tide in your favor.


    Like every other martial technique, it''s a difficult technique but it will serve you well if you''re willing to put in the work."


    Kyle smiled as he looked at the book, turning its cover to reveal the first page. Almost immediately, his system flared to life, showing a familiar prompt:


    Read new adventures at mvl


    [Do you want to learn the Basic Martial Arts Technique: Air Steps]


    [Cost: 100 Skill Points]


    Kyle glanced at the message briefly before focusing back on the book. He had confirmed that was the same technique, while also confirming that he had zero chances to learn it with skill points at this moment.


    He focused his attention on the size of the book. Kyle felt no intimidation whatsoever despite the technique''s large size and supposed complexity. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Instead, he felt a sense of excitement and readiness. He held the book tightly, feeling the weight of its significance.


    Dan noticed his enthusiasm and gave a nod of approval. "It''s good that you feel that way. But remember, learning isn''t just about reading the steps and practicing them over and over.


    You need to understand each movement and each breath and let the technique flow naturally. Otherwise, it won''t truly become yours."


    Kyle looked up at him with determination and nodded. "I understand, Instructor Dan. I promise I''ll take this seriously. I''ll study it, practice it, and make it part of who I am."


    "I know you will. You''ve shown that kind of dedication in every training session we''ve had.


    Keep it up, and you''ll go far, Kyle," Dan said with pride.


    "I won''t wish you luck, rather I''ll hope you don''t need it. You have skill, and that''s all you need. I''ll see you after you get back from your mission."


    With that Dan dismissed Kyle, choosing to stay behind in the library.


    With the book in hand and Dan''s words in his mind, Kyle walked out of the dojo. He was ready. Ready for the Mission Hall, for whatever awaited him, and for the next step in his journey.


    ***


    Kyle approached his house the moment he left Dan''s. It was quite dark but he was okay with the walk home.


    It didn''t take too long before he got home, finding calm as he settled on the bed; Kyle found himself reflecting on the path he had taken so far.


    It hadn''t been that long since he had come to this academy. Now, he was preparing to leave it temporarily and see the real world.


    Ever since being reincarnated here, Kyle had always wished to explore and compare it to his former.


    Truth be told, he had a fair share of experience from Frulia, but the history books he read from the library had shown him that it was way bigger and different from how he thought it to be. That was what had mainly sparked Kyle''s curiosity.


    ''I''m very sure it''ll be fun.'' There were dangers and all that according to various sources, but Kyle didn''t doubt that he''ll enjoy every moment of it.


    He looked through the windows at the night sky for a while before a certain thought crossed his mind.


    ''I''ll need to collect my items from Orion.'' Kyle had given Orion that long list just to trouble him and to help his pride that burned from throwing credits at Orion, but who knew that they may prove useful for him in the mission?


    ''I''ll also need to collect the Frozen Claw.'' Kyle had long decided he''d be needing the ice elemental sword.


    This might as well be one of the only few chances he''ll get to use it properly and he can''t miss out on it.


    ''I wonder how Void feels about leaving,'' Kyle thought. ''He must be really happy.


    He glanced at the other half of the bed, where Void lay. Void''s golden eyes opened the moment Kyle looked at him, confirming that he wasn''t sleeping.


    Kyle lightly laughed the moment Void''s eyes opened, brushing his fingers over his scales. "Big day tomorrow, huh?"


    Void stood up on the bed and said in a high-pitched girly tone. "I can''t wait! Just think of it¡ªout there, finally! A real adventure!"


    "I know," Kyle said with a smile. "It''s going to be something new¡­ but it''ll be dangerous too. So let''s both keep our focus on the mission. No, getting distracted, alright?"


    Void responded with a dramatic flap of his wings. "Oh, please! I always mean business... But maybe just a little fun too. I''ll watch your back, and you''ll watch mine, okay?"


    Kyle grinned, feeling a warmth in his chest. "Always."


    After making sure they were both settled in, Kyle turned off the lights and pulled the blanket over himself. "Goodnight, Void."


    "Goodnight, Kyle!" Void replied, deciding to curl up beside him, his excitement was already tempered, just enough for him to sleep.


    With a final glance at the night sky, Kyle also closed his eyes, letting his thoughts settle and his mind drift to sleep. Tomorrow was coming, with all its unknowns and challenges, and Kyle was ready for it.

 Chapter 118: Mission Preparations (1)

    Kyle woke up the next morning by the time the early sunlight pierced his curtains. It was early, earlier than he''d usually rise, but today was different.The day he would visit the mission hall had arrived, and he felt a sense of anticipation mixed with a determination to make the most of his preparations.


    After washing up and getting dressed, Kyle made his way to his desk where the technique Dan had given him, laid neatly.


    He wasn''t planning on learning the technique immediately¡ªtoday was busy enough.


    But a quick look through wouldn''t hurt, and he couldn''t resist a glance at the method behind a movement style that had intrigued him for so long.


    The opening page outlined the fundamental philosophy of the Wind Chasers'' Air Steps technique.


    The notes described it as a method for creating seamless, floating movements, where the user appeared to glide across the battlefield.


    It wasn''t about running fast or merely dodging; it was about walking with silent air-like steps that made one feel they weren''t on the the solid ground.


    He quickly read the general notes before flipping to the first stage: Foundation.


    "Alright," he thought, "Let''s see how you actually start with this."


    The Foundation Stage immediately made it clear that the technique wasn''t about flashy.


    The stage''s key exercise was a balancing drill, where students walked along narrow poles set at varying heights, focusing on keeping their balance with one leg while the other was free to move.


    The notes emphasized body control, training each leg to stand as if it could independently bear weight without disturbing the stance.


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    "So, balance first, huh? No shortcuts there." He grimaced, imagining himself wobbling along thin poles. It sounded deceptively simple but would require total concentration, breath control, and serious conditioning.


    Next, he skimmed over the Flow Stage.


    "This is where it gets interesting¡­" S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Flow Stage combined balance with precise timing and rhythm, focusing on building short bursts of energy for dodging and rapid movement.


    Exercises involved stepping between spaced-out targets at different heights, timing each move with controlled breathing patterns.


    Kyle imagined himself moving in and out, almost like dancing between obstacles. "So, it''s not just random speed¡ªit''s bursts of energy, like small surges that keep you quick and elusive."


    The text emphasized that in this stage, foot placement became crucial; there was no room for hesitation. It was all about feeling the moment, moving quickly but with control¡ªsomething like a bird darting between branches.


    Finally, he glanced over the Mastery Stage. This was the advanced level, where the text mentioned practicing outdoors in harsh conditions or weighted down by chains.


    Here, the focus was no longer on individual movements but on instinct, letting the technique become second nature. The goal was to reach a state where each step felt effortless and natural, like hovering just above ground.


    ''So, you''re supposed to forget you''re even stepping at all,'' he mused. "Once you''ve mastered it, it''s like walking on air, completely in sync with the environment."


    The book described the final stage as the point where a practitioner could instinctively evade without breaking rhythm, no longer bound to conscious thought about each step. He''d be able to glide around attacks effortlessly, reacting as if on reflex.


    Kyle snapped the book shut with a thoughtful nod. "This won''t be easy," he muttered, "But it''s exactly what I''m looking for."


    He had only skimmed through the highlights of the technique and it wasn''t looking bad. They were details on each stage, there requirements and methods for completion well explained if one read deeper.


    Setting the techniques aside in his inventory, Kyle got himself and Void ready for the day, placing Void into the system pet space where he could wait comfortably.


    After that, he grabbed his essentials and placed them in the inventory before leaving his house and locking the door behind him as he started to head towards Orion''s house.


    The morning air was crisp, and he enjoyed the quiet walk, feeling more ready than ever for whatever lay ahead.


    When he arrived at Orion''s house, he found himself smiling at the familiarity of it all. The neatly trimmed lawn, the identical rows of dorm houses¡­ it felt routine, yet this morning felt fresher, charged with purpose.


    Kyle pressed the doorbell, and after a pause, he heard sluggish footsteps on the other side. When Orion finally opened the door, Kyle couldn''t help but chuckle at what he saw.


    Orion''s glasses were crooked, and his normally neat hair was a mess, paired with the red eyes he had, it gave him an uncharacteristic, sleep-deprived look.


    "You look¡­ well-rested," Kyle joked as Orion adjusted his glasses.


    Orion gave a half-hearted glare. "I see you''re in high spirits as usual. Meanwhile, I''ve been slaving away all night to finish your project for you."


    Kyle simply grinned at Orion''s words. He was happy to see Orion pushing himself¡ªthat showed that his investments were paying of.


    "Come on in. I won''t bother with polite formalities¡ªjust sit yourself down," Orion gestured to Kyle before returning inside.


    Kyle noted the striking cleanliness of the living room, which contrasted with strongly with Orion''s slightly haggard appearance.


    "So, you have the items ready?" Kyle asked, making himself comfortable.


    "Right on time, as usual. Everything''s ready. You''ve given me quite the elaborate list, but I have to admit, some of your requests were¡­ intriguing."


    Orion''s eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and admiration.


    "Good to know my requests kept you interested," Kyle replied with a smirk. "I was just trying to keep you on your toes."


    Orion rolled his eyes but signaled for Kyle to follow. They made their way down the hall toward the large room downstairs that Kyle recalled from his last visit.


    Back then, it had been bare¡ªa quiet, empty space with little more than some scattered books and runic papers. But as they entered now, Kyle''s eyes widened in surprise.


    The room had been completely transformed.


    Where there had once been nothing, there was now a mini-forge tucked into one corner, with various smithing tools arranged neatly on racks.


    Across from the forge stood several lab tables, each covered with intricate alchemical equipment, beakers, burners, and rows of neatly labeled bottles.


    Runes were sketched on boards around the room, and a pile of notes lay on one of the tables, bearing Orion''s meticulous handwriting.


    "Wow," Kyle murmured, taking in the organized chaos. While the space was clearly well-used, with tools lying about and some papers haphazardly stacked, there was a distinct order to it.


    It looked more like the workshop of a seasoned craftsman.


    Orion glanced around the room with a hint of pride. "It''s coming along. Still missing a few essential pieces, but I''ve managed to set up enough to get most tasks done. Your credit donations are really doing me good."


    "I''d say it was a wise investment," Kyle said with a light chuckle, though inwardly he thought if it was possible for him to pull of something like this with such funds.


    ''Welp, Orion''s just special,'' Kyle shrugged it off, following Orion to move further into the room.


    Orion led him to a wide table at the center. On it was a carefully arranged collection of items.


    Kyle''s excitement flared as he recognized a few of the items, mentally checking them off his list.


    ''Yesss!... These are what I asked for!''

 Chapter 119: Mission Preparations (2)

    "Well," Orion said, gesturing grandly to the table, "Here you have it¡ªeverything you requested. And I must say, some of these items were quite a hassle to make... You really have an imaginative mind."Kyle smirked at Orion''s sarcastic comment, before resting his hand on the table. Honestly, he couldn''t exactly recognize all of the items he had requested for, and that meant that Orion had actually pulled it off!


    "Let''s start with this one," Kyle said after observing the items for a while, picking up the small, flat metal disk that glowed faintly in the light.


    It looked like nothing more than a coin, and Kyle couldn''t recognize it in his list.


    Orion smirked, recognizing the item immediately. "The Pocket Mirror Shield. Took me ages to get the angles and reflection right," he said with a weary sigh.


    "I nearly gave up on it. Do you know how hard it is to make something that small actually reflect energy?"


    "Ohh..." Kyle remembered it almost immediately. "But I thought it would look more like a mirror?"


    Orion rolled his eyes, clearly affronted. "A regular mirror wouldn''t be worth my time. This can reflect or diffuse light-based attacks, to a degree.


    I originally thought it''d be for a project in alchemy, but it turns out it''s just as useful here."


    Orion grabbed the disk and knocked it with some force. "It won''t save you from getting scorched, but it''ll buy you a split second. Enough to dodge or counter, if you''re fast."


    Kyle ran a thumb over the disk, feeling the cool metal. "Nice. I didn''t realize you could engineer that kind of deflection."


    Orion gave him a smug grin. "Few do. You''d be surprised how difficult it was. You need just the right metal for the surface layer, a bit of rune work for the reflective boost, and, well¡­"


    He shrugged, almost sheepishly. "A fair amount of trial and error. I don''t know how many times I had to adjust the angle so it wouldn''t accidentally bounce light into my eyes."


    Kyle chuckled, imagining Orion squinting at his own reflection, frustrated by each tiny misalignment. He could tell how much of Orion''s meticulousness had gone into even this small piece.


    As he set the mirror shield back down, Kyle reached for the next item¡ªa compact grappling hook attached to a thin, flexible rope. He gave it a slight tug, feeling the tension of the braided cord.


    Kyle recognized this one immediately. He had assumed it was one of the simple ones and maybe could be found in the mall, but he had wanted to trouble Orion a bit.


    "Practical," he remarked, glancing at Orion.


    Orion nodded, adjusting his glasses. "Yeah... It''s got enough length to scale a few floors or get you out of a hole. And don''t underestimate the rope¡ªit''s woven with mana fibers, so it can hold a lot more weight than it looks."


    Kyle raised his eyebrows. "Mana fibers?"


    "Yes... They''re rare, expensive, and, let me tell you, a nightmare to work with," Orion sighed. "I lost a week just trying to get the weave right so it wouldn''t snap under pressure. Almost had a breakdown when it tangled halfway through."


    Kyle gave him an amused look. "So, you''ve tested it out then?"


    "Personally? I''ve hung from it off ledges, climbed cliffs, even used it to pull myself out of a pit during an arena match once." Orion grimaced at the memory.


    "That was a tough fight, but having that hook saved me from getting absolutely creamed. The rope held, thankfully."


    Kyle nodded, genuinely impressed. He coiled the rope and hook with care, stowing it in his pack. "If it''s as strong as you make it out to be, then that''s some serious utility. And knowing you''ve tested it out yourself... makes me trust it even more."


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    Orion gave him a small, satisfied smile before pointing to the next item, a clear vial filled with a colorless liquid. Kyle held it up, peering through the glass.


    "This is¡­?"


    "Your Mana Mist," Orion said with a hint of pride. "Break it open, and you''ll get a thick, smoky mist that lingers for a while¡ªlike you requested.


    It''s infused with a subtle mana signature, so if anyone tries to track you with magic, it''ll give them a false trail."


    Kyle raised his eyebrows. "A decoy mist. Clever. I can think of a few scenarios where this would come in handy."


    Orion shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Took me ages to get the balance right. Too much mana, and it would''ve blown up when I sealed it.


    Too little, and it wouldn''t mask anything. I went through five prototypes before I got a stable mix."


    Kyle couldn''t help but smile, appreciating the understated brilliance behind Orion''s work. "Sounds like a lot of effort."


    Orion grimaced. "You have no idea. I almost inhaled the stuff when it leaked during testing. It lingers in your lungs for hours¡ªthought I was going to turn into a ghost."


    Kyle chuckled. "Honestly, I didn''t have much hopes when I asked for this but you didn''t fail to impress me."


    Orion didn''t respond to the compliment directly but gave a faint smirk as if accepting it in his own way.


    Setting the Mana Mist down, Kyle picked up a tiny, silver whistle. It looked ordinary, but Kyle knew it wasn''t¡ªafter all, he had requested it himself. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Orion gestured toward it with a proud grin. "That''s the Soundless Whistle. Humans can hear it, but creatures with heightened hearing will pick up on it much faster. And most importantly, like you requested, it serves well for attracting agro and annoying beasts," Orion explained.


    "I''ve tested it in the Academy''s stable and the reactions of the beasts were insane, they almost broke out of their cages if not for the attendant."


    Kyle smiled fully after seeing that Orion had made it happen... This was another one he hadn''t expected and Orion didn''t fail to deliver.


    He gave Orion a sidelong glance before asking:


    "How difficult was this one to make?"

 Chapter 120: Mission Preparations (3)

    "How difficult was this one to make?"Orion let out a weary sigh as he thought about his struggles. "Harder than I''d like to admit. Getting the pitch right so it won''t annoy humans was pure torture.


    I must''ve tested at least thirty versions, and each failure was another headache. But hey¡ªworth it for you, I guess."


    Kyle patted Orion on the shoulder and said with a grin: "Your persistence pays off, my friend."


    Orion rolled his eyes and immediately pushed Kyle''s hand of his shoulder the moment he felt it, earning a laugh from Kyle.


    Next, Kyle picked up a sheet of thick, flexible paper covered in faint runes. As he unrolled it, he could see lines and markings beginning to emerge, mapping out the space around them.


    "This is¡­ a Pathfinder''s Map?" Kyle asked, recognizing the clever rune work.


    "Yep," Orion replied, a gleam of pride in his eyes. "Every time you travel, it records your path. Shows landmarks, obstacles, anything notable. It''s a real-time map that fills itself out as you go, like you requested."


    Kyle nodded his head. He knew how much something like this would save him. Now he had seen it though, Kyle realized that he could have made it himself. He just needed some memory runes and a few other basic runes.


    Kyle rolled the map back up carefully, and picked up a small round stone etched with faint, intricate symbols next. "And this one?" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ah, the Campfire Stone," Kyle exclaimed the moment he recognized it.


    Orion smiled when Kyle nailed the name before adjusting his glasses to explain.


    "Yup. Pour a bit of mana into it, and it''ll generate enough warmth to start a small fire. Perfect for camping without drawing too much attention."


    Kyle carefully slipped the Campfire Stone into his bag and took a moment to survey the impressive collection of tools Orion had created for him.


    Each one was crafted with painstaking detail, and he could feel the weight of Orion''s dedication in every piece.


    "You really went above and beyond, Orion," Kyle said with sincerity, leaning his hands on the table. "This is incredible work. I''m satisfied with this."


    Orion adjusted his glasses and waved his hand dismissively, but the faintest hint of a smile lingered on his lips.


    "Just another challenge, really. Nothing more," he replied with a casual tone that was unable to fully mask the satisfaction in his voice. "Besides, you provided the ideas. I merely brought them to life."


    Kyle smiled and clicked his comm, transferring 10,000 credits to Orion. Orion''s eyes widened the moment his comm pinged with an alert of the credit transfer, but he quickly kept his cool almost immediately.


    "I decided to pay you upfront," Kyle explained after sensing the surprise in Orion''s face. "That''s two weeks payment, right?"


    "Yeah," Orion nodded, his mind was already racing on how to put good use to all of those credits, he couldn''t help but mutter, "Thank you."


    Kyle laughed and placed his hand behind his head. "Thank you? It''s our deal, isn''t it? I merely played you for later."


    "Yeah right," Orion calmly replied.


    Kyle laughed for a while before asking, "When would you be heading to the Mission Hall, today?"


    "No, thank you," Orion shook his head in disagreement. "The Mission Hall''s adventures are better suited for those with a taste for, well, aimless thrill-seeking. I''d rather spend my time here, where I can engage in work that actually produces something useful."


    Kyle let out a laugh, shaking his head in admiration. "You''re something else, Orion. Most people are itching to get out there and experience the actual world firsthand."


    Orion raised an eyebrow at him, clearly unimpressed. "The ''actual world,'' you say? We''ve spent up to fifteen years in this world, Kyle. I''ve even visited the city several times with my father. I''m familiar enough with it."


    Kyle felt a brief moment of alarm, realizing he''d slipped up by sounding a bit too much like the outsider he was.


    He forced a nervous chuckle before saying: "Well, I just meant, you know... to get out of the academy bubble and, uh, see some action firsthand. Sometimes books and theory don''t cover it all."


    He mentally cringed at his own attempt to backpedal, but managed to maintain a casual expression.


    Orion''s gaze lingered on him and sharp eyes narrowed slightly as if they were examining a puzzle.


    "Is that so?" he replied with a low and speculative voice. The silence stretched just long enough to make Kyle uneasy before he finally decided to change the topic.


    "Anyway," Kyle said with a quick smile, grabbing his bag and making his way to the door, "I''ve still got a few things to grab before the mission. Thanks again, Orion. You''re a lifesaver."


    Orion nodded, watching him with that same unreadable expression. "Do try not to die out there, Kyle. I still need my credits from you." His voice was cool, almost dismissive, but there was a bit of genuine concern beneath the surface.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll be back to keep funding your''research'' projects. After all, someone''s got to keep you busy," Kyle replied with a laugh.


    Orion gave him a slow nod and a slight smirk played on his lips. "See that you do. It''d be quite the waste of effort if my creations ended up destroyed on their maiden outing."


    Kyle nodded and left the room, shutting the door softly behind him. Once outside, he exhaled a long breath, feeling a slight tension ease.


    "That was close," he muttered to himself.


    Inside his head, Void''s voice echoed in his mind with a reprimanding tone. [I''d say more than close. That was downright reckless, Kyle. A few more slips like that, and someone''s going to catch on.]


    Kyle grimaced, feeling the rebuke from his pet dragon hit a little too close to home.


    "Yeah, yeah, I know," he whispered under his breath, as if Void were actually standing there to hear him. "Just got caught up in the moment."


    [A dangerous habit] Void replied sharply. [Remember that.]


    Kyle couldn''t help but grin at Void''s serious tone. He appreciated the dragon''s concern, even if Void''s sense of caution occasionally clashed with his own curiosity. Still, he resolved to be more careful moving forward.


    As he surveyed the academy grounds, his eyes drifted toward the cafeteria, and the words of Instructor Dan played in his head.


    "Next stop. Food," Kyle murmured with a smirk, and he set off, feeling the satisfaction of another completed step in his preparations.


    Kyle strode through the academy courtyard toward the cafeteria, a plan already forming in his mind.


    He''d been preparing for his mission well enough, and he couldn''t forget to carry food with him.


    ''Thanks to my inventory, I''ll be able to store fresh foods,'' Kyle grinned as he entered the cafeteria.


    The cafeteria were used to seeing students order meals for the day, but his idea went well beyond a simple lunch or dinner.


    As he approached the counter, a female academy staff who stood beside it asked Kyle: "What can I get you today?"


    Kyle glanced up at the menu, then calmly began listing his choices: many full meal sets, stacks of energy bars, several bottles of water, juice packs, and nearly every premium snack they had on offer. He could see her expression shift from cheerful to baffled as he continued.


    After he finally finished, she hesitated and her fingers hovered over the screen. "Are... You hosting a party with your yearmates?"


    Kyle shook his head with a small smile. "Nope, it''s all for me." He pulled out his comm and watched her eyebrows shoot up as the total hit 5,000 credits.


    A hush settled in the room, as the kitchen staff and a few nearby students noticed the staggering number displayed on the register.


    Murmurs broke out among the onlookers, and the woman glanced around, almost as if expecting Kyle to call this our to be a prank.


    "Are you absolutely sure about this?"


    Kyle nodded. "Absolutely. I''ll cover it all."


    After a moment''s pause, she shrugged and confirmed the order. As he waited, Kyle tapped his fingers on the counter, amused by the shock.


    The kitchen staff scrambled to prepare the food, and a parade of trays began piling up before him. When they had finally assembled the last snack box, the woman gave Kyle a hesitant smile, clearly unsure how he planned to transport it all.


    Kyle simply transferred the credits to the register and began stacking trays and bags into his arms. He might have looked like he was about to topple, but his balance held as he adjusted his grip.


    With murmurs of disbelief following him, he made his way out of the cafeteria, the towering stack of food balanced in his hands.


    He chuckled under his breath as he found a secluded spot just beyond the main courtyard. Making sure no one was watching, Kyle placed everything down and activated his inventory, swiping item after item into the space with ease.


    In seconds, the stacks vanished, leaving him empty-handed except for his comm. Even his bag disappeared into the inventory, where his books, snacks, and equipment were safe and easy to carry around.


    He clapped his hands together, brushing off imaginary dust with a sense of satisfaction. No spoiled or cold meals this time; he had everything he needed, perfectly preserved.


    With his preparations nearly complete, he set his sights on one last stop: the academy mall. Experience exclusive tales on §Þ??


    There, he would pick up any final supplies he might need for his mission, indulging in one last round of strategic shopping before heading out. Smiling to himself, Kyle headed off, confident that he was almost as ready as he could be.

 Chapter 121: Mission Preparations (4)

    Kyle made his way to the academy mall, mentally preparing for the wave of spending ahead. It wasn''t every day he allowed himself to splurge this much, but the mission called for it.Every piece of gear he bought would be an investment, something to keep him prepared and protected. After all, if he was going out of the academy''s safety, he couldn''t rely on luck alone.


    His first stop was an alchemy shop. Rows of glass vials lined the shelves, each filled with brightly colored liquids.


    Healing potions, mana restoration potions, antidotes, and even a few rare enhancement potions¡ªall necessary supplies.


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    Kyle eyed the labels, searching for quality but keeping his budget in mind. He selected a few essential potions, including a high-tier healing one, which alone cost him nearly 500 credits.


    By the time he finished, he had spent over 2,000 credits, but he felt reassured knowing he had reliable potions in his inventory.


    Next, Kyle visited a cloth store. He bought 5 more pairs of his academy uniform¡ªwhich cost 1000 credits each. He also made sure to buy some casual civilian clothe that could help him blend in during some situations.


    Kyle continued from store to store, buying various supplies as they caught his eye.


    Finally, Kyle headed to the mana core shop¡ªthe very same store he had visited before. The one where he''d formed an unintentional rapport with both attendants on separate occasions.


    This time, however, they were both here, the shorter shopkeeper from the day shift, Jared and the older one from the night shift.


    The moment Kyle walked in, their faces lit up in recognition. Both men hurried over, each trying to greet him first.


    "Ah, my favorite customer!" the Jared exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.


    "Looks like you''re back again for more," the other one said, chuckling and giving Kyle a firm handshake.


    Kyle grinned, sensing a bit of rivalry between them. "I''d say both of you are my favorite, considering I''ve bought mana cores from each of you¡ªday and night."


    The two clerks shared a quick glance, their grins paused as they realized something. "Hold on," Jared said, pointing at Kyle. "You''re the customer he kept bragging about?"


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "So you were both competing for the same customer without even realizing it?" Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Both men burst into laughter, and the shopkeeper from the night shift, Jackie, slapped his knee. "I can''t believe it. All this time, I thought I had cornered the market on your loyalty!"


    Kyle joined in on their laughter, feeling an odd camaraderie with the two shopkeepers. There was something amusing about the way they''d both taken pride in serving him without realizing they shared the same loyal customer.


    "So," the younger clerk finally said, still grinning, "how many cores are we talking today?"


    Kyle hesitated before clicking his comm and glancing at his credit balance. He had a significant sum left, but buying mana cores in bulk was no small expense.


    After a moment, he looked up and gave a sly smile.


    "Let''s go with¡­ Nine hundred."


    There was a brief silence as both clerks stared at him in stunned disbelief. Jared''s jaw dropped slightly, while the Jackie''s eyes widened until he looked like he might faint.


    He swayed for a moment before collapsing backward, catching himself on the counter just in time.


    "Nine¡­ hundred?" he stammered with a whisper-like voice.


    Kyle chuckled, unable to hide his amusement. "Yeah, that''s right. Nine hundred."


    Jared recovered faster and his face broke into an almost gleeful grin. "You''re certainly full of surprises, Kyle. Most mages only come in for a dozen cores at most. Nine hundred is a commitment."


    Kyle shrugged. "I''ve got plans for them."


    Kyle knew that with this amount of cores, he''ll be able to breakthrough and get a final boost before his mission. That would be his final preparation.


    As the two shopkeepers began to gather his order, they started chatting excitedly about the logistics. Jackie seemed to have recovered enough to assist, though he occasionally shot Kyle incredulous glances.


    Jared glanced over his shoulder and asked: "Just curious, what''s a young mage like you planning to do with all these mana cores? Opening up your own business?"


    Kyle laughed, waving the question off. "Let''s just say I''ve got¡­ personal projects."


    Jackie chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Welp, as long as you keep buying them from us... We have no problem."


    Kyle laughed at Jackie''s remark, replying with a playful "Of course," which prompted Jared to chuckle as well.


    The atmosphere lightened as they completed packing up his order of mana cores.


    After Kyle inspected everything to ensure he was getting exactly what he had paid for, the shopkeepers brought out a storage ring.


    ''Inspect!''


    [Storage Ring]


    [Capacity: 1 cubic meter]


    [A magical ring designed for storage, capable of holding various items securely within its spatial compartment. The internal space compresses to fit objects up to 1 cubic meter in total volume, suitable for storing large quantities of small to medium items.]


    Kyle''s eyes lit up the moment he confirmed what it was; this ring was the perfect decoy item for his inventory he hadn''t realized he had overlooked.


    Kyle had heard of storage rings before but hadn''t actively searched for one, assuming he wouldn''t need it.


    "Why the extra gift?" Kyle decided to ask, a storage item wasn''t cheap after all.


    "We keep a few storage rings for high-priority customers¡ªones who make purchases like yours. You''ve more than earned it," Jared replied with a grin.


    Jackie nodded in agreement. "It''s our way of saying thanks, and with your upcoming mission, we thought you might need it. Consider it part of our best service."


    Kyle couldn''t help but appreciate the gesture, and he accepted the ring gratefully. "Thanks. This will definitely come in handy... Goodbye, then."


    "Good bye!" they both waved in union. "Good luck with your mission!"


    "Thanks... But I wouldn''t be needing it," Kyle muttered as he stepped out


    Shortly after Kyle left the store, Void''s voice echoed in his mind, brimming with enthusiasm. "Let''s go feast!"

 Chapter 122: Level Ups!

    [Let''s go feast!]Void''s voice sounded amusing but Kyle knew he was serious. He could tell the silent threat that came from his use of ''us'', meaning that he couldn''t have the cores alone.


    ''Not like I planned to,'' Kyle thought with a smile as he looked around the surroundings. They had just left the mall and Kyle kept observing everywhere as if he was searching for something.


    [What are you waiting for? Let''s go!] Void desperate voice interrupted Kyle''s search.


    "Chill, Void," Kyle said with a little laugh. "You don''t expect us to ''feast'' out here in the open, do you?"


    Void kept quiet for a while before replying. [Anywhere''s fine, as long as I get those cores you promised! All that power just waiting to be devoured... Can''t you feel it?]


    "Of course, I can. But that doesn''t mean we just expose ourselves right in the middle of the academy grounds."


    [Then let''s go somewhere now! Don''t tease me with all these cores and make me wait. We could try anywhere! What does it matter, as long as we''re alone?]


    Kyle laughed, after pondering on where he could stay for a while; Kyle decided to head back home.


    ''Since there''s no private place I can stay, I''ll do it at home,'' Kyle thought as he walked toward the dormitory. ''That''s the best choice.''


    It didn''t take long before Kyle reached his house. He entered his room and closed the door behind him before tossing the storage ring on the bed.


    "Alright... Let''s do this," Kyle said with a grin.


    He sent his mana through the ring, allowing the mana cores to pile up on the bed, taking most of its space.


    Kyle looked at the mound of cores that had been formed on his bed and his fingers twitched at the thought of consuming them. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Void gave an enthusiastic nod, already hopping in place on the bed, eager as ever.


    "Finally! Hand them over, hand them all over! I can taste the mana already!"


    "Alright," he said, staring down at the cores, feeling his pulse pick up. "But I''ll be taking the lion''s share."


    "But... I''m the one who needs to grow stronger enough to fight by your side!" Void didn''t want to accept the shorter end of the stick and kept on giving Kyle reason.


    "Nope," Kyle said with a shake of his head. "My cultivation speed can''t be compared to yours and I''ll be needing the cores to breakthrough."


    Void wanted to say something but decided to accept defeat. "Fine, fine¡­ but at least leave enough for me to get a real boost, alright?"


    "Deal," Kyle replied with a grin before summoning his status screen.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 4


    EXP: 591/6000


    HP: 118


    Energy: 154


    MP: -


    Agility: 71


    Strength: 75


    Vitality: 60


    Stamina: 77


    Intelligence: 61


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 1)]


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 2)]


    [Inspect(Lv 2)]


    [Gobbler(Lv 2)]


    [Undying]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ''730 mana cores would be enough to break through twice,'' Kyle roughly guessed from his mental calculations.


    He picked up a mana core from the bed and threw it into his mouth. His teeth dealt with it perfectly and the raw mana was absorbed into his body.


    [EXP +20]


    Kyle grinned when he got his notification, reminding him how real this was, but he knew he couldn''t waste time on this. He had to be faster.


    Kyle made full use of his two hands and began gobbling the mana cores as quickly as possible.


    Each time a hand popped a core into his mouth, the second which held another placed another core in his mouth.


    [EXP +20]


    [EXP +20]


    [EXP +20]


    ...


    The notifications kept coming, and after what felt like an eternity for Kyle, when in actuality only a little over 5 minutes had gone; Kyle finally got the notification that he sought to hear.


    [EXP: 6000/6000]


    [Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!]


    [Beginner Mage: Lv 4 >> Lv 5]


    [All stats: +10]


    "Yess!" Kyle shouted the moment he broke through, "6000 EXP in 5 minutes... Not bad."


    Kyle knew the gravity of what he had achieved, as it would take many up to 2 months to achieve similar results but with the help of [Gobbler] he had broken through in no time.


    Void looked at Kyle with his cute eyes. He had been patiently waiting for Kyle to break through before he asked for his share and upon sensing the explosion of mana within Kyle, Void knew that Kyle had broken through, meaning that was his chance.


    "You''ve broken through," Void stated with pleading eyes. "Please leave the rest for me!"


    Kyle laughed at Void''s gesture, clearly not buying it. "We''ve agreed on this, Void. I''ll give you your cores if I decide to... As for now, I''ll be attempting another breakthrough."


    Void snorted and with a huff he sat on the bed and crossed his forelimbs across his chest in anger.


    Kyle ignored Void''s pout, and with a smirk, focused his attention back on the pile of cores. It had reduced by about thirty percent and Kyle was about to make it reduce further.


    He quickly got to work, gobbling down the mana cores as fast as he could muster.


    [EXP +20]


    [EXP +20]


    [EXP +20]


    ...


    447 notifications later, Kyle finally got the long-awaited one.


    [EXP: 9000/9000]


    [Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!]


    [Beginner Mage: Lv 5 >> Lv 6]


    [All stats: +10]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 6*


    EXP: 211/12000*


    HP: 160*


    Energy: 194*


    MP: -


    Agility: 91*


    Your next chapter is on M V L


    Strength: 95*


    Vitality: 80*


    Stamina: 97*


    Intelligence: 81*


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 1)]


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 2)]


    [Inspect(Lv 2)]


    [Gobbler(Lv 2)]


    [Undying]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle fell on the bed, catching his breath as he scanned his updated stats.


    His body hummed with fresh power, yet there was a strange, unsettling heaviness in his limbs and a dull ache in his core.


    Void came closer and looked at Kyle with concern. "You''re pushing yourself too fast, you know that? Passing level after level without letting your body adjust¡­ Your mana core hasn''t even stabilized."


    A smirk crossed Kyle''s face despite his exhaustion. "Isn''t that supposed to be a good thing? Isn''t leveling up all that matters?"


    "Not if it leaves you too weak to use it," Void replied his tone a mix of chastisement and worry. "Your body''s overloaded. Give it time to synchronize with the new power. It''ll settle, but right now, you might as well be carrying around a sack of unstable mana."


    "Well, that''s¡­ comforting," Kyle mumbled, closing his eyes. He let out a sigh, realizing Void was probably right.


    He did feel a bit off¡ªalmost as if he were out of alignment, like some gears in his system weren''t turning as smoothly as they should. "So, what do you suggest?"


    "Simple," Void replied, his tail flicking with impatience. "You just have to fight normally for a bit. Use the mana gradually, and get accustomed to it. It''ll fall into place."


    "Okay... Thank you," Kyle said tiredly.


    "Speaking of taking it slow... you wouldn''t mind if I helped myself to the rest, would you?"


    Kyle rolled his eyes but motioned with a tired wave. "Knock yourself out, partner."


    Void had a wide grin on his face as he eyed the piled of mana cores.

 Chapter 123: Mission Hall (1)

    In one smooth motion, Void immediately leaped onto the pile of mana cores.Kyle barely had time to register what was happening before Void opened his mouth wide¡ª much wider than Kyle thought was possible¡ª and plunged his maw into the pile, chomping down core after core with voracious delight.


    The sight left Kyle momentarily stunned. "Void, are you even¡­chewing?"


    "Chewing''s a waste of time" Void replied with a muffled voice as he continued to devour cores in rapid succession.


    Kyle watched with a mix of amusement and disbelief as Void powered through the entire pile, not missing a beat.


    In nothing less than a minute, the pile had dwindled to nothing, and Void''s body began to glow faintly. He finally stopped and sat back with a contented sigh. It seemed he had broken through, and Kyle immediately summoned his stats to confirm. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    | Void |


    | Race: Omni Drakkon |


    | Level: 7 |*


    | EXP: 700/64000 |*


    | HP: 320 |*


    | Energy: 620 |*


    | MP: 550 |*


    | Agility: 88 |*


    | Strength: 87 |*


    | Vitality: 160 |*


    | Stamina: 310 |*


    | Intelligence: 550 |*


    [Skills: Lightning Breath (Lv 2), Lightning Dash (Lv 2), Invisible (Lv 4), Phase (Lv 3)]


    "Well, would you look at that" Void said with a proud grin. "I broke through too. All that power¡­ now I can keep up with you, no problem!"


    Kyle didn''t know whether to feel happy or sad. He was happy that he had finally managed to catch up with Void, and it hurt him that Void had broken through the moment he did.


    On the bright side, Void''s strength directly affected his ability as they were still a team; so he had no excuse not to be happy.


    "Impressive," Kyle murmured before deciding to add with a smirk, "But don''t get to comfortable... I''ll surpass you soon. I have some higher stats than you already."At this rate, you''ll be leaving me in the dust."


    Void checked his stats quickly and confirmed what Kyle had said. He felt some pain because days ago, their stats couldn''t be compared.


    "Don''t worry, you won''t surpass me," Void confidently said, while adding with a playful wink. "I can''t be a Milo."


    Kyle laughed despite his aches, as he knew what Void was hinting at. Speaking of Milo, Kyle had practically left him in the dust already. Read new adventures at M V L


    ''I wonder if he''s in the 5th Level yet,'' ''Well, I can''t undermine him, who knew what could happen to him in his mission.''


    Kyle shrugged Milo''s matter at the back of his head, before informing Void that he''ll rest for a while. He still felt aches around his body and needed some rest.


    "Wake me up in 30 minutes," Kyle told Void before he dozed off. Doing the same with his system to not take chances. He couldn''t afford to miss this big day just because of his oversleeping nature.


    ***


    Kyle glanced up at the massive structure that loomed up ahead. According to his comm''s map, that was it¡ªthe Mission Hall.


    The building''s exterior was crafted from dark obsidian stone, giving it a sleek, imposing appearance.


    Above the entrance, a golden emblem representing the academy''s crest was etched in fine detail, glowing in the morning light.


    Several wide steps led up to double doors made of polished steel, almost mirror-like, reflecting the faces of students as they entered and exited.


    Kyle paused, taking in the grandeur. He hadn''t actively looked for the building before and this was the first time he was meeting it.


    ''I wanted to save the surprise,'' he thought. ''Now I''ll finally get to see what everyone''s been talking about.''


    Steeling himself, he pushed through the doors and was immediately hit by a scene bustling with activity.


    As he entered, he felt a buzz of energy in the air, as though he''d stepped into the heart of the academy''s lifeblood, where new adventures and opportunities unfolded for students daily.


    The hall was colossal, with high arched ceilings that seemed to stretch endlessly above. Crystal chandeliers hung down in even intervals, casting a warm light that melded with the glows of the portals and warp drives scattered throughout.


    The hall had a spacious yet structured layout, with each section neatly marked to guide the flow of students.


    It was clearly designed to handle the constant influx of students bustling in and out.


    At the center of it all stood the mission boards. There were three enormous boards, each ten feet high, arranged in a semi-circle just in front of the counters where staff members worked.


    The boards displayed hundreds of missions, each detailed in neat rows of glowing text that scrolled up and down.


    Each board was segmented by mission type, with sections for ''Combat,'' ''Exploration,'' ''Special Operations,'' and ''Research,'' to name a few.


    The mission text glowed in different colors based on its difficulty level. Green was for beginner-level missions, yellow for intermediate, and red for advanced.


    Kyle noticed a few missions outlined in violet, which he guessed were the "Special Operations".


    These missions were locked with restrictions, only accessible to students ranked high enough or those personally approved by academy instructors.


    A sizable crowd of students clustered around the boards and they raised their heads as they scrutinized the lists.


    Kyle spotted groups of friends huddling together, pointing at specific missions and discussing strategy, while solo students stared intently, clearly deep in thought over their choices.


    Every few minutes, a student would approach a board, tap on the mission they chose, and confirm their selection.


    A quick flash of light indicated that their choice was registered, and the mission details appeared on a small slip of enchanted paper dispensed at the bottom of the board, which they had to submit at the counter to be approved.


    Behind the boards, a line of counters stretched across the hall. Staff members, mostly academy instructors and aides, stood there, prepared to assist students with questions or give guidance.


    Each counter had a small plaque labeling the staff member''s specialty. Kyle spotted the ''Combat Missions Assistance'' counter, where a grizzled instructor with a sword strapped across his back was explaining a mission''s requirements to a nervous-looking first-year.


    Further down was ''Exploration Guidance,'' staffed by a stern, bookish-looking woman who seemed to be fielding questions non-stop, her patience was seriously tested as she handled each inquiry with sharp, precise answers.


    ''They must have nerves of steel to deal with so many students every day,'' Kyle thought, impressed by their focus.


    Beyond the mission boards and counters, the hall opened up into an array of towering portals. The same Kyle had seen in the portal room when he went to the Dean''s office.


    Each portal had a small sign at the top indicating the general area it led to ¡ª''Forests of Nivira,'' ''Northern Wastelands,'' ''Undersea Caverns,'' and more.


    Some portals were activated, already transporting students who had accepted missions in those specific locations, while others stood idle, awaiting activation.


    Kyle watched as a group of first-years, visibly nervous but determined, stepped into a portal labeled ''Crystal Glades'' and disappeared in a flash of light.


    His pulse quickened. The idea of stepping through one of those portals, leaving the safety of the academy, and facing unknown challenges beyond excited him in a way he hadn''t felt in a long time.


    [Not a bad setup] Void''s voice echoed from the pet space with a voice laced with mild amusement. [I bet they didn''t build all this just to make it look pretty. Probably costs a fortune to keep these portals running.]


    Kyle smirked. ''Yeah, probably. But they want students to get out there and experience the real world, not just sit around studying all day. Still¡­ can''t deny they''re showing off a bit here.''


    A sudden chorus of voices brought Kyle''s attention back to the mission boards. A group of students was eagerly pointing at a combat mission labeled


    "Wanted: Iceback Serpent," which had a difficulty level marked in yellow. The mission promised a generous reward of credits and a rare spell scroll as a bonus.


    Another mission, marked with red, read "Investigate the Tomb of the Sun Kings," an advanced exploration task with a significant credit reward and exclusive access to a restricted library section.


    Kyle was tempted by that one, but he knew better than to overestimate himself just yet.


    ''Alright, enough sightseeing,'' he told himself. It was time to make his choice.


    With purpose, Kyle began to walk closer to one of the Mission Boards. It was time to choose a mission.

 Chapter 124: Mission Hall (2)

    Kyle muttered the names of missions as he looked through the glowing text on the mission boards, searching for something that matched his criteria.He wanted a mission that will enable him to be out there, among people, not hidden away in a remote corner of the world on some solitary quest.


    Missions that would keep him isolated didn''t appeal; Kyle preferred one that required group effort and human interaction, something where he could engage and learn on multiple levels.


    "Find the Ancient Rune in the Windspire Ruins¡­ pass.


    Document rare flora in the Silent Forest¡­ no thanks.


    Retrieve the Aegis Gem from deep within the Abyssal Caverns¡­definitely not."


    The Exploration and Research missions all felt painfully repetitive and mundane. Their purposes boiled down to tracking down an object or gathering information, and the objectives left little room for excitement.


    None of them had the thrill of combat or the adrenaline rush he craved. The board displayed Exploration missions like


    [Map Out the Forgotten Canyon''s Labyrinths], [Document Magical Life in the Iridescent Swamps], [Retrieve the Twilight Crystal in the Shadowed Vale] and many more.


    Each one, while technically challenging, would have him wandering alone in secluded, eerie environments, likely spending days just collecting data or tracing obscure paths.


    ''Too boring,'' Kyle thought, already moving on. He wasn''t interested in wandering around taking notes or collecting specimens.


    He had more pressing goals, like improving his combat skills, testing himself against real threats and most importantly seeing more of the world. That left him with only one option: Combat missions.


    The Combat section promised more excitement, but they weren''t all created equal. Kyle leaned in, muttering the mission names as he read their descriptions, carefully considering his options.


    [Wanted: Firefang Alpha. Track down the leader of a rogue Firefang pack terrorizing outlying farms]


    "Eh, sounds interesting," Kyle muttered. "But I don''t feel like chasing wild beasts solo in the woods."


    His eyes roved over another, [Secure the Valley of Glimmer Stones from hostile elementals.]


    This one was open to pairs or groups and required students to secure the valley from attacks, yet it was labeled red¡ªadvanced difficulty.


    He wasn''t in the mood to bite off more than he could chew, especially not solo against elementals whom Kyle had learned of to be very strong. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Must be a mission for other years," Kyle concluded.


    Another mission quickly caught his eye:


    [Purge the Wraith Nest in the Ashen Keep.]


    The Ashen Keep, an old castle ruin, was rumored to be overrun by shadow wraiths. Kyle could imagine the haunting silence, punctuated only by the whisper of wraiths in the dark.


    But something about the solitary nature of facing down hordes of spirits in a desolate place made him pause. As much as he enjoyed a good thrill, the isolation didn''t appeal.


    Finally, his gaze settled on a yellow-colored mission that had seemed like it just appeared on the screen.


    It was titled, [Defense Against the Beast Tide]. Kyle''s eyes lit up instantly. This was exactly what he was looking for: a mission with the right mix of challenge and exploration.


    The mission description read:


    > [A small village, Windrest, is facing an imminent beast tide¡ªan overwhelming surge of feral creatures pouring in from the wildlands. Join forces with other students to assist the local forces in defending the village.


    Objective: Hold back the tide and protect the villagers. Maximum participants: 5 students.]


    Beast tides were notorious in the academy for their intensity. Creatures that typically lurked in the wilderness were suddenly stirred up, swarming in a chaotic frenzy and moving in a single direction.


    They were unpredictable and brutally relentless, usually drawn by mysterious forces or disturbances in the mana flow.


    The academy offered beast tide missions sparingly due to their chaotic nature, and students who undertook them were sure to face an onslaught of fast-paced action and brutal challenges.


    "Oh, this is perfect," Kyle muttered, reading over the details again. "A real chance to test my limits, plus I''ll be with others. It''s not just about fighting one or two beasts¡ªI''ll be facing a horde. Exactly the kind of pressure I need."


    His pulse quickened with excitement. The mission required defensive tactics, something he wanted to practice in real-time combat. Experience tales at M V L


    His mind was already racing with ideas for different spell combinations, ways to keep the village safe, and how he could use the [Frozen Claw] to both attack and shield others.


    More importantly, the beast tide provided the type of chaotic battleground where he could prove himself, where each decision and every move could turn the tide.


    Not to mention, it would provide him with a solid chance to demonstrate his growth and strength alongside others rather than in isolation.


    There was a kind of satisfaction that came from fighting in sync with a team and knowing that he''d contributed to a greater cause.


    At that moment, a soft chime indicated a change in the mission''s availability. Four out of the five spots had already been taken, leaving only one spot open.


    Kyle''s reaction was instantaneous¡ªhis finger shot out and tapped on the mission prompt without hesitation, confirming his selection.


    In a quick flash, his choice was registered, and a small enchanted slip of paper printed out from the dispenser below the mission board.


    A satisfied grin spread across his face as he held the slip in his hand. The other students around the board groaned in frustration, having missed the opportunity.


    Kyle could hear a few mutters of, "Ugh, too late," and "Damn, that would have been the perfect one." But he couldn''t help feeling a little triumphant.


    As he looked over the details on the slip, Kyle felt more certain than ever that this mission was right for him. Defending against a beast tide was challenging for even seasoned students, but he was ready.


    The constant onslaught of creatures would give him the exact type of fight he was looking for¡ªa test of endurance, strength, and strategy all wrapped in one chaotic package.


    And there was something deeper, too. In defending a village, Kyle would have a taste of the real world too. He would get to interact with all others and would also feel the pressure of the Mission''s importance. If they failed, the village and its inhabitants would be in danger.


    That weight of responsibility gave him an added sense of purpose. He wasn''t just fighting for himself this time; he''d be fighting to protect others.


    "Beast tides are brutal," he murmured to himself, recalling the stories he had read from the library.


    "They just keep coming. No pauses, no time to rest. Perfect time to use my Infinite mana."


    His mind began running through possible strategies. The main advantage of his lightning element was speed and control over distance.


    He could hold off large numbers of beasts by striking quickly and retreating, using the range of his attacks to prevent getting overwhelmed.


    Void''s voice rang through their mental link, [A beast tide, huh? Sounds like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Just tell me where to jump in.]


    Kyle smirked. ''Oh, I''ll make sure you''re front and you''re in every part of it. Do you think you''re up to handling a wave of hungry beasts?''


    [Absolutely,] There was a pause as Void''s excitement radiated through the bond. [This is going to be wild. Just let me loose on them. I''ll shock and devour whatever they throw our way.]


    The thought of Void by his side gave Kyle an added boost of confidence. With Void''s abilities and his own, they''d be a formidable force on the battlefield.


    The beast tide wasn''t just a test of survival; it was a chance for them to evolve together as a team. Of course there was a problem of how Kyle would expose Void in the mission, but he had formulated plans on how that would play out prior to choosing a mission.


    With a final glance at the mission board, Kyle started to make his way toward the counters at the back of the hall to finalize his mission selection.


    The enchanted slip in his hand practically burned with excitement. He couldn''t wait to officially secure his place and prepare for the upcoming battle.


    As he approached, he noticed a few of the other students who had successfully registered for the same mission.


    They glanced back at him with a interest and happiness, sizing him up as he joined them in line.


    They were all his classmates. Kyle might not individually recognize them, but they definetely recognized him and their expressions showed how please they were for being in his team and Kyle wasn''t going to dissapoint them.

 Chapter 125: Mission Hall (3)

    Kyle walked up to the line at the combat counter, spotting his new teammates waiting ahead. The excitement among them was evident as they turned his way, recognizing him immediately.The first to step forward was a blonde-haired girl with an easy, confident smile. Her green eyes sparkled with curiosity, and her alchemy badge was prominently displayed on her uniform.


    She gave him a friendly nod, extending her hand with a relaxed air.


    "Hey, I''m Zara," she introduced herself, her tone casual yet filled with energy. "Light affinity... I specialize on support and healing spells."


    Kyle shook her hand, giving a nod of appreciation. "Good to meet you, Zara. We''ll be counting on you for sure."


    Her grin widened a bit. "Likewise. Just don''t go running headfirst into too much trouble; I''ll do my best, but there''s only so much healing I can do."


    Next to Zara was a quiet girl who stepped forward with a composed air. Her blue hair was neatly tied back, and her calm blue eyes held a quiet confidence.


    She wasn''t shy but reserved, the kind who spoke when necessary and observed the rest. She nodded politely, giving him a small smile.


    "Celine," she said simply. "Water affinity, also an alchemist."


    Before Kyle could respond, a third girl moved up with a confident stride, her red hair tied back in a high ponytail that seemed to match her bold energy.


    She looked him over with an amused, challenging glint in her amber eyes.


    "And I''m Lina," she declared, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Fire affinity, in case that wasn''t obvious." She held her alchemist badge with a sense of pride but shrugged.


    "Unlike these two, I like to bring a bit more¡­ heat to the mix."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, catching her playful challenge. "Good to know. I''m guessing you won''t hold back if things get heated out there?"


    Lina let out a laugh. "You''ll see. I''d hate for us to get bored out there, right?" she added with a daring grin.


    Finally, the boy in the group stepped forward. He was taller, with rugged brown hair and dark eyes that held a respectful, grounded look. He extended a firm hand toward Kyle.


    "Finn," he introduced himself with a nod. "Earth affinity, Beast Tamer. My companion, Brutus, is a stone bear¡ªgood for defense and holding the line."


    Kyle shook his hand, feeling the strength in his grip. "Brutus sounds like the kind of partner we''ll need in a beast tide. Good to have you on the team."


    "He''ll do his part. Looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table, Kyle."


    With introductions finished, the team exchanged glances. But it didn''t take long for Zara to speak up again, her curiosity getting the better of her.


    "So, Kyle, we''ve all been wondering how you became so strong... You''re like a demon with your katana. A sword demon. Care to share the secret?"


    Kyle chuckled and scratched the back of his neck. "Not much of a secret, really. Just a lot of practice and¡­ maybe a bit of persistence."


    Lina scoffed and crossed her arms with a grin. "Oh, come on, it has to be more than that. You don''t get that kind of strength from ''just practice.'' Give us something, at least."


    Kyle shrugged, amused by their interest. "All right, I won''t lie¡ªit took years of training and some tough battles."


    Their conversation soon drifted from


    Kyle to the mission itself. They were all excited about the beast tide mission, each had their own reasons for wanting to be part of it.


    It didn''t take too long into their discussion before their turn came. Approaching the combat counter and submitting their slips, they met a man in manning the counter.


    His expression was strict but not unfriendly. He cleared his throat and surveyed each of them with a piercing gaze before speaking:


    "All right, listen up!" the man began with a commanding tone. "Your mission is classified as ''Defense Against the Beast Tide.''


    You''ll be stationed at Windrest Village, where the beast tide will be arriving soon. Your primary objective is to protect the village and its residents, minimizing casualties while holding back the creatures as best you can."


    He reached beneath the counter and held up a small blue stone, carved with faint, intricate runes that glowed slightly under the hall''s lighting.


    "Each of you will receive one of these stones. Channeling your mana into it will allow you to signal for extraction or activate an emergency return to the academy. Use it only if the situation becomes absolutely critical or when your mission is complete."


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    He thought for a while on what to add before continuing:


    "Beast tides are unpredictable. The creatures are relentless and sometimes empowered by corrupted mana, which makes them even more aggressive and difficult to kill.


    Remember, the safety of the villagers is your highest priority. Stay together, strategize, and support each other out there. Going in solo won''t earn you anything but a one-way ticket back in pieces. Understood?"


    The team exchanged serious nods, their initial enthusiasm was now toned down a bit with the gravity of the mission.


    The man gave them a final look and his expression softened just slightly. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good. Lance here will take you to the portal when you''re ready. Stay sharp and remember¡ªyou''re representing the academy. Make sure you come back in one piece."


    With that, a younger staff member named Lance approached, gesturing for them to follow him to the portal area.


    As they reached the portal chamber, the hum of mana intensified and a vibrant energy filling the air. The portal itself glowed. It was a swirling vortex of light and shadow and its edges were outlined by symbols and runes carved into the stone floor around it. It was both beautiful and foreboding, like a doorway to the unknown.


    Lance turned to them with a nod. "Everything''s set. The portal will take you directly to Windrest Village. Remember, the villagers are counting on you, and so is the academy."


    Kyle glanced back at his team, each of them meeting his gaze with a look of readiness. There was no turning back now.


    The mission awaited, and as the swirling light of the portal beckoned, he took a deep breath and stepped forward into the portal, and his teammates followed closely behind.

 Chapter 126: Deserted Village

    As Kyle and his team stepped through the portal, he braced himself for the warp''s impact, but even he wasn''t entirely prepared for the sensation.The teleportation felt like being squeezed through an impossibly tight space and his insides were twisting and stretching all at once.


    Unlike the others, he was able to tolerate it thanks to his higher stats, but he could see that his teammates weren''t faring as well.


    The moment they emerged on the other side, Celine almost fell over and her hands were clutching her stomach as she took deep breaths with a pale face.


    Finn also tried to steady himself, while Zara and Lina both looked visibly queasy.


    Kyle took a quick glance at them and assessed their states.


    "We''ll need a quick recovery before we move," he said, turning to Zara. "Don''t waste any potions. Can you use your light magic to heal everyone?"


    Zara, swallowed hard to keep her composure and gave a quick nod. She took a few steps back, drawing a shaky breath before summoning her mana.


    Her hands glowed with a soft golden light as she cast her spell, releasing gentle waves of warmth that washed over each of them, easing their nausea and disorientation.


    While she worked, Kyle turned his attention to their surroundings. They were standing on a narrow, dusty street, surrounded by small, modest houses that looked worn and empty.


    The silence was very noticeable; the absence of villagers and the barren streets gave the place a desolate, almost ghostly feel.


    ''This village feels abandoned,'' he thought, frowning as he scanned the rows of houses. ''The beast tide must be close if the villagers are hiding. But¡­ it could be more than that.''


    He murmured, "Either the villagers are hiding inside because of the beast tide, or they might have fled. I can''t rule out that something else is keeping them away."


    By the time Zara finished casting her healing spell, the others looked visibly better and their color had returned. Kyle turned to them and gave each one a quick once-over.


    "How''s everyone feeling?" he asked.


    "Better," Finn replied with a nod. "Thanks, Zara."


    "Same here," Celine added quietly.


    "Good," Kyle said, glancing around the empty street once more. "From what I can see, we''re definitely in the village, but it''s deserted.


    First, we need to find the village head and get some information on the beast tide and any defenses they have in place. For that, we''ll have to locate someone who can direct us." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The team nodded in agreement, all their expressions were now serious, and they moved as one down the street, keeping their eyes and ears open.


    After a short walk, they reached a small house on the corner and decided to try their luck. Kyle stepped forward and knocked on the door, waiting as the sound echoed in the quiet village.


    Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a young, skinny boy with dark skin and wide eyes that looked more haunted than they should have for his age.


    He looked about seven, but something about his malnourished frame suggested he might be older, maybe worn down by a hard life. The instant his gaze fell on Kyle and his team, he took a step back, looking ready to slam the door shut.


    "Wait!" Kyle said quickly with a softened tone. "We''re here to help. We were sent to protect your village from the beast tide."


    The boy froze and his eyes narrowed as he processed Kyle''s words. After a moment, he stepped back out and his face was slightly more relaxed.


    "They said some helpers were coming," the boy said, still wary but a bit more at ease now. "Are you really here to fight the monsters?"


    Kyle nodded and felt relief at the confirmation that they were expected. That would save him a whole lot of stress he wasn''t ready for.


    He gave the boy a reassuring smile and said:


    "That''s right. And we need to find the village head. Do you know where we can find him?"


    The boy blinked, then gave a small grin. "Everyone knows where the village head lives. I can show you if you want."


    Kyle exchanged a quick glance with his team, nodding at the unexpected bit of luck. "We''d appreciate that, thank you."


    The boy beckoned for them to follow and took off, his thin legs moving with surprising speed as he led them down a winding path.


    As they walked, Kyle took note of the houses they passed. Many of them had broken fences, doors tightly shut, and the unmistakable signs of hurried fortifications¡ªboards over windows, makeshift barricades in front of doors.


    The boy led them to a larger, sturdier-looking house at the end of the street. It had a small courtyard, where a few villagers were milling about, preparing makeshift defenses. The boy stopped in front of the gate, gesturing at the building.


    "That''s the village head''s house," he said.


    Kyle turned to him, nodding in appreciation. "Thanks, you''ve been a big help. What''s your name?"


    "Jonas," the boy replied, looking a bit proud to have helped.


    "Stay safe, Jonas," Kyle said, giving him a firm nod. "We''ll take care of things from here."


    Jonas nodded back before he ran off, disappearing down the path they''d come from.


    Turning to his team, Kyle took a deep breath and glanced at the house. "All right. Let''s see what information we can get."


    They stepped through the gate and approached the main door, where a group of villagers stopped them, each armed with rudimentary weapons¡ªaxes, farm tools, and makeshift clubs. Enjoy exclusive adventures from M V L


    Their expressions were wary but softened when Kyle introduced himself and explained their mission.


    A woman with graying hair and tired eyes nodded and gestured for them to follow her inside. They were led into a small, dimly lit room where an older man with a rugged face sat, studying a worn map on the table in front of him.


    He looked up as they entered, with an expression that showed relief and concern.


    "So you''re the academy''s reinforcements," he said with steady voice. He had been informed of their arrival prior to this and wasn''t surprised to see them. "I''m Henrick, the village head."

 Chapter 127: Temporary Residence

    Kyle and the rest of the team nodded their heads in respect."I''m Kyle, Lightning mage of the Vyne Academy," Kyle introduced himself before pointing towards his teammates to do the same.


    "Celine."


    "Zara."


    "Lina."


    "Finn."


    After they were done with introducing their names, Kyle continued. "We''re here to help defend the village from the beast tide and we will need to know everything you can tell us about the approaching wave."


    Henrick sighed before he began:


    "It''s a nightmare. Every few years, a beast tide sweeps through, but this time¡­ it''s worse. The creatures are coming in greater numbers, and most of them have been corrupted, making them stronger and more vicious."


    Kyle took note of the word ''corrupted''. From what he had read in the library, corruption was a term used to denote beasts that could wield mana, that is, Mana beasts.


    "What direction do the beasts usually come from?" Kyle decided to ask, hoping there was only one route, because it would be difficult to defend the village from different angles.


    Henrick pointed to the worn map on the table before him, indicating the village''s outskirts.


    "They''ll be coming from the forest on the east side. We''ve set up some traps along the perimeter, but they won''t hold for long against the numbers we''re expecting."


    Kyle studied the map, nodding thoughtfully. "We''ll do everything we can to hold them back. Do you have any other defenses in place?"


    Henrick shook his head and there was a hint of regret in his eyes. "Most of what we have is improvised. We''re farmers, not soldiers."


    Kyle exchanged a glance with his team, each of them understanding the weight of the mission. Turning back to Henrick, he asked, "Is there a safe place for the villagers?"


    Henrick''s face grew grim as he shook his head. "There''s no safe place at the moment," he admitted. "Our plan is to prevent the beasts from entering the village. The men are working on a secure shelter in case the worst happens, but it''s far from complete. We don''t have the time or manpower to finish it before the tide hits."


    "Understood. We''ll do everything in our power to keep the beasts at bay. However, we''ll need as much information as you can provide."


    "The beasts don''t attack randomly," Henrick explained. "They come in waves. The first wave is usually a test¡ªweak creatures probing our defenses. Then the larger ones follow, and the real slaughter begins. We''ve observed that they tend to arrive in the afternoon, shortly after noon, and retreat just before sunset."


    Kyle''s brows furrowed as he processed this information. He pulled out his comm device and glanced at the time.


    It was 11:00 AM, giving them roughly an hour to prepare before the potential first wave. They''d need to move quickly to assess the traps and scout the eastern perimeter.


    "Thank you, Henrick. This information is crucial," Kyle said, standing straighter. "We''ll use this time wisely." Explore stories at M V L


    Henrick let out a weary breath and managed a small smile. "No, lad. Thank you. All of you," he said and his gaze shifted to Kyle''s team. "You''ve come here to save lives, risking your own. That''s more than we could ever ask for."


    Kyle felt the weight of the man''s gratitude, and a sense of responsibility washed over him. ''We can''t fail them,'' he promised himself silently.


    Turning to his team, Kyle said with a commanding tone. "We''ll meet at the eastern edge of the village in ten minutes to inspect the traps and plan our defenses. For now, let''s get settled." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Henrick nodded and called over a young villager, a boy no older than sixteen with scruffy hair and a nervous demeanor. "This is Alan. He''ll show you to your quarters."


    Alan stepped forward hesitantly, clearly intimidated by the group of mages.


    "F-follow me," he stammered, gesturing for them to follow him toward a small row of wooden cottages near the center of the village.


    The group followed in silence, the tension thick in the air. The villagers they passed along the way gave them hopeful, yet wary, glances. Many were busy fortifying their homes with whatever materials they could find¡ªwooden planks, rusty nails, and makeshift barricades.


    "These are your quarters," Alan said, stopping in front of a modest two-room cottage. "It''s not much, but it''s clean. We figured you''d want to stay together, so¡­"


    Kyle nodded. "This will do. Thank you."


    Alan hesitated before stepping away, looking like he wanted to say something but thinking better of it. With a quick nod, he darted off, leaving the team to settle in.


    The cottage was humble but well-kept, with two rooms that were small and sparsely furnished and a bathroom, each of the room held a single bunk bed with thin mattresses that looked like they had seen better days.


    The floor was made of worn planks, uneven in places but sturdy enough.


    The window in the main room offered a limited view of the village square, where villagers hurried about their tasks.


    Inside, Kyle gestured toward the bunks. "Looks like we''ll have to share the space," he said, glancing at his teammates.


    Lina placed her bag at the foot of one of the bunks, claiming the bottom bed. "I''m taking this one. No arguments," she said with a smirk.


    Zara rolled her eyes and tossed her belongings onto the top bunk. "Fine. I prefer being off the ground anyway."


    "I''ll take the floor," Kyle added, pulling out his travel blanket from his ''storage ring''.


    "I''ve done it before; it''s not a big deal."


    Lina raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that, Mr. Leader? We don''t mind rotating."


    "Leader?" Kyle asked with a laugh.


    Lina rolled her eyes and hissed. "Don''t try to act all humble, you''ve been directing everyone since we arrived here. You''re the leader."


    Kyle wanted to refute but held it back. He had no problems being the leader. "Well... I''ll be fine on the floor. Besides, someone has to be ready to kick open the door if the tide comes early."


    "And I''ll grab the top bunk in the other room," Finn decided after Kyle chose the floor. "Lina, you can take the bottom there. Sound good?"


    Lina nodded shyly. "That''s fine. Thank you."


    With that decided, everyone began settling in. Despite the small space and sparse accommodations, the team silently agreed that comfort wasn''t their priority tonight. Survival was.


    ***


    After they were done refreshing and unpacking their stuff, the team assembled in the main room.


    "This is going to be tough," Finn spoke up. "The villagers don''t seem prepared for anything remotely close to a beast tide."


    "They''re not," Lina said flatly, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. "But that''s why we''re here."


    "Do you think we''ll be enough?" Zara decided to ask. She knew how difficult it would be for only five students to fight a beast tide.


    "We have to be," Kyle said firmly. "We''re not just here to complete a mission. These people are depending on us. If we work together and use our strengths wisely, we can hold the tide back."


    His words seemed to bolster the team''s spirits, even if only slightly.


    "Let''s focus on what we can control," Kyle continued. "We have few time left before the first wave might hit. Get your gear ready, and we''ll meet at the eastern edge in ten minutes. We''ll assess the traps and start planning our defense."

 Chapter 128: Taking Over

    Kyle and his team arrived at the eastern edge of the village, where the forest loomed like an ominous shadow in the distance.The area had been hastily fortified with wooden barricades, sharpened stakes, and trenches filled with rudimentary traps.


    The men stationed there were the village''s last line of defense¡ªfarmers and laborers turned soldiers overnight.


    Their weapons ranged from rusted swords to farming tools like pitchforks and scythes. Despite their determination, it was clear they were exhausted.


    As Kyle approached, a muscular, dark-skinned man stepped forward to greet them.


    His broad shoulders and commanding presence marked him as the leader of this ragtag group.


    His expression was one of immense gratitude, though his eyes betrayed the fatigue of someone who had borne the weight of responsibility for too long.


    "Welcome, mages," the man said with a deep and steady voice despite his weariness. "I''m Desmond, the leader of this force. Thank you for coming. We had almost given up hope."


    Kyle nodded respectfully and his team followed suit. "I''m Kyle, lightning mage of Vyne Academy. We''re here to help."


    The rest of his team introduced themselves before Kyle went straight to the point. "Can you tell us about the situation?"


    Desmond let out a heavy sigh and his shoulders sagged slightly. "We held back a wave yesterday, but it came at a terrible cost. We lost a lot of good men, and many more are injured and unable to fight."


    He gestured toward a large canvas tent nearby. "The wounded are in there. They fought bravely, but... this tide is unlike any we''ve seen before. The beasts are more aggressive, and some of them are even corrupted. It''s a miracle we''re still standing."


    Kyle''s gaze followed Desmond''s gesture and his expression hardened as he saw the condition of the men.


    Many of them sat or lay on makeshift cots and their faces were pale and twisted in pain. Bandages stained with blood covered their limbs, in attempt to make them last longer. Kyle felt great pity towards them.


    "They''ve already deemed this fight impossible," Desmond continued, his voice tinged with regret. "We were ready to die defending our families, but with your arrival... maybe there''s still a chance."


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    Kyle accessed the remaining soldiers. They were exhausted and demoralized.


    ''These men wouldn''t last another wave, let alone the full tide,'' Kyle thought.


    "Zara, heal them," he turned around and instructed her. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zara was surprised at Kyle''s instruction. "Kyle, I have to conserve my mana for the battle. If I run out¡ª"


    "You won''t," Kyle interrupted with a firm voice. "I got plenty of mana recovery potions in my storage. Healing them is more important right now."


    Zara hesitated but eventually nodded. The gratitude in their eyes was evident when Zara approached them with her light magic as some of them were even moved to tears.


    Desmond placed a hand on Kyle''s shoulder. "Thank you. We thought all hope was lost. These men¡ªthese boys¡ªthey''re everything to this village. You''ve given them a second chance."


    "We''re here to make sure they don''t have to fight. Rest them¡ªNo. All of you should rest. You''ve done enough."


    Desmond''s brow furrowed. "We can''t just abandon the defense. These are our people¡ª"


    "You won''t be abandoning anyone," Kyle said firmly. "We''ll take over from here. You''re no good to us in your current condition, and you''ll only slow us down. Trust us to handle this."


    The men exchanged uncertain glances, their loyalty to the village warring with their relief at being relieved of duty. Finally, Desmond nodded. "Alright. We''ll stand down¡ªfor now. But if you need us¡ª"


    "We won''t," Kyle said with a tone that left no room for argument. "Rest, recover, and take care of your injured. That''s how you can help us."


    The soldiers nodded, some reluctantly, others with visible relief. They blessed Kyle and his team, offering prayers for their success before retreating to the village center.


    The injured men, now healed, looked at Zara with gratitude so profound that words failed them. Some wept openly and their hope restored by her efforts.


    Once they were gone, Kyle handed Zara a mana recovery potion from his inventory. "Good work. You''re invaluable to this team."


    Zara took the potion with a small smile. "Thanks."


    Kyle turned to address the rest of the team. "Here''s what we know," he began.


    "Most of the beasts are normal, but there are some Tier 1 mana beasts among them. The villagers were lucky to survive yesterday. We won''t rely on luck."


    He pointed to Finn. "Finn, you and your pet, Brutus will focus on defending the perimeter and making the terrain difficult for the beasts to navigate. Use every trick you''ve got."


    Finn nodded, releasing the stone Bear from his space pouch. "Brutus and I will handle it."


    "Zara," Kyle continued, "You''ll stay alert and provide support. Focus on keeping us in fighting shape, both mana and health."


    "Got it," Zara replied.


    "Celine," Kyle said, turning to her. "You''ll control the flow of the battle. Keep the beasts contained and prevent them from overwhelming us... Look out for openings to help in the fight."


    "Understood," Celine said with a gentle nod.


    "Lina and I will be the main damage dealers," Kyle finished. "We''ll take out the strongest beasts and keep the pressure off the rest of you.


    Stay sharp, and remember: our goal is to hold the line and protect the village. Nothing else matters."


    The team nodded, their expressions grim but determined. Just as Kyle was about to say more, a low rumble reached his ears.


    He stiffened and his eyes narrowing as he turned toward the forest. The sound grew louder, like the pounding of countless feet.


    "They''re coming," Kyle whispered, in a voice that was loud enough for others to hear.


    "Everyone, into position," Kyle commanded immediately they got the message.


    "Finn, set up the mud walls in layers¡ªslow them down. Brutus should stay close to you. Use his strength to reinforce the barriers if they''re breached."

 Chapter 129: First Wave

    "Understood. Brutus and I will hold the line," Finn nodded to Kyle''s command."Celine," Kyle continued, shifting his attention to the water mage, "Spread water wherever possible to amplify my attacks."


    Celine adjusted her gloves, her calm demeanor unchanged despite the growing tension. "Got it. I''ll make sure the terrain works in our favor."


    "Lina," Kyle addressed the fiery warrior, "You''re with me in the center. Focus on concentrated strikes. Don''t waste mana on weaker beasts unless absolutely necessary. Let''s keep the field clear of high-threat targets."


    "Finally!" Lina''s lips curved into a grin, and her eyes gleamed with excitement. "Time to show these beasts what real firepower looks like."


    "Zara, stay back but remain vigilant," Kyle instructed. "Prioritize healing and replenishing our mana. I have potions for you, so don''t hold back. And if someone gets overwhelmed, pull them back before it''s too late."


    Zara gave a small nod. "I''ll do my best."


    Kyle looked at each of them, his gaze lingering to ensure they understood. They were a good team, and he trusted their abilities. But he sighed internally as he glanced at the hastily fortified defenses around the village.


    ''No time to set up rune traps,'' he thought with frustration, mentally scrapping the plans he had hoped to execute.


    A quick glance at his comm confirmed it was 11:51 AM¡ªthough the sun was out and shining brightly.


    That made Kyle''s go deep in thought. ''Is there a connection between the beasts'' timing and the sun?'' Kyle shook his head, setting the thought aside. There was no time to dwell on theories.


    "Everyone, move!" Kyle barked, snapping his team into action.


    Kyle unsheathed the [Frozen Claw]. He had been longing to use it in battle and the time had finally arrived. Orion had yet to work on the weapon yet, but it was still formidable on its own.


    "I wonder how many beasts will fall from our blade today," Kyle whispered to the katana as it was listening.


    ''This would have been the perfect time to test the [Veil of Silence],'' he thought, recalling the mask stored in his inventory.


    Kyle could remember its main effect. He had this nagging feeling that the mask would improve alot when that bar filled.


    [Soul Reaper: Your power grows with every soul you claim.]


    [Vanquished Souls: 0/1000]


    Unfortunately, he still had a long way to go. There was no way he could kill in the academy, here however, a multitude of beasts awaited. But this wasn''t the time. Exposing the mask would ruin his plans for it.


    That didn''t mean that Kyle planned to abandon this opportunity. He had plans on how to use it and could only wait for the night to come.


    Kyle refocused on his surroundings and the horde of beasts were already in sight. The first beasts emerged from the treeline¡ªa mass of snarling wolves, clawing boars, and snapping reptiles. Most were common creatures, but their sheer numbers made them formidable.


    "Here we go!" Kyle shouted.


    The beasts charged at the defenses, their momentum immediately slowed by Finn''s mud walls.


    Some skidded and fell, their claws unable to gain traction on the slippery surface. Others attempted to climb but were knocked back by Brutus, who roared and swiped with its stone claws.


    Celine immediately summoned [Water Blast] and a jet of high-pressured water shot forward, striking a wolf mid-leap and sending it crashing into its companions.


    She followed up with [Water Waves], spreading the liquid to coat more of the battlefield. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Perfect, Celine! Keep that up!" Kyle called.


    Lina didn''t wait for instructions. She unleashed [Fireball], targeting a cluster of beasts attempting to circle around the walls.


    The explosion sent fur and flesh flying, and the remaining creatures were left staggering. She grinned and immediately cast [Scorch], engulfing another in flames that continued to burn even as it writhed in agony.


    Kyle stepped forward, his katana flashing with icy light. He moved with precision, dancing through the battlefield and cutting down the beasts one after the other.


    Each slash of the [Frozen Claw] sent a beast to death, while those that hanged on to life where frozen due to the frost effect, making them easier targets for Lina and Finn.


    Despite the chaos, Kyle refrained from using any spells. He had told his team to conserve their mana and he had to maintain that facade, even though his infinite mana reserves begged to be unleashed.


    The battle raged on, but their coordinated efforts overwhelmed the horde. Zara remained vigilant, healing minor injuries and replenishing mana as needed.


    The beasts'' numbers began to dwindle. Finn''s defenses held strong, forcing the creatures into predictable paths.


    Brutus crushed those that broke through with his strong paws and claws, while Celine''s water spells kept the terrain slippery and disoriented the enemies.


    Kyle was the most noticeable in the battlefield. His movements seemed super human as he and his katana carved through the horde with brutal efficiency. He had managed to slay over half of the beasts single-handedly without relying on any spells or runes.


    Lina came the closest to matching Kyke''s precision. Her flames roared across the battlefield, leaving scorched earth and charred remains in their wake. She laughed as she fought, reveling in the thrill of battle.


    They continued with their massacre and finally, the last of the common beasts fell, its body collapsing in a heap near the treeline.


    Kyle exhaled slowly, lowering his katana. "Good work, everyone."


    Lina smirked, brushing soot from her arms. "Good work? We crushed it out there! Did you see that last fireball? I don''t think even ashes are left."


    "Yeah, yeah, we get it. You''re the best at setting things on fire. The rest of us held our own, you know," Finn added with an eye roll.


    Zara smiled softly, wiping her brow. "It was a team effort. Everyone played their part." Discover hidden stories at M V L


    "Yeah... You all did great. We couldn''t have handled that wave better."


    They began to relax and Kyle opened his mouth to relay what happened next, but then he froze and his smile faded.


    The others noticed the shift in his expression and fell silent. In the sudden quiet, they all heard it¡ªa new wave of footsteps.


    These were heavier and Kyle could feel the presence of stronger mana signatures amongst them.


    His grip tightened on the [Frozen Claw], and he muttered under his breath, "Oh crap."

 Chapter 130: Ten Mana Beasts?... Ill handle them all

    A knot formed in Kyle''s stomach as he identified the beasts¡ªten Tier 1 mana beasts amidst over hundred common ones. Their intimidating auras made the earlier wave seem like child''s play."Everyone, get ready!" Kyle barked, his voice steady despite the tension.


    The team froze, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten as they turned to face the incoming threat.


    Upon sensing the mana signatures of the Tier 1 beasts; silence enveloped the group before Lina broke it.


    "Ten mana beasts?" Lina asked with disbelief. "We were expecting maybe two or three, not this!"


    Finn gritted his teeth. "We''re not in the best condition for this¡­ Our mana reserves are almost empty." His gaze drifted toward Zara, who was leaning against Brutus with a pale face and visible fatigue.


    Zara had given everything during the first wave, ensuring the team didn''t falter. Her healing had been critical and without her, they would have run out of mana sooner.


    Now, however, Zara looked completely drained. She clutched an empty mana potion bottle in her trembling hands.


    "I''m¡­ sorry," she whispered. "I don''t have anything left. I used up my last potion a while ago."


    Kyle''s gaze softened as he approached Zara, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You''ve done more than enough, Zara. Without you, we wouldn''t have survived the last wave."


    Zara shook her head weakly. "But I can''t help anymore. I''ve failed you all."


    "Don''t say that. You''ve kept us going this far. Now, it''s my turn to pick up the slack."


    Kyle quickly accessed his inventory and four high-grade mana recovery potions materialized in his hand. Their bright blue shimmering color immediately caught the team''s attention.


    "Here," Kyle said, tossing one potion each to Finn, Celine, Lina, and Zara. "Drink these. We''re not out of the fight yet."


    The team stared at the potions in awe. High-grade potions were rare, expensive, and incredibly potent. The mere sight of them was enough to bolster their morale.


    Finn turned the vial over in his hands with disbelief evident in his expression. "High-grade? Kyle¡­ where did you even get these?"


    Kyle waved off the question. "Focus on the fight, not the details. Drink up. We''ll need every bit of strength we can muster."


    As his teammates uncorked the potions and drank, Kyle retrieved a low-grade mana recovery potion for himself.


    He gulped it down, ensuring they believed it was another high-grade mana potion.


    The sweet, syrupy liquid slid down his throat, but did nothing to his infinite mana reserve.


    Zara, the most affected of them all, looked visibly better after drinking her potion. The color returned to her cheeks, and her trembling subsided.


    "I¡­ I feel so much better," she murmured, blinking as if in disbelief.


    "Good," Kyle said with a nod. "We''ll need you at your best, Zara."


    Meanwhile, Celine adjusted her gloves and said with a grim expression. "Ten Tier 1 beasts¡­ That''s a problem. Even with the potions, can we really handle them?"


    Kyle''s tone was firm as he responded. "We can. Stick to the plan, and we''ll get through this."


    "I''m not scared of a few overgrown pests. Let them come¡ªI''ll roast them alive," Lina added with a smirk after cracking her knuckles.


    Celine sighed, shaking her head at Lina''s bravado. "This isn''t about being scared. It''s about being realistic."


    Kyle raised a hand, silencing them both. "Lina''s right, in a way. We can''t afford fear or doubt right now. The beasts will sense it. Focus on the task at hand."


    Lina shot Celine a smug look before turning her attention back to Kyle. "So, what''s the plan, boss?"


    Kyle stepped forward, addressing the entire team. "We''ll divide and conquer. Everyone focuses on the common beasts first.


    Eliminate them as quickly as possible. Keep the battlefield clear so we''re not overwhelmed. I''ll handle the Tier 1s."


    The team exchanged uneasy glances. Finn was the first to voice their concern. "All ten? By yourself? That''s insane, Kyle."


    "I''ve got this," Kyle replied confidently. "Trust me. Once you''ve cleared the common beasts, you can all join me and provide support. Until then, stick together and focus on survival."


    Zara wasn''t buying what he said and couldn''t help but ask: "Kyle¡­ are you sure? Even with your strength, taking on ten mana beasts alone is¡ª"


    "I can do it," Kyle interrupted. "You don''t know what I''m capable of. Trust me to handle this."


    Lina crossed her arms, her fiery demeanor returning. "If Kyle says he can do it, he can. Stop doubting him, Zara. Those beasts don''t stand a chance against us¡ªor him."


    "Besides," Lina added with a smirk, "Those Tier 1s are just overgrown bullies. They''ll burn like the rest."


    Kyle''s lips curved into a faint smile at Lina''s confidence. "That''s the spirit. Keep that fire going, Lina. We''ll need it."


    The team, bolstered by Kyle''s confidence and their rejuvenated mana, nodded in agreement.


    Kyle glanced at the treeline again. The beasts had arrived.


    ''This won''t be easy,'' he thought. ''But we''ll make it through.''


    He took a deep breath and his gaze sweeped over his team one last time. "Positions. They''re almost here." Stay tuned for updates on M V L


    The others scrambled into their assigned roles, ready to face the oncoming horde. Kyle remained at the center, his katana glinting in the sunlight as he prepared for the fight of their lives.


    ''This is going to be messy,'' he thought, adjusting his stance. ''Time to get to work.''


    Kyle quickly activated [Lightning Dash] and zipped towards the first Tier 1 mana beast he could locate. It was an opponent he was very familiar with¡ªA Flame Cat.


    Behind it, more Tier 1 beasts appeared¡ªa Rock Golem, a Storm Hawk, and others, their names flashing in Kyle''s mind as he assessed their abilities.


    With a quick step forward, Kyle activated [Lightning Dash] and a bolt of blue lightning crackled around him as he blurred into motion, closing the gap between himself and the Flame Cat in an instant.


    The beast reacted quickly, lunging with fiery claws, but Kyle was faster.


    His katana arced through the air, its enchanted blade leaving a trail of frost. The clash was loud, sparks flying as the Frozen Claw met the Flame Cat''s blazing claws.


    Kyle slid back, pivoting to avoid a fiery swipe. Channeling mana into his blade, he unleashed the enchantment.


    "Ice Slash!"


    Frost exploded from the blade, encasing the Flame Cat''s legs in slight ice. It didn''t do much to it but Kyle could feel it''s movement was restrained a bit.


    Not wanting to give it any chance. Kyle raised his free hand and casted [Lightning Bolt].


    A crackling spear of electricity formed instantly and shot forward, striking the Flame Cat square in the chest.


    The beast screeched as it collapsed to the ground¡ªlifeless.


    ''Wow,'' Kyle thought, impressed with his strength. ''That was quick.''


    A notification from the system followed almost immediately, interrupting his building thoughts.


    [You have slain a Tier 1 mana beast: Flame Cat]


    [Reward: 1 Tier 1 Mana Core obtained]


    Kyle was surprised when he saw the core, but quickly remembered his first kill¡ªThe system had helped him to extract the core, thereby placing it in his inventory. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''That''s very convenient,'' Kyle thought with a smile before the thought of what would happen after they were done with the battle surfaced in his mind.


    Surely, they would retrieve the cores... Only to see nothing. Kyle didn''t dwell on his thoughts for too long and refocused his attention to the battlefield, ready to continue with his massacre.


    ''I''ll figure out something when the time comes.''

 Chapter 131: Slaughter (1)

    Around him, the rest of the team were dealing with the common beasts. Their spells causing mass destruction amongst them.Kyle, however, had no time to admire their efforts. Another Tier 1 beast¡ªa Rock Golem¡ªwas barreling toward him.


    The beast raised its massive arm, intending to crush him with a single blow but its movement was too slow for Kyle, he didn''t even need to activate [Lightning Dash] to dart to the side, letting the golem''s arm crash down on the earth.


    Kyle took the opportunity, slashing his katana at the creature''s rocky hide, leaving thin cracks in its surface. It wasn''t enough though as the golem roared, refusing to falter.


    "Tough one," he muttered. "I see..."


    Kyle wasn''t surprised that his katana couldn''t cut the beast. He simply reached into his pouch and pulled out a rune.


    Pressing it to his katana, he activated its power and the blade flared with blue light as the rune enhanced its sharpness. With renewed vigor, Kyle lunged forward.


    "Cut!"


    The enhanced strike cleaved into the golem''s arm, shattering it at the elbow. The beast roared in pain, swinging wildly with its remaining arm.


    Kyle dodged nimbly, using [Lightning Dash] to keep himself out of reach.


    Finally, he cast [Lightning Bolt], aiming for the cracks he had created earlier. The bolt struck true, piercing through the golem''s chest. It froze momentarily, then collapsed in a heap of rubble.


    Another notification appeared:


    [You have slain a Tier 1 mana beast: Rock Golem.] Discover hidden stories at M V L


    [Reward: 1* Tier 1 Mana Core obtained.]


    Kyle''s grin widened. He could feel his confidence growing with each kill.


    The battle continued, and Kyle located another Tier 1 beast. A Storm Hawk. As a bird, it could fly but from its current level as a Tier 1 beast, it could only fly about 5 feet of the ground.


    That didn''t make it less threatening though and Kyle didn''t dare to underestimate it.


    The Storm Hawk swooped down at Kyle after almost being hit by his [Lightning Bolt], with wings crackling with the lightning.


    Kyle countered with another [Lightning Bolt], which managed to hit the hawk squarely on its face resulting in it becoming disoriented.


    Kyle immediately took that opportunity and leapt into the air, using his katana to cleanly slice through the hawk''s neck.


    [You have slain a Tier 1 mana beast: Storm Hawk.]


    [Reward: 1* Tier 1 Mana Core obtained.]


    A Shadow Panther emerged next, its dark, sleek body almost invisible against the chaos. It lunged at Kyle with supernatural speed and its claws aimed for his throat.


    But Kyle was faster, activating [Lightning Dash] to evade and counterattack. His katana caught the panther mid-leap, its icy enchantment freezing the beast''s wound instantly.


    Kyle pressed his advantage, his blade moved very quickly as he struck repeatedly. It didn''t take too long before the panther fell and another notification confirmed his victory.


    [You have slain a Tier 1 mana beast: Shadow Panther.]


    [Reward: 1* Tier 1 Mana Core obtained.]


    ''That''s four,'' Kyle thought, glancing at the others.


    The team was still dealing with the common beasts. Though they were making progress, the sheer number of enemies was slowing them down.


    "I need to finish this faster," Kyle muttered.


    Turning his attention back to the remaining Tier 1 beasts, he activated [Lightning Dash] again, his body blurring as he targeted the next one¡ªa Venom Fang snake.


    Kyle''s movements didn''t go unnoticed and the snake snapped its elongated body towards him like a whip.


    He twisted mid-dash, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the beast was fast¡ªfaster than any of the others he had faced so far.


    ''This one''s not going to go down easy,'' Kyle thought, planting his feet and steadying his katana.


    "Alright, let''s see how you handle this," he muttered. Channeling mana into his palms, Kyle sent a bolt of lightning towards the beast.


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    Unfortunately, the snake darted to the side, avoiding the attack with uncanny agility, and even managed to retaliate with a stream of venom that sprayed toward Kyle. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Not happening!" Kyle shouted, activating [Lightning Dash] to evade. The venom struck the ground where he had been standing, sizzling ominously.


    Kyle circled the beast, looking for an opening. Finally, he decided to take a risk. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned another rune from his pouch¡ªa glowing symbol etched into a small metal plate.


    He threw it at the Venom Fang, and as it struck the ground near the beast, before activating.


    A lightning barrier enveloped the snake upon its activation. Kyle knew the Rune effect would only last some seconds and had to act quick.


    He leapt into the air with his katana raised high, and brought it down with all his strength... Right on the moment the barrier dissipated.


    [You have slain a Tier 1 mana beast: Venom Fang.]


    [Reward: 1* Tier 1 Mana Core obtained.]


    Kyle yanked his katana free, shards of ice scattering around him. He allowed himself a brief moment to breathe, but the roar of another beast reminded him the fight was far from over.


    The next Tier 1 opponent was a Blazing Ram. The massive creature charged forward, its horns glowing red-hot as flames trailed behind it. Kyle steadied his katana, his eyes narrowing as he prepared to face the beast head-on.


    The ram lowered its head and kept running towards Kyle to build up momentum, but Kyle didn''t flinch. He waited until the last possible second, then sidestepped with [Lightning Dash].


    The ram''s charge missed by inches, and before it could recover, Kyle struck.


    His katana slashed across its flank, the icy enchantment extinguishing the flames along its body. The ram bellowed in rage, spinning to face him again, but Kyle was already moving.


    He unleashed a flurry of attacks, each strike precise and relentless.


    Finally, with a well-timed [Lightning Bolt], he struck the beast in its exposed side.


    The bolt exploded on impact, sending the ram crashing to the ground.


    [You have slain a Tier 1 mana beast: Blazing Ram.]


    [Reward: 1* Tier 1 Mana Core obtained.]


    Kyle straightened amd his breath coming in controlled bursts. ''Five down, five to go.''


    The remaining Tier 1 beasts¡ªan Earth Driller, a Frost Lynx, and two Wind Wolves¡ªwere circling him now. Their coordination was better than he''d expected, each beast waiting for an opportunity to strike.


    "Alright," Kyle muttered, tightening his grip on Frozen Claw. "Let''s see how well you work together when you''re dead."


    He lunged toward the Earth Driller first, its hulking form making it the easiest target. The beast roared and its drill-like claws spinning furiously as it prepared to counter.


    Kyle darted left, feinting an attack, before using [Lightning Dash] to appear on its right. His katana slashed through one of its legs, forcing it to collapse.


    Before the Earth Driller could retaliate, Kyle summoned another rune and slapped it onto the beast''s exposed back.


    The rune exploded in a burst of frost, freezing its body in place. With a decisive strike to its head, Kyle ended the fight.


    [You have slain a Tier 1 mana beast: Earth Driller.]


    [Reward: 1* Tier 1 Mana Core obtained.]


    The remaining beasts hadn''t support their comrade and had just watched on till Kyle killed the other.


    "Stupid creatures," Kyle muttered before targeting the Frost Lynx next. It was smaller but faster and its sharp claws werecoated in frost as it leapt toward him.


    Kyle met the lynx midair. He parried its strikes with his katana, countering with precise stabs. Finally, he managed to land a decisive blow and his blade piercing the beast''s heart.


    [You have slain a Tier 1 mana beast: Frost Lynx.]


    [Reward: 1* Tier 1 Mana Core obtained.]

 Chapter 132: Slaughter (2)

    The two Wind Wolves that remained didn''t come one after the other this time. Unlike the rest, the wolves charged towards Kyle at the same time.The first wolf lunged at Kyle, its jaws snapping with razor-sharp teeth. Kyle sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the attack, and retaliated with a wide slash. The katana''s ice enchantment sent a sharp chill through the air, forcing the wolf to retreat.


    The second wolf took advantage of the opening, striking from behind. Kyle spun, activating [Lightning Dash] to narrowly avoid the ambush. He appeared several feet away, and summoned a spell.


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    The bolt of electricity crackled through the air, aimed directly at the first wolf. The beast attempted to dodge, but the spell struck its hind leg, sending it sprawling to the ground with a pained yelp.


    Kyle didn''t waste a second. He closed the distance with [Lightning Dash], his katana slashing downward in a decisive arc. The blade pierced the wolf''s chest, freezing its heart in an instant.


    [You have slain a Tier 1 mana beast: Wind Wolf]


    [Reward: 1* Tier 1 Mana Core obtained.]


    The remaining wolf howled, showing its anger by a sudden manifestation of a fierce wind that lashed at Kyle.


    The wolf charged through its own storm, its eyes glowing with feral rage. Kyle held his ground, waiting for the precise moment to strike.


    As the wolf leapt, jaws wide open, Kyle activated [Lightning Dash], appearing just behind it.


    The wolf landed and skidded to a halt, confused by Kyle''s sudden disappearance. Before it could turn, Kyle thrust his katana forward, the blade plunging deep into its side.


    The wolf howled in agony, its body trembling as frost spread from the wound. Kyle twisted the blade, ending the fight with a final burst of icy energy.


    [You have slain a Tier 1 mana beast: Wind Wolf] S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Reward: 1 Tier 1 Mana Core obtained]


    Kyle stepped back, his katana dripping with blood and ice as he surveyed the battlefield. The Tier 1 beasts lay defeated around him, their massive forms now lifeless.


    ''Wow!'' Kyle exclaimed internally. "I really did it... I killed them all!"


    He turned to see the rest of his team still locked in combat with the common beasts. Though the potions had rejuvenated them, the sheer number of enemies was taking its toll.


    "I''ll put the celevration on hold," Kyle decided, sheating his katana for a moment. "Time to even the odds."


    He took a deep breath and activated [Lightning Dash], vanishing in a flash of light. When he reappeared, he was in the thick of the chaos.


    Beasts surrounded his teammates, who were visibly worn out despite the high-grade potions he''d provided.


    Kyle''s arrival caught everyone''s attention. "Kyle?!" Lina shouted with a voice that was a mixture of shock and relief, "You took care of them?!"


    "Yeah," Kyle said with a calm voice. "I''ve got some mana to spare. Let''s end this."


    Without waiting for a response, Kyle thrust his hand forward, summoning an exceptionally powerful [Lightning Bolt]. The spell crackled with intensity as it surged through the clustered beasts, obliterating several in one strike.


    The resulting explosion sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield, staggering the remaining beasts and giving his teammates a much-needed reprieve.


    "Did you see that?!" Lina''s voice rang out, her fiery demeanor flaring to life. "That''s Kyle for you! We can''t let him show us up like this! Keep fighting, you slackers!"


    Her words rekindled their spirits, and Kyle smirked. ''A morale boost, huh? I''ll give them something to really cheer about.''


    Drawing runes from his inventory, Kyle began activating them in rapid succession. A Thunderstorm Rune sent arcs of electricity cascading through the air, frying anything within its radius.


    A Frostwave Rune blanketed the ground in icy shards, immobilizing several beasts. The runes worked in tandem with his spells, creating a symphony of destruction that left the beasts no chance to regroup.


    Kyle''s actions were calculated but flashy, showcasing a level of control that belied the exhaustion his teammates expected him to feel. ''I didn''t use too much mana during my previous fight,'' he thought, ''Thanks to that, I can afford to show off a little.''


    Finn stared in disbelief as another pack of beasts was incinerated by Kyle''s combined runes and spells.


    "He''s been fighting Tier 1s this whole time and still has that much mana left? How is that even possible?"


    "I don''t care how he''s doing it!" Lina bellowed as she launched another fireball. "He''s making us look pathetic! Step it up, Finn!"


    Kyle grinned at the exchange but didn''t slow his onslaught. He transitioned seamlessly between using [Lightning Dash] to close gaps and [Lightning Bolt] to clear clusters of beasts.


    When a particularly bold beast lunged at him, Kyle unsheathed Frozen Claw in a blur and dispatched it with a single, icy strike.


    The tide of the battle shifted dramatically. Inspired by Kyle''s relentless assault, the team found a second wind. Lina''s flames grew fiercer, Finn''s earth constructs sturdier, and Celine''s water attacks more precise. Even Zara, who had nearly collapsed earlier, managed to contribute with her healing spells.


    "Don''t let him do all the work!" Lina shouted, hurling a fiery explosion into a dense group of beasts. "We''ve got this!"


    Together, they began pushing back the remaining horde. Kyle led the charge, carving through the beasts with ease, while his teammates worked in unison to mop up the stragglers. The battle was brutal but swift, and before long, the last of the common beasts fell.


    Kyle stood amidst the carnage, breathing heavily¡ªnot from exertion, but to maintain the illusion of fatigue. His teammates had collapsed to the ground around him and their faces were smeared with dirt and sweat but filled with triumph.


    "That was¡­ insane," Finn said between gasps for air. "You took down ten Tier 1s and helped us finish this mess? Kyle, you''re not human."


    "You''re right," Lina chimed in. "He''s a god of destruction sent to shame us all."


    Kyle chuckled, waving off their exaggerated praise. "You all did great too. This wouldn''t have been possible without you."


    "You turned the tide of this fight, Kyle," Celine decided to say. "We were struggling, and then¡­ you just appeared. I''ve never seen anything like it."


    "Thank you, Kyle. We wouldn''t have made it without you," Zara concluded with a smile.


    Kyle scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "It''s a team effort, right? You kept everyone alive, Zara. That''s just as important."


    The group fell into a comfortable silence, catching their breath and tending to minor injuries.


    There were no longer any beasts coming, but they decided not stay comfortable until sun set. Finally, after a short while, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the battlefield in a warm twilight glow.


    The absence of snarls and growls confirmed what they all hoped: the beast tide had ended.


    "We did it," Lina said, her voice filled with awe and satisfaction. "We actually survived."


    Finn let out a weary laugh. "Barely. But yeah, we did."


    Kyle glanced at the sky, his gaze softening. The weight of the battle lifted, replaced by a quiet pride. "Good job, everyone. You earned this victory."


    Lina grinned, throwing an arm around Kyle''s shoulders. "And you earned about a million bragging rights. Just wait till everyone hears about how you took on ten Tier 1s by yourself." Experience more on M V L


    Kyle laughed, brushing her off. "Let''s remember that there''s still the next day. It might be worse than this one."

 Chapter 133: A Reason to Fight

    The group focused their attention on the massive pile of beast carcasses scattered across the battlefield, particularly the Tier 1''s."Well, we can''t just leave all of this here. We need to begin harvesting their mana cores," Lina suggested.


    "Yeah," Finn nodded in agreement, bringing out a set of tools from his space pouch. "The mana core is usually located near the chest, just behind the sternum. It''s the source of their power, like a heart but far more valuable. Let''s get to work."


    The group began retrieving their own cutting tools, preparing to extract the mana cores. Kyle unsheathed his katana, using its razor-sharp edge to make precise incisions in the beasts'' thick hides.


    But as they began dissecting the beasts, something unexpected happened.


    "Wait," Celine said with a voice filled with confusion. She had been working on a large wolf-like beast, but upon reaching its chest cavity, "There''s¡­ nothing here."


    "What do you mean, nothing?" Zina asked, pausing her work. She walked over to see for herself and Celine held up her hands, showing her empty palms, and pointed to the hollow space where the mana core should have been.


    Kyle checked the wolf he had just opened. Again, no core. He moved to another beast and repeated the process. Still nothing. The same results were echoed by the others as they checked more carcasses.


    "This doesn''t make any sense," Celine said, "Every mana beast has a core. It''s how they channel their energy and grow stronger. How can all of these be missing?"


    "This isn''t normal," Finn muttered, looking genuinely unsettled. He turned to Kyle. "This is serious, Kyle. Mana beasts without cores? Do you know what this means? It could cause massive problems for our society. No cores mean no resources for mages, no power for enchanted artifacts, no¡ª"


    "Yeah, I get it," Kyle interrupted. He gulped, trying to suppress the guilt bubbling inside him. ''What have I done?''


    Void, who had been seemingly quiet the whole while found the perfect opportunity to attack Kyle. [Congratulations, genius. You''ve single-handedly rewritten nature''s rules. Bravo.]


    ''Shut it, Void, Kyle snapped mentally. ''That isn''t helping.''


    [Oh, but I am helping] Void retorted smugly. [At least someone has to point out your brilliance.]


    Before Kyle could mentally retort, Lina''s voice pulled him back to reality.


    "So, what do we do with all these¡­ junkyard of beasts?" she asked, gesturing to the hundreds of carcasses littering the field.


    Kyle snapped out of his internal conversation and looked around. The battlefield did resemble a kind of "beast junkyard," with bodies piled up as far as his eye could see. He thought for a while before replying:


    "We''ll take one each for ourselves, and I''ll keep one to study. Finn, you can take one back to the academy for research. As for the rest¡­" He glanced toward the nearby village. "We''ll give them to the villagers. They can use the meat and hides."


    The group agreed, and Finn stored a single beast in his space pouch. Kyle, not wanting to reveal his infinite inventory, opted to carry only ten, lying to them that he had a very high tier space ring.


