Chapter 217 - Unmovable Mountain
"YOU BASTARD! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"
Sitting in the middle of her room, Julia was fuming. Even her aura was shining while she was grabbing the handle of her bad.
"Just calm down."
Irina entered the room at that moment.
"How can I calm down? This bastard is clearly doing this on purpose."
Julia shot up from her chair, her eyes ablaze with frustration as she pointed at the holographic display projected above her desk. On the screen, her character in the "ChronoScape" game seemed to be in the midst of a perilous situation.
"Look at this! He just stole my quest item, and now he's flaunting it in front of me! I can't believe it!"
There, a guy without any ounce of clothing was dancing right in front of her. Let alone his non-existent clothing, the design of his character, and the stick he was holding alone made him recognizable.
Irina sighed, a mixture of amusement and exasperation playing on her features. She walked over to Julia and peered at the screen.
"Julia, it's just a game. Relax." She mumbled, but the smile on her face was clear. She knew what would trigger this girl the most.
"It's not just a game!" Julia huffed, crossing her arms. "It's a matter of principle. He's intentionally messing with me."
Irina chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Well, it seems like you've found a rival in the game. Isn't that part of the fun?"
"No, it's not fun! This is personal now."
As the two friends bantered about the virtual world, Ethan, who had been quietly observing the scene, finally spoke up.
"Are you two always like this when playing games?"
Julia and Irina turned to him simultaneously, a shared expression of determination on their faces.
"Yes."
"Yes."
Though Irina's face was rather masking her true feelings, after all, this was the first time she was playing games with her friends in such a manner. Thanks to her mother…..
Ethan shrugged, deciding it might be best to leave them to their passionate gaming rivalry. He also didn't play many games since he didn't see them suited for a Hunter, a person with a responsibility to protect others.
After all, for him, such a responsibility was obliged to be taken more seriously.
Meanwhile, Lilia, who had been watching from a corner, interjected with a sarcastic tone, "And here I thought you were going to improve your spatial awareness and motor reflexes, Irina."
Irina shot her a playful glare. "I am. Dealing with Julia's competitive spirit is an excellent exercise for that."
"Yeah, I can see that," Lilia mumbled as she approached. "You dealt with it really 'well'."
Lilia, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, continued her sarcastic banter.
"Honestly, Irina, I can't believe you're subjecting yourself to such a challenging game to improve your skills. I mean, with the way you handle those controls, I'm surprised you haven't leveled down yet."
Irina's playful glare turned into a determined smirk. "Oh, you think so? Well, let's see how well you fare against me then. How about a little duel, Lilia?"
Lilia raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden challenge. "A duel? Are you sure about that? I don't want to make you cry when you realize how untalented you are in this game."
Irina laughed a competitive fire in her eyes. "We'll see about that. Prepare yourself, Lilia."
The two friends set up their characters for a one-on-one duel within the virtual world of "ChronoScape." As the holographic arena materialized, complete with a cheering virtual crowd, the anticipation in the room grew.
Ethan and Julia watched with amused expressions, putting their own virtual squabbles on hold to witness the showdown.
"Wanna bet?" Julia asked, holding her drink.
Ethan shook his head, his attention still focused on the unfolding virtual duel. "Nah, I'm not much of a betting guy. I'd rather just enjoy the show."
Julia, determined to stir things up, grinned mischievously. "Come on, Ethan, where's your sense of adventure? A little bet could make things more interesting."
Ethan hesitated but ultimately stuck to his decision. "I'll pass. I just want to see how this duel turns out."
Julia, never one to back down, decided to take matters into her own hands. With a swift motion, she reached behind Ethan, attempting to give him a playful jab. A tomboyish grin spread across her face.
"You need to man up, Ethan! Spice things up a bit."
Ethan, this time not getting caught off guard by Julia's sudden attack, managed to dodge just in time.