    The others stored one each in their smaller space rings. It wasn''t long before the villagers, hearing of the group''s efforts, began emerging from their homes to help.


    Men and women alike joined in, bringing carts and tools to transport the beasts. Kyle and his teammates were grateful for the assistance, and they all worked together to move the carcasses to the village square. As they arrived, the square was buzzing with excitement.


    The villagers were overjoyed at the bounty before them. Children ran around the piles of beasts and their laughter echoing through the air, while the adults discussed how to best utilize the resources.


    The celebrations continued until the village head, Hendrick, emerged from the crowd, his face bearing a very proud smile. "You have saved us, brave warriors," he declared. "To show our gratitude, we will hold a grand feast tonight in your honor!"


    Everyone began cheering and clapping at Hendrick''s declaration. The group exchanged smiles and their exhaustion was momentarily forgotten. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The villagers wasted no time and began setting up for the celebration. They began skinning and butchering the beasts, with Kyle and his team joining in to assist.


    Kyle meanwhile used the Frozen Claw to expertly slice through the tough hides of the Tier 1 beasts.


    The ice enchantment made the process easier, freezing the edges of the cuts and preserving the meat. Lina used her flames to sear away stubborn fur, while Finn''s earth magic created sturdy tables for the villagers to work on.


    Celine and Zara also helped out by taking over the cleaning and sterilizing of the meat, their magic making it very easy for them.


    [From mighty warrior to part-time butcher. Truly inspiring]


    Experience new tales on M V L


    ''Quiet, Void,'' Kyle thought, focusing on his work.


    As the sky turned dark, the preparation shifted to cooking. Kyle and the others found themselves in the village kitchen, a bustling outdoor area filled with large pots and grills.


    Lina took charge of the fires, her flames precise and controlled, while Celine used her water magic to clean ingredients.


    "Pass me those spices," Lina called, stirring a bubbling pot of stew. "And don''t skimp on the salt, Kyle!"


    Zina rolled his eyes but complied, handing her a pouch of seasonings. "You''re bossy, you know that?"


    "And you''re slow. Keep up!" Lina shot back with a grin.


    The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and camaraderie anx the villagers worked alongside the team, sharing recipes and stories as they prepared the feast.


    Kyle found himself enjoying the sense of community and a rare moment of normalcy amidst the chaos of their mission.


    Finally, as the stars began to dot the sky, the feast was ready. Tables were set up in the square, laden with roasted meat, hearty stews, and fresh bread.


    Hendrick stood at the head of the main table, raising a mug of ale. "To our heroes!" he declared. "May their bravery and strength inspire us all and may we achieve more victories and drive the tide away!"


    The crowd erupted in cheers, and the feast began. Plates were piled high, and the air filled with the sounds of clinking mugs and happy chatter. Kyle sat with his teammates, savoring the food and the rare sense of peace.


    "You know," Lina said, tearing into a piece of roasted meat, "This might just be the best meal I''ve ever had."


    Celine nodded, her eyes twinkling. "It''s not just the food. It''s everything¡ªthe people, the atmosphere. It feels¡­ special."


    Kyle glanced around and observed the atmosphere. He was truly happy. This was why he had chosen this mission¡ªto get along with people and he was loving every moment of it. This felt like something worth remembering.


    As the night wore on, the villagers brought out instruments, and the square transformed into a lively dance floor. Children twirled in circles, their laughter infectious, while adults clapped along to the music.


    Even Kyle found himself pulled into the festivities. For a brief moment, the weight of their journey lifted, replaced by joy and celebration. Kyle allowed himself to relax, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges. But tonight, they had earned their victory.


    As the stars shone brightly above, Kyle looked up and whispered to himself, "Maybe¡­ this is what we''re fighting for."


    As the night wore on, the festive atmosphere gradually began to wind down. The music slowed, and the villagers, weary but content, started heading home. The square, once bustling with laughter and dancing was now filled with quiet voices as people bid their farewells.


    "That was exhausting, but I can''t complain. The food was worth it," Lina said with a yawn.


    Celine chuckled softly. "And the people too. It''s rare to see this much joy in a time like this."


    "We should get some rest. Tomorrow''s going to be another long day," Finn suggested and with everyone in agreement, the group made their way to the cottage assigned to them.


    It didn''t take long for everyone to settle in upon reaching the cottage. The day''s activities had drained their energy, and soon, the cottage was filled with the soft sounds of their breathing. Kyle lay on his back, staring at the ceiling as he mentally commanded his system.


    ''Wake me in two hours, just in case.''

 Chapter 134: Tides Source (1)

    After commanding the system, Kyle closed his eyes, telling himself that he would only rest for a moment. But the warmth of the room and the deep fatigue in his muscles betrayed him and within minutes, he was fast asleep.**


    Two hours later, the system''s piercing alarm blared inside Kyle''s head, jolting him awake.


    [RISE AND SHINE, GENIUS!] Void''s voice also echoed inside his mind, far too cheerful for the ungodly hour.


    ''Good timing. Thanks''


    [You should be thanking the system. I was just enjoying the show of you drooling in your sleep.]


    Ignoring Void''s jab, Kyle sat up and glanced around the room. His teammates were sound asleep and that was the perfect moment to act.


    He stood up and quietly slipped out the door, making sure to be careful so as not to wake anyone. The night air hit him like a cool wave upon leaving the cottage. He glanced at his comm to confirm the time. "11:00 PM,"


    The village was eerily quiet, the earlier liveliness replaced by a heavy stillness. Most of the lanterns had been extinguished, leaving the streets bathed in darkness. Only the faint glow of the moon provided illumination, casting long, distorted shadows across the ground.


    Kyle walked through the empty streets, his boots making soft crunching sounds against the dirt path. The occasional rustle of leaves in the wind broke the silence, but otherwise, the world seemed to be holding its breath.


    Finally, Kyle reached the eastern edge of the village where the forest loomed ahead of him. He stopped at the forest''s edge and took in the scene before him.


    The expanse of trees seemed endless... Like a vast sea of darkness that swallowed everything beyond.


    ''This is it,'' Kyle thought, summoning the Frozen Claw and gripping its hilt tightly.


    He took a deep breath and steeled himself. The mission''s official objective was to hold the tide for four days until reinforcements from the academy could arrive. But Kyle wasn''t content with simply defending. Something about the sudden surge in beast activity didn''t sit right with him.


    ''If there''s a source causing this tide, I''ll find it,'' he thought.


    The decision was equal parts confidence and recklessness, but Kyle couldn''t ignore the gnawing feeling in his gut. If he could stop the tide at its root, it would save countless lives¡ªand he had the skills, the weapons, and Void by his side to make it happen. Above all, he would possibly get the combat experience and adventure he had been wanting.


    Kyle stepped deeper into the forest, before stopping at a small clearing. He scanned the area cautiously before summoning the tools Orion had prepared for him.


    The pathfinder map lit up in his hand, its interface projecting a detailed view of the areas Kyle had already explored. According to Orion, the map logged his steps, marking his path and revealing useful details he had encountered. As Kyle turned it toward the uncharted forest ahead, the screen remained blank.


    ''Right,'' Kyle thought, clipping the device to his belt. ''This will only be useful on the way back.''


    He then reached for the soundless whistle. Orion had described its purpose with great enthusiasm, explaining how it emitted a frequency normal to humans but frustrating to nearby beasts. It was very useful and Kyle knew that, but he considering his options on whether to use it.


    ''Not yet,'' he decided, pocketing the whistle. The idea of luring beasts sounded efficient, but Kyle couldn''t ignore the risk. What if the whistle''s range was larger than expected? What if it summoned a swarm of Tier 1 beasts¡ªor worse, something stronger?


    The forest was an unknown variable, and until he had a better understanding of his surroundings, he wasn''t taking unnecessary risks.


    Finally, he summoned the [Veil of Silence], the enchanted mask materializing in his hands. Its black surface gleamed faintly under the moonlight and its edges were smooth and seamless.


    The moment Kyle placed it over his face, the world fell unnaturally silent for a while. He adjusted the mask to fit before summoning Void.


    With a faint flash of light, the dragon materialized beside him. Void stretched his sleek, black-scaled body, yawning as his bright golden eyes scanned the forest.


    "Finally!" he exclaimed, his tail swishing eagerly. "I thought I was going to rot in that space forever."


    Kyle gestured for Void to lower his voice, earning an unimpressed snort.


    "Right, that mask," Void muttered upon noticing what he wore on his face. "You know, it''s going to be really boring if you can''t even talk. How am I supposed to annoy you properly?"


    Kyle rolled his eyes, pointing toward the dense woods ahead. Void''s irritation melted away, replaced by excitement. The dragon sniffed the air, his pupils dilating. "There''s a lot of mana around. This is going to be fun!"


    The two moved forward, navigating the dense forest. There were some common beasts that Kyle and Void passed, but he ignored them as they weren''t useful to him and couldn''t cause real harm anyway. He''ll rather stay lowkey until he got involved in an actual fight.


    ***


    Find more adventures on M-V-L


    After nearly an hour of walking, Kyle and Void came to a stop. The dragon sniffed the air and grinned widely. "Finally... A mana beast!"


    Kyle remained still and watched behind the bushes. Moments later, a golden-furred deer emerged, its luminous eyes glowing faintly in the dark.


    Kyle immediately activated [Inspect] and the translucent system panel appeared before his eyes.


    [Earthstride Deer: Tier 1]


    [Element: Earth]


    The deer didn''t give Kyle a moment to think upon locating him, charging forward with a burst of speed that sent chunks of dirt flying in its wake.


    Void licked his lips excitedly as he saw the charging deer. "Finally, some action! Let me¡ª"


    Kyle interrupted Void with a raise of his hand, signaling for Void to hold back.


    "What? You''re planning to hog the fun?" Void complained, pouting.


    Kyle ignored him, simply stepping forward and raising his hand. A crackling bolt of blue lightning formed in his palm, illuminating the forest briefly before striking the charging deer.


    Lightning Bolt.


    The spell slammed into the deer''s chest, halting its momentum and leaving a smoking scorch mark on its fur but it didn''t make it halt its charge as it tried to recover.


    Kyle simply spammed [Lightning Bolt]s one after the other until the beast fell, not even noticing the moment it had and fallen.


    [Congratulations! You have slain a Tier-1 mana beast: Earthstride Deer!]


    [You''ve obtained 1* Tier-1 Mana Core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 1/1000]


    Kyle brushed his hands and smiled widely after seeing the system notifications.


    Void padded over to the fallen deer, sniffing it with mild interest. "Not bad," he admitted, though his tone was laced with sarcasm. "But you know, I could''ve finished it in half the time."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow but said nothing, motioning for Void to follow.


    "Fine, fine," Void sighed dramatically, though his swishing tail betrayed his excitement. "But I''m calling dibs on the next one. You can''t hog all the fun."


    They both continued moving through the forest but their progress was slower than expected. After some more meters, Kyle finally decided to come to a halt.


    He reached up and removed the [Veil of Silence], holding it up on his hand so that he could talk.


    "We''re wasting too much time."


    "Finally noticed, did you? I thought we''ll keep walking forever."


    Kyle shot Void a look but didn''t dignify his comment with a response. Instead, he clenched his fist and channeled mana through his body.


    "Let''s speed things up. We''ll use [Lightning Dash] to cover more ground and take out beasts quickly. No point dragging this out." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Void grinned and brimmed with excitement. "Now you''re talking. Let''s see if you can keep."


    Kyle smirked and wore back his mask, and his body crackled with arcs of blue lightning. In an instant, he disappeared and a trail of sparks lighted up his paths. Void took off after him, his agile form cutting through the trees with ease. The duo became a blur of motion as they continued heading deeper into the forest.


    They soon began encountering some beasts, but each beast they met eventually met their end. After they cleared a group of mana beasts, which Void had contributed to some deaths. Kyle thought for a moment before taking off his mask to ask:


    "Not bad," Kyle remarked, glancing at the fallen creature. "How do we get the mana core?"

 Chapter 135: Shocking Discovery

    "Not bad," Kyle remarked, glancing at the fallen creature. "How do we get the mana core?"Usually, when Kyle killed a mana beast he felt its mana core reappearing into his inventory and that was very convenient for him, as he didn''t have to spend time opening up the beasts like others do.


    He had wondered if the same would apply with Void''s kills, but upon the falling of the beast, Kyle had neither gotten a notification nor a mana core and that was going to pose a challenge for him. He couldn''t afford to waste time harvesting cores for Void.


    Void had read Kyle''s expression and with lazy expression he replied:


    Enjoy more content from M-V-L Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don''t worry about that, I felt it vanish into my pet space."


    "Good," Kyle said with relief. "That saves us a lot of trouble."


    "It also saves me the trouble of sharing my hard earned cores," Void added with a low voice and Kyle who had heard him ignored his comment, putting on his mask, they continued heading deeper into the forest


    ***


    After an hour of relentless dashing and battling, the number of beasts they encountered began to dwindle. At first, they came across few creatures, but soon, even those sightings ceased and they didn''t see anymore beasts.


    ''Something is wrong,'' Kyle thought, not able to take it any longer, he paused his walk and examined his surroundings.


    "What''s wrong?" Void noticed Kyle''s actions and couldn''t help but ask. Kyle, meanwhile had already decided on how to proceed. He signaled Void that they continue, this time more cautious.


    Void was quick to understand and they continued with walking deeper into the forest. After some more minutes, the duo stopped behind a large, dense bush.


    It was very large that they''ll need to trek several to go around it. Kyle looked at the bush and his instincts were screaming to him that behind it laid great danger.


    Kyle removed the [Veil of Silence] and came up with a plan.


    "Void, you''ll go check it out. Use [Phase] to go through the bush and [Invisibility] to stay hidden," Kyle explained. "I want you to observe what''s behind the bush, you don''t need to explore deeper. Just report whatever you see back to me."


    Void didn''t hesitate and nodded his head. "Got it."


    Void''s form shimmered as he activated [Invisibility], his sleek body fading from sight. The dragon had improved alot on maintaining this state, thanks to Kyle and it was difficult to feel his presence especially now that he had gone Invisible from a cool state.


    Void took a deep breath, steeling himself before activating [Phase], after which his body turned semi-ethereal, and he slipped silently through the dense foliage.


    ***


    Void emerged on the other side, his invisible form gliding noiselessly into a vast clearing but the sight that came within his view made him freeze mid-step.


    A large pool shimmered under the moonlight and its surface glowed faintly with an ethereal light. The air around it was saturated with mana, so thick that Void felt a tingling sensation across his scales. The energy was almost intoxicating, pulling at his senses like a siren''s call.


    But it wasn''t the pool itself that unnerved Void¡ªit was the sheer number of beasts surrounding it. Hundreds, if not thousands, of mana beasts stood in eerie silence, their gazes fixed on the glowing pool.


    They ranged from common beasts to Tier-1 creatures, but that wasn''t all. Void could make out some Tier-2 and even one large beast that he assumed to be of a higher tier than that¡ªpossibly a Tier-3 beasts!


    The strangest part about what Void saw was how the beasts behaved. Despite their differing power levels and natural instincts to dominate or hunt one another, they all stood still and their bodies radiated with an unnatural calm. There were no roars, no growls, no movement¡ªjust an unsettling quiet.


    Void''s breath hitched, and he quickly retreated, phasing back through the bushes and disabling [Invisibility]. He reappeared in front of Kyle and his golden eyes were wide with fear.


    "What did you see?" Kyle asked the moment Void came back, bracing himself for the worst after seeing his restless expression.


    "I saw a pool," Void said with a trembling voice. "It was a huge one and it glowed with mana. The air around it¡ªit''s heavy and saturated with energy. But I also saw beasts¡­"


    Kyle gulped hard as he imagined the worst possible scenarios. "Beasts... What about them?"


    "They''re everywhere," Void continued. "Hundreds, maybe more. Common beasts, Tier-1, Tier-2¡­ I think I even saw a Tier-3 beast. And they''re all just standing there, completely still. It''s¡­ unnatural."


    Kyle''s stomach tightened after he heard Void''s report. A gathering of that many beasts, especially of mixed tiers, was very deadly. Worst of all, a possibility existed that something or rather someone was controlling them.


    ***


    Inside the small cottage Kyle and his teammates were assigned to, the air was thick with the soft hum of slumber.


    In one of the rooms, Celine stirred in her bunk. She lay on the lower bed while Finn lied soundly above her, his snoring disturbing despite being covered up by blankets.


    Celine eyes fluttered open as a familiar dryness crept into her throat. ''Again,'' she thought, groaning softly.


    Celine had always had a habit of waking in the middle of the night for a drink and this was another one of those nights where she was going to do so.


    She shifted her weight carefully, her slender frame moving with practiced precision to leave the bed without too much noise so as yo avoid waking Finn.


    "Water first, then back to bed. Shouldn''t have eaten so much salted jerk," Celine whispered to no one in particular before leaving for the door with small and light steps.


    She pushed the door open with a soft creak upon reaching it and stepped into the main room. The room was dimly lit, but she could make out the bunk where Zara and Lina slept, while straight ahead Kyle slept under his blanket.


    Celine barely spared Kyle a glance as she made her way to the small wooden counter where the cups were stored.


    She reached for a ceramic cup and placed it on the counter. "I''m too lazy to fetch water the normal way," she muttered, smirking as she raised her hand, before closing her eyes briefly and summoning her magic.


    A soft blue glow surrounded her fingers as she casted a small [Water Wave] resulting in a gentle trickle of water appearing, swirling in mid-air before gracefully pouring into the cup.


    She adjusted the flow with great control, ensuring not a single drop spilled as the cup filled.


    Celine''s lips curled into a smile as she watched the water dance. It was moments like these that reminded her how much she loved being a Water Mage.


    "So convenient," she murmured, lifting the cup and taking a slow sip. The cool liquid slid down her throat and refreshed her instantly.


    She glanced at her hand, summoning another small orb of water and letting it float above her palm.


    "I can fight, wash, clean¡­ and even quench my thirst. What more could anyone want?" Her smile grew as she gulped the rest of the water, placing the empty cup back on the counter and turning to leave.


    Celine couldn''t help but glance towards the corner where Kyle had insisted on sleeping before she left.


    As her eyes fell on his blanketed form, Celine had to admit, Kyle had surprised her in the past days. His skill was something she had always admired and now that she had got to know him some more.


    The admiration she felt for him had only increased further. Seeing him resting so peacefully, a quiet thought snuck into her mind: ''I wonder what he looks like when he sleeps...''


    Her cheeks warmed slightly, and she scoffed at herself. ''Don''t be ridiculous... I can''t afford to wake him up. I''ll make a fool out of myself.''


    As he wanted to turn away, something tugged at her attention again. She looked closely at the blanket covering Kyle. There was something... odd.


    It looked flat, almost as though no one was under it. Celine frowned and decided to step closer, and as she did her heart began to race.


    Kyle wouldn''t just leave in the middle of the night, would he?


    The unease grew as she crouched beside the blanket. Carefully, she reached out to tug it away, and what she saw made her gasp and stumble backward, nearly falling in her haste to get away.


    ¡ªThere was nothing under the blanket.

 Chapter 136: New Quest!

    "No, no, no... this isn''t happening."Her first instinct was to run, but she forced herself to calm down. She couldn''t leave the others unaware. Swallowing her fear, she rushed to the bunk beside Kyle.


    "Wake up!" Celine called out to Zara who slept on the lower bunk, vigorously shaking her to ensure she woke up. "Get up, now!"


    "What the¡ªCeline!" Zara grumbled, groggily swatting at her. "What''s your problem?"


    "It''s the middle of the night," Lina muttered from above the bed, she had also woken up from Celine''s loud call.


    "Kyle''s gone..." Celine simply said, getting the attention of the two girls. They both sat up immediately, Zara rubbing her eyes while Lina frowned. "Gone? What do you mean, gone?"


    "I mean he''s not here. His blanket is empty and I don''t know where he is."


    Lina rolled her eyes. "He probably went outside. Maybe he needed air or something."


    Zara nodded in agreement, "Yeah, don''t freak out. He''s probably nearby."


    Finn heard the voice coming from the main room and had already gotten up to find out what the problem was.


    He came to the room only to see the three girls up and Kyle absent from the room. "What''s going on?" he looked at them for answers.


    Celine explained everything to him and how Kyle had seemingly disappeared. After listening to her explanation, Finn didn''t waste time to decide.


    "We will check for him." Your next read awaits at M-V-L


    They all agreed except Lina who wasn''t in terms of using her nap time to find Kyle. "Fine, let''s look. But I swear, if this is just him wandering off to get air or something, I''m going to kill him."


    ***


    The four of them stepped outside meeting the chill of the night. The village was eerily quiet and the moon casted long shadows over the sandy ground. They immediately decided to split up slightly, calling Kyle''s name in hushed tones as they searched around the immediate area.


    "He''s not here," Zara muttered after a few minutes of searching. "Where could he have gone?"


    "Wait," Finn decided to stop. He gestured for the others to come closer, pointing at a faint trail of footprints in the sand. "These could be his."


    "Are you sure?" Lina asked.


    "No... But judging from the texture and density, they were left recently and it means that there''s a high chance it belong to Kyle."


    They accepted Finn''s logic and decided to trace the footprint and see where it led to.


    After several minutes of following the footprint, they eventually reached the Eastern Edge. They had reached the extreme end of the trail despite knowing where it will lead to for the hope that maybe the owner of the footprint had turned back upon reaching there.


    Sadly, the footprint had ceased the moment they reached the edge of the forest, meaning that Kyle had gone into the forest.


    "Why would he go into the forest? That doesn''t make any sense," Celine couldn''t help but question when they confirmed Kyle''s location.


    "That''s the question, isn''t it?" Finn said grimly, standing up. "But the fact is, he did."


    They exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the situation sinking in. Finn finally broke the silence. "Let''s go back for now."


    ***


    Back in the cottage, the mood was somber. Zara leaned against the table, her arms crossed, while Lina sat on the bed, staring at the floor. Celine paced restlessly and her mind was racing with possibilities.


    "What do we do now?" she finally asked, breaking the silence. "We can''t just leave him out there."


    "What else? We go after him," Finn said.


    Lina blinked in surprise. "Are you serious? He could be anywhere by now."


    "And that''s why we need to start searching," Finn said firmly. "Whatever reason he had for going into the forest, it must have been important. He needs our help."


    Celine nodded, her earlier fear giving way to determination. "He''s right. We can''t let him face whatever''s out there alone."


    "I''m in," Zara said, her voice quieter than usual. "I''ll admit, I''m not thrilled about wandering through the woods at night, but we owe it to him."


    Lina hesitated for a moment before grinning. "Well, an adventure does sound exciting. And who knows? Maybe we''ll find something cool out there."


    Finn gave her a pointed look. "This isn''t about finding something cool, Lina. Stay focused."


    She shrugged, still smiling. "Yeah, yeah, I get it."


    "Then it''s settled," Finn said. "Get ready. We leave in ten minutes."


    ***


    While the rest of the team got ready to search for Kyle in the forest, the said person was still struggling to accept the reality of Void''s revelation.


    "You''re absolutely sure about what you saw?" Kyle couldn''t help but ask even though he knew that there was no reason for Void to fabricate such an elaborate lie.


    "Yes, Kyle. The energy from that pool... it''s not normal. It felt... alive. And those beasts? They''re being drawn to it like moths to a flame. Something''s happening there, something big."


    Kyle clenched his fists and entered deep in thought. If the pool was exuding such immense mana, there was a possibility it was empowering the beasts and the consequences could be catastrophic, especially if left unchecked.


    ''If those weaker beasts keep evolving en masse...'' Kyle shook his head, forcing the thought away.


    Ding!


    His deliberation was interrupted by a familiar ding from his system interface. A translucent screen materialized before his eyes, bearing a new quest notification.


    [New Quest: A single act of courage can ripple through eternity. A potential mana origin source has been discovered, destabilizing the forest''s ecosystem and driving the beasts into a frenzy. This energy is accelerating their evolution and could threaten nearby human settlements if left unchecked.


    ¡ªInvestigate the mana pool.


    ¡ªHalt the beasts'' evolution by any means necessary.


    ¡ªDefeat all threats to restore balance to the forest.


    [Rewards: 100 Skill Points, 1 Chaos Spellbook]


    Kyle froze and his eyes were glued to the glowing text. The enormity of what he was reading washed over him in waves. His mind reeled as he processed each line, but one word stood out above the rest¡ªthe rewards.


    "That''s¡­ insane," Kyle muttered under his breath.


    Void leaned closer, peering at the interface. "And here I thought you were just imagining things. But nope, it''s real. This is the kind of opportunity we dream about, Kyle."


    Kyle shook his head in disbelief. "You''re telling me to waltz into a den of evolved beasts, kill everything in sight, and somehow stop this Mana Origin Source from wreaking havoc?"


    "Pretty much," Void said with a grin. "Don''t forget the part where you walk out with a Chaos Spellbook and 100 skill points. That''s the fun part."


    Kyle was short of words but the rewards kept flashing in his mind. He had been on the verge of running moments ago, ready to abandon the battlefield and leave this mess to the academy. But this quest... it changed everything.


    ''One hundred skill points,'' Kyle thought, narrowing his eyes. He knew exactly how valuable they were. Skill points were a resource he could barely acquire under normal circumstances. Even the lucky encounters where he received quests only saw him receive very few.


    With that many points, he could easily master the wind technique that sat in his inventory. He didnt have to stress before he could use Air Steps. The price was previously out of reach for him but this could change it.


    ''And that''s just one use,'' Kyle thought. ''With this many points, I could level up my Lightning spells and even learn some more books from the library without effort.''


    But the spellbook¡­ That was the real temptation. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle stared at the glowing words on the interface and his heart pounded. He knew the difference between a spell scroll and a spellbook all too well. Spell scrolls were limited¡ªthey provided the framework and method methods for a single spell.


    A spellbook, on the other hand, was a treasure trove. It contained multiple spells, detailed explanations, and insights into a specific magic type.


    And this one was Chaos.


    Kyle had only recently awakened his Chaos element, and already, he knew its raw potential. But there was a problem¡ªhe had no spells to use with it. No techniques, no knowledge, nothing. His Chaos element was like a loaded weapon without a trigger.


    ''This could change everything,'' Kyle thought with glowing eyes. ''If I can get my hands on that spellbook, I''ll have an arsenal. I''ll finally be able to use Chaos magic.''

 Chapter 137: Lets Go For It!

    He knew he was the only one in the entire world with the Chaos element. There were no resources, no mentors, no history books¡ªnothing to guide him.''''That''s partly why I haven''t concluded my mana core formation,'' Kyle admitted to himself. He was almost done with the condensing of the core and there wasn''t much left before he finalized it.


    But... What was the pint of rushing to form a Chaos core if he had no spells to use? That didn''t mean he had ruled it out. No. Kyle had previously planned to use this outing as a chance to do so.


    But even if he succeeded, he knew that without spells, he won''t see any improvement in his prowess and as such might just remain like before.


    Now, though, everything had changed. This quest, this reward¡ªthis spellbook¡ªwas the missing piece. It wasn''t just one spell; it was a collection, a gateway to unlocking the true power of Chaos.


    Void''s tail flicked and his voice carried an amused tone. He really wanted Kyle to pick the quest as Kyle''s spells were his too thanks to [Clean Slate]. "You''ve already decided to take the quest, haven''t you?"


    "I¡­ I really don''t know. I was planning to run. You saw what''s out there. Those beasts¡ªthere are too many. And if there''s a source causing all this¡­" He trailed off, glancing back at the quest details. "It won''t be easy."


    Void snorted and a puff of lightning crackled around his nostrils. "Easy? No. Worth it? Absolutely. You can''t just run from every challenge, Kyle. You''re better than that."


    Kyle bit his lip and his gaze flicked between Void and the glowing interface. The reward wasn''t just tempting¡ªit was essential.


    Void interrupted his thoughts. "What''s stopping you? Think of what this could mean for you¡ªfor us."


    Kyle sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "It''s not just about me, Void. If I mess this up, I might not get another chance. This isn''t the arena where I can just spam spells until I win. If I fail here¡­" He didn''t finish the sentence.


    "But that Mana Origin Source, Kule¡ªit''s powerful enough to drive beasts into a frenzy and force evolution. Imagine what it could do for our cultivation."


    Kyle''s eyes widened. He hadn''t exactly considered that possibility. "You''re right... If we could get close to that Mana Origin Source and absorb its energy, our cultivation would greatly improve."


    His mouth watered at the thought, and he couldn''t stop himself from grinning. "Alright," Kyle decided, he had considered enough. "Let''s go for it."


    Void''s grin widened. "That''s the spirit. Just try not to die, alright? I like having you around."


    "Thanks for the vote of confidence."


    He turned his attention back to the system interface, dismissing the notification with a swipe. The forest around him seemed quieter now, as if the world itself was waiting for him to make his move.


    "So, what''s the plan, Kyle?" Void asked eagerly. "Are we just charging in and smashing everything? Please say yes!"


    "Not really," Kyle shook his head in disapproval immediately. "There are too many beasts near the pool, and if we just charge in, we''ll be swarmed and dead in no time."


    "So? What''s the plan then?"


    "The goal is to isolate the weaker Tier-1 beasts first and take them out in smaller groups. We''ll avoid drawing attention from the stronger ones¡ªTier-2s and that Tier-3 monstrosity near the pool."


    He tapped the soundless whistle clipped to his belt. "This is the key. If we stay far enough from the main horde, we can lure the Tier-1s without disturbing the others. I''ll use it when we''re at a safe distance."


    "And if it doesn''t work? Or worse, if the big ones come running too?" Void asked the obvious.


    "Welp..." Kyle said with a wry smile. "But the whistle should work. The Tier-2s and Tier-3 might be fixated on the pool¡ªthat Mana Origin Source could be influencing their focus."


    Void considered this, then grinned. "Sounds like a gamble, but it''s better than charging in blind. What about after we lure them?"


    "That''s when we fight," Kyle said. "But not like before. We''re sticking together at first, using the terrain to our advantage. I''ll lay down some runes as fallback traps in case we need to retreat. We will keep moving, keep them spread out, and take them down in waves. No unnecessary risks."


    "Got it. Let''s see how well this whistle of yours works."


    "I trust Orion," Kyle said confidently. "It''ll work."


    After discussing their plan, the two of them moved cautiously through the dense bush. On reaching the other side, Kyle got to witness what Void had experienced first hand.


    ''Damn, that''s scary,'' Kyle couldn''t help but think as he witnessed the large number of beasts that surrounded the pool. He felt like dropping the plan and running away but had to resolve himself to proceed.


    ''Focus, Kyle,'' he told himself. ''Stick to the plan.''


    They continued left, moving further from the pool while staying on high alert. Kyle''s grip on the whistle tightened as they walked, and he found himself glancing at Void for reassurance.


    Void, as usual, seemed unbothered, maybe because he had come here before. His sharp eyes scanned the area, and his body moved with a predator''s grace. "You''re scared, aren''t you?" he asked, not looking back.


    "Who wouldn''t be? Look at them¡ªthere are dozens, maybe hundreds. If this plan fails¡ª"


    "You made it, remember?"


    Kyle didn''t argue. He was the one that came up with the plan and if he couldn''t have trust in it then what was the point. He nodded and pressed on, his nerves slowly giving way to focus.


    After what felt like an eternity, they reached a spot roughly two kilometers from the pool. It was far enough to be outside the main horde''s immediate reach but close enough to observe their movements. Kyle crouched behind a thick bush and signaled for Void to stay low.


    "This is it," Kyle whispered, pulling out the soundless whistle. "Let''s hope this works."


    Void smirked. "You mean when this works."


    Kyle took a deep breath and raised the whistle to his lips. Though it emitted a barely audible sound, Kyle felt a subtle vibration in the air as he blew into it. He gripped the hilt of his katana tightly and his eyes fixed on the distant horde. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For a moment, nothing happened.


    Then, he saw movement. Your journey continues at M-V-L


    Several of the Tier-1 beasts closest to their position stopped and lifted their heads and their ears twitched. They turned and scanned the area with glowing eyes, before letting out low growls. One by one, they began moving toward Kyle and Void''s position.


    Kyle let out a breath he hadn''t realized he''d been holding. "It''s working¡­"


    But then his fear almost returned as he continued to observe. Fortunately, the Tier-2 beasts nearby remained still and their attention was unwaveringly fixed on the pool. The massive Tier-3 beast didn''t budge either, its hulking form practically melding into the shadowy surroundings.


    ''It''s like they''re entranced,'' Kyle thought. ''Could it really be their mental strength, or is the Mana Origin Source doing something to them?''


    Void watched the approaching Tier-1 beasts with a predatory gleam in his eye.


    "Looks like you were right... Only the small fries are coming. For now."


    Kyle nodded but didn''t loosen his grip on Frozen Claw. His stance was firm and his sharp eyes were fixed on the advancing figures.


    "Yeah, but don''t let your guard down. If we make too much noise or drag this out, the big ones might get curious. And we''re not ready for that kind of attention."


    "Relax. Small fries or not, this is still going to be fun."


    Kyle shot him a warning glance. "Focus, Void. We''re not here for fun. We stick to the plan: take down as many as we can quickly and quietly. No showing off. No unnecessary risks. If anything feels off, fall back to me immediately."


    "Understood. But let''s be real¡ªif anything, they should be scared of us."


    Kyle smirked despite feeling nervous. Void''s unwavering confidence was contagious, even in a moment like this. "Let''s make this quick then."


    The first wave of Tier-1 beasts broke through the trees, snarling and snapping. Kyle''s grip on Frozen Claw tightened, and Void''s claws gleamed with an electric glow.


    "Here we go," Kyle muttered, the tension in his chest hardening into resolve.


    "Time to show them who really owns this forest."

 Chapter 138: Massacre

    The mana beast soon arrive with its might prompting Kyle and Void to kick into action.A snarling Shadow Wolf lunged toward Kyle from the side, its jaws aiming for his throat. Kyle simply twisted, using his full strength to slice its head off clean with a single, frost-coated slash.


    Without missing a beat, he raised his free hand and fired [Lightning Bolts] at rapid successions, striking two Ember Foxes that had crept up behind him. The bolt seared through them, leaving their smoking bodies sprawled in the dirt.


    He continued and dashed off to a group of Frost Hounds that were going after Void, spamming [Lightning Bolts] at their rear until they all fell.


    [Congratulations! You have slain multiple Tier-1 Mana Beasts: Shadow Wolves (1), Ember Foxes (2), Frost Hounds (4)!]


    [You''ve obtained 7* Tier-1 Mana Cores!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 19/1000.]


    "Void!" Kyle shouted between breaths, slashing through another Frost Hound that bugged the dragon. "Keep them off my back, but don''t go too far!"


    Void snorted and he opened his mouth to unleash a bolt of lightning that sent a Shadow Wolf smashing into a tree before saying: "Don''t worry about me¡ªworry about keeping up!"


    Kyle smirked despite the chaos. ''He''s enjoying this way too much.''


    The brief moment of peace ended as a hulking Tier-1 Thunder Bear charged toward him. Kyle gritted his teeth, activating [Lightning Dash] to evade its thunderous swipe.


    Kyle retaliated with a [Lightning Bolt] aimed at its chest. The bear roared and its body convulsed as the electricity coursed through it, but it wasn''t enough to bring it down.


    Kyle lunged forward with his frozen claw, carving his katana into the beast''s shoulder and spreading frost across its thick hide. The bear staggered and its movements was slowed by the ice. Kyle followed up with another strike to its leg, bringing it crashing down.


    He stood over the beast and thrust Frozen Claw into its neck. The Tier-2 beast let out one final roar before going still.


    [Congratulations! You have slain a Tier-1 Mana Beast: Thunder Bear!]


    [You''ve obtained 1* Tier-2 Mana Core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 20/1000.]


    The relentless waves of beasts continued. Kyle and Void worked seamlessly, their movements synchronizing despite the chaos. Void''s lightning-infused attacks kept smaller groups at bay, while Kyle focused on precise strikes, thinning out the horde one kill at a time.


    As Kyle dispatched another pair of Ember Foxes, he felt a surge of mana returning to him. The battlefield was littered with the remains of their enemies, but the horde showed no signs of stopping.


    "Void!" Kyle called, dodging a Razor Viper''s strike and slicing it in two. "We need to start moving back¡ªthis isn''t sustainable!"


    Void whipped around, his claws drenched in blood and his grin feral. "Just say the word. But I think I can take a few more!"


    ''We''ve taken out enough for now,'' Kyle thought, gripping Frozen Claw tightly. ''It''s time to fall back and regroup.''


    "Let''s move!" he ordered, activating [Lightning Dash] to retreat toward a fallback point they had planned.


    Void followed, his movements just as swift and precise. As they retreated, Kyle laid down runes along the path, their glowing symbols ready to trigger if the beasts pursued too closely.


    The two didn''t stop until they reached the clearing where they had started. Kyle retrieved some mana recovery potions from his inventory and gave to Void. Continue your adventure with M-V-L


    Kyle knew that while he had infinite mana, Void didn''t and that was why they had planned to retreat every now and then for Void to replenish his mana.


    "Well?" Void asked after gulping down the potions, feeling refreshed. "What''s next?"


    "We go again."


    Void chuckled darkly. "Good. I''m just getting warmed up."


    "Void, no holding back this time. We''re clearing this mess, fast."


    Void smirked, the faint hum of his lightning aura intensifying. "Finally. I was wondering when you''d stop pacing yourself."


    They leaped back into the fray and Kyle moved with surgical precision, each slash of Frozen Claw leaving frost and destruction among the beasts.


    A pack of Frost Hounds lunged toward him, but a sweeping Ice Slash froze them mid-attack, allowing Kyle to shatter them with a spinning strike.


    ***


    [Congratulations! You have slain multiple Tier-1 Mana Beasts: Frost Hounds (5), Shadow Wolves (7), (3)!]


    [You''ve obtained 15 Tier-1 Mana Cores!]*


    [Vanquished Foes: 34/1000.]


    On the other side, while Kyle dealt with multitude of beasts Void was a whirlwind of lightning and raw power. He dove into clusters of beasts, his Lightning Dash allowing him to strike and reposition almost instantaneously.


    Shadow Wolves snapped at him, but he weaved between them with ease, tearing through their ranks with his sharp claws.


    A cluster of Razor Vipers tried to coil around him, but a burst of Lightning Breath reduced them to smoking husks.


    Void reveled in the chaos, fueled by the constant mana cores that were added in his pet space.


    Kyle didn''t bother keeping track of Void''s body count. ''He''s doing his job, and that''s all that matters,'' he thought, dodging an Ember Fox''s fiery pounce before dispatching it with a quick strike.


    Hours passed as the duo kept dwindling the number of the beasts but the wave seemed almost endless. Beasts still fell by the dozens and their bodies kept piling up in the clearing.


    Void stayed close enough to cover Kyle when needed, his speed and power unmatched. At one point, a pack of twenty Frost Hounds tried to overwhelm Kyle from all sides.


    Void intercepted half of them, shredding through their ranks in seconds, while Kyle dispatched the rest with a series of precise slashes and bolts of lightning.


    [Congratulations! You have slain multiple Tier-1 Mana Beasts: Shadow Wolves (14), Ember Foxes (9), Razor Vipers (8)!] S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [You''ve obtained 31 Tier-1 Mana Cores!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 322/1000.]


    Kyle ensured that Void didn''t deplete his mana as well as they kept falling back when he noticed signs.


    That helped them remain efficient with their killing. By the time the last pack of beasts broke through, Kyle''s kill count had soared.


    [Congratulations! You have slain multiple Tier-1 Mana Beasts: Flame Cat (34), Forest Lynx (29), Shadow Panther (28)!]


    [You''ve obtained 91 Tier-1 Mana Cores!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 411/1000.]

 Chapter 139: A Challenge

    Kyle and Void finally stood amidst the clearing littered with the remains of hundreds of mana beasts. Void kept panted heavily, his once energetic aura reduced to a soft presence, though his grin never faltered. He stumbled slightly before collapsing onto his side."That¡­" Void exhaled deeply, "... Was incredible. I don''t think I''ve had this much fun in my life."


    Kyle chuckled, wiping sweat and dirt off his brow with the back of his hand. "You look like you enjoyed it a little too much."


    "Who wouldn''t? Those beasts were so pathetic."


    "Don''t get too comfortable. We''ve got more to deal with."


    Void groaned dramatically, rolling onto his back. "Yeah, them big ones. But before we go back into the madness, what about all the tasty mana cores we got? We''ve earned a feast."


    Kyle smirked. "You''re not wrong. It''s time to gobble up some cores!"


    Void leaped back to his feet with renewed energy at the mention of mana cores. He opened his system pet space and, with a flick of his claws, summoned a growing pile of glowing, colorful orbs.


    They shimmered in the fading sunlight, radiating power. Kyle mirrored the action, summoning his own collection from his inventory. The cores from the 411 beasts he had just slain, plus the ten from earlier, made a massive mound of 421 mana cores.


    Kyle eyed the mountain before him and decided to check his status before starting. A quick glance confirmed how many EXP he had¡ªnone. Just as he reached out to pick up his first core, Void''s voice interrupted him.


    "Hold on, hold on!" Void said with a wicked grin. "Let''s make this more fun."


    "What are you scheming?"


    Void puffed up his chest proudly. "A challenge! Let''s see who can finish their cores first."


    Kyle snorted and was about to accept Void''s challenge. "Void, I know you''re fast, but I''m not sure even you can¡ª"


    "Winner takes the loser''s leftover cores!" Void added triumphantly and his grin grew even wider.


    Kyle froze mid-reach. "What? No way! That''s the most evil challenge I''ve ever heard. You''re a greedy little dragon, aren''t you?"


    "Fine, fine. No stakes, then. Just a friendly challenge. Or are you still too scared?"


    Kyle narrowed his eyes at the taunt but eventually smiled. "You''re on. Let''s see what you''ve got."


    Void''s grin widened. "That''s the spirit! Ready? Three¡­ two¡­"


    Kyle quickly braced himself, eyeing the glowing pile of mana cores before him. ''I''ve got this. He''s fast, but I can keep up. I won''t lose this easily.''


    "¡­One!"


    As Void shouted the final number, Kyle moved with inhuman speed, using both hands to grab cores and consume them one after the other as quick as possible.


    [EXP +20]


    [EXP +20]


    ...


    In just five seconds, he had already downed ten cores. Kyle grinned at his speed, feeling a surge of energy. "Not bad for a human, right?"


    But before he could pick up his eleventh core, a loud burp echoed beside him, stopping him in his tracks and sending shivers through his spine. He turned to see Void sitting casually atop an empty spot where his pile of cores had been just moments ago.


    Kyle blinked and his mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. "How¡­ when¡­ WHAT?"


    Void smirked smugly. "All gone. Digested. Want me to help with yours?"


    Kyle''s eyes widened, and he instinctively shielded his pile with both arms. "Get away, you monster! Those are mine!"


    Void laughed with a mixture of amusement and mockery. "Monster? You thought I was human before?"


    Kyle nearly felt a tear form in his eyes from the frustration he felt but shook it off. "No distractions this time," he muttered, focusing on his pile. As he consumed one core after another, the system notifications continued rolling in.


    ---


    [EXP +20]


    [EXP +20]


    [EXP +20]


    ...


    Void, having finished his feast, sprawled out on the ground, "You''re so slow," he teased, yawning widely. "I''m gonna take a quick nap while you finish up."


    Kyle glared at him but didn''t bother responding, channeling all his energy into consuming the remaining cores. The notifications kept pouring in as he made steady progress through the pile.


    Discover more stories at M-V-L


    [EXP +20]


    [EXP +20]


    ...


    Eventually, Kyle finished the last core and leaned back with a satisfied sigh. He turned to find Void waking up, stretching his limbs lazily.


    "Done already?" Void asked, smirking.


    Kyle shot him a wry smile. "You slept through half of it. What kind of partner abandons me like that?"


    Void shrugged, utterly unapologetic. "You were too slow. I had time for a nap."


    Kyle sighed and shaked his head but decided to say nothing.


    "So, what''s next? The remaining beasts? Another challenge?" Void asked.


    Kyle didn''t reply to Void''s question immediately and decided to take a look at his stats. He knew that the cores he had consumed wouldn''t be enough for a level up, but he should be close nevertheless.


    "Status!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 6


    EXP: 8631/12000*


    HP: 160


    Energy: 196


    MP: -


    Agility: 91


    Strength: 95


    Vitality: 80


    Stamina: 98 S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Intelligence: 81


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 3)]*


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 3)]*


    [Inspect(Lv 2)]


    [Gobbler(Lv 2)]


    [Undying]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle grinned after observing his improvements. ''About 4000 EXP more to go, that''s 200 Tier-1 mana cores,'' Kyle calculated, admiring how fast he was ''cultivating''. He was sure that his friends would be left behind in the dust by the time he was back.


    His EXP wasn''t the only improvement Kyle had noticed though. ''I finally leveled these skills,'' Kyle thought with a grin. He knew their levels could increase when got more proficient with them and that was why this fight was very helpful.


    ''I can''t wait to test out their new power after leveling up,'' Kyle inwardly thought with a grin before returning his attention on Void.


    ''Pet Status!''


    | Void |


    | Race: Omni Drakkon |


    | Level: 7 |


    | EXP: 45700/64000 |*


    | HP: 320 |


    | Energy: 620 |


    | MP: 550 |


    | Agility: 88 |


    | Strength: 87 |


    | Vitality: 160 |


    | Stamina: 310 |


    | Intelligence: 550 |


    [Skills: Lightning Breath (Lv 3), Lightning Dash (Lv 3), Invisible (Lv 4), Phase (Lv 3)]*


    *Read Author''s Note!*

 Chapter 140: Only Twenty

    Like Kyle expected, the dragon would need the same amount of mana cores to breakthrough the next level. All that meant was that they could only keep grinding.Kyle refocused his attention on Void, whom had taken some time to continue his rest. "I can''t blame him," Kyle muttered as he scanned the sleeping dragon. It was almost 3 AM in the morning and Kyle had dragged Void here to investigate the tide source.


    ''Well, he wasn''t against coming... He was even excited to follow.'' Such thought made Kyle nudge him after some minutes of watching him sleep.


    "You''ve slept enough, haven''t you?" Kyle asked the waking dragon that lazily stretched before him.


    "*Yawn* What''s our next move?" Void asked with some energy, proof that he had rested enough in this short while.


    Kyle smiled that Void was ready for action before going deep into thought. He directed his eyes towards the remaining beasts that surrounded the mana origin source.


    Like before, they all stood still, entranced by the glowing pool. However, their numbers had diminished alot from the first time Kyle saw them. Kyle and Void had succeeded in clearing out up to eighty percent of the beasts, leaving a little over 200 beasts left behind.


    But those beasts weren''t to be taken lightly... The hulking sizes of the Tier-2 beasts alone made Kyle consider getting into a fight with them.


    Though Kyle had never fought a beast other than Tier-1, he had enough knowledge from library books to be aware of their strength. Tier-2 books were obviously stronger and toughe6than their Tier-1 counterparts, but the striking difference that improved with each power level was their elemental control.


    Beasts of higher tiers could wield their respective elements on a different level compared to those of the lower tiers and that was Kyle needed to stay aware of most importantly.


    ''We''ll have to try and defeat them as fast as possible,'' Kyle decided before returning his attention on Void to relay their battle plan.


    Find more to read at M-V-L


    "So here''s the plan," he started, trying to sound confident despite his nerves. "We''ll go with the whistle again. But this time, I''ll use a higher frequency. We can only hope it works, because if it doesn''t¡­ well, I got no other plan."


    "We''re talking about over 200 Tier-2 beasts. Tier-2, you know?? This isn''t the same as handling Tier-1s. We be buried before we can blink."


    Kyle rubbed the back of his neck. He hated to admit it, but Void was right. Even with all their preparation, the odds were overwhelming. "I know it''s insane, Void. But what other option do we have? We can''t sneak past them without being torn apart, and there''s no way we''re leaving empty-handed."


    Void nodded his head. Eitherways, he was ready and excited for the battle, after all, who wouldn''t want to test Tier-2 cores. A drool formed on Void''s lips as he imagined indulging himself on a pile of Tier-2 cores.


    "Okay, Kyle," Void snapped out of his fantasies and focused on the present. "Let''s do this!"


    The two began working quickly, setting up traps across the battle field. The traps might not turn the tide of the battles but at the very least, it should be able help slow down the beasts and buy them more time.


    Once everything was in place, Kyle took a deep breath and raised the whistle to his lips. "All right, Void. Here goes nothing."


    "Great," Void muttered, "Let''s see how well this works."


    Kyle blew into the whistle, pouring as much air as he could muster into the device. The soundless vibrations rippled through the air, invisible but potent. He kept blowing and his jaw started to ache as the seconds stretched into a full minute.


    At first, nothing happened. The beasts near the Mana Origin Source remained eerily still with their eyes fixed on the glowing pool. Kyle''s heart sank when he didn''t see any immediate result.


    But then, he noticed movement at the edges of the group. A few of the Tier-2 beasts began to shift and their heads snapped towards him with sudden intensity.


    "They''re moving!" Kyle whispered with a voice filled with both excitement and fear.


    Void perked up and his sharp golden eyes tracked the approaching figures. "Wait a minute¡­ that''s not all of them."


    Kyle made a quick count of the beasts breaking away from the group. "Twenty. Only twenty of them are coming!"


    A grin spread across his face as relief flooded his chest. "Not all of them are coming!"


    "Why do you think only a few of them responded? Was it because you stopped blowing? Or maybe the others would don''t care enough to investigate?"


    "Does it even matter? We''ve got a chance now. That''s all I care about," Kyle said, sliding the [Veil of Silence] over his face once more.


    Void nodded and they concentrated their attention at the rapidly approaching beasts. They both knew that this wouldn''t be an easy fight. Hopefully, their pre-laid traps would prove useful.


    As the beasts entered the area laden with traps, the runes began to activate. The mud trap runes managed to suck the legs of some beasts into the earth and momentarily halted their advance.


    Another rune that proved helpful was the Blind runes, they managed to disorient some of the beasts that triggered it.


    Kyle was happy that the traps had worked, though not all of them has performed as effectively as he had hoped. None of them were enough to take down a beast outright, but they provided precious moments of disarray among the beasts.


    ''This is it,'' Kyle said, glancing at Void. ''Well take them while they''re off balance."


    "Finally!" Void exclaimed as he launched himself forward in a crackle of electricity.


    Kyle surged toward the nearest beast, a massive wolf-like creature with frost coating its fur. He didn''t hesitate, pouring all his strength into a downward slash aimed at its neck.


    Kyle didn''t slow down, delivering a flurry of slashes, each one activating the [Frozen Slash] effect. Just as Kyle thought he was going to easily slay the beast; it retaliated by freezing the ground beneath it and the ice began spreading rapidly and making Kyle''s lose his footing.


    ''Not good!'' Kyle thought, losing his balance for a split second.


    The beast recovered quickly, lunging at Kyle again with its claws glowing with icy energy. Before Kyle could regain his footing, another beast joined the fray, its claws igniting with fire as it swiped at him from the side.


    Kyle barely dodged the fiery strike, but the ice wolf''s claws raked across his arm, sending him tumbling. A sharp pain flared where the claws had struck and his HP bar flashed a notification: S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [HP: 80/160]


    Kyle''s eyes widened when he saw his health go down by half and it got worse when the other beasts surrounded him. He gritted his teeth, knowing how dangerous it was to be stuck between them.


    ''Alright, no more holding back!'' Kyle thought, raising his katana.


    He began spamming spells, casting lightning bolts in rapid succession. The bolts crashed into the beasts, forcing them to stagger back. Each strike bought him a moment to breathe, but the sheer number of attacks from the beasts made it impossible to avoid every blow.


    [HP: 100/160]


    [HP 80/160]


    [HP 140/160]


    Kyle felt the hits landing and his body thrown backward as claws and spells struck him. But as quickly as the injuries appeared, they vanished. His [Undying] trait was activated and it healed his wounds in mere seconds.


    Kyle wiped blood from his mouth and a grin spread across his face. ''I almost forgot I''m basically undying now.''


    He had renewed confidence after his health healed, making Kyle to press the attack. He focused on the ice wolf again, delivering a series of precise strikes that culminated in a devastating slash to its neck.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-2 mana beast: Frost Wolf!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-2 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 412/1000]


    Kyle turned around to face another beast after getting his notification, dodging its fiery claws and driving the [Frozen Claw] multiple times through i its chest.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-2 mana beast: Ember Claw!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-2 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 413/1000]


    A third beast¡ªa hulking boar-like creature¡ªcharged at him. Kyle sidestepped at the last moment, slashing at its legs and sending it crashing to the ground. He finished it off with a flurry if [Lightning Bolts].

 Chapter 141: Clearing the Beasts

    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-2 mana beast: Thunder Boar!][You have obtained 1* Tier-2 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 414/1000]


    Kyle panted and looked around. The other beasts were regrouping and their eyes were glowing with fury. He knew he couldn''t let them box him in again.


    ''Time to switch tactics.''


    He dashed out of the circle, moving with blinding speed and launching lightning bolts at the beasts'' backs. The bolts struck true, causing one of the beasts to stumble and fall. Kyle seized the opportunity and delivered a finishing blow with the [Frozen Claw].


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-2 mana beast: Gale Rat!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-2 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 415/1000]


    He continued his hit-and-run strategy, darting around the battlefield and striking from unexpected angles. The beasts fought back fiercely, but no matter how many times they managed to land a hit, Kyle''s wounds closed almost instantly.


    By the time the dust settled, Kyle stood amidst the fallen bodies of ten beasts, his katana dripping with frost and blood. His chest heaved as he looked over at Void.


    [Congratulations! You have slain multiple Tier-2 Mana Beasts: Gale Rat (1), Frost Wolf (3), Lightning Panther (2)!]


    [You''ve obtained 6 Tier-2 Mana Cores!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 421/1000.]


    The dragon had been fighting his own battle and his body crackled with lightning as he tore through the remaining ten beasts. When Kyle turned to him, Void was finishing off the last beast with a devastating burst of electricity that left the air smelling of ozone.


    Void stretched his wings and looked at Kyle with a smirk. "Took you long enough."


    "Haha." Kyle pretended to laugh with a straight face. "Very funny." He had finished before Void and the dragon was trying to act smug as usual.


    He didn''t dwell on it much and concentrated his attention on the battlefield. There were monster corpses littered everywhere, making everywhere stench from blood. Among the beasts that filled the space. There were some that stood out, they were larger and looked tougher than most of the beasts there¡ªthe Tier-2s.


    Kyle couldn''t help but smile with pride. They had really dispatched those beasts. He used a moment to relish the feeling of his achievement before coming back to the present.


    Void didn''t seem too exhausted and so did he, ''There shouldn''t be a problem going for another wave,'' Kyle thought before removing his mask so as to communicate with Void.


    "I''ll be calling another wave, here''s a potion to top up your reserves," Kyle tossed the materialized mana recovery potion to Void, who leapt up from the ground to catch it.


    "Thank you," Void remarked before gulping down the potion. After he was done with it, they both moved swiftly to reset their traps, reinforcing areas where runes had failed and adding more layers of defense.


    Kyle spread various runes on the ground, ensuring to prioritize the ones that had delivered during the battle and placing more of them.


    Once everything was ready, Kyle raised the whistle again. This time, he poured even more mana and air into it, amplifying the frequency. The soundless vibrations rippled through the air once more, and they waited.


    Fortunately, it didn''t take long for the next batch to react. "Twenty beasts," Kyle said after making a rough count. "Nice." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He slid on the [Veil of Silence] and got ready to go again on the beasts.


    ***


    ...


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-2 mana beast: Ice Boar!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-2 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 431/1000]


    Kyle stood admist the fallen beasts. They had managed to slay them all once again, this time more effortlessly than the last. He was getting a hang of fighting the beasts already and he knew it would only get easier for them.


    ''Time to speed run this,'' Kyle thought and continued the cycle.


    After a brief rest and a few gulps of water, Kyle got to work resetting the traps again. He blew the whistle afterwards, and the forest responded with a louder rumble. Twenty-five beasts appeared.


    Kyle activated a cluster of explosive runes as the beasts charged giving some of them wounds. Though wounded, the beasts pushed forward, their thick hides shrugging off much of the damage. Kyle dashed to meet them, slicing deep into the a boar''s flank with the [Frozen Claw].


    Meanwhile, Void targetted the smaller Lightning Panthers with precise [Lightning Bolts], leaving charred fur and lifeless bodies behind. The remaining beasts scattered, only to be picked off by a combination of runes and relentless attacks


    ...


    They continued with the rampage until the last beast.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-2 mana beast: Ice Wolf!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-2 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 445/1000]


    Kyle reinforced the battlefield even further, ensuring no gaps in his rune placement. After blowing the whistle, more beasts arrived with the same ferocity ¡ª this time, Kyle could make out 30 beasts.


    All it took to deal with them were some coordinated attacks from Kyle and Void and the beasts couldn''t handle their superior might and skill and were all done for in minutes.


    ...


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-2 mana beast: Ice Boar!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-2 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 465/1000]


    "I can''t believe we''re really farming Tier-2 beasts in such manner," Void couldn''t help but say after they were done with the fourth wave of beasts.


    Kyle could only smile and remove his mask before replying: "We''re just getting started... The best will come the moment it''s time to feast on their cores."


    Kyle''s words increased Void''s spirit further and they got ready for more with Void dreaming on the feast they''ll have after they were done.


    Kyle raised the whistle and poured mana into it, its silent call reverberating through the area. Almost immediately, the forest stirred as thirty-five beasts charged into the clearing. Find more adventures on M-V-L


    Kyle tightened his grip on [Frozen Claw], ready for the chaos. As the beasts entered the trap-laden area, Kyle activated a cluster of explosive runes. Ice shards erupted from the ground, freezing some of the beasts mid-charge, while lightning streaked through the air, momentarily stunning others.


    Void dashed into the chaos, his claws and tail flashing as he struck with precision. Meanwhile, Kyle darted between the beasts, using his speed to outmaneuver their attacks. He struck down a Frost Wolf with a clean slash, then pivoted to deliver a [Lightning Bolt] to a Thunder Boar closing in on Void''s flank.


    The fight was relentless, with beasts attacking from all sides. Kyle and Void synchronized their movements, covering each other and using the traps to thin the herd. By the end, the ground was littered with fallen beasts, the duo barely breaking a sweat.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-2 mana beast: Flame Cat!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-2 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 478/1000]


    ***


    With the traps reset and Void''s reserves replenished with another potion, Kyle summoned the next wave. This time, forty beasts answered the call, their roars echoing through the forest as they charged into the clearing.


    Kyle wasted no time, triggering the first set of traps as the beasts crossed the boundary. Lightning arced through the crowd, stunning the front line while ice-coated runes froze the ground beneath their feet. Several beasts stumbled, making them easy targets.


    Void launched a devastating [Lightning Breath] into the densest cluster, scattering the beasts and leaving charred bodies in its wake. Kyle used the opportunity to strike, his katana carving through fur and flesh with icy precision.


    The sheer number of beasts made the battle chaotic. At one point, Kyle found himself surrounded, but his superior speed allowed him to slip past their defenses, delivering crippling strikes as he moved.


    The battle stretched longer than anticipated, but the traps and their relentless assault turned the tide. Finally, the last beast fell, and silence descended over the battlefield once more.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-2 mana beast: Ice Boar!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-2 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 465/1000]


    Kyle turned to Void, who had landed nearby, his body crackling with residual lightning.


    "You''ve done enough," Kyle said, removing his mask to communicate. "Rest for this wave. I''ll handle it."


    Void hesitated and his pride clearly bruised. "Are you sure? They won''t go easy just because I''m sitting out."


    Kyle smirked. "I''m counting on it."


    After resetting the traps and placing additional runes, Kyle raised the whistle for the final time. He poured an overwhelming amount of mana into the call, summoning the remaining beasts.

 Chapter 142: Level Up!

    The clearing trembled as the beasts charged. Kyle activated the outermost traps, unleashing a series of explosions that slowed their advance. He darted into the fray, his movements a blur as he struck with surgical precision.Without Void''s assistance, Kyle relied heavily on the traps, luring the beasts into rune-laden zones and striking when they were vulnerable. His infinite mana reserves allowed him to spam [Lightning Bolts], overwhelming the beasts with sheer firepower.


    One by one, the beasts fell, their attacks unable to keep up with Kyle''s speed and adaptability. By the time the last one collapsed, Kyle stood alone amidst the carnage, his katana dripping with frost and blood.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-2 mana beast: Ice Boar!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-2 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 512/1000]


    Void stretched his wings and looked at Kyle with his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "I''ll admit, you handled yourself well. I''m impressed."


    Kyle smirked and ran a hand through his face to take of his mask before sheathing the [Frozen Claw]. "Pretty cool, right?"


    Void narrowed his eyes, debating whether to deflate Kyle''s ego or let him have his moment. After a pause, he snorted. "I don''t have words to spare on you. We''ve got some cores to devour."


    Kyle chuckled and nodded. "Ah, yes. The cores. Can''t forget about those." He summoned his stockpile from his inventory, the collection of over a hundred Tier-2 mana cores gleaming faintly in the dim forest light.


    Void mirrored the action, summoning his own pile. Both stared at their respective treasures for a moment, appreciating the fruits of their labor.


    Void glanced at Kyle with a challenging gleam in his eyes. "Shall we race? First to finish their pile wins."


    Kyle froze, memories of the last eating race thar had happened some hours ago flooded his mind. He waved his hands in mock horror. "No! Absolutely not. Never again."


    Void simply hissed with amusement. "Coward."


    "Call me what you want," Kyle said with a grin. "I''m eating at my own pace."


    Void shook his head and, without another word, dug into his pile of cores, devouring them like they were the most delicious thing he''d ever tasted. Kyle, meanwhile, picked up his first core, inspecting its crystalline structure.


    It shimmered with energy, and Kyle felt a thrill of anticipation.


    ''First time eating Tier-2 cores,'' he thought, placing it in his mouth. As he bit down, the core dissolved into pure energy, flooding his body with warmth and vitality.


    [EXP +40]


    Kyle smiled as the notification popped up. "So, Tier-2 cores give double the EXP of Tier-1 cores. Not bad at all."


    He glanced at Void, who was tearing through his cores with unabashed enthusiasm. Kyle sighed. "Of course, you''re gaining 200 per core with that skill of yours."


    Void paused just long enough to smirk, bits of mana core dust clinging to his snout. "Perks of being superior."


    Kyle rolled his eyes, though he couldn''t help but feel grateful. He might not gain as much as Void, but the fact he could cultivate by consuming cores at all was a gift. "Can''t be greedy," he muttered to himself, grabbing his second core.


    With that, he began to handle the cores. Gobbling them one after the other in rapid succession.


    [EXP +40]


    [EXP +40]


    [EXP +40]


    ...


    Kyle settled into a rhythm, savoring the energy coursing through him with each core. The taste was odd but addictive, a mix of sweetness and metallic tang that left a faint crackle of mana in the air around him.


    Void, meanwhile, was nearing the bottom of his pile. He glanced at Kyle and snorted. "I''m trying to be slow but you''re still slower, how''s that possible."


    "I''m savoring it," Kyle shot back without looking up. "Not all of us have dragon stomachs."


    Void huffed but didn''t argue, returning to his meal.


    Kyle also returned to his meal, and eventually he hit the long soughted notification and a familiar surge of power coursed through him.


    "Finally," he said with a smile as he glanced at the notification that glowed in his status screen.


    [EXP: 12000/12000]


    [Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!]


    [Beginner Mage: Lv 6 >> Lv 7]


    [All stats: +10]


    He controlled himself from checking his status and decided to finish off the remaining cores first.


    It didn''t take long for Kyle to finish his pile. As he swallowed the last core, he opened his mouth to say the magic word:


    "Status!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 7


    EXP: 1131/18000*


    HP: 180*


    Energy: 216*


    MP: -*


    Agility: 101*


    Strength: 105*


    Vitality: 90*


    Stamina: 108*


    Intelligence: 91*


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 3)]


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 3)]


    [Inspect(Lv 2)]


    [Gobbler(Lv 2)]


    [Undying]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle''s body hummed with power. He flexed his fingers, feeling the increased strength in his movements. "Not bad at all," he said, standing up and stretching.


    "Except for Vitality and Intelligence, all my stats are of 3 digits already," Kyle couldn''t help but feel a sense of achievement as he drew from the system.


    He felt a great deal of pride from his level up. In just two days, he had managed to level up twice. That was impressive!


    ''I can''t wait to see everyone''s reactions when I return to the academy.'' Kyle''s mind couldn''t help but wonder to the academy. Was he missing it? No. Did he want to go back? Yes. But not now though. He was having a good time outside and although he kinda missed his friends back there, that didn''t mean he was in a hurry to return.


    ''I''ll make sure to return with a banger.'' Kyle resolved himself, ending his monologue session and glancing at the dragon who lazily stared at him.


    "Feeling stronger, human?" Void asked the moment he Kyle''s gaze fell on him, knowing fully well he had leveled up.


    "Absolutely," Kyle said with a grin. "And you?"


    "Check for yourself," Void said with a cheeky grin that displayed his sharp teeth. "You ain''t bridging that gap anytime soon." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Pet status!" Kyle called out, fully expecting Void to have leveled up.


    ''Pet Status!''


    | Void |


    | Race: Omni Drakkon |


    | Level: 8 |*


    | EXP: 7300/64000 |*


    | HP: 340 |*


    | Energy: 640 |*


    | MP: 560 |*


    | Agility: 98 |*


    | Strength: 97 |*


    | Vitality: 170 |*


    | Stamina: 320 |*


    | Intelligence: 560 |*


    [Skills: Lightning Breath (Lv 3), Lightning Dash (Lv 3), Invisible (Lv 4), Phase (Lv 3)]


    Kyle smiled when he saw that Void has leveled up too. It was better for them to get as strong as possible before tackling their next challenge.


    "Nice, Void," Kyle said remarked with a genuine smile.


    "Yeah, very nice. Level 10 doesn''t feel so far off anymore," Void added with a smirk. "Hope you''ve got me 1000 mana cores ready."


    Kyle''s eyes widened the moment he remembered their agreement. They were leveling up too fast and he didn''t even have any credits. How was he going to provide such amount of cores?


    "Ehm... Void, what happened to you breaking through in over 200 days," Kyle asked with a nervous chuckle.


    "Well, Kyle, it''s always smart to consider the unexpected," Void replied with a snarky grin that made Kyle wail.


    He didn''t dwell on it that much, he knew that once he returned, he''ll easily fetch that amount of money through the arena.


    ''I doubt anyone will be able to defeat me now, especially when I get the skill points and learn the technique,'' Kyle thought.


    He turned to Void to discuss the plan forward before remembering something that he hadn''t checked in a while and must have improved all this while.


    [Sword Intent Mastery: 61.69%]


    "Yess!" Kyle screamed with a smile. "I''m almost there."


    Read new chapters at M-V-L


    "You''re almost where?" Void asked Kyle who had screamed out loud by mistake with a raised eyebrow.


    Kyle quickly got himself together and rubbed the back of his neck. "Welp, I''m about to finally unlock sword intent. You know that white line attack I told you about¡ª"


    "I don''t remember and I don''t care," Void rudely cut him off before he could explain further, making Kyle smile in embarrassment. "I''d rather prefer we discuss our next plan... That''s something worth talking about."


    They both instinctively glanced forward to see the large imposing black wolf that eerily still stood before the pool.


    Even as they had called the rest of the beasts through the whistle and killer them all, the beast remained unmoving, quietly staring at the glowing mana origin source as if it was entranced by it.


    "How''d we handle that?"

 Chapter 143: A Sudden Turn of Events

    Kyle frowned. "Why hasn''t it done anything yet? It''s like¡­ the pool is more important."Void nodded and narrowed his golden eyes. "And that''s what makes it terrifying. That thing isn''t just strong¡ªit''s unpredictable. Look around. All the carnage, all the blood, and it hasn''t even flinched."


    Kyle''s thoughts churned, and for a moment, doubt crept in. Could they really take down something like this?


    But then he remembered how far they had come¡ª every fight where they''d emerged stronger, every moment they''d pushed past their limits. He clenched his fists and turned to Void. "Hey," he said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Void glanced at him, ready to hear him.


    "We''re stronger than this thing," Kyle said, determination flashing in his eyes. "You''ve got raw power, speed, and that unbreakable attitude of yours. And me? I''ve got my katana, my runes, and the stubbornness to never give up. Together, we''ve got this."


    Void smirked. "Damn right we do. Now, what''s the plan, boss?"


    Kyle crouched, analyzing the terrain. "This time, no whistle," he said, shaking his head. "Calling it over would be suicide. Instead, we ambush it. We get as close as we can without drawing its attention.


    Then, we hit it hard¡ªspells, runes, everything. We target its back and keep it off balance. If that doesn''t take it down, we fight it head-on with everything we''ve got."


    Void''s smirk widened into a grin. "Not bad. You''ve finally started using that brain of yours."


    Kyle chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Let''s see if you''re still joking when we''re in the thick of it."


    The duo took a moment to prepare, ensuring their mana reserves were full and their energy was at its peak. When they were ready, they moved.


    Meter by Meter, they crept through the dense foliage, careful to stay downwind of the wolf. The wolf remained motionless as they drew closer to it, either he didn''t pick them yet or they weren''t a threat in his eyes. Kyle could bet that it was the latter.


    By the time less than 50 meters separated them and the wolf, they were so close to the wolf and the pool that the quality of the mana was so dense that its density almost made Kyle to sit on the floor that moment and begin cultivating.


    He quickly shrugged off the idea. ''Cultivating can wait, we''ll deal with the wolf first.''


    Kyle decided before silently signaling to Void with a nod. It was time.


    Void returned the gesture, a grin curling at the edges of his sharp maw. With a final nod, they launched their attack.


    Kyle''s hand shot forward, crackling energy pooling into his palm as he unleashed his first [Lightning Bolt]. The spell streaked through the air, a dazzling arc of bright blue light that crackled as it collided with the wolf''s flank. The beast barely flinched, its massive head tilting slightly as though it had been struck by an irritating insect.


    Kyle didn''t stop. He fired another [Lightning Bolt], then another. The spell became a rapid, rhythmic onslaught of crackling energy as bolts of lightning hammered into the wolf''s side, scorching fur and leaving faint burns in their wake.


    Void, not to be outdone, opened his jaws wide, releasing a blinding [Lightning Breath]. The concentrated stream of electricity struck the wolf directly, the sheer force of the attack causing the ground beneath the beast to sizzle and spark. Just like Kyle''s lightning, Void''s attack failed to draw a reaction. But the wolf shifted and its muscles rippled as it turned its head slightly toward them, a low growl rumbling in its throat.


    ''That''s it,'' Kyle thought, pushing forward. The duo moved closer with every step, their spells increasing in intensity. Void unleashed another [Lightning Breath], the heat from the attack causing the surrounding air to shimmer.


    Kyle continued spamming [Lightning Bolt], the bolts flying so rapidly that the air around his hands buzzed with static energy. With his infinite and boundless mana reserves, he was able to keep up with the relentless barrage without pause.


    As they closed the distance to thirty meters, Kyle decided to add another layer to their assault. With his free hand, he activated several runes he had prepared earlier, tossing them toward the wolf.


    The glowing symbols burst on contact, releasing blasts of ice, fire, and concentrated mana that further disoriented the beast. Frost formed along its fur from an ice rune, while fire briefly licked at its paws from another.


    The wolf faltered for the first time. Its massive frame swayed slightly, and its growl deepened, tinged with pain and frustration. Kyle''s sharp eyes caught the faintest sign of weakness¡ªa tremor in its legs, a hesitation in its movements. The relentless barrage was working.


    Kyle''s gaze met Void''s, and though he couldn''t speak due to the [Veil of Silence], his expression said it all: We''re doing it. Let''s push harder.


    Void''s grin widened, and he doubled down, unleashing yet another devastating [Lightning Breath]. The combined force of their attacks now seemed to overwhelm the wolf. Its growls became more labored, and its silver-streaked fur was singed and burned in multiple places. Blood began to seep from small wounds across its body.


    Victory was within reach.


    But just as Kyle prepared to launch a final assault, the wolf let out a bone-chilling howl. The sound reverberated through the forest, so loud and primal that it seemed to shake the very ground beneath their feet. Kyle froze for a moment, the sheer force of the sound sending a shiver down his spine.


    Then the wolf''s eyes began to glow. The once-steely gray irises now burned with an ominous blood-red light. Its body, already massive, seemed to swell with newfound power. Its black fur stood on end, and the silver veins running along its body began to pulse with a golden hue that seemed to heal all the formerly impacted wounds on it as it occupied more space.


    Before Kyle could react, the wolf slammed its massive paw into the ground, releasing a shockwave of golden energy. The blinding light that followed was instantaneous, engulfing everything in its path. Kyle instinctively shielded his eyes, but it was too late. The brilliance was overwhelming, rendering him temporarily blind.


    "Damn!" he thought, panic surging through him as he stumbled backward, struggling to maintain his balance. The ground beneath his feet froze in an instant as the ice creeping outward from where the wolf stood reached him. It spread rapidly, covering the entire area and even reaching Kyle and Void''s position. The sudden chill seeped through his boots, making him panic even more.


    The system''s notifications began flooding his vision, their bright blue text cutting through the residual blindness like a lifeline:


    [WARNING! You have encountered a Corrupted Beast!]


    [WARNING! You have encountered a Corrupted Beast!]


    [WARNING! You have encountered a Corrupted Beast!]


    [WARNING! You have encountered a Corrupted Beast!]


    [RETREAT IMMEDIATELY!]


    ...


    ''A Corrupted Beast?!'' Kyle wanted to ponder but the wolf once again raised its paw high and stomped it on the ground. This time, the chill in the atmosphere intensified by several minus degrees that Kyle couldn''t help but fall on the floor. Find exclusive content at M-V-L


    ''We''re cooked.''


    ***


    [Several Hours Earlier]


    ...


    Kyle''s teammates gathered in the small cottage''s main room exactly ten minutes later, just as they has agreed before. The air felt heavier now and though they still felt sleepy the anxiety of what they were about brace didn''t leave their minds.


    Each of them bore a unique expression that hinted at their internal struggles. While a part of them wanted to dismiss Kyle''s disappearance as a mere whim and return to their bunks, the gravity of the situation kept them rooted.


    Kyle was not just their leader but also their friend, and losing him now would not only make them helpless against the beast tide but would also weigh on their conscience.


    Finn, usually the composed and practical one, leaned against the wall with a furrowed brow, arms crossed tightly across his chest. Zara sat at the edge of the table, her fingers tapping nervously against its wooden surface, betraying her calm demeanor.


    Lina slumped in her chair, hair disheveled, muttering something about needing more sleep. Even Celine, who had initiated the search, paced back and forth, biting her lip as her earlier determination was filled with worry.


    Lina finally broke the silence. "So, uh, Finn," she began, stretching her arms lazily. "What''s the plan? How do we go about this?"

 Chapter 144: Reunited

    Finn straightened, looking at each of them in turn. Despite their weariness, he could see a spark of readiness in their eyes. Even Lina, who complained the loudest, was suppressing her excitement."Let''s head back to the eastern edge," he said after a moment. "We''ll retrace the footprints after entering into the forest. That''s the best lead we''ve got."


    The group murmured their agreement, and they began to move out. They made a conscious effort to keep their steps light, whispering their instructions so as not to wake the villagers.


    By the time they reached the eastern edge, the moon hung high above, casting its pale light over the dense forest that loomed before them. The shadows of the tall trees stretched ominously across the sandy ground, creating an almost surreal landscape.


    They paused at the boundary, exchanging a glance. No words were needed to convey what each of them felt¡ªfear, determination, and an unspoken promise to bring Kyle back.


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    Lina, surprisingly, was the first to step forward. She took a deep breath and muttered, "For Kyle."


    "For Kyle," Celine echoed firmly, stepping after her.


    "For Kyle," Zara said with a nod and walked inside.


    Finally, Finn brought up the rear. "For Kyle," he said with an equally resolute tone.


    The forest seemed to envelop them as they stepped inside, the towering trees and thick undergrowth cutting off most of the moonlight. The air grew cooler, carrying with it the earthy scent of moss and damp leaves.


    "Stay close," Finn said with a low but authoritative voice.


    Zara and Lina lit the path ahead, their magic casting a soft glow that pushed back the encroaching darkness. Zara''s light magic produced a steady, warm glow, while Lina''s fire magic created flickering shadows that danced across the trees.


    Finn led the group with his eyes scanning the ground for the trail of footprints they had been following earlier.


    The footprints were faint but consistent, moving in a straight line deeper into the forest. Finn crouched occasionally to study them. After a while, he paused, his gaze fixed on a peculiar set of tracks beside Kyle''s.


    "These¡­" Finn muttered, tracing the outline of the prints with his finger. "These aren''t normal footprints."


    "What do you mean?" Zara asked, stepping closer to see.


    "They''re clawed," Finn explained, pointing to the distinct markings. "They must belong to something following Kyle."


    Lina leaned in, her eyes widening. "A beast? Are you serious?"


    Celine''s face paled. "If that''s true, then Kyle could be in real danger."


    The realization sent a wave of unease through the group. They couldn''t help but imagine what kind of creature would leave such prints and why it might be trailing Kyle.


    "We don''t have time to dwell on it," Finn said firmly, rising to his feet. "Let''s keep moving."


    They pushed forward, increasing their pace despite their nervousness. Surprisingly, they didn''t encounter any beasts at first, which only added to their unease. The forest seemed unnaturally quiet, the usual rustle of animals absent.


    Eventually, they came across a group of common beasts grazing near the path. The creatures, small and non-threatening, paid little attention to the intruders.


    Lina immediately summoned a small flame in her palm, her expression lighting up with anticipation. "Finally, something fun to do!"


    "No," Finn said sharply, holding out a hand to stop her. "We don''t have time to waste on them."


    "Oh, come on. It''ll only take a minute."


    Celine stepped in with her usual calm voice. "He''s right. Save your mana for when we actually need it."


    Lina rolled her eyes and extinguished her flame. "You two are such fun sponges."


    The group pressed on, leaving the beasts behind. As they ventured deeper, they began to notice signs of struggle¡ªbroken branches, disturbed earth, and scorch marks on the ground.


    "Looks like Kyle ran into some trouble," Zara observed, her voice tinged with worry.


    "But where are the beasts?" Lina asked, her eyes darting around.


    "They''re gone," Finn said after a brief inspection. "Kyle must''ve taken care of them."


    The signs of battle became more frequent as they continued, yet no bodies of mana beasts were to be found. It was as if they had vanished into thin air.


    They had not seen any beast because Kyle had been storing them in his inventory but they didn''t know that and considered other possibilities.


    After several hours of walking, their exhaustion began to catch up with them. The trail led them to a dense bush that blocked their path. The footprints stopped here, abruptly ending at the edge of the overgrowth.


    "This is it," Finn said.


    The group exchanged weary but determined looks. Despite their fatigue, none of them were willing to turn back. They had already inwardly decided to walk through it and check out for themselves when Finn signalled for them to stop.


    "We''ve been at this for hours. Let''s take a break before we push through the bush."


    Everyone sighed in relief after they heard Finn''s suggestion. They were all tired and exhausted and they were happy for the opportunity to rest.


    They settled into a small clearing on the ground while Celine pulled out a set of metal cups from her space ring and placed them on the ground. With her magic, water flowed from her palms into the cups. "Here. This should help."


    Everyone accepted the water gratefully, the cool liquid refreshing their tired bodies. Zina also contributed to their revival by casting a spell that restored their energy, ensuring that they all got back to peak condition.


    Some minutes after they finished drinking, Finn stood up and looked at the dense bush ahead. "Alright, we''ve rested enough. The footprints end there, which means Kyle must''ve gone through. We follow."


    One by one, they nodded, their determination reigniting. They approached the bush and pushed through together, bracing themselves for whatever lay beyond.


    As they stepped out of the overgrowth, a surreal scene greeted them. The air was thick with mana, so saturated it felt almost alive. Tendrils of energy swirled faintly in the atmosphere, making their skin tingle.


    It was unlike anything they had ever experienced, but the sight before them quickly stole their attention. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Standing in the clearing was Kyle, his figure illuminated by bursts of light and energy. Beside him was a small black creature, no larger than a house cat, with wings folded against its back and a tail lashing in anticipation. It looked like a...


    "A dragon¡­?!" Zara screamed in disbelief.


    Dragons were creatures of myth, heard and seen only in ancient stories. Seeing one in the flesh left the group stunned.


    Before they could process what they were witnessing, their attention snapped back to the battle unfolding ahead. Kyle and the dragon were facing a massive wolf-like beast near a glowing pool. They could easily make out that the wolf was strong, like way past their level.


    What shocked them most was Kyle''s relentless assault. Spells flew from his hands in rapid succession, bolts of lightning striking the beast without pause. The dragon was no less fearsome, its small size denying its raw power as it spat concentrated streams of lightning at the wolf.


    The group stood frozen, watching in awe and terror. Kyle looked completely different from the boy they knew. His spells seemed very powerful, powerful than usual. The wolf was battered, but its sheer resilience kept it standing.


    Then, just as it seemed Kyle and the dragon had the upper hand, the wolf let out a guttural roar. Its eyes turned bloodshot, and a wave of frost surged outward, freezing everything in its path. The group gasped as the temperature dropped sharply.


    "Move back!" Finn shouted, dragging the others away from the encroaching ice.


    It didn''t end there though, as a blinding golden light erupted from the wolf, forcing them to shield their eyes. The air vibrated with an overwhelming surge of power, leaving them breathless. When they dared to look again, the scene had transformed.


    The ground was coated in ice and the mana in the air grew denser with every passing second. Kyle and the dragon were rooted on the ground, both struggling to see as a result of the bright light that enveloped them. To make the situation worse, the wolf was larger than before over and its aura was more intensified.


    "This¡­ this is insane," Lina stammered, her usual bravado replaced with fear.

 Chapter 145: Against A Corrupted Beast (1)

    "Mana, is the lifeblood of our world. It is the unseen force that fuels spells, strengthens warriors, and transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. It is both a gift and a curse, for those who do not respect it often find themselves consumed by its power."Kyle could remember his most recent history class when Professor Grendel had thought them on the evolution of mana beasts.


    The Professor had explained that when mana seeped into the atmosphere, it began to affect the natural world. Beasts that lived near the original sources of mana¡ªlike mana pools or ley lines¡ªslowly began to change.


    Their bodies adapted to handle the influx of energy. Over generations, their physical forms became stronger, their senses sharper, and their instincts more refined. These were the first mana beasts.


    Grendel had explained that mana beasts are creatures that have evolved naturally. Their transformation is gradual, allowing their bodies and mana cores to grow in harmony with the energy around them. "But," Kyle remembered him add, even raising a finger for emphasis: "There are exceptions."


    It was then that the topic of Corrupted Beasts arose.


    "Unlike mana beasts, corrupted beasts are not the result of natural evolution," Grendel explained. "They are created when a beast forcefully absorbs more mana than it can handle. This usually occurs when a creature attempts to feed directly on a mana source without the capacity to process it. The mana core becomes oversaturated, destabilizing and corrupting the beast''s entire being."


    A corrupted beast was far deadlier than its mana beast counterpart. The sudden influx of power gives it immense strength, speed, and resilience. However, this power comes at a great cost. The beast''s life force is consumed rapidly by the unstable mana, burning it out from the inside.


    A corrupted beast will only live for a few hours after its transformation, but in those hours, it is an apex predator¡ªa force of nature with no regard for its own survival.


    Just like the villagers, many people mistake mana beasts for corrupted beasts because of their strength. But true corrupted beasts are rare. When one encounters one, you''ll know. The air around them becomes heavy, almost suffocating. Their movements are erratic yet terrifyingly precise. And their power... their power is enough to make the bravest warrior tremble.


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    Kyle was excited when he heard the description back then. But he hadn''t expected he''ll ever encounter one. Now he stood before one, he couldn''t feel the same excitement he once felt for it before.


    The wolf before him was a straight up example of a corrupted beast. Its transformation had begun moments ago when it unleashed that bone-chilling howl.


    The air around it was thick with mana, making every breath Kyle took feel like he was inhaling pure energy. The golden light radiating from its body was blinding, pulsating in waves that seemed to shake the ground. Its fur, once sleek and dark, now glowed faintly with a silver hue, streaked with veins of gold that pulsed in rhythm with its heartbeat.


    Kyle''s knowledge of corrupted beasts provided some comfort. He knew the beast was living on borrowed time. Within a few hours, the unstable mana coursing through its body would tear it apart from the inside. But those few hours were more than enough for it to kill him and Void.


    Worst of all Kyle was still trapped in the ice. He tried to free himself out of it but it was all to no avail. He had even tried using a spell but his element wasn''t known for melting ice. Void was also just as trapped as him so Kyle saw no way going further.


    Once again, he couldn''t help but felt powerless. Just when he thought all hope was over Kyle heard a voice call him from afar. "...Kyle..."


    The voice belonged to a girl and it seemed familiar... Very familiar.


    "Hang on!"


    A sphere of heat pierced through the cold as a fireball roared past him, its warmth melting the ice that encased his legs. The light from the corrupted wolf also dimmed momentarily, giving Kyle just enough clarity to see the fireball''s source.


    Lina.


    Her flames weren''t strong enough to melt the ice but the desperation in her attacks carried weight. Each fireball she hurled was aimed with precision, melting the ice that had spread across the battlefield and slowly freeing Kyle and Void from their frozen prison.


    Another fireball hit the ground near him, melting the frost creeping over Void''s legs. The beast let out a low growl of relief as it began to regain its mobility.


    Kyle blinked rapidly, the golden radiance fading enough for him to see clearly again. He turned his head toward Lina, wanting to shout his gratitude, but the words caught in his throat as his instincts screamed a warning.


    Just above him, the wolf''s paw was about to decend, in an attempt to make him one with the ground.


    Without thinking, Kyle activated [Lightning Dash]. Energy surged through his veins and his body reacted faster than his mind. In a flash of crackling electricity, he rolled out of the way allowing the wolf''s claws to slam into the ground where he had been moments before.


    The impact sent shards of ice and stone flying and a few grazed his face and arms as he landed in a crouch several feet away.


    Kyle''s breaths came in ragged gasps as he stared at the ground where the wolf''s paw had struck. The sheer force of the blow had left a crater, steam rising from the molten claw marks etched into the ice.


    For a moment, Kyle remembered the situation. Lina and potentially the rest of the team had somehow managed to follow him into the forest. There were even there already. Kyle didn''t know how long they had been watching him for but he couldn''t take chances.


    In a swift motion, he withdrew the [Veil of Silence] and stored it in his inventory before turning around to meet his teammates with his eyes.


    They all stood some meters away from his spot and looked back at him with eyes filled with nervousness, but there was alot of confidence present in their body language. They looked ready, ready to help Kyle.


    Kyle wanted to smile at their help when a certain thought crossed his mind. ''Void!'' Kyle said inwardly, tuning his eyes to meet his dragon pet and as expected he stood before Kyle looking at the team lazily and wondering what made them come here.


    ''They had seen Void!''


    Kyle had never told anyone about his dragon companion. To begin with, he wasn''t able to explain how he had acquired it in the first place because the academy had made sure to be aware of every object that was brought in during their recruitment. .


    And now, he might have just blown it.


    ''How could I be so careless?'' Kyle cursed inwardly, clenching his fists. He replayed his actions in his head: the lack of attention to detail while sneaking away earlier, and, worst of all, failing to consider the possibility of his teammates waking up.


    Before he could blame himself further, his thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice


    [You really botched that one, didn''t you?]


    Kyle was surprised that he could hear Void''s voice sounding clearly in his mind, not through the system pet space as usual but through raw telepathy.


    ''You could talk to me like this?'' Kyle thought with surprise.


    [Of course, I can] Void replied, [You just never asked. Anyway, this is hardly the time to marvel at my brilliance]


    Kyle frowned, shaking off his initial surprise and returning to the more pressing issue. ''It''s risky enough that they''ve seen you. This could ruin everything,''


    [Relax, we''re in the middle of a forest. It''s the perfect setting for a good lie. Say you found me while exploring. That I, in all my magnificence, decided you were worthy enough to be my companion. Simple]


    Kyle though about Void words bringing himself to accept that it was truly brilliant.


    ''Wow, that''s a nice one.''


    [Obviously] Void said smugly. [And when we head back, maybe I won''t have to live like a prisoner anymore. You could even take me to class with the pet space. Or, we could eat at the cafeteria]


    Kyle felt like laughing at Void''s remark but kept it to himself. He turned around to meet his teammates once again, with the perfect tale formed in his head.


    But just before Kyle could tell them anything. The beast stepped back with an ear-splitting roar, its glowing maw releasing a wave of freezing energy.


    Shards of ice began to erupt from the ground afterwards racing towards Kyle''s position with deadly intent.


    Read Author''s Note*


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 Chapter 146: Against A Corrupted Beast (2)

    "Get back!" Kyle shouted, the moment he saw the ice spikes that were being formed by the beast. They all ran further back from the beast before Finn created a [Mud Wall] to help in defense. Meanwhile, Kyle and Void had to rely on themselves to dodge the spikes due to being in a closer position to the source of the attack.They both activated [Lightning Dash] and in a blink of an eye, they had already gone far away from the area of impact.


    The corrupted wolf seemed irritated after seeing its attacks fail to hit any one of the humans. It unconsciously decided to step up its game if it was going to destroy them.


    >HOWLLLLL!<


    The wolf moved back a few steps and unleashed another bone-chilling howl. The golden light radiating from its body intensified, and its claws shimmered with icy energy as it lunged toward Kyle at breakneck speed.


    Kyle, on seeing the wolf''s charge towards him didn''t hesitate to activate [Lightning Dash] and his form vanishing in a burst of crackling electricity.


    He didn''t plan on running though, with a smooth turn, he missed the wolf that approached towards him, reappearing beside it and slashing his katana at its torso, making sure to activate [Frozen Slash]


    The hit didn''t do much to the wolf, but it had managed to help it lose its balance and thankfully, his teammates were smart enough to capitalize.


    "Fireball!" Lina shouted from some distance, launching a blazing orb of flame directly at the wolf. The explosion didn''t do much to it, however it managed to disorient it further.


    "Keep it off balance!" Celine added, stepping forward.


    "Water Waves!"


    A surging wave of water rushed toward the wolf, soaking the ground beneath it and making its footing unsteady.


    The wolf stumbled, but it wasn''t out yet. With a snarl, the wolf released a blast of icy wind, freezing the water instantly and creating jagged icicles across the battlefield. The sharp cold bit into Kyle''s skin, and he gritted his teeth as he raised Frozen Claw defensively.


    [HP: 170/180]


    Void immediately darted through the icy storm with [Lightning Dash] and a in a moment, he had appeared above the wolf, unleashing a devastating [Lightning Breath] onto its back.


    "You''re welcome, by the way!" Void couldn''t help but reply to Kyle.


    Kyle ignored him, focusing on his next move. Activating Frozen Slash, he charged back into the fray. With precise strikes, he targeted the wolf''s legs, aiming to weaken its movement. Each slash left trails of frost that crept along the wolf''s limbs, slowing it down.


    "Finn, I need cover!" Kyle called out as Frostbane turned on him, its glowing claws swiping down in a wide arc.


    Finn slammed his hands into the ground again.


    "Mud Wall!" A barrier of earth erupted between Kyle and the wolf, buying him just enough time to roll away.


    Frostbane''s claws smashed through the wall, but Kyle was already back on his feet.


    The rest of the team soon joined in on the fray and they all continued attacking the wolf with joint attacks, going all out without any regard for their mana. Until...


    >ROOOAAR!!<


    With a furious roar, the wolf summoned a massive wave of golden light and its body glowed intensely as the unstable mana within it surged to the surface. The light energy healed all of its wounds, closing the frost-coated gashes Kyle had inflicted.


    "No way," Kyle muttered under his breath. His teammates had inflicted significant damage, but the wolf''s regeneration had made their efforts all useless.


    What followed after was the Wolf opening its maw very wide, gathering energy for a devastating attack.


    "Everyone, get back!" Kyle shouted.


    A wave of frost erupted from the wolf''s mouth, tearing across the battlefield. Kyle barely managed to dodge by activating [Lightning Dash], his body crackling with electricity as he sped out of harm''s way.


    They all tried their best to nullify the wolf''s effort. Kyle''s defensive runes + multiple [Mud Walls] from Finn couldn''t save them as the wave, somehow, got through all the defenses and left the team assaulted with cold.


    [HP: 140/180]


    ''If I was this affected, I wonder what happened to the rest,'' Kyle thought before turning to Zara, who was positioned some meters away from the battlefield, and giving his order.


    "Heal the rest of the team!"


    From the rear, Zara immediately understood Kyle''s request. She extended her hands and a golden glow enveloped Finn, Celine and Lina as she casted [Healing Aura] on them. The pain they felt reduced and some of their energy returned.


    "Thanks!" they all remarked simultaneously to Kyle and Zara before joining in to help Kyle who was currently going up against the beast alone. and called back, rolling to avoid another swipe from Frostbane.


    The battle raged on, with most of it involving Kyle and his team dodging the beasts attacks, taking some hits and countering whenever they got the chance. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At such stage of the battle, there was a deadlock between both sides. None of them were able to change the tide of the battle and that meant u5 would only drag out futher.


    ''If this battle continues like this, we would lose,'' Kyle analyzed as he struck the beast at its side with the [Frozen Claw] before using [Lightning Dash] to zip further away.


    If the battle was to stretch on, it would have to settle on a battle of endurance and why Kyle was confident of his ability to go on for hours, he couldn''t show off too much to his teammates and they were already on the brink of exhaustion.


    Kyle noticed this from their sluggish movements and the less flashy attacks they were beginning to throw out now. If they were out of mana, they would only question how Kyle has some much left.


    ''I''ve gotta turn the tables.''


    A beautiful plan cooked up in Kyle''s mind and he was confident of its ability to change the course of the battle. He reached into his inventory and pulled out the mana mist potion he has requested Orion to make for him.


    The opening the potion let out a thick smoky must that surrounded him that''ll make it impossible for anyone to track his mana signature and he would only be seen as harmless.


    Kyle had high hopes for it to deliver and this was the moment to test its effectiveness. Him and Void was immediately surrounded by the smoky mist as he had called his pet companion over before opening the potion.


    After that, he activated an enhancement rune and a speed rune on both himself and Void.


    "Void, with me!" Kyle shouted.


    "Let''s finish this thing!" Void roared in response, his form blurring as they used [Lightning Dash] to close the distance to the wolf.


    Kyle followed, moving in perfect sync with his dragon companion. Void unleashed multiple [Lightning Breath]s om the beast.


    Kyle darted in with [Lightning Dash], using his katana to cleanly slice across the wolf''s side in rapid succession.


    Slash after slash, they kept on going on the same area of the beast and the beast couldn''t identify the menace that disturbed it.


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    The beast howled, its movements becoming rough. It was losing control and the unstable mana within it was beginning to consume its body.


    Sensing defeat, Frostbane reared back and unleashed a deafening roar, channeling all its remaining energy into a final, desperate attack.


    >HOOOOOOWWWLLLLLL!!<


    A blinding beam of concentrated light erupted from its maw, aimed directly at Kyle.


    Kyle''s heart pounded as the power of the beam attack made his instincts scream like never before and all the hairs on his skin stand.


    He didn''t waste time thinking of his options as he reached into his inventory and withdrew the pocket mirror shield. The beast was a dual elemental beast, of Light and Frost and Kyle was gambling his luck on that attack being a Light attack.


    According to Orion, the mirror could perfectly reflect back Light attacks and Kyle was wholly depending on that effect to save him. The shield''s surface shimmered with a reflective sheen as he raised it just in time.


    The light beam struck the mirror, and Kyle felt the overwhelming force of the attack push him back. The ground beneath his feet cracked under the pressure, and for a moment, he thought the shield might shatter.


    The endless light kept pouring into the mirror, in a bid to saturate it, pushing Kyle steps back with each second. Just when Kyle thought the mirror would give in, the energy rebounded. The light beam ricocheted off the mirror, turning back toward the wolf with unstoppable force.

 Chapter 147: Sword Intent?

    >HOWWLLL!<The wolf let out a long, anguished howl as the beam tore through its body and the golden light that surrounded its body rapidly faded as the corrupted mana within it dissipated.


    Kyle sensed the wolf''s condition. He still had this nagging feeling that the wolf still had it in it for one last attack and he knew he had to end it.


    >SWISH!<


    Activating [Lightning Dash], Kyle surged forward, his katana glowing with a fierce white light. The wolf was weakened and staggering and it barely had any strength to move.


    "BEGONE!!!"


    Kyle raised his katana, and with a scream he brought the blade down on the beast in a decisive strike.


    But before the katana could connect, a familiar brilliant white line can out from its blade meeting the wolf and cleanly slicing it''s body in two. The sheer force of the attack split the wolf into two, and the ground shook as the corrupted beast collapsed.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Corrupted Tier-4 mana beast!]


    [You have obtained 1* Corrupted Tier-4 mana core!]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have completed Quests:


    ¡ªInvestigate the mana pool.


    ¡ªHalt the beasts'' evolution by any means necessary.


    ¡ªDefeat all threats to restore balance to the forest]


    [Reward: 100 Skill Points, 1* Chaos Spell Book]


    Kyle couldn''t control the joy he felt when he saw the system announce his rewards. He had done it, he couldn''t wait to use his rewards.


    ''I''ll have to finalize my chaos mana core soon then,'' Kyle thought, before looking around to see how his teammates were faring.


    On meeting his teammates, Kyle met their expressions. They were all frozen in utter shock and their mouth were wide open as they stared at him like a mythical creature. The surprise in their looks was very evident, but Kyle couldn''t grasp what caused their surprise.


    Void, after sensed the confusion on Kyle''s face, let out a long exaggerated sigh before face palming and shaking his head in disbelief.


    Kyle couldn''t help but let out a nervous chuckle. "Uh¡­ What''s wrong?" he


    Lina exploded first, her voice reaching a pitch Kyle hadn''t thought was humanly possible.


    "WHAT''S WRONG? You''re seriously asking us what''s wrong? What the hell was that attack? That white line thingy that came out of your katana?!"


    The others nodded vigorously in agreement, their wide eyes demanding answers.


    Kyle gulped hard after he realized what just happened. He had just used sword intent in front of them all. Of course they''ll be surprised.


    "Well¡­" Kyle began hesitantly, already deciding not to spill the truth to them. "I''m not sure what that was¡­"


    Lina cut him off with a sharp glare. "Don''t give me that crap, Kyle. There''s no way you don''t know. What did you just do?"


    "I¡ªI mean¡­" Kyle stumbled over his words, his nervous chuckle returning. "It just¡­ happened?"


    "Shut up," Lina snapped. "That''s not an explanation. You can''t just casually slice such a mana beast in half with whatever that was and act like it''s nothing!"


    Kyle''s lips twitched into a nervous smile. He was trying to think of a way to downplay what had happened, but Zara had already chimed in before he could respond.


    "That attack," she with awe, "It was so powerful that it even left a crack on the ground." She pointed at the spot where the wolf''s corpse lay, and all their eyes followed.


    Kyle glanced at the ground. A jagged line ran from where the wolf had been cleaved in two, extending several meters away. The sheer force of his sword intent had left an undeniable mark, both on the battlefield and on his teammates'' perception of him.


    He sighed inwardly, realizing there was no way out of this.


    "So?" Lina pressed, folding her arms. "Are you going to explain, or are we supposed to guess?"


    "Alright, alright," Kyle said, changing his mind and deciding to tell him. It wasn''t like sword intent was that much of a secret, after all Instructor Dan knew about it and Kyle was sure the rest of the students would learn of it too.


    "I think¡­ it might''ve been sword intent."


    Kyle hesitated, knowing there was no way out of this without giving them at least some semblance of the truth. He sighed heavily and scratched his head, avoiding their piercing gazes. "Alright, fine. That attack¡­ was sword intent."


    The blank stares that followed after he exposed the attack were almost comical.


    "Sword intent? What''s that supposed to mean?" Lina asked.


    "Yeah, is it from magic?" Zara asked too.


    Kyle sighed again, muttering under his breath, "This is exactly why I didn''t want to tell you."


    The three girls stared at him, their expressions quickly turning from confused to furious. Finn also raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with his words.


    Lina stepped forward and clenched her hands into fists.


    "Kyle," she said in a dangerously low voice, "You better start explaining before we make you explain."


    Kyle honestly felt like laughing when he saw her threat, but he simply played along and surpressed his laugh.. "Alright, alright! Don''t kill me. I''ll explain."


    The group crossed their arms, waiting expectantly.


    "Okay," Kyle began, trying to find the simplest way to explain it. "Sword intent is¡­ well, it''s kind of like an advanced skill that swordsmen can use. It''s not just about swinging your sword harder or faster. It''s about putting your will into the blade."


    "Your will?" Celine asked, her brow furrowing.


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    Kyle nodded. "Yeah. It''s like pouring your intent, your focus, and your emotions into the sword. When you reach a certain level of mastery, you can manifest that intent into a physical force. That''s what you saw¡ªa manifestation of my sword intent."


    The group blinked, processing his words.


    "So¡­ that white line that came out of your katana," Zara said slowly, "Was your will?"


    "Exactly," Kyle confirmed. "It''s insanely powerful, but it''s also really difficult to control. I haven''t mastered it yet that''s why I can''t summon it at will, for now it just pops up now and then, especially when I commit fully to an attack."


    Finn crossed his arms, still looking confused. "So how did you even learn this? I''ve never even heard of it before."


    Kyle shrugged nonchalantly, though inwardly he was cringing. "I''ve been training with swords for a while. Picked up a few things here and there. It''s not exactly something they teach in class, you know."


    The girls exchanged glances, clearly impressed despite themselves.


    "That''s¡­ amazing," Celine said softly.


    "Yeah," Zara agreed. "I can''t believe you''re walking around casually wielding something so dangerous."


    "More like casually showing off," Lina muttered, though there was a hint of admiration in her tone.


    Kyle chuckled nervously. "Well, like I said before I''m still not proficient with it... But if you''re really interested, you can ask someone like Harris," Kyle suggested before adding after some thought, "He should educate the class on it one of these days."


    They all nodded, making a mental note to ask their combat instructor when they returned to the academy.


    "But it''s still impressive for you to be learning something as powerful as that while being as young as us," Lina couldn''t help but say with a jealous tone.


    Kyle smiled and scratchrf the back of his head. "Thanks, I guess. But seriously, don''t look at me like I''m some kind of genius. Sword intent isn''t impossible to learn. It just takes a lot of practice."


    "Still," Celine said with evident admiration, "You''re still way ahead of us. It''s no wonder you took down that corrupted wolf like it was nothing."


    "Nah," Kyle quickly shook his head in disapproval, not wanting to claim credit for their joint effort. "We took it down together, remember?"


    "Yeah, right. You''re just trying to act humble, but let''s not pretend you didn''t do most of the work," Lina said with an eye roll.


    "Seriously," Zara added. "You were the one who charged in, landed most of the critical blows, and then finished it off with your mirror then that sword intent."


    "Don''t forget how you held its attention while we recovered," Celine added. "We were barely keeping up."


    Kyle opened his mouth to protest, but before he could respond, Void snorted loudly from behind, his tail swishing in irritation. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If you don''t think you contributed, fine," Void said, his voice cutting through the group like a blade. His golden eyes glared at them, filled with a mixture of annoyance and disbelief.

 Chapter 148: Scary, Talking Dragon

    "But let''s not forget my role in this. I also dealt lots of attacks and I might have even dealt more damage to the beast than Kyle. Without me, you wouldn''t have won this battle!" Void concluded his outburst.The group froze and their faces went pale... They felt like asking the obvious question that lingered in everyone''s head: ''It can talk?''. But they weren''t stupid to ask such after seeing the reaction the beast had just shown.


    Lina stepped back instinctively, while Zara held her breath. Even Finn looked momentarily shaken.


    "Y-you''re right," Celine said with a stammer. "We didn''t mean to ignore your efforts."


    "Yeah," Lina added quickly, "We''re sorry¡­ dragon."


    "Hmph." Void snorted, lifting his chin as if to say the matter was closed.


    An awkward silence fell over the group as no one could find the courage to talk anymore. the tension thick enough to cut with a blade.


    After a long pause, Finn finally broke the silence, glancing at Kyle. "So¡­ Kyle, you never told us about your companion. How exactly did you get it?"


    Kyle didn''t panic when he was asked. He had already planned on what to tell them and he was confident they''ll believe.


    "Well," he began, choosing his words carefully. "I found him in the forest. He was¡­ kinda stuck in a trap."


    "A trap?" Celine repeated.


    "Yeah. It looked like some kind of rune formation. It was draining his mana, so I broke him out. After that, he decided to stick with me."


    Finn narrowed his eyes. "You''re telling us that just randomly decided to follow you around because you saved it?"


    Void scoffed, drawing their attention. "First of all," he said with disdain, "I''m not a that. Watch your words, human."


    Finn almost fell off from fare when he heard Void speak again but knew he was in the wrong and apologized. "Sorry."


    Void''s eyes narrowed, and he snorted again. "It''s Void."


    Finn nodded before asking. "So, uh¡­ Void. Why''d you agree to come with him?"


    Void''s sharp eyes narrowed further. "Do you think I would waste my time explaining myself to someone like you? I have my reasons. If you can''t accept that, it''s your problem, not mine."


    The group recoiled slightly at Void''s harsh tone, exchanging nervous glances.


    "Well," Zara said, stepping in cautiously to ask the question that was in everyone''s mind. "Void¡­ are you¡­ a dragon?"


    "Nah..." Void nodded his head in denial. "I''m a cat."


    Kyle sighed at Void''s sarcastic reply. "He''s a dragon, I guess," he said with a shrug.


    "You guess? What do you mean, you guess? Either he is, or he isn''t!" Lina added in a high tone.


    Kyle gave another nervous chuckle. "Hey, it''s not like I know much about dragons, okay? All I know is that he''s ridiculously strong and can talk."


    Finn looked even more incredulous. "This doesn''t make sense. What would a dragon be doing in the forest? And why would it agree to be someone''s pet."


    "You dare insinuate that I am a mere pet?" Void screamed in anger. "Watch your tongue, human, before I teach you your place!"


    "Sorry... I didn''t mean it like that! I swear!"


    Kyle stepped between them quickly, raising his hands. "Alright, Void, calm down. Finn didn''t mean any harm."


    He turned to Finn and added, "And you, maybe be a little more careful with the way you address Void."


    Finn nodded quickly. "Yeah, sorry. Bad choice of words again."


    Kyle decided to wrap up the conversation. "I guess I just got lucky. Found a dragon, broke him out of a trap, and now he''s with me. Simple as that."


    Celine frowned and her curiosity was still not satisfied. "Void, what about your family? Do you have anyone else out there?"


    Void''s expression darkened instantly. "I don''t know," he replied. "And frankly, it''s none of your business. Stop pestering me with stupid questions that don''t concern you."


    The sharpness of his voice made them flinch, and they instinctively stepped back with shaken confidence.


    Kyle sighed again, rubbing his temples. [You''re not making this easier, you know.]


    [They were asking stupid questions. What do you expect me to do?]


    Kyle forced a smile and turned back to the group. "Look, Void''s not big on small talk. Can we drop it?"


    The others nodded reluctantly, though they were still glancing nervously at Void, who stood tall and unbothered, exuding an aura of superiority.


    "Fine," Lina muttered, still looking skeptical. "But I''m keeping my eye on him."


    Void smirked and he exposed his sharp teeth in a grin. "Feel free to try, little human. You might learn something."


    Kyle sighed, feeling the tension still lingering in the air. "Alright, enough chit-chat... We''re meant to he happy that we have managed to find the source of the tide"


    The group''s attention shifted immediately and their earlier unease faded as the weight of their accomplishment settled in. A collective sense of relief washed over them.


    "Yeah," Finn agreed, "We actually did it."


    The group walked closer to wolf on the floor to examine the fallen beast. The corrupted wolf lay splayed across the ground, its massive body sliced into two perfect halves. The precision of the cut was awe-inspiring, the edges clean and sharp, as if the blade that struck it had been wielded by an expert.


    "Okay, boss. What happens with the beast now?" Finn took the initiative to ask.


    Kyle stepped closer to the corpse and he looked at it with a thoughtful expression. "We will check it for a mana core first."


    The group exchanged glances before gathering around the massive carcass. Finn and Celine volunteered to cut into it while Kyle observed with an air of curiosity.


    The group managed to cut through the beast, but when they tried to peer inside, their eyes stared on the empty hole where the mana core should have been.


    "It''s not here," Finn said in disbelief his voice.


    "What?" Celine''s brows furrowed as she leaned closer. "That''s impossible. A beast this powerful should definitely have a core!"


    Kyle feigned a look of surprise. "That is strange."


    "None of the beasts we''ve fought so far had cores," Celine pointed out. "Not even the lesser ones. This¡­ this is serious. If something''s giving them energy other than mana, then we''re dealing with a bigger problem than just a beast tide."


    "You''re right. That''s not normal." Kyle confirmed, placing his hand on the wolf''s hide, storing it in his inventory. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The group watched as the massive corpse shimmered faintly before vanishing.


    "I''ll carry it back to the academy," Kyle said when he saw the confused expressions of his teammates. "They''ll want to study it."


    Everyone nodded in agreement. None of them were particularly eager to take the beast''s remains themselves.


    Kyle smiled inwardly, feeling the wolf settle into his inventory alongside the thousands of other beasts he and Void had dispatched earlier. He entertained a thoughts about what he could do with all those resources before pushing the idea aside.


    They still had work to do.


    Turning his attention to the atmosphere, Kyle took a deep breath, feeling the dense mana in the air almost flow through his veins. The richness of the energy was intoxicating, a sharp contrast to the usual faint presence of mana outside the forest.


    It felt alive, pulsating with an almost rhythmic beat, as if the very air was urging them to sit down and cultivate.


    Celine took a moment to notice it too. Her hand instinctively moved to her chest as she inhaled deeply. "The mana here¡­ it''s so dense," she murmured with wide eyes.


    "It''s incredible," Lina agreed, glancing around. "I''ve never felt anything like this. It''s so concentrated I feel like I could reach out and grab it."


    Kyle remained quiet, his sharp gaze fixed on the glowing pool just a few meters ahead. The pool radiated an ethereal light, casting soft, shimmering waves across the surrounding area. Its surface churned slowly, as if alive, and every ripple seemed to send another surge of mana into the air.


    The glow wasn''t just light; it was mana in its purest, rawest form, visible to the naked eye.


    The group stood rooted in place and they locked their gazes on the pool. Seconds slowly stretched into a long silence, the group''s awe rendering them speechless. It wasn''t until Lina finally voiced the question lingering in everyone''s mind that the spell was broken.


    "What¡­ is that?" she whispered.

 Chapter 149: Cultivating Beside an Origin Source (1)

    Kyle stared at the pool for one last time before turning to Lina so as to reply her question."It''s a mana origin source¡ª"


    "An origin source?!" Lina repeated before Kyle could continue, with deep surprise evident in her expression and tone. They all knew what a mana origin source was as well its implications and everyone was similarly shocked to be standing before one.


    "Yeah," Kyle continued with a nod. "It should be the reason for the beast tide. It is also the cause of the wolf''s corruption."


    They all nodded their heads in pondering expressions when they heard Kyle''s explanation to them.


    "It all makes sense," Finn said. "But... How come we didn''t encounter any mana beast on our way yet?"


    "True," Zara added. "A mana origin source is meant to attract alot of beasts as it can help them evolve if they cultivated within its vicinity."


    With their speculations made, they all looked at Kyle, demanding answers.


    "Uhm..." Kyle thought for a while on what to say. He couldn''t tell them that he had killed them as that would pose alot of questions. There was also no way for him to explain what happened to the beast corpses so he had no other option than to lie again.


    "Except for a few beasts I encountered while adventuring the forest, which by the way, are in my space ring at the moment; I saw no other beasts," he raised his hands in denial before concluding, "Honestly speaking, I''m as shocked as you are."


    "Hmm," Celine murmured, looking like she was about to ask another question. But Kyle was quick enough to prevent that from happening.


    "Enough with the questions. We could use this time to cultivate given how rich and concentrated the mana is."


    "He''s right," Finn said. "If the mana here is this dense, cultivating now could help us grow faster than we ever imagined."


    "Exactly!" Zara exclaimed. "I''ve never seen or felt anything like this before. Who knows how much progress we could make?"


    Even Lina, who had been skeptical earlier, nodded in agreement. "If we cultivate here, we might be even able to break through to the next stage."


    Kyle took a moment to assess his companions. He decided to gauge their current progress to understand their potential gains. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So, what stage of cultivation are you all at?"


    Lina spoke first, puffing out her chest slightly. "Third stage. But I''m really close to breaking into the fourth."


    "Same here," Zara added with a smile. "I can feel the barrier getting thinner with every session."


    Celine nodded. "Me too. Just a bit more, and I''ll push through."


    Finn rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Third stage as well. I think I''m a little further behind than the rest, but I''m not too far off."


    Kyle gave an encouraging nod, hiding the small smirk that threatened to leak from his lip. "That''s good. You''re all making solid progress."


    He briefly considered sharing his own cultivation stage but decided against it. Telling them he was far beyond their level would only create unnecessary tension.


    "Alright," he said, clapping his hands together. "Let''s not waste any more time. Start cultivating. This kind of opportunity doesn''t come often."


    The group nodded eagerly, moving closer to the mana pool. Before they began, Kyle remembered something and decided to add, "We don''t know how long this origin source will last, so cultivate as quickly as you can. And remember to pay attention to the pool itself. If it starts to ripple, we''ll need to leave immediately."


    They all nodded their head in understanding. They didn''t need to question Kyle further as they clearly understood what he meant by the ripple stage.


    From what they has learned in class, a mana origin source goes through several stages.


    The first stage was the formation stage. Mana origin sources didn''t just appear randomly. They were born from the immense pressure and compression of mana.


    When vast amounts of mana accumulated in a specific area, for reasons known to none, the Mana would compress into a source which could be in any state.


    During this stage, creatures sensitive to mana, that is, mana beasts would be drawn to the site, hoping to bask in its energy and evolve.


    Right now, it wad in its essence stage, where the mana is compressed and concentrated, making it perfect for cultivation. However, after a few days from the day of its creation, the pool would start to ripple and become chaotic. That was sign that it''s about to reach its burst stage.


    The burst stage is when the mana in the origin source becomes unstable and explodes outward. It spreads thin across the surrounding atmosphere, increasing the general mana saturation. But the increase is so small that it''s barely noticeable to anyone.


    However, the burst itself is incredibly violent. Anyone near the pool when it happens could be seriously injured¡ªor worse.


    The group moved into position around the pool, each finding a spot where they could sit comfortably. Kyle watched as they crossed their legs and began focusing their energy, their expressions turning serene as they entered a meditative state.


    Satisfied, Kyle found a spot for himself directly in front of the pool. He sat down cross-legged, his gaze fixed on the shimmering surface.


    He took a deep breath, letting the dense mana wash over him. The air felt alive, charged with an energy so pure that it seemed to hum in harmony with his very being. He closed his eyes and began breathing it in, feeling the mana flow into him like a gentle stream and merging with his core.


    [EXP +10]


    Kyle opened his mouth in awe when he saw the system notification. ''10 EXP per second? That''s 10 times my usual amount!'' he thought with a grin.


    [EXP: 1341/18000]


    ''I can go on without breathing for about 5 minutes now. That means I could see a break through if I continue for 6 hours,'' Kyle calculated. ''I just hope the pool holds on till then.''


    With that, Kyle resumed his cultivation session, inwardly steeling himself to push it until he broke through.


    ***


    1 hour later...


    Celine was the first to get up, she exhaled deeply as she stood and her legs trembling slightly from the extended period of cultivation.


    She stretched her hands to free up some exhaustion before going after the first thing that came up in her mind. Water.


    Her palm grab up to catch a meal cup that she retrieved from her space ring before using her magic to fill it up with water, gulping down the cool liquid and savoring the refreshment it always brought to her.


    Cultivation was no small feat. The process required the utmost focus and discipline. The long hours of holding one''s breath, circulating mana, and maintaining a steady mental state weren''t easy and each session always left one exhausted.


    Celine clenched her fists after she was done with her water and had returned her cup, her lips curling into a satisfied smile as she felt the newfound strength coursing through her veins.


    ''Finally, after what felt like an eternity stuck at the third level, I had broken through.'' The feeling of her success was exhilarating and it only made her smile wider.


    Her gaze shifted toward Kyle, the boy who had made this possible. He sat cross-legged on the ground with a perfectly straight posture. The moonlight kissed his face, highlighting his sharp features and his dark blue hair swayed gently in the cool breeze, amplifying his aura multiple times.


    Celine found herself staring and a soft smile formed on her lips. "Isn''t he so handsome?" she muttered.


    As she admired Kyle, Lina stirred beside her, rising to her feet. The movement startled Celine, and she jumped as if caught stealing something.


    "What are you doing?" Lina asked, looking at her suspiciously.


    "Nothing!" Celine blurted hastily, her face flushing with a red blush. "I was just... admiring the moonlight. It''s so pretty tonight, don''t you think?"


    Lina raised an eyebrow but didn''t press further. She was far too excited to focus on Celine''s strange behavior.


    "Well... I finally broke through!" she exclaimed, throwing herself down onto the bare ground. She let out a long sigh of relief, her grin wide as she basked in the feeling of success.


    "Congrats, me too."


    One by one, the others began waking as well. Finn was the last to stand, shaking off the stiffness in his limbs with a satisfied groan.

 Chapter 150: Cultivating Beside an Origin Source (2)

    "I thought I''d never get past the third level. It feels so good to finally advance." Zara said after she had gotten up."Same here. An origin source is so incredible. It''s like the mana is ten times denser than normal." Finn couldn''t help but add.


    "Yeah... it''s a rare opportunity. We wouldn''t be here if it weren''t for Kyle."


    The group nodded, their gazes shifting toward their silent benefactor. Kyle remained unmoving, his focus unwavering as he continued to cultivate.


    Lina tilted her head, frowning slightly. "Why is he still cultivating? Wasn''t he supposed to be the first to finish?"


    Her words hung in the air for a moment before the others exchanged knowing looks.


    "That dude," Lina said with anger. "He must have broken through already. He''s always one step ahead."


    "Always," Finn muttered grimly.


    "Monster," Zara said, shaking her head with a wry smile.


    Celine, however, couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. "Even if he''s already in the fourth stage, shouldn''t he be tired by now?"


    "He must be trying to push for the fifth stage and here we are, celebrating just getting to the fourth."


    "If we get back to cultivating now, we might be able to catch up while he''s recovering."


    Lina smirked, already settling back into her position. "Then let''s not waste time. He''ll have to rest eventually, and we''ll use that to close the gap."


    With renewed determination, the group resumed their cultivation, unaware that Kyle had lonf surpassed the fourth stage and was even pushing for the fourth. Worst of all, he''ll be able to go on for eight hours until he reached his goal.


    ***


    The night stretched on as Kyle and his team continued to cultivate near the mana origin source. The concentrated energy flowing from the pool and the power it would bring them was almost intoxicating, urging them to push their limits further than ever before. .


    Except for Kyle and Void, the group followed a steady pattern: They would cultivate for an hour before taking a brief rest to recover their stamina. Despite the richness of the mana, the intense focus and discipline required took a toll on their bodies, leaving them fatigued after each session.


    They would drink water, stretch, and exchange a few words before resuming their efforts.


    Kyle, however, remained motionless, utterly focused on his cultivation. While his teammates alternated between cultivating and resting, he pushed forward relentlessly. The system notification about gaining 10 EXP per second had motivated him like never before. With his body being able to handle more of the pressure and exhaustion, he was determined to use this rare opportunity to its fullest.


    By the time the morning sunlight broke through the forest canopy, Kyle''s teammates had just completed their third hour of cultivation. They rested again, sitting together near the pool as they admired the sunrise.


    "The mana here really is something else," Finn said, marveling at how the morning light reflected off the shimmering pool.


    Zara nodded, her expression one of both exhaustion and satisfaction. "It''s incredible. I feel like I''ve made more progress in one night than I usually do in a month."


    Celine glanced toward Kyle, who was still sitting cross-legged, completely engrossed in his cultivation. "He hasn''t moved an inch," she said with a mixture of awe and concern in her voice. "Do you think he''s taking breaks while we''re cultivating?"


    "Probably," Lina replied, though her tone betrayed some doubt. "He''s always ahead of us, so maybe he doesn''t need as much rest. He''s probably using our breaks to push even further."


    The group nodded in agreement, though they all felt some sense of frustration. Kyle''s seemingly unending stamina were both inspiring and slightly intimidating. Still, they resolved to keep going, determined to narrow the gap between themselves and their year mate.


    ***


    Kyle kept on continued cultivating between breaks and soon, it didn''t take long for noon to come, its harsh sunlight filtering through the forest and casting long shadows across the clearing.


    The once cool and serene atmosphere had grown hot and humid, but Kyle paid no attention. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [EXP +10]


    [EXP +10]


    [EXP +10]


    ...


    [EXP: 18000/18000]


    [Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!]


    [Beginner Mage: Lv 7 >> Lv 8]


    [All stats: +10]


    "Status!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Mage: Lv 8*


    EXP: 10/27000*


    HP: 200*


    Energy: 236*


    MP: -*


    Agility: 111*


    Strength: 115*


    Vitality: 100*


    Stamina: 118*


    Intelligence: 101*


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 3)]


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 3)]


    [Inspect(Lv 2)]


    [Gobbler(Lv 2)]


    [Undying]


    Skill Points: 100


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    A satisfied smile spread across Kyle''s face as he stared at his status panel, letting the feeling of accomplishment wash over him. He could feel the strength coursing through his body and his core was now brimming with energy unlike anything he had experienced before.


    "Perfect," he muttered. "This was worth every second."


    Turning his gaze toward his teammates, he saw that they had all fallen asleep, sprawled across the ground in various positions. Kyle laughed a little at their indiscipline as he looked at their peaceful expressions. Usually he was the one who tended to oversleep but he had managed to triumph against sleep this time.


    ''It only makes sense for them to fall asleep. Cultivation takes a toll on the body, and they''ve been at it for hours.''


    Kyle debated waking them but decided against it, understanding that they needed the rest. Instead, his eyes shifted to Void, who was still in a meditative state near the edge of the clearing. The tiny dragon''s form radiated a faint glow, a sign of his progress.


    Kyle''s lips curled into a thoughtful smile. ''Assuming Void''s cultivation speed is also multiplied by ten due to the mana density, it should take him about 10¨C11 hours to break through. He''s been at it for a while now, so he must be getting close.''


    Satisfied that Void was making progress, Kyle turned his attention back to the mana pool. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what came next.


    "Let''s form that Chaos Core," he murmured to himself.


    ***


    The village of Windrest was nestled in a serene valley, surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains. For generations, it had been a place of peace and contentment.


    The villagers lived simple lives, tending to their crops and animals, sharing laughter during festivals, and gathering around bonfires to exchange stories of their ancestors. It was a place untouched by the chaos of the outside world, but that tranquility had been shattered by the beast tide.


    The first attack had come without warning, a wave of feral creatures descending from the forest and leaving the villagers injured. It was so bad that some died, something that rarely happened in Windrest.


    When Kyle and his team arrived, hope returned like the dawn breaking through a stormy night. Their swift and decisive action during the wave they faced of the beast tide had saved lives and restored confidence. That was why the villagers, overwhelmed with gratitude, had thrown a feast in their honor that evening.


    They had all eaten to their full, laughed and enjoyed moments together. For the first time in weeks, the villagers had slept soundly, trusting their safety to the protectors who had come to their aid.


    Morning broke gently over the village, sunlight filtering through the curtain of a certain room. Henrick, the village chief, stirred in his bed and opened his eyes groggily.


    "Eight-thirty?" he muttered, glancing at the small wooden clock on the wall. "I must''ve overslept. Too much ale last night, Henrick, you fool."


    Rubbing his temples, he sat up and stretched. His thoughts drifted to the feast, the joy on everyone''s faces, and the confidence in Kyle''s team. "It''s been years since I''ve seen the village so lively," he murmured with a smile.


    After dressing quickly, he left his room to begin his day. Villagers bowed respectfully as he passed.


    "Good morning, Chief!" called a young boy hauling a basket of freshly picked herbs.


    "Good morning, Henrick!" an elderly woman greeted with a warm wave.


    Henrick replied to each with a kind word and a smile, his heart swelling with pride. Windrest was more than a collection of homes; it was a family. And as the chief, it was his duty to protect them.


    Entering his modest kitchen, he found his wife already preparing breakfast. She turned and smiled at him. "You''re up late, Henrick. The feast must''ve worn you out."


    "It''s not every day we celebrate victory," Henrick chuckled. "But listen, prepare something special for Kyle and his team. They''ve earned it."

 Chapter 151: Cultivating Beside an Origin Source (3)

    "It''s not every day we celebrate victory," Henrick chuckled. "But listen, prepare something special for Kyle and his team. They''ve earned it.""Of course. I''ll make my best stew. You should bring it to them yourself." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Of course... I will," Henrick said, planting a kiss on her cheek before heading out.


    He approached the cottage they had assigned to Kyle''s team. It was a simple but sturdy structure, chosen for its proximity to the village center. Knocking firmly on the wooden door, Henrick called out, "Good morning, heroes! Are you awake?"


    Silence greeted him.


    Frowning, he knocked again. "Kyle? Anyone in there?"


    When there was still no response, Henrick hesitated. "Perhaps they''re out training," he muttered, but unease was already creeping into his voice making him to try entering.


    Pushing the door open, he stepped inside. The cottage was empty and the beds were untouched.


    Henrick''s heart began to race as he searched the rooms, his voice growing louder with each call. "Kyle! Zara! Celine! Where are you?"


    The absence of any response sent a chill down his spine. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Henrick tried to steady his nerves. "Don''t panic, old man," he muttered to himself. "They''re probably nearby."


    But as his search extended to the outskirts of the village and yielded no results, Henrick''s worst fears began to take shape.


    He returned to the village square with a pale face, gathering all the villagers to meet there. They looked up at him in concern, wanting to know the reason for their gathering.


    "Chief? What''s wrong?" asked one of the men.


    "They''re¡­ Our heroes... They''re not in the cottage," Henrick stammered. "I''ve looked everywhere, but Kyle and his team are missing."


    Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.


    "Missing? How can they be missing?" cried a woman, clutching her child.


    "They wouldn''t just leave us, would they?"


    Henrick raised his hands for calm, though his own heart was pounding. "Listen to me! We don''t know where they''ve gone, but we mustn''t jump to conclusions. They might''ve gone to scout the area or prepare for the tide."


    "But what if something happened to them?" someone asked anxiously.


    "We''ll find them. Spread out in groups and search the village and the surrounding woods. If you see anything unusual, report back immediately," Henrick ordered, trying to sound as calm as possible.


    The villagers nodded and their fear gave way for determination.


    "I''ll check the eastern fields!" shouted one man.


    "I''ll look by the river!" said another.


    The villagers dispersed, calling out Kyle and his teammates'' names as they searched. For over an hour, they scoured every corner of the village and its surroundings.


    While Henrick stood in the village square with his wife, their hands locked together for comfort as they waited for any news. Finally, the searchers began to return but Henrick could make out their grim expressions.


    "There''s no sign of them, Chief," one of the villagers said.


    "Not even tracks," added another.


    Henrick swallowed hard and his stomach began twisting in nervousness. He had dreaded this moment and now it had happened.


    "What do we do now, Chief?" asked a young woman in panic. "The beast tide could come any moment!"


    Henrick took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. "We have to be prepared. Even without Kyle and his team, we must protect Ninian. Gather every able-bodied man and woman. Start reinforcing the traps at the eastern edge. We''ll face the beasts ourselves if we have to."


    The villagers exchanged worried glances but nodded.


    "We''ll do it, Chief," said an elderly man, gripping his walking stick tightly.


    "We''ll protect our home," echoed another.


    As the villagers set to work, Henrick couldn''t shake the gnawing fear that gripped his heart. ''Where are you, Kyle?'' he thought desperately.


    ***


    The hours passed slowly with each one filled with tense anticipation. All the villagers that were ready to fight stood before the rough defenses they had scrambled up together.


    They all stared into the forest, waiting for the dreaded moment when the beasts would arrived. They remained there until noon came and went... without any sign of the beast tide.


    By the time the clock struck one, the villagers began to feel a glimmer of hope.


    "Could it be?" murmured a young man as he checked the traps. "No beasts?"


    "Maybe Kyle and his team dealt with them before they reached us," suggested another.


    "It''s possible," Henrick said, though he didn''t fully believe his own self.


    After waiting for a longer while and nothing happened. They couldn''t help but begin to celebrate, having trust that somehow, somewhere their heroes were saving them.


    "We''re saved!" someone shouted.


    "Thank the heavens for Kyle and his team!"


    The crowd cheered and their spirits were lifted as they prayed silently for their missing heroes, hoping they were safe wherever they were.


    ***


    Kyle stared at the rich, concentrated mana that left the pool. The fact that he could see it with his naked eyes showed how potent it was, and that was what he needed at that moment.


    "To form a mana core, one needs to compress their core into its smallest possible state, making sure it remains stable in that state. After that it is required that the incomplete mana core within you is binded to an external mana source, usually a mana core, to further stabilize it and complete the core."


    Kyle murmured to himself like he was speaking to someone, repeating the processes in his mind to remember him of the task ahead.


    ''I had already completed the first stage, it wasn''t easy to do so but I managed to compress the chaotic mana core into a spherical orb,'' Kyle thought, beginning to focus his attention on the swirling orb of chaotic mana within him.


    ''Now, all that''s left to be done is to bind the mana core with external mana. I had originally planned on using a mana core when I had chance, but from the mana concentration, it''ll work just fine.''


    Kyle began cultivating once again. Usually, when he cultivated the mana simply went into his body, not choosing any route in particular. But this time, he wasn''t just cultivating.


    Kyle tried his best to direct the mana flow into chaos core, structuring it with each breath he took. His chaos core continued to glow fiercely as it absorbed the mana Kyle sent in, it served as a glue that fixed the cracks on the orb, molding it into perfection.


    Kyle continued with the process for several minutes until the core formed. Elemental energies threatened to burst out from his body at that moment, but he suppressed it so as to avoid exposing his powers in an unfortunate turn of events.


    [Congratulations! You''ve formed your Chaos mana core!]


    Kyle didn''t need the system to inform him, he knew it. He knew that he had did it. Kyle decided to focus within him and sense his newly formed core.


    It hovered over its mana pool, just beside the lightning core. Although it was more stable than before, flickers of chaotic mana could be seen raging around the core, trying to show its erratic nature.


    ''Now that I''ve formed my core, I can learn the skills too,'' Kyle thought to himself as he focused his attention to observe the spell book that resided within his inventory. He really felt tempted to take it out, at least get a look on what kind of spells it offered.


    ''Get yourself together. Don''t act stupid,'' Kyle told himself. Assuming someone woke up when he brought out the spell book, that would lead to many complications and might even expose his bigger secrets.


    ''I''ll learn it when there''s time,'' Kyle thought to himself. ''Hopefully, we return to the academy as soon as possible.''


    With the rewards he had gotten from this mission, he was satisfied with his adventure and hoped to return to the academy so as to enjoy his spoils.


    ''Status!''


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Lightning Mage: Lv 8


    EXP: 10/27000


    Beginner Chaos Mage: Lv 1*


    EXP: 0/1000*


    HP: 200


    ...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Except for the new tabs that displayed his progress with the new element, there were no new additions to Kyle''s system panel.


    Kyle had wondered the level his Chaos element would begin from and he wasn''t too surprised that he had to level it up from the beginning.


    ''On the bright side, according to Riya, one was able to cultivate the two cores at once if they had dual-affinity,'' Kyle thought, grateful for the fact that didn''t need to focus on one for him to cultivate.


    He could do so simultaneously and that would greatly increase his speed.


    ''Let''s see how far I can go with this opportunity.''

 Chapter 152: Origin Burst

    ''Let''s see how far I can go with this opportunity.''With that, Kyle resumed his cultivation, this time he was aiming to increase the level of his two cores.


    [EXP +10]


    [EXP +10]


    [EXP +10]


    ...


    For over an hour, Kyle continued to cultivate, the world around him fading as he kept on directing mana into his cores.


    By the time two hours had passed, Kyle had managed to level up his Chaos Core more than once, but he kept on going until suddenly, he heard the ground begin to tremble.


    It felt very soft at first, like a low vibration in the earth, but it soon grew more pronounced. Kyle''s eyes snapped open. He knew what he was in an instant.


    ''The burst stage. It has arrived.''


    The pool rippled violently as waves of mana flew threw its surface and Kyle didn''t need anyone to tell him to act fast.


    He turned around to meet Void. The Omni Drakkon had also sensed the disturbance and he had been quick to react.


    "It''s here. I sense it." Void said, the moment his golden eyes met with Kyle.


    "I know." Kyle nodded quickly. "We need to wake the others immediately."


    They both quickly moved toward the others, who were lying on the ground, sound asleep despite the commotion. Zara had an arm draped over her eyes, while Celine and Lina lay curled up on their sides, and Finn laid flat on his back, snoring softly.


    Kyle turned his attention to Finn, who was closest. "Finn, get up! The pool''s about to burst!"


    "Huh? Burst? Oh... the pool¡­" Finn jumped up on his feet the moment he realized what Kyle said.


    "Help me wake the others. We don''t have much time."


    Finn nodded and moved toward Celine, shaking her awake with similar difficulty. Meanwhile, Kyle went to wake Zara and Void approached Lina.


    "Wake up, Lina," Kyle said urgently, nudging her shoulder.


    "Kyle, I swear if this isn''t important¡­"


    "It is important. The mana pool is destabilizing, and we need to leave now!"


    That got her attention and her eyes flew open immediately making her sit up quickly. "Why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    By the time everyone was roused, the tremors had intensified, and the air around them was buzzing with erratic mana. Void, who had been pacing impatiently, growled. "If you''re all done being sluggish, we need to move!"


    Zara yawned as she stretched but quickly became alert when she noticed the chaotic state of the pool. "Alright, alright, we''re going!"


    "Follow me," Kyle instructed, leading the way through the dense foliage. He kept his pace slower than he normally would, ensuring that everyone could keep up. The team moved in a hurried line while the ground continued shaking beneath their feet.


    Behind them, the pool began to glow brighter and the concentrated mana becoming unstable. They picked up pace with this and began to run.


    When they finally emerged from the thick bush, Kyle led them several hindered meters farther before stopping in a small clearing. "Here. This should be safe enough."


    The group collapsed onto the grass, catching their breath while Kyle and Void remained standing, as they looked in the direction of the pool.


    Moments later, a deafening explosion echoed through the forest, and a brilliant cascade of mana particles shot into the sky. The rest of the group stood up to watch, forgetting the former exhaustion that they felt so as to stare at the dazzling display.


    The sky was painted with vibrant colors: shimmering blues, greens, and purples¡ªas the particles scattered, the colors lightened up the forest in an otherworldly glow.


    The chaotic beauty of the event was mesmerizing, a stark contrast to the danger it posed.


    "Wow. That''s¡­ breathtaking." Zara said with awe.


    "It''s like watching the stars fall," Celine murmured, her voice filled with wonder.


    "Too bad we almost got caught in it," Finn added with a shaky laugh, though his eyes never left the sky.


    Kyle smirked but didn''t respond. He couldn''t deny the sight was captivating, even if it had nearly been their undoing. As the particles slowly faded, the group let out collective sighs and the tension finally began to ease.


    After a few minutes of silence, Kyle turned to the group. "So, how far did y''all get with your cultivation?"


    Finn, Celine, and the others all exchanged hesitant glances before Zara spoke up with a defeated tone. "We managed to break through to the fourth stage," she admitted, "but we couldn''t make it to the fifth. We are very close, though."


    Kyle nodded sympathetically and tried to encourage them. "That''s still progress. With more time, you''ll get there. Don''t worry."


    But the others weren''t convinced. "We had over ten hours to cultivate, and we spent most of it sleeping," Lina added bitterly. "If we had just focused, we might have made it."


    "You''re stronger than most back at the academy, though. Don''t forget that." Kyle added, reminding them of the funny reality.


    "You''re all lazy," Void said with a snort. "Don''t complain about not being strong if you waste all your time sleeping."


    Lina opened her mouth to retaliate against his statement, but she closed it back almost immediately, not finding the courage to argue with Void.


    A few moments later, Celine decided to speak up. "Kyle... how far did you get?"


    Kyle hesitated for a moment, trying to figure out how to answer without revealing too much.


    "I broke through once," he said, giving a truthful answer that left room for them to interpret in their way.


    The others exchanged frustrated glances, and though they didn''t say it out loud, it was clear from their expressions that they were both envious and a little bitter.


    *Growl!*


    Kyle heard his stomach growl, interrupting the short silence that existed. That made him remember that he haven''t had any food for over 15 hours now.


    He looked at his teammates, who were all looking up at him for instructions on their next moves. "Anyone hungry?"


    The response was instant.


    "YES!" all four of them yelled simultaneously, their voices practically bouncing off the trees around them. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lina glared at Kyle. "Why even ask? We''re starving!"


    Zara added, "You think we wouldn''t be? After all that stress?!"


    Even Void gave him a sharp look, his golden eyes narrowing. "You''re in charge of feeding me too. Don''t even think about slacking."


    Kyle could only laugh at their reactions. "Alright, alright, calm down," he said, smirking as he touched his space ring that served as a decoy for his inventory. "I came prepared, trust me."


    The others exchanged curious glances, and Celine was the first to ask, "Wait¡­ you actually brought food? Enough for all of us?"


    Kyle''s smirk deepened as he remembered the stash he had hoarded from the dorm cafeteria. He had gone overboard, spending more credits than necessary, but now it was paying off.


    "Let''s just say I made sure we wouldn''t go hungry for a month," Kyle said, retrieving several full meal sets, stacks of energy bars, juice packs, bottles of water, and even premium snacks; all above Tier-1.The sight of the food appearing out of thin air left the group in awe.


    A tantalizing aroma wafted through the clearing, making all of them drool already.


    "It''s still hot!" Lina exclaimed.


    "How¡­? Never mind, I don''t care!" Zara grabbed one of the meals, practically salivating as she opened it.


    Void, who had been observing silently, let out a pleased rumble when Kyle produced a massive portion for him. It was more than the others'' meals combined, and the dragon''s tail swished happily as he immediately began devouring it.


    "Finally, a meal worthy of me," Void remarked between bite.


    Kyle chuckled. "Enjoy it while it lasts. This stash isn''t endless." he wasn''t scared because this was barely ten percent of what he had left in the inventory. But he had decided that he saved the rest incase he found himself in a similar


    The team sat in a circle, digging into their food with enthusiasm. They all ate with satisfaction. Void, meanwhile, kept asking for more.


    "You''ve eaten more than all of us combined!" Kyle protested, as he still pulled out another large portion for the dragon. The third time the dragon had requested for another. Void''s actions were amusing to the others as they continued handling their own portions.


    After nearly an hour of feasting, everyone leaned back, thoroughly satisfied. The clearing was quiet except for the occasional sigh of contentment.


    "Alright," Kyle said after a while, standing up and stretching. "We''ve rested enough. It''s time to head back to the village."

 Chapter 153: Back at Windrest

    "Already? I could use another hour of rest," Lina complained after she heard Kyle.Zara tossed a stone at her, missing slightly. "Stop whining. You''ve been resting this whole time."


    Void let out a low rumble, rising to his feet with an elegant stretch. "Finally. I was beginning to think you''d all forgotten there''s more to life than eating and lazing around."


    Celine stood and dusted herself off, shooting Void a playful glare. "Says the one who ate enough for a small army."


    Kyle smirked at their banter but raised a hand to get them back on track. "Come on, focus. We''ve got a clear route back thanks to my Pathfinder''s map. It''ll be easier this time."


    Lina, still rubbing her eyes from earlier, asked, "How long do you think it''ll take?"


    "Not long," Kyle replied, pulling out thw map from his inventory. A glowing blue trail appeared on it, marking their path to Windrest. This made the the others react with surprised expressions. At this rate there was nothing Kyle could do that would move them anymore.


    "We''ll be back by nightfall if we keep a steady pace," Kyle continued, ignoring their looks.


    With that they set off on their journey back, the journey back to Windrest was smoother and quicker than expected. The pathfinder''s map had logged every step Kyle had taken on their way to the mana pool, and now it served as a reliable guide.


    They navigated the forest with ease, retracing their steps through the dense foliage and narrow paths. Despite the occasional rustle of leaves, the trip was uneventful.


    Lina lightened the mood as they walked. "Do you think the villagers will throw another feast? I could definitely use more of that stew."


    "You mean the stew you spilled all over yourself last night?" Zina teased, rolling her eyes.


    "Hey! That was an accident. Besides, I was just too enthusiastic!"


    "Sure you were," Finn muttered with a smirk.


    Even Void couldn''t help but let out a low rumble that sounded suspiciously like a chuckle. Kyle led the way in silence, focused on the task at hand but smiling faintly at their banter.


    The forest gradually opened up to reveal the village, covered by the night sky. Everywhere was darkened as they crossed the final field, and the distant sound of voices was heard through the crisp night air.


    When they reached the village, they found most of its inhabitants gathered around a massive bonfire in the central square. Windrest wasn''t large¡ªjust a few dozen families¡ªbut everyone had come together, drawn by the warmth of the fire and the comfort of shared stories.


    Their faces were tired and their clothes dusted with dirt, and their postures spoke of long hours of labor, but there were all happy.


    As Kyle and his group walked nearer, a sharp cry broke through the stillness.


    "Chief! Our heroes. They are back!"


    It was Jonas, the same boy who had welcomed them on their arrival. He stood at the edge of the square, pointing excitedly. His voice was heard by everyone in the gathering, drawing every eye to Kyle and his team.


    The villagers froze for a moment, their exhaustion replaced by surprise and then overwhelming joy. A ripple of cheers spread through the crowd, growing louder as people surged toward the returning group.


    "They''re back!"


    "Our heroes have returned!"


    "They saved us!"


    The villagers swarmed them with claps on the back, handshakes, and bows. Children darted around them with their laughter filling the air, while the adults thanked them over and over.


    Kyle smiled at the warm reception, feeling a sense of fulfillment he hadn''t expected. His teammates were equally touched, even Void, who typically preferred to stay aloof.


    After a few minutes, Henrick stepped forward, his voice cutting through the noise. "Calm down, everyone! Give them a moment to breathe!"


    The crowd quieted, though their excitement was barely restrained. Henrick turned to Kyle, his expression a mix of relief and gratitude. "Heroes, we cannot thank you enough. Tell me, was it you who stopped the tide?"


    Kyle nodded. "Yes. The tide won''t threaten Windrest again."


    A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd. Henrick''s shoulders sagged as if a great weight had been lifted.


    "You''ve done more than save our village," Henrick said with deep emotion. "You''ve saved our families and our future. We are forever in your debt."


    The villagers all murmured their agreement, some wiping away tears of gratitude.


    Henrick raised his hands. "Tonight, we celebrate once again! Our heroes have returned and saved Windrest from the tide. Let us show them our thanks!"


    Cheers erupted once more, and the villagers sprang into action. Food and drink were brought out, the fire was stoked higher, and some villagers that pulled out simple instruments, filling the square with lively tunes.


    As the festivities unfolded, Kyle found himself sitting on a wooden chair near the edge of the gathering. He watched the scene with a content smile. The villagers were laughing, singing, and dancing. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His teammates had joined in, Zina and Finn attempting a type of dance while Lina and Celine clapped along. Even Void, who had initially stayed apart, was now surrounded by children.


    At first, the dragon had frightened them, but Kyle''s reassurance had helped ease their fears. Soon, they were laughing and trying to climb onto Void''s back, much to his feigned annoyance. His tail swished playfully, and he let out a low, rumbling sound that seemed suspiciously like amusement.


    Kyle leaned back, taking it all in. He had chosen this mission to connect with others, to experience something outside the academy''s walls, and it had turned into something far greater. These people, this village¡ªthey felt like family, if only for a short time.


    "Are you enjoying the party, sir?"


    Kyle glanced at his side and saw a boy standing beside him. He was dark-skinned, with a skinny build and bright, curious eyes. Kyle recognized him instantly¡ªit was Jonas, the first person he had met in Windrest, the one who had shown him to the chief''s house.


    "Jonas," Kyle said his name with a smile. "Hey there."


    The boy grinned as he sat down next to Kyle. "I just wanted to say¡­ thank you. For saving us."


    Kyle chuckled softly. "It''s nothing, really."


    "It''s not nothing," Jonas said earnestly. "If you hadn''t come, we''d all be in trouble. I want to be like you someday¡ªstrong enough to protect my family."


    Kyle''s smile widened. "You''ll get there, Jonas. I''m sure of it. You''ve got the heart for it."


    "Do you really think so?"


    "I know so," Kyle said firmly. "It takes courage to want to protect others, and you''ve already got that. The strength will come with time and effort."


    Jonas nodded, looking thoughtful. "When will you be going?"


    Kyle hesitated, then said gently, "We''re leaving tomorrow morning. I have to return to the academy and continue my studies. That''s how I can get stronger."


    Jonas''s face fell, but he quickly tried to hide his disappointment. "Oh¡­ I see."


    "But," Kyle added, placing a reassuring hand on the boy''s shoulder, "I''ll be back. Maybe not right away, but I promise you''ll see me again."


    Jonas''s expression brightened. "Promise?"


    "I promise," Kyle agreed with a nod. "Now, how old are you, Jonas?"


    "Nine," the boy replied.


    Kyle smiled. "You''re still very young and wise for a kid your age. You''ll awaken one day, and when you do, work hard. I bet you''ll be one of the strongest in your generation."


    Jonas grinned. "I''ll do my best!"


    They continued talking of other casual stuff with Kyle narrating his experiences in the academy and Jonas telling Kyle how life was at the village.


    As the night wore on, the festivities began to slowly come to an end. The villagers were tired but happy and slowly, they all began to return to their homes. Kyle and his team were offered a final round of thanks before they, too, retired to their cottage.


    Lying on his mat on the ground, Kyle stared up at the ceiling with his thoughts lingering on the events of the day. The warmth of the villagers'' gratitude and the joy on Jonas''s face stayed with him, filling him with a quiet sense of purpose.


    Tomorrow, they would leave Windrest and return to the academy, but this place and its people would remain in his heart.


    He thought about whether to study the spell books that night, but got rid of the thought as he couldn''t risk exposing it to others.


    ''I''ll learn it when I return,'' Kyle thought to himself before closing his eyes to sleep.

 Chapter 154: Mission Report (1)

    The night flew and morning soon came. Kyle woke up to the soft chirping of birds outside the cottage window. Today was the day they returned to the academy.Kyle looked around and saw that his teammates were still fast asleep. He quietly got up from the floor, so as not to wake anyone up before he stepped outside.


    The village was already alive with activity. Farmers were heading to the fields, children were playing near the well, and the scent of freshly baked bread spread through the air. A deep sense of contentment filled him as he took in the scene.


    Henrick spotted him and waved. "Good morning, Kyle. I hope you and your team rested well."


    "We did. Thank you," Kyle replied, walking over. "I smell something good and I think my team will wake up to the smell soon. Is it breakfast?"


    Henrick chuckled. "It should be. The women are preparing a little feast to see you off. It''s the least we can do after all you''ve done for us."


    Kyle nodded in gratitude. "You''ve all been too kind."


    A few minutes later, the rest of the team emerged from the cottage, yawning and stretching. Lina was the first to comment. "What''s that smell? Is that bread?"


    "Probably," Zara said and rubbed her eyes. "Let''s hope they''re as generous with breakfast as they were last night."


    The team gathered in the square, where a long table had been set up, laden with bread, fruits, and various dishes. The villagers joined them, and the breakfast became a lively affair.


    Children darted around the table, sneaking extra pieces of bread, while the adults exchanged stories with Kyle''s team.


    Even Void joined in, much to the children''s delight. Though initially cautious around the dragon, the kids had grown bolder with him after last night''s festivities. They fed him scraps of meat, laughing when he let out small puffs of smoke in approval.


    As the meal came to an end, Kyle stood up and addressed the villagers. "Thank you for your hospitality and kindness. We''ll never forget our time here. But it''s time for us to return to the academy."


    A murmur of sadness spread through the crowd, but Henrick stepped forward and clasped Kyle''s hand. "You''ll always have a home here, Kyle. All of you. Windrest will never forget what you''ve done for us."


    Kyle nodded and his chest tightened with emotion. "I''ll be back someday. I promise."


    The team returned to the cottage to pack their belongings. Once everything was ready, they gathered in the square, where the villagers had assembled to see them off.


    With final goodbyes exchanged, the team retrieved the return stone that had been given to them before the mission. Each of them placed a hand on it, channeling their mana simultaneously. This caused the stone to crack and a surge of gray energy enveloped them.


    Kyle took one last look at the village as the energy swirled around them. The faces of the villagers, the warmth of their smiles, and the bond they had formed¡ªhe burned it all into his memory.


    And then they were gone.


    **


    The gray energy dissipated, and Kyle and his team found themselves standing in the mission hall of the academy. The room was massive, with high ceilings and glowing crystal panels lining the walls. A large portal stood behind them, its surface rippling like water.


    Kyle took a moment to orient himself. The teleportation felt strange, disorienting but not as unpleasant as before. He glanced around, wondering the magic behind how they had arrived here.


    "What kind of technology even is this?" Zara wondered out loud.


    Finn shrugged. "It should have something to do with that gray energy that left the stone."


    Kyle was about to reply when Lina''s excited voice interrupted him. "We''re back! Finally!"


    The group''s chatter was cut short when a woman approached them. She was dressed in the academy''s official robes¡ªdeep blue with silver trim, and on her hand was a clipboard. Her sharp eyes scanned the group as she stopped before them.


    "Mission complete or aborted?"


    "Completed," Kyle said confidently.


    She motioned for them to follow her. "Come with me. We need to document your mission report."


    She led them down a long corridor, and at the end of the hallway was a door marked Mission Submission Office.


    Inside, the office was surprisingly simple. A large desk dominated the room, piled high with papers and folders. Behind it sat a man in his mid-fifties, his graying hair neatly combed. His robe was more ornate than the woman''s, marked with gold accents that indicated his seniority.


    He looked up as they entered, his expression curious. "Ah, the returning team. Hand me your mission slip."


    Kyle stepped forward and presented the slip he''d been given before they left for Windrest. The man took it, studying the details carefully.


    He hummed as he cross-checked the information with a set of logs on his desk. "You returned on your own?" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes," Kyle confirmed.


    The man frowned when he heard Kyle, not expecting such answer. "How is that possible? Your mission was to hold off the tide until reinforcements arrived. I''ve received no report of reinforcements being dispatched yet. How could you have completed the mission?"


    "We eliminated the tide." Kyle said with a pride smile, earning a frozen expression from the man.


    "You what?"


    "We cleared the tide," Kyle repeated. "The mana beasts are no longer a threat to Windrest."


    The man stared at him in disbelief. "That''s¡­ impossible. How did you¡ª"


    Kyle smiled, fully expecting to be questioned. He began explaining everything about their journey, from how they had handled the first wave of beasts to how he had sneaked out in the night.


    He downplayed his actions to a great extent by omitting how him and Void had slain over a thousand beasts, rather, he used the same lie he had told his teammates, telling the man that he saw no beast apart from the Corrupted wolf.


    He described how his teammates had come for back up on time, and how they had managed to slay the beast with some luck and a bit of skill.


    Kyle wrapped everything off by reporting that the origin source had gone through its burst stage already and as such was no longer a threat to anyone.


    When Kyle was done with his report. The man pondered quietly before he decided to pick up on a point he had head Kyle say. "None of the beasts you encountered in the forest had a core? Are you certain?"


    "Positive," Kyle replied. "We searched thoroughly."


    The man leaned back in his chair, processing the information once again. He wrote down some stuff and inwardly decided to send some staff to investigate that place.


    "I also managed to find a beast," Kyle remembered and decided to add. His teammates already knew about Void and Kyle didn''t trust them to keep it a secret so there was no harm spilling it out himself.


    "He''s bonded with me and he''s here right now."


    The man''s gaze shifted downward, and for the first time, he noticed Void sitting calmly at Kyle''s feet.


    The man''s eyes widened. "Is that¡­ a dragon?" he considered but eventually shook the thought away. Unlike the others he knew that there wasn''t any dragon left in the Zekkoa. Dragons were extinct but they were still creatures that looked like them, and this was probably one of them.


    His eyes widened as he stated at the majestic figure of the creature before him. ''Dragon or not, these creatures are very powerful due to having a speck of draconic bloodline and this boy had seemingly found one in the forest.''


    "It''s not a dragon," the man stated, eliciting dussapointed looks from Kyle''s teammates. ''But it''s something special. It''s more of a quasi-dragon, like a superior reptile. It''s still rare nevertheless. Where did you find it?''


    Void calmly stared at the man with a smile but his mind played various scenarios of how to deal with him. [What''s that dude rambling about? He''s comparing a beast of my stature with a reptile!]


    Kyle tried to placid Void internally so as not to over react, reminding him that him being allowed to stay could depend on his behavior.


    "I saved him from a trap in the forest. He''s harmless¡ªwell, to us, anyway."


    The man''s shock was evident and he felt a twinge of jealousy within him. "Such a creature... in the forest. Do you have any idea how rare that is?"

 Chapter 155: Mission Report (2)

    "Well... I guess I just got lucky," Kyle said with a light laugh.The man studied him intently, tapping a pen rhythmically against the stack of papers in front of him as he tried to catch on any reaction from Kyle but unfortunately, he couldn''t.


    His eyes went to Void, who stood calmly beside Kyle, his imposing figure drawing equal parts of awe and unease. The creature''s gaze was sharp, almost too intelligent, and the faint upward curl of its mouth seemed like a smirk.


    ''Lucky? That''s one way to put it,'' he thought to himself and sighed.


    ''This boy has no idea what he''s stumbled upon.''


    Creatures with even a hint of draconic bloodline were a rarity in Zekkoa and an oddity most people would never encounter in their lifetime.


    Dragons, the true dragons, were long extinct, but their descendants, though diluted, were still powerful.


    They were beings of immense strength and potential and if word of this gets out, it could draw unwanted attention¡ªnot just from the academy but from outsiders too.


    ''And yet¡­ this boy claims it bonded with him? Such a bond is rare and almost always comes at a cost. What did he do to earn its trust?''


    ''He can''t keep a creature like that. I can''t let him,'' the man almost decided before dismissing the thought as quick as it came. ''No. It''s not my place to decide. Something like this is beyond my authority.


    Finally, he shook his head and cleared his throat, pulling his thoughts back to the task at hand.


    "Well, regardless of your¡­ ''luck'', you and your team have far exceeded the mission''s expectations," he said, turning his attention back to the group. "The original objective was to hold off the tide until reinforcements could arrive, but you eliminated the threat entirely. That''s no small feat, and it won''t go unnoticed."


    Kyle nodded with a neutral expression, though his teammates exchanged small, triumphant smiles. The man leaned forward, pulling out a glowing orb-like device from a drawer in his desk. He tapped it, and the surface lit up with a soft blue hue.


    "I''ll be awarding each of you 1,000 contribution points for your efforts. It''s a substantial reward for Year 1 students, but given the circumstances, it''s well deserved."


    "Contribution points?" Kyle asked, and he wasn''t the only one who was hearing that phrase for the first time. All his teammates all shared confused looks. "I''ve never heard of those before."


    The man chuckled softly and his demeanor relaxed for the first time since they had entered. "I forgot it''s part of the new system. Contribution points are the main rewards for completing missions. With them, you can purchase resources, equipment, training sessions with specialized instructors, or even access to restricted areas in the academy and many more. Think of them as your gateway to greater opportunities."


    He paused to let the information sink in before continuing. "You can view the available rewards in the Contribution Hall. It''s located adjacent to the Mission Hall. I suggest you take some time to familiarize yourself with it. These points are far worth more than credits."


    Kyle slowly nodded his head in approval. He still wasn''t entirely sure how he felt about the system. While contribution points sounded useful, he had expected something more immediate¡ªperhaps a magic equipment or even a special piece of equipment as recognition for their hard work.


    Noticing Kyle''s hesitation, the man smiled faintly. "Don''t underestimate the value of these points. Many students would struggle to earn even a few hundred during their early years. With 1,000 points, you''ve already gained a significant advantage. Use them wisely, and they''ll prove to be more than worth it."


    Kyle nodded, though a small part of him still felt unsatisfied. The man didn''t seem to notice¡ªor chose to ignore it¡ªand tapped the glowing orb again. Beeps filled the room as a notification appeared on each their comms, confirming the transfer of the points.


    Kyle checked his comm to see the notification that had arrived.


    [You have received 1000 contribution points!]


    "Your contribution points have been credited to your accounts," the man said, setting the orb aside. "Now, I need to document the rest of your mission report."


    Each team member stepped forward with their comm and the man scanned them into a crystalline slab that displayed their profiles in mid-air. He updated their records, logging the mission details and the rewards.


    "Well done, all of you," he said after he was done with his documentations. "You''re dismissed. Make sure to visit the Contribution Hall and check out the available options."


    The team began to leave, relieved that the debrief was over. As they reached the door, the man suddenly called out. "Kyle, stay behind for a moment. The rest of you are free to go."


    Kyle paused, exchanging a curious glance with his teammates. Lina opened her mouth to protest, but Zara nudged her, shaking her head. "Let''s go," she whispered. "It''s probably about the dragon, or whatever that thing is."


    Once the door closed behind the others, the man gestured for Kyle to sit. Void settled on Kyle''s laps and left his piercing eyes fixed on the man.


    "Kyle, about your¡­ companion," he began with a serious tone. "It''s not within my authority to decide what happens to it."


    "This academy has strict rules regarding outside creatures," the man explained. "While your bond with this beast is¡­ remarkable, it''s not something I have the power to approve or regulate. Only the Dean can make that decision."


    "So, does this mean I''ll meet the Dean?" Kyle asked calmly. He wasn''t scared of meeting the Dean, as he had done so before and might have even managed to leave an impression on him.


    The man nodded. "Yes. You''ll need to report to the Dean before the end of the day. I''ll provide you with directions to their office." He tapped his comm and sent Kyle a map, which he didn''t need as he had visited the Dean''s office before.


    "Follow this, and you''ll find it easily enough."


    Kyle nodded his head and the man continued, this time putting on a serious expression.


    "If the day ends and you haven''t met with the Dean, you''ll face disciplinary action, and the academy will confiscate the beast. Do you understand?"


    Kyle smiled and nodded. There was no chance he''ll forget so he didn''t have to think too much about the threats. "Okay, I understand. I''ll see the Dean before the end of the day."


    The man let out a breath he hadn''t realized he was holding. "Good. That''s all, then. You''re dismissed."


    Kyle stood and Void rose smoothly to his feet beside him. As they turned to leave, the man couldn''t help but let out a shiver. The beast had been staring at him the entire time, its predatory gaze unnerving despite its calm demeanor.


    Once the door closed behind Kyle and Void, the man slumped back into his chair, exhaling deeply. "That thing¡­ there''s something wrong with it," he muttered to himself. He rubbed his temples, trying to shake the lingering tension. I just hope the Dean knows what to do. This could end very badly if handled wrong.


    He glanced back at the glowing orb on his desk, tempted to send an urgent warning to the Dean but decided against it. For now, all he could do was hope that Kyle and his beast wouldn''t cause trouble.


    Straightening his robe, the man pushed his thoughts aside and returned to his paperwork, though he couldn''t forget what had just happened.


    ***


    Upon leaving the office, Kyle was greeted with the sight of his teammates leaning on the door as if ready to push it open any moment.


    "What are you all still doing here?" Kyle asked with a laugh escaping him as he took in in their panicked state. "You look like you''re about to break down the door."


    "Well, we thought¡­ you might get into trouble or something. And we didn''t want to leave without knowing you were okay," Lina decided to say.


    Kyle chuckled, shaking his head. "Thanks for worrying, but I''m fine. The only thing they said was that I need to meet with the Dean before the day ends."


    "Good. But before you go running off to the Dean, we wanted to exchange IDs. It''ll be easier to stay in touch that way," Zara suggested quickly, as if that had been their main goal from the start.


    "That''s all? Sure, no problem." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The group pulled out their comms, and one by one, they exchanged their academy IDs.


    "There," Lina said with a satisfied grin. "Now we can check in on you anytime."


    Kyle smiled at her remark and they all waved goodbye at each other and went their separate paths.


    ''I''ll check out the contribution hall.''

 Chapter 156: Contribution Points

    It was an average Wednesday in the academy, but the Mission Hall was bustling with many students, particularly the first years.The week was marked as their mission week and with great majority of them opting to take the offer that would allow them to adventure, it only made sense that they were lots of students there.


    Some had their eyes fixed on the mission boards, analyzing which mission to undertake, while many, even from other years emerged next to the various portals located in the hall, having completed their missions or aborted it in the worst scenario.


    Among those that had left the portal, they all shared something in common. After visiting one of the mission submission offices and giving a report of their mission, they all headed to the contribution hall with excited smiles, ready to see what their newly acquired points were capable of.


    Kyle also had a smile on his face as he stood before the structure opposite the Mission Hall. Like the latter, it was made entirely of glass but was notably smaller in size.


    He walked in through the wide open doors along with some other students. What greeted him as he entered was a wide, expansive room with a long counter at the extreme end.


    On the counter, there were four spaced out academy staffs that handled a quarter each and students of almost equal numbers lined behind each of the counter.


    ''I wonder if there''re specific people for each line,'' Kyle thought before deciding to go behind a random line, as it looked what the others were doing. He had considered asking another student for help but refrained on doing so after noticing the stares and whispers that were being directed at him.


    "Wow, it''s that a dragon?"


    "Dragons are extinct so it can''t be. But it is a creature of draconic descent though!"


    "Those are very rare. How is he allowed to walk around with one?"


    "Who cares about that... Isn''t the dragon too cute!"


    These were ongoing murmurs that circulated around Kyle and he had to admit that he felt uncomfortable. ''Why didn''t I just leave him on the pet space?'' Kyle asked himself, despite knowing why he had done so.


    He couldn''t explain how he had a space pouch for beasts, so it would be better he played safe and walked around with Void. Who knew whether that man was observing him or something?


    Kyle stood in line with Void¡ªwho was unusually quiet¡ªfor a couple of minutes before it finally got to his turn.


    The man standing behind the counter greeted Kyle with a polite nod. He appeared to be in his mid-thirties, with short, well-groomed hair. Despite the sharpness of his appearance, his demeanor was approachable, as expected of a staff.


    The counter itself was made of polished silver metal that glowed brightly under the room''s bright lights.


    Embedded in its surface was a glowing interface that had various icons and scrolling text that Kyle couldn''t decipher at a glance.


    "Welcome to the Contribution Hall. What can I help you with today?" the man said with a calm voice, though his gaze fell on Void for a second before returning to Kyle.


    "I just completed a mission and was told I''d been awarded contribution points," Kyle went straight to the point. "I''d like to know. What can I get with them?"


    The man gave a small smile, as if expecting the question. The contribution system was relatively new and he had been getting questions on it from almost everyone student he had attended to.


    "With contribution points, you can acquire virtually anything the Academy has to offer," the man began say. "The points are a flexible currency designed to reward effort and excellence. They allow you to customize your rewards based on your individual needs or goals."


    Kyle found it hard to believe what the man said. "Anything?"


    The man smiled knowingly. "Yes, anything¡ªwithin reason, of course, and provided the Academy can provide it."


    Kyle''s mind immediately started imagining all the possibilities. He was very amazed when the man mentioned that. He began thinking of what he could use the his points for.


    "Credits, techniques, spells, magic equipments, weapons, tools, lessons, knowledge, beasts and many more," the man continued. You can practically get anything you want sorted out with some points.


    "You weren''t exaggerating when you said anything." Kyle muttered almost half to himself.


    Kyle nodded and his mind began racingwith numerous possibilities but at the end he couldn''t think of what he really wanted. There were many things he could do but it all depended on the value of the points.


    "How many credits can be gotten with 1 contribution points?"


    "You can get 10 credits per contribution point, the man explained, but he decided to add a tip to Kyle. ''That exchange value doesn''t reflect the worth of the points though and it would be unwise to use your contribution on credits.''


    Kyle nodded his head at the man''s words. He never planned on trading for credits, that would just downright stupid, especially when he had a source of credits.


    "What''s the price of an intermediate weapon?" Kyle decided to ask after some thought. The Frozen Claw was of that grade and it had already proven to be very effective, he wanted to push his luck and see if he could get something of that caliber.


    "Great choice!" the man remarked, before pointing at the interface on the counter. "Input whatever you want there and you''ll be informed of its cost and availability."


    Kyle nodded and stared at the interface on the counter. He placed his finger on the screen and typed vIntermediate weapons''. The panel that was formerly displayed changed immediately he clicked the search button.


    [Weapon Type]


    The next display showed a list of different weapon types: swords, gaunlets, spears and so on.


    Kyle immediately selected swords without much thought.


    [Sword Type]


    Kyle was grateful that he was allowed to choose the sword type he wanted and he immediately selected his favorite: The Katana.


    Various intermediate grade katanas filled the screen before Kyle and on seeing their prices, Kyle almost had his eyes bulge out in shock.


    "Two hundred?!"


    S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 157: Contribution Points (2)

    Intermediate weapons such as the [Frozen Claw] were very rare. Kyle had even once gone to the mall in search for weapons of such grade and had learnt that there weren''t available.It turned out that not some equipments of a certain power level could not be present in the mall, as most weapons that were present there were usually made by the staff or students of the academy.


    That made Kyle value his weapon greatly, he had come to the conclusion that his only means of getting a better weapon than it was through Orion yet now, as he stood in the Contribution Hall, Kyle found himself staring at a display screen showing katanas of the same grade as [Frozen Claw]¡ªand they were priced at a surprisingly low price.


    "Just 200 credits?!" Kyle repeated to the man after blinking multiple times.


    "Well," the man lightly chuckled. "That was not the reaction I expected. Tell me. What did you do to have enough contribution points that you call 200 ''just''?"


    "Oh?" Kyle realized what was happening. It turned out that he had more contribution points than usual.


    ''It only makes sense considering how well I had performed in the mission,'' Kyle thought, imagining how much more he would had been entitled to if he had revealed his influence in getting rid of all the beasts.


    "..."


    Kyle realized that he had left the man hanging as he pondered to himself. "I and my team were meant to assist a village to survive a tide, but we managed to clear the tide."


    "Ohh... Makes sense," the man murmured. "Clearing a tide isn''t easy due to strength of beasts that could make it up, especially the last wave. You must either be very strong or extremely lucky to have pulled off such feat."


    "I guess it''s the latter," Kyle said with a nervous chuckle.


    "So... You''ve made your choice yet?" the man said, returning to the main point of their discussion as there were still other students lined after Kyle. He had been using a considerable amount of time with each of them due to having to explain some of their questions but he was wasting too much time on the boy before him.


    "Give me a moment, sir." Kyle requested, receiving a nod of approval that permitted him to go deep in thought on his choice.


    ''I don''t need any spells right now. Almost everything I''d want can be bought from the mall,'' Kyle thought. ''And I don''t need artifacts or magic items, thanks to Orion. Credits aren''t a problem either, and I already have Void as my pet. Honestly, there''s not much I truly need at the moment.''


    Kyle went deep in thought. Honestly, he was really tempted at grabbing a flashy item, but he understood the importance of patience.


    ''If missions are the only source of contribution points then that makes it a scarce resource,'' Kyle pondered. He knew it wouldn''t be wise to waste them on something impulsive.


    Still, curiosity got the better of him. With a swipe on the interface, Kyle searched for an advanced weapon. He wasn''t planning to buy it. ''I''ll just see the price.''


    The interface quickly loaded, displaying a list of advanced-grade katanas, but their prices wasn''t what he expected.


    "One thousand?!" Kyle''s eyes widened in shock. ''That''s five times the price of the intermediate ones.'' S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That went to show the vast difference between weapons of the two grades and that made him crave them more. He stared at the screen, silently debating his options.


    Kyle sighed and leaned back, letting the realization settle. ''If I rush into spending my points now, I might regret it later. Better to save them until I know exactly what I need.''


    After a few more moments of contemplation, Kyle came to a conclusion. It was better to wait. He couldn''t predict when an opportunity might arise that required contribution points, and wasting them now could cost him dearly later.


    Kyle raised his head and gave the man behind the counter an apologetic look. "Sorry for taking so much of your time, sir. I think I''ll hold onto my points for now."


    "There''s no need to apologize. That''s a wise choice. You''d be surprised how many students rush to spend their points without considering the future. It''s refreshing to see someone exercise restraint," the man replied with a warm smile.


    Kyle nodded, appreciating the man''s understanding. "Thank you for your help."


    "Anytime. Good luck with your next mission." The man gave him a polite nod before turning his attention to the next student in line.


    As Kyle exited the Contribution Hall, he felt a sense of relief. He hadn''t wasted his points on something flashy or unnecessary, and that gave him a sense of pride.


    Void jumped on Kyle''s shoulder and broke the silence he had maintained since. "You didn''t buy anything? That''s surprising. I thought you''d at least get something shiny for me to eat."


    Kyle laughed at Void''s remark. ''You know that''s the last thing I''ll do. Spend these precious points on your food? Dream on.


    Void huffed and rolled his eyes but didn''t argue.


    Kyle continued his short walk toward the dormitory, appreciating the familiar sights of the academy. When he finally reached the form gates, he couldn''t help but let out a small sigh of contentment.


    "Home sweet home," he muttered.


    However, he had no intention of heading to his own house. He had already made up his mind of where he''ll be visiting.


    "Come on, Void. We''re heading to House No. 6," Kyle announced, walking in through the gates and approaching the house.


    It didn''t wait too long for Kyle to locate the house he was looking for. He lightly knocked on the door and waited for a response. Kyle wasn''t surprised when he got no reply and kept knocking, knowing fully well the nature of the occupant.


    It took some more minutes of relentless knocking before someone opened the door. He looked haggard as usual. No, more than usual. With his disheveled hair, eye bags and dull eyes, it was easy to tell that he was barely getting any sleep.


    Orion was about to scold the person that had woke him up from the short sleep he almost got to enjoy but recognized the person mid-way. He adjusted his displaced glasses, as if trying to confirm that he was seeing things right before saying words Kyle didn''t expect to hear:


    "Oh? You survived."

 Chapter 158: Meeting Orion

    The tools Orion made for Kyle have proven valuable after his mission expedition. The silent whistle was vital in defeating the beasts, as Kyle had used it to call the beasts over to his position, segregating their number and power level based on the intensity he blew at it.The same applied to the pocket mirror, which had not only helped Kyle to stop an attack that could have injured him severely, but had also redirected that attack to its sender, managing to deal a fatal blow that left Kyle an opening to finish the beast off.


    Kyle had obtained a mana core from killing the wolf, a Tier-4 one as of that, and he had stopped by Orion''s because he was confident that his friend would cook up something special for him with it.


    ''He had managed to make all those good stuff for me with a Tier-1 mana core at most,'' Kyle thought. ''I wonder what he''ll be able to do with a Tier-4.''


    >BANG!<


    The sound of the door being shut hard interrupted Kyle from his thoughts. He looked at the door to confirm that Orion had gone in, slamming the door before him.


    ''What the hell was that about?'' Kyle thought with annoyance.


    "Orion! Open up!" Kyle began knocking, but he got no response.


    He waited a moment, then knocked again, louder this time. "Come on, Orion! I don''t have all day!"


    Still no response. ''What''s his problem?''


    Kyle didn''t give up though, he kept knocking, increasing the intensity with each hit that made the sound of his knocks impossible to ignore.


    It took a few more minutes it knocking for Kyle before the door finally opened. Orion stood there, this time, his face looked fresher, like he had splashed water on his face.


    "Are you ready to talk now?" Orion asked with irritation. "Or are we just going to stand here while your thoughts wander like the last time?"


    "Oh, so that''s what this is about," Kyle said before he stepped forward and pushed the door open wider, going towards the couch to have a sit.


    "Hey! I didn''t say you could come in!" Orion protested, turning around to follow him.


    Kyle sat comfortably on the couch and a smug grin came on his face as he open his hand wide, summoning a mana core from his inventory onto it.


    The mana core seemed to thrum and pulsate with energy. There were tendrils of energy escaping it every second due to its corrupted nature. It had a blue color and was surrounded by golden light, replicating the ice and light energies of the monster it was gotten from.


    "Don''t worry," Kyle said with a smirk, rolling the core lazily in his hand. "I brought you something special."


    The mana core looked mesmerizing to Orion. Unlike the usual pristine spheres of pure mana cores, this one was jagged, irregular, and seemed almost alive. Black veins crisscrossed its surface, writhing as if trying to escape. A faint mist 9f mana could be seen seeping continuously from it and vanishing into the air. The energy it radiated was oppressive, and yet, it held an undeniable allure.


    Orion''s eyes widening to the size of saucers. For a moment, he simply stared with disbelief written all over his face.


    "Wh-where did you get this?" Orion stammered. His usual cocky demeanor was gone, replaced by unhidden fascination. His hands trembled slightly as he reached out, though he stopped short of touching it. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle leaned back and the smirk on his face grew wider. "From the mission I just got back from," he replied nonchalantly, spinning the core between his fingers. "My team and I managed to take down a Tier-4 corrupted mana beast. Nothing much."


    Orion snapped out of his trance just enough to glance at Kyle. "Nothing much?" he repeated with frustration.


    "You don''t need to act cocky just because you managed to survive your mission," Orion crossed his arms and said. "From your recklessness and dimwittedness, it''s a miracle that you''re here."


    Kyle frowned and the smirk on his face left. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "It means you must have been ridiculously lucky to make it back in one piece!" Orion shot back. "Do you even think before you charge into danger? No."


    "Hey! I didn''t just survive¡ªI thrived! We took it down as a team, and I handled myself just fine, thank you very much!"


    From the side, Void''s voice cut in with a chuckle. "He''s got a point, though, doesn''t he? Reckless fits you perfectly, Kyle."


    Orion froze and his gaze snapped to the source of the voice. He hadn''t even noticed the dragon until now as his focus have been entirely consumed by the mana core. He adjusted his glasses once again to make sure he was seeing things right.


    "Wait¡­ what the¡ª" Orion''s voice trailed off as he processed what he was seeing. "Is that¡­ a dragon?"


    Kyle smirked, leaning back with a relaxed expression. "Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention. Void''s been hanging out with me for a while now. I got him from my mission."


    Kyle''s smirk widened as he leaned back on the couch, watching Orion''s face cycle through shock, disbelief, and finally something close to obsession.


    Orion finally found his voice. "You''re telling me that there''s a rare, supposedly extinct, overpowered, ancient dragon¡ªright here, in this room!"


    His voice rose in pitch as he gestured wildly at Void, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of excitement. "Do you have any idea what this means?!"


    Kyle smiled wryly, scratching the back of his head. "Relax, Orion. Void isn''t a real dragon. He''s, uh¡­ more like a reptilian descendant of dragons. You know, not the full deal, just some dragon lineage in there." Kyle wasn''t confident in his words and has just said what he managed to pick from the man that he reported his mission to.


    "Lies!" Orion shouted. "My brain, my intuition¡ªeverything is screaming at me that Void is a real dragon! You can''t fool me, Kyle!"


    Kyle opened his mouth to protest, but Orion cut him off, his hands shaking slightly from excitement. "I don''t believe a word you''re saying until I run some tests on him. If I can¡ª"


    "Wait. You can use your tests to determine if he''s a true dragon?" Kyle couldn''t resist asking with surprise. If Orion could really do that then doesn''t that mean that others could find out Void was a true dragon.


    "Well... Not exactly," Orion chuckled nervously. "But it''s worth a try. There isn''t any harm in an expermint, uh... there shouldn''t be any."


    Void couldn''t remain silent anymore and had to interrupt. "Hold it right there, genius. You''re discussing experiments on me while I''m sitting right here. How is that acceptable behavior?"


    Kyle shot Void an apologetic look before standing up to confront Orion. "He''s got a point. Void''s not some lab rat for you to poke and prod. No one is using him for tests, experiments, or anything like that."


    Orion clicked his tongue in frustration. "Fine, no tests. But can I at least study him a little? I promise it''ll be purely observational¡ª"


    "No!" Kyle interrupted immediately. "Void isn''t up for grabs for any kind of study."


    Orion folded his arms and adjusted his glasses with a huff. "Then how do you explain the fact that he can talk, huh?"


    "Uh¡­ he''s just special, okay? Let''s leave it at that."


    Void chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the exchange. "Special indeed," he said with amusement.


    Kyle cleared his throat, eager to change the subject. He played with the mana core in his hand once more before throwing it towards Orion in a casual toss. "Catch!"


    "Wait, what¡ª" Orion barely managed to catch the core, fumbling for a moment before clutching it tightly with both hands like it was the most precious thing in existence.


    His earlier frustration had vanished, replaced by pure awe. He turned the core over in his hands, inspecting its black veins that seemed to pulse with life.


    "This¡­ this is incredible," Orion muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "A Tier-4 corrupted mana core. Do you have any idea how rare this is?"


    "Yeah, yeah," Kyle said, waving dismissively. "I need something special made from it. Think you can handle that?"


    Orion''s eyes sparkled with excitement as he nodded, despite having never touched or seen such mana core in his life.

 Chapter 159 An Upgrade

    Very few forge masters have enjoyed the luxury on working with a Tier-4 mana core, the main power source for Advanced weapons. Intermediate weapons were very rare in the mall and that said more about how difficult it was to make Advanced weapons.An average forge master couldn''t dream of making one except they were very experienced their field, but Orion wasn''t an average forge master. From the first day Kyle had met Orion, he was sure that he was different and he wholly expected Orion to be able to deliver an advanced weapon for him.


    "Of course. Do you have anything specific in mind?" Orion replied.


    Kyle smiled, not surprised of Orion''s confidence. "Not really. My brain''s kind of clogged right now. You''re the genius¡ªany suggestions?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Orion''s fingers drummed against the core as he thought, his usual arrogance creeping back into his voice.


    "Well, there are several options. I could create a completely new piece of equipment from scratch, tailored to your needs. Or," he paused dramatically, "I could upgrade your katana, the [Frozen Claw], into an advanced weapon¡ªor perhaps something even greater."


    Kyle''s eyes lit up at the mention of his katana. He summoned it from his inventory, the blade glowing as he admired it for a moment.


    "An upgrade, huh?" He ran his fingers along the hilt, feeling the faint chill of its ice enchantment.


    "Yeah, that sounds good. I''ve grown attached to this beauty. Let''s take it to the next level."


    He stood up and tossed the katana to Orion, who caught it with practiced ease, now holding the weapon in one hand and the mana core in the other. Orion''s grin stretched ear to ear as he examined the two items. "You won''t regret this, Kyle. This upgrade will be legendary."


    Kyle smirked. "It better be. I''ll give you two weeks to finish it."


    "Two weeks?" Orion groaned, though his excitement didn''t waver. "Fine, fine. I''ll cut into my spare time. But you better appreciate the masterpiece I''m about to create."


    "I will," Kyle said with a grin. "Just don''t mess it up."


    "Mess it up?" Orion scoffed. "Please. This is me we''re talking about. By the time I''m done, the [Frozen Claw] will be unparalleled."


    "Good to hear." Kyle stretched, feeling satisfied. "I''ve got to bounce. I have to visit the Dean to approve Void''s¡­ situation."


    "Yeah, whatever," Orion muttered distractedly, his attention already consumed by the mana core. He led Kyle to the door absentmindedly, barely looking up as he ushered him out.


    As the door closed behind Kyle, a mad grin spread across Orion''s face. He held the mana core up to the light, it''s golden glow reflecting in his glasses.


    "Time to work on this baby," he whispered and with a maniacal laugh, he turned back toward his converted laboratory.


    ***


    "Now I''ve given Orion some work to do, our next destination would be for us to meet the Dean," Kyle said to Void as they walked in the opposite direction of Orion''s door.


    "Where''s the Dean''s office located even?" Void curiously asked as he walked behind Kyle. Earlier before they came to visit Orion, he had contemplated speaking the human tongue, as that might have been too suspicious.


    But after not seeing much of an extreme reaction from Orion when he had spoken earlier, Void felt confident that beasts who could talk were quite normal.


    "I''m not too sure of its location," Kyle replied. "But I''ll be going there through the portal room next to the infirmary."


    He had checked the map that was sent to him from the mission report official and like he had guessed, it just had directions leading to the portal room and the portal number that led to the Dean''s office.


    "So we''ll be leaving the dormitory?" Void asked.


    "Yup."


    "Then why didn''t we see the Dean before seeing Orion. Now we''re going to come to the Dorm, leave and return." Void pointed out with an annoyed expression.


    "Well..." Kyle was short of words and decided to keep quiet.


    They both continued with their walk to the portal room, this time more silent than before. The atmosphere was lively as students passed by, some carrying books while others chatted about their missions but Kyle used this time to think about the weight of this meeting.


    ''Assuming the Dean doesn''t approve of Void, what happens next,'' Kyle thought, scared to come up with an answer. He couldn''t imagine losing Void and he really hoped that Michael would approve of him.


    "Are you nervous?" Void broke the silence with his question, as it reading Kyle''s mind.


    Kyle glanced at his companion. "Not really," he lied. "Just wondering what the Dean might say about you."


    Void chuckled his sharp teeth formed into a grin. "You think he''ll ask me to leave? That would be quite the adventure."


    "Not happening," Kyle said firmly. "You''re staying. I won''t let anyone change that."


    "Good. I like it here. But let''s hope the Dean sees things the same way." Void added with a smile.


    Reaching the portal room, Kyle paused to admire the number of portals present there and now it functioned as a transportation network across the academy. It didn''t take too long before a staff member approached him with a clipboard in hand.


    "Name and purpose?" she asked in a professional tone.


    "Kyle Lin. Here to meet the Dean," Kyle replied, holding out the confirmation letter from the mission board.


    The staff member skimmed through it and nodded. "Your request has been sent to the Dean. Please wait by portal number four for approval."


    Kyle and Void moved to the designated portal, where a shimmering barrier of mana stood inactive. Moments later, the staff member approached them again. "The Dean has approved your visit. Step through when ready."


    Kyle took a deep breath and glanced at Void. "Here we go."


    The portal activated, and a swirl of golden light enveloped them. The sensation of teleportation was disorienting but barely noticeable than Kyle now. He stepped through with Void close behind, and they emerged in a spacious, elegantly designed office.


    The room was grand, with walls lined with shelves of ancient books and artifacts. A large desk sat in the center, behind which Michael observed them with a calm yet authoritative demeanor. The Dean''s piercing brown eyes settled on Kyle before shifting to Void.


    "Kyle Lin," the Dean said with a wide smile. "Take a seat. Your companion may join you."


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    Kyle nodded, gesturing for Void to sit beside him. Void complied, curling his tail around his feet.


    The Dean leaned back in his chair, studying Void for a moment. "This is the beast I''ve been hearing about?"


    "Yes, sir," Kyle replied with a tone as respectful as he could muster. "His name is Void."


    Michael''s lips curved into a faint smile. "Void. A fitting name for a creature of his stature. Tell me, Kyle, how did you come across him?"


    Kyle explained the the same story he had been telling everyone else, from how he saw Void trapped and managed to free him to how Void swore loyalty to him and all.


    The Dean listened attentively to Kyle''s tale before nodding thoughtfully when was done. "That was a noble act, Kyle. But you must understand how unusual this is. Creatures of draconic descent are exceedingly rare¡ªand may dangerous. Even in their younger forms."

 Chapter 160 Chaotic Pulse (1)

    Kyle nodded his head respectfully. "I''ll be careful, Dean Michael. Void is under control, and I won''t let him become a danger to anyone."The Dean regarded him for a long moment before finally smiling. "You''ve shown good judgment so far, Kyle. I''ll trust your word. I see no reason to separate him from you."


    Kyle felt a wave of relief wash over him after gaining Michael''s approval. "Thank you, sir. That means a lot." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Dean smiled faintly. "Do not thank me just yet. Raising a creature like Void will not be an easy task. His power will attract attention¡ªboth good and bad."


    "I understand," Kyle said. "I''ll do my best to protect him and grow stronger."


    Michael''s gaze softened slightly before he changed the topic. "How is your training with Dan coming along? Sword intent is no trivial matter."


    "It''s going well, sir. I haven''t reached perfect control, but I''ve made significant progress."


    "Good," Michael said, nodding in approval. "Sword intent is a rare gift, Kyle. You''ve shown promise, but this is only the beginning."


    Kyle paid all attention as the Dean continued. "The annual tournament is approaching, and this year, it will not be an average competition. Strong contenders from every year will participate, including seniors skilled in sword intent. I expect you to approach it with all seriousness."


    "I won''t disappoint you, sir."


    Michael''s lips curved into a small smile. "I have high hopes for you, Kyle. Do not let them go to waste."


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    Kyle nodded firmly. "Thank you for your guidance. I''ll give it my all."


    The Dean stood, signaling the end of their meeting. "That will be all for now. Continue your training and prepare for what lies ahead."


    Kyle and Void rose from their seats. "Thank you, Dean," Kyle said, bowing slightly. Void communicated his gratitude with a respectful nod. He didn''t want to attract more attention by talking.


    The Dean waved them off. "Good luck, Kyle. And take care of Void."


    They stepped back into the portal and returned to the other side.


    "That went better than expected," Void said.


    Kyle grinned. "It did. Let''s celebrate!"


    "Does that mean food?"


    "Definitely food," Kyle replied as they walked back toward the dormitory.


    ***


    As the portal shimmered and faded behind Kyle and Void, silence settled in the Dean''s expansive office. Michael leaned back in his chair and his eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he stared at the now-closed portal.


    "He was lying," Michael muttered to himself. His keen instincts and experience had let him easily pick up on Kyle''s lies. "I wonder why he felt the need to fabricate such a tale."


    His gaze drifted to the spot where Void had stood. ''That creature isn''t a normal one either, I tried to peer into it and could see nothing. Its potential is endless.''


    Michael reached for the coffee mug on his desk and took a slow sip. The rich, bold flavor lingered on his tongue and a faint smile escaped his lips as he set the mug down with a soft clink.


    "I let him off," he murmured, "Not because I believed him, but because that beast harbors no ill will. And because Kyle¡­ intrigues me."


    He had seen the mission report for himself. The part where they had managed to take down a corrupted beast was unbelievable at first but after he had met Kyle and his companion, he knew that they were both capable of pulling such off.


    "Don''t disappoint me, Kyle," Michael said to the empty room. "I''ve taken a liking to you, and I intend to see how far you''ll go."


    ***


    Kyle and Void had returned to their house after a bountiful meal at the cafeteria. Kyle had earlier considered the two of them eating the surplus food left over in his inventory, but had decided against it when he found out he still had enough credits left.


    That didn''t end up too well though as Void had made them the center of attention once again with a dominant display over the food.


    Those were in the past now as they had returned to their home and it was time for Kyle to get to work. Before he went into seclusion, Kyle and Void quickly cleaned up the house, getting rid of the accumulated dust.


    It didn''t take them too long to be done as the house was in a quite fine condition before. Kyle sat on his bed with slightly wet hair, evidence of the shower that he just had.


    Void was on the floor beside the bed, cultivating, and it was time for him to start working too.


    "Now, which one do I go for first: Chaos or Martial Technique?"


    He didn''t want to think much about it, so he picked two fingers from his left hand and assigned a subject to each of them. "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe..."


    His right finger had managed to fall on his middle finger and that meant...


    "Chaos it is, I guess." Kyle grinned widely as he summoned the spell book, massaging its hard cover.


    "It''s so majestic... so grand!" He hadn''t held it since he got it and holding it within his hands brought out a desire from him.


    "I''ve been patient enough," Kyle decided. "Time to learn a Chaos spell.


    With that, he flicked open the book cover of the spell book and met its first page. The textbook wasn''t like others that mentioned credits, Author''s name and all that. Rather, from the first page it went straight to the point.


    Written in bold, large black text on the white sheet were the words: "Tier-1 Spells".


    Kyle didn''t hesitate longer and turned the page, meeting the first chaos spell: "Chaotic Pulse". He smiled after seeing the diagrammatic descriptions of the spell but continued flipping the page to see other available spells there.


    After about five pages, he came to what was seemingly the end of the spell instructions, but on trying to move to the next page to see what spell came next, the paper refused to budge no matter how hard Kyle tried.


    Kyle even attempted closing the book and opening from the middle page but he met the same situation unfortunately. He eventually gave up trying in fear of damaging the spell book and went back to the first page.


    "Chaotic Pulse," he murmured with a smile. "That''s our first step then."

 Chapter 161 Chaotic Pulse (2)

    Kyle sat cross-legged on the bed with the spell book spread before him. The room was silent and he was ready to begin learning the first spell.[Do you want to learn the Tier-1 spell: Lightning Bolt]


    [Cost: 10 Skill Points]


    [Yes] [No]


    Kyle didn''t waste time to select the second option the moment the notification lit up on his screen. Even though he had enough skill points to learn it at a tap, he already had plans on how he''ll spend it.


    Kyle let his fingers trace the text and diagrams of the spell as he began reading.


    "So, I need to draw in chaos energy, but not control it directly?" Kyle made out from what he read. "I have to pull it into myself without taming it, then release it like a pulse."


    Every other spell Kyle had learned required careful control of mana and molding it with his will. But this spell required him to let the energy remain chaotic.


    He turned his gaze to the final diagram, a representation of the spell after it was released: it showed a swirling circle surrounded by ripples expanding outward, like stones disturbing still water. That illustration made something click in Kyle''s mind.


    "The energy isn''t supposed to be clean or smooth¡ªit''s supposed to spread wildly, like a shockwave," Kyle murmured thoughtfully. "Not like a straight blast. Okay, I think I get it."


    With that, he sat up straighter and rested his hands on his knees, closing his eyes. He called forth his mana, feeling the familiar warmth rising from his core. It flowed easily, responding to his will, but this time he hesitated.


    "I can''t use my usual method," he whispered to himself. "No clean pathways. No shaping."


    He reached deeper, past the surface of his mana core and began trying to draw out his chaos mana as instructed by the book. It didn''t happen immediately though as countless minutes passed with Kyle trying to draw out the mana with the right intensity.


    Many more minutes passed as Kyle experienced failure after failure, his body was already drenched in sweat due to the effort he was putting into drawing his mana and Kyle''s efforts finally paid off when he felt it.


    He recalled the book''s description of the pulse¡ªa wave, expanding outward without form or structure. Kyle concentrated, picturing the diagram clearly in his mind.


    With a sharp exhale, Kyle released the chaos energy.


    A faint invisible tremor passed through the room causing an almost invisible shockwave to burst outward from his body. It didn''t do anything to the surrounding but Void could feel its effect.


    He was in the process of drawing in mana as he cultivated, but the moment the wave passed through the room, the mana had scattered that instant and had caused it to dissipate into the air once more.


    "What the hell?" Void couldn''t help but scream in anger as it wasn''t pleasant for one''s cultivation to be interrupted in such manner, as it could easily lead to a backlash.


    He glanced toward Kyle to find him sitting on the bed with his eyes opened, reading something displayed on his status screen.


    Void''s eyes gleamed with excitement at that moment and immediately used [Lightning Dash] to zip toward the bed so as to confirm whether his thoughts on what it is was correct.


    [Congratulations! You have learned Tier-1 spell: Chaotic Pulse]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Chaotic Pulse (Lv 1)]


    [Releases a wave of invisible chaotic energy within a 5-meter radius. All spellcasting and mana channeling within the radius are disrupted, increasing the time required for spells to be cast and raising their difficulty.]


    [Cost: 10 MP per second]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The smile on Kyle''s face grew brighter as he read the the notification.


    "This is amazing!"


    "This is amazing!"


    Kyle and Void said at almost the same time, both having the same thoughts towards the new spell. The two stared at each other for a brief second before breaking into laughter.


    "Good job," Void broke congratulated Kyle. "You learning that spell means I get it too."


    Kyle remembered Void''s skill, [Clean Slate] that ensured that they shared skills among themselves. It now made sense to him why Void was so happy too.


    "I can''t wait to try it out!" Void said, his tail wagging like an excited smile.


    "Yeah, feel free to do so," Kyle said. "Meanwhile, I''ll try learning the second Tier-2 spell. I''ll join you later, buddy."


    Void turned to dash out of the room but stopped in his tracks. "You keep at it, boss. I''ll master this one before you even figure out the next spell."


    Before Kyle could respond, Void used [Lightning Dash], leaving behind a crackling streak as he zipped toward the door with the purpose of visiting the training area down stairs, but before he could leave the door he remembered an incident that happened moments.


    ''On a second thought, I''ll stay back and cultivate some more,'' Void declared inwardly with a mischievous smile.


    ***


    Kyle had returned his attention to the spellbook. His mind was currently churning at different ways to use the new spell to its best ability but he had to suspend those thoughts.


    Even though he felt like joining Void in the training area and testing out the strengths and the limits of the spell, Kyle knew that he could still learn another spell so it wouldn''t make sense if he didn''t.


    "Focus," he muttered to himself, brushing aside the temptation. "I''ll rather test out two new spells when I''m done."


    He flipped the page, and as he had guessed, it actually turned this time. Last time, it had refused to turn no matter how hard he had tried but it it had easily flipped over this time, betraying the previous time. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle flipped to the end of the opener spell and tried going to the next but once again, it refused to budge.


    "Probably because I learned the first spell," Kyle said, nodding in understanding. The system must have some mechanism for unlocking spells only after mastering the previous ones. Shrugging, he decided not to dwell on it and focused on the new spell description before him.


    [Do you want to learn the Tier-1 spell: Chaos Whirlpool?]


    [Cost: 10 Skill Points]


    [Yes] [No]

 Chapter 162 Chaos Whirlpool

    [Yes] [No]Kyle dismissed the notification instantly. "Not this time either," he murmured, already diving into the text and diagrams. Without hesitation, he began studying the spell and trying to grasp its knowledge.


    "This is awesome," Kyle muttered after reading for a while. "A whirlpool of chaos energy¡­ it absorbs magical attacks and redirects them in a straight line."


    The final diagram was particularly striking. It showed a vortex swirling with chaotic energy, pulling in beams of light and fire before launching them back out like a focused cannon.


    "It doesn''t just block spells," Kyle realized. "It takes their power and uses it against the caster. That''s... terrifyingly effective."


    As he read on, Kyle noted the specific instructions. The chaos energy needed to be drawn outward, forming a stable vortex that could hold long enough to absorb an incoming spell. But stabilizing chaos energy? That was an oxymoron in itself.


    "Well, no point overthinking it," Kyle muttered. He closed the book, took a deep breath, and began drawing on his mana.


    Unlike [Chaotic Pulse], which required him to unleash chaos energy freely, [Chaos Whirlpool] demanded a careful balance¡ªenough to create a swirling vortex, but not so much that it destabilized and exploded.


    Kyle''s focus deepened as he visualized the whirlpool. He could feel the energy threatening to break free but he fought to hold it in place as sweat dripped down his temple.


    "Steady... steady," Kyle whispered. He extended his palms slightly, shaping the mana into a faint spinning motion. The beginnings of a whirlpool was starting to form, though it was faint and unstable.


    Suddenly, the energy fizzled out.


    "Damn," Kyle said, already preparing to try again.


    ***


    Meanwhile, Void was still in the room, waiting for the perfect moment to act. The dragon sat at his usual cultivating position, pretending to cultivate with his eyes closed. But in truth, his gaze darted toward Kyle every few seconds.


    Void grinned mischievously the moment Kyle closed his eyes again, and he muttered under his breath, "Payback time."


    With a low chuckle, Void unleashed [Chaotic Pulse].


    An invisible shockwave rippled through the room, and Kyle''s concentration shattered instantly. The whirlpool he had been carefully forming burst apart in a chaotic flurry of mana.


    Kyle''s eyes snapped open as the chaotic energy dissipated around him. "What the¡ª" His gaze darted to Void, who was rolling on the floor and laughing without control.


    "Revenge!" Void cackled, pointing a clawed finger at Kyle. "Now you know how I felt!" Immediately after saying this, Void activated [Lightning Dash] and zipped out of the room, ready to begin his training after having gotten his revenge.


    Kyle could only glare at the door Void had left with anger. "You... you little menace!"


    Kyle sighed heavily and his annoyance had gone away already. "I guess I deserved that," he muttered, remembering how his earlier spell had interrupted Void''s cultivation.


    He closed his eyes again and continued trying, starting from the scratch once again with his thoughts centered once more on [Chaos Whirlpool].


    ''This time, no interruptions,'' he vowed silently. The chaotic energy crackled to life around him once again, swirling in small, uneven loops.


    Trial after trial, Kyle began to shape the whirlpool time and time again with his mind becoming fully attuned to the process. The spell wasn''t just about control¡ªit was about understanding the nature of chaos itself. Rather than forcing the energy into submission, Kyle learned to guide it, letting its natural motion flow freely while keeping it within a defined boundary.


    It was a delicate balance, but Kyle was nothing if not persistent. His focus sharpened and the whirlpool grew stronger and more stable with each passing second.


    A faint grin hanged on his lips as he felt the spell nearing completion.


    "This time," he murmured, "no mistakes."


    A whirlpool of chaotic energy had manifested in the room, hanging just above Kyle''s bed, it spinned in mesmerizing loops of raw power. It was pitch black and all consuming and Kyle could feel the unstabilty of the mana around its region.


    "This is it," Kyle whispered with awe. He marveled at the whirlpool''s beauty and the dangerous energy it exuded. "I finally did it."


    The whirlpool maintained its form for few seconds before Kyle allowed it to dissipate, the energy dissolving into the air harmlessly. As it vanished, the familiar chime of the system rang in his ears, accompanied by the notification he had been waiting for.


    [Congratulations! You have learned Tier-1 spell: Chaos Whirlpool]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Chaos Whirlpool (Lv 1)]


    [Creates a swirling vortex of chaotic energy that bsorbs magical spells and redirects them in a straight line toward a target. The vortex lasts for 5 seconds unless disrupted.]


    [Cost: 50 MP per activation]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle read the description twice and a wide grin spread across his face. "Yes!" he exclaimed, pumping his fist in triumph. "This is perfect. I knew this spell would be worth the effort."


    He lied back on the bed, catching his breath and savoring the moment. The system had confirmed his mastery, and the spell was now his to use.


    "Void is going to love this one too," Kyle said with a chuckle, already imagining the little dragon''s reaction.


    ***


    Void lounged lazily in the training room downstairs, his tail swishing as he sent another [Chaotic Pulse] rippling outward. The invisible shockwave disrupted the surrounding mana, causing faint ripples in the air but he yawned, clearly unimpressed.


    "This is way too easy now," Void muttered, resting his chin on his paws. He had mastered the spell within minutes of Kyle learning it, summoning and releasing it as naturally as breathing. The novelty of the spell had already worn off, and boredom was beginning to set in.


    Just as Void was preparing to unleash another pulse for the sake of having something to do. He decided to check his skill panel for the umpteenth time to check if Kyle had learned another spell and this time there was a new addition.


    [Chaos Whirlpool (Lv1)]


    "Yes! Kyle did it!" Void shouted, leaping into the air and performing a little spin. He celebrated for a moment before grinning mischievously. "Let''s see what this bad boy can do."


    With the benefit granted by [Clean Slate], Void summoned his own [Chaos Whirlpool< in an instant, undermining the effort Kyle had put in for his. A swirling vortex of energy appeared before him, spinning with the same chaotic intensity Kyle''s had.


    "Now that''s what I''m talking about," Void said smugly, admiring his work. "Let''s test this properly."


    His eyes narrowed with excitement as he began charging up [Lightning Breath], the air around him crackling with energy. Aiming at the center of the vortex, Void prepared to unleash his attack.


    ***


    The whirlpool dissipated, leaving Kyle sitting cross-legged on the bed with satisfaction radiating from him. He exhaled deeply, feeling exhausted but proud. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Reaching out to the spell book that lay open beside him, he flipped through its pages once more and as expected it couldn''t budge further. "You served me well," he muttered, speaking as if the book could hear him.


    Kyle opened his system inventory and stored the book safely away. "I won''t be needing you again until I hit Intermediate Mage," he said with a nod.


    He wasn''t done yet, though as another book materialized on the bed.


    "Alright," Kyle said with a smile. "Let''s see what this one has in store."

 Chapter 163 Learning Air Steps [Dragon Gift Bonus]

    Barely 1 week had passed since Dan handed Kyle the martial technique¡ªAir Steps. Kyle had been so excited to learn it at that time but his confidence had waned the moment he had seen its process.Martial techniques were physical and unlike spells, they didn''t give one the privilege of specific instructions that led to a goal. Kyle had once skimmed through the technique and had figured out what it was all about.


    The technique entailed various positions, steps and postures one was required to be able to maintain before they could undertake it.


    Kyle wasn''t naive to think that it would be easy to pull off. The postures and steps were very complex and would all require diligent practice to master any of them.


    They weren''t something you could learn how to do and begin doing it. It was kinda similar to a back flip. A person who couldn''t perform a back flip could never do so just because he knew how to do it. If such person wanted to really know how to do so, they would require enough practice before they were able to.


    Some people could spend a year trying to learn a technique, while other talented ones could spend months. That went to show the difficulties involved in learning and mastering one.


    But Kyle wasn''t ready to wait months before he could use air steps. He was presented with a golden opportunity by the system to learn the technique without any effort and while that chance had previously been too far fetched for him before, the quest he had gotten during the mission had made it possible for him to do so.


    Did he feel bad for going the easy way? Kind of. Does that cause him to reject the opportunity he had received? Definitely not.


    While Kyle might have liked to practice the techniques on his own, he wasn''t a fool as to reject an easy way of mastering it when he saw one.


    ''There''s no problem with using skill points,'' Kyle thought. ''After all I have worked to obtain them, so it''s only right I use them make my task easier.''