"Not again." He smiled triumphantly. After all the time he had been subjected to the act of 'friendship' by Julia's terms, he was no longer caught off guard by such things.
"Wow, our little Ethan finally grew up," Julia smirked, but she held a little surprise as well. Even though Ethan's climb in ranks became the topic of the academy, she wasn't expecting such a rapid improvement.
Ethan chuckled, appreciating Julia's attempt to spice up the atmosphere. "Nice try, Julia. But I've been through your 'friendship training' enough times to see it coming."
Julia feigned disappointment. "Oh, come on! Where's the fun in that if you're always prepared?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow teasingly. "The fun is in not getting ambushed every time I turn around."
Julia, undeterred, leaned in with a challenging glint in her eyes. "Alright, Ethan, let's make this interesting. How about a little bet on the outcome of the duel?"
Ethan sighed, knowing Julia's competitive streak too well. "Julia, I already said I'm not into betting."
But Julia persisted, her nagging reaching a new level. "Come on, Ethan, it's just a friendly wager. No harm in a little competition among friends. Besides, it'll make the duel even more exciting."
Ethan rolled his eyes, realizing that Julia wouldn't let it go easily. "Fine, fine. What's the bet then?"
Julia grinned triumphantly. "If Lilia wins, you owe me a weekend of being your sparring partner, no complaints. But if Irina wins, I'll take over your kitchen for a week and cook whatever you want."
Ethan hesitated for a moment, contemplating the consequences of the bet. Julia's sparring sessions were known for being intense. As one of those who had been subjected to that treatment for a long time, he himself knew that fact quite well.
But he was confident in Irina's abilities, and the price was too good to refuse. He imagined how Julia would look in an apron while serving him, which made him smile. This girl had been the one that teased him almost all the time, so now he could let this resentment go.
Who wouldn't be? After all, there was no way a newbie who had just started playing the game would be able to beat the person who had spent her whole weekend time playing.
Deal," Ethan agreed, a competitive glint now matching Julia's. "But let's be clear, no holding back. I want those meals to be worth it."
As the agreement settled, Julia and Ethan shook hands, sealing the deal for their friendly wager. The virtual duel between Irina and Lilia continued on the holographic display, the stakes now elevated by the impending consequences of the bet.
Julia couldn't help but revel in her victory, confident in Lilia's potential. "Get ready, Ethan. You're in for the sparring session of your life. Lilia might be a beginner, but she's got some serious talent."
Ethan, unfazed, chuckled. "We'll see about that. Don't say I didn't warn you, though."
The holographic arena was alive with the clash of swords, each swing and parry echoing through the room.
Irina, with her virtual assassin character, moved like a shadow, quick and elusive. Lilia, on the other hand, controlled a warrior, her movements powerful and deliberate.
"Why did you even choose assassin?" Lilia asked, looking at Irina. "You are a mage."
"Then, why did you choose warrior? You are a ranger." Irina retorted.
"I chose it because I know it is the best class for beginners."
"How do you know that?"
"….I researched a little."
"So you were researching? Didn't you say you disliked playing games?"
"It is not relevant."
"Heh…."
As the verbal exchange continued, the virtual clash intensified. Irina's assassin, relying on speed and stealth, attempted to exploit openings in Lilia's defense.
Lilia, however, anticipated some of the moves, countering with powerful strikes that echoed in the holographic arena.
But then, she still couldn't block everything and had already lost half of her HP from the start.
'It is my win.'
Irina thought as she saw how low Lilia's HP was.
'Let me all in:'
With a sudden burst of speed, Irina unleashed her character's ultimate skill, a flurry of devastating strikes that seemed almost impossible to evade.
Even the holographic crowd gasped as Lilia's warrior character struggled to fend off the relentless assault.
In the midst of the intense exchange, it seemed like Irina had the upper hand. Lilia's HP dropped to a critical condition, the virtual arena reflecting the imminent defeat.
'Just a little more, and victory is mine.'