    With renewed confidence, Kyle turned open the hard cover of the book, meeting the usual, persistent notification once again:


    [Do you want to learn the Basic Martial Arts Technique: Air Steps] sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Cost: 100 Skill Points]


    [Yes] [No]


    That amount have sounded too outrageous for him a couple of days before and while it still was, at least it was affordable by him, even though doing so would leave him empty once again.


    Kyle read the notification with a huge smile on his face, because, for the second time only, he would not be selecting the second option.


    "Yes!"


    He screamed to the system with excitement and anticipation, wondering what happened next. He didn''t need to wonder for too long though as his vision soon blurred, sending him into a world of darkness.


    Kyle found himself suspended in a void-like expanse and a sense of weightlessness enveloped him.


    Suddenly, faint whispers began to surround him, growing louder and more distinct as if hundreds of voices were speaking in unison. They weren''t random or chaotic but instead deliberate, like a rhythm building toward something. Kyle recognized them as the movements¡ªthe steps and postures described in the Air Steps manual.


    Soon, his body began moving on its own, each motion precise and measured. His arms extended, his knees bent, and his legs shifted fluidly into positions he''d barely skimmed in the book.


    ''What''s happening?'' Kyle thought, even as his body danced through the complex motions.


    A sudden gust of air surged beneath him, and for a moment, he felt as though he were floating. The feeling was fleeting, but it was enough to elicit a burst of excitement in his chest. Then his feet shifted again, this time stepping downward into thin air.


    Rather than falling, his foot found resistance, as though he''d stepped onto an invisible platform. Kyle''s movements didn''t stop there; his body pivoted sharply, his weight shifting to his other leg as he pushed off into another step.


    Each motion he was undertaking was seamless and his body glided through the air like he was part of the wind itself. He was walking¡ªno, dancing¡ªon air. It was surreal, exhilarating, and oddly terrifying all at once.


    ''Is this¡­ the technique?'' Kyle thought, though there was no time to dwell on the answer.


    As his body moved, memories not his own began to flood his mind¡ªyears of practice condensed into moments. He saw countless failed attempts, felt the burn of muscle fatigue, and experienced the triumph of finally mastering each position. It was as though he had lived through the journey of mastering Air Steps in an instant. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire


    He didn''t know how much time passed, but it felt like countless years had gone by with him practicing the technique and then, suddenly, it stopped.


    The whirlwind of movement and memories remained ingrained in Kyle''s mind, and he found himself standing upright on what seemed like the air.


    He looked down, finding his feet resting firmly on the air.


    A triumphant grin spread across Kyle''s face. He shifted his weight forward experimentally, and it had that same feelingbeneath him held firm. He took another step, then another, slowly picking up speed as he dashed forward. Each step felt natural now, as though he had been using Air Steps his entire life.


    Before long, he was sprinting through the air, laughing uncontrollably. "This is insane!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the void.


    The laughter came to a halt as Kyle''s vision blurred once again. The void disappeared, and he was back in his room, standing atop his bed. A soft ding resonated in his mind, followed by the system''s notification.


    [Congratulations! You have learned the Basic Martial Arts Technique: Air Steps.]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Air Steps ]


    [A foundational martial technique that channels physical mastery and balance to achieve near-weightless movement. By seamlessly transitioning between complex footwork and precise posture, the user gains the ability to move as though defying gravity¡ªdodging strikes, creating space, or closing gaps effortlessly.]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 164 Kyle vs Void (1)

    Kyle''s grin grew wider as he read the notification, before declaring to himself. "Time to go test out my new skills!"He jumped off the bed and dashed towards the training room, eager to see test the potential of his new abilities.


    On arriving at his destination, Kyle''s excitement was dampened when he saw Void sprawled across the floor, groaning in pain.


    "Void! What happened to you?" Kyle knelt beside the dragon, placing a hand gently on his side. "You look like someone hit you with a truck¡ªor worse, my Lightning Bolt."


    Void groaned and turned his head slightly, his golden eyes narrowed in frustration. "It''s¡­ because of that stupid spell. Chaos Whirlpool," he muttered with irritation and bits of embarrassment.


    Kyle had a gusee on what had happened but decided to ask either ways. "Chaos Whirlpool? What did you do?"


    Void exhaled a puff of smoke to show that he was fuming before answering honestly:


    "I summoned the whirlpool and¡­ fired my fully charged Lightning Breath into it, but... I forgot it would redirect the attack straight back at me."


    Kyle froze for a moment, then burst into laughter so loud it echoed through the hall.


    "You what?!" he said as he laughed. "Void, that''s next-level dumb."


    Void didn''t appreciate his laughter and looked at him with a glare that would kill him multiple times if it could.


    "Oh, laugh it up, why don''t you. I''d like to see you handle getting hit by a fully charged Lightning Breath. Let''s see if you think it''s so funny then!"


    Kyle wiped a tear that had unconsciously formed from the corner of his eye. "I honestly didn''t expect a dignified creature of your intelligence to make a dumb mistake like that."


    Void couldn''t take it anymore as his pride had been wounded. "You know what? Let''s see if you''re still laughing after I beat you up in a duel."


    Kyle was taken aback by the sudden challenge but the surprise quickly made way for a smirk as he rose up to his feet. "A duel, huh? Funny, I was thinking the same thing. I could use a good warm-up."


    The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly and their playful banter immediately gave way to the anticipation of combat. Void pushed himself up and walked to one side of the hall while Kyle walked to the other.


    As they moved to opposite ends of the hall, Kyle''s thoughts drifted to their last match. After his first win over Void, the dragon had managed to win him multiple times after taking Kyle''s instructions.


    But Kyle knew that things were different now. A lot had changed since that fight¡ªnot just for Kyle but for Void as well. The little dragon might have grown stronger, faster, and more cunning in battle, but Kyle knew he had surpassed him this time and he didn''t want the fight to be completely one-sided.


    Read exclusive adventures at empire


    "Hold up," Kyle raised his hand to signal a pause.


    "What now? Don''t tell me you''re about to remind me of the rules again. We''ve been through this a hundred times, Kyle."


    "Relax. It''s not about the rules." Kyle crossed his arms and chuckled mischievously. "I''m giving myself a handicap."


    "A handicap? What for?"


    Kyle grinned and replied: "Because I''m far stronger than you now, and I don''t want to end this fight in thirty seconds."


    Void''s nostrils flared, and he opened his mouth to argue, but Kyle cut him off. "I won''t use [Lightning Dash], [Lightning Bolt] or the new chaos spells. Just a katana. That should make it fair."


    The dragon''s eyes narrowed as he considered the stupid offer from Kyle. "Fine, but when you lose, I want a proper rematch¡ªno handicaps."


    Kyle''s grin widened. "Deal. But don''t get your hopes up, buddy. I''ve been waiting to show you what I''ve learned."


    "Talk''s cheap, Kyle. Let''s see if you can back it up."


    Kyle materialized the former sword he used before obtaining [Frozen Claw] from his inventory. Unlike the [Frozen Claw] that he had given to Orion, it was of the Rare grade and didn''t have any enchantment, the only feature it had to its name was its sharper and stronger than average blade.


    He got into position and remembered all the memories he had been through, memories of him practicing the Air Steps technique. He couldn''t wait to test it out. With a nod, he said, "Whenever you''re ready."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Lightning Mage: Lv 8


    EXP: 10/27000


    Beginner Chaos Mage: Lv 3*


    EXP: 3011/6000*


    HP: 240*


    Energy: 276*


    MP: -*


    Agility: 131*


    Strength: 135*


    Vitality: 120*


    Stamina: 138*


    Intelligence: 121*


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 3)]


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 3)]


    [Inspect(Lv 2)]


    [Gobbler(Lv 2)]


    [Undying]


    Skill Points: 0


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    | Void |


    | Race: Omni Drakkon |


    | Level: 9 |*


    | EXP: 7700/128,000 |*


    | HP: 360 |*


    | Energy: 660 |*


    | MP: 570 |*


    | Agility: 108 |*


    | Strength: 107 |*


    | Vitality: 180 |*


    | Stamina: 330 |*


    | Intelligence: 570 |*


    [Skills: Lightning Breath (Lv 3), Lightning Dash (Lv 3), Invisible (Lv 4), Phase (Lv 3)]


    Kyle''s mind drifted to when he his cultivation near the origin, he had been gaining 1 mana points per second, unlike the 1 MP he usually gained per minute. While Void had been gaining 5000 per hour, unlike the usual 500 per hour.


    Void had only managed to level up once, while he had done so three times¡ªonce with his Lightning element and twice with Chaos. From the level up, he had found out that he still gained 10 stat points on each stat, even when he leveled up his Chaos element and due to that, his stats were incomparable to Void''s now.


    ''Void stands no chance.''


    Meanwhile, Void didn''t need another invitation from Kyle to lunge forward. He had observed that Kyle had zoned out once more and that was his chance to take the momentum, with a roar and his eyes locked on Kyle, Void rapidly approached Kyle, choosing not to activate [Lightning Dash] just yet. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle had already snapped out of his thoughts the moment he saw Void closing in, he shifted his weight and used Air Steps, his feet seeming to glide along the floor with uncanny precision. The technique allowed him to move fluidly, as though the ground itself bent to his will.


    Void''s claws missed by inches, and Kyle smoothly pivoted to the side, maintaining his momentum. The condensed mana beneath his feet acted as invisible springs, propelling him out of danger without breaking stride.


    "You''re faster than before," Void admitted as his golden eyes narrowed with Kyle''s. "But speed won''t save you forever."


    "We''ll see about that," Kyle simply said with a smirk.


    Void growled and lunged towards Kyle again, this time activating [Lightning Dash]. Kyle managed to effortlessly slide to the side once again but Void didn''t stop there, he quickly pivoted and chased after Kyle who simply kept on weaving between Void attacks.


    From an outsider''s point of view, it seemed like Kyle was barely keeping up with Void''s relentless attacks and only kept on evading them through luck but in reality, Kyle had the whole situation under control. His katana remained sheated, hanging by his waist while he kept on teasing Void by dodging attack after attacks with unbelievable fluidity.


    "Still dodging?" Void asked after multiple failed lunges.


    "You call it dodging," Kyle shot back, "I call it dancing."

 Chapter 165 Kyle vs Void (2)

    "You call it dodging," Kyle shot back, "I call it dancing."Void snarled at Kyle''s remark and his scales shimmered as he activated [Invisibility]. At that moment, Kyle knew that the real fight was beginning.


    The dragon''s movements became almost imperceptible, but Kyle trusted his instincts and the utility of [Air Steps].


    He didn''t need to see Void to sense the shifts in the air, the subtle vibrations that hinted at the dragon''s approach.


    A faint distortion to his right caught Kyle''s attention. Without hesitation, he bent his knees, pushing off with [Air Steps] to glide backward in a diagonal motion. Void''s claws swiped through empty space, the dragon appearing briefly before vanishing again.


    "Not bad," Kyle said. "But you''ll have to do better than that."


    Void growled and slammed his claws down at Kyle once again. The ground cracked beneath the impact, but Kyle had already slid to the side with smooth movement.


    With a roar of frustration, Void opened his jaws wide, charging a [Lightning Breath]. The air crackled with energy as the attack reached its peak.


    Kyle didn''t hesitate. As Void released the devastating beam, he shifted his weight, using [Air Steps] to glide laterally across the ground at an almost impossible angle. The condensed air platforms beneath his feet absorbed the impact of his sharp movements, letting him transition seamlessly into a sprint. The lightning scorched the ground behind him, missing by a hair''s breadth.


    Void cut off the attack with frustration and activated [Lightning Dash], causing his body to be a blur as he closed the distance in an instant.


    Kyle barely had time to react, but [Air Steps] allowed him to pivot mid-motion. Using the technique''s agility, he redirected his momentum at an angle that Void couldn''t predict, causing the dragon to barrel past him and crash into the wall. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You can''t keep running forever!"


    "I''m not running," Kyle replied with a smirk. "I''m letting you tire yourself out."


    Void''s eyes narrowed as he realized Kyle''s lessons. Every spell he used was conserving his mana and Kyle had already warned him of conserving his mana in battle.


    Kyle observed Void''s frustration as the dragon struggled to land a decisive blow. The battle had been one-sided so far, with Kyle focusing entirely on dodging and evasion, showcasing his mastery of [Air Steps]. But it was time to shift gears. He reached for the hilt of his katana, his smirk turning into a confident grin.


    "Alright, Void. Playtime''s over. Let''s see how you handle this."


    Void, still recovering from his collision with the wall, narrowed his golden eyes. "Finally decided to fight back, huh? Good. I was starting to think you''d lost your nerve."


    Kyle unsheathed his katana with a flourish, the blade gleaming under the sunlight that entered the room.


    Without a word, he surged forward, his movements as fast as the air. Using [Air Steps] to make his movements unpredictable, he closed the distance between them in an instant, the air beneath his feet propelling him forward with surgical precision.


    Void reacted immediately, slashing at Kyle with his claws, but Kyle anticipated the move. Pivoting on his left foot, he spun to the side and his katana slashed at Kyle in a controlled arc.


    The blade didn''t aim to harm but instead grazed the edge of Void''s scales, a deliberate show of precision. Kyle wanted Void to know that if this were a real fight, the dragon wouldn''t have stood a chance.


    "Show-off," Void muttered before activating [Invisibility] again.


    Kyle''s eyes scanned the area, but his focus wasn''t on sight¡ªit was on feel. He concentrated to detect the faint shifts in air pressure and the whispers of movement that betrayed Void''s position. He waited with his katana held in a loose grip and his stance relaxed yet ready to strike.


    Void lunged from the shadows, his claws aiming for Kyle''s flank. But Kyle had already predicted the attack. He sidestepped smoothly, twisting his body as his katana came up in a fluid arc.


    Your journey continues on empire


    >CLANG!!<


    The blade met Void''s claws and the impact sent sparks flying.


    Kyle used the momentum to pivot again, sliding behind Void and delivering a controlled slash to the dragon''s tail. The strike didn''t cut deep, but it was enough to sting and remind Void of Kyle''s superior skill.


    Void snarled and activated [Phase], his body shimmering as he became intangible making Kyle''s next slash to be passed harmlessly through him.


    "Smart move," Kyle admitted, stepping back to reassess. "But you can''t stay intangible forever. Let''s see how long you can keep this up."


    Void smirked, his voice echoing faintly. "Long enough to take you down!"


    The dragon reappeared behind Kyle and unleashed a devastating [Lightning Breath]. The crackling beam of energy surged toward Kyle, who reacted instantly.


    Using [Air Steps], he leaped into the air with his katana spinning in his hands. The beam passed harmlessly beneath him, scorching the floor.


    Kyle descended with a controlled flip, landing lightly on his feet. He dashed toward Void again and unleashed a series of precise strikes. Void countered with his claws but Kyle has the advantage and simply allowed Void the chance to fight back.


    Void roared in frustration after being hit several times by Kyle. He activated [Lightning Dash] to gain some distance, reappearing several meters away.


    "You''re way stronger," Void admitted.


    Kyle twirled his katana with a flourish and with a smirk he replied. "And you''re out of tricks."


    "Not yet."


    The dragon lunged again with [Lightning Dash] but Kyle responded instinctively, sweeping his katana upward in a defensive arc. The blade met Void''s claws with perfect timing, deflecting the attack. Kyle then transitioned smoothly into an offensive maneuver, stepping forward to deliver a precise thrust aimed at Void''s shoulder.


    Void activated [Phase] just in time and Kyle''s blade passing harmlessly through him. But the dragon''s intangibility left him vulnerable to Kyle''s relentless pursuit. As Void reappeared, Kyle was already in motion, his katana carving a controlled path toward Void''s exposed flank.


    This time, the blade connected and the strike made dragon stumble back in shock.


    Kyle didn''t stop there, he leapt into the air with his katana raised high. eHe Void tried to dodge, activating [Lightning Dash] to escape. But Kyle was ready. Using [Air Steps] mid-air, he adjusted his trajectory and took down his katana on Void in a powerful arc.


    The blade struck Void''s back and the force of the blow sent the dragon crashing to the ground. Kyle landed lightly beside him with his katana pointed at Void''s neck.


    "It''s over."

 Chapter 166 Testing Out Spells Limits

    "It''s over."Void looked at the katana that had its blade pointed at him and sighed in defeat. It was truly over. Kyle had won and he had lost.


    He felt frustrated at his loss, but he wasn''t stupid as to blame anyone for his loss or make any excuses.


    "You win this time," Void muttered defensively. "But don''t get too cocky. Next time, I''ll make sure you''re the one on the ground."


    Kyle chuckled and sheathed his katana in a smooth motion before recalling it back into his inventory. "You say that every time, Void. But hey, I respect the spirit. Keep at it." He patted the dragon''s side, earning a snarl from him. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''I''ll train harder and I''ll surpass him once again,'' Void thought within him, fully confident that Kyle wouldn''t remain ahead for long.


    The two sat down on the floor to catch their breath, while Kyle reached pulled out two small vials from his inventory, one red and one blue.


    "Here," he said, offering them to Void. "Mana potion for your mana and a healing potion for those bruises. You earned it."


    Void didn''t have second thoughts about it and took the potions, gulping them down succesively and allowing them to perform its work.


    Kyle observed Void for a moment and after concluding that the dragon was back to peak condition, he suggested:


    "I want us to test our new skills. Chaos Whirlpool and Chaotic Pulse."


    Void vigorously nodded his head at the idea. He never got the chance to test out the new spells in their fight as they only involved mana, which Kyle didn''t use. The former redirected magic spells, while the latter disrupted mana control.


    "We''ll start simple. I need to know just how much range affects the spell''s intensity."


    Kyle explained how the test would go to Void and the dragon positioned as Kyle instructed. "Ready when you are."


    Kyle nodded. "Cast it."


    Void unleashed [Chaotic Pulse], and Kyle immediately felt the air change. The invisible energy rippled outward, washing over him like a wave of resistance.


    He tried to activate [Lightning Dash] at the edge of the five-meter radius, feeling only slight difficulty. "Huh, not bad. I can still do so, but it''s not exactly smooth."


    He stepped closer to Void, deliberately testing the limits. The nearer he got to the center of the pulse, the heavier the resistance became. By the time Kyle was right next to Void, the pressure felt like trying to run through water with weights strapped to his legs.


    "Alright, let me try casting something here¡­" He attempted to channel [Lightning Dash] again. This time, it took a noticeable delay¡ªjust over two seconds¡ªbefore the spell finally activated.


    He exhaled and stepped back out of the radius. "Got it. The closer you are to the source of the pulse, the stronger its effect. Distance is inversely proportional to the disruption."


    "That means this spell is perfect for disrupting spellcasters up close," Void added. "The farther away they are, the less it''ll bother them. Good to know."


    They continued experimenting, moving on to prolonged usage. Kyle had earlier considered the that he could keep [Chaotic Pulse] active for extended periods, thanks to his infinite mana reserves and he wanted to find out how effective that was.


    He activated it and ordered Void to remain under its effect while casting his spells. At first, Void struggled to cast spells but gradually the dragon adapted and within some minutes, he was summoning spells faster and pushing through the pressure.


    Kyle observed this with interest. "Huh. So an opponent can adapt to the pulse over time. It''s still disruptive, but not unbeatable."


    They ran a few more quick tests¡ªchecking the effects of casting speed, resistance under movement, and how long Void could withstand prolonged exposure. By the end, Kyle was satisfied with the results.


    "Alright," Kyle said, clapping his hands together. "That''s enough of [Chaotic Pulse]. Now let''s test [Chaos Whirlpool]. I want to see if this spell really does what it says."


    They moved into position, and Kyle summoned the vortex of chaotic energy. The swirling whirlpool hovered in the air, its dark energy pulsating ominously.


    "Alright, Void. Try hitting it with something small¡ªno need to go all-out yet."


    Void grunted and fired a small, controlled bolt of lightning. As soon as the attack touched the vortex, the energy twisted and redirected itself in a straight line but Void was prepared and had left its path, allowing the bolt to slam into the wall on the far side of the hall.


    "Perfect," Kyle muttered with excitement. "It absorbs spells and redirects them instantly. Now let''s see if I can aim this thing."


    They continued testing the spell, with Void and Kyle casting increasingly stronger attacks while experimented how they could use it to attack.


    After several tests and a few close calls, they confirmed that [Chaos Whirlpool] was a potent defensive tool, capable of countering enemy attacks and turning their power against them.


    By the time the tests concluded, both Kyle and Void were exhausted. "Not bad. Those spells are way stronger than I thought."


    With their experiments complete, Kyle sat down cross-legged on the floor. He looked at his hands thoughtfully, flexing his fingers as if feeling the residual energy of his new spells. "I''ll need to work on my casting speed. These spells are still new, and I''m not as fast as I''d like to be with them yet."


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    Void rolled onto his side and groaned, clearly done for the day. "You have fun with that. I''m done. I''ll be cultivating if you need me."


    Kyle chuckled and nodded. "Fair enough. I''ll practice until nightfall, then I''ll head to the Arena. Maybe I''ll get to test these spells against some real opponents."


    He leaned back and shut his eyes, already planning out his next steps. His mind buzzed with excitement at the possibilities these new abilities unlocked


    But Kyle soon focused his mind after letting his thoughts wander and began to try summoning a [Chaotic Whirlpool].

 Chapter 167 Costly Power (1)

    Milo sat cross-legged in his room with the faint glow of a mana core illuminating his sweat-covered face.Since the day he had heard Kyle announce his breakthrough to the fourth stage, he had dedicated his mind and time, pushing himself to his limits, all for the sole purpose of catching up to him.


    The defeat against Kyle had left a bitter taste in him, as he hadn''t stood a chance against Kyle in their duel. After that day, Milo had steeled himself to cultivate than never before.


    ''I''ll work harder than ever, and I''ll catch up.'' These words were all that kept Milo going and finally, on the first day of mission week, Milo''s efforts had paid off in the end as he had seen a breakthrough to the fourth stage.


    He had worked hard for it and he knew he deserved it. Standing up, Milo stretched and let his muscles loosen. He clenched his fists, feeling the surge of power coursing through him. The breakthrough wasn''t just a milestone¡ªit was a statement. He wouldn''t be left behind, not by Kyle or anyone.


    ''I''m ready now.'' Read the latest on empire


    ***


    The Mission Hall buzzed with activity as Milo entered, but he paid it little attention. The grandeur of the hall, with its high vaulted ceilings and polished glass floors was lost on him. His eyes were only fixed on the glowing mission board ahead.


    ''No distractions,'' Milo reminded himself.


    The board was crowded with students scanning for opportunities, but Milo pushed his way through without hesitation. His eyes scanned the list of available missions, each marked different colors to denote their difficulties.


    Then, one mission caught his attention:


    [Wanted: Firefang Alpha. Track down the leader of a rogue Firefang pack terrorizing outlying farms.]


    It was colored yellow, denoting it as moderately dangerous. The alpha was noted as a potential Tier-2 beast¡ªan opponent that couldn''t be defeated by most of the Year 1 students but Milo didn''t second guess it.


    "This one," he said under his breath, reaching for the glowing screen.


    Milo grabbed the slip that came from it and stepped aside, ignoring the curious glances from nearby students. Many whispered among themselves, surprised that someone would take on a yellow-ranked mission alone but Milo didn''t care.


    ''Let them talk,'' Milo thought, making his way to the counter to complete the process.


    The staff at the counter raised an eyebrow when he saw Milo''s choice but said nothing. After a few formalities, Milo was handed a return stone and information about the mission details.


    "Good luck," the staff said as Milo turned to leave.


    "I don''t need luck." Milo simply replied and walked away.


    He was thereafter directed towards the portal where he was to begin his journey. He told himself that he''ll be back stronger before stepping in without hesitation.


    The sensation of traveling through a portal was disorienting yet familiar. Milo felt a rush of air, a brief sense of weightlessness, and then solid ground beneath his feet.


    When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in the heart of a small village. There were villagers passing by and they reacted with stunned expressions the moment they noticed his sudden appearance.


    As he had been instructed before coming on the mission, Milo simply stated his identity and his reason for coming. It didn''t take the villagers too long to understand and direct him to the Village head.


    "You''re the academy student sent to help?" the village head asked, the moment Milo found him.


    "I am. Tell me everything you know about the Firefang Alpha."


    He gestured for Milo to follow him. Together, they walked to the edge of the village, where a crude map had been drawn into the dirt. The elder pointed to a section of the forest marked with jagged lines.


    "The pack''s den is somewhere in this area. The beasts have been attacking our livestock for weeks now, but the Alpha showed up only a few days ago. It''s bigger, faster, and more aggressive than the rest. We''ve already lost two hunters trying to drive it away."


    Milo got some clues from what the elder said. ''There were able to keep up with the wolf pack, which are mostly Tier-1 beasts until the pack leader came. This means that some members of the village are strong to an extent.''


    He studied the map carefully and memorized the layout. "Any particular patterns in its attacks?"


    "It strikes at dusk, mostly targeting the western fields. But once it gets what it wants, it disappears into the deeper forest and no one has been brave enough to follow it."


    The other villagers contributed in with bits of information¡ªdescriptions of the Alpha''s fiery mane, its glowing eyes, and the scorch marks it left behind. Milo listened attentively, filing away every detail. Despite his confidence, he knew underestimating a Tier-2 beast could be fatal.


    "Thank you," Milo finally said after he was done listening. "I''ll take care of it."


    "Wait!" The head called out just before he left for the forest. "Let me get some others to accompany you ¡ª"


    "No!" the man had not even finished with his proposal when Milo shot back in refusal. "I''ll be fine on my own."


    The village head wanted to persuade Milo into allowing others accompany him, but after seeing hus angry expression, he could only sigh in resignation and wish him well.


    "Be careful, young man. The Alpha¡­ it''s not natural."


    "Neither am I."


    ***


    The sound of Milo''s boots crunching leaves and twigs was the only noise that could be heard from the forest.


    The forest was eerily quiet and empty, with no beasts to be found at all. ''They''re hiding,'' Milo guessed. Beasts rarely remained silent unless a stronger predator was nearby. That told him everything he needed to know. The Firefang Alpha was the apex here and he was going to defeat it. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Except during the Electives battles when Milo had fought against beast companions of other mages, he had never fought against a mana beast and even during the tournaments, all the beasts were equivalent to Tier-1 beasts and some were difficult to defeat.


    But Milo wasn''t scared, he believed that he had grown alot since the battles and he would handle the beasts just fine. Above all, he was even craving for the prospect of a fight, especially one that he would battle to the death.


    ''I''ll slay the beasts on my own,'' Milo thought. ''I''ll bet Kyle can''t do that.''


    He moved deeper into the forest with determination and after almost an hour had passed, he finally saw it.


    A clearing ahead was lit with the glow of embers and Milo decided to observe it. He crouched low and approached slowly, parting the undergrowth with his hands. After he could see outwards, his eyes fell on the beasts.


    Three wolves stood in the clearing. Two of them were slightly larger than normal beasts, with dull red fur streaked with faint glowing lines¡ªTier-1 Firefangs. But it was the third that commanded Milo''s attention.


    The Alpha.


    The beast stood a head taller than the others and its body rippled with muscle and was covered in fur that seemed to smolder like dying embers. A mane of fire trailed down its spine and its eyes glowed yellow.


    ''That''s definitely a Tier-2,'' Milo confirmed, unconsciously swallowing after his observation.

 Chapter 168 Costly Power (2)

    Milo felt a bit scared when he saw the beasts but it didn''t take him too long to regain his composure. He knew that charging in blind against the beasts would be suicide. Three against one, especially when one of them was a Tier-2 beast. Iwasn''t a fight Milo could win head-on. He needed a plan. Quietly retreating into cover, Milo pulled a small leather pouch from his belt."Time to work, Blitz," Milo muttered as he unfastened it.


    A streak of silver lightning burst from the pouch, landing in the dirt with barely a sound. The lightning panther had its yellow eyes locked on Milo expectantly and its tail lashed as energy built within it.


    "You handle the small ones," Milo whispered, crouching down to meet Blitz''s gaze. "Distract them. I''ll take care of the Alpha."


    Blitz let out a low rumble in response as if to say I''m ready.


    Milo turned back to the clearing and steadied his heart, summoning his mana, he casted [Lightning Dash] and zipped towards the beast, hoping to catch it in surprise.


    ''No mistakes.''


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    Before the Alpha could react to the new arrival, a crackling spear of lightning had left Milo''s hand and hit straight at its flank, sending arcs of electricity through its body. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The wolf staggered as the attack hit but it didn''t fall yet. Milo didn''t give it any opportunity to regain its posture and fired the second [Lightning Bolt] at it, squarely hitting it once again.


    This time, the Alpha had reacted better to the attack and was somewhat. Tanking the bolt that came its way, it quickly sprang up and charged towards Milo, not giving him anytime to act and swiping its blazing claws at him.


    Milo had been stunned when the Alpha had shown up before him with such speed, but had managed to activate [Lightning Dash] and duck in lightning speed before the claw came slashing.


    He didn''t stop there and did a quick back-flip, getting out of the range of the beast. His quickly analyzed the situation as he landed on his feet, Blitz was barely holding it against the two other wolves and that meant he had to end this faster.


    "Just a little longer, Blitz," Milo muttered before sprinting back towards the Alpha.


    The wolf didn''t give him time and lunged again, swiping its fiery claws furiously. Milo activated [Lightning Dash], sidestepping and circling around it in a blur of speed. He reappeared behind the beast, his hand crackling with concentrated mana.


    "Lightning Bolt!"


    A condensed bolt surged forward, sharper and more focused than before. It struck the Alpha directly in the back, piercing through its hide. The beast howled and staggering forward, but Milo wasn''t done.


    He channeled another [Lightning Dash] to appear beneath the falling wolf before it could get up.


    "End this!"


    His fist snapped upward, discharging a final point-blank [Lightning Bolt] straight into the Alpha''s chest. The surge of energy overwhelmed the beast and its body convulsed before it collapsed with a heavy thud.


    Milo exhaled sharply, sweat dripping down his brow, but he couldn''t stop yet. Blitz''s snarl turned into a yelp as one of the smaller wolves landed a blow.


    "Blitz, fall back!" Milo ordered, dashing to his companion''s side. After the panther had retreated, Milo locked onto the two Tier-1 beasts now closing in on him.


    "Let''s finish this together!"


    With Blitz on one side and Milo on the other, they moved in unison. Blitz darted in, swiping at one wolf''s legs, while Milo hurled a quick [Lightning Bolt] at the other to keep it at bay. The teamwork clicked without any hitches. Milo would draw their attention with bursts of lightning, allowing Blitz to strike with precision.


    Soon enough, the first wolf fell under Blitz''s claws, unable to keep up with the panther''s speed. The second tried to retreat, but Milo overwhelmed it with a final [Lightning Bolt], costing him the last of his mana.


    Milo straightened and catched his breath as the battlefield finally grew quiet. Blitz limped slightly but purred in triumph, nudging Milo''s side.


    "Well done, Blitz," Milo said, kneeling to ruffle the panther''s fur. "We made it."


    He walked over to the Alpha''s corpse first, the smell of burned fur heavy in the air. Without hesitation, he pulled a knife from his space ring and crouched down. Unlike Kyle, Milo had no system and would have to retrieve the core roughly, like everyone did.


    He sliced open the beast''s chest. It was messy and brutal, but eventually, his fingers closed around what he wanted¡ªa fiery red mana core, still warm to the touch. He pulled it free, holding it up to the fading light.


    Blitz growled softly beside him, and Milo turned to see the two Tier-1 cores he''d carved out earlier. He pocketed them all, the faint glow of the mana cores feeling him with pride and satisfaction.


    Milo glanced at the Alpha''s corpse, and retrieved it into his space ring immediately. It would serve as proof of his mission and he could even sell it if possible to make credits. Beast hides were good for making magic equipments and made delicious food too, so they were never a waste.


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    "That''s it, then. I''ve completed the mission," Milo muttered to himself, turning towards the opposite direction. He would head back to the village and share the good news with them before using the return stone.


    Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks. A bitter creeped into his mind. ''Is this really enough?''


    "No," Milo said with a low voice before shaking his head and repeating in a louder voice, "No!"


    "This isn''t over. If I want to become stronger, I can''t stop here.''


    With determination, Milo turned around and began walking deeper into the forest, signaling his companion to follow.


    "We aren''t done yet."


    ***


    Above the vast expanse of forest, a shadow moved¡ªan entity swirling within the clouds, concealed by the storm''s fury. The storm demon drifted silently through the blackened heavens, his formless body pulsing with arcs of silver lightning.


    "How long has it been?" The storm demon''s voice rumbled like thunder, though no ears could hear it. "How long have I wandered this forsaken land, unable to act?"


    His form crackled with impatience and a frustrated growl echoed through the sky, shaking the very clouds.


    The demon had not come to this world by his own will; he had been sent by the Chief Demon, the lord of the Abyss, whose plans extended far beyond mortal comprehension.


    This world, though small and fragile, was not untouched by greater forces. The gods, too, had their hands deep in its soil, and it was they who had begun marking humans¡ªselecting vassals to act as their agents in the coming war.


    The marked ones were weapons in mortal form, vessels chosen to carry the will of divine or demonic forces. Those marked by gods shone like beacons, while the ones marked by lesser demons bore twisted gifts of corruption. Together, these marked mortals would shape the battlefield of the gods.


    The storm demon snarled as the thought rippled through him. "The gods seek to claim another world while we, the rightful harbingers of power, are forced to the shadows."


    His purpose was clear: hunt the marked ones and eliminate their influence before they could take root. It was a prelude to the real war to come. His master had unleashed him here, into this fragile realm, but the limitations imposed upon him were intolerable.


    He could not touch this world directly as doing so would expose him. The god of this world would sense the intrusion, and all would be for naught. Though the storm demon was mighty, his mere presence strained the boundaries of the mortal realm, and any overt action would tip the balance.


    He let out a deep, guttural growl that split the skies with streaks of lightning. "I am power incarnate, yet I skulk like prey."


    But there was a loophole.


    The demon could not act directly, but he could find a vessel¡ªa mortal whose body could bear his strength, whose will could align with his purpose. Together, they could hunt the marked ones and tear their growing influence out of this world, root and stem.


    He had searched tirelessly for such a mortal, someone strong enough to survive his power, yet desperate enough to accept it. As the storm demon, he liked to end things quickly and that was what made him stand out over all other demons and be picked.


    But this mission had made him to be patient. Many had passed through these woods, adventurers, hunters, fools. None were worthy. None carried the resolve he sought.


    Until now.


    The storm demon''s formless shape froze mid-drift and his glowing eyes narrowed as he peered downward. A single figure moved through the forest.


    The boy was young and his composure screamed confidence. He carried a companion, a lightning panther whose sparks mirrored the storm''s energy.


    The demon inhaled sharply and the currents around him whipped with sudden intensity.


    "What is this?"


    At first, it was faint, but it was unmistakable. The scent of a marked one lingered around the boy, like a smudge of divine interference tainting his very being.


    The demon''s lips curled into something that might have been a grin, had he a proper mouth. He lowered himself through the clouds and watched intently.


    "A marked one''s scent¡­" He paused for a moment and observed the boy some more. "But no. It is not his. It clings to him, yet it is not within him."

 Chapter 169 Costly Power (3)

    The demon''s eyes burned brighter as realization struck him. The boy. He had interacted with a marked one, perhaps fought one. Perhaps allied with one. It did not matter. What mattered was that he was untouched. Unclaimed.The demon''s laughter erupted like a clap of thunder, echoing across the heavens. It was not a sound of joy but one of raw, evil triumph.


    "Finally! My chance has come."


    For so long he had hunted, he had been frustrated at the absence of a suitable host. But now, as though fate itself had delivered the opportunity to him, this boy wandered alone near him.


    He wielded lightning, even though it was a pale imitation of the demon''s own storm. But most importantly, he was free. A vessel waiting to be claimed. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


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    Without hesitation, the storm demon surged forward.


    A flash of blinding silver tore across the sky, and in an instant, the clouds split apart, unleashing a single bolt of lightning. The strike was so sudden and so violent that the very earth trembled.


    Milo barely had time to react. He spun around and readied himself to cast a spell if the need arises. He and Void had traveled for a long while already and all of his mana had been replenished already, so he was ready for whatever fight.


    Almost immediately after the bolt, a presence descended upon the clearing. The lightning strike had not yet vanished; it still lingered and pulsed until it took form.


    Standing before Milo, as though summoned by the heavens themselves, was a towering being unlike anything he had ever seen.


    The storm demon.


    Milo staggered back and his mind struggled to comprehend what stood before him. The figure looming in front of him was both there and not there. It was a storm given shape. It crackled and shifted and its body was a mass of swirling black and silver clouds, with white-hot lightning coursing through every fiber.


    And its eyes. Those glowing white eyes fixed on Milo with a gaze so piercing it felt like they were staring into his very soul.


    For a long moment, there was silence. Milo''s breathing was ragged and his instincts screaming at him to run. But his feet refused to move.


    The demon turned its head slightly, observing him like a predator sizing up its prey. Then, it spoke with a deep and resonant voice that vibrated through the air.


    "You are not marked."


    Sweat had already formed all over Milo but he composed himself to speak. "What?"


    The demon''s form shifted and crackled with energy as it loomed closer.


    "You carry their scent. The stink of gods. But it is not yours."


    "Who¡­ who are you?" Milo decided to try his luck and ask. He was scared of the figure before him, but his pride couldn''t let him cower.


    The demon''s eyes burned brighter and arcs of lightning lashed out around its body as it let out a slow, thunderous laugh.


    "I am the storm that hunts the marked. And you, boy¡­ you are exactly what I have been searching for."


    "Searching... for... me?" Milo asked with a stammer, but regained confidence and rephrased his question, "What do you want from me?!"


    The demon leaned forward with its form still crackling with lightning energy.


    "What I want is simple. You will become my vessel. You will hunt the marked ones, the pawns of the gods, and extinguish their influence before it can take root in this world."


    "Hunt them? You''re asking me to kill people?" Milo asked with a raised eyebrow, inwardly questioning the sanity of the being before him.


    The demon''s laughter rolled like thunder and shaked the trees around them.


    "Kill? No, boy. I am not asking. I am telling you."


    Milo shook his head with defiance. "No. I''m not a pawn, not yours, not anyone''s. I won''t do it."


    The demon''s form swelled and its presence grew heavier, it knew it couldn''t threaten the boy since it couldn''t do anything, but decided to handle the matter tactfully.


    "You misunderstand, child. I am going to offer you power beyond your comprehension. The strength to stand above all others. With me, you will ascend to heights you cannot even dream of. That, or you can remain as you are. Weak, insignificant and destined to be overshadowed."


    It was as if the demon knew Milo''s inner turmoil as its last line had struck a chord within him. "What kind of power?" he asked with a quiet voice this time.


    The demon''s glowing eyes brightened when it saw its bait was taken.


    "The Storm Body. A gift granted to none but my chosen. You will be able to make your body become one with the storm. Your speed will rival lightning itself, your mana would be limitless, your strikes will tear through the mightiest defenses, and your resilience will defy death itself. None will stand against you. Not beasts. Not men. Not even the marked," the demon explained. "You will able to call forth this great power for 2 hours every day."


    Milo''s breath quickened. The idea of wielding such power was intoxicating. He couldn''t believe such power existed. For so long, he had felt trapped, overshadowed by those stronger than him. This was his chance to change everything.


    ''I could finally surpass Kyle. I could leave him behind. He wouldn''t even be able to compare.''


    But doubt still lingered in the back of his mind. The demon''s offer came with strings attached¡ªstrings he couldn''t yet see. "And what do you get out of this?" Milo asked with a steady voice.


    The demon''s laughter rumbled once more. "I get what I desire: the fall of the gods'' influence. Do not concern yourself with my motives, boy. What matters is that you will be unstoppable."


    Milo''s hands curled into fists and his indecision slowly giving way to determination. He could feel the weight of the decision pressing on him, but the thought of finally achieving his goals, of becoming truly strong, was too enticing to ignore.


    "Fine," he finally said, firmly. "I''ll do it. I''ll take your power."

 Chapter 170 Eventful Days

    "Fine," he finally said, firmly. "I''ll do it. I''ll take your power."The demon''s eyes burned brighter and its form pulsated with energy.


    "Excellent." It raised a claw-like appendage with arcs of lightning swirling around it. "But know this: the path you have chosen is not one of mercy. To wield my power, you must shed your hesitation. There is no room for doubt."


    "I understand," Milo said with an unwavering voice.


    The demon surged forward, and in an instant, a bolt of lightning struck Milo. Pain exploded through his body and his muscles convulsed as the storm demon''s power tore through him. He gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out with his resolve keeping him upright. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The transformation was excruciating. His body burned as if molten lightning coursed through his veins, reshaping and reforging him. The air around him crackled and the ground beneath him scorched.


    When the pain finally subsided, Milo fell to his knees with his trembling body. He felt¡­ different. Maybe it was the confidence, but he felt stronger.


    The demon''s voice echoed in his mind. "It is done. You are my chosen now. You will sense the marked ones, their presence will be as clear as a beacon to you. Begin with the one closest to you."


    Milo''s brow furrowed as he processed the words. The one closest to him? His mind immediately went to the academy. "It must be someone there," he muttered. "A student, maybe even a classmate."


    He smirked and his confidence returned in full force. "If that''s the case, it''ll be easy."


    The demon chuckled and its form began to dissipate into the storm. "Do not disappoint me, boy. Prove your worth. Prove that my power was not wasted."


    With a final crack of thunder, the demon vanished, leaving Milo alone in the clearing.


    Milo stood with his body still crackling with some residual energy. He glanced down at Blitz, who had been watching with a terrified look, and gave the panther a wry smile.


    "Sorry, Blitz," he said, opening his space pouch. "You''d only slow me down."


    The panther growled in protest but ultimately allowed itself to be stored away.


    Milo turned toward the forest, his eyes glowing faintly with newfound power. The beasts that had once roamed the outskirts were nowhere to be seen. He realized now that the stronger ones lay deeper within, far beyond where he had originally planned to venture.


    But with this new power, he wasn''t afraid. He felt invincible.


    "Two hours, huh?" he muttered to himself and a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Let''s go hunting."


    For the first time, he activated the Storm Body. Lightning surged through him and his form transformed into a being of pure lightning. His entire body crackled and shimmered, arcs of electricity replacing his flesh and flowing like liquid energy.


    His once-human features dissolved into a blinding silhouette of glowing blue light, streaked with white bolts that pulsed with raw power. In instant, he vanished into the forest, in a blur of crackling emergy. The trees whipped past him and the ground barely registered beneath his feet.


    This was the power he had always dreamed of. The power to carve his own path, to prove his worth, to leave everyone¡ªespecially Kyle¡ªbehind.


    The hunt had begun.


    *** Continue reading at empire


    Three days had gone in a flash since Kyle returned from his mission and they had all been filled with useful activity.


    The arena had been Kyle''s primary haunt during these nights. After his mission preparations had drained his credits, Kyle had needed to replenish his wealth quickly, and there was no better way than the arena fights.


    While the fights had always been intense since he was paired with stronger opponents now, his recent advancements made them significantly easier to handle.


    With the Air Steps Technique, his mobility had become almost untouchable. He now dismissed his opponents with greater ease, leaving the crowd roaring in excitement. The love for ''Abyss'' only kept on growing with each victory Kyle experienced.


    His credits had grown steadily, though it would be a while before he reached the comfort of his pre-mission wealth.


    Kyle had also tried to reconnect with his friends. However, they were all nowhere to be found. Kyle had guessed that they must be out on their own missions.


    On not seeing his other friends, Kyle had decided to revisit the only one that had chosen to stay back and avoid the ''dangers'' of a mission¡ªOrion.


    The last time Kyle had visited the forgemaster, he had forgotten about the multitude of corpses he had stored in his inventory. Beast corpses were used in making magic equipments and Kyle knew that Orion would be glad to have them.


    He had given Orion some Tier-2 beast corpses but the Corrupted Tier-4 Beast corpse was undoubtedly the crown jewel. Orion had practically sprinted to Kyle when he saw the beast corpse.


    "You had the beast corpse too!" Orion had remarked with excitement. "Oh, I''m gonna make something incredible out of it!"


    He had wasted no time to store the beasts in a large fridge-like device in his lab, which Kyle had guessed to be responsible for their preservation, before driving Kyle out of the house.


    Most of Kyle''s time were spent on mastering the Chaos spells, he had practiced his mana channelling of the spells over and over again, until their speed could almost match his lightning spells.


    The rest of Kyle''s time had been spent visiting the academy''s library. After seeing how effective runes were in his battle, Kyle was determined to delve deeper into Rune Making. He had begun reading on more advanced form of runes, runic circles included.


    Kyle had found out that there were still alot to master, but he knew he was on the right path.


    ***


    And now, finally, Saturday had arrived. Kyle stood outside Instructor Dan''s home with Void perched proudly on his shoulder. The small dragon had begged to come along, and Kyle had agreed without much thought.


    He had informed Instructor Dan of his return the previous day and Dan had called for their usual training on Saturday, this time by 9:00 AM.


    Kyle had been excited to come and he had arrived early as Instructor Dan always demanded. Taking a deep breath, Kyle walked towards the door and rang the bell.


    .


    .


    .


    [Read Author''s Thoughts, please!]

 Chapter 171 Shocking Revelations! [Dragon Gift Bonus]

    Kyle rang the bell and waited with Void shifting slightly on his shoulder. They didn''t wait too long as the door opened some moments later.Instructor Dan stood there, his imposing figure as solid and grounded as always. His sharp eyes flicked to Kyle before immediately landing on Void, who stared back at him with pride.


    "So," Dan began as he nodded toward Void. "Is this the creature the Dean told me about?"


    Kyle wad surprised at Dan''s comment. That went to show how close the Dean was with Dan. "Yeah, this is Void," Kyle replied, a bit wary of how much the Dean might have shared.


    Dan leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied the small dragon with an intense curiosity. Void straightened on Kyle''s shoulder, puffing out his chest proudly as if to say, Yes, I''m as amazing as I look.


    Dan chuckled softly and muttered under his breath, "It truly is a dragon¡­" His voice was low in a way that only him heard. Then, louder, he added with a reassuring smile,


    "Don''t worry. I''m not going to pry into where or how you got him. You''ve got enough on your plate without me adding to it."


    Kyle''s shoulders sagged in relief. He was happy that he wouldn''t need to lie to Dan too. "Thanks, Instructor."


    Dan gave him a small nod, then motioned for him to step inside. "Come on. You''re early, but that''s better than being late." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle followed him into the house, and to his surprise, it was spotless. The last time he''d visited, Dan''s house had been in its usual state of disarray and he was thrown the responsibility of keeping it clean. But now, the floor gleamed, the furniture was dust-free, and everything was in its proper place.


    "You''ve been busy cleaning," Kyle said, glancing around.


    Dan smirked. "Not me. The academy sent some people over to tidy up yesterday. Apparently, I''ve been giving the staff too many headaches with my ''chaotic living environment.'' Their words, not mine."


    Kyle couldn''t help but laugh at the image of academy staff grumbling while trying to clean up after the notoriously messy instructor.


    "Anyway," Dan said, motioning for Kyle to follow him, "let''s get to it. We''ve got work to do."


    They made their way to the dojo, where Kyle immediately felt nostalgia to be back in that familiar sanctuary. The polished wooden floors reflected the soft light filtering through the high windows. A rack of well maintained training weapons lined one wall. Everything was set like it always was.


    "Go change," Dan instructed, pointing to the small changing room off to the side. "You know the drill."


    Kyle nodded and slipped inside, quickly changing into the martial robes he always wore for training. They were lightweight and flexible, designed to allow for full range of motion. When he emerged, Dan was already holding two katanas, their polished steel gleaming faintly.


    "So," Dan began, tossing one of the swords to Kyle, who caught it with practiced ease, "how was your mission?"


    Kyle twirled the katana once before resting it on his shoulder. "Not bad. I managed to discover an Origin Source."


    The words had barely left his mouth when Dan froze. His grip on his katana tightened, and he turned to face Kyle fully, peering into him to sense his progress and doing so left him in utter shock.


    "Holy mother of¡ª" Dan screamed with surprise. "How the hell are you in the Eighth Stage?!"


    Kyle''s grin widened. "The Origin Source," he replied simply, though he could already feel the weight of Dan''s disbelief.


    Dan barked out a laugh, though it was tinged with disbelief. "There''s no way. Origin Sources are powerful, but it would have reached its burst stage before you can go from the fourth to the eight stage."


    Kyle shifted nervously under Dan''s scrutiny. "Uh¡­ I guess I got lucky?"


    Dan''s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before he let out a chuckle and shook his head. "Fine. Keep your secrets. Everyone''s entitled to a few, I suppose."


    Before Kyle could respond, Dan tossed him the katana again, this time with a bit more force. Kyle caught it without missing a beat, the weapon feeling like an extension of his arm.


    Dan adjusted his grip on his own katana and took a step back, falling into a ready stance. "Alright then, enough chit-chat. Let''s see where you''re at. Have you learned the First Position of the Air Steps Technique yet?"


    Kyle''s grin returned, this time with a hint of mischief.


    "I''ve learned them all."


    Dan nearly dropped his sword. "What the¡ªYou''ve learned all the positions?! Already?"


    "Yup. I''ve learned the technique."


    Dan knew how impossible Kyle''s statement was and he still struggled to believe if he was actually being honest but he always knew that Kyle wasn''t normal and there was something special about him. He stared at him for a long moment before letting out a laugh.


    "Kid, you never fail to surprise me." He raised his katana, the steel catching the light. "Alright then, let''s see it. Show me what you''ve got."


    Kyle nodded and shifted into a ready stance. The air around him seemed to hum with energy as he began the Air Steps Technique. His feet moved with a fluid grace, barely touching the ground as he began to circle Dan. His movements were so quick and precise that it seemed as though he was gliding on air.


    Dan''s eyes widened as he watched, his katana lowered slightly in amazement. "By the gods¡­ You''ve truly mastered it," he muttered.


    Kyle didn''t stop. He transitioned seamlessly continued pulling of all positions, his speed increasing as he wove around Dan like a phantom. The dojo seemed to blur as he moved with his steps light but purposeful, each one perfectly calculated.


    Finally, he came to a halt, standing a few feet away from Dan. The older man shook his head, clearly at a loss for words.


    "Alright," Dan said after a moment, his tone somewhere between awe and frustration. "You''re officially a freak of nature. But don''t let it get to your head. Mastering a technique isn''t the same as mastering combat."


    Kyle smirked. "I wouldn''t dream of underestimating you, Instructor."


    Dan grinned and raised his katana. "Good. Because now that I know what you can do, I''ll tone down how much I hold back."


    Kyle returned with a grin of his. "Don''t worry. I''ll make sure you don''t hold back at all."

 Chapter 172 Training Session

    The dojo was silent, save for the soft rustle of fabric and the faint sound of Kyle''s measured breaths. Across from him, Instructor Dan stood at the other side of the mat with his katana held in loosely.Kyle tightened his grip on the katana and hit into his stance, ready to fight. His stats had seen a very large leap from the last time they fought and Kyle was somewhat confident of keeping up against Dan this time.


    "Remember, this isn''t about showing off," Dan cut off Kyle''s thoughts with a reminder. "This is about control, precision, and growth. If you think mastering the Air Steps Technique means you can slack off, think again."


    "Wouldn''t dream of it, Instructor," Kyle replied with a grin.


    Without another word, Dan charged and his katana sliced through the air in a controlled arc. Kyle met the attack head-on and their blades clashed with a resounding clang.


    He managed to win out in the clash and gud katana had made Dan''s blade move an inch. The instructor had a smile on his face when he saw the result.


    ''Seems like I underestimated you again. Now I''ve seen your new strength I''ll know have to hold back less.''


    Dan immediately readjusted and went for another strike, no, strikes. He was relentless with his blade, slashing at Kyle in multiple directions with controlled strength.


    For Kyle, the strikes were like trying to fend off a storm; there was no wasted motion and no hesitation. He parried and dodged and his feet moving instinctively in the patterns of the Air Steps Technique.


    With a quick pivot, Kyle darted to the side. His movements were so fluid it seemed like he was gliding. He circled Dan after managing to free himself from the assault, striking from unexpected angles and testing the older man''s defenses.


    "Not bad," Dan said, blocking an overhead slash. "But you''ll have to do better than fancy footwork to catch me off guard."


    ''Then let me step it up a notch.''


    >FWOOSH!<


    Kyle launched into a series of rapid movements and his body became a blur as he executed the full sequence of Air Steps. His feet barely touched the ground, and the dojo echoed with the faint sound of his steps. Kyle''s katana became an extension of himself, each strike flowing seamlessly into the next.


    Dan''s eyes narrowed as he adjusted to Kyle''s speed, his katana intercepting the younger man''s strikes with practiced ease. "Impressive," he admitted with an approving tone. "But speed without precision is nothing more than wasted energy."


    Kyle didn''t respond, instead focusing on maintaining his momentum. His strikes became sharper and more deliberate, and Dan began to feel the subtle shifts in Kyle''s technique.


    Suddenly, Dan had enough of watching Kyle and shifted his stance and his movements becoming more aggressive. He closed the distance between them in a heartbeat, his katana flashing as he launched a flurry of attacks. Kyle''s eyes widened as he struggled to keep up, his Air Steps allowing him to evade some strikes but not all.


    A sharp sting on his arm told him he''d been grazed. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to refocus and his movements became more precise.


    "You''re hesitating," Dan said, his voice cutting through the noise of their sparring. "Hesitation will get you killed."


    Kyle clenched his jaw, determination flaring in his eyes. He stepped back, putting some distance between them, and adjusted his grip on the katana.


    Dan smirked. "That''s better. Now show me what you''ve got."


    >WHOOSH!<


    Kyle surged forward with all the speed he could muster as he pushed the Air Steps Technique to its limits. His strikes were faster, more aggressive, and Dan found himself having to reveal more strength to keep up.


    But the instructor was far from being outmatched. With a well-timed parry, he deflected Kyle''s strike and countered with a powerful slash. Kyle barely managed to dodge with the blade passing so close he could feel the air shift.


    "Not bad," Dan said and his grin widened further. "But not good enough."


    Kyle''s frustration bubbled to the surface. He was giving it everything he had, but Dan was still ahead of him, still pushing him to the edge.


    And then it happened.


    As Dan''s katana came down in a powerful arc, Kyle felt something snap within him. It wasn''t fear or panic but a sudden clarity, a raw, untapped power surging to the forefront.


    The dojo seemed to still for a moment as Kyle''s katana caught Dan''s strike. But this time, it wasn''t just skill or strength behind the block¡ªit was intent.


    A white line of energy radiated from Kyle''s katana causing Dan''s eyes to widen in surprise. The air around them grew heavier as the line surged towards Dan in unfathomable speed, but just before it could deal any damage, Dan released a bit of his aura, like he always did in these situations, and nullified the intent.


    Dan sheathed his katana and let out a low whistle. "You really don''t know how to take it easy, do you?" He gave Kyle a proud look and the corner of his mouth curved into a small smile. "That was faster than the last time. Much faster."


    "Faster?"


    Dan nodded and leaned his katana against the wall. "You''ve released your intent before, but it''s always taken longer. I''d usually have to push you to your absolute limit before you could bring it out. This time, it came out almost naturally¡ªlike it''s starting to become a part of you."


    Kyle couldn''t help but smile, despite his exhaustion. The weight of Dan''s praise was not lost on him.


    Dan walked over to the side of the dojo and grabbed a water bottle from a small wooden shelf. He tossed it to Kyle, who caught it with one hand.


    Kyle twisted off the cap and took a long gulp.


    [Energy +10]


    [Energy +10]


    A refreshing coolness spread through his body, washing away all of the fatigue that had been dragging him down. The ability of the water bottle never ceased to amaze Kyle.


    Placing the bottle aside, Kyle grinned. "Let''s go again." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 173 Class Resumption

    Dan was taken aback when Kyle requested for another duel, usually he was the one that compelled them to fight again but this time Kyle was eager to do so immediately."You''ve got guts, I''ll give you that." He laughed and picked up his katana. "Alright, but don''t cry to me when you''re crawling out of here by the end of the day."


    Kyle grinned wider and shifted back into his stance. He had this feeling that he was getting closer and closer and he always improved alot whenever he sparred with Dan.


    The sparring resumed with renewed vigor. Dan pushed Kyle harder each time, and the young swordsman responded with equal determination. Their blades clashed over and over with each strike more precise and deliberate than the last.


    Each session ended the same way¡ªwith Kyle forcing out his sword intent under immense pressure. By the end of their training, Kyle had unleashed his intent a total of seven times! Each time, it came faster and felt more controlled, but it still lacked the refinement of true mastery.


    Dan finally called for a halt after many hours of grueling combat. He leaned on his katana and his sharp gaze fixed on Kyle, who was slumped on the floor, drenched in sweat but smiling nonetheless.


    "You''ve made massive progress today," Dan said. "Seven times in one session¡­ You''re almost there, Kyle. Mastering sword intent isn''t about brute strength or repetition¡ªit''s about making it a part of who you are. And you''re getting closer."


    Kyle pushed himself to his feet, grinning despite the soreness in his muscles. "Thanks, Instructor. I''ll keep working at it."


    [Sword Intent Mastery: 79.77%]


    Kyle''s eyes darted towards his status screen and saw the numbers that had taken a massive leap from before, he couldn''t help but grin when he saw his progress.


    Dan glanced at Void, who had been on the sidelines throughout the session, and then to Kyle. "You beast here seemed to be enjoying the training."


    "Enjoying?" Void said back with a hiss. "Watching Kyle stumble around like that was so pathetic. I''m sure I could do better."


    "Oh, really? Should I remind you how our last fight ended?" Kyle couldn''t help but say with a smirk.


    "A fluke, nothing more. If we went at it now, you''d be the one running for cover."


    Before Kyle could fire back, Dan stepped between them, raising an eyebrow as he looked between the two. "Wow, what a¡­ unique duo," he remarked.


    Unlike most people, he didn''t seem surprised in the slightest that Void could talk. Instead, he chuckled and shook his head. "You two might just be the most entertaining team I''ve seen yet." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle sighed and changed the topic. "By the way, Instructor, I thought you said classes would continue with more intensity during Mission Week. What happened?"


    Dan leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "They were supposed to, but almost every student went on missions. There''s no point in holding classes when over 90% of the students aren''t around. Classes will pick back up next week. After Friday, no more missions can be accepted, and unless there''s a special circumstance, every student should to be back by Monday."


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense."


    The two continued to talk for a while, the conversation drifting to lighter topics as the intensity of the day''s training faded. Eventually, Dan dismissed Kyle, clapping him on the shoulder as he did.


    "Take care of yourself, kid. And keep an eye on your dragon. He''s got a lot of potential."


    Kyle smiled, not realizing that Dan had just called Void a dragon. He glanced at his companion, who rested on his shoulder with a lazy look. "Don''t worry, Instructor. I''ll keep him out of trouble."


    ***


    The warm glow of the morning sun shone brightly on the academy grounds as Kyle strolled toward the homeroom. Clad in his pristine academy uniform, his bag slung casually over one shoulder, he was ready for class resumption.


    On entering entered into The massive room was already crowded, nearly every seat filled by students who had returned from their various missions.


    The noise was deafening and was filled with laughter, boasting, and whispered conversations. Kyle scanned the room, spotting familiar faces in the crowd.


    Zack, Riya, Orion, and Lora sat together, chatting quietly. A grin spread across his face as he adjusted the strap of his bag and made his way toward them.


    "Morning, guys," Kyle greeted, dropping his bag onto the desk as he slid into the empty seat beside Zack.


    ""Early today, Kyle?" Riya asked.


    "Figured I''d start this week off right," Kyle replied with a shrug. Experience more content on empire


    "So, what''s everyone got? Any stories worth telling?"


    Riya went first. "I and my team were sent to escort a caravan through the trade routes. There were some minor scuffles with bandits, but nothing we couldn''t handle. Honestly, it was more tiring than dangerous."


    Zack chimed in, "I was sent to a border village with some other tamers. They had a rogue Tier-2 beast causing trouble. Goliath and I handled it pretty easily, though. You should''ve seen the look on their faces when we showed up!"


    "Lora!" Zack called out as she had been awfully quiet the whole while. "How was your mission? Did you use any of those fancy rune tricks to save the day?"


    Lora blinked at the sudden attention and her cheeks tinted pink. "It was¡­ fine," she said after a pause. "We were sent to secure a lost artifact. It wasn''t too dangerous, but the runes helped stabilize it for transportation."


    Orion, who had been quiet up until now, adjusted his glasses and gave a smug smile. "Unlike the rest of you reckless individuals, I didn''t go on a mission. I used the time wisely, refining my skills and working on a project. Honestly, it''s surprising how little restraint some of you have."


    Zack rolled his eyes. "Not this again, Orion. We get it¡ªyou''re smarter than us."


    "Glad you''re finally catching on," Orion shot back with a smirk.


    Zack ignored him and turned to Kyle. "Tell us! How was your mission. I bet it''s gonna be exciting?"

 Chapter 174 The Marked Closest to Milo

    Kyle hesitated for a moment, then decided it was time to reveal his ace. "Well, my mission was to assist in containing a beast tide that came on a village. While I was there, I came across something¡­ special.""Special?" Riya asked, raising an eyebrow. Kyle reached into his system space and summoned Void. The small dragon appeared on his shoulder, making the group''s eyes turn towards him in unison.


    "This is Void, my partner" Kyle said, smirking at their reactions. "Found him in the forest. He was in a pretty bad shape, so I decided to take care of him."


    "Partner? I prefer the term superior," Void said, drawing gasps and wide eyes from the group.


    "He talks?" Zack asked in surprise.


    "Of course I talk," Void said with a flick of his tail. "I also fight, think, and, unlike some of you, excel."


    "A draconic reptile?" Riya gasped, leaning closer to get a better look. "You found such a creature during your mission?!"


    "Let''s just say we had an understanding," Kyle replied, scratching the back of his head.


    "That''s insane," Zack said, staring at Void in awe. "You''re always full of surprises, Kyle."


    "He''s¡­ beautiful. You must have been very lucky to find him." Lora added.


    "Yeah, I was. He''s been a handful, though."


    "A handful? Please. If anything, I''m the one tolerating you." Void said with an eye roll.


    Zack laughed. "I like this little guy already."


    Before they could continue, Milo entered the room. The group fell silent and their attention shifted to the boy who strode in with an air of confidence.


    His gaze swept over the room before landing on Kyle. For a moment, his eyes shone with surprise when he accessed him, but he quickly got himself and walked towards them.


    Kyle had met Milo''s stare, and he had noticed that there was something different about his self-proclaimed rival. His composure seemed sharper, and his presence carried more confidence than he usually did.


    "Hey, Milo," Zack called out. "How was your mission?"


    Milo glanced at the group for a moment, as if wondering whether to reply the comment, but opened his mouth at the end. "I hunted a Tier-2 beast. Nothing much." Explore stories at empire


    "That''s it?" Riya asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "That''s all you need to know," Milo smiled and replied with a cold voice.


    The group exchanged glances but decided not to press further. Kyle, however, couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to Milo''s story than he was letting on.


    Their conversation came to an abrupt end when the classroom door opened again, this time, Instructor Dan stepped inside. The room fell silent almost instantly as the students turned their attention to him.


    "Good morning, Instructor Dan!" they all greeted in unison.


    "Good morning, everyone. Take your sit," Dan instructed with a wave of his hand after observing them.


    The students nodded and found their seats almost immediately.


    "I hope you all enjoyed your mission outings," Dan began, leaning casually on the podium. "By ''enjoy,'' of course, I mean surviving without any major disasters or complaints being filed against the academy."


    The room lightened a bit as laughter spread across the room for a moment. But the students were careful not to overdo, as who knew when they could make Dan snap.


    "Jokes aside, welcome back," he continued. "It''s good to see you all in one piece. Missions like these aren''t just about completing tasks and earning contribution points or credits. They''re a chance for you to grow, to test yourselves, and to learn what it means to step out of the academy and into the real world."


    Dan paused and scanned their faces before continuing. "I''m sure some of you faced challenges that pushed you out of your comfort zones. Others might have breezed through. Either way, the goal is growth. Whether you succeeded or stumbled, take it as a step forward."


    The students nodded with thoughtful faces.


    "Good, you''re all awake," he said, straightening up. "Because classes have resumed in full force, and let me tell you, they won''t be any kinder than I am. So, I hope you''re ready to keep up. No excuses, no whining."


    "Yes, Instructor!" the students replied in unison, though a few exchanged nervous glances.


    "That''s the spirit," Dan said, nodding in approval. "Now, let''s see if your punctuality matches your enthusiasm. Roll call time."


    He began calling out names, pausing occasionally to glance at the students as they responded. His sharp gaze seemed to pick up on any hint of slouching or inattentiveness, though he let it slide without comment.


    When the last name was checked off, Dan clapped the register shut. "Well, look at that. Everyone''s present and accounted for. Not bad, not bad at all. You''re off to a good start."


    A few students sat up straighter, proud of the rare praise.


    "Now, I''m letting you leave early today," Dan announced, raising a hand to quiet the murmurs of surprise. "Upon leaving here, I want y''all to head to your wing classes immediately. Don''t go lazing or wandering around, you''ll be in big trouble if I catch you doing so."


    Dan smirked and added. "Consider this my apology to your wing instructors for keeping you late last time. Think of it as a peace offering, though I doubt they''ll buy it."


    The students laughed and the tension in the room eased further.


    "All right, dismissed," Dan said with a nod. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The students rose, some stretching while others gathered their belongings. They filed out of the room in groups, chatting and joking as they headed to their respective wings, leaving the classroom empty.


    ***


    Similarly to everyone walking through the academy grounds to their respective wings, Milo walked toward the Thundra Wing but his thoughts were somewhere else.


    He was recounting his earlier encounter with Kyle. The moment he had laid eyes on him, something was glowing within him¡ªtwo things rather, of different colors. One glowed bright golden, while the other glowed of dark crimson. It was quite easy for Milo''s instincts to tell him what it was. Kyle was marked.


    ''So, that''s his secret,'' Milo mused and a sinister grin spread across his face. ''It explains everything. His rapid growth, his absurd strength. It''s all because of a god.''


    He clenched his fists and almost channeled a spell in his wild emotions as he imagined Kyle kneeling before him, broken and powerless. The demon''s words echoed in his mind. "Begin with the one closest to you."


    Milo laughed under his breath. ''It''s almost poetic. The gods marked him, gave him their favor, and sent him to me. They delivered him right into my hands. I''ll show them the futility of their games. I''ll tear their little pawn apart, and when I''m done, not even the gods themselves will dare interfere with me.''


    He straightened his back and quickened his pace, his confidence swelling with each step. ''With the Storm Body, Kyle won''t even stand a chance. His lightning is nothing compared to mine now. He''s outmatched in every way.''


    The image of Kyle''s shocked face as he realized his own inferiority played over and over in Milo''s mind, fueling his determination. ''I''ll let him know true despair before I end him. He won''t even see it coming. The gods will regret ever choosing him.''

 Chapter 175 Eight Stage?!

    The Year-1 Lightning mages all streamed into their Thunder Wing hall, taking their seats on the mats that were arranged in a circular position. All thirty of the mats had someone on it, as not a single student was absent, even Orion had chosen to come over the Steel Wing.At the forefront of the hall, Instructor Layla sat cross-legged in quiet cultivation. She remained unmoving, even as the students came in one after the other. It wasn''t until the last student settled down that her eyes slowly open.


    Sensing the room''s completeness, she rose gracefully to her feet and a radiant smile lit up her face as she went to address her students. .


    "Good morning, everyone," she began with a welcoming tone. "It''s wonderful to see you all here so promptly. I''m genuinely impressed with your punctuality. Good job!"


    They all responded with their greetings and bore proud expressions as they had impressed their teacher.


    "Of course I have to thank Instructor Dan for releasing you from you a bit sooner than expected," she added with a playful chuckle. "I know how he loves to waste my time, so I''m glad you could make it on time."


    The students laughed lightly before she continued. "I hope all of you had a successful and safe Mission Week."


    A few students nodded enthusiastically, and murmurs of agreement rippled through the room. Layla clasped her hands together with her warm smile still in place.


    "Before we begin, as usual, I''d like to take a moment to check in on your cultivation progress," she continued. "Lightning is a powerful yet demanding element. I''m eager to see how much you''ve grown during your missions. So, when I call your name, please tell me your current stage."


    The students exchanged glances, some nervous, others confident.


    Layla picked up her clipboard and began calling names. "Amara?"


    "Third stage, 70% through," Amara said steadily.


    "Good, good," Layla said encouragingly. "Next, Felix?"


    "Third stage, 80% through."


    The reports continued, with the majority of the class announcing that they had reached the third stage and were above 50% from going to the next, only Orion seemed to be in the same place as before but Instructor Layla understood and moved on.


    When Milo''s name was called, he stood up with an air of confidence. "Fourth stage."


    A few students turned to look at him, impressed, while Layla''s eyebrows lifted slightly. "Well done, Milo. That''s solid progress."


    As the roll call continued, it became clear that only a handful of students, including Milo, had reached the fourth stage. Layla offered praise to each, her tone warm and supportive.


    Finally , it was Kyle''s turn. Instructor Layla didn''t expect much from him as he had broken through to the fourth stage by the last class and she''d be surprised if he had even advanced through by over 10%.


    "Kyle?"


    Kyle rose to his feet calmly and without any dragging, he announced simply:


    "Eighth stage."


    The silence that followed was unmistakable. Every head in the room snapped toward Kyle with disbelief etched on their faces.


    "What?!"


    "Eighth stage?!"


    "Is he joking?"


    The murmurs swelled into a cacophony as the students struggled to process what they''d just heard. Even Instructor Layla, who had been composed throughout, looked genuinely stunned.


    "Eighth stage?" she repeated with a blink. "Kyle, are you serious?"


    Kyle rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah, I, uh... got lucky during my mission. I stumbled upon an Origin Source."


    An audible gasp rippled through the room. They all attended History classes and they were all knowledgeable on the rarerity of an Origin Source.


    "An Origin Source?" Layla said, her shock giving way to awe. "I''ve know about them, but I''ve never seen one myself. They''re incredibly rare, and the power they hold is astonishing. I had no idea they could propel someone this far." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle gave a nervous chuckle, his hand still scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, it was... pretty intense. I guess I was just in the right place at the right time."


    Enjoy new adventures from empire


    "Well, luck or not, that''s an incredible achievement," Layla said, her awe shifting to admiration. "You should be proud, Kyle."


    The murmurs among the students grew louder, a mixture of envy, disbelief, and amazement.


    "How did he even manage that?" one student whispered.


    "An Origin Source? That''s insane!" another added.


    Not everyone was convinced, though. Orion knew the facts and was confident that Kyle was lying. "That''s not possible," he said with his usual analytical tone.


    The room quieted as everyone turned to look at him, ready to hear what the genius had to say.


    "An average Origin Source lasts for about 24 hours," Orion explained, his voice taking on a lecturing tone. "Even if you were absorbing energy at an unprecedented rate, there wouldn''t be enough time to jump from the fourth stage to the eighth stage. The energy density simply doesn''t support such exponential growth."


    Kyle''s smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered, giving Orion a pointed look. "Hey, Orion," he said with a nervous laugh, "shut up, okay? I said I got lucky."


    The tension in the room broke as the class laughed. Even Layla hid a small smile behind her face.


    Orion huffed and muttered something about their ignorance before letting the matter drop.


    Milo, however, was not laughing. He sat on his mat with his fists clenched. His jaw tightened as he glared at Kyle, his mind racing with anger and disbelief.


    ''Lucky bastard,'' Milo said within himself. ''I suffer to close the gap between us, why he just stumbles into an Origin Source and puts my efforts to vain.''


    He ground his teeth because he knew better than anyone the monumental gap between the fourth stage and the eighth. It wasn''t just a few levels¡ªthe eight stage was so far that some students might not even reach it throughout an academic year.


    Yet there Kyle was, basking in the attention and admiration of their peers like it was nothing.


    ''But it doesn''t matter,'' Milo reassured himself, a dark grin tugging at his lips. ''Let him bask in the glory while he can. Luck won''t save him when I deal with him. Eighth stage or not, he won''t stand a chance against me. Not with what I''ve gained. The Storm Body will make sure of that.''


    His mind played out vivid scenarios of their inevitable clash, each one ending with Kyle broken before him.'' I''ll show him. I''ll show everyone... That I''m simply better.''


    Meanwhile, Instructor Layla clapped her hands, drawing the students'' attention back to her. "Alright, everyone," she said and her radiant smile widening mischievously. "Now that we''ve checked on your progress, it''s time to put it to the test."


    The students exchanged glances and their anticipation bubbled. They all knew what she meant; it was time for them to fight and they were all excited about it.


    Layla''s confirmed their thoughts her next words.


    "Let''s start off with a duel, shall we? And going first will be¡­"


    She didn''t even need to say anything for her students to realize who her choice would be, the mischievous grin on her face already gave it out.


    As expected, her gaze turned and lingered on two students, the two rivals of the class and her favorite pair to spectate.


    "Milo and Kyle!"

 Chapter 176 Less Than Two Seconds

    Instructor Layla was well aware of the power gap between the fourth stage and the eighth stage. It wasn''t just a few levels¡ªit was a monumental leap. For most students, moving from one stage to the next could take from many weeks to months even, and that was only with diligent effort and guidance.The gap between the fourth and eighth stages was so vast that the idea of Milo standing a chance against Kyle under equal conditions seemed laughable. Yet, Layla had her reasons for pairing them.


    ''Even if his strength, speed, and mana pool have grown significantly, it doesn''t mean he''s unbeatable. Milo has always been resourceful. He''ll make Kyle work for this victory.''


    Layla knew Milo''s determination. He might not win, but he wouldn''t go down without a fight. There was something invaluable about testing students under pressure, even in an unbalanced matchup.


    It pushed them to their limits, revealed their ingenuity, and sometimes, their true potential. And Milo, despite the odds, was just stubborn enough to rise to the challenge.


    ''Besides,'' she thought with a wry smile, ''Milo could use a bit of humility. Losing would make him want to work harder.''


    Her gaze returned to the two students in question. Kyle, as usual, was calm and composed, while Milo though calm as well, was visible angry on the other hand as he had his fists clenched. Layla could sense the frustration rolling off him in waves, but she knew he''d channel it into the fight.


    "Alright, you two," Layla said, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "Hurry up and take the stage."


    Kyle stood up from his mat and walked to the fighting circle. As he did, Void''s voice echoed in his mind from the pet space.


    [That Milo guy... I don''t like his air. There''s something off about him. You should deal with him in this match.]


    Kyle responded internally as well. ''Relax, Void. I''ll win the fight, but I don''t need to ''deal'' with him. It''s just a duel.''


    [You''d better win. But don''t underestimate him. There''s more to him than meets the eye.]


    Kyle mentally chuckled at Void''s concern but didn''t argue further.


    Milo, meanwhile, stared at the instructor with a mix of anger and resignation. He knew the fact¡ªhe couldn''t win. The power difference between them was far too great, considering he couldn''t use his trump card. He hadn''t been able to defeat Kyle when they were just one stage apart; now, with four stages between them, the gap was insurmountable.


    Still, Milo wasn''t one to back down. Even if victory was out of reach, he''d fight his hardest. He told himself that this would be the last time Kyle tasted victory over him. ''Let him have his moment. It won''t last though. Not once I''m ready for him.'' Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He walked onto the stage with measured steps, his expression neutral despite the storm of emotions raging within. Kyle greeted him with a calm smile, but Milo ignored it, focusing solely on the fight ahead.


    "Alright, boys," Layla said, the moment she stood in their center of the circle. "You know the rules. No permanent damage. Fight until one of you is unable to continue or yields. Got it?"


    Both Kyle and Milo nodded and their eyes locked into each other afterward.


    "Good," Layla said, stepping back to give them space. She raised her hand and soon, her voice rang out clearly. "Begin!"


    The moment the word left her lips, Milo sprang into action, activating [Lightning Dash]. His body blurred as he surged forward with incredible speed, aiming to close the distance between them in an instant.


    Kyle, however, remained unfazed. Just as Milo was about to reach him, Kyle sidestepped using [Air Steps], his movement so light and precise that it seemed effortless. He moved at the last possible moment, causing Milo to miss him entirely.


    Before Milo could recover, Kyle channeled [Lightning Bolt] with blinding speed. The spell crackled to life in the blink of an eye, and he directed it toward Milo''s side at close range.


    The impact was immediate as the bolt struck Milo with a sharp crack of energy, sending him sprawling to the ground. A cry of pain escaped his lips as he clutched his side with the electric shock overwhelming his senses.


    The duel was over almost as quickly as it had begun. It had taken less than two seconds for Kyle to claim victory!


    The room fell silent as the students were too stunned to react. Even Layla, who had expected a somewhat quick fight, was momentarily taken aback by how decisively Kyle had ended it.


    Experience tales at empire


    Milo felt great pain as he laid on the ground, but the humiliation he felt was greater. He remained on the ground, staring daggers at Kyle in anger.


    ''Fu*ck you for making me feel this way!'' he screamed inwardly, to the hearing of none. ''I''ll make you feel worse when I''m done with you. No. You won''t feel anymore once I''m through.''


    Kyle himself was quite shocked on how quickly the fight had ended. He didn''t expect Milo to go down from one hit and had expected more resistance.


    ''I guess my Lightning Bolt is more stronger than before,'' Kyle guessed before snapping out of his thoughts and extending a hand to Milo. In as much of their rivalry, Milo was still his friend and he could feel he was in quite a bad shape from that hit. ''


    "Good try, Milo."


    Milo slapped the hand away and his glare intensified. "Don''t patronize me," he spat, forcing himself to his feet and storming off the stage without another word.


    Layla clapped her hands after seeing enough, breaking the tension in the room.


    "Well done, Kyle," she said cheerfully. "And good effort, Milo. Remember, every duel is a chance to learn and grow. Let''s all give them a round of applause!"


    The students hesitated for a moment before breaking into scattered applause, though the awe in their expressions was unmistakable.


    "Now, for the next pair..."


    Layla scanned through her students and picked the next two to duel.

 Chapter 177 Rune Making Class

    Instructor Layla gave every student a chance to spar afterwards and once the duels were concluded, she gathered the class, giving a brief summary of their overall performance and reminding them of the importance of practice and strategy.She then instructed them to spend the remaining time cultivating.


    >BZZZZ!!!<


    "That''s all for today," Instructor Layla announced the moment the bell went. "You''ve done well, but remember that there''s always room for improvement. Reflect on today''s lessons during your free time. I expect all of you to push yourselves harder in the coming days."


    With that, she dismissed them, and the class began to disperse. Some students left quickly, eager for a break after the exhausting session, while others lingered to chat or gather their belongings.


    Kyle stood up, stretching his arms as he reflected on his duel with Milo. The fight had ended so quickly that it almost felt anticlimactic. ''I wonder if I overdid it,'' he thought, recalling how easily his Lightning Bolt had overwhelmed Milo.


    Void''s voice broke into his thoughts. [That wasn''t overdoing it. That was asserting dominance. It''s not your fault he wasn''t prepared.]


    Kyle smirked. ''Maybe, but it still feels weird. Milo''s usually more stubborn than that.''


    [He is and he''s also holding a grudge now. You''d better keep an eye on him.]


    Kyle sighed, dismissing the thought for now. Milo''s glare at the end of the match had been intense, but Kyle figured it was just the heat of the moment. ''I''ll deal with it if it becomes a problem. For now, I''ve got an hour before Rune Making.''


    He checked his inventory and smiled faintly. There were tons of food stored away, so he wouldn''t need to waste time hunting for a meal. Deciding to make the most of the break, Kyle headed to the Rune Making hall, where he planned to relax and prepare for the next class.


    ***


    The Rune Making hall was noisier than Kyle expected when he arrived, as a few students were already there, seated at the front or scattered across the room, either eating, flipping through their notes or conversing.


    Kyle''s gaze swept through the room until it landed on a familiar figure seated at the back: Lora. She was completely absorbed in her reading as usual.


    He smiled to himself and made his way over, pulling out a chair beside her. "Hey, Lora," he greeted, setting his bag down.


    Lora glanced up, almost startled by his voice. Her wide eyes met his before she relaxed slightly. "Oh... hi, Kyle," she said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.


    Kyle placed a wrapped meal on the desk and began unpacking it. He began biting into a sandwich and glanced over the book, it was the large rune making book she had gotten from winning the tournament, and Kyle noticed that she was looking at another concept.


    "Another topic? You''re done with Runic circles?"


    Lora smiled confidently and nodded. "Yes, I''ve mastered it already."


    Kyle held back the sandwich that he was about to place into his mouth and stared at her in surprise.


    "Woah, that''s impressive. I''ve been trying to study it lately, can you guide me through it after class."


    Lora nodded hastily and replied with a smile. "I''ll be happy to help you."


    "Thank you!" Kyle said and refocused on his food, watching her from the corner of his eye. After a moment, he asked, "By the way, have you eaten yet?" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The question almost caught Lora off guard, but she managed to reply. "Oh... no, not yet. I wasn''t hungry earlier." Discover hidden tales at empire


    "You''re kidding, right? You can''t skip meals, especially with how much studying you do." He pushed a portion of his food toward her. "Here. Eat some of this."


    Lora hesitated, looking between him and the food. "I can''t just take your lunch..."


    "Sure you can," Kyle said with a grin. "I''ve got plenty. Besides, you''ll concentrate better if you''re not running on empty."


    After a moment of internal debate, Lora relented and took a small piece. "Thank you," she murmured with a smile.


    "Don''t mention it," Kyle said, taking another bite of his sandwich.


    As they ate and shared some discussions, more students trickled into the hall, filling the seats. Some brought their own food, while others quietly prepared for class.


    Kyle glanced at the clock, noting that it was nearly time for class to begin. He finished the last of his meal and leaned back in his chair. "Thanks for the company, Lora. This was nice."


    Lora gave him a small smile. "It was... thank you for the food."


    >CREAK!<


    Before Kyle could reply, the doors swung open and the room fell silent. Instructor Victoria strode in, locking the door behind her as usual.


    "Good afternoon, Instructor Victoria!" all the students stood and greeted in unison.


    Her piercing gaze sweeped across the room like a hawk surveying its territory before she motioned them to take their seats.


    "Good," she said. "Everyone''s on time today. Let''s begin."


    The class took off immediately with Instructor Layla continuing on teaching them the inscription of advanced runes.


    Kyle half-listened during the class as most of what was being taught were things he had already covered in his personal studies.


    But he observed Lora every now and then as she listened attentively and even took some notes.


    ''What could she possibly be learning from this?''


    The thought lingered on the his head as the lesson dragged on, with the only thing to write about it being the practical exercises, which saw Kyle completed his in record time.


    >GRRRR!<


    The bell soon rang after the time allocated for the class ended, allowing the students to be dismissed.


    Kyle, however, had plans with Lora and stayed back for their sudden session. It was something he looked forward to than the lesson, as he stood to gain alot if he learned to inscribe Runic circles.


    Lora pulled out her notebook, flipping to a neatly labeled section on runic circles. Kyle couldn''t help but marvel at her handwriting¡ªit was precise and elegant, like everything else about her work.


    "Okay," she began, her tone soft but confident. "Show me what you''ve been working on."


    Kyle reached into his bag and pulled out a paper, covered in half-finished runic circles. It was just a normal paper and not a Runic circle, making it easier as it was being drawn instead of being inscribed.


    Lora studied it carefully, her brow furrowing as she traced the patterns with her finger.


    "You''ve got the basics down," she said after a moment, "but your alignment is slightly off here and here." She pointed to two spots on the paper.


    Kyle leaned closer, nodding as he followed her explanation. "I figured it was something like that. But it''s very complex to draw. How do I help it?"


    Lora picked up a pencil and drew a few guiding lines on the parchment. "You need to adjust the spacing between these runes to balance the flow. Then for the actual drawings, that would only be achieved with practice."


    Kyle watched intently as she demonstrated, her movements precise and deliberate. "Got it. That makes sense."


    They spent the next half hour going over his work, with Lora patiently explaining each mistake and showing him how to correct it. Despite her usual shyness, she seemed completely at ease when discussing runes as her passion for the subject shined through.

 Chapter 178 Alchemy Books

    By the time they finished, Kyle felt much more confident in his understanding of runic circles. He leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "Thanks, Lora. You''re a lifesaver."Lora blushed faintly and her gaze dropped to her notebook. "It''s nothing... I''m glad I could help."


    "Don''t sell yourself short. You''re amazing at this."


    Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, but she didn''t reply. Instead, she busied herself packing up her things.


    They exchanged some thoughts with each other before they left the classroom together and parted ways.


    ''Hopefully, I''ll be able to dabble in runic circles in two weeks,'' Kyle thought to himself as he walked out of the hall. He was very grateful of the session as he had benefited alot from it, for him it was more fruitful than classes even.


    As Kyle walked back to the dorms, a certain dragon came up to his mind and he began to tease him a little. ''Hey, Void, you hungry?''


    As expected, Void''s response was instant and dramatic. [Of course, I''m hungry! Do you have to ask? I haven''t eaten in hours! I''m practically wasting away here!]


    Kyle chuckled at the exaggerated rant. "Alright, alright. We''ll be home soon. Try not to starve to death before we get there."


    [Walk faster, then!] Void demanded before cutting their telepathic link.


    ***


    In a building near the Rune making hall, Milo who had just left his Beast Making hall, stood silently, watching as Kyle walked away with a confident stride.


    "How do I deal with you without causing myself any trouble?"


    His main goal remained to kill Kyle, but he couldn''t think of any way that would happen. His mind went through a series of scenarios, but none of which seemed viable. After a few moments, he let out a frustrated sigh.


    "Not yet," he muttered to himself and his grin almost faded. "Your luck won''t last forever. Thank whatever god you worship because you''ve just survived... for now."


    With that, Milo turned and walked away, his figure disappearing into the fading light as he plotted for another day.


    Experience new stories on empire


    ***


    Back home, Kyle had just finished having his dinner, but Void was still happily devouring a comically large pile of food.


    Kyle leaned back in his chair, watching as Void licked the last crumbs from his 10th plate with a satisfied growl. "I wonder how you manage to eat so much?"


    "What can I say? A growing dragon needs his energy," Void said with a lazy stretch, earning Kyle a chuckle.


    Kyle waited for some time before heading to the bed, but as he lied down, boredom began to surface.


    ''I can''t just lie here and sleep,'' Kyle thought. ''I have to do something meaningful at least.''


    He began thinking of what he could possibly do before a certain thought came to his mind.


    "I''ve always been curious about Alchemy," he mused aloud. Although he hadn''t chosen it as one of his primary disciplines, he figured it wouldn''t hurt to learn the basics. He also had plans to explore forge mastering in the future.


    Deciding to act on the thought, Kyle got up and waved goodbye to Void. "I''m heading to the library. Don''t destroy the house while I''m gone." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Void snorted but didn''t bother replying, as he was already half-asleep.


    ***


    Kyle stepped into the grand doors of the Academy''s library, observing that it was busier today, as many of his year mates were found near the index.


    He quickly got in line to use the index and when it got to his turn, he searched for the section with books on Alchemy, "Section 8A, row 07."


    Kyle located it easily and on reaching the particular row, he scanned the shelves, his eyes moving over titles like The Art of Transmutation, Herbal Alchemy, and many other philosophical books on Alchemy.


    Eventually, Kyle''s eyes landed on the book he was looking for, he needed a book that would help him with the basics and found just that: Introduction to Alchemy. It was large-sized volume with a plain green cover. He pulled it from the shelf and tucked it under his arm.


    Satisfied with his selection, Kyle turned and made his way to the reading area, which was occupied with multitude of students as usual.


    Even though that one could borrow a book and read at home, it seemed like his year mates, just like him preferred reading in the library, where they could cross-check with other books if the need arises. eaching the reading area, Kyle found an empty seat at a corner table.


    Kyle found a table and used his mana to activate the orb, making the once silent room become a graveyard.


    Kyle opened the first page to begin reading and was greeted with the system''s all-too-familiar notification:


    [Would you like to learn the book, Introductions of Alchemy, for 10 Skill Points?]


    [Yes] [No]


    "I wish," Kyle muttered with a sigh, dismissing the notification and deciding to read the book the normal way.


    The text began with an elaborate explanation of Alchemy''s origins, framing it as an ancient discipline that bridged science and magic.


    The book described Alchemy as the art of understanding the essence of natural ingredients and using mana to transform them into something greater.


    Potions, pills, elixirs, and tonics, all those were products of an alchemist''s skill and creativity.


    Kyle absorbed all of the information and read deeper, with the book emphasizing on the versatility of Alchemy next:


    "A skilled alchemist can create a healing potion to mend wounds, an enhancer to amplify one''s strength, or even an antidote to counter the deadliest poisons. The possibilities are endless, limited only by the practitioner''s knowledge and resources."


    "This is why I decided to study it, and it seems like I made the right decision," Kyle said before flipping the page.


    As the pages continued, the book introduced a key distinction between potions and pills. Potions were described as liquid solutions, easier to craft and faster to use, but less potent than their solid counterparts.


    Pills, on the other hand, were highly concentrated and as such required more skill to craft.


    "The process of pill-making demands precision, patience, and a deep understanding of ingredient properties. Unlike potions, pills are consumed for prolonged or enhanced effects, making them invaluable in prolonged battles or dire situations. However, their creation is fraught with challenges."


    Kyle nodded slowly. It made sense why pills were considered premium items compared to potions.


    The text then shifted to the cauldron, a very essential tool for Alchemy. Kyle learned that a cauldron wasn''t just a mixing pot but a conduit for mana. It stabilized volatile reactions, amplified the alchemist''s control, helped in hear control and ensured the final product was safe to use. Without one, the chances of failure, or rather disaster, were more higher.


    "An alchemist''s cauldron is their most treasured tool. It is made from mana-conductive materials, it allows for precise manipulation of reactions, preventing dangerous imbalances."


    Kyle kept on reading, discovering many other facts about Alchemy. He had gone through almost half of the book but he closed it and rubbed his temples.


    ''It''s nice and all to know about Alchemy, but that wasn''t what I came for.''


    The book has said nothing about the actual process on how to make a portion but he opened it back and continued.


    This time, Kyle skimmed through the chapters, in a search for practical instructions. But the book continued explaining Alchemy''s principles, delving into ingredient classification, mana infusion techniques, and historical breakthroughs in the field.


    While the information was undoubtedly valuable, it wasn''t needed for someone like Kyle, who wanted to get his hands dirty and experiment.


    After going through the book and gaining nothing meaningful, Kyle snapped the book shut with a sigh and returned to the shelves, deciding to scan for other books.


    He met alot of others and took them to his table to go through them, but soon realized that they were all like the others.


    "Damn. What''s with all these?" Kyle muttered as he continued.


    After almost an hour of skimming books and searching for practical guidance, Kyle closed the last book with loud thud. His patience had worn thin as he had not gained anything meaningful from his stay in the library.


    "Guess I''ll need to find a teacher," he muttered. The book had been informative, but it was clear that practical knowledge would only come through hands-on experience.


    A name already came up to his mind¡ªRiya. If anyone could help him navigate the complexities of alchemy, it was her.


    "Looks like I''ve got some begging to do."

 Chapter 179 What Do I Get In Return?

    Kyle stood from his table with the books in his hands. He shaked his head in disappointment as he prepared to leave the reading area.But just before he left, he glanced around, noticing the sheer number of students still immersed in their studies. Rows of tables were filled with people flipping through books, jotting down notes, and occasionally casting minor spells.


    The entire room was alive with silent activity, thanks to the air bubbles that muffled sound.


    ''They''re all hardworking,'' Kyle thought. ''After a full day of classes, they''re still here.''


    As he scanned the area, a particular table caught his eye. It was hard to miss, as it had a fortress of books on it. Behind the pile sat a familiar figure. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, and her green eyes were glued to the pages of a thick textbook.


    Kyle smirked upon instantly recognizing the figure. ''Speak of the devil.''


    Without hesitation, he walked over to the table and stood a few feet away. "Riya," he said softly, not wanting to disturb others. Predictably, she didn''t respond, like everyone else, she had her sound bubble active. No one in the room had even twitched at his voice.


    Experience tales with empire


    ''Well, this isn''t going to work,'' Kyle thought. He agd no other option than to wait, hoping that she''ll look up from her book soon and notice him, many minutes passed, but Riya remained utterly absorbed in her book.


    He decided to go for more obvious measures, going for waving his hand across her face. She obviously noticed him after that and looked up, after meeting the reason for her disturbance, her expression darkened instantly.


    Her lips moved in a question he couldn''t hear, so Kyle mimicked the motion of popping a mana bubble around his head. Riya rolled her eyes and reluctantly deactivated her bubble.


    "What is it, Kyle?" she asked immediately. "I''m busy."


    Kyle raised his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, I didn''t mean to disturb you. I just¡ª"


    "You are disturbing me," she cut in with a sharp voice. "What''s so important that it couldn''t wait?"


    Kyle opened his mouth to reply but hesitated. His gaze flicked around the room, noting the focused expressions of the other students. "We can''t talk here," he said finally. "Let''s step outside. I promise I won''t take much of your time."


    Riya frowned, glancing at the mountain of books on her table. "Kyle, I have a lot of work to do. Can''t this wait?"


    "Please, Riya," Kyle said with a pleading tone. "It''s important. Just give me a few minutes."


    She sighed, muttering something under her breath as she began gathering her things. "You''d better make this quick."


    Kyle waited as she packed up, then led the way out of the library. The transition from the warm, book-filled atmosphere to the open air was a stark contrast. Outside, the academy grounds were quiet and the sky had turned dark already, making Kyle realize how long he had spent going through all the books.


    Riya crossed her arms and fixed him with an impatient stare. "Alright, we''re outside. What''s so important that you had to drag me out here?" S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle hesitated for a moment, scratching the back of his neck. "I''ve been trying to learn Alchemy," he began.


    Riya raised an eyebrow. "You? Alchemy?"


    Kyle chuckled nervously. "Yeah, I know it''s not my elective, but I''ve always been curious about it. I''ve been reading up on it in the library, but all the books are so... theoretical. I want to learn how to actually do it¡ªhow to brew potions, craft pills, all that stuff."


    Riya''s skeptical expression didn''t waver. "Why the sudden interest? You''re already neck-deep in Rune Making and whatever else you''re up to. Why add Alchemy to the mix?"


    Kyle paused, considering how to phrase his thoughts. "It''s not sudden, really. I''ve always thought Alchemy was fascinating¡ªthe way it combines magic and science. But now I''m starting to see how useful it could be. Imagine being able to brew your own healing potions or make enhancers for battle. It''s practical, and it could be a game-changer for me."


    Riya placed her hand on her chin her and studied him. "So, let me get this straight. You''re not just doing this because it sounds cool; you actually want to get good at it because it''s useful?"


    Kyle nodded. "Exactly. But like I said, the books aren''t helping. They''re all theory and no practice. That''s where you come in."


    Her lips twitched, and she almost laughed, but she quickly masked it with her usual stern expression. "And what exactly do you want from me, Kyle? Do you think I''m just going to drop everything and teach you?"


    "Maybe? You''re the best alchemist I know, Riya. You''re always at the top of the class, and you''re amazing at what you do. Who better to learn from?" Kyle responded with a sheepish grin.


    Riya crossed her arms and tapped her foot with an unyielding gaze. "Flattery won''t get you very far with me, Kyle. Let''s cut to the chase. What do I stand to gain from this?"


    Kyle''s thoughts raced as he stared at Riya, trying to come up with something to offer her in return. ''Credits? I''m pretty sure she would be earning off her potions and she''d ask me if she needs any.''


    ''I could offer to spar with her or help her train, but I doubt that''ll suffice.'' He pondered over many other options before finally giving up.


    "Alright, Riya," he said, running a hand through his hair, "what do you want? You name it, and I''ll consider it."


    Riya''s lips curled into a sly smile and her green eyes glinted with amusement. She leaned back slightly and crossed her arms as if she''d been expecting him to say that all along.


    "Okay, let''s do it like this," she said with a casual air. "I''ll teach you Alchemy, and you''ll teach me Rune Making."


    Kyle was startled. For a moment, he thought he''d misheard her. "Rune Making?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Since when did you want to learn Rune Making?"

 Chapter 180 Riyas House

    Riya''s cheeks turned a faint pink the moment Kyle asked his question, and she avoided his gaze immediately, her expression looking defensive, she soon turned back at him, not wanting to seen inferior."Since now!" she shouted, stomping her foot on the ground with a pout.


    Kyle chuckled at her reaction, only for her to glare at him. "Do you agree or not?" she demanded anf her voice rose.


    Her sudden outburst caught Kyle off guard, and he instinctively stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender. "O-Okay, okay, I agree!" he said quickly. "It''s a win-win for both of us, right? No harm done."


    Riya huffed and her expression softened as she crossed her arms again. "Good." Then, as if she hadn''t just raised her voice at him, she added in a calm tone, "Give me a minute to pack up my stuff. I''ll be coming."


    Kyle turned his head in confusion. "Wait, you''re going to teach me tonight?"


    "Yes," she replied nonchalantly. "I was planning on brewing a potion tonight for a project anyway. You''ll join me."


    "Any problem with that?" she asked with her tone making it clear that she wouldn''t accept any objections.


    Kyle glanced up at the dark sky, then directed his gaze to his comm to check the time. It was only just some minutes past 7 p.m. He shrugged to himself and mused, ''I can stay out a little late. It''s not like I have anything else to do.''


    Looking back at Riya, he gave her a grin. "No, absolutely no problem."


    "Good," Riya said with a nod. "Wait here."


    She turned on her heel and walked back into the library, leaving Kyle standing outside under the soft glow of the lampposts. He leaned against one of the poles, crossing his arms as he waited.


    ''Teaching her Rune Making, huh?'' Kyle thought to himself, considering how well he''ll fare as a teacher. ''Well, it should be pretty easy.''


    True to her word, Riya reappeared a couple of minutes later, carrying a stack of books in her arms. She didn''t stop to chat, instead, making all the books dissappear into her storage ring.


    "Alright," she said, dusting off her hands. "Let''s head to my house."


    Kyle froze and his eyes widened in surprise. "Your house!?"


    Riya raised an eyebrow at his reaction. "Yeah, where else would we stay? The library''s closing soon, and we need space to work."


    Kyle blinked and thought about it for a moment. ''True,'' he admitted silently. ''There''s actually no other place we could have stayed. She''s got a point.''


    Riya noticed his lost expression and asked, "Any problem?"


    Kyle let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "No, nothing! It''s just, uh..." He hesitated before blurting out,


    "Don''t you think it''s kinda... sus? You know, a boy and a girl alone in a house at night and all that?"


    Riya''s eyes narrowed dangerously, and before Kyle could react, she swung her fist into his stomach with all the strength she could muster. "You pervert!" she shouted, her cheeks flushed with anger.


    Kyle barely felt the punch, but his instincts made him clutch his stomach dramatically. His laughter filled the quiet street as he looked up at Riya''s furious expression.


    "No, no, you''ve got it all wrong! I didn''t mean it like that!" he managed between laughs.


    Riya crossed her arms, huffing loudly. "Hmph!" But after a moment, she added smugly, "I know you can''t do anything to me. You''re a an innocent boy after all."


    Kyle chuckled lightly, unsure whether he''d just been insulted or praised. "Right, uh, thanks? I guess..."


    "Enough with this nonsense," Riya said, brushing past the awkward moment. "Let''s head to my house."


    Kyle nodded quickly, raising his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, let''s go."


    As they walked slowly through the quiet streets of the academy, their conversation flowed naturally. They talked about their lives in the academy, their experiences, and the challenges they faced. Kyle recounted his mission experience in more details.


    When he casually mentioned that he''d recently reached the Eighth Stage, Riya froze mid-step and her jaw dropped. "Wait... what?! You''re in the Eighth Stage already?"


    Kyle smirked, enjoying her reaction. "Yep. Surprised?"


    Riya narrowed her eyes at him, still shocked. "You''re a monster, Kyle. But just wait¡ªI''ll catch up soon enough."


    Kyle couldn''t resist teasing her. "Oh, really? Should I slow down a bit to give you a chance?"


    "Hmph." Riya ignored his jab and quickened her pace.


    They soon entered the dorm, and as they passed No. 88, Kyle pointed at his house. "That''s mine." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Riya gave a small nod but said nothing as they continued walking.


    When they reached her house, No. 91, Riya unlocked the door and stepped inside, motioning for Kyle to follow. As he entered, he was greeted by an unexpectedly elegant sight.


    The interior was immaculate. The living room had plush, pastel-colored furniture arranged neatly with soft cushions that looked as if they''d never been touched.


    The walls were adorned with tasteful decorations¡ªpaintings, shelves with neatly arranged books, and even a few potted plants that added a touch of greenery. There was a also a faint, smooth fragrance of lavender that filled the air, creating a soothing atmosphere.


    Kyle stood in awe, taking it all in. "Wow, Riya," he said, his tone filled with genuine surprise. "Did you spend all your credits making your house look like... like this?"


    The teasing in his voice was unmistakable, and the moment the words left his mouth, Kyle regretted them.


    Riya turned to him with a glare, and before he could defend himself, she punched him in the stomach once again, this time with even more force.


    "Ow!" Kyle yelped, doubling over once more. "Okay, okay, I take it back!"


    "You just can''t help yourself, can you?"