Irina's confidence swelled as her character continued the relentless assault.
However, at that critical moment, Lilia, undeterred by the dire situation, unleashed her own ultimate skill.
"JUSTICE!"
The character shouted as the holographic arena erupted with a blinding display of power. Lilia's warrior character executed a dazzling attack that exploded the entire screen.
"Huh?"
Irina was surprised as she saw half of her character's HP disappearing from that one strike while her screen turned grey.
"How?"
She landed all her skills, used her ultimate, and made the perfect combo she had seen pro players using. But she was the one who was killed.
"THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE, HOW DOES IT KILL ME?"
Irina's frustration echoed through the room as she couldn't comprehend the sudden turn of events. She stared at the grey screen in disbelief, her character lying defeated on the virtual battlefield.
Lilia, still caught in the excitement of her unexpected victory, grinned. "Looks like Justice prevailed in the end."
Irina, unwilling to accept defeat, pointed an accusatory finger at Lilia. "Your character is broken! There's no way it should have that much power. It's unbalanced!"
Lilia laughed, brushing off the complaints. "Oh, come on, Irina. It's just a game. Maybe you need to reconsider your strategy next time."
Irina, determined to salvage her pride, continued to voice her grievances. "No, it's not about strategy. Your character is clearly overpowered. I should have won that!"
Ethan interjected with a bemused but a little scared expression, "Irina, it's just a friendly match. No need to get worked up about it."
But Irina, fueled by her competitive spirit, wasn't ready to let it go. "No, this is unfair. I demand a rematch. Your character is just too broken. She clearly had chosen it to counter me."
"Then, you should have chosen a different class? It is not like assassins are the only class in the game."
"But they are cool."
"….You…."
Julia, overhearing the ongoing dispute, looked at Ethan with a mischievous grin. "Ethan, you might want to be prepared. Looks like I won't be going easy on you this week."
Ethan, with a cold sweat forming on his back, stammered, "Wait, what? Julia, we're just training, right?"
"Of course, we are just 'training.' It is not like I won't get back at you for your delusions."
"Cough….What delusions are you talking about?"
"I didn't miss that gaze of yours when I talked about preparing a meal."
"….."
At that moment, Ethan realized his fate was sealed.
"Guys, did you hear about the new gathering this weekend?" Lilia interjected while leaning back on the couch.
"What gathering?"
"Well….Apparently, the Blackthorn family is calling for an upper circle gathering. This time, Victor will be the main representative."
Victor Blackthorn, heir to the prestigious Blackthorn family, was a well-known figure in the upper circles of society.
"Victor, huh? That guy is always in the spotlight," Julia remarked, feigning disinterest. After all, he had been the rank one student, getting all the attention. She wasn't jealous of him, but it always became annoying when the seat in front of her became noisy whenever he left.
There were countless fangirls of him in the school. Also, that guy was surely persistent.
"Yeah." Irina also mumbled subconsciously while still thinking about her defeat. She looks dead inside.
Lilia raised an eyebrow, sensing something was different with Irina. "It is Victor, you know?" She asked. After all, she knew whom Irina had feelings for.
"So what? It's just another gathering of the upper circles. Not like I care."
"..." Everyone except Julia looked at Irina with a surprised look.
"Hmm?" Irina slowly came to herself and realized what she had just said.
'What?'
For some reason, the enthusiasm she felt about Victor wasn't there.
'That…'
But someone else.
Irina felt an unexpected pang in her chest, a twinge of annoyance that caught her off guard. As the conversation about Victor Blackthorn continued, her thoughts involuntarily drifted to someone else – someone she hadn't expected to think about at a time like this.
'Why am I even thinking about him?' she scolded herself internally.
The image of a particular guy with unruly dark hair and a cold face flashed in her mind. It was a face that had occupied her thoughts more than she cared to admit.
"Humph."
Chapter 218- Unmovable Mountain (2)
Late in the evening, Professor Eleanor sat in her cluttered office, surrounded by stacks of reports submitted by students for the recent test. Her desk lamp cast a warm glow over the papers as she sighed, preparing for the seemingly endless task of grading.
The grading criteria were clear:
-Demonstration of Formula Principles: Showcase an understanding of the core principles discussed in class for 1 point.
-Practical Application: Apply the principles to a real-world scenario in the report for 1.5 points.
-Creativity: Inject original ideas or innovative approaches for 1 point.
-Clarity and Structure: Ensure the report is well-organized and easy to follow for 0.5 points.
-Adherence to Submission Guidelines: Follow the specified format and length requirements for 1 point.
Each report had to be meticulously evaluated, but Professor Eleanor prided herself on her efficiency.
She swiftly skimmed through the first batch of reports submitted by Lila Thornheart and Victor Blackthorn, the top students in the class.
"Lilia Thornheart's Group│ Alchemical Principles: 1 │ Practical Application: 1.5 │ Creativity: 1 │ Clarity and Structure: 0.5 │ Adherence: 1 │ Total: 5"
"Victor Blackthorn's Group │ Alchemical Principles: 1 │ Practical Application: 1.5 │ Creativity: 1 │ Clarity and Structure: 0.5 │ Adherence: 1 │ Total: 5"
Professor Eleanor observed the subtle differences in their approaches and noted them with precision. As she reached the second batch of reports, she couldn't help but admire the students' dedication to their craft.
However, there was one group that she wasn't able to check. A student that was possibly the best when it came to mana manipulation, and the other two students that she needed to pay attention to.
"Irina Emberheart's group │ Alchemical Principles: 1 │ Practical Application: 1 │ Creativity: 0.5 │ Clarity and Structure: 0.5 │ Adherence: 1 │ Total: 5"
Just as she graded the papers, she suddenly noticed a paragraph written in there.
'This magic formula's purpose is to find the location represented when each of them is combined. Even though individually none of them seems to hold any knowledge, in fact, all of them are part of a picture showing us the map of a special place.'
Intrigued by this unexpected depth, Professor Eleanor pondered the implications of the paragraph as she unknowingly smiled.
'To think someone would find what we hid for the second test.'
After all, the Phantom's Land was the location of the new test, and the students were going to travel there themselves.
"Interesting."
She mumbled as she grabbed her pen and put a tick on the rear of the row.
"Irina Emberheart's group │ Alchemical Principles: 1 │ Practical Application: 1 │ Creativity: 0.5 │ Clarity and Structure: 0.5 │ Adherence: 1 │ Bonus: 2 Total: 6"
"Let's see what the principal will say about this."
After all, even though she had given them bonus points, it wasn't enough to satisfy herself. None of the people in the academy expected such results from a group of students; thus, there was no distinct price for that.
[Eleanor: Sir, may I please take your time.]
She sent the message.
********
"Another day again."
"Yeah….We had been trying to write the report the whole weekend."
"Same….Man….why was it even that hard to begin with…."
As the students lamented the challenges of their weekend tasks, the academy bell rang, signaling the beginning of a new week. The hallways filled with the shuffle of students heading to their first classes.
"Ugh, and it's Monday," groaned one of them.
"At least it's a fresh start, right?" replied another optimistically.
"True, but I wish it started with a bit more sleep and a lot less homework," someone chimed in.
TOK!
Just at that moment, the door of the classroom opened as the instructor entered the room.
"Hmm?"
Most of the students gave a surprised gaze. After all, this instructor was a new face that they didn't see that much.
"Hello, cadets."
The instructor stood at the front of the class, a rugged figure with a demeanor that spoke of experience and battles long fought. His eyes scanned the room, locking gazes with curious students.
"Good morning, cadets. My name is Captain Kellan Thorne, retired hunter." He spoke with a deep, resonant voice that echoed authority and a wealth of knowledge. "I've faced creatures of the dark, conquered the wild, and survived battles that would make the bravest shudder. Now, I'm here to share my insights with you."