    "I didn''t mean it like that!" Kyle protested, laughing nervously as he rubbed his stomach. "It''s just that... this place is amazing. I didn''t expect it to look so¡ª"


    "Elegant? Neat? Better than your house?" she interrupted with a smirk.


    "All of the above," Kyle admitted sheepishly. Explore more stories at empire


    "Hmph," Riya said, crossing her arms. "If you''re done gawking, follow me. We''ve got work to do."


    "Alright, alright. Lead the way, your highness."

 Chapter 181 Potion Making (1)

    Riya opened the door to the second room on the ground floor, and Kyle followed her inside. He expected a simple storage area or a place filled with disorganized tools, but what he saw left him speechless.The room had been transformed into a functional alchemy lab with an undeniable touch of practicality. Shelves lined the walls, each organized with jars of herbs, powders, and other mysterious alchemical ingredients.


    The air smelled faintly of mixed scents¡ªfloral, earthy, and even metallic. On the central table sat two cauldrons: one, an elegant white cauldron and the other, smaller and more mundane.


    In the corner of the room stood a modest yet sturdy furnace, and next to it was a grinding station with various tools, such as pestles, mortars, and cutting knives of different sizes. A well-worn notebook sat open near the cauldrons, its pages filled with handwritten notes, formulas, and diagrams.


    Kyle''s eyes widened as he took it all in. "This¡­ this is incredible," he muttered, stepping further into the room. "You really built all this yourself?"


    Riya crossed her arms and smirked. "Neat, isn''t it?"


    Kyle nodded in admiration. "It''s beautiful. And here I thought alchemy was just mixing stuff in a pot."


    Riya raised an eyebrow at him. "Yes, you could mix stuff in a pot; but it''s also about precision, understanding, and skill. Speaking of which, let''s get to why we''re here."


    "Earlier, you said you couldn''t learn alchemy from books, right?"


    "Yeah, I did. I tried from the library, and it never clicked for me."


    "Alchemy is a craft. You don''t just learn by reading or even by watching. You learn by doing¡ªand failing," Riya explained.


    Kyle nodded slowly. "I realized that, I knew I needed hands-on experience, that''s why I approached you."


    "Exactly," Riya said. "But there''s more to it. Alchemy isn''t just about throwing ingredients into a pot and hoping for the best. You have to understand the materials you''re working with¡ªtheir properties, their reactions, their limits.


    There are millions of different plants, herbs, animal parts, minerals¡ªyou name it¡ªthat can be used in Alchemy. Each has its own unique properties and effects. But some ingredients might share similar purposes, but their usage is what matters.


    Each one requires a different method of handling, preparation, and application. That''s what you need to learn first."


    Kyle''s jaw dropped as he stared at her in disbelief. "Wait... millions of ingredients? You''re saying I need to learn all of them?!"


    Riya laughed softly and face-palmed. "No, silly. Of course not. At our level, there are common ingredients we can access and work with. Those are the ones you need to focus on for now."


    She went to her shelf and picked up a massive, thick book. Its cover was was smooth black, but the title, Essential Alchemical Ingredients, was embossed in gold letters. The book was enormous, nearly half a meter in height and bound with heavy leather. She placed it on the table with a resounding thud.


    She opened the book to a random page and showed it to Kyle. The page featured an intricate drawing of a flower with glowing blue petals, along with detailed notes about its effects, handling requirements, and alchemical uses.


    "See?" Riya said, pointing to the page. "This book will teach you what to look for, how to handle it, and how to use it. It''s like a guide."


    Kyle frowned as he flipped through the pages. "There''s still so much to memorize. How many ingredients are in this thing?"


    "Just a thousand," Riya said nonchalantly. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle nearly dropped the book. "Just a thousand?!"


    Riya laughed again, clearly enjoying his reaction. "Of the millions out there, a thousand is a small number."


    "That is going to take forever."


    "It won''t," Riya assured him. "Ingredients have similarities. The more you learn, the easier it gets to recognize patterns and connections."


    Kyle still wasn''t convinced. "How far along are you with this?"


    Riya smiled, puffing out her chest proudly. "I''ve mastered 40% of the ingredients in this book."


    Kyle''s eyes widened. "Forty percent? That''s impressive."


    Riya shrugged. Most that offered alchemy haven''t mastered up to 10% of the ingredients because it didn''t matter much, but she was giving it her all to be the best.


    "It''s just the beginning. But enough talk¡ªlet''s get started."


    "I was planning to brew an advanced healing potion tonight, but for your sake, we''ll start with a basic one. You''ll watch and learn."


    "Sure... Let''s do this."


    "Alright, here''s how this is going to work," Riya had a mischievous smile on her face as she began. "I''ll call out the ingredients we need for this potion, and you''re going to fetch them for me."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Fetch them? I don''t even know what half of these ingredients are called."


    "That''s why you''ll use this." Riya tapped the massive black book on the table. "The textbook has everything you need¡ªillustrations, descriptions, handling tips."


    Kyle sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, staring at the massive black book sitting on the table. "You really expect me to fetch the ingredients without knowing what they look like?"


    Kyle rolled his eyes but opened the book anyway. As he flipped through the pages, he paused and looked up. "Wait, does this thing have an index?"


    Riya chuckled, "You tell me. You''re holding it."


    Kyle huffed and turned to the back of the book, scanning the last few pages. His eyes lit up when he spotted the neatly organized index, with all the ingredients listed alphabetically alongside their page numbers. "Alright, that''s a relief," he muttered. "At least it''s not total chaos."


    "See?" Riya teased, grinning mischievously. "You''re already learning. Now, let''s start with the first ingredient: Fireglow Seed."


    Kyle nodded and turned back to the index, tracing his finger down the page until he found it.


    "Fireglow Seed¡­ page 736." He flipped to the corresponding page and took in the detailed illustration of a glowing orange seed with a faint, fiery aura.


    Below the picture was a paragraph explaining its properties¡ªrestorative effects and its use in stabilizing potions.

 Chapter 182 Potion Making (2)

    Discover hidden tales at empireSatisfied, Kyle walked over to the shelves lining the walls. He scanned the 15 unlabeled jars that were placed there carefully, and it didn''t take long to locate a jar that contained small, glowing seeds which matched the book''s illustration perfectly. Kyle grabbed the jar and handed it to Riya.


    She took it with a grin. "Not bad, but you were too slow. At this rate, the potion would take all night."


    Kyle narrowed his eyes at her teasing tone. "I was just warming up. Watch, I''ll be faster next time."


    Riya laughed. "We''ll see. Next, we need Silverleaf Essence."


    Kyle turned back to the book, his fingers flipping to the index. He located Silverleaf Essence and hurried to page 2143, where he found an elegant drawing of a silver-colored plant with notes about extracting its essence. Memorizing the picture, he rushed back to the shelves and scanned for it.


    This time, it only took him half the time. He handed the bottle to Riya with a smirk. "Faster, right?"


    Riya nodded, clearly impressed despite her casual tone. "Better. Let''s keep it going. The third ingredient is Duskshade Petal."


    Kyle repeated the process, flipping through the index and the book, and managed to locate a jar of dried purple petals in record time. Riya grinned at his improvement.


    "Last one," she said, her voice a mix of challenge and encouragement. "We need Lunar Powder."


    Kyle dove into the book once more, flipping to page 1378 after finding it in the index. The powder was described as a fine, shimmering white substance extracted from Lunar Stones. He quickly found the jar on the shelves and handed it over.


    "Not bad," Riya said, lining the ingredients up on the table. "Now, let''s test your memory. Can you identify each one and tell me its role in the potion?"


    Kyle took a deep breath and pointed to the first jar. "Fireglow Seed¡ªrestorative and stabilizing effects." He moved to the second. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Silverleaf Essence¡ªcalming properties, right?" Riya nodded, and Kyle continued. "Duskshade Petal¡ªenhances the potency of healing potions. And¡­ uh¡­" He hesitated over the Lunar Powder.


    Riya raised an eyebrow. "Go on."


    "Lunar Powder¡­ something about synergy with other ingredients?" Kyle guessed.


    Riya smiled. "Close enough. It amplifies the effects of the other components. Not bad for your first try."


    Kyle grinned at the compliment, feeling a swell of pride at his genius. "So, what''s next?"


    "Now, you watch and learn," Riya said, pulling the smaller cauldron toward her. It was simple yet elegant, with intricate engravings along the rim. "This is my starter cauldron. It''s not as advanced as the white one I won in the tournament, but it does the job."


    Kyle watched intently as Riya began the process. She first ground the Fireglow Seeds into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle, her movements precise and deliberate.


    The Duskshade Petals followed, crushed into a soft powder. She mixed the two together in a small bowl before carefully measuring out the Silverleaf Essence and Lunar Powder.


    Next, she activated the cauldron by channeling mana into it. A soft hum filled the room as the cauldron''s temperature regulated itself. Riya placed the ingredients inside, one by one, and then held her hand over the cauldron, muttering a spell.


    "[Scorch]," she commanded, her flame erupting in a mesmerizing shade of blue.


    As the potion began to simmer, the cauldron''s engravings glowed faintly, regulating the heat and ensuring even mixing. Riya stirred the mixture in a slow, rhythmic motion, explaining each step as she went.


    "The Fireglow Seed provides the base for healing. The Silverleaf Essence soothes any harsh reactions, and the Duskshade Petal boosts the potion''s potency. The Lunar Powder ties everything together, enhancing the overall effect."


    The room filled with a faint, soothing aroma as the potion neared completion. After several minutes of careful heating and stirring, the liquid inside the cauldron turned a vibrant crimson red. Riya extinguished her flames and poured the potion into a small vial.


    "And there we have it¡ªa Basic Healing Potion," she said, holding it up with a proud smile.


    Kyle stared at the vial, feeling a newfound respect for alchemy. "That¡­ was incredible."


    Riya placed the vial of Basic Healing Potion gently on a rack beside her. She wiped her hands on a nearby cloth and turned to Kyle, her expression shifting to one of stern amusement.


    "Alright, that''s enough for today," she said firmly. "I''ve helped you more than enough, but don''t get any ideas; you''re still not ready to brew your own potion yet."


    Kyle frowned slightly, folding his arms. "Why not? I just helped you identify all the ingredients, didn''t I? I even memorized their roles."


    "And you think that''s all it takes? Brewing a potion isn''t just about tossing things into a cauldron and stirring. You need to understand the properties of at least 20 ingredients before I might decide to let you," she said with a smirk.


    "Fine, so I''m not ready yet. What''s the plan then?"


    "You''ll come back tomorrow," Riya declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. "And this time, buy your own ingredients, the ones we used just now. I''ll guide you through the rest. If you manage to finish everything on time¡­" She paused and added with a wink. "You can teach me some rune-making."


    "Alright," Kyle agreed. "Thanks for your help, by the way. I''ve learned a lot today."


    "Good." Riya crossed her arms and nodded approvingly. "Just don''t forget the ingredients tomorrow. I''ll call you if I''m free."


    "Yes, ma''am."


    As he started packing up, he noticed the massive black book on the table and gestured toward it. "Mind if I borrow this? It''d help me prepare."


    Riya shook her head and laughed. "Borrow it? Kyle, that book''s from the academy library. You''ve probably walked past it."


    "Seriously? It''s in the library? I must''ve missed it when searching for alchemy books."


    "It''s in the alchemy section, right in the middle of the fourth row. You can''t miss it. Though, knowing you, I wouldn''t be surprised if you managed to."


    "Alright, fine. I''ll grab it on my way out."


    "Good luck with that," Riya said, turning her attention back to organizing her workspace. "And don''t come back tomorrow unless you''re ready to impress me."


    "Challenge accepted." Kyle said with a mock salute before grabbing his belongings and leaving for his house.

 Chapter 183 3 Months Later...

    Time seemed to blur for Kyle, as three months had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Yet, despite the rapid passage of time, the changes in his skills, abilities, and even his personality were undeniable.¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Lightning Mage: Lv 8


    EXP: 20067/27000*


    Beginner Chaos Mage: Lv 6*


    EXP: 5011/12000*


    HP: 300*


    Energy: 376*


    MP: -*


    Agility: 171*


    Strength: 205*


    Vitality: 150*


    Stamina: 188*


    Intelligence: 151* Read exclusive content at empire


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 4)]*


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 4)]*


    [Inspect(Lv 3)]*


    [Gobbler(Lv 2)]


    [Undying]


    [Chaotic Pulse(Lv 2)]


    [Chaotic Whirlpool(Lv 1)]


    Skill Points: 0


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    (A/N: Incase your math isn''t mathing; remember that he gains stat points from leveling up too.)


    Kyle''s progress in his cultivation had been phenomenal. He was just a bit shy of reaching Level 9, with only a few thousand EXP away.


    And all those progress had occurred without him using any mana core. He had more than enough credits to level up but had decided to stockpile them instead. He already had plans for when to use them, and the time wasn''t ripe yet.


    Meanwhile, his chaos element was no longer a chaotic force he struggled to control. Kyle could now manipulate chaos spells as effortlessly as breathing.


    "I can''t wait to put this to the test," Kyle mused, his thoughts drifting to the imminent battles ahead. He would have plenty of opportunities soon enough, with the Grand Yearly Vyna Tournaments rapidly approaching.


    The Yearly Vyna Tournaments were the academy''s most anticipated event. Held every year, they served as a stage for students to prove their worth, showcasing their skills and abilities in front of esteemed faculty, external sponsors, and influential spectators. Kyle could feel the weight of the event pressing down on the academy''s atmosphere.


    The tournament schedule had already been released, fueling both excitement and anxiety among the students. Before that, however, they all faced a crucial hurdle: the mid-term tests, which were set to begin the following week. These tests weren''t just academic; they also included practical evaluations that determined a student''s standing in the academy.


    For most students, mid-terms were a make-or-break moment. A poor performance could lead to demotion into a lower class, while first-year students who failed outright could face expulsion. It was a harsh, uncompromising system, but it kept everyone on their toes.


    Everyone except Milo.


    Kyle''s self-proclaimed rival had undergone a noticeable shift in demeanor. Once as hardworking as anyone, Milo had grown colder and more detached in recent weeks.


    His once-intense dedication had seemingly vanished. He skipped classes frequently, his attendance so sparse that it had become the subject of gossip among the other students.


    "What''s his deal?" Kyle wondered on more than one occasion. Despite his curiosity, Kyle found himself more focused on his own goals.


    It wasn''t just in magic that Kyle had made strides. Over the past three months, he had succeeded in branching out to another discipline as well, further rounding out his skillset.


    Under the strict guidance Riya, Kyle had progressed quickly, learning to brew potions up to the advanced tier with confidence. His own cauldron, a sleek black vessel inscribed with faint glowing runes, was one of the few items he had splurged on. "If I''m going to do this, I need the right tools," he had reasoned when purchasing it.


    His efforts into becoming better at rune making had also paid off. Kyle had advanced to creating basic runic circles! The process was painstaking and required a level of precision that tested his patience, but the results were worth it.


    Runic circles were far more versatile and powerful than runes, and few second-years could create them, talk more of first years like him and Lora.


    Of course it was all because of Lora. Her patient guidance had helped Kyle overcome numerous hurdles, and likewise, Kyle had kept to his deal with Riya, carefully teaching her the art of rune making as well.


    He didn''t have to stress much over it as she was almost as talented as him in the craft and it didn''t take her too long to begin inscribing basic runes.


    Even Void had seen significant improvement. Instructor Dan, out of his kindness had decided to take an interest in the dragon''s development.


    Dan had helped Void with honing his combat instincts and refining his techniques, transforming the once-reckless dragon into a disciplined fighter.


    But the most remarkable improvement Kyle saw was in his sword intent.


    [Sword Intent Mastery: 99.81%]


    Kyle was just too close to achieving full mastery, and the minor difference was evident. Whenever he felt threatened, the white line always came out.


    But that only happened when the threat was genuine and that was why Dan was the best instructor for him. He always managed to ensure that all his attacks were threatening to Kyle, forcing him to use his intent as much as possible.


    ''I owe this to him,'' Kyle often thought after training sessions, his muscles sore but his resolve stronger than ever.


    During the nights, the arena had become Kyle''s second home during these three months. Under the alias Abyss, he had carved out a reputation as an undefeated fighter. With over 500 consecutive wins, Kyle''s name was whispered with a mix of awe and intimidation among the rest.


    "Every fight is a step forward," Kyle reminded himself. Each victory not only brought him closer to his goals but also flooded his account with credits. He was practically swimming in wealth now, though he spent sparingly, always mindful of the future.


    [Credits: 446,799]


    And then there was the [Frozen Claw]. Orion was finally done with the promised upgrade on his katana. Even though he had given Orion a deadline of 2 weeks, Kyle never fully expected him to be done by then.


    He had eventually decided to give Orion more time, stretching it to three months. At the moment, he had just retrieved the katana from Orion, ensuring not to [Inspect] it yet.


    ''If it''s taken this much time, it must be something extraordinary,'' Kyle thought, anticipation bubbling within him. He couldn''t wait to get home and try it out.


    ***


    Kyle could barely contain his excitement as he walked inside his converted training room. He glanced over at Void who stayed still at the corner of the room, cultivating. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle observed the young dragon for a moment and his heart swelled with pride.


    | Void |


    | Race: Omni Drakkon |


    | Level: 9 |


    | EXP: 101,800/128,000 |*


    | HP: 360 |


    ...


    [Skills: Lightning Breath (Lv 4)*, Lightning Dash (Lv 4)*, Invisible (Lv 4), Phase (Lv 3), Chaotic Pulse(Lv 1), Chaos Whirlpool(Lv 1)]


    Over the past three months, Void had taken his cultivation to a whole new level. Void''s relentless efforts had pushed him closer to Level 10, which was the threshold for breaking through to the Intermediate Mage realm.


    Kyle smiled, though he couldn''t help but sigh. The memory of their agreement from months ago resurfaced in his mind.


    "I promised him 1000 mana cores when he reached Intermediate Mage," Kyle muttered under his breath.


    It was a hefty promise, but Kyle didn''t regret it. Void had earned it through sheer effort and determination. Besides, with his current wealth, he could easily afford it.


    "He deserves it," Kyle said firmly, reassuring himself. "And it''ll only help him grow stronger."


    With that thought, Kyle turned his attention to the middle of the training room, materializing a long, sleek box from his inventory, where Orion had placed his katana.


    His fingers tingled with anticipation as he undid the latches and lifted the lid, revealing the sheathed katana inside.


    The moment Kyle laid eyes on it, his breath hitched. The former Frozen Claw had undergone a complete transformation.


    The blade gleamed with a mesmerizing blend of blue and gold, the two colors intertwining like rivers of light and ice. Faint runic patterns glowed along the length of the blade, shifting subtly as if alive.


    The hilt was wrapped in high-quality blue leather, accented with golden threads that shimmered faintly. The guard, once simple, now resembled a snowflake embedded with a radiant crystal at its center.


    Kyle gently picked up the katana, marveling at its new weight and balance. It felt perfect in his hands, as though it had been custom-forged for him. He couldn''t help but smile as he recalled the original stats of Frozen Claw before its upgrade.


    [Frozen Claw]


    [Weapon Type: Katana]


    [Weapon Rank: Intermediate]


    [Enchantments: Ice Slash]


    [Ice Slash: Momentarily imbue properties of the ice element on blade.


    Mana is required to activate this property.


    Time and power of this effect increases with proficiency of the water element.]

 Chapter 184 New Upgrade: [Aurora Fang]

    Kyle had been impressed with the weapon back then, but now he could feel its potential had skyrocketed. He chuckled softly, remembering the Tier-4 mana core he had handed Orion for the upgrade.The core was a rare combination of ice and light elements and was also corrupted, something that Kyle knew would exponentially enhance the weapon''s power.


    "This is going to be something extraordinary," Kyle murmured as he activated [Inspect], eager to see the katana''s new stats.


    [Aurora Fang]


    [Weapon Type: Katana]


    [Weapon Rank: Advanced]


    [Enchantments: Frostfire edge, Prismatic Wrath, Mana Overload, Self Recovery]


    [Frostfire Edge: The blade combines the frost of ice and the brilliance of light to release a frostfire slash with every strike.


    Enemies hit by the slash are slowed, frozen, or burned with frostfire, which deals continuous damage over time.


    Mana is required to activate this property.


    Time and power of this effect increases with proficiency of the water element.]


    [Prismatic Wrath: Summons a storm of radiant frost shards to rain down on the battlefield with each shard exploding with blinding light and freezing energy upon impact.


    Cooldown: 30 Minutes


    MP required: 100]


    [Corruption Overload: Overload the katana with mana to release a powerful slash.


    Power increases with channeled mana


    There is risk of the katana being damaged]


    [Self Recovery: The katana can repair itself with mana]


    Kyle''s jaw dropped after he read the weapon''s effects. The enchantments were all mind blowing and Kyle was eager to test them, its last enchantment¡ª[Corruption Overload], had particularly piqued his attention.


    "Power increases with channeled mana," he repeated those words to himself, to make sure he hadn''t misread. The possibilities of the slash were endless with his almost infinite mana.


    He really wanted to test out the extent of the slash''s power, but was smart enough to control himself.


    "I''ll test it out when the time calls for it," Kyle decided. The description clearly stated that the attack could damage the katana and it would be quite stupid to damage his weapon before going through a battle.


    Though that was clearly a downside, even in battle, Kyle hoped that its [Self Recovery] enchantment could help against that.


    [Corruption Overload] wasn''t the only powerful enchantment offered by the katana that came with a downside. [Prismatic Wrath] was similarly overpowered as well, but Kyle didn''t fancy the long cooldown of 30 minutes.


    "Sigh... That implies that I can''t spam it."


    But, on the bright side, he had no problems with the [Frostfire Edge]. "It''s basically an evolved version of frozen slash," Kyle concluded.


    All in all, the katana had gone through a tremendous leap of improvement from before and he was done analyzing them all.


    "It''s time to put it to the test," Kyle said with a wide grin as he picked up the katana, its blade glistening under the sunlight that pierced the windows.


    Except for the [Frostfire Edge] enchantment, there wasn''t really any enchantments Kyle could test out. ''They''re all too powerful!''


    He could only make sure that it could prove to be a good blade in battle, even with all its boons and all.


    Kyle looked at the training dummy that stood at the far end of the room. It was decorated with minor cuts and scratches, evidence of its toughness.


    It was a standard training equipment after all, built for handling attacks of the student mages and Kyle was confident it would hold.


    "Let''s go all out in the first strike, shall we?" Kyle whispered to the katana in his grasp as if it was living.


    He gave it a few experimental swings and could feel its power that made the air around it part, after getting familiar with its weight, Kyle walked back some steps from his current position before activating [Lightning Dash].


    Kyle had learned to combine the movement spell with Air Steps, fluidly weaving through the ground even as he dashed at incredible speeds.


    That move would ensure that he delivered the maximum hit, and that was what he was about to pull off now.


    Kyle zipped towards the dummy like a bolt of lightning, his body a blur of motion as he channeled mana into the katana, activating the [Frostfire Edge] enchantment.


    A faint glow of icy blue and radiant golden began to envelop the blade, swirling and coalescing into a mesmerizing aura that danced along the sharp edge.


    The air around the katana turned frigid, while subtle wisps of frostfire flared to life, crackling like a mix of freezing wind and searing light.


    As he closed the distance, the glow intensified, and the temperature in the room plummeted. Kyle grinned as he felt the raw energy surging through the blade.


    "This is it," he thought, his grip tightening around the hilt.


    He leapt into the air with a graceful twist, his body arcing perfectly in sync with the blade. With one smooth, calculated motion, he brought the katana down in a devastating slash.


    The moment the blade struck the training dummy, the room was bathed in radiant frostfire light. A loud crack echoed through the air as the frostfire energy surged from the blade and into the dummy, engulfing it in a burst of freezing brilliance. The heatless flames spread across the dummy''s surface, burning and freezing simultaneously.


    For a moment, everything was still, the frostfire dancing along the edges of the cut. Then, with a soft whoosh, the dummy was cleanly severed in two by the katana. Both halves fell to the ground with a heavy thud, a faint trail of frostfire lingering in the air.


    Kyle landed lightly on his feet and he stared at the scene before him. The once-intact dummy was now in pieces, the edges of the cut glowing faintly with frost and light energy. The ground beneath it had small scorch marks, and a faint icy mist rose from the severed halves.


    "Wow..." Kyle muttered. He stared at the katana in his hands, its blade shimmering with residual energy. "This... This is insane."


    Behind him, Void stirred from his cultivation. The small dragon''s eyes flicked open, glowing faintly with curiosity. He looked towards the source of the commotion, his gaze settling on Kyle and the destroyed dummy.


    "You again," Void muttered, his voice tinged with mild annoyance. "Can''t you go one day without causing a scene?"


    Kyle chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Just testing the upgrades."


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    Void rolled his eyes, muttering, "Of course," before closing them again and resuming his cultivation with a sigh.


    Kyle returned his focus to the katana, holding it up to the light streaming through the windows. He could still feel the lingering energy in the blade, its power humming beneath his fingertips.


    "This is unbelievable," he murmured. His mind raced as he compared the difference between now and his last encounter with the training dummy.


    Back then, his strikes had barely left more than a few deep scratches on the durable material. It had been an uphill battle to even make a dent, let alone cause significant damage.


    But now, with a single strike, he had effortlessly cut through it. The power gap was staggering.


    "Is it me?" Kyle wondered aloud, turning the katana in his hands. "Or is it the blade?" S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The thought lingered for a moment before he nodded to himself. "It''s both," he decided, a grin spreading across his face. "I''ve grown stronger, but this katana... It''s on a whole new level."


    Unable to contain his excitement, Kyle let out a loud cheer, his voice echoing through the training room. "Yes! This is amazing!" He spun around, pointing the katana triumphantly towards the sky. "I''ve got the ultimate weapon now!"


    His enthusiasm dimmed slightly as he glanced back at the ruined dummy. "But... I guess I''ll need a stronger training dummy," he muttered with a laugh, shaking his head.


    Kyle decided to practice some more with the [Aurora Fang], getting familiar with its feel and more. It only after over an hour of rigorous practice did he sheath the blade.


    "That''s enough for now," he muttered, glancing at his comm. The Mid-term tests were beginning the next week, which was the next day as that day was Sunday.


    That meant that he needed to hit the library. General Weapon Training and History were on the schedule for Monday, and while he felt confident about the former, History was a different matter altogether.


    He couldn''t afford to slack off, not with the weight of the exams looming over him. With a determined nod, he grabbed his belongings and headed out, resolving to spend the evening brushing up on historical events and figures.

 Chapter 185 Mid-Term Exams (1)

    [BZZZZZZZZZ!!!]The sound of Kyle''s system alarm blaring in his head jolted him awake; it was the only noise that could wake him up as it sounded directly into his head. That didn''t mean it was welcoming though, Kyle had endured a late long night the previous day and couldn''t help but wish he could sleep some more. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle sat up slowly, blinking away the remnants of sleep. The previous day had been a marathon of studying, cramming historical facts, notable figures, and key events into his mind. While he was already decent at history, he wasn''t content with just ''decent.''


    Rumors had been swirling around the academy about the significance of excelling in the midterms. Some said the top scorers would receive rare rewards or recognition from the academy.


    Others speculated that exceptional performance could open doors to hidden opportunities. Whether the rumors were true or not, Kyle wasn''t about to take any chances.


    He stretched, feeling the satisfying crack of his joints. The study session had clearly paid off. He felt as if his brain had been sharpened to a razor''s edge, flooded with facts and figures.


    "Maybe it''s my intelligence stat," Kyle mused. Ever since his reincarnation, Kyle had noticed that his understanding and memory seemed to improve with every boost to his stats. Memorizing pages of dense historical information wasn''t nearly as grueling as it used to be.


    Kyle swung his legs off the bed and stood, shaking off the last vestiges of drowsiness. He glanced over at Void, who was still curled up on the bed, the little dragon''s chest rising and falling rhythmically.


    Kyle had already decided that the dragon wouldn''t be coming with him this time. Instructor Dan had formerly made it clear to the students that save for their weapons, they weren''t allowed to bring any thing with them, even their beasts.


    And while no one could detect the dragon, if he was nestled in the system pet space, Kyle just felt like leaving him behind. He wanted to pass without breaking any rules.


    He quietly prepared for the day, careful not to wake Void. After a quick shower, he pulled on his academy uniform, the crisp fabric making him feel oddly confident. He opened his inventory and pulled out some of the food he had stored¡ªa simple breakfast of bread, eggs, and a small flask of juice. He also left a portion for Void, enough to keep the dragon satisfied for the day.


    Once his daily quests were completed; a habit he had maintained religiously, Kyle stepped out of his dorm room and headed toward homeroom.


    The air was crisp, and the campus buzzed with a subdued energy. Students hurried toward their respective buildings, some looking calm and composed while others appeared ready to collapse under the weight of stress. Kyle smirked. He was determined to be in the former group.


    When he entered the classroom, he immediately noticed that his usual groups of friends were scattered. Everyone seemed to be reviewing notes, their faces etched with varying degrees of concentration and panic. Kyle scanned the room for any of his friends and spotted Orion sitting near the back. Find more chapters on empire


    "Hey, mind if I sit here?" Kyle asked as he approached.


    Orion glanced up from the desk, he seemed to be sleeping and Kyle was 100% certain that it wasn''t from reading.


    ''He probably spent all night in his lab once again,'' Kyle thought, a smile forming on his face at the irony.


    "If you must," Orion replied after adjusting his glasses, cutting through Kyle''s thoughts.


    Kyle dropped into the seat beside him, leaning back with a casual grin. "Ready for the exams?"


    "Ready? Please, Kyle. I''ve been ready since the syllabus was handed out," Orion replied with a yawn and a stretch.


    Kyle chuckled. "Of course you were. You probably memorized the entire curriculum in a day."


    "Two days, actually," Orion corrected, his tone dripping with self-satisfaction. "I wouldn''t want to rush the process and risk missing any nuances."


    "Nuances, huh?" Kyle teased. "Well, I hope your perfect brain can handle the combat sections."


    Orion''s confident demeanor faltered slightly. "A minor inconvenience," he admitted, waving a hand dismissively. "But one I''ll overcome with my superior intellect."


    "Sure, sure," Kyle said, grinning. "I''ll clear the whole exam, though. Just watch."


    Orion let out a sharp laugh, adjusting his glasses once more. "You? Clear the whole exam? Don''t make me laugh harder, Kyle. Your brain can only handle so much before it short-circuits."


    "Try me," Kyle challenged, leaning forward.


    Orion smirked. "Fine. Let''s test that overconfidence of yours. Here''s an easy one: Who led the Great Mage Revolt of 842 A.C.?"


    Kyle didn''t hesitate. "Hector Valor, a rogue Archmage who turned against the kingdom after being denied a seat on the Council of Seven."


    Orion nodded, clearly impressed but unwilling to admit it. "Not bad. But don''t feel too pleased with yourself just yet."


    "Here''s a real question: What was the primary cause of the Displacement Wars, and how did the Treaty of Elevar affect territorial governance?"


    Kyle blinked, caught off guard. He racked his brain, but the answer eluded him. He had read about the Displacement Wars in passing, but this level of detail was beyond what had been covered in class or the standard textbooks.


    "I... I don''t know," Kyle admitted reluctantly. "Pretty sure we haven''t been taught that yet."


    "Exactly," Orion said, his smugness in full force. "That''s why you''re dumb for relying solely on class lectures and textbooks. Knowledge isn''t spoon-fed, Kyle. You have to dig deeper."


    Kyle opened his mouth to retort but was cut off by the sound of the classroom door opening.


    Instructor Dan strode in, his presence commanding instant attention. His sharp eyes scanned the room, and the chatter died down immediately.


    "Good morning, Instructor Dan!"


    The students announced in unison before taking their seats.


    "Good morning," Dan replied, his voice firm but not unkind. "I hope you''re all prepared because today marks the beginning of your midterms.


    We''ll head to the examination hall shortly. But before we do, I have a few things to say..."

 Chapter 186 Mid-Term Exams (2)

    The students straightened in their seats, giving their attention to Dan as they had already expected him to make a kinda speech."First off, let me make this crystal clear: Exam malpractice will not be tolerated," he said, pausing for effect. A few students exchanged uneasy glances, but Dan''s lips twitched into a knowing smile.


    "Not that it matters. If you even attempt to cheat, you''ll be caught. Trust me, the measures in place are foolproof."


    A wave of murmurs rippled through the room, but Dan''s voice rose over it, amusement evident in his tone.


    "And by foolproof, I mean you''ll be expelled on the spot. No questions asked."


    Kyle glanced around, noting the mixed reactions among his peers. Some looked pale, likely second-guessing their plans, while others smirked confidently. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dan''s gaze moved over the students, his expression softening as he continued.


    "Now, on a more serious note, this is your chance to prove yourselves. The mid-term exams are more than just a test of your knowledge; they''re a measure of your growth. Your scores will determine your standing within the academy and your future opportunities."


    The room fell into a tense silence as the gravity of his words settled in. "And remember," Dan added, his tone dropping slightly, "failure isn''t just a mark on your record here. It''s a one-way ticket out of the academy. We don''t have space for slackers, nor do we tolerate mediocrity."


    Kyle stiffened at that, his determination reigniting. He could sense the ripple of unease spreading through the hall as Dan scanned their faces again, his piercing eyes locking on one student, then the next, as if daring them to falter.


    "But," Dan said, his voice softening, "I believe in all of you. You wouldn''t be here if you didn''t have potential. Show us what you''re made of. Make us proud." His words carried a rare warmth, and the students couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride.


    Dan clapped his hands once, the sharp sound breaking the tension. "Now, let''s move. Organize yourselves into a single file and head out. The buses are ready."


    Kyle''s brow furrowed at that. The bus? The word triggered a memory; his first day at the academy. He remembered the strange contraption vividly. It wasn''t a conventional bus, more of a flying crate outfitted with chairs. It had ferried them to the floating halls of the academy during their orientation.


    His thoughts were interrupted by the murmur of excitement spreading among the students. Most of them remembered the bus too, but no one dared to let their excitement devolve into chaos. Instead, they quickly lined up, the anticipation evident in their restrained movements.


    As they stepped out of the building, the familiar sight of the buses greeted them. The massive, 10-meter-long vehicles were lined up neatly, their plain white surfaces gleaming in the sunlight. Each bore the academy''s insignia: a majestic dragon surrounded by the four elemental symbols¡ªfire, air, earth, and water.


    Despite their boxy and unimpressive shape, the buses exuded an air of sophistication. Powered by mana cores, they hummed faintly with energy, the runes etched into their surfaces glowing softly.


    Kyle took in the sight with a mixture of awe and amusement. Still as weird as I remember, he thought, recalling the exhilarating ride they''d taken on his first day. The buses'' ability to fly had been a highlight of that experience.


    There were three buses in total, each capable of seating 100 students. The line moved efficiently, the students boarding without complaint. Kyle found himself near the middle of the second bus, settling into a seat next to Orion as the last few students climbed aboard.


    As soon as the final person was seated, the hum of the mana cores intensified. Without warning, the buses lifted off the ground, rising smoothly into the air. Kyle felt a familiar thrill as the wind rushed past, the open design allowing an unobstructed view of the academy below.


    The buildings and training grounds shrank as the buses ascended, the vast expanse of the academy sprawling out like a miniature city. The floating buildings came into view, their majestic forms suspended in the sky by powerful enchantments.


    The students around him were equally entranced, their gazes fixed on the scenery. Despite the nerves that came with the exams, the ride had an undeniable magic to it, reminding them of the wonder of being part of the academy.


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    The buses glided smoothly through the sky and they soon approached their destination, a large building came into view.


    Suspended among the floating structures of the academy, the building bore the words Examination Hall ¨C Year 1 etched in glowing, bold script above its wide entrance.


    The structure was massive, its pristine white walls glinting in the sunlight. The design was simple yet imposing, with towering pillars framing its facade and intricate carvings etched along the edges of the walls.


    The buses began their descent and with a gentle lurch, they landed on a broad platform directly outside the examination hall. Dan stood by the doors of the first bus, waiting as students filed out in an orderly manner.


    Kyle stepped off the bus, his boots clicking softly against the stone platform. He craned his neck to take in the massive hall, its sheer size and grandeur leaving him momentarily speechless. Around him, the other students were equally awed, murmuring quietly as they gazed at the structure.


    Dan clapped his hands, instantly drawing their attention. "Let''s keep moving. You''ll have plenty of time to admire the scenery after the exams," he said, his tone laced with mild amusement.


    The students formed a single line and followed Dan into the hall. The interior was even more breathtaking than the exterior. The space was vast, with high ceilings that seemed to stretch endlessly upward.


    Despite its size, the hall was empty, its vastness accentuated by the echo of footsteps as the students entered.


    Dan strode confidently to the center of the hall and turned to face the students. He raised a hand, and with a single word of command:


    "Manifest"


    ... the hall transformed. From the smooth floor, rows of chairs began to rise, materializing with a faint hum of magic.


    Three hundred chairs emerged in perfect formation, arranged in neat, evenly spaced rows. Each chair was separated by over two meters, providing ample space for the students.


    The chairs themselves were intricately designed, crafted from a white, glossy material. Their backs were high and slightly curved, offering comfort and support.


    Attached to each chair was a small desk-like extension, perfectly sized to hold examination papers and writing tools. Each chair bore a golden number etched onto the backrest, its glowing digits clear and precise.


    The students couldn''t hide their admiration as they took in the sight. Kyle heard hushed whispers of awe around him, and even he had to admit he was impressed.


    ''They really don''t hold back on making an impression'', he thought, his gaze sweeping over the meticulously arranged seating.


    Dan, standing at the front of the hall, allowed himself a small smile as he observed their reactions.


    "Alright," he said, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Take your seats according to your numbers. We''ll begin in five minutes."

 Chapter 187 Mid-Term Exams (3)

    Kyle quickly located his seat, No. 88, and so did the other students. They all sat nervously as they waited for the exam to begin.Meanwhile, Dan stood calmly at the front or the class, his eyes occasionally darting to the clock at side of the hall, he had earlier mentioned that they''ll begin and 5 minutes and he seemed to want that time to pass before they could begin.


    ''Why the wait?'' Kyle thought, not feeling happy about the delay. They were all seated and ready and the instructions had been given. What''s the point of this drawn-out silence? He suppressed the urge to sigh aloud and instead shifted his attention to his surroundings.


    Dan, however, seemed unfazed and unbored as he waited, making Kyle wonder if the man enjoyed the anxiety of the students.


    But no one dared complain. The room remained utterly silent like a graveyard, until exactly five minutes passed.


    Dan clapped his hands the moment the time came and papers began to materialize out of thin air, appearing on each desk.


    "Your time starts now. You have two hours."


    Kyle was inwardly surprised when he heard the time, but was a bit happy that they were given enough time at the very least.


    He glanced down on his paper and could see that his name and student ID were neatly printed at the top corner of the paper.


    ''Oh, that''s why they made us sit according to our numbers,'' he thought, while quickly scanning through the first page that had the exam details and moving on to the next.


    What met Kyle''s eyes at the second page was surprising. The first page consisted of twenty theory questions! Each of them requiring a detailed explanation or analysis.


    His brow furrowed as he scanned the questions. They weren''t simple one-liners, either. Each question seemed to demand a mini-essay in response.


    Kyle gulped internally and flipped to the next page, meeting another twenty questions staring back at him.


    Page three. Twenty more.


    Page four. Another twenty.


    By the time he reached the fifth and final page, his hands trembled slightly. There were a hundred theory questions!


    ''What the hell?!'' Kyle screamed internally. ''One hundred questions in two hours?!''


    That meant roughly one question every 1.2 minutes, if he didn''t waste a single second.


    He wasn''t the only one panicking. Around him, the students exchanged wide-eyed glances with their expressions mirroring his shock. Even Orion, who usually wore an air of confidence, looked genuinely surprised.


    Some students were even considering giving up on this exam, but they couldn''t dare to do so, because failure could get them exams and this exam was definitely a part of their scores.


    "I''ll be leaving you to it," Dan announced after a while. "Remember, no talking, no looking at anyone else''s paper. You''ve all been warned about the consequences. Break the rules, and it''s over for you."


    Dan paused before deciding to add with a smirk. "This exam is cheap, you shouldn''t need luck."


    After that, Dan did something none of them had expected, even Kyle. Without another word, he disappeared into thin air.


    The entire room went still. For a few seconds, no one moved, their eyes glued to the spot where Dan had stood.


    The silence stretched for another beat before someone at the back finally shuffled in their seat, snapping everyone out of their stupor and reminding them of their short time.


    ''Okay, let''s do this!''


    Kyle took a deep breath, pulled the answer sheet closer, and placed the tip of his pen on the first question.


    "Who was the primary instigator of the Great Celestian Conflict, and what were their motives?"


    Quickly, he began to write, his mind digging through the wealth of information he''d crammed just days before. His pen scratched against the paper as words pouring out with practiced precision. He poured detail into his response, outlining the motives, key events, and eventual outcomes of the Great Celestian Conflict.


    By the time he glanced at the clock, his heart sank. Seven minutes had passed. Seven whole minutes; on just one question.


    Kyle''s mind raced. ''At this rate, I''ll barely get through ten questions, let alone a hundred.'' S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Drastic measures for drastic situations," he muttered under his breath, the words more for his own resolve than anyone else''s.


    Without hesitation, Kyle dropped his pen onto the desk, the sudden motion drawing curious glances from a few students nearby.


    Kyle closed his eyes briefly, channeling mana into his body. It surged like a storm, crackling and vibrant, but he directed it carefully, guiding it into his hands.


    "Lightning Dash," he whispered to himself.


    A faint crackle of electricity began to dance around his fingertips, growing brighter and more focused with each passing second. The room erupted in hushed whispers and gasps as students turned to see what was happening.


    Kyle opened his eyes, now filled with determination, as arcs of lightning flashed across his hands. The pen in his grasp hummed faintly with energy. Then, without any fanfare, he began to write.


    His hand moved at a pace no ordinary human could match, the pen flying across the page in a blur. Lines of text materialized almost instantaneously, perfectly legible despite the speed.


    All Kyle''s classmates stared in awe with their mouths wide in agape.


    Kyle didn''t notice not did he care. His focus was absolute and his was mind locked onto the questions before him. He dashed through the pages, his thoughts keeping perfect pace with his electrified hand.


    One down. Two. Three. By the time he finished the tenth question, he had already regained the time lost on the first.


    The room buzzed with shock and envy. A few of the wind and lightning affinity mages in the class exchanged determined looks and decided to try for themselves. If Kyle could do it, why couldn''t they?


    They began summoning their own mana, sparks of electricity and gusts of wind swirling around their desks. One by one, they activated their elemental boosts, attempting to mimic Kyle''s extraordinary display.


    But it wasn''t as simple as it looked, they could only manage to channel [Lightning Dash] and their other movement spells on their entire body and just couldn''t concentrate it on a body part.


    Those who decided to go on like that realized their mana reserves going empty in just a few minutes while some others weren''t even able to control their speeds at all, resulting in them writing gibberish.


    The students were frustrated when they realized how impossible it was to maintain focus, control, and stamina all at once while writing detailed answers.


    They casted glances at Kyle, who seemed utterly oblivious to their struggles. His hand was a blur and his papers were filling up with precise, well-structured answers.


    What they didn''t know was that Kyle was only able to pull off such stunts due to his countless battles and practice with the lightning element, something that none of them could come close in measuring up against him.


    And as for mana reserves? His mana was practically boundless to keep it up for hours, but the students assumed that he was using less mana due to only channeling it on his right palm.


    Minutes turned to seconds in Kyle''s perception as he dashed through question after question. He didn''t see the incredulous stares, the dropped jaws, or the occasional student throwing their hands up in frustration.


    ***


    "Huff..."


    Kyle sighed in relief and dropped his pen, leaning tiredly on the back of his seat. He stared at his handwork before him and couldn''t help but smile as he flipped through the numerous pages he had managed to fill up with his writings.


    Kyle also couldn''t help but admire his handwriting. While it might not be the most elegant like Riya''s or Lora''s, it was quite legible and he was quite impressed of the long lines of text that could easily pass out as a textbook.


    ''I did it!'' Kyle thought, glancing at the clock on the other side of the wall. He knew better than to use his comm, as that was one out of the many warnings Dan had given them before.


    11:03 AM.


    Kyle''s mouth widened in surprise the moment he read the time. He had managed to finish 100 questions in a little over an hour¡ªthat was shocking to the core!


    ''Damn!'' Kyle exclaimed internally. ''Was I really writing that fast?''

 Chapter 188 Mid-Term Exams (4)

    Kyle could only celebrate that he had managed to finish, but he still decided on using the remaining time in cross-checking his work.Even though the questions were relatively easy to him and the only difficult factor being the somewhat short time, Kyle couldn''t pass up on the opportunity to aim for a perfect score, having finished this quick already.


    ''I wonder how the others are faring,'' Kyle mused, flipping the page back to begin from the first


    ***


    Some others, especially Riya, who was just a few seats away from Kyle had noticed his actions and had guessed that he was done already.


    She looked down at her paper with a frustrated sigh. No matter how fast she had tried to write, it just wasn''t possible for her to finish. She was only at the twenty-ninth question due to the boost from her wind spell, unfortunately, her mana had already depleted before she could capitalize on it effectively.


    ''It''s my fault,'' Riya thought with a determined frown. ''If I had just trained my mana control a bit more then I wouldn''t be having such struggles.''


    She couldn''t dwell on it for too long as she had already refocused her attention on her paper and begun pushing as fast as possible.


    ***


    Kyle was relaxed as he read through each of the questions from the beginning to the end, making a few corrections in-between. It was only after cross-checking his work multiple times did he close it, feeling confident in what he has written.


    ''That''s 100 marks secured in the bag,'' Kyle thought, as he darted to the clock to see the time.


    ''11:40 AM. I might as well get some sleep before the time ends.''


    Everyone in the hall were infuriated when they saw Kyle lie on his desk, but they could only grind their teeth and write faster than ever.


    *** S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [12:00 PM]


    Immediately the time for the exam came to an end, every student felt their papers vanish from their tables, like they were never there in the first place.


    The students could only growl and cry internally as they had been earlier warned against making noise in the exam hall. It wasn''t a surprise that nobody, except Kyle, had managed to finish the exam, in fact, barely anyone had gone up to 50%.


    >SWOOSH!<


    In a flash, similar to the papers, all the chairs returned to the ground, causing the students to stumble and fall.


    ''The hell?'' Kyle had been sleeping all these while and he seemed to have almost lost himself to a deep slumber before he felt himself falling on the ground.


    Looking around him, he noticed that other students were in a similar situation to him, but their eyes soon directed to the door that has just been flung open.


    "Good afternoon, students," the presence at the door greeted as he came in. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a neatly trimmed beard and intense eyes


    The students immediately recognized the new arrival ¡ª It was Harris, their general weapon training combat instructor.


    Harris paused and surveyed their tired faces.


    "I trust you all enjoyed your history exam?" he asked with a mischievous grin.


    The students'' collective silence spoke volumes. A few sighed audibly as their minds flashed back to the grueling test they''d just endured.


    Harris chuckled, a hearty sound that bounced off the walls.


    "Ah, come on now. That''s in the past!" He paused dramatically, stroking his beard. "Wait... History has always been in the past, hasn''t it?"


    A wave of reluctant chuckles rippled through the students. Despite their exhaustion, Harris''s antics managed to draw a few smiles.


    "Alright, alright, enough laughs," he said and his tone sharpened. "Get ready."


    The atmosphere shifted immediately as the students that were on the floor began to stretch, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten. They were a bit happy because they guessed that it was time for them to go have lunch, maybe.


    But Harris''s next words sent a ripple of shock through the room.


    "Your general weapon training exam begins in one minute."


    A collective ''eh'' threatened to erupt, but they all knew better than to protest openly.


    ''What?!''


    ''1 minute?!''


    ''No breaks?!''


    These were pretty much everyone''s thoughts at they stated angrily at the instructor before them. They were already tired for their furious scribbling in the exam that hadn''t managed to earn them anything and they had just 1 minute to the next exam. A combat evaluation as of that!


    Kyle was also surprised at the development but above all, he was annoyed that he couldn''t have lunch before the next exam.


    ''I guess I''ll be going through this one on an empty stomach,'' he patted his stomach lightly. At least he had it better than others, as he had managed to squeeze in some time to get a little rest.


    Kyle rubbed out the remnants of sleep from his eyes as he stood, stretching slightly to wake himself. He couldn''t afford to mess this up.


    ''I''ll be damned if I don''t perform exceptionally well,'' he thought with determination.


    All around him, students scrambled to their feet, some muttering under their breath while others silently glared at Harris, who remained unfazed by their reactions.


    ***


    Exactly one minute later, the air in the center of the room shimmered, and a glowing portal materialized with a faint hum.


    From the portal, different metallic figures began to emerge, marching in synchronized movements. The dummies were humanoid in shape, their bodies constructed from a sleek, silver alloy that gleamed under the hall''s magical lighting.


    Their heads were featureless spheres, save for two glowing red orbs where eyes might have been. Runes faintly pulsed along their limbs, and their joints moved with an uncanny fluidity.


    More dummies followed, hundreds pouring out of the portal, filling the once spacious hall. The students watched in awe and trepidation as the last of the dummies stepped out, the portal vanishing behind them.


    Harris clapped his hands, drawing their attention.


    "These are basic combat training dummies. They are rare and expensive, so count yourselves lucky to be facing them."


    The students exchanged uneasy glances with their apprehension growing.


    "Now, here''s how this works," Harris continued. "Each of you will pick a weapon from the pile I''ll summon. Your dummy will also arm itself with the same weapon.


    For the next hour, you''ll face off against your dummy in combat. The goal is simple: hit the dummy as many times as you can while avoiding being hit yourself."


    He began to pace around the room with his hands clasped behind his back.


    "No magic. No artifacts. No runes. No potions. Just you and your weapon."


    The students'' expressions weren''t surprised at the announcement. They fully expected the absence of magic but it still felt somehow for their greatest advantage to be unavailable.


    Harris stopped and turned to face them, his grin widening.


    "Here''s how you''re scored. Hits to the dummy score you points:


    Head/neck: 10 points.


    Chest: 5 points.


    Limbs: 3 points.


    "But beware," he added and his tone dropped ominously. "Every time the dummy hits you, you''ll lose the same number of points, depending on where you''re struck."


    The room was silent except for the faint hum of the dummies'' internal mechanisms.


    "And here''s the fun part," Harris said, his grin taking on a wicked edge. "If you manage to destroy your dummy, you''ll earn a whopping 200 points. Of course that''s not possible, but there''s no harm in trying.


    A few students swallowed nervously, their gazes flitting toward the dummies.


    "Finally," Harris said, clapping his hands again, "the net points you earn after the test will determine your score. So think carefully about your strategy. Go for the points or aim to take down the dummy¡ªeither way, make it count!


    But I''ll give you an advise. Your history exam carries 100 points as its full score but there''s no fixed points for this exam. Any points you manage to get might have just covered up for your bad exam."


    The students found themselves beaming with the new announcement and they found themselves punching the air as if they had recovered their scores already.


    Harris''s actions brought them out of their fantasies as with a wave of his hand, a large pile of weapons appeared at the far end of the hall. Swords, spears, axes, daggers, and other weapons of all shapes and sizes shimmered into existence, each gleaming like they had been freshly polished.


    "Choose wisely," Harris said, stepping aside to let them through.


    Kyle smiled as he walked towards the pile of weapons.


    ''This is going to be interesting.''

 Chapter 189 Mid-Term Exams (5)

    It didn''t take long for all the students to choose their respective weapons. Hardly anyone felt indecisive on what choice to make as they had already known their specialty, courtesy of their training class."Very good," Harris remarked, the moment they were all done with a weapon. He brought out a list from thin air and began to call their names one after the other, in accordance to their dorm numbers.


    "Lydia Rose!"


    Harris confirmed that she had chosen a weapon ¡ª a spear ¡ª before tossing exactly the same weapon to one of the combat dummies. He continued with the others until he got to the last student, taking over an hour to do so.


    "Phew! That was draining," Harris said, making the hungry students who had been waiting the whole time feel more angry.


    "Having paired against your combat dummies, I''ll give you a minute to prepare your self before the timer begins."


    Kyle nodded his head at the announcements and continued analyzing the dummy like he has been doing before. Not only had he familiarized himself with the katana in his hand, he had also come up with a plan on how to handle the test during that one hour.


    ''My goal remains to score the highest possible points, so I''ll strike it only on the head, without getting hit, before I end it at the very last minute. I just hope it would be easy enough to accomplish.''


    ''Inspect!''


    [Basic Combat Training Dummy]


    [Durability: 1000]


    [Attack Power: 20]


    ''I''m not entirely sure on what attack power means but it should obviously relate to the damage it can deliver.''


    [Ding!]


    A familiar metallic chime interrupted Kyle''s thoughts.


    [New Quest: Challenges are never equal. Prove yourself superior and rack up as much points as you can!]


    [Reward: 1 skill point + 1 stat point per 200 points gotten]


    Kyle''s mind flew open the moment he read the quest notification. He already had plans on scoring the best and he''ll even get rewarded while doing it.


    ''Perfect.''


    ***


    Kyle''s eyes were focused on the clock as the final second of preparation ticked away with his grip firmly tightened on the hilt of his katana. As soon as the timer hit zero, a single word echoed in the training hall:


    "Begin!"


    Kyle''s body moved instantly, blurring into motion as he lunged forward. The combat dummy, programmed to react to its opponent, swung its blade in a horizontal arc aimed at his torso.


    To the untrained eye, the strike was fast, precise, even, but to Kyle, it might as well have been moving in slow motion.


    ''Too amateurish.''


    Rather than waste energy parrying against such a basic slash, Kyle used Air Steps, his body becoming weightless as he glided through the ground. With effortless precision, he twisted mid-run and brought his katana down onto the dummy''s head in one fluid motion.


    >CLANG!<


    The sharp sound of metal meeting metal reverberated through the hall as the dummy staggered slightly and its display lit up with a glowing number:


    [10]


    At the same moment, Kyle''s system notification chimed.


    [Points: 10]


    He barely spared it a glance. His focus was unshakable, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the dummy''s movements. Without hesitation, he spun on his heel and unleashed a flurry of rapid strikes. Each one landed squarely on the dummy''s head, sending its display into overdrive. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The dummy retaliated, its blade slicing through the air in an attempt to counter his assault. But Kyle was untouchable. He ducked, sidestepped, and twisted, his movements so fluid they seemed choreographed. To him, the dummy''s attacks were too easy and predictable.


    [Points: 100]


    [Points: 190]


    [Points: 270]


    The numbers climbed rapidly, each strike adding to his score. Kyle moved with a grace and efficiency that left no room for error. He didn''t waste energy on unnecessary movements, each step and swing calculated to perfection.


    Around the room, the other students struggled with their own dummies. Most were locked in tense battles, their weapons clashing with the dummies'' blades as they fought to land hits without getting struck in return. Sweat dripped down their faces as they focused entirely on their tests.


    At first, no one paid attention to Kyle. Everyone was too absorbed in their own fights. But as the minutes ticked by, subtle murmurs began to ripple through the hall.


    "Wait¡­ what''s going on over there?"


    "Is that¡­ Kyle?"


    The students closest to him were the first to notice. Their eyes widened as they caught glimpses of his movements. He was blindingly fast and impossibly precise.


    "Holy crap," one student muttered, narrowly avoiding a slash from his own dummy. "He''s¡­ he''s insane!"


    Another stumbled back, too distracted to block a strike on his arm. (A/N: Slash on other body parts not mentioned costs 3 points).


    "I can''t even see him," another said with awe and fear.


    All across the room, heads turned toward Kyle. Even those locked in combat couldn''t help but steal glances, their curiosity outweighing their caution.


    Kyle was a blur of motion, his figure barely discernible amidst the storm of slashes. To the onlookers, it seemed as though the dummy was fighting a phantom ¡ª a shadow that darted and weaved with impossible speed. The only constant was the relentless sound of his blade meeting the dummy''s head.


    >CLANG!<


    >CLANG!<


    >CLANG!<


    "What¡­ what is he?" someone whispered.


    "Monster!"


    The sheer intensity of Kyle''s movements captivated everyone. Even those who had managed to stay focused on their own tests found their attention drifting toward him. Some received hits from their dummies as a result, and their scores suffered in the process.


    At the edge of the room, Harris stood frozen, his arms crossed as he watched Kyle with a wide mouth. Of course he recognized Kyle, his favorite student! But it''s been long since they both sparred and he didn''t know how he had come to this.


    "This¡­ this isn''t normal," Harris murmured to himself. His gaze was fixed on Kyle, his mind racing to comprehend what he was seeing.


    The boy wasn''t just fast ¡ª he was executing movements that Harris recognized all too well. "A martial technique," Harris muttered under his breath. The realization sent a chill down his spine.


    Learning even the most basic martial technique was a monumental achievement. It had took him years of rigorous training, discipline, and dedication to learn one. Yet here was Kyle, a boy of barely sixteen years old, utilizing a movement-based martial technique with such mastery that it put seasoned fighters to shame.


    ''How?'' Harris wondered, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. ''How did he improve so much in such a short time?''


    He couldn''t even afford that thought as he knew there was no way he could improve so much in such a short amount or time.


    ''He has probably been hiding this for a long time.''


    Harris''s head tightened with a mix of awe and frustration. It felt almost unfair for someone wielding such skills to participate in this test, but there was no rule against it. All he could do was watch in silent amazement as Kyle continued his dominant display.


    Meanwhile, Kyle remained oblivious to the commotion around him. His entire being was focused on the dummy before him. His arms burned, his legs screamed for rest, but he ignored the pain. It fueled him, driving him to push even harder.


    Time seemed to blur as the minutes ticked by. By the 45-minute mark, Kyle''s muscles felt like lead, his body drenched in sweat. His hair clung to his damp forehead, and his breaths came in ragged gasps. But he didn''t slow. If anything, he moved faster and his strikes became more precise.


    ''Just a little more,'' Kyle told himself and continued with his onslaught.


    Around him, many students still had their attention captured by Kyle.


    "He''s not human," one muttered, shaking their head in disbelief.


    "Look at the dummy!" another exclaimed. "It''s barely holding together!"


    The combat dummy, once a sturdy opponent, now looked battered and worn. Its head was dented and scarred from the relentless assault, its movements slower and less coordinated.


    [Durability: 387/1000]


    The dummy had managed to hold for this long due to Kyle hitting it with barely any power. At 59 minutes, Kyle finally slowed, his lips curling into a determined grin. "Let''s break you," he whispered.


    His hair fell into his eyes, damp with sweat, but he didn''t bother to brush it away. His dark eyes burned with an intensity that sent shivers down the spines of anyone watching. His shirt clung to his frame, outlining the lean, powerful muscles beneath.


    Kyle shifted his grip on the katana, his knuckles white. Until now, he''d been holding back, controlling his strength to keep the dummy intact. No longer.


    Activating Air Steps, he propelled himself forward, slamming his blade into the dummy''s head with newfound force. The sound of the impact echoed like a cannon blast.


    >BANG!<


    >CLANG!<


    >CRACK!<


    The dummy''s frame groaned under the assault, its metallic surface denting with each successive strike. Kyle poured everything he had into his attacks, his muscles screaming in protest. His vision blurred, but he didn''t stop.


    With five seconds left, he roared, channeling all his strength into one final strike.


    >BOOOOOM!<


    The dummy exploded into fragments, multiple pieces scattering across the room in a dazzling display of destruction. The sound reverberated, leaving the room in stunned silence.


    Kyle stumbled back, his head heaving. His katana fell from his grasp, clattering to the floor. He dropped to his knees, sweat dripping onto the floor beneath him.


    His vision was hazy, but he managed a weak, triumphant smile as the system''s notification appeared before him.


    [Points: 101,200]

 Chapter 190 Mid-Term Exams (6)

    [Points: 101,200][Congratulations! You have achieved 101,200 points!]


    [You have gained 506 stat points and 506 skill points!] S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''506 stat points?! 506 skill points?!" Kyle found it hard to comprehend the system''s notification. He was already wondering his power leap when he used them. ''I could even learn 5 more martial techniques!''


    "Good job, all of you," Harris said, cutting through Kyle''s thoughts.


    Kyle dismissed the system''s notifications and shifted to their instructor. Around him, the other students were sprawled on the floor, panting heavily.


    Sweat dripped from their foreheads, soaking into the floor below. The one hour that they had all experienced was very stressful and tiring and their states could only make sense.


    "You''ve all done well," Harris continued, sweeping through the room with his sharp eyes. "Every single one of you pushed yourselves, and that''s what matters."


    The students exchanged weary glances, their breathing still ragged. Most sat slumped against the walls, too drained to offer more than a nod in response.


    "Remember," Harris said, his voice growing softer but no less commanding, "Don''t compare your performance to anyone else''s. Be proud of how far you''ve come."


    As he spoke, Harris couldn''t help but sneak glances at Kyle. His gaze lingered on the boy longer than he intended, and it was clear to everyone in the room who he was referring to.


    Whispers broke out among the students, their curiosity about Kyle''s performance growing by the second.


    Kyle shifted uncomfortably under the weight of their stares, choosing to stare at the remnants of his dummy instead. It lay scattered in pieces across the floor, a stark contrast to the other dummies, which had shut down but remained intact.


    The timer had gone off just moments earlier, signaling the end of the test. The dummies had all ceased functioning simultaneously, their movements frozen mid-strike.


    Their points had been recorded automatically and sent to Harris, who now stood surveying the room with a thoughtful expression.


    Harris''s gaze settled on the remnants of Kyle''s dummy once more, the corners of his lips twitching in faint amusement.


    "Only two people managed to destroy their dummies," he muttered to himself, his voice too low for the students to hear.


    The first was Kyle, whose dummy was undeniably obliterated. The shards of its metallic frame were strewn across the room, evidence of his overwhelming strength and precision.


    The second was a girl with blonde hair tied to a pony tail. She sat quietly on the floor with her bow resting beside her. At first glance, her dummy appeared untouched, standing upright with no visible damage. But Harris knew better.


    ''She dismantled it slowly,'' he thought, his eyes narrowing. The girl had fired a relentless barrage of arrows, each one chipping away at the dummy''s internal durability until it could no longer function. Her precision was commendable, even if it paled in comparison to Kyle''s destructive power.


    "Decent," Harris murmured under his breath, nodding slightly. "At least she''s got skill, unlike the rest."


    Satisfied, Harris reached into his pocket and pulled a communication device. After speaking with some people through it, a glowing portal materialized in the center of the room some seconds later.


    The students watched in awe as the portal formed, after which the dummies began walking in, through it. The intact ones picked up the scattered parts of Kyle''s shattered dummy and carried it into the portal as well.


    Once the last piece vanished, Harris turned back to the group. "The bus will take you all back to the dormitory. Rest up tonight. You''ll need your energy for tomorrow''s exams."


    A collective groan rose from the students, though it was quickly replaced by murmurs of excitement, they were all hungry and tired and they looked forward to returning to their dorms.


    Kyle stood, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension in his muscles. He felt the weight of the other students'' gazes but kept his expression neutral. His mind, however, was already calculating how best to use his newfound points.


    Outside, the flying buses awaited them and the students filed out of the training hall, their steps sluggish but their spirits high. Harris watched them go, mounting a massive bird that had been waiting for him. The sight of their instructor soaring into the sky left the students gaping in amazement.


    As the buses ascended smoothly into the air, the students sank into their seats, grateful for the momentary reprieve.


    For a while, there was only the gentle hum of the engine, punctuated by the occasional groan or sigh from someone nursing their sore arms or legs. But gradually, the silence gave way to murmured conversations.


    "How many points did you get?" a boy asked, leaning across the panel.


    "Eighty-two," the girl beside him replied, pushing her hair out of her face. "I thought I was doing well until I saw that dummy at the end. It was like it got faster."


    "I got seventy-nine," another boy added, grimacing. "I think I wasted too much time trying to land headshots. Turns out the durability there was ridiculous."


    "Tell me about it," the girl muttered. "I stuck to the chest after my first few strikes just bounced off."


    "That''s where I focused too," the boy admitted. "But man, those things were sturdy."


    The group nodded in agreement. For many of them, this was the first time they had faced such a challenge, and it had been a humbling experience.


    "Did anyone break a hundred?" another girl asked, looking around.


    A few affirmed to what she said, those who had broken a hundred were quite happy that they had made up for some points in their exam.


    "200, anyone?"


    This time no one in the bus raised their hands. Anyone who got above that score must have just made up for their history.


    "Maybe the blonde girl with the bow," someone suggested. "She was really precise. I didn''t see her dummy get damaged much, but she kept hitting the same spot over and over and she managed to score 200 from damaging her dummy."


    "Yes, another should be Kyle obviously. His dummy wasn''t just damaged. It was shattered. I mean, I saw pieces all over the floor."

 Chapter 191 Mid-Term Exams (7)

    "Yes!" another chimed in. "The way he was moving¡­ it was like the dummy couldn''t even touch him. I''ve never seen anything like it.""It''s not fair," a boy said bitterly. "How are the rest of us supposed to compete with that?"


    "Relax," someone else said with a laugh. "We''re not competing against him. We''re just here to do our best, right?"


    The group chuckled, though the tension remained there. As the bus continued its journey, the students turned their focus back to their own performances, comparing their history answers and laughing at their struggles.


    The bus ride, though short, felt like an eternity to the hungry students. When the bus finally descended and came to a halt in front of the dormitory, a collective sigh of relief escaped the group.


    They gathered their bags and other stuff they had carried with them, stretching their sore muscles as they prepared to disembark.


    The moment they stepped off the bus, they met another boy leaving his bus. His dark blue hair flew in the wind and his topaz blue eyes remained sharp and indiscernible as they could only wonder what went on in his mind, if only they knew that he was focused on what he''ll be having in the cafeteria.


    All eyes turned to Kyle. The curiosity that had been simmering throughout the ride now bubbled over, and they couldn''t hold back any longer.


    "Kyle!" one of the braver students called out, one Kyle would recognize from his mission outing ¡ª Lina. "How many points did you score?"


    Kyle heard his name from behind as he walked toward the cafeteria, and his pace slowed. The voices of his classmates rose in curiosity and excitement. He sighed internally, already predicting the onslaught of questions.


    ''What do I do now?'' he wondered, his mind racing. He didn''t want to tell them his actual score, knowing it would only discourage them further.


    He''d overheard some of their scores on his bus and he knew how bad they were. However, ignoring them outright would only fuel wild rumors.


    He bit his lip, then suddenly stopped walking. Without turning around, he raised his right index finger high into the air, holding it there deliberately for a moment before continuing toward the cafeteria without another word. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The group froze, their eyes glued to his retreating back.


    "Did you see that?!" one of them exclaimed, the tension breaking into frenzied chatter.


    "He scored 100! How''s that even possible?"


    "Of course not, dimwit," another retorted, smacking the first lightly on the head. "He scored 1000!"


    "WHAT?! A THOUSAND?!" the group screamed in unison, their disbelief echoing through the dormitory entrance.


    "That makes sense," someone muttered, recalling Kyle''s fluid movements during the combat test. "He handled that dummy like it was nothing."


    "But still¡­ 1000 points? That''s not human. That''s¡­"


    "A monster!" another student shouted, voicing what they all felt. They stared at Kyle''s figure with a mix of awe, envy, and unease. Kyle was the only one that finished the history exam now he scored a thousand points in the combat exam, 10 times more than many of them.


    ***


    Kyle, oblivious to their dramatics, or perhaps intentionally ignoring it, pushed open the doors to the bustling cafeteria.


    The room was packed with students with even more coming in every moment. It was to be expected as almost all the students in the year would be visiting there at the same time to have their denied lunch. But thankfully, the cafeteria was large enough to contain all 300 students, with more than enough space to spare even.


    Kyle ordered some nice meals of Tier-2 before finding a seat to eat, he kind of felt bad from the wrong misconception about his point but he shrugged it of quickly.


    ''They were the one to misunderstand, not me.''


    Kyle are his food silently before leaving. He had enough food in his inventory and could have ate at home if he wanted, but it had been long since he came here and he admired the warm and lively atmosphere around him.


    On returning to his home, Kyle met Void cultivating as usual. He had left more than enough food for the dragon in the morning but knew that Void could never be filled so he chose to leave some more on the table.


    After getting refreshed and changing into casual clothes, Kyle jumped onto the bed. He had exhausted himself and knew he needed rest more than anything.


    "System, wake me up by 10:00 PM," Kyle instructed before closing his eyes. He''ll be taking his rune making examination tomorrow and while he was already grounded in the subject, far more than any other student, except Lora of course; it wouldn''t hurt to study some more.


    ***


    The next morning, the Rune Making hall buzzed with nervous energy. Every seat was filled as students, their eyes ringed with exhaustion from sleepless nights of studying, whispered among themselves.


    "Do you think this exam will be as bad as the last two?" someone muttered, clutching their notes.


    "Definitely," another replied with a groan. "This is Instructor Victoria we''re talking about."


    "Still, it''s Rune Making," someone else said, trying to sound optimistic. "It can''t be as bad as the combat exam nor History."


    "Are you kidding?" another shot back. "Instructor Victoria probably designed something worse."


    Despite their anxiety, most students were still flipping through their books, memorizing formulas, symbols, and crafting sequences. The room grew quieter as anticipation thickened in the air.


    Then, the door creaked open, and all heads snapped toward it. Instructor Victoria strode in with her usual elegance, her heels clicking against the tiled floor and her slim hips swaying in pride. She carried herself with a confidence that made everyone straighten in their seats.


    As always, she locked the door behind her with a decisive click, a gesture that sent a shiver through the room.


    "Good morning, Instructor Victoria!" they stood up and greeted in unison, though the nervousness in their voice were easy to make out.


    "Good morning, class," she greeted in return. "I hope you had a sleepless night because this exam would not be easy.

 Chapter 192 Mid-Term Exams (8)

    The Rune Making hall grew dead silent after they heard Instructor Victoria''s words, but they didn''t panic and tried to keep a calm demeanor.She retrieved a thick stack of papers from her space ring and placed it on her desk.


    "Today''s examination will consist of two parts," she announced, her voice crisp and clear. "The first is a theoretical segment, designed to test your understanding of the principles and formulas behind Rune Making.


    The second is a practical, where your ability to apply these principles will be assessed. You will have three hours in total. If you finish early, use the remaining time to double-check your work. I will not tolerate errors born from carelessness."


    A sigh of relief escaped from everyone. Three hours was a reasonable time for the exam and that managed to raise their confidence a bit.


    Instructor Victoria raised her hand, demanding for their silence before she continued:


    "The theoretical portion will last two hours. I expect clear and concise answers. No rambling. You may begin when the papers are distributed."


    She began handling the thick sheets of papers that she had earlier summoned, making sure not to turn over until it was time.


    By the time she was done sharing, she dusted her hands and announced:


    "You may begin."


    All the students began flipping through the pages to see the number of questions. Kyle did the same and could only see 30 questions, which were reasonable.


    ''No need to pull off another stunt then,'' Kyle thought and continued.


    ''Standard enchantment formulas, properties of Tier-2 runes, mana flow correction equations¡­'' Kyle smirked internally. ''This is too easy.''


    The questions weren''t trivial by any means, but for someone like Kyle, who had spent countless hours practicing with Lora and reviewing advanced techniques, they were straightforward.


    As his pen glided across the paper, his answers flowed naturally, each one precise and well-articulated.


    Meanwhile, around the room, the students scratched their heads, muttering under their breath as they tried to recall formulas or decipher the complex problems but despite all that, the exam was manageable for them and they were still confident of performing well.


    Lora, who was seated near the front this time worked with quiet confidence. Her face remained calm and her pen moving steadily as she tackled the easy questions with moderate pace.


    The hour passed quickly for Kyle. By the time Instructor Victoria announced, "Pens down," he had not only completed the test but also reviewed his answers twice.


    She collected all the sheets from the students before transitioning to the next part.


    "For the practical section," she began, "you will each be provided with a blank runic paper and an inscription pen. Your task is to inscribe a functional Tier-2 rune. The rune must be stable, and its effect must activate properly when tested. Any instability or failure will result in point deductions. You have two hours. Begin."


    The students sprang into action, rushing to collect their materials from the side tables. Kyle remained seated for a moment, letting the initial chaos settle before calmly retrieving his supplies.


    He returned to his seat, placing the runic paper before him. Inscribing such a basic rune was child''s play for him and could even do so in less than 2 minutes. He knew better than to rush though.


    ''There''s no need to rush, my goal still remains to earn my complete marks and I''ll use every second of the 1 hour to do so.''


    He started by outlining the basic structure of the rune, his movements precise and confident. The tip of the inscription pen glided smoothly over the runic paper, leaving behind intricate patterns that seemed to hum with latent energy.


    Around him, the room was filled with the sound of scratching tools and muttered curses. Some students struggled to maintain their mana flow, while others made mistakes in their inscriptions, forcing them to start over.


    Lora, however, worked with the same quiet confidence she had shown during the theoretical portion. Even though she could draw the rune in mere seconds, she decided to take her time in the exam.


    Her strokes were steady, her focus unbroken. She glanced up occasionally, as if checking on Kyle, but seeing his calm demeanor, she quickly returned to her own work.


    *** Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Time''s up!"


    Kyle had finished inscribing his rune just on time, making full use of the whole hour like he had promised to do.


    "Perfect," he muttered as he observed his handwork.


    Instructor Victoria collected all their runic papers afterwards, not surprised that they had all managed to finish.


    "Your performance in this exam will determine your standings this session," she reminded after she was done collecting the papers. "I expect to see all of you here in the next session, so I can only hope that you passed."


    Afterwards, she left the room, allowing the students to celebrate.


    "That was way easier than I expected!" one student exclaimed, pumping his fist into the air.


    "Right? You can''t even compare!"


    "I think I actually aced this one," a girl said confidently as she slung her bag over her shoulder.


    "Same here!" a boy replied with a grin. "That theoretical part had me worried for a moment, but once I got going, it was smooth sailing."


    Even Lora, who usually kept to herself, allowed a small smile as she nodded along with the others.


    Kyle stood up and stretched, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he listened to the enthusiastic chatter around him. ''Looks like everyone''s in high spirits. That''s good,'' he thought.


    While the rest lingered to celebrate their apparent success, Kyle decided to head home. He had something important to do and didn''t want to waste any more time.


    ***


    When Kyle reached his house, he didn''t waste any time. He threw his bag onto the bed, letting it bounce onto the mattress before taking a warm bath and changing into casual clothes.


    Once he felt settled, he moved to the center of the room and with a wide grin, he called out:


    "Status!"

 Chapter 193 Mid-Term Exams (9)

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ªBeginner Lightning Mage: Lv 8


    EXP: 20067/27000


    Beginner Chaos Mage: Lv 6


    EXP: 5011/12000 S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    HP: 300


    Energy: 380


    MP: -


    Agility: 171


    Strength: 205


    Vitality: 150


    Stamina: 190*


    Intelligence: 151


    SP: 506


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 4)]


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 4)]


    [Inspect(Lv 3)]


    [Gobbler(Lv 2)]


    [Undying]


    [Chaotic Pulse(Lv 2)]


    [Chaotic Whirlpool(Lv 1)]


    Skill Points: 506


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle observed the status screen with a wide grin on his face. ''Those points are real!''


    He had gained 506 stat points and 506 skill points from the quest and while he couldn''t use the latter yet, there was nothing stopping him from using the former.


    Kyle took in a deep breath and studied his stats. ''I''ll go through a massive leap in power after assigning those points, so I''ll have to do it wisely.''


    He began by focusing his attention on the very last stat ¡ª Intelligence. While Kyle still had thoughts that the stat didn''t only affect mana and might also be responsible for his improved understanding, those thoughts were still baseless now.


    ''I can''t gamble my points there, I''m sure if its relation with my MP and I have alot of the latter already,'' Kyle concluded, writing off any increase there and moving on to the next stat:


    [Stamina: 190]


    ''I can''t undermine its importance, yesterday''s exam had showed me that already.''


    While Kyle had a high amount of stamina already, his improved combat and his application of martial techniques made stamina very demanding but he knew that it wasn''t too low either.


    ''Add 10 points in stamina,'' Kyle requested and the panel glowed for a moment before changing accordingly.


    [Stamina: 190 >> 200]


    Even though it might seem cheap if him to spend only 10 points from his 506, he was content with it now. ''Besides, most of my daily quests rewards me with Stamina,'' Kyle thought.


    [Vitality: 150]


    ''An equally important stat...'' Kyle mused. He didn''t ponder over it too much and soon instructed.


    ''Add 50 points to Vitality.''


    [Vitality: 150 >> 200]


    He wasn''t one to take hits during battle, plus he had the [Undying] trait to help with his resilience so Kyle didn''t it''ll be wise to add lots of points in Vitality. He had only added 50 points just to satisfy his mind, it made him feel safer in a way. Another reason existed for the addition though:


    ''It looks perfect being in the hundreds,'' Kyle thought with a wide smile.


    [SP: 396]


    He had almost 400 stat points to splurge on his two favorite stats:


    [Strength: 205]


    [Agility: 171]


    Kyle did a few mental calculations before instructing for his desired changes to be carried out.


    ''Add 145 points to Strength!''


    [Strength: 205 >> 350]


    ''Add 251 points to Agility!''


    [Agility: 171 >> 422]


    Kyle felt his body course with power after he upgraded his stats and he couldn''t wait to test it out in a real battle.


    ''Status!''


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Lightning Mage: Lv 8


    ...


    HP: 400


    Energy: 400*


    MP: -


    Agility: 422


    Strength: 350


    Vitality: 200*


    Stamina: 200*


    Intelligence: 151


    SP: 0


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle was filled with pride after he seeing his improved stats on display but a tear almost fell from his eye as he saw the now empty stat points. ''Welp, I''ll get that back later.''


    ***


    >SWOOSH!<


    >ZIPPP!<


    "Damn, my speed is incomparable to before!"


    With no real way to measure his current strength, Kyle had no other choice than to go run back and forth in the training room, in a bid to see how much faster he had gotten.


    He had full control over his body already to know his usual speed and could feel the improvement in waves. His speed had more than doubled and the experience felt surreal.


    "I can''t find out much now, so I can only hope that the wing exams would be worth it."


    With that Kyle retired to bed, deciding to rest with nothing to do.


    ''Wake me up by 7:00 PM, system... I''mma cultivate a little!''


    ***


    The Thundra Wing hall was abuzz with quiet murmurs as the lightning affinity students gathered in their usual formation, sitting cross-legged on the mats that encircled Instructor Layla.


    Instructor Layla sat in the center, her composed demeanor betraying a hint of amusement as she observed her students.


    "Good afternoon, everyone," she began with a warm yet mischievous smile. "I hope y''all are looking forward to today''s exam cause it''s gonna be lots of fun."


    The students exchanged wry smiles, their expressions ranging from apprehensive to outright skeptical. They all knew that what their instructor saw as fun didn''t ever mean good for them.


    Kyle, seated closer to the back, was scanning the room. Something felt off. After a moment, he realized what it was: Orion was nowhere to be seen. With a slight frown, he raised his hand, catching the instructor''s attention.


    "Yes, my dear Kyle?" Layla said warmly, not bothering to hide the favoritism that she usually showed Kyle.


    "Um, Instructor, Orion isn''t here."


    Layla''s smile faltered, and she let out an exaggerated sigh, pouting like a child who''d been denied a treat. "Ah, yes. Orion... He''s excused. Dual-affinity mages are given leeway to participate in only one wing exam. Apparently, he chose Metal over Lightning."


    Her words were tinged with disgust, making a few students chuckle at her expression.


    Kyle nodded in understanding. ''Makes sense for someone like Orion.''


    Once the matter was addressed, Layla rose gracefully, her commanding presence immediately silencing the murmurs.


    "Now, everyone, stand up and space yourselves out," she instructed.


    The students quickly obeyed, pushing their mats aside and moving to form stand a couple of meters beside each other, the hall was quite large for the 19 students and they were all easily spread apart in no time.


    The anticipation in the room was evident as everyone exchanged uncertain glances, wondering what sort of trial awaited them.


    Instructor Layla approached with a bundle of strange metallic belts in her arms. One by one, she secured the belts around each student''s waist.


    Once everyone was equipped, Layla returned to the center and clapped her hands, drawing their attention.


    "Listen carefully..."

 Chapter 194 Mid-Term Exams (10)

    "Listen carefully, because these are your instructions for the exam." Instructor Layla announced with a commanding voice that got their full focus.She gestured toward the belts. "After I activate these, a spherical dome of hardened earth will surround each of you. Your task is simple: destroy the dome using only your lightning spells. Only your lightning spells... Don''t even use your fist." she emphasized the last part and her gaze lingered on Kyle for a moment longer than necessary.


    Kyle knew why he got the look. The memory of his infamous one-punch knockout during a sparring match was still fresh in everyone''s minds.


    The students nodded, some already strategizing in their heads.


    "For every layer of earth you break, you''ll earn points," Layla continued. "The first layer is worth 10 points. The second is worth 20. The third, 40. And so on. Each layer doubles in value."


    A murmur of excitement rippled through the room.


    Layla smiled at their enthusiasm before adding, "And there''s no time limit." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The students broke into cheers.


    "Piece of cake!" one student exclaimed.


    "I''ll just keep going until I break a hundred layers!" another boasted, grinning from ear to ear.


    Layla waited patiently, her serene smile slowly morphing into a wicked grin.


    "Ah, I forgot to mention one tiny detail..."


    The room fell silent.


    "... You won''t be able to breathe while inside the dome."


    The announcement landed like a thunderclap.


    "Wait, what?!"


    "No air? Are you serious?!"


    "We''ll suffocate!"


    Panic spread like wildfire, and the once-confident students now looked at Layla as if she''d lost her mind.


    "Quiet!" Layla snapped, her tone slicing through the chaos. The students fell silent, though their wide eyes betrayed their unease.


    "In cultivation, you don''t breathe while absorbing mana," Layla stated matter-of-factly. "Think of this as a test of your focus and endurance. Besides," she added with a shrug, "you can give up at any time. Just tap the belt, and the dome will disappear."


    Her smile returned, but this time it was devoid of warmth. "But don''t say I didn''t warn you. If something happens, you''ll be liable for it."


    A cold shiver ran through the room as the students imagined the consequences of failing such a grueling test.


    "Let''s begin, shall we?" Layla said, clapping her hands together.


    Before anyone could protest further, she activated the belts with a flick of her wrist. The metallic devices hummed to life, and thick, earthen spheres rose from the ground, encasing each student in their own private prison.


    Kyle barely had time to take a breath before the mud solidified around him, plunging him into darkness.


    Kyle didn''t waste time the moment he was surrounded, breathing wasn''t a problem for him at his current strength, at least not yet.


    ''Alright, let''s do this,'' he thought, raising a hand. Lightning crackled at his fingertips, illuminating the narrow space with flashes of bright, electric blue. A moment later, he released the energy with a commanding flick.


    The first layer of the dome shattered instantly, crumbling to dust.


    Kyle blinked as the fragments vanished into the void of darkness, and in their place, another dome appeared, just as solid, just as impenetrable, as if it had always been there. There wasn''t even a trace of the first dome''s destruction.


    ''Huh, no openings... It just resets. Guess I''ll have to keep blasting,'' he thought.


    Kyle couldn''t help but reflect after seeing the spell''s power. ''My strength increase has amplified the power of my spells as well. It''s no wonder the [Lightning Bolt] feels like it can tear through anything.''


    Confidence surged through him and he aimed at the second dome, letting loose another powerful [Lightning Bolt]. It only took 2 [Lightning Bolts] for it to shatter like the first.


    And again, a new dome materialized instantly.


    Kyle paused for a moment, staring at the endless cycle. His thoughts shifted.


    ''Wait a second... They can''t see what''s going on inside the dome. Which means... I don''t have to hold back. I can spam spells anyhow I want.''


    Kyle raised his hands, his smirk twisting into something almost wicked. With a flick of his wrist, he fired another [Lightning Bolt]. Then another. And another. Until the lightning bolts were coming in rapid succession.


    There was no stopping him now.


    ***


    Meanwhile, outside the domes, the training hall was filled with the sounds of groans and heavy breathing. Students emerged one by one, collapsing to their knees or leaning against walls for support.


    Instructor Layla stood with her arms crossed, watching the chaos unfold with a serene expression. She had expected nothing less.


    By the ten-minute mark, Milo, the very last person apart Kyle, came out. He had managed to destroy all the domes until the fourth, which had proven too difficult to destroy. So in total, he had amassed 70 points.


    The other students were murmuring amongst themselves, their gazes fixed on the one dome that remained.


    "Kyle''s still in there..."


    "Don''t tell me he''s about to crush us all in another test."


    "That guy''s a monster."


    The whispers grew louder, and Milo''s jaw tightened. His teeth ground together as he glared at the unyielding dome.


    "Of course it''s him," he muttered under his breath.


    Layla''s smile widened as she took in the murmurs. "See?" she said, addressing the group. "That''s why he''s my favorite. All of you should work harder to be like him." Her gaze shifted to Milo. "Especially you, Milo."


    Milo''s face burned with anger and humiliation, but he stayed silent, his fists trembling at his sides.


    The rest of the students waited anxiously, their eyes glued to Kyle''s dome. They couldn''t see the layers breaking, couldn''t tell how many he had destroyed. The domes were replaced so quickly that it looked as though nothing was happening at all. Yet, the fact that he was still inside after so long spoke volumes.


    ***


    Inside the dome, Kyle had been at it for nearly hours. He needed to breath more tan ever now and the strain had begun to weigh on his body. He stood before the 15th dome, his breath shallow but his determination unwavering.


    [Points: 10 + 20 + 40 + 80 + 160 + 320 + 640 + 1280 + 2560 + 5120 + 10240 + 20480 + 40960 + 81920 = 163,830]


    He stared at the shimmering barrier in front of him, his mind a whirlwind of calculations and resolve. This particular dome had consumed over ten thousand [Lightning Bolts], each cast with precision and power. Yet it held firm, refusing to yield.


    ''The difficulty''s skyrocketing,'' he thought, beads of sweat forming on his brow. The toughness of the domes had increased exponentially, and he could feel his body demanding oxygen already.


    Still, he refused to give in. Channeling his remaining strength, he summoned another [Lightning Bolt] and hurled it at the dome with everything he had.


    >BOOOM!!<


    With a thunderous explosion, the sixteenth dome finally crumbled.


    Kyle stumbled, clutching his knees as he gasped for nonexistent air. His body screamed for relief, and he knew that going further was out of the question.


    ''Sixteen domes... Not bad,'' he thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    Reaching for the belt, he tapped it once, and the dome dissolved around him, releasing him back into the light.

 Chapter 195 Abnormal Kyle

    As the dome dissolved, Kyle gasped, greedily pulling in lungfuls of fresh air. Both exhaustion and relief washed over him as the sensation of oxygen flooding his system felt almost euphoric, and for a few moments, he simply stood there, savoring it.Once his breathing steadied, he straightened up and looked around. To his surprise, the large hall was eerily empty. The rows of domes were gone, leaving behind only the smooth floor and silence. A quick glance confirmed there were no other students left.


    "I wonder where they all went," Kyle muttered to himself. His gaze then landed on Instructor Layla, who was seated cross-legged in the middle of the room, her eyes closed, cultivating.


    Dragging his heavy legs forward, Kyle approached her. He didn''t call out or disturb her focus. Before he could even get close, Layla''s eyes snapped open and she spranged up to her feet with effortless grace. Her piercing gaze locked onto Kyle, and a wide smile broke across her face.


    "Kyle!" she exclaimed, her eyes moving to the belt around his waist.


    [Domes: 16] S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Points: 327,670]


    For a moment, she didn''t say anything, then her jaw dropped. "Three hundred and twenty-seven thousand, six hundred and seventy points?!"


    Her voice echoed through the empty hall as she stepped closer, her face a mix of shock and excitement.


    "Sixteen domes?! Sixteen! Kyle, I''ve never seen a student reach the fifth dome before! And you¡­" Her voice trailed off as she stared at the belt, almost as if she couldn''t believe what she was seeing.


    Kyle scratched the back of his neck, laughing nervously. Sweat was still dripping down his face, and he looked like he''d been through a storm.


    "I, uh¡­ just kept going, I guess. Didn''t want to stop until I absolutely couldn''t."


    Layla shook her head in amazement. "Just kept going, huh? Do you realize what you''ve done? The fifth dome is already considered impossible by student standards, and you shattered the sixteenth! The strength, the stamina, the focus¡ª"


    She paused, placing her hands on her hips as she studied him with narrowed eyes. "¡ªand, let''s not forget, holding your breath for two hours! How exactly did you manage that?"


    Kyle blinked, unsure how to respond. He opened his mouth but then hesitated, glancing at her with a sheepish smile. "Uh¡­ just¡­ practice, I guess?"


    Layla raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. Then her expression softened, and she smirked. "Don''t worry. You can keep your secrets, Kyle. I''ve known for a while that you''re not exactly¡­ normal." She winked at him, which only made Kyle more uncomfortable.


    "Thanks, I guess?" Kyle muttered awkwardly.


    Layla chuckled. "Come on, let''s sit. You''ve earned a moment to catch your breath."


    Kyle followed her as she led him to a nearby bench. As they sat down, Kyle glanced around the empty hall again, the silence finally registering. "What happened to everyone else?" he asked, wiping the sweat from his forehead.


    "Oh, I dismissed them," Layla said casually, crossing her legs. "They got tired of waiting for you. After all, you were in there for over two hours. Most of them barely lasted ten minutes."


    Kyle''s eyes widened. "Two hours?" He instinctively checked his comm device, and sure enough, the timer confirmed it. "Huh¡­ no wonder the hall''s empty."


    Layla nodded, leaning back slightly. "Your classmates gave it their best, but none of them came close to your performance. Your rival, Milo, scored the highest amongst them, if you can call it that. He lasted ten minutes and managed to destroy four domes. That''s seventy points."


    "Milo? He got seventy points?"


    Layla smirked at his reaction. "Surprised, aren''t you? He did well, considering the difficulty ramps up exponentially with each dome. But compared to you? He''s not even in the same league."


    "Welp," Kyle could only say, unsure of what to say.


    Layla studied him for a moment, her expression shifting to something more curious. "Tell me, Kyle, how did you manage to destroy all those domes with just a Lightning Bolt? I, myself know how powerful they are."


    Kyle hesitated again, unsure how much he should reveal.


    Layla saw his struggle and decided to help him out by letting him off. "Fair enough. Like I said, you''re not normal, but that''s what makes you interesting." She gave him another sly smile before standing up. "Either way, you should head back and rest. You''ve more than earned it."


    Kyle nodded, getting to his feet. His muscles protested every movement, and he realized just how much strain he''d put himself under. "Thanks, Instructor. I''ll head back now."


    As he walked toward the exit, Layla called after him. "Oh, and Kyle?"


    He paused, glancing back.


    "Don''t get too comfortable. When this score gets out, you''re going to have every student, and probably some of the instructors, gunning for you."


    Kyle smirked, raising a hand in acknowledgment. "I''ll keep that in mind."


    ***


    The walk back to the dorms felt longer than usual, every step reminding Kyle of how drained he was. When he finally arrived, he collapsed onto his bed without bothering to change out of his uniform. For a while, he just lay there, staring at the ceiling, replaying the events of the test in his mind.


    Eventually, the exhaustion won over and sleep carried him. Kyle slept on and didn''t wake up until it was 4:41 PM, prompting him to jump out of his bed the moment he realized the time.


    The day wasn''t over for him yet as the timetable stated that they had homeroom class by 5:00 PM. Kyle didn''t know what it was for, nor why at such an odd time, but he couldn''t afford to anger Instructor Dan by arriving late.


    He quickly headed to the bathroom and took a well deserved bath before changing in some casual clothes and storming out of the door, not even bothering to have the lunch he missed.


    When he got to the doors of homeroom, after walking as quick as he could, he could very much figure out that Dan had already arrived as only his voice could be heard from the class.


    Kyle knew that he had failed... He was late once again.


    [5:04 PM]


    ''Ah shit.''

 Chapter 196 Dans Warning

    Kyle stepped into the hall as quietly as he could and the heavy doors closed behind him with an ominous creak that seemed to amplify the attention he drew.Almost immediately after he entered, the class fell silent and all 299 students in the room turned toward him.


    Kyle nervously walked forward slowly. He didn''t feel nervous because of the stares he got, no. His classmates couldn''t even intimidate him in the slightest.


    It was only the single, unyielding gaze of Instructor Dan, standing tall at the front of the room that made Kyle shiver a bit.


    "Why are you late?" Dan asked calmly.


    Kyle stood frozen for half a second, then quickly straightened his posture. "I''m sorry, Instructor. I finished my Wing Exam late, and I was so exhausted that I overslept when I came back."


    There was a brief silence in the room before the Thundra Wing students began exchanging subtle nods amongst themselves; they knew that Kyle was telling the truth.


    They all knew how the exam had played out and weren''t too surprised that Kyle had stayed longer after they left, but despite being aware of what happened, none of them dared to voice their support. Dan''s presence alone silenced any impulse to speak up.


    After a long, agonizing pause, Dan said, "You should be thankful that I''ve already spoken with Instructor Layla about you today."


    The whispers grew louder. Even the students from other Wings began glancing toward Kyle with renewed interest. The Thundra students, the only ones with vague knowledge of the event, sighed, knowing that Kyle had outperformed once again.


    A heavy pressure descended over the students and an invisible force pressed down on them.


    Kyle felt it too, but he was more accustomed to Dan''s aura than most. He managed to stand firm as the other students shrank slightly under the weight.


    Dan smirked faintly as the tension in the room settled. "Now that I have your attention, I''ll repeat what I said earlier for Kyle''s sake, since he seems to have missed the start of this session."


    Kyle quickly made his way to an empty seat near the back of the room.


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    Dan''s voice sounded across the room. "First of all, congratulations to all of you for completing your Wing Exams. I won''t sugarcoat it. This academy doesn''t tolerate mediocrity, and some of your performances were dangerously close to that line. But overall, most of you managed to scrape by."


    A ripple of tension passed through the students, many shifting uncomfortably in their seats. Kyle glanced around and noticed that several students looked particularly uneasy.


    "Let me remind you all, that these exams are designed to test your potential, not just your current skill level. Some of you showed flashes of brilliance. Others barely met the baseline required to stay here."


    Dan''s gaze swept over the room like a hawk surveying its prey. Several students dropped their gazes, unable to meet his piercing eyes.


    "But," Dan said, his tone softening slightly, "I''m not here to dwell on your failures. The results will be posted tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM. They''ll be displayed on the main notice board, and you''ll also receive a sealed copy from me to present to your guardians."


    The announcement brought a mix of relief and anxiety. Some students visibly relaxed, while others began fidgeting, clearly dreading the prospect of seeing their results.


    Dan continued, "Now, for the part you''ve all been waiting for: your holiday begins the following day. By 12:00 PM sharp, you are to have packed your belongings and vacated the dormitories. Those who fail to do so will be spending their holiday in the academy."


    The room collectively exhaled, the promise of a break from the academy''s grueling routine lifting some of the tension.


    Dan''s lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes remained sharp.


    "Don''t mistake this for leniency. The holiday is not just for relaxation. Some of you have glaring weaknesses that need to be addressed before the next term. Use this time wisely, or you''ll find yourselves falling even further behind. And don''t forget that The Yearly Tournaments begins shortly after you''re back."


    Kyle leaned back in his seat, letting Dan''s words wash over him. He looked forward to heading back, as he had missed Madam Grace dearly and he even had plans on what to do when he reached Frulia.


    Dan''s voice pulled him back to the present. "Before I dismiss you, there''s one more thing I want to address."


    The room fell silent again, the atmosphere growing heavier as Dan''s expression turned serious. His gaze settled on Kyle for a brief moment before sweeping over the rest of the students. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''m sure many of you have been speculating about Kyle''s performances in this exams," Dan said, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable edge. "I won''t indulge your curiosity. What I will say is this: whatever rumors you''ve heard, keep them to yourselves. The academy doesn''t tolerate petty rivalries or sabotage, and I won''t hesitate to act if I see anyone targeting their peers out of jealousy or spite."


    Kyle felt the weight of the statement settle over him like a second layer of Dan''s aura. He knew what the instructor was doing, sending a clear message to the rest of the students to back off. But honestly, he didn''t need his protection. Even though he doubted that anyone would be stupid enough to target him, he was ready for anything they could bring.


    Dan''s expression softened slightly, and his tone grew lighter. "That said, competition is what drives growth. If you want to surpass someone, work for it. Prove yourselves through effort, not petty schemes."


    The room was silent, the students hanging on Dan''s every word.


    "That''s all for today," Dan finally said. "You''re dismissed. Use your evening wisely, and prepare yourselves for tomorrow."


    The tension in the room dissipated as the students began to gather their belongings and file out.


    Kyle remained seated for a moment, letting the buzz of conversations wash over him. He could hear snippets of speculation from the other students as their curiosity about his performance in the Wing Exam had grown louder now that Dan had left the room.


    Kyle stood, shaking off the fatigue that still lingered in his body. Tomorrow, the results would be posted, and he really looked forward to seeing how he performed.

 Chapter 197 Results (1)

    Kyle left the hall immediately they were dismissed, not bothering himself with the gossip around him.The moment he got to his house in the dormitory, he didn''t spare a second for any other activity and immediately fell on the bed, embracing the sleep he sought for.


    ***


    [BZZZZZZ!]


    Kyle woke up the next morning from the system''s alarm. It hadn''t disturbed his sleep though as he felt refreshed than ever. The afternoon sleep he got had played a role.


    "6:30 AM," Kyle muttered the time before donning some training clothes and heading out to complete his system quest.


    ***


    [Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


    [You have obtained 1 STA point]


    [STA: 201 >> 202]


    [Energy: 402 >> 404]


    [Time: 0:03:41]


    [10/10 Km]


    On reaching home, Kyle found Void perched on the window with a small plate of food resting beside him. The young dragon was chewing on what appeared to be a piece of roasted meat.


    "You''ve been up for a while, huh?" Kyle said, sitting down heavily on the chair. "I haven''t seen much of you lately."


    Void swallowed his bite, then smirked. "I''ve been cultivating like crazy," he said, leaning back against the window frame.


    "You remember our deal, don''t you? I''m pushing myself for those 1000 mana cores you owe me."


    Kyle laughed lightly. "I haven''t forgotten. You''re not gonna let me, are you?"


    "Not a chance," Void said. "I need those cores if I''m going to keep growing at this pace." He took another bite of the meat, chewing thoughtfully.


    "And besides, if I don''t push myself, I''ll never catch up to you. Can''t let you hog all the glory, now can I?"


    Kyle laughed, leaning forward in his chair. "Fair enough. Just don''t overdo it. I''d rather not have you burning yourself out before you get those cores."


    Void flicked his tail dismissively. "Please. I know my limits. Speaking of which," he said, pausing to wipe his claws on the windowsill, "you''ve been looking pretty drained yourself. What''s going on with you? You''re never around these days."


    Kyle sighed, running a hand through his sweat damped hair. "Yeah, it''s been a lot. We just finished the Mid-Term Exams yesterday. Honestly, they''ve been sucking the life out of me."


    Void watched him for a moment. Then, with a faint grin, he said, "Let me guess, you came out on top."


    Kyle shrugged. "We''ll find out soon enough. The results are being posted today. I''ll grab them as soon as they''re up. But after that, we''ll be heading back to Frulia for the holiday."


    Void froze mid-bite, the piece of meat dangling from his claws. "Frulia?"


    Kyle smiled. "Yeah. It''s the village I told you about, the one I first ended up in when I came to this world."


    Void dropped the meat onto the plate and screamed, "Wow! We''ll be going on another trip. Yay!"


    "Yup," Kyle nodded, feeling happy that Void was eager to go too, Kyle stood up from the chair after a while and said:


    "I''ll go pack some stuff before leaving for the results."


    Kyle threw everything important that he''ll be needing into his inventory, took a bath, and decided to cultivate until the time came.


    [BZZZZZZZ!]


    The moment the system alarm sounded in his head, Kyle knew that it was 10 minutes before time. Throwing his bag over his shoulder, he got up and turned to Void.


    "Alright, I''m heading out. Time to see how I did."


    "Go on, then. Just make sure you''re the best. Anything less would be disappointing."


    Kyle smirked. "Of course. I''ll be back soon." With that, he stepped out of the room, ready to face the results waiting for him.


    ***


    Kyle entered the homeroom to find the air thick with tension. All the Year 1 students were already seated silently, their faces drawn and pale as they awaited the announcement of their exam results. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The silence in the hall was heavy, and every creak of a chair or cough echoed like a thunderclap. Kyle scanned the room and found an empty seat near the middle. He sat, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, and waited patiently.


    At exactly 8:00 AM, the door at the front of the room opened, and Instructor Dan strode in with an expressionless face as always. He made his way to the back of the hall, where a projector-like device stood on a platform.


    With a wave of his hand, he activated the device. A large, glowing screen appeared at the front of the hall, stretching across most of the wall. The screen displayed a dazzling array of decorative, tech-like effects, accompanied by a faint hum of energy as the display finalized its setup.