It was a cringe speech that made the students deadpan their expressions. But none of them had said anything, as the aura coming out of this instructor was far from normal in any case.
"Today. I'll be overseeing the spars, taking the place of your usual instructor, Eleanor. Consider it a change of pace, a taste of how different it could be with different instructors." His eyes gleamed with a spark of enthusiasm, revealing his genuine passion for the subject.
The students exchanged glances, a mix of curiosity and anticipation filling the room, curious about what could have possibly happened to Eleanor.
The prospect of having a retired hunter guiding their sparring sessions was both exciting and slightly intimidating as well.
"Then let the sparring begin."
Just like that, he started the lesson.
********
"Where is your partner?"
Inside the room for the sparring, I was standing alone. Instructor Kellan came to me since he saw me alone in the room. He was a name that I didn't know from the game, but I brushed it off.
'It is another deviation.'
After all, things had already been a lot different from the original, so I didn't need to keep myself on the edge.
"I don't know," I replied, looking at his stern face. The girl from the last time wasn't here this time. Even though she was quite annoying and fierce, she wasn't a bad sparring partner overall.
'She also didn't seem to be the type to miss such classes.'
I thought. From how serious she was, she seemed to be a model student, and her missing this lesson didn't make any sense.
'Not that it concerns me.'
Since she was a complete stranger, it was her own problem, not mine.
"Wait for a moment," Instructor Kellan said, his stern gaze fixed on me. He left the room briefly, and I stood there, wondering what was going on. A moment later, he returned with another student in tow.
"Here, I have found a partner for you. He also reported that his partner didn't come this time."
The moment I turned my attention to see who was before me, I couldn't help but stiffen a little.
'Sigh…'
It was a presence that I didn't want to associate myself with. Especially considering this guy's personality.
"Hello." The huge, towering man said as he looked at me with a serious expression. "I am Carl."
He was one of the people from the main cast, the one with the most stern and serious demeanor.
"Hello," I responded to Carl's greeting.
His imposing figure and disciplined demeanor were hard to ignore. It was evident that he came from a military family or background, and his posture and expression reflected the discipline ingrained in soldiers.
'Braveheart family….'
They were a family that held a formidable position in the military, and countless civil servants and inspectors were from them. They trained like soldiers and put bravery and noblesse oblique to the very essence of their family.
Carl's physique was impressive, with bulging muscles that hinted at extensive physical training. Even without my eyes, it could easily be observed that he was a tank type.
'As expected, he is using a hammer and shield this time as well.'
His eyes held a seriousness that went beyond the typical student demeanor. I couldn't help but feel a sense of reservation as I considered what kind of sparring partner he might be.
"Astron Natusalune," I introduced myself, keeping my tone neutral.
"I know about you."
Carl nodded in acknowledgment.
"You knew about me?"
"Yes. Ethan mentioned before."
"What did he say?"
"He said you were different from how you looked."
"How I looked?"
"Yeah. You look weak, but he said you are the complete opposite."
Carl's admission that he knew about me, coupled with Ethan's description, made me curious about what kind of reputation I had among my fellow main cast of the game.
Nevertheless, I didn't dwell on it for too long.
"I am flattered that you think of me that way," I responded, attempting to diffuse the seriousness in the air.
"It's not flattery," Carl asserted with a stern expression. "That is why I will take this sparring seriously."
I nodded, appreciating the commitment to a focused training session even though he was one of the strongest students in the academy.
'This will be hard.'
Carl was a student who had ranked in the first 100 in the academy; thus, it was a little concerning spar. But even then, I knew for a fact that this was going to become a useful one.
As he retrieved his hammer and shield, I mirrored his actions by unsheathing my daggers, as well as readying my bow. After all, this spar was going to be an important one.