    The results were presented in neat, stylish sections. Each exam was categorized and arranged from highest to lowest score. The list included the student''s position as the serial number (S/N), ID, name, and score. Each student''s name was also color-coded based on their performance: green for those who passed, and red for those who failed.


    Instructor Dan walked back to his seat and gave a short nod. "You may now view your results," he said.


    The hall erupted into chaos as students rushed to the front, trying to get a better view of the results. Kyle remained seated, allowing the crowd to thin out before he rose from his chair and made his way forward.


    The projector hummed softly, its light bathing the hall as the results materialized on the enormous screen. The first section that appeared was History, the text stylized in shimmering gold, as though etched in glowing light. The students collectively held their breaths as the names and scores began to scroll.


    At the very top, large and unmistakable, the text read:


    1. KYLE LIN (88) >> 100


    The perfection of his score shone like a beacon, making many heads turn toward him. Kyle did not react much and kept on reading.


    Beneath his name, the list continued:


    2. RIYA WOOD (91) >> 42


    3. ORION GLAIDE (06) >> 42


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    4. LORA INGS (37) >> 34

 Chapter 198 Results (2)

    After Lora, the golden text continued, shining green for some time:5. RICK MARTIN (123) >> 31


    6. LUCIA DEEN (59) >> 29


    ...


    The screen continued before the list summarized: 289 students scored below 25, marked in red as failing candidates.


    The room buzzed with uneasy whispers. Kyle glanced around and saw several students sinking into their seats, pale and defeated. Others shook their heads, muttering about the massive failure rate. Still, many clung to the hope that their performance in other exams would make up for their losses.


    The screen shimmered again, and the General Weapon Training results emerged. The text this time glowed in sharp silver tones, with animated sparks that danced across the screen, mimicking clashing swords.


    The first name was no surprise, but the number beside it was:


    1. KYLE LIN (88) >> 101,200


    The number was so absurd it stunned the entire room into silence. Students exchanged baffled looks, some even leaning forward to confirm that they weren''t imagining things.


    "Is that a typo?" someone whispered.


    "One hundred thousand points?!" another muttered in awe.


    The list continued, this time, in a stark contrast:


    2. RIYA WOOD (91) >> 405


    3. ZACK TAYLOR (62) >> 205


    The numbers looked green after Zack''s:


    4. JACOB MARCOS (47) >> 178


    5. TYLER GREEN (19) >> 164


    ...


    Unlike the History results, only 21 students were marked in red for failing to achieve at least 25 points. But the gap between Kyle and the rest was a chasm no one could ignore.


    The projector buzzed again, shifting to the Electives, where each specialization''s results were displayed individually.


    For Rune Making, the highest score read:


    1. KYLE LIN (88) >> 100


    He shared the top spot with:


    2. LORA INGS (37) >> 100


    By alphabetical order, Kyle''s name came first, ensuring his dominance continued. The rest of the Rune Making scores followed:


    3. MARCUS LANE (56) >> 86


    4. LILLY GRAVES (12) >> 86


    ...


    Notably, no one failed Rune Making. The lowest score was a respectable 30, which brought some relief to the students watching.


    For Alchemy, the leaderboard shifted:


    1. RIYA WOOD (91) >> 100


    2. ANNE HOOTS (22) >> 85


    3. ZARA LARKE (15) >> 85


    The remaining scores gradually dwindled, though no one fell below 40 in this category.


    The Beast Taming list brought more surprises. No one scored a perfect 100, but the top names were still impressive:


    1. MILO ORLSON (94) >> 95


    2. ZACK TAYLOR (62) >> 93


    The gap widened considerably after that, with most students scoring in the 60s and 50s.


    For Forge Mastery, another name climbed to the top:


    1. ORION GLAIDE (06) >> 100


    2. JARED STONE (38) >> 75


    The projector summarized the Electives section: No one failed in Rune Making, Alchemy, Beast Taming, or Forge Mastery.


    The screen flickered one final time, and the Wing Exams results appeared. Each wing''s scores were listed separately, with the top performers highlighted.


    In the Pyro Wing, Riya once again claimed the top spot:


    1. RIYA WOOD (91) >> 150


    In the Aqua Wing, the highest score was a modest:


    1. CELINE DEW (45) >> 70


    The remaining leaders also scored 70 each, but the Iron wing had it different.


    1. ORION GLAIDE (06) >> 535


    They were all stunned and surprised of how Orion had managed to score that high, but when their eyes met the list from the Thundra Wing, the room fell into stunned silence.


    1. KYLE LIN (88) >> 327,670


    The number seemed unreal, and for a moment, no one spoke before everyone descended into chaos, all screaming at the results.


    "That''s not possible!"


    "What?! Three hundred thousand points!"


    "This guy is not human!"


    The second-highest score in the Thundra Wing read:


    2. MILO ORLSON (94) >> 70


    The gap was staggering. It was as though Kyle had played an entirely different game, leaving everyone else far behind.


    With all the sections completed, the projector displayed the Top 10 Overall Scores, combining all the exams. The text glowed in radiant blue, signaling the final and most important list. They all knew that anyone that scored below 25%, which was 100 would have failed, hence would face expulsion.


    1. KYLE LIN (88) >> 429,070 <SSS+>


    2. RIYA WOOD (91) >> 697 <S>


    3. ORION GLAIDE (06) >> 696 <S>


    4. LORA INGS (34) >> 325 <A>


    5. MILO ORLSON (94) >> 320 <A>


    6. ZACK TAYLOR (62) >> 315 <A>


    7. JACOB MARCOS (47) >> 298 <A>


    8. ANNE HOOTS (22) >> 296 <A>


    9. CELINE DEW (45) >> 270 <A>


    10. ZARA LARKE (15) >> 270 <A>


    ¡­


    300. JANE URUS (291) >> 100


    ... Congratulations, students of Year 1. You all passed! ;)


    The atmosphere in the room was very tense as the list scrolled further down. The tension was palpable, with students holding their breath as they scanned the names and numbers. But as they continued, they realized that each name was highlighted in green, signaling success


    When the last name appeared with the passing score of 100, the entire room erupted into cheers.


    "We all passed!" someone shouted, and that single cry unleashed a tidal wave of excitement.


    Students jumped out of their seats, hugging one another, laughing, and shouting in pure joy. Even those who had been sulking moments before now joined in the celebration. The sheer relief of avoiding failure swept through the room like a storm, and for once, the competitive rankings didn''t matter as much as the collective victory.


    Kyle watched the commotion with a small smirk. Riya rushed over, giving him a hearty clap on the back. "Looks like you''re not just carrying yourself but the whole Thundra Wing!" she teased, grinning.


    Zack joined them, laughing. "Yeah, man, share some of that 300,000 luck with the rest of us!"


    Lora, quieter but just as pleased, gave Kyle a soft smile. "Congratulations, Kyle. You really stood out."


    Minutes of pure chaos followed as students continued to revel in the shared success. It wasn''t until the initial euphoria began to fade that someone pointed out the letters beside their names.


    "What does the ''SSS+'' even mean?" a curious voice asked.


    "I think it''s a grade," another suggested, though no one could be sure.


    "It must be. S must mean superior, right?" someone added, sounding proud.


    The students debated briefly before collectively shrugging it off. Their excitement over passing overshadowed any confusion about the grading system.


    Before long, the room was filled with chatter again, groups forming and breaking apart as students excitedly discussed their holiday plans. It wasn''t until Dan coughed loudly that they all quieted, turning toward their homeroom teacher.


    Dan stood with his arms crossed, a rare smirk on his face. "Congratulations to all of you. I''d say this is the best performance we''ve seen in years. But let''s not forget, this is just the start of your journey. Now, if you''re planning to travel during the holiday, I suggest you head out to prepare. The academy''s portals will be open shortly."


    The mention of the portals rekindled the excitement. Students quickly began gathering their things, some still chattering about their scores and holiday plans. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One by one, they all left the hall with excited smiles and it didn''t take long for the hall to be empty once more.


    Kyle, meanwhile, chose not to discuss with anyone. He immediately began heading to the dorms as he had plans before the travel.

 Chapter 199 Holiday Preparations

    Kyle strolled back to his house, a faint grin on his face. After the chaos in the classroom and the overwhelming results, he was finally alone, away from the buzz of his peers.As he opened the door, the familiar sight of Void lounging lazily on the couch greeted him. The dragon lifted its head, golden eyes gleaming with curiosity.


    "You''re back," Void said, stretching his little form. "Took you long enough."


    Kyle chuckled. "I''ve got some news for you."


    Void tilted his head, waiting expectantly.


    "I took first place."


    The dragon blinked before letting out a low, satisfied hum. "Of course, you did. I wouldn''t expect anything less from my human. You''re finally living up to my standards."


    Kyle rolled his eyes. "Your standards? Pretty sure this was all me."


    "Sure, sure," Void replied smugly, his tail flicking in amusement. "But you can''t deny I''ve been a great influence."


    Ignoring the dragon''s self-congratulatory attitude, Kyle gestured toward his room. "We''ve got work to do. Pack your smugness away; we''re heading out."


    Void''s form shimmered as he entered the system pet space. [Work, you say? Sounds like another chance for you to show off. What''s the plan?]


    "We''re traveling, remember?" Kyle replied as he packed a few essentials into his inventory. "But first, we need to make a stop at the academy mall. Can''t return to Frulia empty-handed."


    With Void secured in the pet space and his inventory packed with all his needs, Kyle set off toward the academy mall with a clear plan in mind.


    ***


    The mall was bustling, students and staff moving through the wide corridors, their chatter blending into a lively hum. Kyle wasted no time, diving into his spree.


    His first stop was a shop specializing in healing potions. Rows of neatly organized bottles lined the shelves, their colors ranging from vibrant reds to soothing blues. Kyle scanned the labels before calling over the shopkeeper.


    "I''ll take 200 Basic Healing Potions," he said, his tone casual.


    The shopkeeper''s eyes widened, but he quickly recovered, bowing slightly. "Right away, sir." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle didn''t stop there and ordered various types of potions. While the potions were being packed, Kyle moved to the next stall. This one offered a variety of alchemical supplies. He picked out rare herbs, elixirs, and antidotes that would be invaluable for Madam Grace''s infirmary.


    Void''s voice echoed in his mind as he continued. [Stocking up on potions and herbs? You''re planning for a war, not a vacation.]


    "Better to be overprepared than under," Kyle replied.


    From there, he ventured to a store that sold high-quality cooking equipment. He spent a good chunk of time selecting pots, pans, and utensils, ensuring each item met his standards.


    The shopkeeper beamed at the large purchase but that was what he was good at, satisfying storekeepers.


    Next, Kyle visited a boutique for clothing. He picked out elegant dresses for Madam Grace and Riya, choosing styles he thought they''d appreciate. For himself, he grabbed a set of casual but high-quality outfits, including a sleek jacket that caught his eye.


    The biggest splurge came at a tech store where he purchased a state-of-the-art comm similar to the ones used in the academy. The device was cutting-edge, capable of long-range communication and data transfer. Its price tag, 20,000 credits, made even Kyle wince, but he knew it would be a game-changer for Madam Grace as she didn''t have anything of that sort.


    By the time he left the mall, his inventory was brimming with items. Void''s voice, amused and slightly envious, broke the silence. [You''re really going all out. But what about me? I could use a new snack or two.]


    "You''ll get your share," Kyle promised.


    ***


    The final stop was his favorite stall, a store known for its high-quality mana cores. The two shopkeepers, both middle-aged men with friendly smiles, immediately recognized Kyle.


    "Ah, our favorite customer!" one of them exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. "What brings you here today?"


    Kyle grinned. "I''m looking to buy. A lot."


    The second shopkeeper raised an eyebrow. "How much are we talking about?"


    "400,000 credits'' worth," Kyle said casually.


    [Damn, Kyle, thank you!] Void responded before the shopkeepers could even react.


    ''In your dreams. These are for me,'' Kyle replied Void internally, throwing him off his dream before he even had it.


    [You owe me 1,000 mana cores, remember?]


    Kyle smiled, knowing that Void would bring that up, but he replied simply: ''Yeah, when you break through.''


    [Okay, I will... soon. But leave some for me till then.]


    ''Sure,'' Kyle replied with a smirk.


    The shopkeepers froze and their smiles turning into astonished stares. "Four¡­ hundred thousand?"


    "You heard me."


    They quickly snapped into action, gathering mana cores of Tier-1 grades. As they worked, one of them asked, "If you don''t mind us asking, what''s all this for?"


    "Vacation prep," Kyle replied with a smirk.


    The shopkeepers laughed, though their expressions were still a mix of awe and disbelief. "Well, with this haul, you''ll be more than prepared."


    Kyle smiled to himself, focusing on the growing pile of mana cores. Once everything was packed, he transferred the credits to them and they all wished him the best. "Good luck on your trip, and don''t forget to visit us again!"


    "Will do," Kyle replied, satisfied with his purchases.


    ***


    Kyle had one more place to go before heading to homeroom. With knowing steps, he walked into the contribution hall, entering in and out with his contribution points all spent.


    By the time he returned to homeroom hall, it was nearly 12:00 PM. The room was already buzzing with students, groups forming as they discussed their plans.


    Kyle spotted Riya near the center of the hall. She noticed him approaching and raised an eyebrow. "What took you so long?"


    He grinned. "I''ve got a surprise for you when we get back."


    Riya''s interest was piqued, though she tried to play it cool. "Hmm, a surprise? Better be worth it."


    "Oh, it will be," Kyle said confidently.


    As they waited, the conversation around the room grew louder, excitement and anticipation filling the air. Students exchanged stories and jokes, the tension from the earlier results replaced by eagerness for the upcoming holidays.


    At exactly 12:00 PM, the room quieted as Dan entered, his usual stern expression softening slightly by the festive atmosphere.

 Chapter 200 Home Sweet Home

    "I see you''re all in high spirits, and I don''t blame you. After all, you''ve all worked hard, and now it''s time to head home for a well-deserved break." Dan said with a warm smile.The students exchanged excited grins and nodded before Dan gestured for everyone to stand.


    "Gather your belongings and follow me. We''ll be heading to the portal room to get you on your way."


    Dan led the group out of the homeroom and through the academy''s streets. The excitement among the students was contagious, and even Kyle felt himself growing more energized. Soon, they arrived at a grand hall that was filled with towering portals, each one shimmering faintly with mana.


    "This is the academy''s portal room," Dan explained, stopping in front of one of the larger portals. "These portals are connected to key locations, including where we''ll be going"


    The students murmured in agreement, their gazes fixed on the swirling energy within the portals.


    With that, Dan gestured toward the nearest portal. "Form groups and step through when you''re ready. Don''t push; there''s plenty of time for everyone."


    ***


    The sudden shift was disorienting. A cool breeze replaced the still air of the academy, and the scent of earth and grass filled Kyle''s nostrils. He stumbled slightly as the light faded, finding himself standing in a wide-open field.


    The familiar sight hit him immediately. The enclosed field, the dirt ground, the high stone walls surrounding it¡ªit was the very place where their journey at the academy had begun. Memories of their arrival, the Dean''s grueling test, and the anxious waiting rushed back to Kyle.


    Riya let out a low whistle. "I never thought I''d see this place again."


    "Feels like ages ago," Zack added, his usual jovial tone softened by nostalgia.


    One by one, more students appeared in flashes of light, forming groups on the field. Moments later, Dan arrived too, his usual stoic expression in place as he assessed the gathered crowd.


    "Quiet down!" he called, his voice carrying over the field and immediately, the murmurs ceased.


    Dan raised his hand, and with a snap of his fingers, several massive hawks descended from above, their wings casting large shadows over the ground.


    The birds were magnificent and their feathers gleamed in the sunlight. Their sheer size dwarfed the students, and their sharp eyes scanned the crowd with an almost predatory curiosity.


    "Each of you will return to your homes aboard these hawks," Dan announced. "You''ll be grouped based on your hometowns. When I call your group, step forward."


    He began reading from a list, and one by one, groups were sorted and directed to the hawks. The birds knelt, allowing the students to climb onto their backs before taking off into the sky.


    "Kyle, Zack, Anne, Riya, Orion¡ªFrulia," Dan called.


    Kyle and his group exchanged glances before stepping forward.


    ''Thankfully, we were called first,'' Kyle thought as he approached the hawk assigned to them. It crouched low and its massive wings folded before the five of them climbed aboard, gripping the bird''s thick, sturdy feathers for support.


    The hawk rose with a powerful beat of its wings, lifting off the ground smoothly. The air rushed past them as they ascended, and the enclosed field quickly shrank beneath them.


    "Wow," Riya murmured in awe. "I forgot how beautiful it looks from up here."


    The view was breathtaking as the students below shrinked the higher the flew. Beyond that, the landscape unfolded in a patchwork of forests, rivers, and mountains, the afternoon sun casting long shadows over the terrain.


    Orion, seated near the front, adjusted his glasses and glanced back at Kyle. "Don''t get too comfortable. We should be trying to understand the relations between this field and the academy. It''s obvious that they don''t want us to know its location."


    "Oh shut up, Orion," Riya said before adding with a smirk. "You''re still acting smart even after I beat you in the exams."


    Orion rolled his eyes and said nothing more, preventing himself from being provoked by Riya''s words.


    The journey took nearly two hours with the hawk soaring effortlessly over the changing landscape. Villages and towns appeared in the distance, growing closer as the bird descended. Finally, the familiar outlines of Frulia came into view, its quaint streets and buildings nestled amidst the rolling hills. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The hawk circled once before landing gracefully just outside the village. The group dismounted, their feet touching solid ground again as the bird stretched its wings.


    As soon as they were clear, the hawk took off, disappearing into the sky with powerful beats of its wings.


    Kyle turned to face the village, a smile spreading across his face. He took a deep breath, savoring the crisp, familiar air before saying softly:


    "Home sweet home."


    ***


    The group began walking toward the village together with lively chatter as they took in the familiar sights.


    The streets of Frulia were just as Kyle remembered, but he noticed that they were fewer people on the streets. Kyle shrugged it off and passed it out as a coincidence.


    Zack clapped Kyle on the back as they passed by his house. "Well, this is where I split off. That''s my house over there."


    "See you soon, Zack," Kyle said with a nod.


    "Don''t slack off!" Riya added with a smirk.


    "Yeah, yeah," Zack replied with a wave, his usual jovial grin firmly in place as he turned toward his home.


    Orion soon found his place soon, leaving Kyle, Riya, and Anne continuing walking down the main street. Before Kyle realized it, Anne had slipped away quietly.


    "Did you see where Anne went?" Kyle asked, glancing around.


    Riya shook her head. "No, but knowing her, she probably didn''t want to make a big deal about saying goodbye."


    Kyle nodded, though he felt some disappointment. "Guess we''ll catch her later."


    The two made their way through the village and eventually came upon their house. The bungalow looked just exactly the same as before.


    The sight of it brought a strange sense of relief to them, like a weight lifting off their shoulders. On trying to enter the house, they found the doors to be locked. It only took a few calls for them to agree that Grace wasn''t in.


    "She''s probably in the infirmary," Riya suggested.


    Kyle nodded in agreement. "Let''s go check."


    The infirmary was a short walk from their home, a place Kyle had visited countless times before. They entered quietly, but before they could say anything, Madam Grace had opened her eyes and smiled warmly. She was seated in her usual spot, cultivating as usual.


    "Kyle! Riya!" Her voice was filled with joy as she stood to greet them.


    Kyle and Riya immediately ran up to her, wrapping her in a tight hug.


    [Read Author''s Note]

 Chapter 201 The Tower?

    After a long while of hugging, they pulled away, allowing Grace to study their faces making hers'' light up with joy."I''m so happy you''re both back," she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of delight and mock reproach. "It just happened out of the blue. You must have been enjoying the academy so much that you forgot all about me."


    Kyle shook his head fervently. "No way, Ma''am! We missed you dearly. It''s just... we didn''t have a way to communicate."


    "Exactly!" Riya chimed in, nodding in agreement. "You have no idea how many times we wished we could tell you about what''s been going on."


    Grace''s teasing smile softened. "True, I suppose you didn''t have a choice. But still, it''s good to see you both here again."


    Kyle grinned. "Can we go home now? I''ve got some gifts for you." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Grace blinked in surprise before her cheeks flushed faintly. "Gifts? Kyle, you didn''t have to!"


    Before Kyle could respond, Riya elbowed him aside, not wanting to feel beaten. "Oh, please. I also got you some gifts! Let''s go home so you can see mine too. And while you''re at it, you can make us your special meal."


    Grace let out a soft sigh. "As much as I''d love to, I''ll be expecting more injured ones later today. Many of the villagers are preparing for the tower, and they went on an exploration just this morning."


    Riya nodded knowingly. "Oh, it''s that time again."


    The mention of the tower stirred something in Kyle''s curiosity, but he stayed quiet as Riya and Grace continued speaking.


    Riya''s tone turned reflective as she explained, "I grew up hearing about the tower. It''s a major event that even our school discusses. I can''t believe it''s already here."


    Grace nodded. "Yes, it''s been a hundred years since the last opening. Everyone is working hard to prepare for it."


    Kyle, now thoroughly confused, finally spoke up. "What''s this ''tower'' you keep talking about?"


    Riya laughed lightly. "Oh, right. I forgot that you weren''t from this world, so you wouldn''t know."


    She turned to face him bad began explaining"The tower is remarkable, Kyle. It''s not just any building; it''s a place of trials, rewards, and danger. Depending on how many floors you conquer, you''re granted treasures, rare items, weapons, potions, techniques, you name it. It''s said to adjust its trials to suit the stage of the person who enters, and it''s open to anyone below the level of a Great Mage."


    Grace interjected, her voice carrying a tone of caution. "The rewards are great, but the risks are equally high. Many who enter don''t make it back."


    Riya continued, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It''s not just about the treasures, Kyle. The tower is a test of willpower, intelligence, and skill. It''s been a dream of many to climb it, even if only a few floors."


    Kyle''s mind considered the possibilities of the tower almost immediately. "So... that means we can join too?"


    Riya''s eyes lit up. "Yes! Mum, can we? Please?"


    "Of course, why not? But I''ll stay back." Grace replied.


    Kyle frowned. "Why? Don''t you want the treasures?"


    Riya added. "Yeah, Mum. You''re stronger than any of us. Wouldn''t you be the best at conquering the tower?"


    For a moment, Grace seemed lost in thought and her gaze felt distant. Then, she shook her head gently. "I have my reasons, and I''d rather not discuss them now. Don''t worry about me."


    Kyle caught the look on her face and decided not to press further. Instead, he decided to change the topic by asking, "But don''t the villagers have another way to heal themselves? Surely there must be more options."


    Grace''s expression turned somber. "Unfortunately, no. Beyond some basic herbs they apply to their injuries, there''s no real method of healing available to them. That''s why I''m here, to do what I can for them."


    Kyle''s face broke into a wide smile. "Then I''ve got something that might help!"


    He stepped back, raising his hands dramatically. In an instant, a flood of glowing potions spilled out from his inventory, shimmering in various shades of red and blue. Both Grace and Riya stared in stunned silence, their mouths agape.


    "These¡­ these are actual healing and mana potions," Grace murmured with a voice filled with awe. "And they''re high quality too. Kyle, how did you manage all these?"


    Before Kyle could respond, Riya crossed her arms and pouted. "Hey! You stole my idea! I was going to give mum potions too."


    Kyle smirked playfully and crossed his arms. "Well, let''s see yours then."


    Riya''s cheeks puffed in indignation. "You¡­ rich bastard!" she exclaimed, adding a curse under her breath. "How in the world did you afford all of these?"


    Kyle chuckled and shrugged nonchalantly. "I have my ways."


    Riya rolled her eyes before face-palming dramatically. "Don''t try to act cool. I know exactly where you got the money, it''s from that blasted arena. If only I was as strong as you, maybe I could afford to pull off something like this too."


    Grace, still inspecting the potions, finally looked up with a curious smile. "I see you have many stories to tell me."


    Before Kyle could respond, Riya launched into an animated retelling of their time at the academy. "Oh, you wouldn''t believe it, Mum. Kyle''s been absolutely ridiculous.


    During the Mid-Terms Exams, he scored the highest out of everyone. Outrageous scores, I tell you." She began telling her of his scores and how he smooth scaled through the tests."


    Grace patted Kyle on the head with pride and said:


    "I always knew you would be strong, Kyle."


    Riya''s smile faltered as she watched Grace''s affectionate gesture. Not allowing herself to be outdone, she interjected quickly. "Well, for the record, I got second highest! And I scored a perfect mark in my Alchemy exams."


    Grace turned to her with a warm smile and lightly kissed her on the cheek. "I''m proud of you too, Riya."


    Riya''s cheeks flushed slightly, but she grinned cheekily before pulling out her own gifts; a small crate of potions.


    "I made these for you! They''re high-tier healing potions, and I even added a little extra to the mana potions for quicker recovery."


    Grace was full of joy as she accepted the crate. "Thank you both. These will be so helpful for the villagers. I can sell these to them at a fair price and ensure they have what they need for their explorations."


    Kyle and Riya beamed at her gratitude. They decided to stay in the infirmary for the rest of the day to help Grace. As the hours passed, they entertained her with tales of their life at the academy.


    They spoke of the intense training, their Electives, their mission exploration and the many battles they faced, each story managing to shock her more than the last.


    By mid-afternoon, villagers began arriving at the infirmary. Many carried injuries from their morning exploration of the nearby forest, and Grace healed each one with her magic and the potions Kyle and Riya had provided.


    For less severe injuries, she sold potions to the villagers, who were overjoyed to have access to such high-quality products. Some even bought extras to take with them for future explorations, their gratitude evident in their smiles and words.


    By the time the last villager left, it was nearly 8:00 PM. Exhausted but satisfied, Grace turned to Kyle and Riya.


    "Thank you both for your help today. It made everything so much easier. Let''s head home."

 Chapter 202 A Gift... For A Hug?

    It didn''t take too long for the three of them to return to the house. It looked exactly as they had left it, warm and beautiful. Kyle took in the fresh air as a wave of nostalgia hit him. ''There''s nothing more than home.''"I''ll head to Martha''s shop and buy some meat for dinner," Grace announced the moment they returned, already reaching for her bag.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow and grinned. "No need for that, Ma''am. I''ve got it covered."


    "What do you mean?" Grace asked with a curious look.


    With a dramatic flair, Kyle summoned his inventory and pulled out the enormous carcass of a freshly killed beast.


    The creature, easily towering over seven feet in length and weighing close to 600 kilograms, had sleek fur and powerful limbs, evidence of its ferocity in life. It was one of the Tier-2 beasts from the mission and the inventory had done well to preserve it.


    Grace''s eyes widened in astonishment, while Riya gasped. "Kyle! Where did you even get that?"


    "From the beast tide during my mission. I''ve got more if this isn''t enough."


    Riya shook her head in disbelief. "Of course you do¡­"


    Grace, however, approached the beast curiosity, running her hand over its fur. "This is incredible. It''s still fresh¡­ And you say you have more?"


    Kyle nodded. "Plenty more. I figured we could use this for dinner. You''ve always made the best meals, and we''ve missed them."


    Grace''s lips curved into a smile. "You flatter me, Kyle. Very well, I''ll use this beast."


    Grace was about to head into the kitchen when Kyle remembered something. "There''s one more thing I want to show you," he said with a grin.


    Riya, who was already inspecting the massive beast, perked up. "What now, Kyle? Another secret stash of treasures?"


    "Not quite." Kyle''s smile grew wider as he raised his hand. A small ripple of energy appeared before Void materialized in the room, his sleek black scales catching the light as his golden eyes gleamed with curiosity.


    Void stretched his wings slightly and let out a rumbling growl, his posture exuding confidence. He looked around the room and his gaze lingered on Grace.


    Grace froze, her hand halfway to her mouth as her eyes widened. "Kyle¡­ is that a dragon?"


    Riya, who had seen Void before, smirked. "Yep, that''s Void. Kyle''s little companion with an ego the size of a mountain."


    "Little? Please, I am anything but little." Void straightened, puffing out his chest as he spread his wings just enough to emphasize his presence.


    "You may call me magnificent, exceptional, or unparalleled. All are acceptable."


    "He''s incredible," Grace said softly, her eyes scanning Void with both awe and curiosity. "It''s unlike anything I''ve seen. You''ve been hiding him all this time?"


    "Well," Kyle said, rubbing the back of his neck, "Not exactly hiding. He''s been with me during missions and training. But yeah, I guess I haven''t really shown him to many people."


    "Well, whatever he is, he''s remarkable," Grace added before she turned her attention back to the beast carcass.


    "I''ll get started on preparing this. You two go freshen up. Dinner will be ready soon."


    Kyle and Riya left the kitchen, heading to their respective rooms. Void followed Kyle, lounging on the bed while Kyle quickly washed up and changed.


    Once they were both refreshed, they returned to find the table laden with an array of dishes: roasted meat, hearty stews, grilled skewers, and more. The aroma was mouthwatering.


    Kyle''s eyes widened as he took in the spread. "Wow, ma''am, you really went all out!"


    Riya nodded in agreement, already taking a seat. "This smells amazing!"


    Void, perched on a chair like a miniature king, let out an approving growl before diving into the food.


    The dragon d didn''t wait for anyone before he began devouring plate after plate with his seemingly endless appetite.


    As they ate, Kyle and Riya couldn''t stop praising Grace''s cooking.


    "This is the best meal I''ve had in months," Kyle said, savoring a piece of roasted meat. "No one cooks like you, Ma''am."


    Riya nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. The academy food doesn''t even come close."


    Grace smiled warmly, her heart full at seeing them enjoy the meal. "I''m glad you like it. I''ve missed cooking for you both."


    They ate until they were full, the beast''s massive size ensuring plenty of leftovers for the coming days. After cleaning up and saying goodnight to Grace, Kyle and Riya headed to their rooms.


    Kyle was just about to enter his room when he stopped, turning back to Riya. "Hey, wait a second."


    "What is it?" Riya asked after pausing.


    Kyle reached into his inventory and pulled out a large, leather-bound book. The cover was intricately designed, with elegant patterns framing the title: "Phantom Arc Mastery." The faint shimmer of enchantment on the book''s surface gave it an air of importance.


    Riya''s eyes widened as she took in the sight of the book. "What''s this?"


    Kyle smiled and handed it to her. "It''s a martial technique. I thought you might like it."


    Riya blinked with confusion evident on her face. "A¡­ martial technique? What''s that supposed to mean?"


    Kyle scratched the back of his head, realizing she had no idea.


    "Right, I guess you wouldn''t know. Martial techniques are special methods or skills that enhance combat abilities.


    They''re not like spells¡ªyou don''t need mana to use them. Instead, they rely on your physical prowess and control."


    Riya held the book more carefully now, her curiosity piqued. "And this one? What''s it about?"


    Kyle''s smile widened. "It''s called Phantom Arc Mastery. It''s designed for long-range fighters. With it, you''ll learn how to manipulate the trajectory of your projectiles after firing.


    You can guide arrows to hit targets behind cover, curve them in mid-air, and even control multiple projectiles at once if you practice hard enough."


    Riya''s jaw dropped as she flipped open the book, skimming through the diagrams and descriptions. "This¡­ this is amazing! But¡­ how did you get something like this?"


    Kyle leaned casually against the doorframe. "I got it from the Contribution Hall. It cost me 200 contribution points."


    Her head snapped up, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. "Two hundred contribution points?!"


    "I may have¡­ over-performed during my mission."


    Riya narrowed her eyes, already anticipating his answer. "Of course you did."


    Kyle laughed, but the sound was softer than usual.


    "I thought this would suit you. You''ve always been great with your aim, and this will help you take it to the next level."


    Riya stared at the book for a long moment before looking up at him with an unreadable expression. Slowly, she smiled.


    "Thank you, Kyle. This is¡­ this is really something special. I know how much this must mean."


    Before Kyle could respond, she took a step forward and wrapped her arms around him in a sudden hug.


    Kyle froze, his mind scrambling to process what was happening. Except for Madam Grace, he''d never been hugged by a female before.


    And his hug with Grace was something he had gone for, not the other way round. This felt different; warmer, closer.


    His heart thudded in his chest as he stood stiffly, unsure how to react.


    When Riya pulled away, her face was flushed with pink, and her eyes darted to the floor. "Don''t get any ideas," she mumbled with a soft voice. "It''s just a thank-you hug."


    Kyle, still processing, nodded slowly. "Uh, y- yeah. Of course."


    Riya turned on her heel and hurried to her room with a blush, clutching the book tightly to her chest.


    Kyle remained in the hallway for a moment, staring after her. His mind was racing, trying to make sense of the emotions swirling within him. Shaking his head, he muttered, "Where''s my mind going? It''s just a thank-you hug. Nothing more."


    With that, he entered his room, where Void was already sprawled across the bed, snoring lightly.


    Kyle glanced at the dragon and smiled faintly. "Well, time to get to work."


    He pulled out four books from his inventory, similar in size to the one he''d given Riya, and laid them on the bed.


    "Let''s see what these have in store."


    sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 203 More Martial Techniques (1)

    With the system''s reward of over 500 skill points, Kyle had already made up his mind to learn new martial techniques. Air steps had helped Kyle understand the value of martial techniques and he knew how much good it will do to him to learn another.He had planned on buying five techniques originally, but seeing Riya''s performance in the weapon training examination had made him to respect her talent, besides, he saw no harm in being generous as she would be benefiting a great deal from a technique.


    The pain of spending 20% of his points on someone else had vanished when he used [Inspect] on the technique. At that moment, he knew that he had made the right decision.


    [Martial Technique Name: Phantom Arc Mastery]


    [Tier: Basic]


    [Difficulty: Extreme (Requires thousands of hours of training and precise muscle control)]


    [Energy Requirement: None (Purely technique-based)] -


    [Technique description: Phantom Arc Mastery is a legendary archery technique developed through years of practice and honed reflexes. It enables the practitioner to control the trajectory of their arrows with unmatched precision, allowing for feats such as curving shots, guiding multiple arrows simultaneously, and dynamically adapting mid-flight. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While it requires no mana, its mastery demands intense dedication and a deep understanding of body mechanics and physics.]


    ''The technique is truly meant for her,'' Kyle thought. Even though he felt sad parting with something so valuable. But the look in Riya''s had erased all doubts.


    ''She''s going to master it,'' he thought with a small smile. ''No regrets.''


    His gaze shifted back to the books on the bed. Each one represented a path, a choice he''d made during his visit to the Contribution Hall.


    Kyle had originally planned on getting more techniques from the Wind Chasers. He had already tried asking Dan for another technique, but the instructor refused to give him until he returned the former.


    At that moment, Kyle had realized that the technique had disappeared after he had learned it thorough the system. Kyle was surprised at the revelation because the book he used to learn the Chaos element didn''t dissappear after he was done, but there was a possibility that he hadn''t learnt it as a result of the system.


    From what he could recall, the cost was 0 skill points, which meant that it was free. The book served more as a portal to meet Azagrut instead.


    ''I have to be more careful onwards,'' Kyle thought to himself after being reminded of the downside. Despite it being a bane, it was one Kyle could easily accommodate for such a powerful feature.


    He had originally decided to learn techniques from one school, but his ability to learn through skill points had given him another idea.


    There was no harm in learning from different schools. While it was advised for martial practitioners to stick to a school, because mastering a single technique would significantly help one to master another from the same school; those limitations didn''t affect Kyle in the slightest.


    His system offered him a unique advantage ¡ª the ability to comprehend techniques almost instantaneously. That freedom had allowed him to explore beyond the conventional.


    "It doesn''t matter how easy it would be for me to learn a Wind Chasers technique when I won''t be doing the actual learning," Kyle muttered with a mischievous smile.


    But even so, there were schools Kyle still couldn''t bring himself to consider. Iron Earth, with its defensive and grounded approach, felt too constraining.


    Its techniques were robust, built for fortification and endurance, but they didn''t align with Kyle''s aggressive, risk-taking style. Besides, he had the Undying trait that already gave him the leeway to shrug off dangerous attacks and Kyle even suspected that he hadn''t even used it to its full potential, as he had barely faced any life threatening attacks.


    Serene Wave was another school he dismissed. Its focus on defensive movements and flowing techniques felt too¡­ measured, too restrained. Kyle preferred unpredictability, the chaos of combat where swift, decisive action could turn the tide. Serene Wave''s methods, while elegant, didn''t suit his temperament or fighting philosophy.


    That left him with two schools: Wind Chasers and Radiant Inferno. Wind Chasers had initially caught his eye for its movement techniques, offering unparalleled agility and adaptability in combat. But as he delved deeper, he realized it wasn''t just about footwork. Like the technique he had handed Riya, the school dealt with movement of other things, attack even, combining speed and precision in ways that resonated with his fighting style.


    Radiant Inferno, on the other hand, was a school of pure impact. Its techniques were raw, destructive, and unapologetically direct. They weren''t about finesse or subtlety; they were about obliterating the opposition with overwhelming force. For someone like Kyle, who relished the thrill of decisive strikes, Radiant Inferno''s methods felt like an extension of his will.


    ''Movement and impact,'' he thought, his fingers brushing the cover of one of the books. ''That''s what I need.''


    His choices reflected that balance. Two techniques from Wind Chasers, one focusing on footwork and another on katana movements, and two from Radiant Inferno, both designed to amplify his offensive capabilities. Together, they formed a set that complemented his strengths while adding layers to his combat repertoire.


    Kyle smirked as he activated his system''s [Inspect] ability, ready to uncover the secrets these techniques held.


    [Martial Technique Name: Silent Steps]


    [Tier: Basic]


    [Difficulty: Extreme (Requires enhanced spatial awareness and precision)]


    [Energy Requirement: None (Purely technique-based)]


    [Description: A footwork technique that allows the practitioner to move without sound, masking their presence and making it nearly impossible for opponents to track them. Silent Steps also reduces vibrations, enabling seamless traversal across unstable or fragile surfaces.]


    As a combat expert, Kyle knew the value of this technique, it would be more deadly in the hands of those with invisibility skills... like Void. This was exactly what he had been trying to teach the little dragon. Mastery over this technique plus an invisibility skill would turn one into a perfect stealth ninja.


    His eyes shone as the thought that he''ll learn it soon surfaced on his mind. Directing his eyes to the next book, he used his improved [Inspect] on it.


    ''Inspect!''


    [Martial Technique Name: Gale Rend]


    ...

 Chapter 204 More Martial Techniques (2)

    [Martial Technique Name: Gale Rend][Tier: Basic]


    [Difficulty: Extreme (Requires precise control over weapon momentum)


    [Energy Requirement: None (Purely technique-based)]


    [Description: A katana-focused technique that amplifies the speed and force of each strike, creating a burst of air pressure with every swing. The practitioner can channel their movements into a whirlwind of slashes, overwhelming opponents with both physical and environmental damage.]


    Kyle''s eyes lit up as he read the description. ''This will amplify my katana skills without changing my style. It''s like it was made for me.''


    [Martial Technique Name: Blazing Impact]


    [Tier: Basic] S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Difficulty: Extreme (Requires explosive strength and timing)]


    [Energy Requirement: None (Purely technique-based)]


    [Description: A high-impact technique that channels the practitioner''s momentum into a single, devastating strike. The force generated upon impact can shatter defenses and send shockwaves through the battlefield. Advanced users can control the direction of the shockwave, using it strategically to disorient or separate enemies.


    ''Offense is the best defense,'' Kyle thought with a grin. ''And this is exactly what I need for breaking through tough opponents.''


    [Martial Technique Name: Infernal Spiral]


    [Tier: Basic]


    [Difficulty: Extreme (Requires flawless control over rotational force and balance)]


    [Energy Requirement: None (Purely technique-based)]


    [Description: A rotational attack that generates a spiraling wave of force around the practitioner, creating a zone of destruction. The technique is best used in close combat, where the spiral can deal maximum damage. Advanced users can condense the spiral into a focused attack, directing its power toward a single target.]


    Kyle exhaled slowly after reading their descriptions.


    ''This is going to be devastating in the right hands. And with the system''s help, I can master it in no time.''


    Satisfied with his choices, Kyle placed his hand on one of the book and opened it. As expected, the system''s familiar notification graced him once again.


    [Do you want to learn the Basic Martial Arts Technique: Silent Steps?]


    [Cost: 100 Skill Points]


    [Yes] [No]


    "Heck, yeah!" Kyle said out with a scream, immediately selecting [Yes].


    Immediately, like before, the world around him darkened, his surroundings dissolving into nothingness. He floated in a void, just as he had during his experience with Air Steps, though this time it felt different. There was no gust of wind or lightness to guide him. Instead, it was silence¡ªabsolute, suffocating silence.


    His heartbeat became his only companion, its rhythmic thudding magnified a hundredfold. It grew louder, each beat reverberating through his chest until he thought it might burst. Just as panic threatened to set in, a shift occurred.


    A whisper.


    Then another.


    Kyle''s body moved, unbidden but precise, his feet gliding across an unseen surface. The silence of his surroundings seemed to extend to his movements.


    Each step was devoid of sound, not even the faintest scuff of fabric or the creak of leather reaching his ears. It was eerie, like he wasn''t entirely there.


    His body continued, following motions too intricate for him to consciously process. His feet twisted and turned, his weight shifted with practiced ease, and his posture adjusted minutely to maintain perfect balance.


    Kyle''s mind absorbed the technique''s nuances through a flood of experiences that weren''t his own.


    He saw endless hours of practice ¡ª walking on thin ropes, moving across fragile glass without a single crack, evading opponents who could track him by sound alone and even learning to control his heartbeat.


    The last part was the most shocking as he slowly managed to make his heart pace so silently, that even he himself couldn''t hear it any longer.


    The memories burned themselves into his consciousness, embedding every movement, every adjustment, into his muscle memory.


    When the sensation ended, Kyle found himself standing on nothingness, his feet perfectly steady with his breathing slow and measured.


    [Congratulations! You have learned the Basic Martial Arts Technique: Silent Steps.]


    Kyle blinked as his surroundings returned to normal. The room felt jarringly bright after the darkness of the void, and the silence was replaced by the faint sound of Void sleeping on the bed. He glanced down and couldn''t see the book anymore as expected, before reaching out for the next.


    "One down. Three more to go."


    [Do you want to learn the Basic Martial Arts Technique: Gale Rend?]


    [Cost: 100 Skill Points]


    [Yes] [No]


    "Let''s do this."


    As soon as Kyle selected [Yes], the world shifted once more. This time, the void he entered wasn''t silent or weightless¡ªit was filled with motion. He felt wind whip around him, sharp and unrelenting, carrying with it the faint scent of steel.


    A weapon appeared on his hand, a katana even and he used it to slash through the air, mimicking the movements described in the technique without any action from himself. Each motion was fluid yet forceful, his muscles straining as they adjusted to the phantom weight of a katana.


    He could feel the momentum of each strike, the precise control required to channel it into bursts of air pressure. The technique wasn''t just about raw strength¡ªit was a delicate balance of speed and force, requiring impeccable timing to create the desired effect.


    Kyle''s vision blurred as memories poured into him. He saw countless swings, each one faster and sharper than the last, culminating in a whirlwind of slashes that tore through imaginary opponents. The effort was grueling; his arms ached, his chest burned, but the mastery was undeniable.


    When he finally returned to reality, his breathing was steady, his muscles relaxed. The room felt too still, too small compared to the expansive void where he had learned the technique.


    [Congratulations! You have learned the Basic Martial Arts Technique: Gale Rend.]


    Kyle didn''t waste time to move on to the next.


    [Do you want to learn the Basic Martial Arts Technique: Blazing Impact?]


    [Cost: 100 Skill Points]


    [Yes] [No]


    This time, the void was oppressive, filled with heat and tension. Kyle felt every muscle in his body tense as the technique''s demands became clear.


    His movements were slow at first, deliberate. He could feel the power building with each step, each motion. It wasn''t just about strength; it was about timing, about channeling every ounce of force into a single, devastating strike.


    As the memories of practice flooded in, Kyle experienced the strain of mastering the technique. He felt the explosive release of power, the way it shattered imaginary barriers and sent shockwaves rippling outward. It was pure destruction, raw and unfiltered.


    After going through memories of many years, the process ended, leaving Kyle standing in his room, his hands trembling slightly from the phantom exertion.


    [Congratulations! You have learned the Basic Martial Arts Technique: Blazing Impact.]


    "Three down," Kyle said, his voice tinged with awe, before reaching for the final book.


    The void this time was chaotic, filled with spiraling energy that threatened to pull Kyle apart. He could feel the rotational force, the sheer power of the technique.


    His body moved instinctively, twisting and turning as it adjusted to the technique''s demands. It wasn''t just about spinning ¡ª it was about control, about maintaining balance and directing the force precisely where it was needed.


    Kyle''s mind was inundated with memories of practice, of countless attempts to perfect the technique. He saw the spirals grow tighter, more focused, until they became weapons of unparalleled destruction.


    When he returned to the real world, Kyle felt a strange sense of exhilaration. The room seemed almost too ordinary after the chaos of the void.


    [Congratulations! You have learned the Basic Martial Arts Technique: Infernal Spiral]


    Kyle stared at his hands with steady breathing as a wave of satisfaction washed over him. "I really did it," he whispered with his voice some pride.


    The techniques were his now, their complexities were now etched into his mind and body as if he''d spent years perfecting them. Each movement and each detail still remained vivid, the phantom sensations of his training in the void still coursing through his muscles.


    He clenched his fists, anticipation surging through him. The urge to test out what he had learned was almost unbearable.


    ''Gale Rend, Blazing Impact, Infernal Spiral¡­ Silent Steps¡­ I can''t wait to see what I can do now.'' His thoughts raced with scenarios; imagining the chaos he could unleash with his newfound mastery.


    But as his gaze shifted toward the window, the faint glow of moonlight reminded him of the late hour. Though the void was timeless and barely no time had passed in the real world, it didn''t change the fact that it was still night and he was meant to be sleeping, not testing techniques outside.


    Kyle observed his sleeping dragon for a while and smiled at the sight before throwing himself on the bed to join Void in the comfort.


    "Tomorrow," he whispered to himself, pulling the blanket over his body. "I''ll test it all out tomorrow."


    Closing his eyes, his learning process didn''t come to an end, as he let the memories of the techniques lull him into sleep. Visions of swirling air, fiery impacts, and spiraling chaos accompanied him into his dream, as he applied all that he had learned into combat.

 Chapter 205 Level Up!

    The morning sun filtered through the trees surrounding Kyle''s backyard, its golden rays glinting off the polished blade of the katana in his hand.Kyle had been training for hours, and despite the fatigue that was creeping into his muscles, his grin was still unwavering.


    He shifted his stance with the [Aurora Fang] steady in his grip as he prepared to execute Gale Rend. Taking a deep breath, Kyle surged forward with fluid movements.


    The blade sliced through the air with such speed and precision that a visible ripple of sharp air pressure burst outward, making leaves scattered from the force. He followed up with a series of rapid strikes, each swing amplifying the whirlwind effect around him.


    As he finished the sequence, Kyle paused, exhaling heavily but with satisfaction. "This technique... It''s like it was made for me," he murmured, wiping the sweat from his brow.


    Without missing a beat, he transitioned into Blazing Impact. Planting his feet firmly, Kyle shifted his weight and brought Aurora Fang above his head. Channeling his entire momentum into a downward slash, he released a devastating strike that sent a sharp shockwave rippling across the yard. Thankfully, he had controlled his strength enough to not damage the surroundings.


    "Perfect," Kyle said with a grin.


    Finally, he readied himself for Infernal Spiral, the most physically demanding of the techniques. He began spinning, the katana extended outward as he controlled the rotational force with every muscle in his body.


    A spiraling wave of force erupted around him, tearing through the air. The whirlwind of energy condensed as Kyle honed his focus, directing its power toward a single target ¡ª a large boulder at the edge of the yard. The spiral collided with the rock, shattering it into countless fragments!


    He couldn''t gage how powerful the attack was, as he would have been able to easily cut that boulder if he used some of his strength. But he had withheld his strength to the best of his ability while performing the attack, and for it to have done that same amount of damage spoke alot of its potential.


    Kyle stood straight, admiring the destruction he had caused. "All three offensive techniques are incredible," he muttered, sheathing Aurora Fang. "I can''t wait to see how they fare in real combat."


    Satisfied with his progress, he sheathed his blade and turned toward the other side of the backyard, where Riya stood with her bow in hand.


    She was deep in concentration and her eyes were locked on a part of the wall. Her movements were deliberate and precise, each one radiating a sense of control and focus that even Kyle couldn''t help but admire.


    Riya exhaled slowly and drew her bow to its full extent. The arrow she had nocked didn''t tremble in the slightest and her form remained steady. But she wasn''t aiming to shoot. Instead, she was holding the position, her muscles taut as though memorizing the tension of the bowstring and the way her body aligned with it.


    Her fingers released the string; not to shoot the arrow, but to let it return gently to its neutral position. She repeated the motion, over and over, sometimes adjusting her stance or the angle of the bow slightly!


    "She hasn''t fired a single shot yet," Kyle muttered under his breath.


    But this was the one of the eessence of Phantom Arc Mastery. It wasn''t about firing arrows endlessly; it was about control. Every muscle, every shift in balance, every adjustment to her grip, all of it worked toward understanding her body in relation to the bow.


    Occasionally, Riya closed her eyes, her head tilting slightly as if visualizing something. Then she''d draw the bow again with perfect posture and measured breathing.


    Kyle watched her for a moment, noting her intense concentration. "I''m heading inside," he called out.


    Riya didn''t respond verbally, simply nodding her head.


    As Kyle turned to leave, he noticed Void sitting on the ground nearby with eyes closed and deep in cultivation.


    The sight brought a small smile to Kyle''s face.


    ''Everyone''s working hard,'' he thought as he walked back into the house, leaving the two of them to their training.


    ***


    The cool water of the bath felt like a blessing against Kyle''s tired muscles. He leaned back, letting the soothing sensation wash away the morning''s fatigue. By the time he stepped out and dried off, he felt refreshed and ready for the next phase of his plan.


    Returning to his room, Kyle released some of the pile of mana cores he had purchased earlier from the inventory.


    The shimmering crystals tumbled onto his bed, filling it to the brim. Each mana core pulsed with faint energy, their colors ranging from deep blues to vibrant greens and fiery reds. There were exactly 1,000 of them if one decided to count, and the sheer quantity took up almost all the available space in his room.


    Kyle licked his lips, excitement bubbling within him as he opened his status panel for a final look before he said:


    "Time to gobble them down."


    Picking up the first mana core, Kyle placed it into his mouth. Its energy quickly dissolving and following up with a notification:


    [EXP +20]


    He continued without wasting time, picking the mana cores one after the other.


    [EXP +20]


    [EXP +20]


    [EXP +20]


    ...


    The notifications rang out in Kyle''s mind with each mana core consumed. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the moment he had been waiting for arrived.


    [EXP: 27,000/27,000]


    [Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!]


    [Beginner Lightning Mage: Lv 8 >> Lv 9]


    [All stats: +10]


    Kyle clenched his fists as power coursed through him, but he wasted no time to continue, and it only took 3 mana cores to get another notification.


    [EXP: 12,000/12,000]


    [Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!]


    [Beginner Chaos Mage: Lv 6 >> Lv 7]


    [All stats: +10]


    Another surge of power followed, leaving Kyle filled with excitement. Just when he was wondering if things could get any better, another notification caught his attention that made his eyes sparkle with joy!


    [Gobbler: Lv 2 >> Lv 3


    [Gobbler (Lv 3): Gobble a Mana Core to acquire 30% Mana]


    "Perfect! Just the boost I was looking for."


    With renewed vigor, Kyle resumed devouring the mana cores. The notifications continued to flood his mind, their rhythmic chime a testament to his rapid progress.


    [EXP +30]


    [EXP +30] sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It didn''t take too long before he consumed the last mana core, before deciding to summon his status panel to check his gains.


    "Status!"

 Chapter 206 Familiar Face

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ªBeginner Lightning Mage: Lv 9*


    EXP: 19,530/40,500*


    Beginner Chaos Mage: Lv 8*


    EXP: 1539/27,000*


    HP: 460*


    Energy: 460*


    MP: -*


    Agility: 452*


    Strength: 381*


    Vitality: 230*


    Stamina: 232*


    Intelligence: 181*


    SP: 0


    [Elements]


    [Skills]


    [Lightning Bolt(Lv 4)]


    [Lightning Dash(Lv 4)]


    [Inspect(Lv 3)]


    [Gobbler(Lv 3)]*


    [Undying]


    [Chaotic Pulse(Lv 2)]


    [Chaotic Whirlpool(Lv 1)]


    Skill Points: 106


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Noice!" Kyle couldn''t help but remark after seeing his stats.


    It was funny to him how the chaos core he had formed not too long ago was already miles ahead of his peers, but that didn''t bother him. Another discovery that got him tempted was the amount of EXP remaining to become an Intermediate Mage.


    [EXP: 19,530/40,500]


    One didn''t need to be a mathematician to figure out that he could breakthrough if he cultivated a little, before using another 1000 mana cores.


    And there were 1000 mana cores sitting in his inventory. "I could break through to the next stage!"


    Kyle''s eyes glinted as he considered the possibility. The gap between tiers were incomparable to the gap between the magic ranks and Kyle knew that he would go through a qualitative leap if he broke through and he had everything needed to do so.


    But... He couldn''t afford to fail Void.


    The dragon had been working tirelessly for a breakthrough, and the 1000 mana cores was one of his driving factors. While a part of him pressured him to use the cores and replace it through the forest; Kyle wasn''t naive to think it was that easy.


    He quickly erased all the negative doubts that were beginning to build up.


    "No!" he said out loud to ground himself to reality. "I''ll breakthrough without using Void''s cores."


    There was no harm waiting a little and besides, he could remember Grace''s words. The tower adjust its stage for each user, and wouldn''t he hold absolute advantage if he remained in the peak of realm before entering.


    ''I guess I might have to make Void slow down too,'' Kyle thought, confirming through the system that it will take some more days for the dragon to breakthrough.


    "Alright, time to give Ma''am a call," Kyle said with a smirk before handling his comm to locate Grace''s new number.


    He had earlier handed Madam Grace and Riya the rest of the gifts he had procured from the mall, amongst which included the expensive communication device... and now it was time to test it out.


    "Hello," the voice from the other side came immediately the call connected.


    Kyle grinned. "Ma''am, it''s me, Kyle."


    There was a brief pause before the voice brightened with recognition. "Oh, Kyle! Why are you calling?"


    He chuckled lightly. "Nothing much. I just wanted to test out your new comm. Making sure it works."


    Grace laughed softly. "Well, Kyle, it seems you''ve done just that. Anything else you wanted to say?"


    "Not really," he replied, but just as he was about to end the call, a thought crossed his mind. "Actually, I''ll be coming to assist you shortly. I''ve got nothing else to do."


    There was a brief silence on her end before she spoke again with a warm voice: "Thank you, dear. I''ll be expecting you."


    "See you soon, Ma''am," Kyle said, ending the call with a satisfied nod.


    Kyle stood and cast one last glance at the backyard through the window. Riya was still there, her form graceful yet rigid as she continued her intense training. Her body was covered with sweat, that someone who didn''t know better would think a pale of water was poured on her. Not far from her, Void sat motionless, still cultivating.


    ***


    The infirmary door creaked softly as Kyle stepped inside, greeted by the faint scent of herbs and disinfectant. The bright sunlight highlighted the neatly arranged rows of shelves that were stacked with various potions and medical supplies thanks to Kyle.


    Grace was sitting cross-legged on the ground, cultivating as usual, but a smile spread across her face the moment she sensed Kyle''s arrival.


    "You''re here already."


    Kyle returned the smile. "Yup, I came immediately after the call."


    Grace chuckled softly. "It''s been a slow morning, and there haven''t been any patient."


    Kyle sat on a mat next to her. "Slow, huh? Does that mean I''m here to stare at walls for the next few hours?"


    Grace smirked. "Maybe... But If someone comes in, we''ll tend to them."


    Kyle nodded and it didn''t take long for him to begin his cultivation session. Minutes turned into an hour, and despite his attempts to focus, his mind wandered.


    Eventually, Kyle opened his eyes and glanced at Grace, who sat in deep cultivation. He hesitated for a while before speaking. "Ma''am, is it always this quiet here? I mean, shouldn''t there be more people coming in for treatment?" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Grace opened her eyes slowly and gave him a patient look. "It''s not surprising, really. Most of the mages have gone to the forest for training already, in preparation of the tower."


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully before asking, "Then why come here? Can''t we just stay at home then?"


    "A fair question, but the answer is simple," Grace replied. "The infirmary is a sanctuary for the commoners of Frulia. Not everyone here is a powerful mage or warrior. There are farmers, craftsmen, and even children who might need help while the others are away. My presence here ensures they have someone to turn to in an emergency."


    Kyle absorbed her words. "Makes sense."


    The two lapsed into silence once more as they continued with their cultivation. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, and Kyle felt the weight of stillness pressing down on him. Just as he was about to give up and ask Grace if they could do something, the soft chime of a bell broke the quiet.


    Kyle''s eyes snapped open, and he stretched his legs out with a relieved groan. "Finally!"


    The door opened slowly, and a young man stepped inside. He was a young man with a cheerful expression that made him seem approachable. He had brown hair and didn''t seem to be injured in any way.


    Kyle recognized him immediately and he shot to his feet, his mouth even opening before his mind could catch up.


    "Nate!"


    "Kyle!"

 Chapter 207 To the Forest!

    The two young men stared at each other with surprise for a moment before Kyle took the initiative to break the silence."You never told me you''re from Frulia."


    "Frulia''s my hometown. I''m just as shocked that you''re from here too," Nate replied.


    Kyle scratched the back of his head with a grin. "Welp, what a coincidence. Honestly, I thought you''d forgotten about me after all this time."


    "Forgotten about you?" Nate shook his head with a playful smile. "I thought it was the other way around. You''ve been too busy at the academy to even think about me, haven''t you?"


    Kyle smiled wryly. "It''s not like that. Things have just been... hectic, you know? There''s barely anytime for me to find time for anything else."


    "I get it," Nate said with a knowing chuckle. "Same here. The academy keeps you running around like crazy, doesn''t it?"


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    The two laughed, easing into the comfortable rhythm of their conversation. After a moment, Kyle decided to ask.


    "But what are you doing here, anyway? Don''t tell me you got injured?"


    "Nah, I''m fine," Nate replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I just forgot to stock up on potions before coming back to the village. My dad told me I could get some here, so here I am."


    "Got it," Kyle said with a nod as he stood. "Let me take your order then."


    Nate told Kyle all that he wanted and Kyle quickly gathered the requested items, packing them neatly.


    "That''ll be 50 silver coins per bottle. You''re getting 10 energy recovery potions and 10 health recovery potions, so that''s 10 gold coins in total."


    Nate placed the payment on Kyle''s hand, and Kyle handed him the carefully packed potions. Nate stored them in his space ring with ease before flashing a grin.


    "Alright, I''ll be heading out. I want to hit the forest before it gets late."


    "Wait!" Kyle called out, stopping Nate just as he reached the door.


    Nate turned and raised an eyebrow. "Any problem?"


    "Are you heading out with the rest of the villagers?" Kyle asked.


    "Unfortunately, no," Nate replied. "They''ve already left. I''ll be going alone."


    Kyle nodded, considering his words carefully. "In that case, mind if I join you? The others wouldn''t let me tag along."


    Nate laughed before teasingly replying:


    "Kyle, it won''t be safe for you. Besides, you''d only slow me down."


    Kyle felt a flicker of irritation but quickly masked it with a smile. "Just try me. If I can''t keep up, I''ll head back on my own. Deal?"


    Nate hesitated for a moment, weighing his options before nodding. "Alright, you can come. Just don''t regret it later."


    Kyle beamed with excitement before turning to Grace, who was already deep in her cultivation. Before he could ask for her permission, she had already raised her hand and motioned for him to go. "Stay safe, okay?"


    "Will do. Thank you!" Kyle said before following Nate out the door.


    ***


    The walk to the forest''s edge was short. As they arrived, Nate smirked and reached into his space ring, pulling out a sleek longsword. The blade gleamed in the sunlight, its sharp edges catching every ray.


    "Nice sword you''ve got there," Kyle remarked.


    Nate smirked, giving the blade a casual twirl. "I know, right? It''s an intermediate weapon. Try to keep up, okay?"


    Kyle''s grin deepened as he pulled out the [Aurora Fang] from his inventory. The katana''s blade shimmered as he unsheathed it, the enchantment leaving a faint firefrost trail in the air. The sunlight danced off its surface, making it look almost otherworldly.


    Kyle returned Nate''s smirk with one of his own. "I''ll make sure you eat those words."


    Nate''s eyes widened the moment he saw Kyle unsheathe his katana. As a forge master he was, he easily recognized the sword. He instinctively took a step closer, stammering as he spoke.


    "Is... is that an advanced-tier weapon?"


    Kyle smiled, casually holding the katana up for Nate to admire. "Yup. Isn''t it lovely?"


    Nate blinked, momentarily at a loss for words before blurting out, "How did you even get that? You''re a first-year, aren''t you?"


    Kyle shrugged nonchalantly. "A friend of mine made it, a fellow first-year. I just killed a Corrupted Tier-4 mana beast and gave him the core to upgrade my former katana."


    Nate stared at Kyle in disbelief. "That''s not possible. How can a first-year create an advanced weapon when I can''t even create one? And a Corrupted Tier-4 mana beast? How the hell did you manage to kill something like that?"


    Kyle chuckled, appreciating Nate''s reaction. "I''ll admit, it was a team effort, but honestly, it wasn''t that big of a deal. And as for the weapon, my friend''s a genius. You might know him, actually, since he''s from Frulia too. His name''s Orion."


    Nate''s eyes narrowed as he muttered to himself, "Orion... Orion..." Recognition dawned on his face, and he snapped his fingers. "Oh! Jack''s son!"


    Kyle tilted his head, recalling the name faintly. "Yeah, I think that''s him. His dad''s a pretty famous forge master, right?"


    "Damn right," Nate said with a low whistle. "That boy is a monster. Back in school, he barely showed up to class, and even when he did, he''d get perfect scores on every single test. Heck, I remember hearing stories about him lecturing the teachers when they made mistakes."


    Kyle laughed, the mental image of a younger Orion scolding his teachers fitting the arrogant genius perfectly. "That definitely sounds like him."


    Nate nodded, his tone filled with awe. "You have no idea. Even as his senior, I heard tales about him all the time. Everyone did. They said his intelligence was off the charts, and he''d mastered complex topics by the time most of us were still struggling with the basics. Honestly, I''m not surprised he could pull off something like this now that he''s at the academy."


    Kyle grinned. "Yeah, Orion''s impressive, no doubt."


    Nate then returned back to his first question. "Besides, I need an explanation on how you killed a Tier-4 mana beast. Which team effort was that? Help from an instructor? A battalion of mages?"


    Kyle laughed lightly at Nate''s assumption.


    "Nope. It was just me, four other first years and my beast companion."


    "You''re joking, right?" Nate asked. "The tiers of mana beasts corresponds to a mage''s power level. A Tier-1 beast is equivalent to an initial Beginner mage, anywhere from Tier 1 to Tier 3. A Tier-2 beast matches a middle Beginner mage, Tier 4 to Tier 6, and so on. A Tier-4 mana beast is on par with an initial Intermediate mage. Even I''m not sure I could take one down without a serious fight. And you''re telling me you six handled a Corrupted one?"


    Kyle smirked before closing the topic. "Hey, believe what you want. I''m just telling you what happened."


    Nate sighed, running a hand through his hair as he studied Kyle. "I have no choice but to believe you, no matter how impossible you sound. Let''s just get moving before I lose my mind."


    "Lead the way," Kyle said cheerfully, adjusting the grip on his katana.


    With a resigned shake of his head, Nate turned and stepped into the forest and Kyle followed him closely behind.


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 Chapter 208 A Slash For A Kill!

    The dense foliage of the forest enveloped Kyle and Nate as they ventured deeper into its heart. The air grew cooler and the sunlight filtered through the thick canopy above creating an ever-changing mosaic of light and shadow. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.After walking several hundred meters, they spotted their first mana beast, a small creature with sharp claws and glowing red eyes that seemed to pierce through the dim light of the forest.


    [Razor Lynx]


    [Tier: 1]


    [HP: 100]


    Kyle''s eyes glinted as he immediately activated [Lightning Dash], propelling himself forward in a flash of electricity. In a single fluid motion, he unsheathed the [Aurora Fang] , and brought it down in a powerful downward slash. The beast didn''t even have a chance to react before the strike cleaved through it cleanly. Kyle sheathed the katana in the same instant, making it seem like he never pulled it out.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-1 mana beast: Razor Lynx!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-1 mana core!]


    Nate, who had barely registered the presence of the beast before it was already dead, clicked his tongue in mild annoyance.


    "Tsk, show-off. Harvest the core so we can get going. But seriously, stop wasting your energy on these Tier-1s. Save your spells for the stronger ones we''ll find deeper in."


    Kyle gave him a confident smile, ignoring the slight rebuke.


    "Don''t worry. I''ve got more than enough energy to spare," he said, before placing the beast into his inventory.


    Nate rolled his eyes but conceded. "Fine, but let''s pick up the pace."


    With that, they continued their trek, increasing their speed as they ventured further into the forest. The mana beasts came more frequently now, but Kyle handled each encounter with the same effortless precision.


    Before Nate could even draw his weapon, Kyle would dash at the beast and slay it with a single slash before storing it away.


    Nate, while impressed but he said nothing, only observing Kyle''s growing pile of kills. When they began encountering Tier-2 beasts, Nate decided to join in. Unlike Kyle, his battles were longer, requiring several strikes to bring the beasts down. Despite this, his skill with the sword was evident, and he handled the beasts with confidence.


    Kyle, on the other hand, continued dispatching beasts with single slashes, his movements fluid and almost casual.


    Eventually, they crossed a dense section of the forest, prompting Nate to stop and turn to Kyle with a serious expression.


    "This is the border to a deeper part of the forest. From here on out, we''ll only see Tier-3 beasts. There might even be a few Tier-4s lurking around," Nate explained before reminding, "Feel free to rest a little if you''re tired because we might not get the opportunity to do so once we get through there."


    "How can I be tired? We haven''t even done anything yet." Kyle said with a light laugh.


    Nate''s lips twitched into a wry smile. He had counted Kyle kill almost 50 mana beasts and he was saying he isn''t tired. He wanted a short break, but his pride wouldn''t let him admit so.


    "Suit yourself," he muttered as he pushed forward through the thick canopy of trees.


    The moment they stepped through, the forest seemed to change. The air was colder and the shadows became deeper, with the sounds of beasts more menacing. It wasn''t long before they encountered another creature.


    Nate''s eyes widened in alarm as the beast came into view. It was massive, its muscular body covered in jet-black fur that seemed to absorb the light. Its eyes glowed with a sinister crimson, and its long claws scraped the ground menacingly.


    [Firefang Predator]


    [Tier: 4]


    [HP: 1500]


    Kyle''s lips curled into a grin as he took in the beast''s stats.


    "Nice," he said softly, his voice carrying a note of anticipation. "Let''s see how I handle this one."


    >ZIPPP!<


    Kyle''s body blurred as he activated [Lightning Dash], leaving behind a streak of crackling electricity. The Firefang Predator, however, was still a Tier-4 beast.


    It snarled and its crimson eyes locked onto Kyle, in an instant, the air above them warped and shimmered with intense heat, and moments later, fiery meteors began raining down.


    The ground shook violently as the meteors struck, each impact leaving behind a crater and sending shockwaves through the forest. Trees were incinerated instantly and Nate had to fall back a little to avoid their area of impact.


    Kyle''s eyes widened in surprise, though his smirk never faltered.


    ''So, you''ve got tricks, huh?'' he thought, channeling mana into his legs. With practiced ease, he executed [Air Steps], weaving through the deadly barrage of meteors.


    >WHOOSH!<


    His movements were precise, intact, they were almost playful, as he danced through the falling inferno. Each step closed the distance between him and the beast and in no time, he reached the predator''s proximity.


    The [Aurora Fang] pulsed with energy as he activated its enchantment, making the blade to glow brilliantly and its edge crackling with frost fire, a mesmerizing mix of icy blue and searing red flames.


    "Let''s try something new," Kyle muttered with a smirk, his voice barely audible over the chaos.


    The katana hummed in response, and Kyle directed all his mana into the blade, activating [Frostfire Edge]. The glowing frostfire danced along the katana, emitting a chilling heat that warped the air around it.


    The ground beneath Kyle''s feet froze and cracked, even as embers of light flickered around the blade, creating an awe-inspiring contrast.


    With a burst of speed, Kyle propelled himself high into the air, using [Air Steps] to stabilize his ascent. The predator growled and leaped upward, its massive claws aiming for Kyle mid-flight, but he was faster.


    Kyle''s body spun midair as he initiated the [Blazing Impact] technique, channeling every ounce of momentum into his blade. His muscles tensed, and time seemed to slow as the katana arced downward. The air around him vibrated with power, and a faint whistling sound filled the air as the strike neared its target.


    >BOOOOM!<


    The katana connected with the predator''s neck in a burst of light and frostfire. The impact was devastating and a shockwave rippled outward, freezing the flames on the ground while simultaneously burning the beast''s fur with frostfire.


    The sheer force of the strike sent cracks spreading across the ground below, and in an instant, the predator''s head separated cleanly from its body.


    Kyle landed gracefully amidst the chaos, his katana already sheathed. He cupped his hands and closed his eyes, exhaling softly as the notifications began to sound in his head.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-4 mana beast: Firefang Predator!] Experience new tales on empire


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-4 mana cores!]


    For a moment, the forest was silent, save for the crackling of dying flames.


    Nate, who had been frozen in place, finally snapped out of his stupor. His sword, half-raised, fell to his side as he turned to Kyle with disbelief.


    "The fuck! No way did you just one-shot a Tier-4 beast!" he screamed.


    Kyle opened one eye with a serene smile. "What? You didn''t think I could?"


    Nate pointed at the headless corpse of the predator, his mouth opening and closing as if searching for words. "You... this... you''re insane!"


    Kyle chuckled, brushing off Nate''s exasperation as he stored the beast''s corpse in his inventory. "Come on, Nate. We''ve got more beasts to hunt."


    "You have more beasts to hunt," Nate corrected, shaking his head as he walked towards Kyle. "I''m just here for the ride, apparently."

 Chapter 209 Weapon Plans [Bonus Chapter]

    The sky was already dark as Kyle and Nate emerged from the dense forest. Their steps were weary but their spirits were high. They had been hunting for hours, encountering a variety of mana beasts, including another Tier-4. Both were satisfied with their haul, though Kyle had handled most of the beasts with little effort.As they reached the edge of the forest, Nate turned to Kyle. "Unfortunately, I won''t be joining you tomorrow," he said with some regret in his tone. "I''ve got to go with my dad and the rest."


    Kyle nodded. "Sure, it was nice hunting with you, though."


    "Nice for you, maybe. You didn''t even need me. I can count the number of times I had to cast a spell," Nate said. "You''ll be fine on your own."


    Kyle grinned but stayed quiet, letting Nate continue.


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    "Are you planning to climb the tower too?" Nate asked.


    "Yeah, I will," Kyle replied confidently.


    Nate smiled wryly. "You''re lucky. You''ll be tested as a beginner mage even with your strength."


    "I''ll give it my all, then," Kyle replied with a wink.


    They exchanged a wave, bidding each other goodbye before going their separate ways. Kyle decided to head straight home to rest.


    When he arrived, he found Riya sitting on the couch in the living room, reading the technique he had given her.


    "You''re back," she said, setting the scroll aside. "You went to help my mum?"


    "Yeah, I went there. But I later went into the forest with a friend."


    "A friend?" Riya asked with a raised eyebrow.


    "Yes, his name is Nate. He''s a second-year, also from Frulia."


    Riya tilted her head slightly and her expression became thoughtful. "Nate... Oh, Nate. I think I''ve heard about him before."


    "He''s a good guy, pretty skilled too. We took down quite a few mana beasts together." Kyle added.


    Riya gave him a faint smile. "Sounds like you had a productive day. I made dinner, by the way."


    "Thanks, I''m starving," Kyle replied gratefully and his stomach growled at the mention of food.


    As he headed to the dining table, Riya continued with the book. Kyle uncovered one of the plates and dug in, savoring the flavors. There were two plates on the table, and after finishing his, he glanced at the other.


    "This one must be for Grace, right?" he called out to Riya.


    "Yeah," she confirmed from the living room. "She hasn''t come back yet."


    Kyle nodded, finishing his meal quickly. Afterward, he headed to his room, finding Void already curled up and fast asleep on his bed. Smiling at the sight, Kyle grabbed a towel and went to bathe.


    Once clean, he stood before his bed and summoned his inventory info.


    [Inventory: 1034* Tier 1 mana core, 14* Tier-2 mana core, 71* Tier-3 mana core, 2* Tier-4 mana core...]


    He glanced summoned his status next. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [EXP: 19,530/40,500]


    ''I''ll need 20,970 EXP to break through,'' Kyle analyzed.


    34 Tier-1 mana cores would give him 1020.


    14 Tier-2 mana cores would give him 840


    71 Tier-3 mana cores would give him 8520.


    ''It''ll be safe to use them all then,'' Kyle thought, not even considering to use the Tier-4 mana cores for cultivation.


    ''I''ll get Orion to make me something good with them,'' he concluded with a smile before summoning all the pile on the bed.


    "It''s time to gobble," Kyle muttered before picking up a core and throwing it into his mouth.


    ...


    [Beginner Lightning Mage: Lv 9]


    [EXP: 29,910/40,500]*


    [Beginner Chaos Mage: Lv 8]*


    [EXP: 11,919/27,000]*


    "Not bad," Kyle muttered before embracing the bed to sleep.


    ***


    *Thud. Thud. Thud*


    The sound of knocks continued on a door. It had been going on for some minutes already but the door had refused to be opened.


    The person raised his fist for another round of knocking, but before he could strike, the door creaked open just enough for Orion''s disheveled face to peek through.


    His glasses were crooked on his nose, and his hair stuck up in wild tufts, as if he''d been dragged out of bed.


    "You derive some perverse joy from interrupting my precious slumber, don''t you?" Orion grumbled with irritation.


    "Precious slumber?" Kyle said with a light laugh. "It''s almost afternoon. Don''t tell me you''re still on last night''s project."


    Orion opened the door wider, revealing a rumpled robe and ink-stained fingers. His glasses reflected the light, hiding the dark circles beneath his eyes. It looked like he hadn''t slept in days, though Kyle knew this was par for the course with him.


    "You''re one to talk," Orion muttered, attempting to shut the door.


    Kyle, having dealt with this routine before and anticipated the door''s movements. He slid his foot into the gap and stopped it cold.


    "Not this time," he said with an amused smile.


    Orion glared at the obstruction and tried to close it eitherways, but aftrt it refused to budge, he glared at Kyle before sighing in defeat. "Fine. What do you want?"


    "Just a little favor," Kyle said nonchalantly.


    Orion narrowed his eyes. "I don''t do favors."


    ""I need you to craft something for me," Kyle added with a grin, making Orion''s tired demeanor to vanish in an instant, replaced by a spark of interest.


    "Craft something?" he repeated, stepping back and gesturing for Kyle to enter. "Come in. Let''s talk."


    Kyle followed him inside, settling onto the couch while Orion disappeared into the next room. A few minutes later, he returned, his face washed and glasses adjusted properly. His appearance was slightly more presentable now, though the ink stains on his hands remained.


    "Alright, where is it?" Orion asked, sitting across from Kyle with eagerness.


    Kyle chuckled and summoned two glowing Tier-4 mana cores into his hands. The bright red hue of the cores filled the room with a faint, fiery glow.


    "By the goddess!" Orion exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. He stared at the cores, his mouth agape. "How in all the magical realms did you get Tier-4 mana cores... again?!"


    "Welp, I killed two Tier-4 beasts yesterday." Kyle replied with a grin.


    Orion didn''t even bother questioning the absurdity of what Kyle said as his focus was solely on the glowing cores.


    "What do you need?"


    Kyle studied the cores thoughtfully before considering: "How about a bow?"


    Orion rubbed his chin, examining the cores closely. "A bow, huh? That''s doable. I can even use two cores for the bow''s frame and another for the arrows."


    "Three cores for one weapon?" Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow. "That seems excessive. The Aurora Fang only used one."


    Orion rolled his eyes in annoyance.


    "First of all, the Aurora Fang was an upgrade, not a creation from scratch. Second, that mana core was corrupted, that''s effectively a fusion of two cores. That''s why it had such immense power."


    "Fusion?" Kyle repeated.


    "Yes," Orion said, adjusting his glasses again. "Dual-affinity beasts like that have two separate mana cores, just like humans have dual affinities. When corrupted, the cores merge into one, combining their energies."


    Kyle''s eyes widened slightly. "I didn''t know that."


    "I''m not surprised," Orion said with a faint smirk.


    Kyle ignored the jab, looking back at the cores in his hand. "Makes sense now. These cores do feel weaker compared to that one. Fine. I''ll get you the extra core today. Can you have it ready in three days?"

 Chapter 210 Going All Out

    "No way you just said three days!" Orion said with a facepalm. "Do you have any idea how much effort goes into crafting such a powerful magical weapon from scratch?"Kyle folded his arms, unfazed by Orion''s reaction. "Can''t you do it?"


    "You''re serious? Fine, I''ll humor you. To create a functioning magical bow and arrows, especially one using Tier-4 mana cores, I''ll need at least two weeks. And that''s if I don''t sleep and nothing goes wrong."


    Kyle frowned, scratching his head. "Two weeks... Is there any way to speed it up? I need it before the Tower opens."


    Orion''s eyes gleamed with interest. "Ah, so that''s why you''re in such a hurry. You''re going to the Tower?"


    Kyle nodded. "Of course. Wait, are you going too?"


    Orion adjusted his glasses and smirked. "Of course I am. The Tower isn''t just about combat, you know. The treasures inside can change lives, even for someone on my path. Rare materials, ancient blueprints, things you won''t find anywhere else."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. "I didn''t think the Tower would interest someone like you. Now I''m even more curious about what''s in there."


    "You''ll be surprised, I bet you," Orion remarked before returning to the main discussion. "If you need the bow early, I might be able to get help from my dad for some of the more time-consuming processes. That way, I can finish it faster."


    "Thank you..."


    Orion held up a hand, cutting him off. "Not so fast. Since my dad would be joining me, you''ve got to pay."


    Kyle groaned but didn''t refuse. "How much?"


    Orion''s smirk turned wicked.


    "Four Tier-4 mana cores."


    "Four?! That''s robbery!"


    "Take it or leave it," Orion said with a shrug. "We''ll also need some other materials to complete it, but that should suffice."


    Kyle sighed, knowing he had no choice. "Fine, you win. But don''t think I''m happy about it."


    "I wasn''t expecting you to be," Orion replied with a smirk. He reached out and snatched the two cores Kyle had already brought, inspecting them closely.


    Kyle watched Orion admire the glowing cores for some time, before he finally decided to ask:


    "By the way, how many mana cores would it take to upgrade the Aurora Fang?"


    Orion paused and his expression turned thoughtful. "Hmm... To upgrade the Aurora Fang? You''ll need at least two Tier-5 mana cores."


    "Tier-5 cores?!" Kyle asked in surprise.


    "That''s your problem, not mine," Orion said, adjusting his glasses with a smug grin.


    Kyle nodded slowly and considered Orion''s price, before eventually resigning. "Okay. I guess an Epic weapon is worth that much."


    Orion almost burst out laughing when he heard Kyle. "Epic weapon? Oh, Kyle, you sweet summer child. That''s not even in your league yet!"


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Kyle asked with a light frown.


    "Listen up," Orion said. "Weapon grades are classified into tiers from Advanced weapons onward; low, medium, and high. Right now, the Aurora Fang is just a low-tier Advanced weapon. To reach medium-tier, you''ll need those Tier-5 cores. And to create an Epic weapon? You''d need several Tier-7 mana cores."


    Kyle''s jaw dropped. "Tier-7?! That''s insane!"


    Orion shrugged. "Epic weapons are leagues above anything you''ve seen."


    "Guess I won''t be getting an Epic weapon anytime soon," Kyle muttered with a sigh before standing up. "Alright, I''ll get you that extra Tier-4 core. And don''t forget to use the Tier-4 beast corpses for the weapon."


    "Naturally," Orion said, his smirk returning. He gestured for Kyle to follow him into a larger room where various tools and materials were scattered about. Kyle summoned the giant corpses of the two Tier-4 beasts he''d hunted earlier, dropping them onto the floor.


    Orion''s eyes lit up as he examined the massive forms. "These will do nicely. Now, leave me to my work."


    **


    As Kyle exited Orion''s house, he made a mental note to give Orion another core before the day ended, so that he could get to work immediately.


    "I''ll head back to the forest," he muttered to himself.


    Void had already gone in earlier, after he had decided to hunt mana cores and devour rather than cultivate.


    Before they parted ways, Kyle had reminded the dragon not to absorb any more cores if he was close to breaking through. Void had reluctantly agreed, knowing Kyle wanted him to save the breakthrough for after they entered the Tower.


    Kyle slipped on the [Veil of Silence] the moment he got to the edge of the forest.


    ''Time to grind,'' he said with a grin, stepping into the dense forest once more.


    ***


    The forest blurred around Kyle as he zipped from one spot to another, his figure a streak of lightning darting between the trees. The faint crackle of electricity marked his rapid movements. Beasts had no time to react before falling to his blade or his spell.


    A Tier-2 Boar charged from his left, its massive frame crushing branches as it barreled toward him. Kyle didn''t even slow down. With a flash of [Lightning Dash], he was behind it in an instant, the [Aurora Fang] already sheathed as the boar''s head hit the ground.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-2 mana beast: Ironhide Boar!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-2 mana cores!]


    ...


    Kyle didn''t pause after the notification, he immediately made the corpse vanish into his inventory as he zipped ahead.


    Those where the scenes as Kyle rapidly cleared the outer forest, eliminating any beast that met his sight and storing them in his inventory.


    He continued on with his slaughter until he reached the other section of the forest. Dashing through the dense foliage Kyle appeared at the other side.


    ''This is where the real fun begins.''


    The moment Kyle crossed the threshold, he was met by a pack of 10 wolves.


    [Earthen Wolves]


    [Tier: 3]


    [HP: 300]


    They ran at him in unison almost immediately, but Kyle responded duely.


    >ZIP!<


    His body blurred as he activated [Lightning Dash] once again, closing the distance to the nearest wolf in an instant. The [Aurora Fang] shimmered with its [Frostfire Edge] enchantment as he swung in a wide arc, decapitating the first wolf in a flash of refracted light.


    >SLASH!<


    >ZIP!<


    Kyle zipped again, appearing behind another wolf and taking it out before it could even turn. The rest of the pack lunged, but their attacks met only air. Kyle was already moving with unmatched speed and precision.


    The heads of the beasts rolled and their bodies fell with his graceful, deadly dance. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Within seconds, the wolves lay lifeless on the ground. The notifications appeared in quick succession:


    [Congratulations! You have slain 10* Tier-3 mana beasts: Earthen Wolves!]


    [You have obtained 10* Tier-3 mana cores!] Discover stories with empire


    Amidst the usual messages, a new notification appeared that made him grin.


    [Vanquished Foes: 619/1000]


    ''Almost there,'' Kyle thought, with his mind already on the next hunts. Without a word, he zipped deeper into the forest. This time, he was ready to go all out.

 Chapter 211 Ten Tier-4 Mana Beasts

    Kyle had just finished taking care of a Tier-4 beast and was currently dashing deeper into the forest. He had almost covered that section of the forest and just when he thought he won''t see any more beasts, he was met with towering Tier-4 creatures before him.[Infernal Hound]


    [Tier: 4]


    [HP: 1200]


    [Abyssal Serpent]


    [Tier: 4]


    [HP: 1300]


    [Ironhide Stalker]


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    [Tier: 4]


    [HP: 1500]


    [Skyclaw Roc]


    [Tier: 4]


    [HP: 1100]


    [Storm Fang]


    [Tier: 4]


    [HP: 1250]


    ...


    The rest filled the list, totaling ten beasts, all radiating destructive power.


    Kyle smiled at the sight with geniune excitement and said within him. ''This would be fun.''


    The mana beasts didn''t give him any chance to act first, surging toward him as one. The Infernal Hound roared and flames erupted from its maw. The Abyssal Serpent slithered forward, water condensing into deadly spears around its form.


    The Ironhide Stalker charged, its footsteps causing tremors. Above, the Skyclaw Roc dived with a shrill cry, while the Storm Fang zipped through the chaos, electricity crackling in its wake.


    ''Not good. They''re coordinated. I need space.''


    Kyle activated [Lightning Dash], his body blurring out of existence as a searing fireball from the Infernal Hound exploded where he''d stood.


    >BOOM!<


    He reappeared near a cluster of trees but was instantly met by the Abyssal Serpent, which lashed out with its water spears. Kyle raised the [Aurora Fang] and activated [Chaos Whirlpool], summoning a swirling vortex of chaotic energy in front of him. The water spears were sucked into the vortex and fired back at the serpent.


    >WHOOSH!<


    The Abyssal Serpent hissed as its own attack slammed into its coiled body, but Kyle''s moment of relief was short-lived. The Skyclaw Roc screeched, sending razor-sharp wind blades hurtling toward him.


    ''No time to dodge. Fine.''


    Kyle unleashed [Chaotic Pulse] and an invisible wave of energy erupted from his body. The wind blades shimmered and distorted, losing their cohesion mid-flight and dissipating harmlessly. Above, the Roc faltered and its mana was briefly disrupted.


    >ZIP!<


    Kyle dashed forward with [Lightning Dash], reappearing in front of the Infernal Hound. The beast growled, flames surging around its body, but Kyle was already swinging the [Aurora Fang] with [Gale Rend] integrated!


    A burst of compressed air ripped from the blade, striking the Hound with enough force to douse its flames temporarily. Kyle followed up with [Blazing Impact], his blade smashing into its side.


    >BOOM!<


    The Hound howled as it was sent skidding back, but Kyle didn''t stop to finish it off. He spun just in time to see the Ironhide Stalker charging, its rocky form barreling toward him.


    ''Alright, let''s test your durability.''


    Kyle planted his feet and channeled mana into the [Aurora Fang], activating [Blazing Impact] once again. The two forces collided with a deafening crash with the shockwave sending debris flying.


    >CRACK!<


    The Stalker roared, its rocky hide cracking slightly, but it still stood. Before Kyle could recover, the Storm Fang pounced, electricity crackling in its fangs. Kyle narrowly dodged, using [Air Steps] to leap into the air.


    From his elevated position, Kyle surveyed the battlefield. The beasts were regrouping, elemental energy gathering around them.


    ''They''re too well-synced. I need to disrupt their rhythm.''


    Kyle dropped back to the ground as he couldn''t stay up for too long, and unleashed [Chaotic Pulse] again. The invisible wave spread out, and the beasts'' attacks were paused temporarily as their mana flows faltered.


    The Infernal Hound''s flames dimmed, the Abyssal Serpent''s water spears collapsed, and even the Skyclaw Roc struggled to maintain its wind blades.


    >ZIP!<


    Kyle capitalized on their hesitation, dashing to the Abyssal Serpent. He activated [Gale Rend], unleashing a flurry of air-pressure slashes that cut deep into the serpent''s scales. It writhed, hissing in pain, but Kyle was already moving again.


    The Storm Fang lunged at him, lightning crackling across its body. Kyle dodged to the side, activating [Chaos Whirlpool] mid-motion. The vortex absorbed the lightning and redirected it straight into the Skyclaw Roc, which squawked in pain as the electric charge stunned it mid-air. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Infernal Hound recovered, flames roaring as it charged at Kyle. He met its advance with a [Blazing Impact], the collision creating another earth-shaking explosion.


    >BOOM!<


    The fight devolved into chaos. Kyle dashed between the beasts, spamming [Lightning Bolts] to keep them at bay and using [Air Steps] to evade their coordinated attacks.


    He wove [Gale Rend] into his swordplay, each slash creating shockwaves that forced the beasts back. Whenever they attempted to overwhelm him with spells, he countered with [Chaos Whirlpool] or disrupted their efforts with [Chaotic Pulse].


    As the battle wore on, the tide began to turn. The Infernal Hound''s flames weakened, the Abyssal Serpent''s movements slowed, and the Ironhide Stalker''s rocky hide was riddled with cracks. The Skyclaw Roc''s wings were shredded from repeated air-pressure strikes, and even the Storm Fang''s once-agile movements were sluggish.


    Kyle focused on the Infernal Hound, delivering a devastating [Blazing Impact] to its head.


    >CRACK!<


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-4 mana beast: Infernal Hound!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-4 mana core!]*


    [Vanquished Foes: 752/1000]


    He immediately turned to the Abyssal Serpent after the beast fell, dodging a desperate lunge and slashing with [Gale Rend], severing its head in a single fluid motion.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-4 mana beast: Abyssal Serpent!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-4 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 653/1000]


    ...


    One by one, the remaining beasts fell, until only the Storm Fang remained. Kyle dashed toward it, his blade glowing with frostfire energy. He activated [Blazing Impact] for the final time, slamming the attack into the wolf with an explosion of light.


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-4 mana beast: Storm Fang!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-4 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 661/1000]


    When the dust settled, the battlefield was silent. Kyle stood amidst the carnage, his body aching but his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.


    Kyle exhaled and sheathed the [Aurora Fang].


    ''Phew... That wasn''t bad,'' he placed all the beasts in his inventory and considered resting but quickly dismissed it.


    ''Time to go hunt a Tier-5 beast.''


    Kyle said internally before passing through a dense foliage. He had a nagging feeling that it was another section of the forest and hoped to encounter stronger beasts.

 Chapter 212 Against A Tier-5 Mana Beast

    >ZIP!<Kyle''s form blurred as he sped through the forest, each stride he made carrying him deeper into the vast expanse of towering trees and sprawling undergrowth.


    The air was thick with the earthy aroma of damp soil, mingled with the faint sweetness of wildflowers. Shafts of golden sunlight pierced through the dense canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor.


    Despite his tranquil surroundings, Kyle''s focus remained razor-sharp.


    The scenery shifted rapidly as he zipped past the seemingly endless forest, and as minutes stretched into an hour, Kyle began to feel the enormity of his goal.


    ''Damn, I underestimated the size of this forest,'' he thought. He hadn''t encountered any Tier-5 beasts yet, and he was beginning to get frustrated.


    Along the way though, Kyle had encountered groups of Tier-4 beasts. They were lesser threats compared to what he sought, but dangerous enough to warrant his attention. Each encounter had slowed his progress a bit, as they forced him to unleash devastating spells and martial techniques to clear his path.


    After dispatching another pack of Tier-4s, Kyle took a moment to catch his breath.


    ''Damn, it''s almost getting late. Where the hell are the Tier-5 beasts?''


    Summoning his resolve, Kyle pushed forward, dashing hundreds of meters in a blur. The forest began to change as the air seemed to become heavier.


    Suddenly, he skidded to a stop. His eyes widened as he stumbled upon a creature unlike anything he had ever seen.


    It looked like a lion, but its size was monstrous... It was almost as large as a house! Its muscular body was covered in sleek, fiery-red fur, and its golden eyes glowed like molten lava.


    Most striking of all was its mane. It looked more like a raging inferno of flames that danced wildly, casting flickering light across the surrounding area!


    The ground beneath the beast was scorched and steam was rising from the patches of smoldered earth.


    [Infernal Flame Lion]


    [Tier: 5]


    [HP: 6000]


    Kyle''s heart raced as he observed the beast. The creature radiated a pressure so intense that it made the Tier-4 beasts he''d faced earlier seem like mere nuisance!


    Kyle''s instincts screamed at him to retreat.


    ''Is this really the strength of a Tier-6 Intermediate mage!'' Kyle thought, tightening his grip on the [Aurora Fang].


    The gap between Beginner and Intermediate mages was massive, and he knew this fight would push him to his limits. But before he could make a decision, the lion locked eyes with him.


    The Infernal Flame Lion let out a deafening roar, and the air around them became suffocatingly hot. The trees nearby ignited in an instant, flames licking upward and smoke curling into the sky. There was no time to think.


    Kyle''s muscles tensed as the Infernal Flame Lion roared, the sound rippling through the forest like a shockwave. The temperature spiked immediately and the air became thick and oppressive.


    The trees around them burst into flames, creating a circle of fire that trapped them both. Kyle''s hand tightened around the [Aurora Fang]. He knew there was no running now.


    The lion moved with terrifying speed for something so massive, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat.


    It immediately swung its flaming claw at Kyle in a wide arc, prompting him to activate [Lightning Dash], his body blurring out of the way just as the ground where he stood erupted in a spray of molten rock.


    >BOOM!<


    Kyle reappeared to the lion''s side and unleashed [Lightning Bolts], streaks of crackling energy lancing toward the beast. The attacks struck its fiery mane, momentarily dimming the flames, but the lion retaliated instantly.


    A massive fireball erupted from its maw. The heat was so intense that Kyle felt his skin blistering even from a distance.


    ''Damn it!'' he thought, summoning [Chaos Whirlpool] to absorb and redirect the fireball. The vortex flung fragments of fiery energy back at the lion, but they splashed harmlessly against its molten hide.


    The lion roared again, its mane surging brighter as if fueled by its rage. It charged, its flaming body a streak of destruction. Kyle barely managed to evade, using [Air Steps] to leap into the air.


    Now near to the lion''s upper body, he activated [Gale Rend], sending a flurry of air-pressure slashes toward the lion''s torso.


    >WHOOSH!<


    The strikes hit their mark, cutting through the flames and drawing blood from the beast''s side. But the lion merely snarled and its golden eyes locked on Kyle. It turned towards him with terrifying agility, swiping its massive claws mid-air.


    Kyle twisted his body to avoid the attack and landed roughly on the ground as the lion crashed down in front of him, the impact sending out a shockwave that toppled nearby trees.


    Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as the two clashed. Kyle dashed around the battlefield, dodging relentless swipes and retaliating with [Blazing Impact] whenever he could find an opening.


    Each swing of his blade sent shockwaves rippling across the lion''s body, but its fiery aura regenerated faster than Kyle could deal damage.


    ''This thing''s endurance is insane!'' Kyle thought with labored breathing. The beast showed no signs of tiring and its attacks only grew fiercer as the fight dragged on.


    The Infernal Flame Lion roared once again, the sound reverberating through the blazing forest. Kyle could barely keep up with the beast''s relentless assault. His surroundings had turned into an Inferno, with the intense heat searing his skin. It was only thanks to his [Undying] trait that instantly repaired the damage that he was still in the fight.


    The beast pounced at him again, its claws wreathed in flames. Kyle dashed sideways with [Lightning Dash], narrowly avoiding the strike, but the claws managed to graze his skin and draw lots blood.


    The system''s notification flashed in his mind:


    [HP: 150/460]


    He didn''t have time to dwell on the massive chunk of his health that had gone as had leaped into the air using [Air Steps] once again. From above, he unleashed a barrage of [Lightning Bolts] on the lion, spamming the spell from there until he couldn''t stay up anymore.


    ''Fuck! This thing''s not giving me a chance to breathe,'' Kyle thought the moment he saw pillars of fire erupting through the battlefield.


    Kyle dashed between the flames, activating [Gale Rend] to send compressed air-pressure slashes at the lion. The strikes landed, cutting into its molten hide and drawing blood, but the lion''s flames regenerated almost as quickly as Kyle''s own wounds.


    But after some more moves with the beast, Kyle could feel it coming. He didn''t need to feel threatened to know he could do it now.


    ''Finally,'' Kyle said internally and his face curved into a wicked grin:


    ''Time to end this!''


    The lion charged at him for the umpteenth time, its fiery mane burning hotter than ever. Kyle activated [Chaotic Pulse], the invisible shockwave disrupting the beast''s mana flow and causing its flames to flicker before it could make an attack.


    He channeled everything he had into the [Aurora Fang] and for the first time in the battle, the weapon resonated with his intent and he allowed it to happen.


    He dashed forward with [Air Steps] to close the distance, pouring all his strength into one final [Blazing Impact].


    Find your next adventure on empire


    ''Die.''


    He simply said within him, and a white line attack flew from his katana that easily cut the lion in two halves, resulting in a massive explosion. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    >BOOOOOOM!<


    [Congratulations! You have slain Tier-5 mana beast: Infernal Flame Lion!]


    [You have obtained 1* Tier-5 mana core!]


    [Vanquished Foes: 781/1000]

 Chapter 213 Almost There

    Kyle stood amidst the scorched battlefield with ragged breathing. His gaze fell on the massive, bisected corpse of the Infernal Flame Lion, its fiery mane extinguished and its molten hide cooling rapidly.He removed the [Veil of Silence] from his face and placed it in his inventory before sighing.


    "Damn¡­ that was close."


    He secured the beast within his inventory and stretched his sore muscles before looking up to the sky.


    "I should probably go home and rest," he murmured. His sword intent always took a toll on his mind and he seriously needed some rest.


    He glanced at the [Aurora Fang], its once-glowing blade was now subdued. With a thought, he sent it into his inventory too, not willing to risk another fight in his current state.


    Shaking his head, Kyle took one last look at the smoldering battlefield before turning on his heel. His figure blurred once more as he activated [Lightning Dash], zipping through the forest at incredible speed.


    For almost an hour, Kyle dashed nonstop through the forest, until the oppressive atmosphere finally broke, and Kyle burst out into the open. Cool evening air greeted him, and the stars began to emerge in the darkening sky.


    He slowed to a stop with a triumphant smile spreading across his face.


    "I''ll give Orion the mana cores first," Kyle decided before heading to Orion''s house.


    ***


    After delivering the needed Tier-4 cores to Orion, Kyle finally headed home. He didn''t bother with anything else and found his room to take a much needed bath first.


    After his bath, Kyle dried off and walked to the bed.


    ''Inventory!''


    [Inventory: 1091* Tier-1 mana core, 77* Tier-2 mana core, 152* Tier-3 mana core, 36* Tier-4 mana core, 1* Tier-5 mana core...]


    Kyle grinned widely as he observed his inventory. "I really had a massive haul."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Lightning Mage: Lv 9


    EXP: 29,910/40,500


    Beginner Chaos Mage: Lv 8


    EXP: 11,919/27,000


    ...


    Kyle inspected his status to calculate the maximum mana cores he could gobble that would ensure he doesn''t break through.


    "10,590 EXP needed," he muttered while calculating.


    "That''ll be, all 91 Tier-1 mana cores, all 77 Tier-2 mana cores and 26 of the Tier-3 mana cores. Let''s do this."


    With a mental command, Kyle summoned the required mana cores on the bed and began gobbling them one after the other.


    [EXP +30] Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [EXP +30]


    [EXP +30]


    ...


    Some minutes later he was done with them all.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Beginner Lightning Mage: Lv 9


    EXP: 40,380/40,500


    Beginner Chaos Mage: Lv 8


    EXP: 22,269/27,000


    ...


    Kyle had ensured he didn''t come too close on purpose, not like he could avoid it as another core meant a breakthrough, but he preferred it that way; so that any attempt he made at cultivation, to complete a quest for example, would not make him breakthrough.


    ''It''s just a pity that I can''t level my Chaos attribute either,'' Kyle thought. He couldn''t direct the mana on a particular core while gobbling, but he could do that with cultivation but it was still sad he couldn''t do it easier. That would have let him have both his elements at the peak before his trial. Find more to read at empire


    ''As for the remaining Tier-3 cores, I might as well give it to Riya since I can easily get them,'' Kyle thought before recalling how much EXP he needed to breakthrough from the 6th stage.


    "12,000 EXP... 100 mana cores should do," he muttered before summoning the required cores. Unlike him who could literally eat the cores to gain mana, Riya would still have to absorb them through cultivation, and why that was way faster than normal cultivation... it wasn''t that remarkable.


    ''Hopefully it''ll help her breakthrough before the trial.''


    Kyle went over to Riya''s room to give her the cores and after many thank yous and surprise from her, he left her with some work to do as she paused the technique book she was reading and began to cultivate.


    She obviously understood that while it would take her many months to master the technique, her cultivation would be vital to her in the short term.


    ''Time to sleep,'' Kyle thought, falling on the bed without minding the fact that Void wasn''t back yet. He could feel his presence through their mind link and had even spoken with him, Kyle knew he was safe.


    ***


    Over the next three days, Kyle maintained his relentless routine. Each morning, he set off into the depths of the forest, honing his skills whilst hunting high-tier beasts for mana cores.


    It felt almost addictive to him as his pile of mana cores grew in his inventory with each day. Void, meanwhile also took to the forest to hunt. Though he did his separately. Though they didn''t fight side by side, Kyle felt reassured that Void was progressing and had taken his advise to not devour any mana cores after reaching the peak.


    Riya, however didn''t venture into the forest like them as she was occupied with the invaluable mana cores Kyle had presented to her.


    She dove headfirst into her cultivation with single-minded determination and for three days straight, she immersed herself in absorbing their energy, her progress accelerating beyond what she could have imagined.


    The technique book she had been reading lay momentarily forgotten on her desk. Though its knowledge was vital, but breaking through in cultivation took precedence at that moment.


    ***


    [Congratulations! You have completed your daily quest]


    [You have obtained 1 STA point]


    [STA: 236 >> 237]


    [Energy: 472 >> 474]


    [Time: 0:02:41]


    [10/10 Km]


    Upon noticing he had completed his daily quest, Kyle decided to take a detour to Orion''s house right away.


    "It''s finally time," he murmured as his pace quickening. The Tower''s opening was going to happen that day and he knew that he was ready for it. But he had one more thing to pick up before that.


    Reaching Orion''s house, Kyle paused to collect himself. His thoughts drifted briefly to the promise of the bow Orion had promised to forge and how amazing it should be. With a wide smile, he raised his hand and knocked firmly on the door.

 Chapter 214 Another Hug?

    Moments after Kyle knocked, the door opened, revealing Orion who looked like he hadn''t slept well.Orion''s look was already quite normal for Kyle and that even meant that he had been busy with the task he gave him, so he ignored teasing him on his look for once and asked the only question he should be asking:


    "Is the bow ready?"


    "Of course it''s ready," Orion replied with a yawn, before waving at Kyle and saying, "Follow me.


    Kyle followed Orion through his house until they reached the lab. The room was dimly lit and was filled with different tools, strange devices and mana cores. Continue reading at empire


    At its center was where Kyle''s attention was focused. There was a table there, and on it was the bow along with ten exquisitely crafted arrows.


    "There it is," Orion said, gesturing at the items on the table. "I could only make these few arrows, but the bow is the real masterpiece."


    Kyle barely heard Orion''s words, as his attention was already locked on the bow, ready to see what it was capable of.


    ''Inspect.''


    [Unnamed]


    [Weapon Type: Longbow]


    [Weapon Rank: Advanced]


    [Enchantments: Mana Siphon, Explosive Impact, Inferno Tempest]


    [Mana Siphon: Arrows fired from the bow absorb a portion of the target''s mana upon impact, transferring it to the user.


    Cooldown: 1 minute]


    [Explosive Impact: Each arrow fired from this bow explodes upon impact.


    Mana is required to activate this property.


    Explosion strength depends on the amount of mana chanelled and the proficiency of the user with the fire element]


    Kyle''s gaze shifted to the arrows beside it, his system detailing their properties as well.


    [Unnamed Arrows]


    [Type: Advanced Grade]


    [Enchantment: Phase Shot]


    [Phase Shot: The arrow enters a separate plane of existence upon being nocked and fired, allowing it to bypass barriers, armor, and obstacles.


    The user can summon the arrow back into the material world at their desired location for a powerful impact.


    MP required: None]


    "Wow, this is impressive," Kyle murmured after reading through its description.


    His remark made Orion raise an eyebrow at him. "It''s not just about how beautiful it looks, you know. You haven''t even asked about the enchantments yet. That''s the most important part."


    Kyle chuckled nervously, remembering that Orion didn''t know about his ability to use [Inspect].


    "Of course, I know that''s the most important part. But¡­" He hesitated for a moment before quickly coming up with a cover. "I was just admiring your craftsmanship. You don''t see a bow like this every day."


    Orion''s skeptical look deepened. "Well, let me explain what you''re holding because you''re definitely not appreciating it the right way.


    Orion launched into an explanation, detailing the bow''s enchantments and capabilities, but Kyle already knew them from his system''s breakdown.


    Still, he nodded along and acted amazed at all the right moments. When Orion finished, Kyle clapped him on the shoulder and said, "You''ve really done well.This is incredible. Thank you."


    "I know," Orion said with a smile before pulling Kyle''s hand off his shoulder and gesturing him to the door.


    "Now, get going. I''ve got to get ready for the Tower."


    Kyle grinned as he picked up the bow and arrows, carefully bundling them together before placing them in his inventory.


    As he turned to leave, Orion added with a smirk, "Go give Riya her gift. And hey, maybe I''ll be the next on your gift list."


    "Keep playing," Kyle replied with a laugh. "You get enough out of me already."


    Orion laughed but didn''t deny it.


    "See you at the tower," Kyle added before he left, promoting Orion to laugh a little.


    "That''s not possible but sure."


    Kyle was intrigued by what Orion said and asked, "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "You''ll see when you get there," Orion said before dismissing him.


    ***


    By the time Kyle returned home, Riya was already in the living room. She was dressed for the day in casual but practical outfit emphasizing her readiness for their trip, while reading the martial technique Kyle had given her. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle looked closely at her could feel that she had managed to breakthrough, which was nice as she had channeled her attention on the technique once more.


    He caught her attention with a light cough after he entered, prompting Riya to glance up at him.


    "Finally, you''re back. We''ll be leaving soon, so go take a bath, eat the breakfast I made, and get ready."


    "Yes, ma''am," Kyle replied comically, earning an eye roll from her as she returned to her book.


    He grinned and walked closer into before summoning the equipment from his inventory and carefully unwrapping it.


    "Before that, though, I got you something."


    Riya''s eyes flicked up from the book with curiosity. She stood immediately, watching as Kyle revealed the bow and her jaw dropped slightly at the sight of the polished wood and the gleaming arrows.


    For a moment, Riya stood up before staring with disbelief. "Wait¡­ What is this?"


    Kyle smiled and handed her the bow. "It''s an advanced-grade weapon. The bow has multiple enchantments, and the arrows are enchanted too. Handle it with care; it wasn''t easy to get this made."


    Riya took the bow with trembling hands, her expression shifting from shock to awe as she examined it. "This¡­ This can''t be real. How did you even¡ª"


    Kyle chuckled at her reaction and replied. "I just hunted some Tier-4 mana beasts and made Orion make something exceptional with the cores.. Your old bow wasn''t enchanted, and I could tell it wasn''t doing you justice. I thought you deserved better, so here we are."


    Riya was stunned. She ran her fingers over the polished wood of the bow and the intricate runes carved into it. "Tier-4 mana cores?" she asked softly, still trying to process the magnitude of the gift.


    "Yep," Kyle confirmed. "I didn''t hold back on this one. The bow has good enchantments and the arrows can bypass barriers. Pretty neat, huh?"


    Riya''s mouth opened and closed as she tried to form words, but nothing coherent came out. She had never seen advanced grade weapons in her life and owning one was very big for her. Finally, she managed to say quietly


    "Thank you, Kyle. This is¡­ incredible."


    Kyle closed his eyes at that moment and his hands moved in reflex spreading wide as if expecting something, it was only when he caught the air did he open his eyes and see what was happening.


    "Uh, are you okay?"


    Kyle''s face flushed red almost immediately, and he tried to come up with an excuse.


    "Oh! Uh, yeah, I was just¡­ checking something."


    Riya gave him a suspicious look but then laughed lightly. "Right. Well, I''ll test it out in the backyard. You should eat your breakfast before it gets cold."


    "Yeah, sure," Kyle muttered with embarrassment before turning and heading towards his room, making sure to close the door behind him.


    Leaning against the door, Kyle pressed a hand to his chest.


    "What the hell just happened? Was I¡­ Was I really expecting her to hug me?"


    The thought made his cheeks heat up even more. He groaned, covering his face with both hands.


    "Get a grip, Kyle. She thanked you; that''s enough."


    Still, a small part of him whispered that maybe, just maybe, he could have gotten that hug like before.


    "I mean, I deserved one," he muttered defensively. "That bow wasn''t cheap, and those enchantments are next-level. A hug wouldn''t have been too much to ask for."


    The moment the words left his mouth, he groaned again and slapped himself on the cheek with so much force that he felt it.


    "Snap out of it! You''re acting ridiculous."


    He paced the room, trying to clear his head, but the memory of Riya''s stunned expression and her soft thank you replayed in his mind. It left a strange warmth in his chest, one he wasn''t quite sure how to handle.


    "What''s wrong with me?" he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "This isn''t normal. Am I¡­ losing my mind?"


    As he turned to face the bed, his gaze landed on Void, who had been looking at him and at that moment the dragon had already erupted into a wild laughter.


    "Hey! What''s funny?" Kyle asked defensively, trying to probe how much Void knew.


    Void only kept on laughing before saying. "That was ridiculous! You''re falling for Riya? I thought it was Lora, you play boy." he said between laughs making Kyle''s face to darken with anger.

 Chapter 215 Journey to the Tower

    "Shut up. Stop acting like anything happened, and why the hell would I be falling for a girl? That makes no sense.""Oh? You forgot I could phase through walls and go invisible, didn''t you?" Void reminded with a smirk. "I saw everything that happened in the living room."


    Kyle had no response to what Void said, and with a resigned sigh, he grabbed a towel and headed into the bathroom.


    As Kyle poured water on himself in the bathroom, he had some time to think about his earlier actions.


    ''What the hell is wrong with me?'' he wondered. Was Void right? No. It wasn''t possible. Maybe he was just overthinking things. Riya''s thank you had been heartfelt, and her reaction to the bow was everything he''d hoped for. Nothing more. Nothing less.


    "It''s nothing serious," he comforted himself before pouring water once more.


    t''s After some time, Kyle got dressed, gathered his gear, ate, and joined Riya and Void, who were waiting for him in the living room. Together, they made their way to the infirmary.


    Grace was cultivating as usual when they arrived, but she opened her eyes the moment they arrived.


    "Are you ready to depart?"


    They nodded their head at her question, prompting her to continue.


    "Well then, follow me. I''ve made arrangements for you."


    Kyle and Riya exchanged curious glances but said nothing as they followed Grace outside.


    Once in the open, Grace reached into a small space pouch at her side and loosened its strings.


    "This might surprise you," she said with a knowing smile as she loosened the strings.


    From the pouch emerged a massive creature, a black and white eagle-like beast with an impressive wingspan and sharp talons.


    "This is a Skyrend Roc I rented. It will carry you to the tower," Grace explained.


    Kyle and Riya were stunned at seeing the creature, but their excitement was more tempered since this wasn''t the first not the second time they were getting on a flying creature.


    "So, it knows the way to the tower?" Kyle asked.


    "It does," Grace confirmed. "But just in case, here''s a map." She handed a rolled paper to Kyle, who scanned it with his comm device, saving an electronic copy there, before Riya did the same.


    "You''ll also need to feed it during the journey," Grace continued. "I''ll give you coins to buy some meat for her before you do."


    "Dont worry. I''ve got plenty of beast corpses remaining," Kyle replied, earning an approving nod from Grace.


    "The journey will take about two days, so you''ll need to stop every ten hours to let her rest. Don''t overwork her," Grace explained in reference to the beast.


    "Got it," Riya confirmed with a nod.


    Grace stepped closer and placed her hand on their shoulders. "I expect you two to come back stronger, but above all, stay safe."


    Before either could respond, she pulled them into a brief but heartfelt hug.


    Grace stepped back and her warm smile returned to her face. "I trust you both. Now, go."


    Kyle, Riya, and Void climbed onto the Skyrend Roc''s back.The creature let out a powerful cry and spread its massive wings wide before it launched into the sky.


    The rush of wind filled their ears as they ascended and the ground shrinked rapidly beneath them.


    The Skyrend Roc glided effortlessly through the skies, its wings spanning wide as it soared above the vast and unending horizon. Kyle sat near the front with his eyes glued on the scenery below.


    Beside him sat Riya, equally enthralled by the sights, while Void lay curled up behind them, lazily enjoying the ride.


    The Roc''s flight continued for hours. They passed over dense jungles, vast grasslands teeming with wild beasts, and even ruins of what looked like an ancient city buried under layers of moss and vines. Kyle couldn''t help but ask questions.


    "What do you think happened there?" he asked, gesturing toward the ruins.


    "Maybe a forgotten civilization," Riya suggested. "Or a kingdom that fell long ago. There are stories about how powerful mages in the past created their own cities but failed to sustain them."


    Void chimed in, his voice tinged with amusement. "Most likely greed or ambition led to their downfall. It always does."


    Kyle recognized them from his knowledge of history and could even name quite a few of the lands they passed.


    As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of orange, then purple, Kyle noticed the Roc''s wings beginning to falter slightly.


    "I think it''s time to land," he said, glancing at Riya. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She agreed, pointing toward a clearing in a nearby forest. "That spot looks perfect."


    The Roc descended gracefully, its massive claws landing with a soft thud on the grassy ground. The clearing was surrounded by tall trees, their leaves glowing faintly under the twilight sky. As Kyle and Riya dismounted, the Roc let out a low, satisfied squawk before folding its wings.


    Kyle stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles after hours of sitting.


    "Alright, let''s eat something." He opened his inventory, pulling out a collection of snacks that he''d packed from the academy cafeteria.


    Void''s eyes gleamed. "Finally!"


    But Riya shook her head firmly. "No. We''re not eating snacks for dinner. Let''s prepare something proper. Roasted meat sounds good."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Roasted meat? Do you know how long that takes?"


    "Come on, Kyle," she said, smiling. "It''ll be fun. We''re not in a rush, are we?"


    Kyle sighed but eventually relented. "Fine. Let me see what I have."


    Reaching into his inventory, he pulled out the massive corpse of a Tier-4 beast. The sheer size of the creature drew gasps from both Riya and the Roc, who tilted its head curiously.


    "Where did you even get that?" Riya asked, her eyes wide.


    Kyle grinned. "The same way I got your bow."


    Unsheathing the [Aurora Fang], Kyle began cutting the beast into manageable pieces. The katana''s fiery edge made the task surprisingly easy, making each slice clean and precise.


    Riya crouched nearby, conjuring her signature blue flames. The heat was intense but controlled, flickering softly as she adjusted its intensity. "Let me handle the roasting."


    The process was smooth, with each of them contributing. Void occasionally offered unhelpful advice, while the Roc watched intently, clearly eager for a taste.


    When the meat was finally ready, Riya threw in some spices that she carried with her in her space ring, evident of her readiness and the aroma filled the clearing, making Kyle''s stomach rumble.


    They sat around a small campfire they had prepared and all enjoyed the prepared meal. Even the Roc was fed its share, letting out pleased coos as it devoured the roasted meat.


    "This is so much better and its filled with energy," Riya said between bites. She could feel the mana coursing through her with each bite.


    Kyle nodded, savoring the flavor. "You''re right. This was a good idea."


    Stay connected through empire


    [EXP +50]


    [EXP +50]


    Kyle was scared for a moment, but tactfully controlled the mana into his Chaos core after a moment and reminded Void to expel his.


    The campfire crackled softly, its warm glow contrasting with the cool night air. After their meal, the trio sat quietly for a while, simply enjoying the serenity of the moment.


    As the night deepened, Kyle stood up and stretched. "We should get some rest. I''ll keep watch first."


    Riya shook her head. "No, I''ll keep watch. You''ve done enough today."


    "I''m not letting you stay up all night while I sleep," Kyle said with a frown.


    They argued for a while before finally reaching a compromise. Kyle would keep watch for the first four hours, and Riya would take over for the remainder of the night.


    With Riya, Void and the Roc settled nearby, Kyle sat near the fire, the [Aurora Fang] resting across his lap. His eyes scanned the forest, alert for any signs of movement.


    For the first hour, he stayed sharp with his thoughts wandering to the journey ahead and the strange beauty of the wilderness. But as the second hour rolled in, fatigue began to creep in. His eyelids growing heavier with each passing moment and he continuously shut his eyes.


    "It won''t hurt to close my eyes for a moment," he told himself.


    Before he realized it, sleep claimed him.


    ***


    Kyle didn''t know how much time had passed when he felt a tug on the weapon in his hand. Instinctively, his grip tightened, but the tug came again, harder this time but Kyle''s hand refused to budge.


    Just when he was about to use more force to pull the weapon, Kyle''s eyes opened. The thief abandoned the idea of stealing the katana immediately. Activating a wind spell, he zoomed quickly out of sight.

 Chapter 216 A Thief

    Kyle''s sharp instincts kicked in as he saw the thief bolt away, the wind spell propelling him forward with surprising speed. Without hesitation, Kyle activated [Lightning Dash], his body surging forward in a flash of blue lightning. Enjoy more content from empireAnd then onwards, the distance between them began to shrink rapidly.


    The thief glanced over his shoulder, his eyes wide with panic. ''Damn it! He''s fast!'' His heart raced in panic as he poured more mana into his spell, propelling himself further.


    But as he moved, he felt something strange. The boy''s mana signature was faint, weak, even and the boy was even slower than he expected.


    He presumed Kyle was fast due to the expectation he had on his speed but when a realization came on him, he suddenly felt a wave of relief.


    ''Wait a second¡­ he''s just a Beginner Mage?'' the thief thought and his fear melted into confidence. The pieces began to fall into place in his mind.


    He had been observing the group for hours, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He had been doing all these because the weapon the boy carried was an advanced-grade magic equipment! A prize beyond imagination.


    Initially, he had hesitated to make a move, fearing the power of its wielder. So he had decided to wait till it''s owner slept and could only wish that he succeeded in grabbing it and fleeing.


    But now, the situation seemed too good to be true.


    ''That sword¡­ how can someone this weak possess such a treasure? It doesn''t make sense.'' Then the thought surfaced on his mind.


    ''Ah, I see now. He''s just a rich young master! They probably handed it to him for protection. That explains everything.''


    The thief''s lips curled into a wicked smirk as his earlier fear turned into greed. The thought of what other treasures the boy might be carrying ignited a hunger within him.


    And with that thought, he slowed to a stop, his wind spell dissipating as he turned to face Kyle.


    "This is a god-sent opportunity," the thief murmured to himself as his smirk widened. "No point running now. I might as well rob him of that sword¡­ and anything else he''s hiding."


    ***


    Kyle, who had been carefully gauging the thief''s speed and strength, was taken aback when the man suddenly stopped and turned.


    ''What the¡­? He was running for his life a second ago.'' Kyle frowned, his pace steady as he observed the thief''s movements.


    The [Aurora Fang] was still firmly in his grip and that was all that mattered, but he was still prepared to chase the thief to the ends of the forest and the sudden halt surprised him.


    ''Was he testing me too?'' Kyle wondered, slowing his speed slightly. He had deliberately held back during the chase, wanting to assess the thief''s capabilities.


    The man was fast, too fast for most, but Kyle''s agility wasn''t average either and he wasn''t even at full power yet. He had no doubt he could catch him if he wanted to, if the thief kept running at that pace, that is.


    Still, something about the thief''s confident smirk as he turned to face him unsettled Kyle. The man wasn''t running anymore. Instead, he stood there, his body relaxed but his gaze predatory.


    The thief chuckled and said:


    "You really think that you can catch me with that weak mana of yours? I have to admit, you''re faster than I expected for a Beginner Mage. But that''s all you are. A kid playing with toys far beyond his worth."


    Kyle''s grip tightened on [Aurora Fang] and his mind processed what was going on.


    "You think so?" he replied coolly, electricity crackling faintly around his feet.


    The thief laughed again, emboldened by his perceived advantage.


    "Oh, I know so. That sword of yours will fetch a fortune. But now that I''ve seen you up close¡­" His eyes gleamed with greed as he scanned Kyle from head to toe. "I think I''ll take all your other stuff and kill you. I can even have fun with the girl over there when I''m done."


    Kyle sighed and his expression turned cold at the thief''s words.


    "You just had to make such a blunder... I guess they''ll be no problem killing you now."


    "Kill me?" the thief asked back with a dark chuckle. "Oh, please. Don''t try to act like some big shot. I''ll gut you like the naive brat you are."


    "Alright," Kyle said, electricity sparking more violently around him as he raised [Aurora Fang], its edge glowing in the dim light. "Let''s see if you remain confident after your death."


    The thief faltered for a split second, sensing a shift in the air around Kyle. ''What the¡­? His mana signature... it''s¡­ growing?''


    But before he could process it further, Kyle dashed forward, a streak of lightning tearing through the night.


    The thief was surprised for a moment on Kyle''s sudden outburst of speed, but raised his hand quickly, causing violent swirling wind to gather around him as he cast a wind spell: [Tempest Barrage].


    Sharp wind blades shot toward Kyle, their speed and ferocity deadly.


    Kyle sidestepped the first volley effortlessly with [Air Steps] before swinging his katana in a practiced motion to activate [Gale Rend].


    A flurry of compressed air slashes countered the wind blades neutralizing them mid-air. This made the thief''s smirk to morph into a grimace as Kyle kept advancing, unbothered by the assault.


    "You''re faster than I expected for a Beginner Mage, but let''s see how long you last," the thief sneered and his mana surged. The wind around him condensed into a protective barrier, swirling rapidly like a miniature cyclone.


    Kyle allowed the barrier to completely enclose the thief, before saying within himself. ''Let''s see how tough this stuff is.''


    >WHOOSH!<


    With crackling speed, he surged toward the barrier, executing activating the [Frostfire Edge] enchantment on the katana and executing [Blazing Impact] at the last moment.


    Then, with a final downward slash Kyle brought the katana down at the barrier.


    >BOOOOM!!<


    The katana easily shattered the dome into various fragments, resulting in a massive shockwave and leaving the thief stunned.


    The thief''s face was pale as he stared at the shattered remains of his barrier. His confidence had crumbled as swiftly as the wind dome that had once shielded him.


    "H-How¡­ how is that possible?!" he stammered in a trembling voice.


    "That''s¡­ that''s impossible! My barrier is reinforced with the mana of a Tier-4 Intermediate Mage! There''s no way¡­ no way a Beginner Mage could break through it with one strike!"


    Kyle stood calmly amidst the swirling aftermath, the faint glow of [Aurora Fang]''s edge dissipating as he lowered the katana. A faint smile curved his lips gaze never left the thief.


    "Maybe you should''ve done your homework before picking your target," Kyle replied. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The thief''s jaw clenched in frustration. His mind reeled, trying to piece together how this supposed beginner could possibly wield such overwhelming power.


    Every assumption he had made felt like a cruel joke, and his earlier smugness now seemed utterly foolish.


    "You''re bluffing!" the thief spat in desperation. "You think one flashy move can scare me? Think again!"


    The thief''s eyes was filled with panic, but he forced himself to regain composure. With a sharp motion, he raised both hands, gathering a swirling mass of wind. The air crackled as mana surged, condensing into jagged projectiles that hovered menacingly above him.


    "[Gale Storm Barrage]!" he roared, sending the deadly wind projectiles hurtling toward Kyle with devastating force.


    Kyle didn''t flinch at the attack. Instead he simply summoned a spell of his:


    "[Chaotic Whirlpool]," he called softly.


    A swirling vortex of unstable energy formed around him immediately, prompting the wind projectiles to veer off course and sucked into the vortex''s chaotic spin.


    The thief watched in stunned disbelief as his attacks were consumed, disappearing into the spiraling energy.


    "What the hell is that?!" he exclaimed in dread.


    Kyle stepped forward, the vortex still swirling ominously around him. Then, with a sudden pulse of energy, the vortex released its hold, sending the stolen projectiles hurtling back toward their origin.


    >BOOOM!<


    The thief had no time to react. His own attacks struck him with brutal precision, throwing him to the ground with a heavy thud. He groaned in pain and struggled to push himself up.


    On sensing he was down, Kyle walked up to him and said with a calm smile.


    "Game over."


    Kyle stared down at the thief, who was now on his knees, trembling and battered. The man''s hood had been torn in the clash, revealing a gaunt, pale face marred with scars with his dark eyes filled with tears of desperation.


    His earlier arrogance and greed had melted into pure fear as he clasped his hands together in a desperate plea.


    "Please!" the thief begged with a cracking voice. "Please don''t kill me! I''ve done bad things. I know! But I swear I can change! I can make it right! Just give me a chance!"


    Kyle''s grip on the [Aurora Fang] tightened. The blade shimmered faintly, reflecting the moonlight.


    He remembered the thief''s threats, the malice in his voice when he spoke about harming him and his companions. The thought of sparing such a person felt wrong. It felt like he would be betraying his own sense of justice.


    "You threatened my life. You threatened my companion. You were ready to take everything from me¡­ and worse. You deserve death."


    Kyle said with a voice devoid of emotion, but despite it all; he internally contemplated on whether to kill the man or not.

 Chapter 217 Arrival

    the thief''s face crumpled and his tears began to flow freely now. he lowered his head to the ground, bowing in complete submission."you''re right! you''re absolutely right! i deserve it!" he cried. "but please, don''t kill me! i don''t want to die! i- i can leave! you''ll never see me again, i swear! just¡­ please!"


    kyle raised the [aurora fang], the edge humming with latent energy as he prepared to deliver the final blow. he told himself that this was the right thing to do.


    he had made a promise to kill the thief and the thief''s life wasn''t worth sparing. it was justice even.


    yet, as the blade hovered above the man''s bowed head, kyle hesitated.


    ''why am i hesitating?'' kyle thought, his mind battling itself. ''he deserves this. i said i would do it. i should do it.''


    the thief''s pitiful sobs echoed in the stillness, each one like a weight pressing down on kyle''s chest. the image of the thief''s terrified face was seared into his mind, his humanity laid bare.


    ''he''s not a mana beast,'' kyle reminded himself. ''he''s a person. a person who made terrible choices¡­ but a person nonetheless.''


    kyle lowered the sword slightly, his frustration bubbling to the surface. he was disgusted with himself. how could he hesitate after everything the thief had said? yet, no matter how much he told himself to act, something inside him stopped him.


    with a heavy sigh, kyle stepped back, his grip loosening on [aurora fang]. the faint glow of the blade dimmed as he sheathed it.


    the thief lifted his head, his face streaked with dirt and tears. his eyes widened in disbelief as he realized kyle wasn''t going to kill him.


    "go," kyle said flatly, turning his back on the man. "before i change my mind."


    the thief scrambled to his feet, clutching his injured side. "thank you! thank you! you won''t regret this, i swear!" he babbled, bowing repeatedly as he backed away. "i''ll never come near you or your group again. i swear it!"


    kyle didn''t respond. he didn''t even look at the thief as the man stumbled away, disappearing into the shadows of the forest as fast as his legs could carry him.


    as silence settled once more, kyle let out another sigh, the weight of the decision still heavy on his shoulders. he glanced at the torn hood the thief had left behind, remembering the face that had been revealed, a face he would not soon forget. s~ea??h the nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    for a long moment, kyle stood there, staring into the darkness where the thief had vanished. then, shaking his head, he turned and began walking back toward the rest slept.


    the night air felt colder now, and kyle couldn''t help but feel as if he''d lost something, perhaps a piece of himself, in sparing that man.


    ''i''m weak and that''s bad,'' kyle admitted to himself as he stayed watch. riya''s turn soon came and she took over from him, kyle didn''t want to disturb her with what happened so he obliged when she took over, telling her nothing.


    he still paid rapt attention though, not wanting to get ambushed again.


    ***


    the first rays of dawn crept over the forest canopy, casting warm hues across the clearing.


    kyle woke up from the aroma of breakfast, as riya and void were already busying themselves re-heating the remaining roasted meat from before.


    he didn''t waste time to join them, making them finish quickly.


    "we need to move quickly today," kyle said between bites.


    riya nodded, "agreed. let''s make the most of the roc''s speed."


    once their meal was finished and the camp dismantled, they mounted the skyrend roc again. riya gently patted the bird''s neck. "alright, girl. let''s take off."


    with a piercing cry, the roc spread its massive wings and launched them into the sky. the wind whipped past them as the vast forest below became a blur of green.


    the journey unfolded without any major incidents, much to kyle''s surprise. no thieves emerged from the trees, no ambushes, and no dangerous beasts attempted to attack. it felt... odd.


    "you know," kyle said after several hours of flight, "i thought this forest would be teeming with dangers. but it''s been unusually quiet."


    "there''s nothing out of place with that. people rarely ambushed each other on the way to the tower, as the punishment for offending someone powerful was very severe," riya explained.


    "oh... i see," kyle muttered. but riya''s words made him more suspicious of the thief''s attack at them. if anything, it wasn''t quite normal but he freed his mind by concluding it was just a coincidence... for now at least.


    as they traveled further, they noticed that birds of varying sizes and colors began flying alongside them and they seemed to be heading in the same direction.


    "they''re really alot of people coming to this tower," kyle remarked once.


    "yup, who wouldn''t want to? the rewards are immense and it opens every hundred years."


    "makes sense," kyle muttered, focusing his attention on the lands once more.


    ***


    two days passed in relative peace. they followed grace''s instructions, stopping periodically to rest the roc and feed it. the majestic bird never once faltered, carrying them tirelessly toward their destination.


    finally, as the sun dipped low on the second day, a sight emerged that left all three of them in awe.


    "wow," kyle muttered, unable to take his eyes off the scene before them.


    beneath them lay a large island, surrounded by glittering blue waters that stretched as far as the eye could see. but what truly caught their attention wasn''t the island itself, it was the sheer number of people there.


    thousands upon thousands of figures moved about, some cultivating quietly under the shade of massive trees, others camping in groups around makeshift fires. more arrivals poured in by the second, some on ship, others on flying beasts or floating platforms.


    "it''s like a small city," riya who had expected many people said in shock, her eyes wide as she took in the bustling activity below.


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    void floated closer and scanned the area with an amused smirk. "not a tower in sight. guess someone forgot the ''tower'' part of ''tower of trials.''"


    the skyrend roc let out a sharp cry as it descended toward the island. they landed in a less crowded area, the ground soft underfoot as they dismounted.


    riya quickly stored the roc back in her space pouch, patting its neck affectionately before it disappeared into the magical storage.


    kyle walked forward and admired the scene once more before declaring:


    "we''ve arrived!"

 Chapter 218 The Hunt Begins (1)

    there were three islands on the ocean kyle and his team had arrived on. each island was as large as the other and they each bore a large glowing sign that displayed the mages required there.as expected, they had landed on the island for the beginner mages without question, but as they walked through the island, kyle couldn''t help but wonder after noticing the large number of mages present there.


    ''what''s stopping an advanced mage from sneaking onto the beginner mage island? there''s no way that they could track the mana of all these people all at once, right?"


    he glanced at riya, but before he could voice his thoughts, he shook his head and muttered to himself, "that''s not my problem. there''s probably some kind of safeguard in place. there has to be."


    riya interrupted his musings by pointing toward a large glowing sign near the center of the island. beneath it, a massive countdown timer displayed the remaining time until the tower''s opening:


    [07 : 31 :43]


    from the last number there that continuously reduced, it was quite obvious for them to realize that it was a timer, perhaps one representing the tower''s opening.


    "damn, seven hours? guess we''ll just be sitting here doing nothing for a while," kyle said with a frown.


    void remembered something kyle had once told him before and decided to use his chance.


    "patience isn''t one of your virtues, huh?" sea??h th§× n?vel(f)ire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    kyle ignored him and scanned the area for a suitable spot to rest. they eventually found a shaded corner under a massive tree. after settling down, he tried to sleep, but the noise of the crowd and his restless mind wouldn''t let him.


    frustrated, he shifted into a cross-legged position and began cultivating instead. he continued cultivating and stopped only when he was just about to breakthrough.


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    he didn''t stop entirely though, as he began re-directing the mana into his chaos mana core.


    soon, kyle''s concentration was shattered by a loud, resounding thud that rippled through the air like a shockwave. gasps and murmurs erupted around the island as everyone turned toward the source of the sound. kyle opened his eyes and followed their gazes toward the island''s perimeter.


    a man on a massive, winged beast was sprawled on the surface of the sea, groaning in pain. his mount, a scaled creature with glowing blue wings, struggled to regain its footing in the water.


    it was clear what had happened; the man and his beast had been violently rebounded by an invisible barrier surrounding the island, sending them flying backward.


    kyle furrowed his brow as the crowd around him murmured in speculation.


    "must''ve been a high tier trying to sneak onto the beginner island," someone said.


    "that''s quite stupid of him, but he decided to be the example," another said.


    "looks like the barrier isn''t just for show," riya said, glancing at kyle.


    ''a barrier, huh? makes sense. still¡­ i wonder how something of this fashion was made.''


    he didn''t dwell on the thought for long and soon returned to his cultivation.


    hours passed as he continued adding mana into his chaos core, until finally, as the countdown reached its last moments, a deep vibration resonated across the island.


    [0: 00: 03]


    [0: 00: 02]


    [0: 00: 01]


    immediately the glowing timer reached zero, the entire island fell into a heavy silence. the energy that had filled the air moments ago seemed to condense into a single point at the center of the island. all eyes turned to the spot, where the ground had began to quake.


    a swirling black vortex materialized and from within the vortex emerged a towering figure, shrouded in shadows that danced and flickered like living flames.


    the being resembled a demon as it had curved horns and crimson eyes. its body was also composed of smoky tendrils that coiled and shifted ceaselessly.


    the crowd collectively froze on seeing him, as their breaths were caught in their throats.


    "climbers, prepare for your ascension."


    the spirit finally said, in a voice that sent a ripple through the gathering. they all straightened their postures and their expressions were filled with anticipation.


    "summon all your required weapons. runes, potions, and special artifacts are not permitted."


    everyone kicked into action the moment the spirit announced. some participants looked worried, as they weren''t prepared for such strict restrictions, but they moved quickly, summoning their weapons without arguing.


    kyle was a little bit sad that he couldn''t use the special runes that he had prepared for this occasion, but he brought out the [aurora fang] eitherways. he was more than comfortable as long as he could use his trusty katana.


    riya, meanwhile, brought out the bow kyle had given her and a quiver of arrows that contained many arrows, along with the ten special ones.


    it was only void that didn''t bring out any weapon, as he had none and didn''t require any even.


    the spirit remained stationary for several minutes and only when it confirmed that everyone had summoned an item did its eyes glowed more red.


    suddenly, hundreds of participants across the island began to glow red as well. the glowing individuals froze and their faces turned into panic and confusion.


    "what''s happening?" a young mage cried out, clutching his glowing hands.


    "why am i glowing?!" another shouted.


    kyle was surprised when he saw the glowing people. he had a clue of what was happening, and it was only after the spirit spoke were his thoughts confirmed.


    "disobedience will not be tolerated."


    the glowing mages barely had time to react before they vanished in an instant, along with the gear they had tried to sneak past the restrictions. gasps of shock rippled through the remaining crowd.


    the others that were teleported out were thrown into the sea, and they hurriedly tried to not drown, by various means.


    kyle was stunned as he tried to comprehend what happened. ''how can so many people be mass teleported away against their will. that''s scary!''


    his mind came up with various instances of how this ability would be invaluable in a battle, making him to wish for it too.


    the spirit didn''t give the crowd time to dwell on the fate of the disqualified. its deep voice boomed once more, drawing everyone''s attention.


    "you are required to obtain an orb. these orbs are scattered amongst beasts you''ll encounter."


    a glowing hologram appeared above the spirit, displaying an image of the orb. it was small, no larger than a fist, and it emitted a soft golden glow.


    "secure your orb and channel your mana through it to gain access to your ascension."


    the spirit paused briefly before continuing.


    "stealing and killing of other participants are strictly forbidden. violators will face immediate removal."


    kyle absorbed the rules and studied the hologram of the orb carefully, committing its appearance to his memory.


    the task seemed straightforward, but he knew better than to underestimate anything.


    the spirit''s glowing eyes brightened momentarily as it spoke again and its voice carried a strange, almost encouraging tone.


    "may your strength guide you, your wits sharpen your path, and your resolve carry you to ascension. the hunt begins."


    as its final words echoed through the island, the ground began to shake violently. kyle''s eyes widened as the serene landscape around them began to shift rapidly.

 Chapter 219 The Hunt Begins (2) [Bonus]

    the island transformed into what looked like a forest in the blink of an eye. in fact, it looked like they were transfered to another place altogether because of the contrasting new environment that seemed infinite from their point of view.kyle found himself standing alone in the silence of the forest. he glanced around for a while before saying to himself.


    ''kill the beasts, find an orb and get transported to the tower. let''s begin.''


    he immediately activated [lightning dash] and bolted through the forest, looking for the first beast to slay.


    it didn''t take him long to meet the first creature, or rather, the beast met him. lunging at him was a tier-1 wolf-like beast who wasn''t worth inspecting.


    ''please have an orb,'' kyle prayed internally before sidestepping its charge with practiced ease then bringing his katana down at it in a clean arc.


    the blade cleaved through the beast effortlessly, leaving it dead.


    "that was easy," kyle muttered, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the beast''s remains. the system offered no notification of a mana core harvested and he didn''t know it he was meant to search for an orb himself.


    kyle thought for a while before deciding to take a gamble.


    ''would i be notified if an orb is found?'' he asked within him, hoping for a reply, which he got:


    [yes]


    "thanks for the reply," kyle said dramatically before pleading. "only inform me if there''s an orb, don''t harvest it."


    [okay]


    the system''s reply gave kyle some comfort and he continued with his hunt. ''this should be more faster without the need to check for orbs.''


    he pressed forward, activating [lightning dash] to cover ground more quickly. the skill wrapped his body in crackling energy, propelling him forward with bursts of speed.


    the next beast that appeared was a lanky, humanoid figure with clawed hands and glowing red eyes. kyle didn''t slow down.


    a single swing of his katana gave it two bodies. he glanced at the remains, hoping for something different, but the system remained silent.


    another beast appeared moments later, this one a massive insect-like creature with chitinous armor. it reared back to attack, but kyle extended his hand, calling forth a [lightning bolt]. the crackling spear of energy struck the creature with precision, and it fell on impact.


    still, no orb.


    "this is going to take a while," kyle muttered, shaking his head as he pressed forward.


    ***


    several minutes passed, and the bodies of countless beasts littered the forest behind kyle.


    he had slain over 50 beasts already, yet none of them contained an orb. kyle noticed that the forest seemed to throw stronger creatures at him the deeper he ventured but they were just mere tier-2 beasts at the end, and taking them down was just as easy as their tier-1 counterparts.


    kyle moved like lightning through the mist, his [lightning dash] and katana a deadly combination. he cut down creatures in droves, and those too far to reach were struck down with pinpoint [lightning bolts].


    "how many more of these do i have to kill?" kyle muttered after taking down yet another wolf-like creature. the system remained silent, confirming that the creature carried neither a mana core nor the orb he sought.


    frustration began to creep in, but he held himself. cursing his luck once again, he took off deeper into the forest.


    ***


    finally, after what felt like an eternity, kyle encountered a creature that stood out. it was larger than the others, and it was tier-3 beast.


    read exclusive chapters at empire


    "finally," kyle muttered. "this should be it."


    the creature lunged at him with surprising speed for its size, but kyle was faster. activating [lightning dash], he blurred out of its path and reappeared behind it in an instant. his katana sliced through the beast''s neck in a single, precise strike.


    the creature let out a final roar before collapsing to the ground like others.


    [orb detected]


    tbe system notified as promised, making kyle to grin in happiness.


    he had sliced the creature in half, so it was easy to locate the orb and retrieve it.


    "finally," kyle muttered, inspecting the orb. "took long enough."


    he channeled his mana into the orb as instructed by the spirit, and in an instant, he disappeared from the forest.


    kyle reappeared in a dazzling white room, so pristine and unblemished that it felt like he had stepped into a void made solid.


    the walls, floor, and ceiling were entirely devoid of texture or ornamentation, save for a single feature: a simple, unassuming door standing at the far end of the room. its plain design contrasted sharply with the almost ethereal glow of the space.


    kyle took a moment to process his new surroundings, his katana still loosely held in his grip. before he could take a step, a voice echoed in his mind, a voice he recognized as the spirit''s.


    "welcome to the tower of ascension. the tower has a total of 40 floors. conquer floors to obtain rewards."


    kyle nodded his head at the spirit''s words and just when he was considering if using the door would lead to the trials, the voice came once again.


    "this is the resting area. feel free to use any item here. items consumed cannot be carried out. enhancers and boosters are not allowed."


    kyle raised an eyebrow at the warning. "resting area, huh?" s~ea??h the n?vel(f)ire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    he sheathed his katana, still glancing around, searching for anything beyond the door or the voice to make sense of the stark, featureless room.


    as he paced, a sudden thought struck him. his mind raced back to the countless mana cores that would aid him in his breakthrough.


    he was originally worried on when he could use them after the announcement that they couldn''t use their storage items, and while he had found out that he could still freely use his inventory, he deemed it too risky to break the rules.


    but now he was given a chance to use his inventory, he might as well just gobble down his cores with this opportunity.


    "this is perfect," he said aloud with excitement, before calling out:


    "inventory!"

 Chapter 220 Breaking Through To The Intermediate Stage

    [inventory: 591* tier-1 mana core, 207* tier-2 mana core, 552* tier-3 mana core, 156* tier-4 mana core, 4* tier-5 mana core...]kyle grinned after seeing the contents of his inventory. he had managed to accumulate a decent haul thanks to his forest adventures, and that wasn''t even his greatest achievement.


    "there''s no problem if i use all the cores apart the tier-5''s," kyle muttered before realizing that he might need them later. he inwardly calculated how to go about eating cores before deciding.


    with a single mental command, the room was filled with different mana cores, of different sizes and glows.


    "nice..." kyle smiled as he picked up a core and popped into his mouth, chewing it and letting the mana dissolve within him.


    [exp +30]


    it only took 3 more cores afterwards before he heard the notification that made his smile grow wider.


    [exp: 40,500/40,500]


    [congratulations! your lightning mana core have broken through to the intermediate stage!]


    [intermediate lightning mage: lv 1]


    [all stats: ¡Á2]


    kyle felt his body rush with energy at that moment and from within him, he could sense that his formerly compressed mana core had increased in size!


    the process continued for many seconds, before the core stabilized. more mana filled his body after that, and he could feel it nourishing his whole body and leaving him stronger. discover hidden tales at empire


    "yes! i broke through."


    kyle said to the empty room, finding it hard to come to terms that he was now an intermediate mage and that meant he could learn another spell too.


    he didn''t stop there and continued absorbing more mana cores, but this time, there was a different to the notifications he was getting.


    [exp +15] [exp +30]


    one displayed the mana he was obtaining in his lightning core, while the other was for the chaos.


    ''it reduced in half... i guess that makes sense,'' kyle reasoned, while peeking at the first line of his status.


    [intermediate lightning mage: lv 1*]


    [exp: 0/1000]


    thankfully, the required exp didn''t double, the only bane was that the exp gain was halfed.


    ''i''ll see how far i can go,'' kyle reasoned before continuing with his gobbling, this time with a more determined mindset.


    ...


    on taking the 71st mana core, almost coincidentally, kyle got two pleasing notifications at the same time.


    [exp: 27,000/27,000]


    [congratulations! you have leveled up!]


    [beginner chaos mage: lv 8 >> lv 9]


    [all stats: +100]


    [exp: 1,000/1,000]


    [congratulations! you have leveled up!]


    [intermediate lightning mage: lv 1 >> lv 2]


    [all stats: +10]


    "yes! i can push for another breakthrough."


    kyle continued gobbling after the notification with more ferocity. but it was only after he had taken 510 tier-1 mana cores, 197 tier-2 mana cores and 112 tier-3 mana cores did he finally breakthrough to the intermediate stage for his chaos core.


    [exp: 40,500/40,500]


    [congratulations! your chaos mana core have broken through to the intermediate stage!]


    [intermediate chaos mage: lv 1]


    [all stats: +100]


    like before, kyle felt energy course through his body, and the chaos core that he had painstakingly worked hard to compress increased in its size, albeit smaller.


    the same process that happened when he broke through for his lightning core repeated, and he was left stronger at the end of it all.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    intermediate lightning mage: lv 5


    exp: 5,250/12,000*


    intermediate chaos mage: lv 1*


    exp: 5/1000


    ...


    kyle summoned his status once more to view his progress and he was left stunned.


    "level 5??" he asked himself in surprise. "i''m growing too fast."


    he couldn''t help but imagine how fearsome his progress was morphing into. ''i could reach the advanced stage soon...''


    he didn''t reject it though, and was even happier. it was all for the best if he got stronger.


    "less thinking, more gobbling," kyle said slowly before picking up another core.


    ***


    [exp +120]


    "that''s the last one... sadly," kyle said after he was done with the cores he had summoned out.


    he felt stronger... way stronger than before, and he was excited to check how much he had improved.


    "status!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    intermediate lightning mage: lv 7


    exp: 10,650/27,000*


    intermediate chaos mage: lv 6*


    exp: 8,406/18,000


    hp: 1100*


    energy: 1108*


    mp: -*


    agility: 772*


    strength: 702*


    vitality: 550*


    stamina: 554*


    intelligence: 501*


    sp: 0


    [elements]


    [skills]


    [lightning bolt(lv 5)]*


    [lightning dash(lv 5)]*


    [[chaotic pulse(lv 3)]*


    [chaotic whirlpool(lv 2)]*


    skill points: 106


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    kyle was left speechless at his stats. with this much improvement, he was more than ready for the trial.


    just when he was considering what to do next, he heard a booming announcement resound in the room:


    "5 minutes left. begin your ascension."


    kyle nodded his head at the announcement, "there''s a timer... makes sense. but wouldn''t it have been better if i could see the timer."


    ''inventory.''


    [inventory: 10* tier-1 mana core, 10* tier-2 mana core, 10* tier-3 mana core, 56* tier-4 mana core, 4* tier-5 mana core...]


    ''i''ll leave those leftover mana cores untouched... just in case i need them for whatever reason.''


    he took a deep breath and looked at the pristine white room on last time, before walking to the door.


    just before he walked through it, he summoned the now lv. 2 [veil of silence] and slid it through his face.


    [veil of silence]


    [grade: divine (lv1)]


    [enchantments: unknown, soul reaper, invisibility]


    [flaw: silenced]


    [unknown: a name erased from memory. no eyes can track, no minds can know. a whisper lost in eternity.]


    [soul reaper: your power grows with every soul you claim.] ¡ª affects equipment''s level.


    [vanquished foes: 159/2000]


    [silenced: the master must remain silent while donning this mask]


    [invisibility: for as long as your emotions remain silenced; you can stay invisible]


    the new enchantment had excited kyle and he couldn''t help but wonder what it holds as it grew stronger. but upon testing it out, kyle had required it was quite a tricky one to activate, as it always deactivated whenever he showed an emotion.


    he had been trying to perfect it by experimenting different scenarios, but he was still far from being a master. s§×arch* the ¦Çov§×lfire .net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    another truth kyle had gleaned from the mask was that opponents on the same level as him didn''t count on the [vanquished foes] panel, and that applied to beasts as well.


    so he could only get mana cores from tier-4 beasts and above since its upgrade.


    kyle had enough of his analysis. he was ready. he had the [aurora fang], he had the [veil of silence], he was an intermediate mage now... there was nothing stopping him from climbing the tower anymore.


    with determined steps, he walked through the door.


    a bright white light enveloped kyle after he walked through and when he opened his eyes, he found himself in vast, dimly lit chamber with its walls constructed from a strange, dark stone that shimmered faintly under the ambient light.


    [first trial: defeat the creature]


    a deep, disembodied voice announced, echoing through the chamber.


    just immediately, a guttural snarl echoed through the chamber, and from the shadows emerged a small, hunched figure.


    it had mottled green skin, a twisted sneer, and a rusty dagger clutched in its clawed hand. its red eyes glowed faintly as it locked onto kyle with a predatory gaze.


    [goblin scout]


    [tier: 2]


    [hp: 250/250]


    ''a goblin?'' kyle thought, as he hadn''t seen such creature before. he had only heard it it from fantasy books back at yurigur.


    "heouk! eikk!"


    if kyle didn''t have the [veil if silence] on, he would have asked "i''m sorry, what?", because he couldn''t understand anything the goblin was saying, and from its look it seemed to be trying to convey something.


    ''it''s sentient...'' kyle concluded, but his thoughts were interrupted soon as the goblin had already lunged at him with its dagger.


    kyle didn''t move until the last second, and with a fluid motion, he sidestepped the attack, before using his katana to slice the goblin cleanly on the neck.


    its body collapsed to the ground and the next second, it dissappeared into a puff of smoke, surprising kyle.


    he didn''t get any notification, and guessed that there was nothing to harvest from the goblin.


    [trial complete. floor 1 cleared.]


    kyle heard the voice of that demon announce in his head. ''that was easy.''


    kyle barely had time to process the simplicity of the trial before a radiant orb of light materialized in the center of the chamber, accompanied by the same voice.


    [rewards acquired: ascension orb, 10* tier-2 mana core, 1* tier-3 mana core, 500 gold coins]


    kyle picked up the pouch that contained the golden coins. on opening it, he realized that it was different from the one they used in frulia.


    it had a tower engraved on its surface, and it seemed to glow with a bright golden color, unlike the usual coins he saw.


    ''that''s strange,'' he thought before placing the pouch in his inventory without much hesitation, along with the rext of the items, save for the ascension orb.


    [ascension orb]


    [description: used to access the second floor in the tower]


    kyle gleaned the use of the orb through [inspect], not like he hadn''t guessed such before.


    ''now, how do i use this?'' kyle asked himself, before carrying out the first plan on his mind.


    he channeled his mana through it and its pale blue color glowed to a bright blue and he got another announcement afterwards.


    [ascension initiated. prepare for the second trial.]


    the ground beneath him rumbled, and the chamber faded into a blinding white light. as the glow subsided, kyle found himself standing in the middle of a what seemed like a dark forest.


    like before, a deep voice echoed to him:


    [second trial: survive the ambush]


    from the shadows, multiple green figures emerged; five goblins, each armed with crude weapons.

 Chapter 221 Clearing Floors (1)

    A timer materialized on the air afterwards:[Time Remaining: 01:00]


    ''Survive? Let''s see if they can survive me in five seconds.'' he thought with some amusement.


    The goblins emerged from the shadows, snarling and jabbering in their incomprehensible tongue.


    "RAGH! HOKKA EITK!"


    Five of them, each bearing weapons like rusty swords, spears, and makeshift clubs, encircled Kyle with menacing glares.


    Kyle smirked under his mask as felt no urgency or threat, he shifted his stance ready to move, and as if on cue, the goblins charged as well, their guttural cries reverberating through the air.


    >WHOOSH!<


    Kyle''s body moved in a flash, even without using any skill. His agility far exceeded anything the goblins could comprehend.


    Before the first goblin''s spear even came close to him, Kyle sidestepped, his katana slicing through the air in a single fluid motion. The goblin didn''t even have time to react as its body crumpled to the ground in a puff of smoke.


    The second goblin swung its club, aiming for Kyle''s midsection. But to its shock, Kyle wasn''t there. A blur of motion later, its head separated cleanly from its shoulders. Another puff of smoke.


    The third and fourth goblins tried to coordinate their attacks, lunging simultaneously. But Kyle ducked low, sweeping the legs out from one while impaling the other through its chest. Both disappeared into smoke almost instantly.


    The last goblin froze in fear, its glowing red eyes darting around as it tried to comprehend what had just happened.


    Kyle didn''t even let it breathe. With a simple flick of his wrist, his katana severed the goblin''s weapon arm before the blade followed through, cutting it cleanly in half.


    [Time Remaining: 00:52]


    Kyle straightened up with his katana resting by his side, and glanced at the timer.


    ''Tsk. 8 seconds,'' he thought with some annoyance. ''I should''ve finished faster.''


    [Trial Complete. Floor 2 Cleared.]


    The same radiant orb appeared, accompanied by the deep voice.


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 10* Tier-2 Mana Core, 5* Tier-3 Mana Core, 700 Gold Coins]


    Kyle inspected the rewards briefly before storing them in his inventory. As before, he kept the Ascension Orb in hand, channeling his mana into it.


    [Ascension Initiated. Prepare for the third trial.]


    The forest dissolved into a new environment, this time an open desert under a blazing sun. The voice boomed again:


    [Third Trial: Defend the Oasis.]


    Kyle scanned the area and spotted a small, glimmering oasis surrounded by sand dunes. As he approached, the sound of skittering grew louder.


    From the dunes emerged a group of monstrous creatures, their insectoid bodies glinting under the sunlight.


    Scorpions the size of wolves, their stingers dripping with venom, crawled towards the oasis with alarming speed.


    [Giant Sand Scorpion]


    [Tier: 3]


    [HP: 500/500]


    There were seven of them in total.


    Kyle smirked inwardly. ''They sent bigger bugs this time. Let''s squash them quickly.''


    The scorpions charged, their legs kicking up clouds of sand as they moved. Kyle waited until they were close enough before springing into action.


    His movements were a blur. The first scorpion lunged with its stinger aimed at his chest, but Kyle sidestepped effortlessly, slashing his katana upward. The scorpion split cleanly in two, vanishing into sand and smoke.


    The second scorpion attempted to flank him, but Kyle anticipated the move. With a sharp pivot, he drove his blade through its head before yanking it free in a spray of sand.


    The remaining scorpions hesitated briefly, their primitive minds struggling to process what had happened to their comrades. Kyle didn''t give them the chance to regroup.


    He dashed forward, his speed making him nearly invisible. The third and fourth scorpions fell simultaneously, one bisected through the midsection and the other decapitated in a single strike.


    The last three scorpions tried to retreat, but Kyle was relentless. He closed the distance in the blink of an eye, dispatching them with brutal efficiency.


    Kyle wiped the non-existent sweat from his brow, the desert heat having no effect on him.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 3 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 20* Tier-2 Mana Core, 5* Tier-3 Mana Core, 1,000 Gold Coins]


    Kyle stored the rewards without hesitation. He inspected the new Ascension Orb briefly before channeling his mana into it.


    [Ascension Initiated. Prepare for the fourth trial.]


    This time, the chamber morphed into a sprawling battlefield littered with broken weapons and scattered bones. The deep voice resonated once more.


    [Fourth Trial: Defeat the Undead Horde.]


    The air grew cold as skeleton warriors began emerging from the ground, their bones clattering together as they rose.


    [Skeleton Warrior]


    [Tier: 3]


    [HP: 300/300]


    There were ten of them, each wielding bone swords and shields. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The skeletons advanced in unison, their movements unnervingly synchronized. Kyle didn''t wait for them to close the distance. With a burst of speed, he darted forward, his katana slicing through the first skeleton''s ribcage with ease.


    The second skeleton swung its sword, but Kyle ducked under the strike and countered with a slash that shattered its spine. Bones scattered across the battlefield as it crumbled.


    The remaining skeletons attempted to surround him, but Kyle''s agility made him untouchable. He danced between them, his blade a blur as he dismantled their brittle forms one by one.


    He could have killed them all easily, but he preferred to do it this way. ''This might as well be a test for me,'' he thought after sending his blade through the last skeleton.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 4 Cleared.]


    The radiant orb appeared again, accompanied by the voice.


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 30* Tier-2 Mana Core, 10* Tier-3 Mana Core, 1* Tier-4 Mana Core]


    He picked up the Ascension Orb and channeled mana through it once more.


    [Ascension Initiated. Prepare for the fifth trial.]


    The chamber began to dissolve again, but this time Kyle felt a faint sense of unease.


    ''I hope it gets better this time,'' Kyle thought.


    After the world reassembled, Kyle stood in a grand circular chamber, its golden light pressing down on him with an oppressive weight.


    [Fifth Trial: Solve the puzzle]


    [Time Limit: 10 Minutes]


    Kyle''s eyes darted across the chamber. At its center stood a towering obelisk inscribed with shifting runes and its presence radiated authority and danger.


    Three smaller pedestals surrounded it, each holding a glowing crystal: one red, one blue, and one green. Above the obelisk, three interlocking golden rings rotated erratically, their movements unpredictable and discordant.


    [Time Remaining: 09:58]


    ''A puzzle? That''s new,'' Kyle said within him. He moved closer, narrowing his gaze at the strange setup. There were Tmthe crystals, the obelisk, the rings, but what was the connection?


    ''No clues. They must want me to piece it together myself.''


    Kyle tried to think through the steps. Perhaps the crystals needed to be placed on their pedestals. But in what order? And how did the rings factor in?


    ''Damn it. I don''t have time to fumble around like this. I need to...''


    Then he remembered about [Inspect]. He decided to give it a try to see how much it helped.


    [Central Obelisk]


    [Status: Inactive]


    [Hint: Align the resonant frequencies of the crystals to stabilize the interlocking rings. Crystals must be placed in a sequence to harmonize with the obelisk''s rune cycle.]


    That was all he needed. Even a novice at Rune Making could figure out the correct rune cycle of a rune.


    ''Lets do this,'' Kyle thought with a smile.

 Chapter 222 Clearing Floors (2)

    ''The green crystal first, to stabilize the glyphs. Blue to synchronize the rings. Red last to finalize the alignment. Simple.''


    Without hesitation, Kyle placed the green crystal on its pedestal. The obelisk responded immediately and its runes glowed brighter and rearranged into coherent shapes.


    Next, he slotted the blue crystal. The golden rings above the obelisk slowed and their erratic rotations became fluid and rhythmic.


    Finally, he approached the red crystal. As he placed it on its pedestal, the obelisk vibrated and its runes aligned perfectly with the gentle spin of the rings.


    A sharp chime echoed through the chamber, and the entire structure lit up in radiant gold.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 5 Cleared]


    ''That wasn''t too difficult. Even someone without any knowledge on runes would figure it out with trial and error,'' Kyle thought before rewards sounded in his head:


    [Rewards Acquired: Mana Focus Sphere, 1,500 Gold Coins]


    Kyle was surprised at the new reward that he was notified on. ''Mana focus sphere?''


    [Mana Focus Sphere: Increases mana regeneration by 25%. Valid for 30 minutes only]


    Kyle sighed after seeing that the new item won''t be useful for him since he didn''t recover his mana unlike other mages, but he stored it and the gold coins in his inventory regardless, save for the Ascension Orb.


    Like usual, he channeled his mana through the orb and the chamber began to dissolve once more.


    [Ascension Initiated. Prepare for the sixth trial] S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle soon found himself standing on a vast, open plain under the sky.


    The deep, resonant voice returned, cutting through the quiet.


    [Sixth Trial: Complete the 5-kilometer course im in 10 minutes]


    [10:00].


    Kyle glanced far ahead, and since there weren''t any obstructions, he could see a long tower up ahead.


    It seemed almost absurdly far, yet the instructions were clear. This was a test of raw speed, and he couldn''t help but feel some amusement at the simplicity of it, as he ran 10 kilometers almost every day.


    ''A speed trial? They''re really just handing this one to me,'' Kyle thought, already visualizing the path ahead.


    The course wasn''t entirely straightforward; the glowing pillars indicated subtle curves in the route, and small obstructions rose that would require careful maneuvering at high speeds.


    For any other Beginner Mage, the challenge would lie in balancing agility and endurance to finish within the time limit.


    For Kyle, however, it might as well have been over before it began.


    He inhaled deeply, rolling his shoulders to loosen up, and then surged forward without activating any spell.


    >SWOOSH!<


    The sound of the air being cut and his legs stomping on the earth with speed was very audible as he launched himself into motion, his body becoming a blur.


    The glowing pillars raced past him in streaks of light, their sharp curves and sudden obstructions posing no challenge to his reflexes. Kyle''s every step was precise, calculated, and impossibly fast.


    Within seconds, the translucent arch marking the finish line loomed before him. Without breaking stride, Kyle passed through it, his feet skidding to a stop just beyond.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 6 Cleared.]


    [09:58]


    Kyle glanced back over his shoulder at the endless stretch of glowing pillars. The starting point was nowhere in sight, it felt as though he had crossed a great distance in the blink of an eye.


    ''Five kilometers in¡­ what, two seconds? If I wanted to, I could''ve shaved that down,'' Kyle mused, shaking his head. ''They really thought this would take me ten minutes?''


    The rewards notification appeared as usual:


    [Rewards Acquired: One time Agility Booster Pill (Consumable, Duration: 15 minutes), 2,000 Gold Coins.]


    Kyle inspected the pill briefly before tossing it into his inventory. He had no use for temporary boosts when his stats were already far beyond normal limits.


    With the gold coins secured too, he turned his attention to the radiant Ascension Orb that appeared before him.


    ''Next trial,'' he thought, gripping the orb and channeling his mana into it.


    When the world shifted again, Kyle found himself standing in a colossal stone arena. The walls stretched impossibly high.


    The floor was rough and uneven, scattered with enormous boulders and shattered fragments of stone.


    Directly in front of him stood a massive stone monolith, nearly 30 feet tall, with a golden sigil carved at its base. Nearby, a large bronze hammer rested on the ground, its head as large as a man''s torso.


    The voice echoed once more:


    [Seventh Trial: Break the Titan''s Wall]


    [Objective: Strike the monolith with sufficient force to shatter it]


    [5:00]


    Kyle walked toward the hammer, glancing at it with mild curiosity before shaking his head.


    ''Why would I even need that?'' he thought.


    Placing one hand on the hilt of his katana, he drew it in a single smooth motion. The blade glinted in the faint light of the arena, and he stood still for a moment, calculating the exact force required.


    ''They must''ve assumed I''d use the hammer. Poor design choice,'' he gleamed from the toughness of the statue.


    With a sudden burst of motion, Kyle lunged forward and slashed at the monolith with all his strength.


    >CRAAACK ¡ªBOOOOM!<


    The blade connected with a deafening crack, and the monolith shattered instantly, causing fragments to explode outwards.


    Dust filled the air, and the golden sigil at its base flickered before fading completely along with the hammer that rested beside it.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 7 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, Titan''s Core Crystal, 3,000 Gold Coins.]


    [Titan''s Core Crystal(One use item): +20 Strength when equipped.


    Duration: 1 hour]


    Kyle didn''t give the rewards much thought and activated the Ascension orb after storing them in his inventory.


    The chamber dissolved once again, and Kyle found himself standing in a new environment.


    For the Eight trial, he was required to cross an enormous lava lake that had floating stone platforms hovering in the air with some crumbling and reforming at random intervals.


    A glowing archway far across the lake marked the end point.


    Kyle easily passed through the platforms with ease, thanks to his [Air Steps] mastery that allowed him to easily maneuver and switch positions when any platform was about to crumble.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 8 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Rune of Windwalking, 2,500 Gold Coins.]


    Kyle stashed the rewards and reached for the Ascension Orb, hoping that the next trial had something better to offer.


    The scene shifted to an open field under a pale sky. Two targets stood at the far end of a field at varying distances.


    A simple longbow rested on a pedestal nearby, accompanied by a quiver of arrows.


    [Trial Objective: Destroy all targets within 10 minutes]


    Kyle picked up the bow reluctantly. ''I''ve never handled these before, I''ll see how I fare''


    Kyle got into position on a small circle mark on the floor that glowed green the moment he stepped inside.


    He clumsily held the bow, trying to asset his grip on it and managing to nock an arrow on it after some failed attempts.


    ''Finally,'' Kyle thought to himself after succeeding in properly nocking an arrow on its string. ''Let''s see how this goes.''


    >SWOOSH!<


    The arrow managed to leave the bow, maybe because of the strength Kyle had released it with... But it missed entirely, flying the opposite direction of the target instead.

 Chapter 223 Clearing Floors (3)

    ''Damn,'' Kyle tried to say, but ended up saying it within him. His first attempt had gone disastrously wrong, and the arrow he''d loosed had flown wildly off course.


    He stared at the targets in the distance and then back at the quiver of arrows.


    ''This is going to take a while,'' he thought.


    He reached for another arrow, taking his time to nock it properly. The bow felt awkward in his hands like before, but he drew it back as best as he could, aimed it towards one of the two targets, and released.


    >THWIP!<


    The arrow veered sharply to the left, missing by an even greater margin than the first. It even landed somewhere in the grass far beyond the field.


    ''Patience. It''s not like I''ve ever done this before,'' Kyle reminded himself. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arrow after arrow followed, each one missing its mark in different ''creative'' ways. Some went too high, others too low, and a few spiraled out of control almost as soon as they left the bowstring.


    ''Over fifty arrows, and nothing,'' Kyle said within him, glancing at the quiver. ''Thankfully, there are alot of arrows.''


    But despite the growing number of failures, Kyle remained calm. He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, holding himself with one thought:


    ''One must surely connect.''


    That gave him renewed focus, and he reached for another arrow, determined to keep going no matter how ridiculous this trial seemed. He adjusted his grip, squinting at the nearest target as he aimed.


    >THWIP!<


    >BOOM!<


    The arrow shot forward, and by sheer accident, struck the target dead center. The force Kyle had used to pull the bow caused its wooden frame to collapse on impact.


    "Yay!" Kyle exclaimed, raising the bow in victory, but the sound of the timer served well to pull him back to reality.


    [3:58]


    Kyle''s excitement deflated immediately, the moment he realized how little time he had left.


    He looked at the second target and knew he couldn''t waste any more arrows or time celebrating.


    Grabbing another arrow, Kyle nocked it on the bow once again and pulled back.


    >THWIP!<


    The arrow missed entirely, sailing far to the side. He didn''t allow himself to dwell on it, as he drew another arrow immediately, this time with faster movements.


    >THWIP!<


    Miss.


    > THWIP!<


    Another miss.


    Time ticked away as Kyle continued firing, missing over and over again. With every failed shot, his frustration mounted, but he forced himself to stay composed.


    Finally, with just over a minute remaining, Kyle nocked another arrow, took a deep breath, and released.


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    > THWIP!<


    The arrow struck the second target, shattering it just like the first.


    ''Finally!'' Kyle said within him with a smile vwfor7 lowering the bow as he heard the deep voice announce once more:


    [Trial Complete. Floor 9 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 2,500 Gold Coins.]


    ''Ah, no extra reward,'' Kyle sighed, but stored the gold coins regardless before channeling his mana into the Ascension Orb, eager to leave the frustrating trial behind.


    The world dissolved once again, and Kyle found himself in a completely different environment... A dense forest.


    [Tenth Trial: Defeat the Ogre Warlord.]


    [Ogre Warlord]


    [Tier: 4]


    [HP: 1600/1600]


    Kyle''s eyes narrowed as he scanned the area. In the distance, the ground trembled with heavy footsteps.


    Emerging from the mist was a towering figure, easily over ten feet tall. The ogre''s skin was a mottled greenish-gray and with its buffed up muscles, it held a massive spiked club.


    >ROOOAR!<


    The beast roared fiercely and the sound reverberated through the forest.


    ''Finally, something I can actually enjoy,'' Kyle said within him as his lips curled into a grin.


    The ogre rushed at Kyle with great speed, but he had seen better from other Tier-4 creature he''d fought.


    ''Its strength must lie on its attack power.''


    Kyle''s guess was correct, as the sound of the beast stomping the ground would have made most Beginner Mages cower.


    But despite its sheer size and the overwhelming presence of the beast, Kyle stood still with his katana even still sheathed.


    As the ogre swung its club with devastating force, aiming to crush him where he stood. Kyle waited, his body perfectly still until the last possible moment.


    In an instant, he sidestepped and the club slammed into the ground and sent a shockwave through the forest floor.


    Kyle''s hand moved to the hilt of his katana and he drew it out immediately.


    Activating [Frostfire Edge] and executing [Blazing Impact], Kyle swung the katana down on the Ogre with deadly precision.


    >BOOM!<


    The force of his slash collided with the ogre and the the katana cleanly cleaved through its tough looking skin like a knife cutting butter.


    Then almost immediately, it dissolved into a puff of smoke as usual.


    [Vanquished Foes: 160/2000]


    ''Welp... That was too easy,'' Kyle thought in surprise.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 10 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, Ogre''s Strength Pendant, 5,000 Gold Coins.]


    [Ogre''s Strength Pendant(Permanent): +10 Strength when equipped]


    Kyle opened his mouth in surprise. ''Items can give permanent stat boosts? This Tower just keeps on surprising me.''


    Without any hesitation, he wore the pendant over his neck, making it glow for some seconds.


    When Kyle glanced at his status, he saw the improvement.


    [Strength: 702 (+10)]


    ''Nice. I hope I get more of these from other floors.''


    With the gold coins collected as well, the Ascension Orb appeared once again and Kyle channeled his mana into it, making the world to dissolve around him.


    When the environment stabilized, Kyle found himself in a large circular arena. Scattered across the ground were six shadowy humanoid creatures with glowing red eyes.


    [Eleventh Trial: Defeat the Shadows in the Correct Order.]


    Kyle tilted his head, observing the creatures. They stood motionless and their forms flickered like smoke.


    A faint rune glowed on the ground beneath each one, each rune displayed a different number from one to six, in Runic symbols that is.


    ''So, it''s a puzzle,'' Kyle thought with a smirk.


    He stepped toward the shadow with the that translated as 1. The creature lunged at him the moment he entered its radius, but it was slow... far too slow for him.


    Kyle sidestepped easily and delivered a precise slash, the shadow dissipating into wisps of black smoke.


    The second shadow was slightly faster, and the third even more so. By the time Kyle reached the sixth, the creature''s speed rivaled his own. Its attacks came relentlessly, forcing him to parry and counter.


    ''Not bad,'' Kyle thought as he dodged a swipe aimed at his neck. In one fluid motion, he sidestepped, slashed horizontally, and cleaved through the shadow''s form.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 11 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, Rune of Precision (Increases critical hit chance by 15%), 3,000 Gold Coins.]


    Kyle placed the rune and gold coins into his inventory and activated the Ascension Orb.


    The next trial was a drastic change in pace. Kyle found himself in a maze of tall stone walls, but the ground beneath his feet shifted constantly, causing the walls to rotate and rearrange themselves.


    [Twelfth Trial: Navigate the Maze to the Exit.]


    A glowing waypoint flickered in the distance that signaled his destination.


    Kyle glanced at the shifting walls, taking note of the patterns in their movement.


    ''A moving maze... Let''s do this.''

 Chapter 224 Clearing Floors (4)

    Kyle immediately activated [Air Steps], leaping into the air and landing on top of one of the rotating walls. From his vantage point, he could see the maze''s layout. He began dashing across the tops of the walls, using his speed and agility to bypass the maze entirely.


    Within minutes, he reached the waypoint and passed through the glowing arch.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 12 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 2,500 Gold Coins.]


    Kyle stored the coins before using the Ascension Orb once more.


    This time, the environment was eerily quiet. Kyle stood in a dense forest, the trees towering high above him. The voice boomed again:


    [Thirteenth Trial: Defeat the Invisible Predator.]


    Kyle''s senses heightened as he scanned his surroundings. The forest was unnaturally still, and the lack of sound put him on edge.


    This wasn''t the first time he had faced an invisible opponent. His constant fights against Void had allowed him to pick on unseen opponents easier.


    ''This might actually be interesting.''


    He closed his eyes, focusing on the faintest sounds like usual. Leaves rustling, branches creaking.


    But a faint displacement of air to his left made him snap his eyes open.


    With lightning speed, Kyle drew his blade and slashed. His katana collided with something solid, albeit weakly, and a shimmering outline of a large feline creature appeared before it recoiled and vanished again.


    Kyle grinned. ''Gotcha.''


    The predator lunged and its form became visible for a split second as it attacked. Kyle sidestepped effortlessly, spinning around to deliver a decisive blow.


    The creature roared and dissappeared into a puff of smoke.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 13 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 3,000 Gold Coins.]


    On using the Ascension Orb, Kyle appeared in a chamber bathed in soft blue light. In the center of the room stood a spectral figure.


    [Fourteenth Trial: Convince the Guardian to Let You Pass.]


    Kyle was surprised at the new development, but quickly regained his cool.


    [Tower Guardian]


    [Tier: 5]


    [HP: 3000]


    ''If it comes to a fight, I should be able to beat it. But I''ll just play along for now.''


    The guardian interrupted his thoughts soon.


    "You seek to ascend, but what will you offer in exchange for safe passage?"


    Kyle considered what to say for a moment. ''Since this is a trial of wits. He can''t want something material, and what could the guardian possibly want from me.''


    After some more thoughts, he pulled out the [Veil of Silence] to allowed him speak:


    "I offer nothing. Your trial exists to test my strength, wit, and resolve. If I am worthy, you''ll let me pass. If not, I''ll force my way through." Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    The guardian''s form flickered, as though considering his words. After a moment, it spoke again.


    "A bold answer. You may proceed."


    [Trial Complete. Floor 14 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 4,000 Gold Coins.]


    ''Easiest trial so far,'' Kyle thought before placing the [Veil of Silence] on once again and placing his hand on the Ascension Orb.


    Kyle felt the now-familiar pull of the Ascension Orb as the environment around him dissolved once more. When the world reformed, he found himself standing on a narrow stone bridge suspended high above a massive chasm.


    [Fifteenth Trial: Cross the Bridge Before It Collapses.]


    Kyle glanced down into the abyss below, where tendrils of thick mist obscured the bottom. The bridge itself looked fragile, with cracks running along its length, and faint tremors shook it at irregular intervals.


    ''Simple enough,'' Kyle thought, sprinting forward without hesitation.


    As soon as he stepped onto the bridge, the rumbling intensified, and stones began to crumble away beneath his feet. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It didn''t pose a threat to Kyle though, as he activated [Air Steps] to reduce the weight of his steps and moved swiftly, using his agility to avoid falling debris.


    Halfway across, sharp wind blades began tearing through the air toward him.


    ''Of course, it couldn''t be that easy.''


    Dodging the first blade with a quick sidestep, Kyle flipped into the air and used [Air Steps] to push himself higher. A second blade grazed past him, and he quickly summoned a small lightning bolt to deflect the third.


    The end of the bridge was just ahead, but the structure collapsed entirely as Kyle reached the final stretch. Without missing a beat, he leapt forward, and soared through the air, landing on the other side with precision.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 15 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, Spell enhancer, 5,000 Gold Coins.]


    [Spell Enhancer(Consumable): Improve the power and ability of a spell by 50%]


    Kyle nodded at the crystal''s effect before storing it away in his inventory with the coins. It would be useful for enhancing his spells later.


    Channeling his mana into the Ascension Orb, he moved to the next trial.


    The next floor was a wide, open field. A single figure stood in the distance, clad in dark armor and holding a massive greatsword.


    [Sixteenth Trial: Defeat the Black Knight.]


    The Black Knight''s aura was suffocating, and Kyle''s instincts screamed danger.


    [Black Knight]


    [Tier: 5]


    [HP: 2500]


    The knight moved first, charging at him with surprising speed for its size. Kyle dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the downward slash of the greatsword, which left a deep crater in the ground.


    He counterattacked with a flurry of [Frostfire Edge] strikes. Though the knight''s armor was tough, it slowly chipped away with each strike.


    The knight retaliated immediately, swinging its sword in wide arcs that forced Kyle to stay on the defensive.


    ''I''m done playing. Let''s defeat this thing.''


    Kyle executed [Air Steps] immediately, and at full speed he circled around the knight. Dodging another heavy strike, Kyle leapt onto the knight''s back and plunged the [Aurora Fang] into the gap between its helmet and chest plate.


    >CRACK!<


    The knight staggered, and Kyle seized the opportunity to unleash [Blazing Impact] as well, hitting that same spot and shattering its neck. The knight collapsed from the attack, dissolving into smoke.


    [Vanquished Foes: 160/2000]


    [Trial Complete. Floor 16 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, Black Knight''s Core, 6,000 Gold Coins.]


    ''What''s this?'' Kyle examined the core, which radiated a dark energy. He decided to store it for later analysis.


    The Ascension Orb transported Kyle to a large chamber filled with glowing runes etched into the walls and floor.


    [Seventeenth Trial: Decipher the Rune Sequence.]


    Kyle grinned. ''Another trial that plays to my strengths.''


    He studied the runes carefully, recognizing some as basic patterns he had learned in Rune Making. The sequence appeared to be a complex locking mechanism, with each step requiring precise mana manipulation.


    Kyle channeled mana into the first set of runes, which glowed faintly before locking into place. He moved to the next set, carefully adjusting the mana flow to match the intricate patterns.


    Many minutes passed as Kyle worked through the sequence, occasionally pausing to reevaluate his approach. Finally, the last rune clicked into place, and the chamber rumbled as a hidden door opened.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 17 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 8,000 Gold Coins.]


    The environment shifted once more after Kyle used the Ascension Orb. When the world reformed, he found himself in a wide-open arena bathed in dim, eerie light.


    The ground air was filled with a sinister energy. Spectral figures circled above with their hollow eyes locked on him.


    [Eighteenth Trial: Survive the Arena of Spirits.]

 Chapter 225 Hell Mode Initiated (1)

    Kyle took a deep breath as the spectral figures above descended towards him with great speed.


    ''No time to hesitate,'' he thought, gripping the [Aurora Fang] tightly.


    The first spirit darted toward him, its claws extended. Kyle sidestepped and slashed upward, his blade glowing with a mix of frost and fire.


    The spirit shrieked as it dissipated into wisps of mist, but more followed in its place.


    The ground beneath him began to pulse with energy as the glowing runes emitted bursts of mana. Kyle leapt back, narrowly avoiding a spike of spectral energy erupting from the ground.


    ''The arena itself is trying to kill me,'' he realized.


    For many seconds, Kyle danced across the arena with sharp movements. He used [Air Steps] to evade clusters of spirits, occasionally launching [Lightning Bolts] to thin their numbers.


    At the ten-minute mark, the spirits abruptly halted their assault and began merging into a single, massive entity.


    The resulting creature was a hulking amalgamation of spectral energy with its form constantly shifting as though unstable.


    [Arena Wraith]


    [Tier: 5]


    [HP: 3,500]


    Kyle wiped his face and grinned. ''Finally, a real challenge.''


    The wraith roared, sending out waves of energy that forced Kyle to activate [Air Steps] to stay off the ground. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    He countered with [Blazing Impact], sending a shockwave directly into the wraith''s core. The attack tore through its form, but the wraith quickly regenerated.


    ''It''s going to take more than raw power,'' Kyle thought. He knew that there was no way for the 18th floor to bear such a powerful creature without any means to defeat it.


    He quickly scanned the arena for an advantage and his eyes landed on the runes on the ground, which seemed to pulse in sync with the wraith''s movements.


    ''The runes are its anchor.''


    With a new plan in his head, Kyle charged toward the nearest rune cluster, dodging spectral tendrils that lashed out to stop him. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He plunged the [Aurora Fang] into a specific part of the rune that was responsible for its durability, channeling his mana into the blade. This made the runes to shatter instantly and the wraith to let out an agonized scream.


    One by one, Kyle targeted the rune clusters, each time chipping away at the wraith''s strength. As the final rune shattered, the wraith''s form began to collapse.


    Kyle seized the moment, leaping high into the air and executing [Blazing Impact] at full power.


    The strike tore through the wraith, leaving nothing but faint wisps of energy behind.


    [Vanquished Foes: 161/2000]


    [Trial Complete. Floor 18 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 1* Tier-5 Mana Core, 10,000 Gold Coins.]


    ''That makes five of them,'' Kyle thought before storing it away in his inventory.


    The 19th floor was a forest once again, but Kyle knew better than to let his guard down. The moment he took his first step, the forest shifted unnaturally, and some trees themselves began to move.


    [Nineteenth Trial: Defeat the protectors]


    From the shadows emerged three hulking tree-like creatures.


    [Tree Protectors]


    [Tier: 4]


    [HP: 1,200]


    The first tree lunged at Kyle immediately with its vines whipping through the air. Kyle dodged with ease, slashing his [Aurora Fang] through its torso.


    He focused the effect on the fire trait and the enchantment burned the creature, causing it to crumble.


    The other trees closed in, but Kyle easily darted through the forest in a blur, cutting them down with ease.


    [Vanquished Foes: 164/2000]


    [Trial Complete. Floor 19 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: 3* Tier-4 mana core, Ascension Orb, 15,000 Gold Coins.]


    Kyle channeled his mana through the orb and was met with the 20th floor which was a stark contrast to the last.


    A fiery battlefield stretched as far as the eye could see with molten lava bubbling from cracks in the ground. Floating platforms hovered above pools of magma, creating a treacherous arena.


    [Twentieth Trial: Defeat the fiery guardian]


    Kyle barely had time to take it all in before the enemy appeared; a massive, four-armed demon wielding fiery blades.


    [Infernal Guardian]


    [Tier: 5]


    [HP: 3,000]


    The demon roared, unleashing a wave of fire that threatened to consume the entire arena. Kyle activated [Air Steps] to evade, landing on a nearby platform. The heat was intense, but he remained calm.


    Kyle immediately jumped at the beast and went for a counter.


    He threw various [Lightning Bolts] at its back, which damaged the beast greatly.


    When the Guardian''s health dropped below 50%, it entered a berserk state and the lava around it erupting in violent geysers. But Kyle adapted, using the platforms to outmaneuver the demon.


    With one final, calculated attack, Kyle channeled his mana into the [Aurora Fang], executing a devastating slash that cleaved through the demon. The Infernal Guardian let out a deafening roar before collapsing into ash.


    [Vanquished Foes: 165/2000]


    [Trial Complete. Floor 20 Cleared.]


    Kyle smiled at his achievements and waited for the rewards to be presented... But it never did.


    Eventually the Tower''s voice echoed ominously


    [Anomaly detected]


    Kyle froze at the words, not liking where these was going.


    [Challenger''s rate of progression is unprecedented. Floors are being cleared too quickly. Strength far exceeds baseline.]


    ''Uh oh...''


    [Adapting to the Challenger''s capabilities; fifficulty setting has been adjusted: Hell Mode initiated.]


    ''Hell Mode?'' Kyle asked within him.


    [The Tower has calibrated itself to your strengths, so prepare yourself.]


    The voice paused for a moment before continuing, this time with something Kyle had heard :


    [May your strength guide you, your wits sharpen your path, and your resolve carry you to Ascension]


    Moments later, his rewards materialized before him.


    [Rewards Acquired: 1* Tier-5 mana core, Ascension Orb, 15,000 Gold Coins.]


    What stood out the most amongst the rewards was the Ascension Orb, which was of a crimson red hue.


    ''Oh, crap,'' Kyle thought with a sigh. ''I guess this if for the hellish trials.''


    Still, he couldn''t help but grin. ''Well, at least it''s going to be exciting.''


    He held the crimson orb in his hand and channeled his mana into it which made the orb to light up, and the fiery battlefield began to dissolve around him.

 Chapter 226 Hell Mode Initiated (2)

    The 21st floor was simply an empty large room. But if one looked closely, they would notice that the walls were leaking some water drop by drop.


    Kyle focused on the walls as more and more water came out in drops, until some seconds later, they all gushed our at once.


    [Twenty-First Trial: Battle Within the Depths.]


    ''Oh no... I can''t even swim,'' Kyle realized as the water began to pool rapidly at his feet and within moments, the room had transformed into a water tank.


    That wasn''t all, as the water rippled strangely, indicating that something was beneath it.


    Kyle had been trying to not sink from the density of the water, but it wasn''t working... Not like there was anywhere he could go to, as the room was filled to the brim.


    ''The freaking challenge should show itself now. I can''t hold on for much longer.''


    As if responding to his thoughts, a serpentine creature burst from the water. Its scales shimmered with a pearlescent glow, and its sharp teeth glinted as it lunged at Kyle.


    [Water Serpent]


    [Tier: 5]


    [HP: 3000]


    Kyle ducked, requiring much force than usual to move with more speed in the water, but he managed to narrowly avoid the serpent''s jaws.


    He used all the strength in his body to propel himself upwards immediately after, and slashed upward with his katana.


    The blade hit into the creature''s side, releasing a burst of fire energy which Kyle had activated. The serpent writhed in pain and retreated deeper into the water.


    Kyle knew better than to chase it down, as that would only make the fight more difficult, but he scanned below him for the exact location of the serpent, so as to take it out from above.


    At that moment, Kyle noticed two more Tier-5 serpents inside the water.


    ''The Tower really went all out for me,'' Kyle thought with a wry smile.


    ''They on water for movement. Lightning''s best friend. But my spells would put me in danger too... I''ll have to give them distance.''


    Kyle activated [Lightning Dash] and sprinted away farther across the room. It wasn''t that easy though, as the serpents easily gave him chase, closing the distance with each second.


    He was practically running inside the water and even with the great speeds he was zipping at, the water resistance was getting the better of him.


    But the serpents were not only familiar with water, their streamlined body easily allowed them waft through the water-filled room without any resistance.


    ''Damn, they''re closing in,'' Kyle thought with a sigh after he noticed the shadows that closed in on him.


    It was at that moment that Kyle realized an enchantment he hadn''t used.


    ''Invisibility!''


    He began trying his best to mask all his emotions, concentrating on actually nothing. He didn''t even bother to care about the serpents that were chasing him... He just remained there.


    And slowly, Kyle''s form turned invisible. He didn''t stop there though, as he also activated [Silent Steps], silencing everything about his body.


    His body was so noiceless that even someone who could see him would doubt whether he was actually there, talk more of when he was invisible.


    He remained rooted to the spot, as movement would cause the water to be displaced, resulting in him being caught.


    Eventually, the serpents passed his position. But it was only after they had gone several meters pass him did he finally act.


    His form instantly appeared as a smirk formed on his face. They had noticed him, but it was too late, as Kyle summoned a series of [Lightning Bolts] far more than he could count, and hurled it at them.


    The current surged outward, electrocuting one of the serpents instantly and tuning it into ash.


    [Vanquished Foes: 166/2000]


    The other two serpents roared in anger, leaping toward him simultaneously, but Kyle repeated the same actions to them and they were both turned into ash immediately.


    [Vanquished Foes: 168/2000] Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    After the serpents died, the water began to recede immediately.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 21 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 10,000 Gold Coins, Water Breathing Technique] S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Water Breathing Technique]


    [A technique that enables the user to extract oxygen from water. This allows breathing underwater for extended periods]


    Kyle''s jaw dropped as he inspected the manual. ''This would be nice!''


    He didn''t even realize that he had been holding his breath all these while, as it was child play for now. But he still knew that the technique could be useful one day.


    Kyle didn''t waste time on any other thoughts, channeling his mana through the crimson Ascension Orb to ascend to the 22nd floor.


    The heat was oppressive on the 22nd floor. Flames licked at the edges of the room, and molten lava bubbled in streams along the walls. The floor itself was segmented into narrow, crumbling platforms suspended over pits of fire.


    [Twenty-Second Trial: Cross the room and extinguish the flames blocking your path.]


    Kyle surveyed the area. Several towering flame pillars blocked the exit, their intensity making it impossible to approach. The platforms were unstable, and he knew that even the slightest misstep could send him plummeting into the lava below.


    ''This is easier,'' Kyle concluded with a smile.


    He leapt to the first platform, which wobbled dangerously under his weight. Using [Air Steps] for added stability, he quickly moved to the next platform, dodging a sudden burst of flames from the walls.


    The heat intensified as he approached the first flame pillar, but Kyle noticed a glowing rune etched into a nearby wall. Channeling mana into the rune caused it to dim slightly and reduced the pillar''s size.


    ''So that''s the trick,'' he realized.


    He continued forward, activating runes as he went. Each rune he disabled weakened the flames, but the platforms became increasingly unstable, and the lava geysers grew more frequent.


    Midway through, a fiery elemental emerged with its body composed entirely of molten rock and flames.


    [Flame Sentinel]


    [Tier: 5]


    [HP: 3,500]


    The sentinel hurled fireballs at Kyle, forcing him to leap from platform to platform to avoid them. He retaliated with [Lightning Bolts], but the creature absorbed the attacks with ease.


    ''It'' s a bit resistant to Lightning'' Kyle thought, switching to his trusty katana. He charged at the Sentinel directly with [Air Steps] and with the frost enchantment if the [Frostfire] and [Blazing Impact] execution, he delivered a strike directly on the Elemental''s head.


    [Vanquished Foes: 169/2000]


    With the sentinel defeated, Kyle activated the remaining runes, extinguishing the final flame pillar. He crossed to the exit and the oppressive heat finally began to subside.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 22 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, Fire-Resistant Cloak, 12,000 Gold Coins.]


    [Fire-Resistant Cloak: Reduces Fire Damage by 10% when equipped]


    ''A cloak?'' the reward was something Kyle wasn''t familiar with once again. He had never heard of a cloak that could reduce damage.


    But he chose not to wear it, and instead stocked it in his inventory. ''A cloak would only hinder my agility, maybe I''ll use it when I find myself in a similar situation.''


    ''Let''s clear the next floor.''


    He channeled his mana into the Ascension Orb, and the surrounding dissolved once more.

 Chapter 227 Hell Mode Initiated (3)

    The 23rd floor was a very wide room, and its walls were clean and unmarked save for some glowing lines that streaked on it.


    At the center of the room was a tall platform, on which a golden orb rested.


    [Twenty-Third Trial: Retrieve the orb]


    Kyle''s eyes narrowed as he surveyed the room. The chamber appeared empty at first glance, but his instincts told him otherwise.


    The next moment, two massive figures materialized in the room, with their forms composed of blackened stone with fiery cracks running along their surfaces. Their eyes burned with molten light as they turned toward Kyle.


    [Molten Guardian]


    [Tier: 6]


    [HP: 5,000]


    ''Damn, Tier-6?!'' Kyle cursed under his breath. As he expected, the trial was far from simple. Thankfully, the guardians remained rooted to the spot, which meant that they might not be taking any action against him.


    ''Stealth, then,'' Kyle thought, activating [Silent Steps] to muffle his movements and the [Invisibility] enchantment after masking his emotions.


    His body emitted no sound as he began moving toward the platform, while the guardians remained motionless, their molten eyes scanning the room in slow, deliberate arcs.


    As he crept closer, Kyle noticed glowing runes etched into the floor near the pedestal. The patterns seemed to shift and pulse with energy and their purpose were unclear but undoubtedly tied to the guardians.


    He crouched low and observed the runes for a moment.


    ''Some kind of detection system,'' he deduced. ''If I step on one of these, they''ll know I''m here.''


    He couldn''t help but feel that wouldn''t be the case if he did so with [Silent Steps] but he still maneuvered between the runes eitherways.


    Just as he was halfway to the pedestal, one of the guardians turned its head slightly and maybe by coincidence, its eyes were rooted on Kyle.


    Kyle''s heart raced immediately, and due to the slight nervousness he felt, he became visible again.


    But it seemed the guardians didn''t care if he was visible, and so they resumed their search.


    ''Close,'' Kyle thought before resuming his careful advance.


    When he was only a few steps from the orb, the air around him shifted and a faint shimmer appeared, and Kyle felt a sudden pull on his body. A gravitational trap.


    ''Damn it!'' he said within him as he struggled to resist the force dragging him away. The force was immensely strong to be able to drag him, and the disturbance triggered the guardians, who roared to life immediately.


    Kyle acted quickly, activating [Lightning Dash] to break free from the gravitational pull. He darted to the side next, narrowly avoiding a molten fist as one of the guardians smashed the ground where he had been.


    ''So much for stealth,'' he thought grimly, unsheathing his katana.


    The guardians were slow but relentless, their massive forms towering over him. Kyle aimed for their fiery cores, channeling [Frostfire Edge] into his blade.


    He dashed toward the first guardian, dodging its sweeping arm before slicing through its molten chest. The strike connected and the frost energy he had specifically activated extinguished some of the flames as the guardian stumbled back.


    [HP: 3,200/5,000]


    The second guardian retaliated, hurling a fiery projectile at Kyle.


    >WHOOSH... BOOM!<


    He sidestepped the attack and the projectile exploded behind him in a burst of heat and molten rock.


    ''I can''t let them corner me,'' Kyle thought before dashing toward the platform, vaulting over the remaining runes with [Air Steps].


    As he reached for the orb, a surge of energy erupted from it, forming a barrier of light around the artifact.


    ''Of course it wouldn''t be that easy,'' Kyle thought, gritting his teeth.


    The barrier pulsed with power, and Kyle realized it was tied to the remaining runes on the floor. He had to deactivate them to claim the orb.


    The guardians, having realized that Kyle had got away, turned their attention back to him. They charged at him with their fiery cores burning brighter than ever.


    Kyle leapt onto one of the guardians, using its massive body as a platform. He drove his katana into its core, channeling a mix of frost and lightning energy to destabilize.


    The guardian roared in agony before collapsing into a heap of molten rock, then into ash.


    [Vanquished Foes: 170/2000]


    The second guardian launched another fiery projectile, but Kyle anticipated the attack and countered with a series of [Lightning Bolts], the collision created an explosive shockwave and the force threw Kyle back, but he used [Air Steps] to recover mid-air.


    ''Just one left,'' he thought, landing near the remaining runes.


    Kyle quickly channeled mana into the runes, disrupting their energy flow. Each rune he deactivated caused the barrier around the orb to flicker, but the guardian charged at him, forcing Kyle to weave between attacks as he worked.


    Finally, the last rune dimmed, and the barrier dissipated. Kyle sprinted toward the pedestal, grabbing the orb just as the guardian prepared to strike.


    ''Not today,'' Kyle muttered, executing [Blazing Impact] and launching a powerful shockwave that sent the guardian crashing into the far wall.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 23 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 15,000 Gold Coins, 2* Guardian''s Core Gem]


    Kyle inspected the glowing gem, feeling the heat radiating from it.


    [Guardian''s Core Gem: A crafting material imbued with molten energy. Can be used to forge powerful weapons or armor.]


    ''Orion would use this well,'' Kyle thought, slipping the gem into his inventory. Without wasting any time, he activated the Ascension Orb.


    The moment Kyle activated the Ascension Orb, the environment around him dissolved into swirling light.


    When the transition ended, Kyle found himself on a vast, icy plateau. Jagged peaks surrounded the area, and a cold wind howled through the air. Snow fell in thick, heavy flakes, blanketing the ground in a crisp, white layer.


    [Twenty-Fourth Trial: Break the ice to uncover the hidden treasure. Beware of the Frostbound Guardians.]


    Kyle frowned as he surveyed his surroundings. In the center of the plateau stood a massive block of ice and its surface glowed faintly with embedded runes.


    Around it, four tall statues of armored knights loomed with their weapons poised as if ready to strike.


    ''Guardians again... This Tower sure loves these things.''


    As soon as he stepped within ten paces of the ice, the ground trembled, and the statues began to move.


    [Frostbound Guardians]


    [Tier: 6]


    [HP: 5,500]


    The knights'' eyes glowed an icy blue, and frost trailed from their movements as they advanced toward Kyle. Each carried a weapon, one wielded a greatsword, another a spear, the third an axe, and the last a pair of daggers.


    ''Four of them, huh?'' Kyle thought grimly. ''This won''t be easy.''


    The first guardian lunged with its greatsword, swinging with surprising speed for its size. Kyle sidestepped the attack, feeling the icy wind rush past him as the blade struck the ground. He retaliated with [Blazing Impact], the shockwave from the attack forcing the guardian to stagger back.


    Before Kyle could press the advantage, the spear-wielding guardian attacked, thrusting its weapon with precision.


    >CLANG!<


    Kyle parried with his katana, and the clash of steel against steel sent vibrations up his arm.


    ''Their coordination is no joke,'' Kyle realized as the dagger-wielding guardian appeared behind him, slashing with lightning-fast strikes. He twisted away, activating [Lightning Dash] to create distance.


    Kyle glanced at the glowing ice block. The trial''s objective was clear, but with the guardians constantly on him, he wouldn''t have the time to focus on breaking the ice.


    ''Divide and conquer,'' he decided.


    Kyle activated [Silent Steps] and went invisible, making the guardians to look lost on his position, which gave him a momentary advantage.


    He charged at the greatsword guardian, aiming for the exposed joints in its armor. His katana, imbued with the fire of [Frostfire Edge], slashed through the icy plating, leaving burns in its surface.


    [HP: 2,200/5,500] sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The axe-wielding guardian retaliated with its weapon glowing with a frosty aura. It swung downward, creating a shockwave that sent shards of ice flying in all directions.


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    Kyle summoned [Chaotic Whirlpool] and the vortex absorbed the ice shards before redirecting it back to its sender.


    The barrage of ice shards made the guardian to almost lose balance and fall and this gave Kyle the opportunity to leap into the air and firing a barrage of [Lightning Bolts] at the guardian''s chest.


    ''Let''s end this.''


    Landing with a roll, Kyle sped with [Lightning Dash], executing [Air Steps] to avoid being hit. With one final blow, he drove his blade through the guardian''s core, causing it to turn into ash.


    [Vanquished Foes: 171/2000]

 Chapter 228 Hell Mode Initiated (4)

    The spear-wielding guardian lunged at Kyle''s now visible form again with more attacks, but Kyle used [Air Steps] to easily evade. He maneuvered around the guardian, while slashing at its legs to destabilize it.


    The dagger-wielding guardian joined the fray, forcing Kyle to defend against two opponents simultaneously.


    After a series of precise strikes, Kyle destroyed the spear-wielding guardian.


    [Vanquished Foes: 172/2000]


    The remaining two guardians fought with more ferocity, but Kyle had easily gained the upper hand. He e executed [Blazing Impact], combining it with a speed burst from [Lightning Dash] to unleash a devastating charge that destroyed the axe-wielding guardian.


    [Vanquished Foes: 173/2000]


    The dagger-wielding guardian was the most agile and its rapid movements forcing Kyle to stay on his toes. He focused on predicting its patterns, using feints to lure it into overextending. When the opportunity came, he struck with enough force to shatter its icy form and turn it into smoke.


    [Vanquished Foes: 174/2000]


    With the guardians defeated, the plateau fell silent. Kyle turned his attention back to the glowing ice block. Its surface was unmarred despite the intense battle that had taken place around it.


    He approached it cautiously, examining the runes embedded in the ice.


    ''Magic like this won''t break with brute force... Or rather, I might not be able to break it,'' he thought, before placing a hand on the ice.


    As he channeled his mana, the runes responded and their glow intensified. The ice began to crack, but the process was slow. Kyle realized he needed more power to break the enchantment.


    After the block was weakened even more, Kyle channeled [Frostfire Edge] and delivered a powerful fiery strike to the ice. The runes shattered, and the block crumbled, revealing a treasure chest within.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 24 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 18,000 Gold Coins, Frostbane Amulet.]


    [Frostbane Amulet: Reduces Ice Damage by 20% and increases resistance to freezing effects.]


    Kyle inspected the strange amulet and wore it immediately, a faint smile on his face.


    ''Thank you it''s not a robe.''


    Kyle didn''t waste any time after donning the Frostbane Amulet. He activated the Ascension Orb, and once again, the familiar sensation of his surroundings dissolving into swirling light engulfed him.


    When the light subsided, he found himself standing on a narrow, rocky path suspended high in the air.


    The sky above him had dark clouds and flashes of lightning. The path was treacherous with jagged rocks and strong gusts of wind that were strong enough to push him off balance. Worst of all, below, there was nothing but a vast, endless void.


    [Twenty-Fifth Trial: Navigate the Path of Storms.]


    ''This doesn''t seem too bad.''


    He activated [Lightning Dash] to steady himself against the wind and took his first step onto the rocky path.


    Immediately, the storm reacted, and a bolt of lightning struck the ground ahead of him, causing the rocks to shake.


    ''This trial is going to be fun,'' Kyle thought, rolling his eyes as he darted forward.


    The path twisted and turned unpredictably, with sections breaking apart as he ran. Lightning bolts struck relentlessly, forcing him to rely on his reflexes and [Air Steps] to avoid being hit.


    At one point, a particularly strong gust of wind nearly threw him off the edge, but he managed to stabilize himself with a quick burst of strength.


    As Kyle advanced, he noticed glowing orbs hovering along the path. Each orb emitted a faint hum and seemed to attract the lightning strikes.


    ''Lightning conductors,'' Kyle realized. ''They''re guiding the strikes, but they''re also blocking the path.''


    He quickly analyzed the situation and devised a plan. With a precise [Lightning Bolt], he struck one of the orbs, overloading it and causing it to shatter. The resulting energy discharge cleared the path ahead.


    ''That''s one way to do it,'' Kyle muttered, continuing his advance.


    The trial grew increasingly challenging as the path narrowed and the storm intensified. At another point.


    Halfway through the trial, the storm seemed to change tactics. The lightning strikes became less predictable, and the wind began to swirl around him, forming small tornadoes that threatened to pull him off the path.


    They weren''t easy to overcome, but Kyle did so with ease and only kept advancing. As he neared the end of the trial, he encountered a massive orb hovering in the center of the path.


    Unlike the smaller orbs, this one radiated an overwhelming energy and pulsed with the rhythm of the storm.


    [Storm Core Detected.]


    The moment Kyle stepped within range, the Storm Core unleashed a barrage of lightning bolts. They came from all directions, forcing Kyle to dodge and weave with incredible speed.


    ''Looks like that''s the boss of this trial,'' he thought, wondering whether the orb would summon something. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle activated [Lightning Dash] to close the distance, but the Storm Core retaliated with a powerful shockwave that sent him flying back. He barely managed to recover with [Air Steps], landing gracefully on a stable section of the path.


    ''Alright, let''s try this again,'' he thought, unsheathing his katana.


    This time, Kyle combined [Blazing Impact] with [Frostfire Edge], creating a devastatingly powerful strike. He launched himself toward the Storm Core, slashing at it with all his strength.


    >BOOM!<


    The katana''s enchanted blade cut through the energy barrier surrounding the core, causing it to crackle and sputter.


    The Storm Core retaliated with another shockwave, but Kyle was ready. He activated [Chaotic Whirlpool], using the vortex to absorb and redirect the energy back at the core. The feedback loop caused the core to destabilize further.


    ''Time to finish this,'' Kyle thought.


    With one final, powerful strike, he shattered the Storm Core. The resulting explosion sent a surge of energy through the storm, calming it instantly.


    ''Damn, how strong can such a small orb be.''


    [Trial Complete. Floor 25 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 20,000 Gold Coins, Stormbreaker Cloak.]


    [Stormbreaker Cloak: Grants 20% resistance to lightning attacks]


    Kyle inspected the cloak and chose not to were it either, instead he placed it in his inventory along with the gold coins.


    With his rewards secured; Kyle activated the Ascension Orb once more, ready for the next challenge.


    When the light faded, he found himself in a dense, overgrown jungle. The air was thick with humidity, and the sound of rustling leaves and distant animal calls filled the area.


    [Twenty-Sixth Trial: Survive the Predator''s Domain.]


    Kyle''s eyes narrowed as he surveyed the jungle. The trial''s name left little to the imagination, and he had no doubt that he was being hunted.


    ''I should''ve known it wouldn''t be a simple walk in the park,'' he thought, unsheathing his katana.


    As he ventured deeper into the jungle, the atmosphere grew tense. The foliage around him rustled unnaturally, and he caught glimpses of shadowy figures moving through the trees.


    Then, without warning, a massive beast lunged at him from the underbrush. It was a sleek, feline creature with jet-black fur and glowing red eyes.


    [Shadow Panther]


    [Tier: 6]


    [HP: 5,800]


    Kyle barely dodged the initial attack, rolling to the side and slashing at the panther with his katana. The blade left a shallow cut, but the panther was fast, disappearing into the shadows before he could follow up.


    ''Oh... I see. That''s its ability... Well, two can play that game.''


    He activated [Silent Steps], but when he tried to go invisible, it didn''t work out. He was feeling too excited maybe.


    ''Freaking emotions.''


    Kyle inhaled and exhaled to calm himself but his form remained visible, he sighed in frustration and just stayed silent.


    ''I can only wait for it to come again.''


    He just had to keep his guard up to catch the beast, as it was definitely planning a next move.


    Time passed and as expected, the panther struck again but Kyle was ready. He countered with [Blazing Impact] and the shockwave threw the beast off balance.


    He pressed the advantage, activating [Lightning Dash] to close the distance and striking with a combination of firefrost slashes and lightning bolts.


    After a short battle, the panther finally collapsed and its body dissolved into black mist.


    [Vanquished Foes: 175/2000]


    [Trial Complete. Floor 26 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 25,000 Gold Coins]


    ''No extras this time,'' Kyle thought before channeling his mana through the orb. The surroundings solidified as the Ascension Orb''s energy dissipated, revealing a vast, circular chamber carved from smooth, reflective obsidian.


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    A series of ethereal white runes spiraled across the walls, glowing faintly in the dim light and the air felt heavy.


    [Twenty-Seventh Trial: The Hall of Reflections]

 Chapter 229 Hell Mode Initiated (5)

    [Twenty-Seventh Trial: The Hall of Reflections.]


    Kyle frowned and gripped his katana tighter instinctively, though he doubted that combat would be the main challenge here.


    His reflection stared back at him from every angle, but something about the mirrored images unsettled him ¡ª they didn''t move as he did.


    ''I''m guessing this won''t be as simple as walking through,'' he thought.


    The voice boomed through the chamber once again:


    [Face yourself. Only truth will light your path.]


    With those words, the chamber began to shift. Kyle''s reflections stepped out from the walls, becoming solid copies of him. Each held a weapon, though their eyes glowed an unnatural silver.


    ''Fighting against my clones... That would be interesting.''


    Kyle raised his katana and lunged at the nearest copy, but his blade passed straight through it, meeting no resistance.


    Kyle straightened and lowered his weapon. It didn''t seem like this was a combat trial.


    "Who are you?"


    The reflections said in surprise, shocking Kyle.


    He took the [Veil of Silence] off so that he could communicatez and responded:


    "I''m Kyle, obviously."


    "Not your name. Who are you?" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You abandoned them."


    The first reflection''s voice was calm, yet cutting. It showed him a vision of his Yurigur when the beasts revolved, the lives that were lost. The people he had fought to protect.


    "You lived while they died. You chose this new life and left them behind."


    Kyle felt bad but he didn''t allow it to show on him, he clenched his fist and replied.


    "That wasn''t my choice. I didn''t ask to be brought here... And besides, how do you know that they died. We were winning, they must have won."


    The reflections ignored his protest.


    "And yet, you''ve grown comfortable here, haven''t you?" Another spoke, its tone laced with contempt.


    "A peaceful life, new friends. Do you even think about them anymore? Or have you decided they''re just ghosts of a past you can ignore?"


    Kyle''s realized some truth in what they were saying. He didn''t have any family or friends back in Yurigur and that had made him not to feel much about them.


    "You spared the thief," another reflection cut through his thoughts. Kyle was no longer in the chamber but back in the forest. The thief knelt before him, sobbing and begging for his life.


    "You could''ve ended it there. He wouldn''t have hurt anyone else. But you hesitated," the reflection hissed. The thief''s voice echoed around Kyle, replaying his desperate pleas.


    "Why did you let him go? Was it pity? Weakness? Or something else?"


    Kyle felt a lump in his throat. He had asked himself the same question that night. Was sparing the thief the right decision, or had he made a mistake?


    The reflections pressed on.


    "You let him live, and you felt like you''d lost something in doing so. What was it, Kyle? Was it your resolve? Your sense of justice? Or maybe... you''re afraid of what killing him says about you."


    Kyle exhaled and said after some thought. "I don''t know if it was the right choice, but it felt... human."


    The reflections paused, then another spoke, colder than the rest.


    "Human. Is that what you are? You''ve killed before, countless beasts, even the goblins you killed in the tower were sentient. You hesitate one moment, and the next, you''re cutting down another without a second thought. What does that make you, Kyle? A hero? A hypocrite?"


    Their words echoed in Kyle''s mind, bringing up every doubt he had buried.


    The reflections closed in and their voices merged.


    "Who are you?"


    Kyle shut his eyes, breathing deeply to calm his racing thoughts. The weight of their accusations threatened to crush him, but he refused to break.


    "I''m..." he began, his voice uncertain at first but growing stronger.


    "I''m someone who doesn''t have all the answers yet. I don''t know if every choice I''ve made is right. But I''m trying. I''m trying to figure out what kind of person I want to be."


    The reflections stopped coming closer and their silver eyes flickered. Kyle opened his own eyes and met their gaze too.


    "I don''t know if sparing the thief was weakness or strength. I don''t know if leaving my old world behind was selfish. But I do know one thing: I won''t let those questions stop me. I''ll keep moving forward, no matter how heavy the past is."


    [Trial Complete. Floor 27 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 30,000 Gold Coins, Truthseer Band.]


    [Truthseer Band: Enhances mental clarity and provides resistance to illusion-based effects.]


    Kyle smiled widely at the ring''s description and immediately slipped it onto his finger, feeling its subtle calming effect.


    "They weren''t wrong... But they weren''t right either."


    His mind trailed off to the earlier questioning before he activated the Ascension Orb.


    ***


    Kyle appeared in a circular room with no visible exits. At its center was a large hourglass, its golden sand trickling steadily into the lower chamber.


    Around the hourglass were twelve pedestals, each bearing an ornate key with a unique design.


    [Twenty-Eight Trial: Unlock the door within 60 seconds. Choose Wisely]


    Kyle''s eyes darted to the walls, where twelve identical doors stood. Each door bore a symbol matching one of the keys.


    "Sixty seconds?" he was able to mutter since he hadn''t worn back his mask. He began analyzing the symbols. The designs were intricate, ranging from abstract patterns to depictions of animals and celestial bodies.


    He approached the pedestals, examining the keys closely. Something felt off, some of the symbols didn''t match the level of detail on the doors.


    ''They''re decoys,'' he realized.


    The sand in the hourglass continued to fall. Kyle''s mind raced as he eliminated the less-detailed symbols. That left him with three potential keys, each corresponding to a door.


    ''Which one?'' he thought, glancing at the hourglass. There was something strange about the way the sand was falling, it wasn''t constant. It sped up, then slowed down erratically.


    "Wait a minute..." Kyle said, stepping back. He noticed the faint glow around one of the keys flickered in perfect sync with the sand''s movement.


    "That''s it," he said, grabbing the flickering key.


    The moment he inserted it into the matching door, the hourglass froze, and the room shifted. The other doors and keys dissolved, leaving only the one he had chosen.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 28 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 40,000 Gold Coins.]


    Kyle exhaled in relief that his observation had been positive, because it could have gone both ways. He activated the Ascension Orb once more for the 29th floor.


    ***


    [Twenty-Ninth Trial: Only one chain may be broken, which would you break]


    The chains were inscribed in runic language:


    1. Ambition


    2. Loyalty


    3. Fear


    4. Hope


    5. Regret


    Kyle frowned, stepping closer to examine the inscriptions. "Only one can be broken... but which one?"


    He ran his fingers along the chain labeled Fear. "Breaking fear could mean freedom, but it might also make me reckless," he muttered.


    The chain labeled Hope seemed counterintuitive. "Why would anyone break hope? That doesn''t make sense."


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    He considered Regret, but something about it felt wrong. "Regret can be heavy, but it also reminds you of your lessons."


    Kyle''s gaze settled on Ambition. "Breaking ambition might make someone stagnant... or content. But it doesn''t feel right either."


    Finally, he looked at Loyalty and hesitated. "Loyalty... is that a strength or a chain holding me back?"


    The voice returned.


    "Decide. The truth will guide you."


    Kyle closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Fear," he said finally. "I choose to break the chain of fear."


    As he spoke, the chain labeled Fear shattered, and the other four dissolved into light. The orb pulsed brightly, and a hidden door slid open.


    [Trial Complete. Floor 29 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 50,000 Gold Coins.]


    ''I wonder if it''s possible to fail these kind of trials,'' Kyle thought, knowing fully well that different people could have different opinions in these scenarios.


    Kyle didn''t dwell on it and used the Ascension Orb.


    ***


    [Thirtieth Trial: The Weight of Choice]


    In the center of a chamber stood a raised stone dais. Upon the dais rested two pedestals, each holding a distinct item:


    On the left, a vial of golden liquid, glowing faintly and radiating warmth that seemed to promise life and hope.


    On the right, an ornate dagger, its blade gleaming with a cold, sharp brilliance that seemed to hum with latent power.


    Kyle''s eyes narrowed as he stepped closer, his boots echoing softly against the stone floor.


    "Another choice trial," he muttered under his breath. "Can''t we go back to the combat trials already."


    The voice of the tower interrupted his thoughts:

 Chapter 230 Power Comes With Responsibility

    [The golden vial represents the power to heal and protect, to preserve life in its most vulnerable moments.


    The dagger symbolizes strength, decisiveness, and the power to shape destiny, no matter the cost]


    Kyle studied the two items intently. One thing he had learned from these kinds of trials was that they didn''t have a fixed answer. The answer all depended on oneself.


    He could just grab anyone and walk away, but Kyle wanted to understand their meaning more deeply.


    "Power to protect... or power to act," he said quietly. "I can''t save everyone, but I can''t sit back and wait either."


    After a long moment, he reached for the dagger.


    The instant his fingers closed around the hilt, the vial vanished in a burst of golden light, and the coolness of the dagger could be felt in his grip.


    [You have chosen the path of strength. Strength is no gift; it must be earned. Prove your worth.]


    The room darkened, and Kyle found himself standing in an endless void.


    "That wasn''t the end," Kyle muttered before paying attention to his new surroundings.


    A shadowed figure that held the same dagger Kyle held and had glowing crimson eyes emerged before him.


    The figure lunged without warning and sent the dagger at Kyle''s side. He barely had time to parry but his superior speed allowed him to easily duck and avoid the stab.


    ''I can''t win if I fight with a dagger,'' Kyle thought and without wasting a second, he threw the dagger on the floor.


    In the next instant, he materialized the [Aurora Fang] from his inventory, feeling a sense of calm envelope him the moment he gripped his trusty katana.


    >SWOOSH!<


    The shadow didn''t give Kyle any chance and lunged at him once again, its dagger aiming for his chest.


    Kyle''s instincts were awakened as he leaped into the air using [Air Steps], resulting in the shadow''s strike missing him by a hair''s breadth and its dagger slicing harmlessly through space.


    Hovering midair, Kyle took the opportunity to reach for his face and swiftly donned the [Veil of Silence] he had retrieved from his inventory.


    ''Can''t let a kill go to waste.''


    Kyle thought before landing lightly and narrowing his eyes at the figure.


    [Unknown Entity]


    [Tier: ??]


    [HP: ??]


    ''That''s new,'' Kyle said within him. The lack of information didn''t make him feel comfortable, but he forced himself to focus. Judging by the speed the creature had been using to attack him, it didn''t seem to be too powerful.... Hopefully.


    Without wasting a moment, he executed [Blazing Impact], then activated [Frostfire Edge] on his blade and combined it with [Lightning Dash] to propel himself toward the shadow at neck-breaking speed.


    >ZIPPPP!<


    Kyle swung down the blade with all his might the moment he met the stationary shadow, expecting to end it all in one strike.


    ... But instead of resistance, his katana passed cleanly through the creature, as though it was nothing but mist.


    Kyle''s eyes widened in shock after he came to terms with what had happened. ''What the fuck?''


    The moment of hesitation was all the shadow needed for It to lash out with its dagger, striking Kyle squarely in the stomach.


    >BOOM!<


    Kyle coughed out blood as the impact sent him tumbling backward and pain exploded through his abdomen.


    [HP: 425/1100]


    It seemed like he had been hit with a blunt weapon but with tremendous force. But even with the bluntness of the dagger''s blade, it had managed to cut Kyle deep.


    The wound had begun to heal as quickly as it appeared though, as Kyle''s [Undying] trait began to work its magic.


    ''How the hell am I supposed to defeat that thing?'' Kyle thought as he tried to get to his feet while clutching his side in pain.


    The creature, however, didn''t press its attack even after watching Kyle stand. It remained motionless with its crimson eyes fixed on Kyle.


    "What is strength to you?"


    The creature finally asked with a deep voice.


    "Is it domination? Control? Or perhaps the will to destroy?"


    Kyle didn''t reply and only stared back at the demon, but within him, the question kept repeating itself.


    ''What is strength to me?''.


    He couldn''t speak aloud due to the [Veil of Silence], but the words began to form in his mind. Strength wasn''t just about overpowering enemies or breaking through obstacles. It wasn''t about domination or destruction.


    Memories began to surface in his mind: the thief he''d spared, the people he had fought with in Yurigur, the villagers he had saved, and those in Yurigur that he couldn''t save.


    ... All that needed strength.


    ''Strength isn''t just power for the sake of power... It''s about knowing why you''re fighting in the first place.''


    The faces of those who had depended on him flashed before his eyes. The regret of his failures stung, but the pride in the moments he had succeeded won over.


    ''Strength is responsibility,'' Kyle realized. ''It''s not about being invincible. It''s about standing back up when you fall. It''s about protecting those who can''t protect themselves.''


    The resolve solidified within him and a quiet fire burned inside his chest.


    Kyle raised his katana and dashed at full speed toward the shadow one more time this time with more purpose.


    With a final leap into the air, he whispered to himself before bringing the blade down:


    ''Power comes with responsibility.''


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    The katana erupted with blinding white light, brighter than Kyle had ever seen before. Unlike his previous uses of Sword Intent, the energy didn''t leave the blade ¡ª it became one with it! S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The light that was radiated was so intense that it would have blinded anyone watching.


    As Kyle brought down the katana on the shadow, the void itself seemed to distort.


    >BOOOOOOOM!<


    The explosion of energy engulfed the shadow, tearing it apart with a deafening roar. The black mist disappeared, leaving nothing behind.


    Kyle stumbled as exhaustion hit him like a wave. He let go of the katana and its clatter was the only sound that could be heard before he let himself fall too, collapsing on the ground and panting heavily.


    [Sword Intent Mastery: 100%]


    [Congratulations! You have mastered Sword Intent!]

 Chapter 231 Learning New Spells

    [Trial Complete. Floor 30 Cleared.]


    [Rewards Acquired: Ascension Orb, 100,000 Gold Coins]


    [You have completed 30 floors and can ascend through the final ten floors of Kyle''s Tower. Before proceeding, you will be transported to the Resting Area. You have five hours to recover, prepare, and reflect before the trials resume]


    The chamber around Kyle began to dissolve. The black void was no more, replaced by a stark white room. It was the same room he had first appeared in before he began ascending.


    Kyle looked down to find his rewards neatly arranged on the white floor, and he easily stored them in his inventory, leaving only the Ascension Orb behind.


    ''Sword Intent Mastery,'' Kyle summoned the panel that usually displayed his progression in sword intent, but was met with something else entirely.


    [Sword Aura Mastery: 0%]


    ''Sword Aura? Dan never told me about that. I wonder what its capable of.''


    ''But first, now that I''ve fully mastered Sword Intent, would I be able to use it at will? That''s too OP!''


    A smile formed on Kyle''s face as he imagined obliterating invisible opponents with just a slash from his sword. He didn''t leave in the fantasy for too long, as he realized that using his intent usually sapped some strength from him.


    ''I''ll try increasing my stamina from now onwards, maybe it''ll help,'' Kyle noted.


    [Rest Time Remaining: 4:58:55]


    Kyle looked at the timer on the far end of the wall to see how much time he could stay there for, before concluding.


    ''5 hours... that should be enough.''


    He didn''t plan on remaining idle while here as he even had some important plans to take care of.


    ''Inventory!''


    [70* Tier-1 Mana Core, 40* Tier-2 Mana Core, 12* Tier-3 Mana Core...]


    ''There won''t be any problem for me to use the Tier-1 and Tier-2 Mana Cores.''


    He materialized the glowing orbs onto the ground and took off the [Veil of Silence] to begin gobbling them.


    [EXP + 15]


    [EXP + 15]


    [EXP + 15]


    ...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Intermediate Lightning Mage: Lv 7


    EXP: 12,450/27,000*


    Intermediate Chaos Mage: Lv 6


    EXP: 10,206/18,000*


    HP: 1100


    ...


    Kyle examined his status after he was done with the mana cores and sighed.


    "It''s unfortunate that I don''t have enough for a breakthrough... Welp, that''s not even the main reason while I was happy." Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    With a mental command, Kyle retrieved a thick book from his inventory ¡ª the Chaos Spell Book.


    "Since I''ve broken through, I can learn Chaos Spells now. Hopefully, that would greatly improve my combat power before I head into the final ten floors."


    Kyle had this nagging feeling that the final ten floors would be vastly different from normal and that he might not be able to breeze through them like he did with the other floors.


    "I can only get more stronger before the timer runs off."


    With a determined expression, Kyle flipped the pages of the spell book. Going past the two spells he had learned, before flipping the page to the section that was labeled "Tier-2 Spells".


    This time, however, when he turned the page once more, it didn''t budge, but rather turned over like a normal book would do.


    [Do you want to learn the Tier-2 spell: Void Rend?]


    [Cost: 20 Skill Points]


    Kyle dismissed the notification without even giving it any thought. There was no use in wasting his skill points when he could simply learn the spells on his own.


    "Not shortcuts," he muttered and began studying the spell closely.


    The diagrams showed jagged tears through space, but what caught Kyle''s attention was the annotation:


    "The Void is neither light nor dark; it is an absence that hungers. Beware, for you must guide the rift without becoming its prey."


    Kyle frowned at the text.


    "Guide the rift¡­ without becoming its prey?" He flipped the page back and forth and absorbed more details and the various techniques for doing so, before getting to work. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Closing his eyes, he focused on his Chaos Core, drawing on the chaotic energy swirling within.


    This time, the spell required more than just guiding the chaos¡ªit demanded a delicate balance between force and surrender. He extended his hands, visualizing the spatial tear.


    The chaos energy responded sluggishly at first, but with effort, it began to form a jagged point between his palms.


    Then came the pull.


    Kyle''s body stiffened as he felt an immense weight pressing against him, like gravity multiplied a hundredfold.


    The point between his hands began to stretch and warp and the air shimmered ominously. His arms trembled as he fought to hold the forming rift in place.


    Suddenly, the energy recoiled violently.


    "Ah!"


    Kyle cried out as he was flung backward, slamming into the wall. The jagged energy dissipated immediately after he stopped controlling it too, ruining all his efforts.


    Kyle slowly sat up and sighed. "Here we go again."


    This time, when he practiced, he focused on stabilizing himself first, rooting his body like a tree. He visualized the rift as something alive; hungry but controllable.


    With each breath, he allowed the chaotic energy to swirl freely, shaping it gently without forcing his will onto it.


    Minutes passed. Then hours.


    Finally, Kyle felt it. A sharp, unnatural tear formed before him. He opened his eyes to see the rift materialize: a jagged, black void that seemed to devour the light around it. The air hummed with power, and the ground beneath him cracked slightly from the pressure.


    Kyle gritted his teeth in an attempt to hold the rift steady.


    "Stay¡­ together¡­"


    The rift pulsed once before stabilizing. For a few moments, it hung in the air, a swirling wound in reality. Then, with a slow motion of his hands, Kyle released it, letting the rift dissolve into nothingness.


    [Congratulations! You have learned Tier-2 spell: Void Rend]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Void Rend (Lv 1)]


    Creates a jagged rift in space, releasing a destructive wave of chaotic energy that deals heavy damage in a 5-meter cone. The rift destabilizes barriers and weakens enemy defenses while emitting minor gravitational pull. Lasts 5 seconds.


    Cost: 80 MP per activation


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 232 Conflicted Kingdom

    "Woah!" Kyle exclaimed after reading the spell''s description. The spell was perfect, but he could only see its full potential when he uses it.


    "This would be nice," he muttered before closing his eyes for a moment or rest and opening it less than a minute later.


    "Okay. Time for the next spell."


    He reached for the book again, turning the page to the next Tier-2 spell.


    [Do you want to learn the Tier-2 spell: Chaotic Mirage?]


    [Cost: 20 Skill Points] Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle was confused and excited from the spell''s name, but he didn''t conclude on that, instead choosing to study the diagrams first.


    The diagrams showed distorted shapes ¡ª multiple versions of a caster flickering like a mirage. The description read: "Harness the chaos to fracture perception. Create false images to deceive, disorient, and overwhelm."


    "A spell that creates illusions?" Kyle said with intrigue. But as he read further, he realized this wasn''t just a simple illusion spell.


    "Mirages are reflections of chaos energy. They''re unstable but can briefly interact with the physical world. This isn''t just deception, it''s disorienting the enemy while using the false images as decoys and shields."


    Kyle exhaled slowly. "This one''s going to be tricky."


    Unlike Void Rend, this spell required him to fragment his own chaos energy into multiple pieces, each imitating his movements. The challenge lay in maintaining control over the fragments while keeping his real self concealed among them.


    He closed his eyes, drawing on the chaos within. This time, instead of focusing on a single point, he let the energy expand outward, imagining it splitting into several tendrils.


    The first few attempts ended in failure, with the energy dispersing uncontrollably, but he kept on following the book''s steps and after several attempts, he managed to create one flickering mirage ¡ª a faint, translucent image of himself ¡ª but it vanished almost immediately.


    "No. Focus. Don''t force it. Let the energy flow naturally."


    He tried again, guiding the chaos energy outward. This time, instead of trying to shape it directly, he let it ripple and fracture on its own. Slowly, faint images began to form around him, shimmering, distorted versions of himself.


    Three¡­ four¡­ five.


    Kyle opened his eyes and stood, watching the mirages mimic his movements. He waved an arm, and the illusions followed suit, flickering but synchronized.


    "Not bad," he said with a grin.


    Then, with a flick of his hand, he sent the mirages forward. They darted ahead, distorting the air as they moved. When one collided with the wall, it exploded in a burst of chaotic energy.


    Kyle smirked after seeing the result.


    "Now this¡­ this is incredible."


    [Congratulations! You have learned Tier-2 spell: Chaotic Mirage]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Chaotic Mirage (Lv 1)]


    [Splits chaos energy to create up to five unstable illusions of the caster. These illusions mimic movements but cannot interact with the environment. Lasts 10 seconds or until destroyed.


    Cost: 60 MP per activation]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle exhaled, exhausted but exhilarated. "Two Tier-2 spells in one session," he murmured, glancing at the timer.


    [Rest Time Remaining: 1:24:35]


    "Still enough time to recover," he said before letting himself collapse onto the floor. "I''ll be needing enough rest for the final floors."


    ''System, wake me up in an hour!''


    ***


    [BZZZZZZZZZ!!]


    The system''s alarm flared loudly within Kyle''s head the moment an hour passed. It only took Kyle some seconds before he could no longer handle the relentless disturbance and eventually opened his eyes.


    "Damn... It''s an hour already?" he asked to no one in particular as he rubbed the remnants of sleep away from his eyes.


    [0:24:25]


    A quick glance at the room''s timer was all that he needed to confirm that the System was right.


    ''Time to get to work.''


    Kyle stood up and began stretching his limbs before running across the room. He had made sure that he woke up early so that he could warm up before it was time.


    After running several times across the room for some seconds, he sat down on the floor and began practicing the control of his new spells.


    ***


    [0:00:30]


    With 30 seconds left on the clock, Kyle stood from his sitting position. He hadn''t perfected his control in any way for the spells to be a game changer, but to some degree he could cast them.


    [Chaotic Mirage] was quite difficult for him to cast and not only would he need absolute concentration to do so, he would need some minutes before he could give shape to his mirage which was very unpractical in a battle.


    On the bright side, he had mastered [Void Rend] to a degree since the concept was a bit similar to [Chaos Whirlpool], but that didn''t mean he was near to the level of spamming it at will, but he was getting there at least.


    ''I wish I had a Lightning Spell book too,'' Kyle couldn''t help but let his thoughts trail off to what that could mean for him.


    "Welp, I''ll get some when I return to the academy, or from the village even... I just need to clear this Tower first."


    [0:00:00]


    The moment the timer reached all zeros, Kyle heard the demon''s voice announce:


    [Prepare yourself for the final 10 floors, with increasingly greater difficulty]


    [To proceed, channel your mana into the Ascension Orb. The 31st floor awaits.]


    He glanced at the crimson orb which he had refrained placing in his inventory and picked it up, before channeling his mana through it like he has done almost thirty times already.


    The orb glowed up radiantly and it only took a few seconds for its effect to be made known.


    Kyle''s surroundings dissolved into an endless expanse of shimmering whiteness, the familiar walls of the resting chamber fading into nothingness. For a moment, there was silence until the new world came into view.


    Kyle soon found himself standing in the middle of a bustling city, which was a far cry from the quiet chambers and arenas he had grown accustomed to in the Tower.


    The air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, the tang of iron from a nearby blacksmith, and even the faint stench of refuse from an alley.


    Kyle turned around to understand where he was. "What is this?"


    [Thirty-First Trial: The Shattered Kingdom


    Navigate the conflict tearing this kingdom apart. Choose a side, or forge your own path. Your actions here will affect your future trials.]


    "Conflicts? This doesn''t feel like a trial. It feels like¡­"


    It was at that moment that it occurred to him that they were people moving around him but paying him no attention.


    ''No way these people are real?!''


    Kyle tried to see whether they were formed from magic or something, but he could sense no magic signatures, they were all real people.


    ''Inspect!''


    [Random Human]


    [Affinity: None]


    Almost everyone Kyle used [Inspect] on showed the same result and he wasn''t too surprised. The only point that impressed him was that this could be a magic world.


    ''Perhaps this is just a city in Zekkoa or something.''


    Kyle finally had enough of talking and decided 49 go check for himself if these people were real.


    He stepped toward a nearby stall, where a burly man was selling bread.


    "Excuse me," Kyle said with some hesitation.


    "What is it?"


    "Uh¡­ nothing," Kyle said quickly before stepping back. Thankfully, he blended in perfectly with the crowd and he didn''t face any complications.


    ''Things would have been awkward assuming I had decided to wear the [Veil of Silence] or any one of those robes.''


    Kyle''s thoughts were interrupted when he heard a far cry some blocks away from him. He joined the rest of the people and sprinted forward to see the building commotion.


    "Enough of your nonsense, Haron!" Kyle heard a guard bark the moment he approached. "Go back to your farm and be grateful for the protection we provide!"


    "Protection? Is that what you call this? Letting us starve and rot while the nobles grow fat off resources they refuse to share?"


    A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd that head arrived as they supported what the man had said.


    "You have no idea what you''re asking for. You think life beyond the barrier is simple? You''d be dead in minutes without us!" another guard added.


    ''Barrier?'' Kyle wondered what they meant but kept silent and listened.


    Haron didn''t look fazed by the guard''s words and instead spoke louder.


    "You think we''re children? That we can''t handle the risks? The truth is, the kingdom doesn''t want us to have what they have ¡ª power. They hoard it all for yourselves while we live like cattle!"

 Chapter 233 Kyle Against The Guards

    "Watch your mouth, Haron," the guard replied with a darkened face.


    Kyle felt the tension spike as one guard shoved Haron hard enough on his chest to send him stumbling.


    Some of the crowd began to react. Some shouted in anger while others moved back in fear.


    Kyle was a complete stranger to the kingdom''s ways and he knew that this wasn''t his fight, but the way the guards used their authority left a bitter taste in his mouth.


    Haron, himself, still refused to give up. "You can silence me, but you can''t stop the truth. The people are waking up!"


    The first guard raised his spear threateningly. "You''ve gone too far this time. Since you won''t shut up, we''ll make an example of you and teach others that treason is against the law!"


    The guard raised his spear up to stab Haron, but before it could strike, Kyle had already stepped forward at blinding speed, executing [Air Steps] in his movements to make his arrival more fluent.


    He shot his hand forward in a quick motion and caught the shaft of the spear mid-swing, resulting in everyone staring at him in awe.


    Kyle''s attention, however, was fixed on the man who had just attempted to kill someone in his front.


    "Was that really necessary?"


    The guard was sweating buckets as he stared into Kyle''s calm blue eyes. He didn''t know why the boy in front of him gave him such chills and why he was scared to act in the first place.


    He was a 9th Tier Intermediate Mage and was one of the strongest mages in that village, so how could a mere boy make him feel such way?


    "You''re quite the courageous one, aren''t you? I guess I''ll have to put you through the same fate as the rebel."


    The guard finally said with more confidence, he assumed that the boy had only been able to stop his strike because he didn''t use enough force.


    This time, he used all his strength in an attempt to pull his spear from Kyle''s hand... but the weapon refused to budge.


    ''No way.''


    The man tried harder again, even going to the extent of using his two hands to do so... but the spear remained fixed in Kyle''s hand.


    It was only in the process of dragging the spear did Kyle finally let go, resulting in him falling uncomfortably on the ground and earning loud series of laughter from the crowd.


    "Haha! All that talk, and he can''t even hold his weapon properly!"


    "Serves him right! Maybe someone should make an example of him for a change!"


    "I''d pay to see that," another chuckled with mockery.


    The fallen guard''s faces flushed red the moment he realized his situation. The other two guards supported him to his feet immediately, while pointing a finger at Kyle.


    "You dare humiliate me in front of these peasants?! I''ll make you pay for embarrassing me!"


    Kyle simply had his eyes fixed on the man as he spoke with an indifferent expression, while the crowd fell silent the moment they heard the guard mutter something under his breath.


    His instincts made him realize what the guard was about to do, but his calmness didn''t falter as he immediately activated [Chaotic Pulse], unleashing an invisible ripple of chaotic energy that spread outward from his body.


    The guard had a confused look on his face the moment his spell fizzled before it could even take form, but he tried again, this time shouting the spell''s name.


    "Flame Lance!"


    Nothing happened.


    The second guard, noticing his comrade''s struggle, stepped forward and attempted to cast his own spell.


    "Earthen Bind!" he shouted, raising his arms to summon the earth beneath Kyle''s feet. Yet, just like before, the mana refused to cooperate.


    The ripple from [Chaotic Pulse] had disrupted the mana flow entirely, leaving the guards powerless.


    "What¡­ what is this?" the first guard stammered and looked down at his hands as if the problem was within him.


    "I- I can''t feel my mana!"


    The third guard slowly walked back in fear.


    "It''s him¡­ It''s him! He''s the reason we can''t cast our spells!"


    This caused the crowd to murmur in awe as their earlier fear of the guards were now replaced with astonishment for Kyle''s mysterious ability.


    "Did you see that? He stopped their magic without even moving!"


    "Who is this guy?"


    The guards, meanwhile, were trembling. The lead guard''s eyes darted to Kyle''s calm blue ones, which bore into him like ice. He felt a cold sweat run down his back and his confidence went away under the weight of Kyle''s gaze.


    The villagers'' jeers only added to their humiliation.


    "Can''t cast your fancy spells now, can you?"


    "Run back to your masters and tell them we''re not scared anymore!"


    Realizing they had no chance against someone who could nullify their magic with such ease, the guards made a hasty retreat.


    Kyle watched them go without a saying anything, and only when they disappeared from sight did he turn his attention back to Haron and the rest of the villagers.


    "You didn''t have to step in, but you did. Thank you," Haron said to show his gratitude.


    "Uhm... I couldn''t stand by and watch them abuse their power. There''s no problem."


    The crowd began to cheer after Kyle''s words. Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    "You''re a hero!"


    "Finally, someone who isn''t afraid to stand up to them!"


    "Maybe things can really change¡­"


    Kyle stood motionless as the villagers'' cheers of gratitude washed over him. He had become the center of their admiration, but as their voices grew louder, Kyle''s mind was elsewhere. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''The most important thing now is to solve the trial and clear this floor.''


    [Thirty-First Trial: The Shattered Kingdom. Navigate the conflict tearing this kingdom apart.


    Choose a side, or forge your own path. Your actions here will affect your future trials.]


    The trial had seemed simple enough when he read the description, but now that he was in the middle of it, he didn''t even know where to begin with. He had no idea what the real conflict was, who the players were, or how his actions here would ripple into his future trials.


    ''How am I supposed to solve a problem I don''t even understand yet?'' Kyle thought to himself, and then his eyes moved through the villagers.


    The villagers'' eyes were filled with hope, and it made him feel awkward. They were looking at him as though he were the solution to their problems, yet he barely knew anything about what was going on.


    Worst of all, Kyle didn''t know how. They would react if he tried to ask them. They would obviously figure out he wasn''t from their world and he didn''t know what would happen next.


    After a while of thinking, Kyle sighed in resignation.


    ''I don''t have any other choice. ''I''ll just ask them.''


    Raising a hand, Kyle signaled for the crowd to calm down and their cheers slowly subsided, replaced by curious murmurs as they waited for him to speak.


    "I really appreciate your gratitude, but I need to understand something. What exactly is the problem here? What''s causing this¡­ conflict?"


    His question brought a wave of confusion across the villagers'' faces. Many exchanged glances, as though they couldn''t believe he didn''t already know.


    A few looked at him more closely, with suspicious expressions.


    "Wait," someone murmured from the crowd. "Who is this boy, anyway? I don''t think I''ve seen him around before."


    "Yeah, he''s not from our village," another whispered. "But¡­ he stood up to the guards."


    The murmurs grew louder, but Haron stepped forward and raised his hands to quiet them.


    "Enough!" he said with authority. "Does it matter where he''s from? He saved me when no one else dared. The least we can do is answer his question."


    The crowd fell silent, though their curiosity about Kyle remained. Haron turned back to Kyle with a smile.


    "I''ll explain, but it''s a long story."


    "Thank you, I''m all ears," Kyle said with a nod, prompting him to begin:


    "Our kingdom¡­ it''s been this way for as long as anyone can remember. We have been protected by a barrier that surrounds the entire kingdom.


    It keeps out mana beasts and other dangers from the outside world, but it also isolates us. None of us commoners have ever set foot beyond it."


    Kyle took note of the word ''commoners'' and had a clue of where this was going.

 Chapter 234 - 234: Obtaining Knowledge

    "What about those that aren''t commoners? Can they leave the barrier?"


    Haron''s face darkened, and he nodded.


    "Yes. The king and the noble families have the power to leave whenever they wish. They go beyond the barrier, gather resources, and return stronger. They bring back food, weapons, even magical knowledge. But none of it is shared with us."


    "Oh? They''re hoarding everything?" Kyle asked with disbelief.


    "That''s not all. The nobles are the only ones allowed to awaken magic. They claim it''s for control, that allowing commoners to awaken would destabilize the kingdom. So we remain weak, while they grow stronger with every passing year."


    The bitterness in Haron''s voice was unmistakable. Kyle could feel the resentment in his words, and from the expressions of those gathered there, it was clear that this wasn''t just his opinion, it was the sentiment of everyone in the village.


    "The king''s council tells us it''s for our own good. They say the outside world is too dangerous, that the barrier is the only thing keeping us safe. But that''s a lie! They just don''t want to share their power!"


    Kyle absorbed the information and pieced it together with what he had observed. The villagers were weak and he had figured out that none of them had an affinity, but the guards were powerful mages.


    And in the grand scheme of things, even they were mere pawns in the nobles'' game.


    "What do the people want?" Kyle asked. "You said earlier that the people are waking up. What does that mean?"


    Haron hesitated, glancing at the crowd as though weighing his words. Finally, he spoke.


    "We want access to the outside world! We want the freedom to awaken magic, to grow stronger, to stand as equals with the nobles! We want to tear down the barrier!"


    A ripple of agreement passed through the crowd, though some looked uneasy at Haron''s boldness. Kyle could see that not everyone was fully on board with the idea, but the frustration in their faces told him they all felt the sting of inequality. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle knew that it was impossible to pull such out, like Haron had said before: they were weak, while the elites were strong.


    There was no way they would be able to go against them, but that was where he came in. He knew he could help, but wasn''t naive to not think if the possibilities of far stronger mages.


    "Is there a plan?" he decided to ask. "Or is it just talk for now?"


    Haron shook his head. "There''s no unified plan. Some of us are trying to organize, but¡­ it''s hard. The guards crack down on anyone who speaks out. The nobles have spies everywhere. We don''t know who to trust."


    Kyle nodded slowly and his mind raced.


    ''This is more than just a simple conflict. The nobles hold all the power, both magical and political, while the commoners are left to scrape by.''


    "Is there anything else I should know?" Kyle asked. "Anything that might help me¡­ understand?"


    Haron hesitated again, then leaned closer and whispered into Kyle''s ears.


    "There''s a rumor¡­ about the barrier. Some say it''s not just to keep things out. They say it''s alive, that it feeds on something to sustain itself. And that''s why the nobles won''t let us awaken, they''re using us to fuel the barrier."


    Kyle''s eyes shrinked the moment he heard such. That was a troubling revelation, if true. It meant the conflict wasn''t just about inequality, it was also about survival.


    If the barrier was feeding on the people, then tearing it down might be the only way to save the people. But it could also expose them to the dangers outside.


    Kyle took a deep breath. He still didn''t know which side he would choose, or if he could forge his own path. But one thing was clear: if he had to solve this trial, he''ll have to find out the truth first.


    "Thank you for explaining," Kyle said, before turning to address the crowd. "I don''t know if I can fix this, but I''ll do everything I can to help."


    The villagers erupted in cheers once again and their voices were filled with hope. Kyle, however, was already planning his next move. He needed more information, about the barrier, the nobles, and the true nature of this kingdom''s plight. And he needed to find it quickly.


    ''If I''m going to clear this floor, I''ll need to understand everything about this shattered kingdom,'' he thought. ''And I''ll start by finding the truth about the barrier.''


    Kyle turned back to Haron just as the villagers'' cheers began to fade.


    "One last question before I go. This can''t be the first time people have tried to resist. Has anything like this happened before?" Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    Haron exchanged a glance with a few of the older villagers and slowly nodded. "Yes. It''s happened before. Others have risen up, trying to resist the nobles'' rule. But the guards found them every time and killed them. It''s how they keep us in line."


    Kyle''s gaze swept over the crowd and he asked with some admiration. "And you still want to continue?"


    Haron sighed and spoke for the villagers. "We don''t have a choice. We''re tired of living like this. If we die, at least it won''t be in chains."


    Kyle''s lips curved into a small smile. "Understood. I''ll do what I can."


    With that, he turned and dashed out of the village.


    ***


    Outside the village, Kyle ran through the dirt road as he tracked the guards who had fled earlier. Their trail wasn''t hard to follow; and after almost an some minutes, he finally spotted them resting near a small outcrop of rocks


    ''Nice.''


    Kyle''s figure blurred with speed, and before the guards could react, they were surrounded by crackling arcs of lightning.


    "Don''t even think about running," Kyle said a cold voice after seeing their panicked reactions. "We''re going to have a little chat."


    The guards, obviously terrified, raised their hands in surrender.


    "W-we''ll tell you whatever you want!" one of them stammered.


    Kyle stepped closer to keep them in check before stating his demands.


    "I want to know about the arrangements of the guards in the kingdom. How are they organized? Where are they stationed?"


    The senior guard swallowed hard, glancing at his companions before answering.


    "The kingdom is divided into sectors. Each sector has its own guard post, with regular patrols inside and around the palace.


    The nobles ensure the guards remain loyal by offering privileges: better food, living quarters, and allowing us to use magic."


    Kyle processed the information and nodded. "What about the palace? How is it guarded?"


    "It''s¡­ heavily fortified," the guard admitted. "The palace walls are enchanted, and only those with access tokens can enter without triggering alarms.


    There''s an inner guard unit stationed there¡ªelite soldiers directly under the nobles'' command. They''re far stronger than us."


    Kyle narrowed his eyes. "And you? How far can you go inside the palace?"


    The guard hesitated before replying, "We''re allowed into the outer grounds for supply deliveries and patrols, but the inner palace is off-limits. Only the elites or those summoned by the nobles can enter. They don''t trust regular guards like us."


    "What exactly do the guards do outside of protecting the nobles? And what do you know about the kingdom itself?" Kyle asked.


    The senior guard hesitated again, but one glare from Kyle''s glowing blue eyes made him speak.


    "We enforce the nobles'' laws and make sure the commoners stay in line. Sometimes, we''re sent outside the barrier to collect resources. The kingdom itself¡­ It''s broken. The commoners hate the nobles, but they''re too weak to fight back. And the nobles¡­ they only care about keeping their power. The barrier is everything to them."


    Kyle''s lips curled into a faint smirk. "And what about the barrier? Do you know how it works?"


    The guard shook his head quickly. "No, we''re not told anything about it. Only the nobles know. All we know is that it protects the kingdom and that it''s maintained by some kind of magic we don''t understand."


    Kyle''s gaze darkened, but he pressed on. "What about access to the kingdom itself? How closely are the entrances monitored? Could someone¡­ sneak in?"


    Another guard, trembling but desperate to appease Kyle, spoke up. "It''s not impossible¡­ but it''s risky. There are checkpoints at every entrance, and only those with proper identification are allowed through."


    Kyle nodded and in his mind, he already formed a plan. "Thanks for the insight."


    The guards exchanged uneasy glances as they hoped that the conversation was over.


    "We told you everything! Please, let us go!" one of them begged.


    Kyle stepped back with an unreadable expression. "Fine. You''re free to go."


    The guards wasted no time, scrambling to their feet and running as fast as they could into the woods.


    Kyle watched them disappear as he processed the information they had given him. But as their forms vanished into the distance, Kyle remembered the thief he had spared and his driving force he had learned of.


    "No," he muttered and Lightning filled his body once more. "I won''t make that mistake again."


    With a flick of his wrist, Kyle unleashed a barrage of [Lightning Bolts]. The guards barely had time to scream before they collapsed, their lifeless bodies smoldering in the clearing.


    Kyle stood over them for a moment with a cold expression. "People like you who have killed innocents doesn''t deserve to live... Besides, I never said I was going to spare you."


    Kyle dashed towards their location and stripped one of the guards of his uniform before adjusting it to fit himself.


    ''I hope they don''t know each other''s faces too well,'' he thought before pulling the hood of the cloth low over his head. ''This should get me inside without raising suspicion.''

 Chapter 235 - 235: Sneaking In (1)

    The uniform was slightly oversized, but with the hood pulled low over his face, it would do to keep his identity hidden at a glance.


    He glanced at the corpses of the guards he had eliminated one last time. That was the first time he had killed a fellow human, and surprisingly for him, he didn''t feel bad at all.


    Kyle even felt like he had just served justice, he didn''t know whether it was because he felt that this was just a trial, or maybe he had changed entirely.


    Kyle shrugged off his wandering thoughts and with one last look at the village behind him, he took off at a steady pace down the dirt road.


    With one last look at the village behind him, Kyle took off at a steady pace down the dirt road, but soon Kyle realized that he wasn''t going to waste too much time walking. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lightning crackled faintly at his feet as he activated [Lightning Dash], propelling himself forward in bursts of speed. The journey that would have taken hours was cut down to mere minutes as Kyle darted through the terrain, while being alert for any signs of patrols or threats.


    The scenery began to change as he neared the outskirts of the kingdom. The dirt roads became smoother, transitioning into cobblestone paths lined with faintly glowing runes.


    These were clearly enchanted to light up at night, guiding travelers toward the kingdom gates. Kyle slowed his pace, knowing that from here on stealth and strategy would be key.


    ''Finally, there it is.''


    As the kingdom''s outer wall came into Kyle''s view, he took some time to observe the massive magical reinforced walls.


    The gate itself was also heavily guarded, with at least ten guards stationed at the entrance. Unlike the ones he had dealt with earlier, these guards were dressed better.


    Kyle noted their formation and the enchanted barrier that shimmered faintly around the gate. Only individuals carrying a proper access token could pass through without triggering the alarm. Without one, his disguise wouldn''t hold up for long.


    ''Thankfully, I have the guard''s token,'' Kyle smiled and reached into the pocket before pulling out the diamond-shaped blue token and flicking it into the air.


    ''This should do.''


    He simply walked towards the gate, trying his best to avoid arousing suspicion. It would be very easy for someone to figure out that something was wrong if they got a closer look at him; as not only was the uniform a bit oversize on him, his face still made it obvious that he was a teen.


    But thankfully, Kyle passed the gate without drawing any suspicion, even earning some nods from the other guards.


    "Phew... That was close!" Kyle muttered the moment he stepped through.


    He noticed that the security at the gate was looser than he anticipated. It only made sense because there was barely any chance that the villagers, who were non-magic users could beat up an intermediate stage guard and steal his uniform before attempting to sneak in.


    "Welp... It''s unfortunate they didn''t think of me happening."


    Kyle looked ahead and took in the breathtaking view. The kingdom wasn''t too large, but it had neatly arranged streets and buildings illuminated by magical lanterns.


    In the distance, the royal palace stood tall and imposing with its roof piercing the night sky. The entire structure glowed faintly, a testament to the powerful enchantments protecting it.


    As Kyle approached the inner city, the atmosphere grew more opulent. The buildings were grander, the streets cleaner, and the guards were more numerous.


    ''Even nobles have class amongst themselves.''


    Kyle kept his hood low and mimicked the posture of the guards he had observed earlier, blending in as he moved closer to the palace gates.


    Finally, he reached the outer grounds of the palace. The gates were heavily guarded, and the walls were even more fortified than the kingdom''s outer barrier.


    Kyle observed the guards from a distance, noting their patterns and the glowing access tokens hanging from their belts.


    He needed one of those tokens to get through the gate. And he knew just how to get it.


    Spotting a lone guard patrolling a quieter section of the outer grounds, Kyle moved swiftly with [Silent Steps].


    He approached the guard from behind with lightning crackling faintly in his hand and before the guard could process what was happening, Kyle struck, rendering him unconscious with a precise shock to the neck.


    ''Too easy.''


    Kyle then dragged the guard''s body into the shadows and searched him. He found an access token hanging from the guard''s belt and took it before slipping it into his pocket.


    He also adjusted his stolen uniform to look more presentable, ensuring he wouldn''t draw unnecessary attention.


    With the token in hand, Kyle approached the palace gates more confidently. The guards stationed there eyed him as he neared, but the token hanging from his belt seemed to put them at ease.


    "Identification," one of the guards demanded.


    Kyle handed over the token without a word, keeping his face partially hidden beneath his hood. The guard inspected it briefly before nodding and waving him through.


    "You''re clear. Move along."


    Kyle nodded and stepped through the gates, where the next phase of his plan was set to begin.


    ***


    Inside the palace grounds, Kyle moved with purpose, carefully observing his surroundings. The palace grounds had courtyards, gardens, and multiple buildings. Guards patrolled the area in regular intervals, and Kyle made mental notes of their routes.


    His goal was clear: gather more information about the barrier and the nobles'' secrets. He needed to find a way into the inner palace, where the answers likely lay.


    For now, he decided to head toward the servants'' quarters. It was the most likely place to overhear useful information without arousing suspicion.


    ***


    The quarters was bustling with activity as servants chatted and moved about, with some carrying trays of food while others attended to laundry or cleaning supplies.


    He leaned against a wooden pillar and blended into the background, careful not to draw any attention. The servants seemed to talk freely, albeit about mundane topics.


    "Ugh, my feet are killing me! Lady Mariana made us stand for hours arranging her stupid garden party."


    "At least you didn''t have to scrub the entire western hall after Lord Harrick decided to drag in his muddy boots. He didn''t even apologize! Just barked orders and stormed off!"


    "Typical nobles."


    Kyle sighed inwardly, but he wasn''t surprised with what he the results he met. It was only normal that the staff wouldn''t be talking about confidential stuff from the get go, so he had no other options than to wait.


    It was only after several hours of waiting, with many guards leaving and coming in, did Kyle finally find out about something important.


    "Did you hear? The Grand Chamberlain banned us from using the main hall tonight. Something about ''keeping appearances.''"


    "I know, right? Why does it matter? No one even uses the hall this late at night!"


    "It''s probably just to keep the place spotless for some royal inspection. They always get weird about that."


    Kyle was, intrigued from what he heard. A restricted hall might mean something important was happening nearby.


    "Speaking of weird... Did anyone else notice the guards near the west wing today? They looked like they were ready to fight someone."


    "Not really. I stay far away from the guards if I can help it. They''re so jumpy these days, like they''re expecting trouble."


    "Can you blame them? With all the rumors rebellion in the kingdom..."


    The maid trailed off as the group started chuckling over an unrelated joke, but Kyle''s mind was already piecing things together.


    The west wing and the off-limits main hall both sounded like areas of interest. Combined with the mention of heightened security, it painted a picture of where he needed to focus.


    Kyle waited for a few more minutes to see if anything else useful came up, but the conversations had moved on to gossip about nobles and complaints about the workload. Satisfied, he slipped out of the servant quarters unnoticed.


    Once outside, Kyle found a shadowy corner near the edge of the palace gardens and crouched down.


    ''To achieve success in this mission I would need to figure out a way to infiltrate the palace.''


    Kyle wasn''t naive to not figure out that there would be tighter security within there and he knew that disguising as a staff wouldn''t work this time, so he had to figure out a way.

 Chapter 236 - 236: The Kings Scandal*

    [WARNING: THIS CHAPTER MAY CONTAIN SPICY CONTENT, PROCEED WITH CAUTION]


    From his inventory, Kyle retrieved the [Veil of Silence] and looked at the black primal mask with a wide smile before wearing it on his face.


    After donning the mask, he silenced his emotions, taking slow, measured breaths to steady his mind and soon, and a strange calm washed over him as the enchantment took hold and his figure disappeared into nothingness.


    ''Perfect.'' S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    Kyle activated [Silent Steps] to make his movements soundless before joining the servants that were leaving for the palace.


    The palace guards were as thorough as Kyle expected, but they couldn''t see Kyle or any trace of him, that didn''t mean it was smooth sailing for him though.


    Occasionally, he would have to pause as a servant moved past, narrowly avoiding bumping into him and deactivating his invisibility.


    Kyle moved deeper into the palace, using the cover of his invisibility and the mask''s enchantments to avoid detection.


    The grand halls of the palace stretched endlessly, adorned with exquisite tapestries and golden accents. Guards roamed around professionally with their footsteps echoing against the marble floors.


    Kyle''s search proved frustrating though. After over an hour of moving cautiously between corridors, slipping into rooms, and listening for any whispers of intrigue, Kyle ended up finding nothing meaningful.


    The palace was enormous, and without a clear lead, it was like searching for a needle in a haystack.


    ''Damn it, there has to be something here,'' Kyle thought, trying not to become frustrated.


    He was about to change tactics when he noticed someone ahead in the corridor. Kyle had decided to go through that passage, after finding out that there was no one passing by.


    It seemed strange, but there was a chance that something important went on there, but unfortunately he saw no one since he arrived.


    But now Kyle stumbled upon someone. She was maid, with her elegant uniform fitted on her curves, she walked innocently through the quiet hall.


    She was very beautiful, with full black hair that was tied into a neat bun and vivid emerald eyes that contrasted strongly against her hair color.


    Her figure was like an hourglass, as she had all the packages in the right areas, but there was an air of nervous energy about her movements.


    Kyle turned his around slightly to meet her. She wasn''t just walking, she was glancing over her shoulder every few steps with her grip on tightened on a small key tightening. Her behavior screamed suspicion.


    ''Now¡­ this is interesting.''


    The maid stopped in front of a door at the far end of the hall, glancing around cautiously. Kyle, keeping his movements silent, pressed himself against the shadows of the corridor, watching intently. She unlocked the door with the key and quickly slipped inside, shutting it behind her.


    ''A locked door, nervous behavior... Yeah, something''s definitely off,'' Kyle mused, activating [Silent Steps] to follow her and moving at blinding speed to catch up with her.


    He slipped in just before the door closed completely, with his invisible form making sure he was unnoticed.


    Inside, Kyle found a modestly decorated room. A large master bed dominated the space, accompanied by an ornate wardrobe and a small vanity table.


    It looked like an ordinary room, perhaps a bit bigger than an average servant''s room, but not to far of. All in all, there was nothing out of the ordinary.


    The maid sat on the bed after entering but her hands fidgeted in her lap as she stared at the floor.


    ''Did I misread the situation?'' Kyle wondered. He was already debating whether to leave when the door opened again.


    Kyle froze the moment he saw the visitor. The man who entered was none other than the king himself.


    The king, dressed in regal attire, carried himself with the confidence of someone who believed the world revolved around him.


    His sharp features and neatly trimmed beard gave him a commanding presence, but the way he looked at the maid with a lustful gaze made Kyle''s stomach turn.


    ''The king? This just got a lot more interesting,'' Kyle thought, quickly activating his comm to record the unfolding scene.


    The maid immediately stood, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty," she greeted him in a soft, hesitant voice.


    The king stepped closer and cupped her soft cheeks, forcing her to look up at him. "Relax, my dear. You''ve done well."


    The maid''s eyes darted to the floor, and she stepped back slightly. "Your Majesty¡­ this isn''t right. The queen¡ª"


    "The queen?" the king interrupted with disdain. "The queen is of no concern to me. Once my plans come to fruition, she''ll be nothing more than a relic of the past."


    The maid looked horrified, but the king ignored her reaction. His eyes raked over her body, and a predatory smile spread across his face.


    Kyle gritted his teeth as he watched the scene, trying to control his anger. ''This bastard.''


    "Come now," the king purred, taking another step toward her. "Once my empire is secured, you''ll be my queen. Doesn''t that sound wonderful?"


    "But¡­ it''s not fair. I¡­ I can''t¡ª"


    "Enough!" the king snapped in a sharp tone. "You''ll do as I say. Or would you prefer your family in the village to pay the price for your disobedience?"


    The threat made the maid pale, and tears welled in her eyes. She nodded reluctantly and her resistance disappeared under the weight of his words.


    She went on to cup his cheeks and began to kiss him, as their tongues played with each other within theit mouths.


    The king after remaining engaged in the kiss for a while had enough and pushed her to the bed and what followed was a display of power and submission.


    The king began kissing her much furiously across her body and his hands wandered across her body with little regard for her discomfort.


    The maid''s protests were weak as she tried to reason with him, but the king simply went on and on and soon he began roughly loosening her blouse to undress her.


    Afterwards, he pulled down his trousers and groped her roughly.


    ... The rest was history.


    Kyle had turned his head away already, somehow disgusted by what he was witnessing. He focused instead on keeping his invisibility intact, knowing any lapse in his emotions could expose him.


    ''This is unbearable,'' he thought, forcing himself to glance back occasionally to ensure the recording captured everything.


    He couldn''t leave the room as the door was still closed and that meant he would have to go through this to the end.


    A painful hour seemed to drag by as the king indulged himself, his actions growing more aggressive and vulgar. The maid, though visibly uncomfortable and in pain, complied.


    They did all sort of rough positions, and he made her do all sort of actions, until finally, the ordeal came to an end.


    The king stood, adjusting his clothes as if nothing had happened. He looked down at the maid, who lay on the bed, exhausted and trembling.


    "You''ll be my queen soon enough," he said with a cruel smirk. "But remember, this stays between us. I''d hate for anything unfortunate to happen to your family."


    The maid nodded weakly as she whispered, "Yes, Your Majesty."


    Satisfied, the king patted her on the head and gave her one last kiss before moving to leave the room.


    Kyle exhaled slowly as as he reviewed the footage on his comm. The weight of what he had just witnessed was heavy, but he knew it was invaluable.


    ''I''ve got what I need,'' he thought, sparing one last glance at the maid. She was curled up on the bed with tears streaming down her face as she whispered to herself.


    Kyle felt a pang of guilt but pushed it aside. ''There''s nothing I can do for her right now. But this¡­ this will bring the bastard down.''


    With that, Kyle slipped out of the room, before the king could lock it, with the evidence safely in his possession. The next step was clear to him.


    ''Time to pay the Queen a visit.''


    ***


    Kyle navigated the corridors of the palace with his mind racing as he replayed the scene he had just recorded.


    The king''s actions left a sour taste in his mouth, but Kyle knew he couldn''t let emotions cloud his judgment now. His next move had to be carried out well.


    Kyle had moved around the palace to know the location of important areas, lile the Queen''s chambers.


    The Queen''s quarters were located in a more heavily guarded section of the palace. If he made one mistake, he''d be discovered.


    It didn''t take long for Kyle to locate the queen''s chambers. The entrance was flanked by two guards who stood rigidly with their hands resting on the hilts of their swords.


    The room was closed with door and Kyle knew he could only wait for an opportunity. He was lucky to see one soon enough when he noticed a maid exiting the queen''s quarters, holding a tray with an empty teacup.


    The door remained slightly open for a moment, and Kyle seized the opportunity. With [Silent Steps] activated, he darted forward, slipping through the gap just as the maid closed the door behind her.


    Inside, the queen''s quarters were as grand as one would expect. The walls were adorned with intricate patterns of gold and silver and a large canopy bed sat at the center, its drapes flowing like rivers of silk.


    Kyle remained invisible, standing still as he surveyed the room. The queen sat by a small table near the window, gazing out into the night.


    She wore a flowing silver gown that almost glowed in the light and her golden hair fell down her back in neat waves.


    ''It''s time to make my move.''

 Chapter 237 - 237: Allying With The Queen

    Kyle knew that the encounter with the Queen was very dangerous, as she was an Advanced Mage just like her husband and one wrong move could make everything fall apart. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The evidence on his comm was powerful, but he needed the Queen to trust him, at least enough to take the next step.


    Taking a deep breath, Kyle removed the [Veil of Silence], allowing his figure to materialize into view. The sudden appearance of Kyle caused the Queen to gasp and her eyes wide with shock.


    She instinctively reached for a small bell on the table, but Kyle raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.


    "Please, don''t panic," he whispered urgently. "I mean you no harm. I have something you might want to see, something about your husband."


    Maybe it was because the Queen had examined Kyle and considered him to not be a threat, or it was the mention of the King, but that made her to pause.


    "Who are you? How did you get in here?"


    "Who I am doesn''t matter. What matters is what I have to show you, and how you can help me."


    The Queen studied Kyle for a while before deciding to give him a chance. "Okay, go on."


    Kyle stepped closer carefully to keep his movements non-threatening. He activated his comm and directed his wrist to the Queen.


    "This... is what your husband has been doing behind your back."


    He tapped a command, and the recorded video began to play. The Queen''s expression shifted as she watched the footage.


    At first, there was confusion, but as the scenes unfolded, her face contorted with disbelief, then horror. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over as she brought a trembling hand to her mouth.


    When the video ended, she sat in silence with her gaze fixed on the floor.


    "That evil man," she whispered. "After everything I''ve done for him... everything I''ve sacrificed."


    Kyle nodded solemnly, though he felt a some satisfaction that his gamble had paid off.


    "I''m sorry you had to see that, but I needed you to know the truth. He''s a monster, Your Majesty."


    The Queen wiped her tears away with shaking hands and looked at him with a mixture of sadness and resolve.


    "I had suspected something... he''s been avoiding me for months now. But I never imagined this." Her voice turned bitter. "Let me guess. You want my help to kill him or overthrow him."


    Kyle shook his head. "Not quite. I need your help, yes, but I have no interest in killing him. At least, not yet.


    What I want is information about the operation of the barrier."


    The Queen frowned in confusion. "The barrier? I don''t know much about it, except that it protects us from mana beasts."


    Kyle studied her expression carefully. She seemed genuinely clueless, but he pressed on.


    "I was hoping you would know something. If not the barrier, then perhaps something else. Is there anything unusual happening in the palace tonight?"


    The Queen seemed to ponder his question before replying: "There is supposed to be a gathering in the Great Hall this evening. It''s a private affair only for the King''s closest advisors and confidants. But I don''t know what it''s about."


    "That could be important. Do you have any way of finding out?"


    The Queen let out a heavy sigh and looked at him with determination.


    "If I confront him directly, he''ll grow suspicious. But¡­ perhaps I can coax some information out of him by visiting him in his chambers. He''s always more talkative when he''s feeling relaxed."


    Kyle considered the plan. He could enter the room and listen in on the information that the Queen would make the King spill.


    The plan didn''t seem too risky, but they were many variables that could go wrong. "Are you sure you''re up for this?


    "If it means exposing that man for what he truly is, then yes. I''ll do whatever it takes."


    Kyle nodded, appreciating the Queen''s resolve. "Alright, here''s the plan. I''ll accompany you, but I''ll remain invisible like I did before here. While you speak with him, I''ll observe and listen. If he reveals anything critical, I''ll be there to hear it. But we need to ensure he doesn''t suspect anything, so keep the conversation natural." Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    The Queen nodded slowly. "Understood. I''ll lead the discussion. But if you notice any danger or signs that he''s growing suspicious, leave immediately. I can''t guarantee I can protect you if he finds out."


    Kyle smirked faintly, "Don''t worry about me, Your Majesty. I''m good at staying out of sight."


    The Queen looked at him skeptically, but there was a hint of gratitude in her expression.


    "If you''re unable to stop him tonight. I''ll do what I must. You''ll have my full support. But promise me you''ll do everything in your power to avoid unnecessary bloodshed if innocents."


    Kyle hesitated for a moment before replying. "I promise. My goal isn''t chaos or destruction. It''s justice."


    The Queen studied him one last time, then rose from her seat with renewed determination. "Let''s do this."


    She adjusted her gown, wiped away the lingering traces of tears, and took a deep breath to steady herself. Kyle, meanwhile wore back the [Veil of Silence] and his form faded away until he disappeared into thin air.


    After not seeing Kyle in the room anymore, she didn''t need any further notice to begin moving, whole Kyle followed closely.


    Lots of time had passed since Kyle came to the palace, and it was already late at night. Most of the servants were either asleep or stationed in distant parts of the grand estate.


    The Queen walked with the poise of someone who belonged, her head held high despite the turmoil within her.


    As they approached the King''s chambers, Kyle observed the subtle shift in her demeanor. Her shoulders squared, her expression grew composed, and her steps became deliberate.


    She was preparing herself to face the man who had betrayed her trust, and Kyle couldn''t help but admire her composure.


    Two guards stood outside the double doors leading to the King''s private quarters. They straightened as the Queen approached.


    "Your Majesty," one of them said and bowed slightly.


    "I need to speak with the King."


    The guards exchanged a glance before stepping aside to open the doors.


    Kyle slipped past them unnoticed, his invisible form brushing through the crack as the doors opened.


    The King''s chambers were lavishly decorated, with golden tapestries, intricate carvings, and a massive bed draped in silk. The King sat in a plush armchair near the hearth with a goblet of wine in hand.


    His demeanor was relaxed, but his eyes held the sharpness of someone always calculating.


    "Ah, my Queen," he said with a smile as she entered. "To what do I owe this late-night visit?"


    She approached him with the grace befitting her title, with her hands folded in front of her."


    "I couldn''t sleep... I felt restless. I thought perhaps spending time with you might help ease my mind."


    The King raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing her carefully. His fingers tightened around the goblet as he studied her face.


    "Restless, you say? Is something troubling you?"


    She offered him a faint smile before shaking her head. "Not troubling, no. I suppose I simply miss the days when we were closer. Lately, it feels as though you''ve been so preoccupied and distant."


    The King leaned back, swirling the wine in his goblet. His guarded expression returned, though Kyle could see the tension in his jaw.


    "You know how it is, my dear. Ruling a kingdom is no easy task. There''s always something that demands my attention."


    The Queen hesitated, then sat in the chair opposite him. "I understand that, of course. But even a King must take moments to rest and share his burdens."


    The King regarded her for a long moment before sighing and setting his goblet aside.


    "I''ve already returned from handling certain matters earlier tonight. Matters I didn''t think you needed to concern yourself with."


    The Queen''s heart clenched at the implication, though she kept her expression neutral. "You''ve been working so hard," she said gently. "You always do so much for the kingdom."


    He gave her a sharp look, as though assessing the sincerity of her words. Kyle, watching from the shadows, noted the flicker of unease that crossed the King''s face.


    "I do what must be done," he later replied curtly. "Not everyone understands the weight of the choices I make."


    "Of course, my love. You''ve always handled such responsibilities with strength. But¡­ I can''t help but wonder, what is happening tonight? I overheard the mention of a gathering in the Great Hall."

 Chapter 238 - 238: A Necessary Sacrifice

    The King chose his words carefully before replying.


    "Do not question me. Everything I do is for the good of this kingdom. You would do well to remember that."


    The Queen lowered her gaze submissively, forcing herself to nod. "Of course, my King. I trust you completely."


    Kyle watched as the Queen shifted her tone, her next words laced with false admiration.


    "You''re so wise, always thinking ahead to protect us all. But¡­ might I come with you tonight? Just to observe? I want to understand the lengths you go to for our people."


    The King''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "This isn''t a spectacle for you to witness. It''s not something a woman of your station should see."


    "Please," she said with a pleading voice. "I want to support you. To stand by your side as I swore to when we married. I won''t ask questions, and I won''t react. I just want to see what''s happening."


    The King''s gaze bore into hers for what felt like an eternity. He knew that he didn''t have much of an option if the Queen insisted, as that would only attract attention on what he was doing.


    After him, the Queen was next in the Kingdom''s rulership, so he couldn''t explain why he won''t involve her in an important meeting.


    ''I''ll simply get rid of her if she tries anything funny.''


    Then, finally, he nodded with a sigh. "Very well. But don''t question me no matter what you see. Do not speak unless spoken to. If you disobey, I will not hesitate to deal with you as I would any other traitor."


    The Queen bowed her head, pretending to be scared. "Of course, my King. You have my word."


    He rose from his chair, adjusting the cuffs of his robe. "We leave for the Great Hall shortly. Make yourself presentable and meet me there."


    After the King exited the room, Kyle made sure that he was no more before pulling off the [Veil of Silence].


    "You handled that well," he said quietly.


    "I hate him. But I''ll do whatever it takes to bring him down," the Queen replied with determination.


    "Stick to the plan. I''ll stay invisible and follow you to the Great Hall. If he reveals anything more during the ritual, I''ll hear it."


    The Queen wiped her tears before taking a deep breath to steady herself. "And if we fail tonight?"


    "We won''t. But if it comes to it, we''ll find another way. One step at a time."


    The Queen nodded and rose to her feet. "Let''s go. We don''t have much time."


    Kyle reactivated the [Veil of Silence] and his form vanished once more. Together, they left the chambers, with the Queen walking ahead with her head held high.


    The Great Hall was far removed from the main corridors and the general activity of palace life, so they had to walk for a while before they reached.


    It didn''t take too long for the Queen and an invisible Kyle to arrive and they spotted the King standing before the door.


    Beside him stood his trusted aides:


    The High Mage, a man with sharp, angular features.


    The Commander of the Guard, a hulking figure with a weathered face and a scar running from his temple to his jaw, kept a firm hand on the hilt of his sword.


    Finally, the Royal Alchemist stood apart. She watched the Queen with disinterest, her sharp gaze flickering briefly to the King before returning to the doorway.


    The Queen stopped before the group, her carefully maintained composure disguising the tension in her every step.


    "Your Majesty," the High Mage greeted with false courtesy. "What a¡­ pleasant surprise to see you here."


    "I invited her," the King cut him off sharply.


    The three aides exchanged uneasy glances.


    "Of course, Your Majesty," the High Mage said hastily, bowing his head. "We do not question your wisdom."


    The King waved a dismissive hand. "Good. Begin the preparations."


    The High Mage stepped forward, withdrawing a piece of glowing chalk from his robes. With practiced precision, he began inscribing intricate runic symbols across the surface of the heavy doors.


    Kyle, who still remained invisible some steps behind the Queen observed the process closely.


    ''He''s activating a Runic Circle.''


    Runic circles were very unique. Some came with templates, which required a series of matching runes to activate ¡ª and this was the case at that moment.


    Kyle kept on watching as the High Mage finished up with his last stroke, before proceeding to channel his mana through it, prompting it to glow brightly and pulse with energy.


    The complexity of the main runic circle fascinated him. He recognized it as a powerful warding spell, designed not only to keep outsiders away but also to trap whatever lay within.


    With a low creak, the doors were opened widely, revealing the room beyond.


    The Queen took a hesitant step forward, her composure slipping ever so slightly as her eyes adjusted to the dim light. Kyle followed silently, his gaze hardening at the sight before him.


    The Great Hall had been transformed into a grim tableau of suffering. Rows of people ¡ª men, women, and even a few children were bound to wooden stakes. Their arms and legs were restrained with iron cuffs and their mouths were gagged, muffling their desperate cries, and their eyes reflected a mix of fear, confusion, and despair. Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    The Queen froze, her breath catching in her throat. Though she had steeled herself for the worst, the reality of the scene was far beyond what she had imagined.


    "Do not react," the King reminded sharply, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Remember your promise."


    The Queen forced herself to nod, her trembling hands hidden within the folds of her gown.


    ''So they were right.''


    Kyle''s eyes swept over the room, his expression impassive despite the turmoil building within him. He couldn''t afford to show emotion. Any slip-up could break his invisibility, and he needed to see this through to the end.


    One of the King''s aides, the Royal Alchemist, stepped forward and addressed the Queen directly, her tone clinical and devoid of remorse.


    "The barrier has protected this kingdom for decades," she began, gesturing toward the bound captives. "But such protection comes at a cost. The energy required to sustain it is immense, and this¡­"


    She gestured again to the captives, her voice as cold as ice. "This¡­ is the price we must pay. Their life force feeds the barrier, ensuring the safety of the kingdom."


    The Queen''s face paled, but she said nothing.


    "It is for the good of the people," the High Mage added, as though that justified the atrocity before them. "Without the barrier, the mana beasts would overrun us within days. This is a necessary sacrifice." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle''s mind raced as he processed their words. The villagers'' anger over the barrier, the nobles'' stranglehold on power, the King''s secrecy... all of it was tied to this horrific ritual.


    The King stepped forward, his voice calm but authoritative. "This is the reality of leadership, my Queen. Difficult choices must be made to ensure the survival of the many. You swore to stand by my side. Now, prove it."


    The Queen''s gaze flickered to the bound captives, then back to the King. "Of course, my King," she said softly. "I understand."


    Kyle observed everything intently, while forcing himself to remain still.


    ''I can''t let this continue,'' he thought.


    The King''s attention shifted back to his aides. "Begin the ritual. We have no time to waste."


    The High Mage raised his staff, the runes along its surface glowing brightly. The Alchemist began mixing a series of vials, their contents swirling with ominous colors. The Commander stepped forward, unsheathing his sword as though preparing to oversee the grim proceedings.


    Kyle''s time to act was fast approaching. He took a silent step closer, his mind racing as he formulated his plan.


    From what he could make out, everyone in the room was a late stage Advanced Mage. One was on his side, the other three were enemies.


    It didn''t seem like a fair fight, but Kyle was grateful it wasn''t any worse. It was unexpected for the strongest powers in a Kingdom to only be an Advanced Mage, but he had to make do with it.


    ''One wrong move, and this could all go sideways,'' he thought. ''But I''ve seen enough. It''s time to end this.''

 Chapter 239 - 239: Dont Unlock!

    The uniform was slightly oversized, but with the hood pulled low over his face, it would do to keep his identity hidden at a glance.


    He glanced at the corpses of the guards he had eliminated one last time. That was the first time he had killed a fellow human, and surprisingly for him, he didn''t feel bad at all.


    Kyle even felt like he had just served justice, he didn''t know whether it was because he felt that this was just a trial, or maybe he had changed entirely.


    Kyle shrugged off his wandering thoughts and with one last look at the village behind him, he took off at a steady pace down the dirt road.


    With one last look at the village behind him, Kyle took off at a steady pace down the dirt road, but soon Kyle realized that he wasn''t going to waste too much time walking.


    Lightning crackled faintly at his feet as he activated [Lightning Dash], propelling himself forward in bursts of speed. The journey that would have taken hours was cut down to mere minutes as Kyle darted through the terrain, while being alert for any signs of patrols or threats.


    The scenery began to change as he neared the outskirts of the kingdom. The dirt roads became smoother, transitioning into cobblestone paths lined with faintly glowing runes.


    These were clearly enchanted to light up at night, guiding travelers toward the kingdom gates. Kyle slowed his pace, knowing that from here on stealth and strategy would be key.


    ''Finally, there it is.''


    As the kingdom''s outer wall came into Kyle''s view, he took some time to observe the massive magical reinforced walls.


    The gate itself was also heavily guarded, with at least ten guards stationed at the entrance. Unlike the ones he had dealt with earlier, these guards were dressed better.


    Kyle noted their formation and the enchanted barrier that shimmered faintly around the gate. Only individuals carrying a proper access token could pass through without triggering the alarm. Without one, his disguise wouldn''t hold up for long.


    ''Thankfully, I have the guard''s token,'' Kyle smiled and reached into the pocket before pulling out the diamond-shaped blue token and flicking it into the air.


    ''This should do.''


    He simply walked towards the gate, trying his best to avoid arousing suspicion. It would be very easy for someone to figure out that something was wrong if they got a closer look at him; as not only was the uniform a bit oversize on him, his face still made it obvious that he was a teen.


    But thankfully, Kyle passed the gate without drawing any suspicion, even earning some nods from the other guards.


    "Phew... That was close!" Kyle muttered the moment he stepped through.


    He noticed that the security at the gate was looser than he anticipated. It only made sense because there was barely any chance that the villagers, who were non-magic users could beat up an intermediate stage guard and steal his uniform before attempting to sneak in.


    "Welp... It''s unfortunate they didn''t think of me happening."


    Kyle looked ahead and took in the breathtaking view. The kingdom wasn''t too large, but it had neatly arranged streets and buildings illuminated by magical lanterns.


    In the distance, the royal palace stood tall and imposing with its roof piercing the night sky. The entire structure glowed faintly, a testament to the powerful enchantments protecting it.


    As Kyle approached the inner city, the atmosphere grew more opulent. The buildings were grander, the streets cleaner, and the guards were more numerous.


    ''Even nobles have class amongst themselves.''


    Kyle kept his hood low and mimicked the posture of the guards he had observed earlier, blending in as he moved closer to the palace gates.


    Finally, he reached the outer grounds of the palace. The gates were heavily guarded, and the walls were even more fortified than the kingdom''s outer barrier.


    Kyle observed the guards from a distance, noting their patterns and the glowing access tokens hanging from their belts.


    He needed one of those tokens to get through the gate. And he knew just how to get it.


    Spotting a lone guard patrolling a quieter section of the outer grounds, Kyle moved swiftly with [Silent Steps].


    He approached the guard from behind with lightning crackling faintly in his hand and before the guard could process what was happening, Kyle struck, rendering him unconscious with a precise shock to the neck.


    ''Too easy.''


    Kyle then dragged the guard''s body into the shadows and searched him. He found an access token hanging from the guard''s belt and took it before slipping it into his pocket.


    He also adjusted his stolen uniform to look more presentable, ensuring he wouldn''t draw unnecessary attention.


    With the token in hand, Kyle approached the palace gates more confidently. The guards stationed there eyed him as he neared, but the token hanging from his belt seemed to put them at ease.


    "Identification," one of the guards demanded.


    Kyle handed over the token without a word, keeping his face partially hidden beneath his hood. The guard inspected it briefly before nodding and waving him through.


    "You''re clear. Move along."


    Kyle nodded and stepped through the gates, where the next phase of his plan was set to begin.


    ***


    Inside the palace grounds, Kyle moved with purpose, carefully observing his surroundings. The palace grounds had courtyards, gardens, and multiple buildings. Guards patrolled the area in regular intervals, and Kyle made mental notes of their routes.


    His goal was clear: gather more information about the barrier and the nobles'' secrets. He needed to find a way into the inner palace, where the answers likely lay.


    For now, he decided to head toward the servants'' quarters. It was the most likely place to overhear useful information without arousing suspicion.


    *** S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The quarters was bustling with activity as servants chatted and moved about, with some carrying trays of food while others attended to laundry or cleaning supplies.


    He leaned against a wooden pillar and blended into the background, careful not to draw any attention. The servants seemed to talk freely, albeit about mundane topics.


    "Ugh, my feet are killing me! Lady Mariana made us stand for hours arranging her stupid garden party."


    "At least you didn''t have to scrub the entire western hall after Lord Harrick decided to drag in his muddy boots. He didn''t even apologize! Just barked orders and stormed off!"


    "Typical nobles."


    Kyle sighed inwardly, but he wasn''t surprised with what he the results he met. It was only normal that the staff wouldn''t be talking about confidential stuff from the get go, so he had no other options than to wait.


    It was only after several hours of waiting, with many guards leaving and coming in, did Kyle finally find out about something important.


    "Did you hear? The Grand Chamberlain banned us from using the main hall tonight. Something about ''keeping appearances.''"


    "I know, right? Why does it matter? No one even uses the hall this late at night!"


    "It''s probably just to keep the place spotless for some royal inspection. They always get weird about that."


    Kyle was, intrigued from what he heard. A restricted hall might mean something important was happening nearby.


    "Speaking of weird... Did anyone else notice the guards near the west wing today? They looked like they were ready to fight someone."


    "Not really. I stay far away from the guards if I can help it. They''re so jumpy these days, like they''re expecting trouble."


    "Can you blame them? With all the rumors rebellion in the kingdom..."


    The maid trailed off as the group started chuckling over an unrelated joke, but Kyle''s mind was already piecing things together.


    The west wing and the off-limits main hall both sounded like areas of interest. Combined with the mention of heightened security, it painted a picture of where he needed to focus.


    Kyle waited for a few more minutes to see if anything else useful came up, but the conversations had moved on to gossip about nobles and complaints about the workload. Satisfied, he slipped out of the servant quarters unnoticed.


    Once outside, Kyle found a shadowy corner near the edge of the palace gardens and crouched down.


    ''To achieve success in this mission I would need to figure out a way to infiltrate the palace.''


    Kyle wasn''t naive to not figure out that there would be tighter security within there and he knew that disguising as a staff wouldn''t work this time, so he had to figure out a way.


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    Thank you for reading! Try your best to support this novel with Power Stones, Gifts and Golden Tickets. We need them!


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 Chapter 240 - 240: Dont Unlock

    "Woah!" Kyle exclaimed after reading the spell''s description. The spell was perfect, but he could only see its full potential when he uses it.


    "This would be nice," he muttered before closing his eyes for a moment or rest and opening it less than a minute later.


    "Okay. Time for the next spell."


    He reached for the book again, turning the page to the next Tier-2 spell.


    [Do you want to learn the Tier-2 spell: Chaotic Mirage?]


    [Cost: 20 Skill Points]


    Kyle was confused and excited from the spell''s name, but he didn''t conclude on that, instead choosing to study the diagrams first.


    The diagrams showed distorted shapes ¡ª multiple versions of a caster flickering like a mirage. The description read: "Harness the chaos to fracture perception. Create false images to deceive, disorient, and overwhelm."


    "A spell that creates illusions?" Kyle said with intrigue. But as he read further, he realized this wasn''t just a simple illusion spell.


    "Mirages are reflections of chaos energy. They''re unstable but can briefly interact with the physical world. This isn''t just deception, it''s disorienting the enemy while using the false images as decoys and shields."


    Kyle exhaled slowly. "This one''s going to be tricky."


    Unlike Void Rend, this spell required him to fragment his own chaos energy into multiple pieces, each imitating his movements. The challenge lay in maintaining control over the fragments while keeping his real self concealed among them.


    He closed his eyes, drawing on the chaos within. This time, instead of focusing on a single point, he let the energy expand outward, imagining it splitting into several tendrils.


    The first few attempts ended in failure, with the energy dispersing uncontrollably, but he kept on following the book''s steps and after several attempts, he managed to create one flickering mirage ¡ª a faint, translucent image of himself ¡ª but it vanished almost immediately.


    "No. Focus. Don''t force it. Let the energy flow naturally."


    He tried again, guiding the chaos energy outward. This time, instead of trying to shape it directly, he let it ripple and fracture on its own. Slowly, faint images began to form around him, shimmering, distorted versions of himself.


    Three¡­ four¡­ five.


    Kyle opened his eyes and stood, watching the mirages mimic his movements. He waved an arm, and the illusions followed suit, flickering but synchronized.


    "Not bad," he said with a grin.


    Then, with a flick of his hand, he sent the mirages forward. They darted ahead, distorting the air as they moved. When one collided with the wall, it exploded in a burst of chaotic energy.


    Kyle smirked after seeing the result.


    "Now this¡­ this is incredible."


    [Congratulations! You have learned Tier-2 spell: Chaotic Mirage]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Chaotic Mirage (Lv 1)]


    [Splits chaos energy to create up to five unstable illusions of the caster. These illusions mimic movements but cannot interact with the environment. Lasts 10 seconds or until destroyed.


    Cost: 60 MP per activation]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Kyle exhaled, exhausted but exhilarated. "Two Tier-2 spells in one session," he murmured, glancing at the timer.


    [Rest Time Remaining: 1:24:35]


    "Still enough time to recover," he said before letting himself collapse onto the floor. "I''ll be needing enough rest for the final floors."


    ''System, wake me up in an hour!''


    ***


    [BZZZZZZZZZ!!]


    The system''s alarm flared loudly within Kyle''s head the moment an hour passed. It only took Kyle some seconds before he could no longer handle the relentless disturbance and eventually opened his eyes.


    "Damn... It''s an hour already?" he asked to no one in particular as he rubbed the remnants of sleep away from his eyes.


    [0:24:25]


    A quick glance at the room''s timer was all that he needed to confirm that the System was right.


    ''Time to get to work.''


    Kyle stood up and began stretching his limbs before running across the room. He had made sure that he woke up early so that he could warm up before it was time.


    After running several times across the room for some seconds, he sat down on the floor and began practicing the control of his new spells.


    ***


    [0:00:30]


    With 30 seconds left on the clock, Kyle stood from his sitting position. He hadn''t perfected his control in any way for the spells to be a game changer, but to some degree he could cast them.


    [Chaotic Mirage] was quite difficult for him to cast and not only would he need absolute concentration to do so, he would need some minutes before he could give shape to his mirage which was very unpractical in a battle.


    On the bright side, he had mastered [Void Rend] to a degree since the concept was a bit similar to [Chaos Whirlpool], but that didn''t mean he was near to the level of spamming it at will, but he was getting there at least.


    ''I wish I had a Lightning Spell book too,'' Kyle couldn''t help but let his thoughts trail off to what that could mean for him.


    "Welp, I''ll get some when I return to the academy, or from the village even... I just need to clear this Tower first."


    [0:00:00]


    The moment the timer reached all zeros, Kyle heard the demon''s voice announce:


    [Prepare yourself for the final 10 floors, with increasingly greater difficulty]


    [To proceed, channel your mana into the Ascension Orb. The 31st floor awaits.]


    He glanced at the crimson orb which he had refrained placing in his inventory and picked it up, before channeling his mana through it like he has done almost thirty times already.


    The orb glowed up radiantly and it only took a few seconds for its effect to be made known.


    Kyle''s surroundings dissolved into an endless expanse of shimmering whiteness, the familiar walls of the resting chamber fading into nothingness. For a moment, there was silence until the new world came into view.


    Kyle soon found himself standing in the middle of a bustling city, which was a far cry from the quiet chambers and arenas he had grown accustomed to in the Tower.


    The air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, the tang of iron from a nearby blacksmith, and even the faint stench of refuse from an alley.


    Kyle turned around to understand where he was. "What is this?" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Thirty-First Trial: The Shattered Kingdom


    Navigate the conflict tearing this kingdom apart. Choose a side, or forge your own path. Your actions here will affect your future trials.]


    "Conflicts? This doesn''t feel like a trial. It feels like¡­"


    It was at that moment that it occurred to him that they were people moving around him but paying him no attention.


    ''No way these people are real?!''


    Kyle tried to see whether they were formed from magic or something, but he could sense no magic signatures, they were all real people.


    ''Inspect!''


    [Random Human]


    [Affinity: None]


    Almost everyone Kyle used [Inspect] on showed the same result and he wasn''t too surprised. The only point that impressed him was that this could be a magic world.


    ''Perhaps this is just a city in Zekkoa or something.''


    Kyle finally had enough of talking and decided 49 go check for himself if these people were real.


    He stepped toward a nearby stall, where a burly man was selling bread.


    "Excuse me," Kyle said with some hesitation.


    "What is it?"


    "Uh¡­ nothing," Kyle said quickly before stepping back. Thankfully, he blended in perfectly with the crowd and he didn''t face any complications.


    ''Things would have been awkward assuming I had decided to wear the [Veil of Silence] or any one of those robes.''


    Kyle''s thoughts were interrupted when he heard a far cry some blocks away from him. He joined the rest of the people and sprinted forward to see the building commotion.


    "Enough of your nonsense, Haron!" Kyle heard a guard bark the moment he approached. "Go back to your farm and be grateful for the protection we provide!"


    "Protection? Is that what you call this? Letting us starve and rot while the nobles grow fat off resources they refuse to share?"


    A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd that head arrived as they supported what the man had said.


    "You have no idea what you''re asking for. You think life beyond the barrier is simple? You''d be dead in minutes without us!" another guard added.


    ''Barrier?'' Kyle wondered what they meant but kept silent and listened.


    Haron didn''t look fazed by the guard''s words and instead spoke louder.


    "You think we''re children? That we can''t handle the risks? The truth is, the kingdom doesn''t want us to have what they have ¡ª power. They hoard it all for yourselves while we live like cattle!"


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    Thank you for reading! Try your best to support this novel with Power Stones, Gifts and Golden Tickets. We need them!


    Thank you for reading! Try your best to support this novel with Power Stones, Gifts and Golden Tickets

 Chapter 241 - 241: Dont Unlock

    Kyle knew that the encounter with the Queen was very dangerous, as she was an Advanced Mage just like her husband and one wrong move could make everything fall apart.


    The evidence on his comm was powerful, but he needed the Queen to trust him, at least enough to take the next step. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Taking a deep breath, Kyle removed the [Veil of Silence], allowing his figure to materialize into view. The sudden appearance of Kyle caused the Queen to gasp and her eyes wide with shock.


    She instinctively reached for a small bell on the table, but Kyle raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.


    "Please, don''t panic," he whispered urgently. "I mean you no harm. I have something you might want to see, something about your husband."


    Maybe it was because the Queen had examined Kyle and considered him to not be a threat, or it was the mention of the King, but that made her to pause.


    "Who are you? How did you get in here?"


    "Who I am doesn''t matter. What matters is what I have to show you, and how you can help me."


    The Queen studied Kyle for a while before deciding to give him a chance. "Okay, go on."


    Kyle stepped closer carefully to keep his movements non-threatening. He activated his comm and directed his wrist to the Queen.


    "This... is what your husband has been doing behind your back."


    He tapped a command, and the recorded video began to play. The Queen''s expression shifted as she watched the footage.


    At first, there was confusion, but as the scenes unfolded, her face contorted with disbelief, then horror. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over as she brought a trembling hand to her mouth.


    When the video ended, she sat in silence with her gaze fixed on the floor.


    "That evil man," she whispered. "After everything I''ve done for him... everything I''ve sacrificed."


    Kyle nodded solemnly, though he felt a some satisfaction that his gamble had paid off.


    "I''m sorry you had to see that, but I needed you to know the truth. He''s a monster, Your Majesty."


    The Queen wiped her tears away with shaking hands and looked at him with a mixture of sadness and resolve.


    "I had suspected something... he''s been avoiding me for months now. But I never imagined this." Her voice turned bitter. "Let me guess. You want my help to kill him or overthrow him."


    Kyle shook his head. "Not quite. I need your help, yes, but I have no interest in killing him. At least, not yet.


    What I want is information about the operation of the barrier."


    The Queen frowned in confusion. "The barrier? I don''t know much about it, except that it protects us from mana beasts."


    Kyle studied her expression carefully. She seemed genuinely clueless, but he pressed on.


    "I was hoping you would know something. If not the barrier, then perhaps something else. Is there anything unusual happening in the palace tonight?"


    The Queen seemed to ponder his question before replying: "There is supposed to be a gathering in the Great Hall this evening. It''s a private affair only for the King''s closest advisors and confidants. But I don''t know what it''s about."


    "That could be important. Do you have any way of finding out?"


    The Queen let out a heavy sigh and looked at him with determination.


    "If I confront him directly, he''ll grow suspicious. But¡­ perhaps I can coax some information out of him by visiting him in his chambers. He''s always more talkative when he''s feeling relaxed."


    Kyle considered the plan. He could enter the room and listen in on the information that the Queen would make the King spill.


    The plan didn''t seem too risky, but they were many variables that could go wrong. "Are you sure you''re up for this?


    "If it means exposing that man for what he truly is, then yes. I''ll do whatever it takes."


    Kyle nodded, appreciating the Queen''s resolve. "Alright, here''s the plan. I''ll accompany you, but I''ll remain invisible like I did before here. While you speak with him, I''ll observe and listen. If he reveals anything critical, I''ll be there to hear it. But we need to ensure he doesn''t suspect anything, so keep the conversation natural."


    The Queen nodded slowly. "Understood. I''ll lead the discussion. But if you notice any danger or signs that he''s growing suspicious, leave immediately. I can''t guarantee I can protect you if he finds out."


    Kyle smirked faintly, "Don''t worry about me, Your Majesty. I''m good at staying out of sight."


    The Queen looked at him skeptically, but there was a hint of gratitude in her expression.


    "If you''re unable to stop him tonight. I''ll do what I must. You''ll have my full support. But promise me you''ll do everything in your power to avoid unnecessary bloodshed if innocents."


    Kyle hesitated for a moment before replying. "I promise. My goal isn''t chaos or destruction. It''s justice."


    The Queen studied him one last time, then rose from her seat with renewed determination. "Let''s do this."


    She adjusted her gown, wiped away the lingering traces of tears, and took a deep breath to steady herself. Kyle, meanwhile wore back the [Veil of Silence] and his form faded away until he disappeared into thin air.


    After not seeing Kyle in the room anymore, she didn''t need any further notice to begin moving, whole Kyle followed closely.


    Lots of time had passed since Kyle came to the palace, and it was already late at night. Most of the servants were either asleep or stationed in distant parts of the grand estate.


    The Queen walked with the poise of someone who belonged, her head held high despite the turmoil within her.


    As they approached the King''s chambers, Kyle observed the subtle shift in her demeanor. Her shoulders squared, her expression grew composed, and her steps became deliberate.


    She was preparing herself to face the man who had betrayed her trust, and Kyle couldn''t help but admire her composure.


    Two guards stood outside the double doors leading to the King''s private quarters. They straightened as the Queen approached.


    "Your Majesty," one of them said and bowed slightly.


    "I need to speak with the King."


    The guards exchanged a glance before stepping aside to open the doors.


    Kyle slipped past them unnoticed, his invisible form brushing through the crack as the doors opened.


    The King''s chambers were lavishly decorated, with golden tapestries, intricate carvings, and a massive bed draped in silk. The King sat in a plush armchair near the hearth with a goblet of wine in hand.


    His demeanor was relaxed, but his eyes held the sharpness of someone always calculating.


    "Ah, my Queen," he said with a smile as she entered. "To what do I owe this late-night visit?"


    She approached him with the grace befitting her title, with her hands folded in front of her."


    "I couldn''t sleep... I felt restless. I thought perhaps spending time with you might help ease my mind."


    The King raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing her carefully. His fingers tightened around the goblet as he studied her face.


    "Restless, you say? Is something troubling you?"


    She offered him a faint smile before shaking her head. "Not troubling, no. I suppose I simply miss the days when we were closer. Lately, it feels as though you''ve been so preoccupied and distant."


    The King leaned back, swirling the wine in his goblet. His guarded expression returned, though Kyle could see the tension in his jaw.


    "You know how it is, my dear. Ruling a kingdom is no easy task. There''s always something that demands my attention."


    The Queen hesitated, then sat in the chair opposite him. "I understand that, of course. But even a King must take moments to rest and share his burdens."


    The King regarded her for a long moment before sighing and setting his goblet aside.


    "I''ve already returned from handling certain matters earlier tonight. Matters I didn''t think you needed to concern yourself with."


    The Queen''s heart clenched at the implication, though she kept her expression neutral. "You''ve been working so hard," she said gently. "You always do so much for the kingdom."


    He gave her a sharp look, as though assessing the sincerity of her words. Kyle, watching from the shadows, noted the flicker of unease that crossed the King''s face.


    "I do what must be done," he later replied curtly. "Not everyone understands the weight of the choices I make."


    "Of course, my love. You''ve always handled such responsibilities with strength. But¡­ I can''t help but wonder, what is happening tonight? I overheard the mention of a gathering in the Great Hall."


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    Thank you for reading! Try your best to support this

 Chapter 242 - 242: Important Announcement... PLEASE Unlock

    If you''ve unlocked this chapter and you''re reading it, I expect that you may be habouring tons of feelings against me - anger, disappointment, frustration... I understand them all - but I''m happy that y''all gave it a chance.


    I don''t want to waste your time, so I''ll be going straight to the Important Announcement.


    The month comes to an end after today and it has been a long, wild ride together. While the last days of this month was very distasteful due to my terrible acts, we all had a good time for the most of it.


    I want to announce that from next month onwards; I won''t be updating daily. My exams are around the corner, and I''ve realize how difficult it is trying to cope with everything at once.


    So, I decided to take a break for the most of next month... If possible, organize myself to do better next time.


    Of course, the five repeat chapters (including this), would be fixed in due time. Hopefully, during the weekend.


    In addition, I''ll be adjusting the privilege prices too. The new settings would be as follows for next month:


    1 chapter - 1 coin.


    5 chapters - 5 coins.


    7 chapters - 7 coins.


    10 chapters - 10 coins.


    20 chapters - 20 coins.


    ----


    This arrangement was made to ensure that the privilege would be affordable with the limited uploads. (Visit the comment section if you feel the prices can be reduced further).


    To reiterate; I won''t be dropping this novel. I simply won''t be updating daily, as I will be writing at my own pace for next month.


    The quality would only drop if I insist to continue as before.


    And while I would have made this decision much earlier, all my efforts would be in vain if this came up towards the end of the month.


    Thank you for all the support you have shown me so far, they mean so much to me.


    To Adrian_Hardin, Kyle_Smith_0001, Shirley_Jones_3490, thank you for the generous gifts you gave me. It really helped my confidence alot and I am sincerely grateful.


    To DrPat, Adrian_Hardin, Kyle_Smith_0001, DaoistKaOf7h, Shirley_Jones_3490, Masatoshi_K, CursingPanda, Angiepie73, MrBaller, vacile, SirReadsALot, DaoistplQH0G, David_Bennett_6214, zealthd, justin_mccray, DaoistvbioiF and ForgoneKing; thank you for the Golden Tickets.


    To the rest of the amazing readers who read this book, thank you too. Thank you!


    (Now, I''mma have to repeat this message a few times to meet the win-win requirement... for the last time)


    ---------End of the Announcement----------


    If you''ve unlocked this chapter and you''re reading it, I expect that you may be habouring tons of feelings against me - anger, disappointment, frustration... I understand them all - but I''m happy that y''all gave it a chance.


    I don''t want to waste your time, so I''ll be going straight to the Important Announcement.


    The month comes to an end after today and it has been a long, wild ride together. While the last days of this month was very distasteful due to my terrible acts, we all had a good time for the most of it.


    I want to announce that from next month onwards; I won''t be updating daily. My exams are around the corner, and I''ve realize how difficult it is trying to cope with everything at once.


    So, I decided to take a break for the most of next month... If possible, organize myself to do better next time.


    Of course, the five repeat chapters (including this), would be fixed in due time. Hopefully, during the weekend.


    In addition, I''ll be adjusting the privilege prices too. The new settings would be as follows for next month:


    1 chapter - 1 coin.


    5 chapters - 5 coins.


    7 chapters - 7 coins.


    10 chapters - 10 coins.


    20 chapters - 20 coins.


    ----


    This arrangement was made to ensure that the privilege would be affordable with the limited uploads. (Visit the comment section if you feel the prices can be reduced further).


    To reiterate; I won''t be dropping this novel. I simply won''t be updating daily, as I will be writing at my own pace for next month.


    The quality would only drop if I insist to continue as before.


    And while I would have made this decision much earlier, all my efforts would be in vain if this came up towards the end of the month.


    Thank you for all the support you have shown me so far, they mean so much to me.


    To Adrian_Hardin, Kyle_Smith_0001, Shirley_Jones_3490, thank you for the generous gifts you gave me. It really helped my confidence alot and I am sincerely grateful.


    To DrPat, Adrian_Hardin, Kyle_Smith_0001, DaoistKaOf7h, Shirley_Jones_3490, Masatoshi_K, CursingPanda, Angiepie73, MrBaller, vacile, SirReadsALot, DaoistplQH0G, David_Bennett_6214, zealthd, justin_mccray, DaoistvbioiF and ForgoneKing; thank you for the Golden Tickets.


    To the rest of the readers who read this book, thank you too. Thank you!


    (Now, I''mma have to repeat this message a few times to meet the win-win requirement... for the last time)


    If you''ve unlocked this chapter and you''re reading it, I expect that you may be habouring tons of feelings against me - anger, disappointment, frustration... I understand them all - but I''m happy that y''all gave it a chance.


    I don''t want to waste your time, so I''ll be going straight to the Important Announcement.


    The month comes to an end after today and it has been a long, wild ride together. While the last days of this month was very distasteful due to my terrible acts, we all had a good time for the most of it.


    I want to announce that from next month onwards; I won''t be updating daily. My exams are around the corner, and I''ve realize how difficult it is trying to cope with everything at once.


    So, I decided to take a break for the most of next month... If possible, organize myself to do better next time.


    Of course, the five repeat chapters (including this), would be fixed in due time. Hopefully, during the weekend.


    In addition, I''ll be adjusting the privilege prices too. The new settings would be as follows for next month: sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    1 chapter - 1 coin.


    5 chapters - 5 coins.


    7 chapters - 7 coins.


    10 chapters - 10 coins.


    20 chapters - 20 coins.


    ----


    This arrangement was made to ensure that the privilege would be affordable with the limited uploads. (Visit the comment section if you feel the prices can be reduced further).


    To reiterate; I won''t be dropping this novel. I simply won''t be updating daily, as I will be writing at my own pace for next month.


    The quality would only drop if I insist to continue as before.


    And while I would have made this decision much earlier, all my efforts would be in vain if this came up towards the end of the month.


    Thank you for all the support you have shown me so far, they mean so much to me.


    To Adrian_Hardin, Kyle_Smith_0001, Shirley_Jones_3490, thank you for the generous gifts you gave me. It really helped my confidence alot and I am sincerely grateful.


    To DrPat, Adrian_Hardin, Kyle_Smith_0001, DaoistKaOf7h, Shirley_Jones_3490, Masatoshi_K, CursingPanda, Angiepie73, MrBaller, vacile, SirReadsALot, DaoistplQH0G, David_Bennett_6214, zealthd, justin_mccray, DaoistvbioiF and ForgoneKing; thank you for the Golden Tickets.


    To the rest of the readers who read this book, thank you too. Thank you!


    (Now, I''mma have to repeat this message a few times to meet the win-win requirement... for the last time)


    If you''ve unlocked this chapter and you''re reading it, I expect that you may be habouring tons of feelings against me - anger, disappointment, frustration... I understand them all - but I''m happy that y''all gave it a chance.


    I don''t want to waste your time, so I''ll be going straight to the Important Announcement.


    The month comes to an end after today and it has been a long, wild ride together. While the last days of this month was very distasteful due to my terrible acts, we all had a good time for the most of it.


    I want to announce that from next month onwards; I won''t be updating daily. My exams are around the corner, and I''ve realize how difficult it is trying to cope with everything at once.


    So, I decided to take a break for the most of next month... If possible, organize myself to do better next time.


    Of course, the five repeat chapters (including this), would be fixed in due time. Hopefully, during the weekend.


    In addition, I''ll be adjusting the privilege prices too. The new settings would be as follows for next month:


    1 chapter - 1 coin.


    5 chapters - 5 coins.


    7 chapters - 7 coins.


    10 chapters - 10 coins.


    20 chapters - 20 coins.


    ----


    This arrangement was made to ensure that the privilege would be affordable with the limited uploads. (Visit the comment section if you feel the prices can be reduced further).


    To reiterate; I won''t be dropping this novel. I simply won''t be updating daily, as I will be writing at my own pace for next month.


    The quality would only drop if I insist to continue as before.


    And while I would have made this decision much earlie