The weight of the weapons felt familiar in my hands, and I assumed a defensive stance, ready for the impending clash.
"Start."
With the signal, I immediately started the fight with my bow.
'Let me test the waters a little bit.'
I maintained a calculated distance, my bowstring taut as I rained arrows upon him.
-SWOOSH!
The projectiles whizzed through the air, each aimed with precision, testing Carl's defensive capabilities.
Carl, true to his reputation, activated his aura, a visible manifestation of his defensive prowess. The ethereal shield surrounded him, deflecting the arrows with ease. His stoic expression remained unchanged as he weathered the storm of projectiles, determined to showcase the strength he possessed.
'This doesn't even push him to the maximum.'
Despite the relentless assault, I could sense that Carl wasn't exerting himself to the fullest.
'Of course, it was expected a little, but….'
Even though I knew for a fact that a tank like Carl with his aura activated was a force that I wouldn't face with such sloppy attacks, it scratched my pride a little.
I wasn't even using Celestalith, but I at least wanted to damage him.
I decided to escalate the challenge. With a subtle infusion of energy, I channeled my focus into a single arrow.
The air crackled with the intensity of the impending attack as I drew back the bowstring.
"Ho?"
I could hear him making a surprised face as he also lowered his body a little, infusing more energy into the hammer. The hammer started to shake a little, sending resonances to the circle around it.
'He is using it.'
It was one of his defensive skills. It seemed he also realized that this attack wasn't something to ignore.
SWOOSH!
I released the string of the bow, releasing the arrow charged with explosive blue moon energy.
BOOM!
The projectile streaked through the air, leaving a fiery trail in its wake. The explosive force upon impact created a burst of flames, testing the limits of Carl's defensive aura.
"Impressive."
Just as I had expected, Carl skillfully adjusted his defensive stance. The aura around him absorbed the fiery impact, leaving him relatively unscathed.
His disciplined demeanor remained unwavering as he quelled the flames with a wave of his shield.
'Not bad.'
I thought to myself.
'If it is him, then it should be okay.'
"Should we start real this time?"
I guess Carl thought the same.
Chapter 219 - Unmovable Mountain (3)
As the flames subsided and a brief acknowledgment passed between us, it became evident that the time for measured exchanges had come to an end. Carl's imposing figure, clad in the shimmering aura, betrayed a newfound intensity.
The disciplined soldier within him discarded restraint as he took an aggressive stance, abandoning the purely defensive posture he had maintained.
"Should we start for real this time?" Carl's question echoed the unspoken agreement to elevate the intensity of our sparring session.
'He is coming.'
From the small but not small muscle movements on his body, I could foresee that he was going to attack.
CRACK!
A low, ominous crack reverberated through the training ground as Carl made his move. The ground beneath him seemed to shudder as if protesting the force about to be unleashed.
SWOOSH!
In a surprising display of speed, especially for someone with a tank-like build, Carl charged toward me with a speed that defied his apparent role.
'So, he's not just a simple tank,' I thought, thinking about his stats. Carl was a tanker in the game for the party, but he wasn't a playable character. Thus, his details were not as clear as the players'.
The route he chose could also be changed, and it seemed right now the one before me was a bruiser/tank type.
Carl's charge was more akin to a powerful offensive maneuver, but I was already ready.
Even if my attacks didn't have the power to penetrate his defense, at the very least, I was faster than him.
SWOOSH!
With a swift, well-timed movement, I evaded Carl's charging attack. His momentum carried him forward, leaving an opening that I seized upon.
THUD!
As he passed by, I planted my foot on his open shoulder, using it as a springboard to propel myself backward with graceful agility.
The distance between us increased, giving me a brief respite to reassess the situation. Exploiting an opponent's momentary vulnerability is always a crucial strategy, and I intended to employ the same principle here.
Drawing my bow, I focused on the strings of mana that connected me to the arrows.
Each arrow is an extension of my intent, awaiting release. Carl, having halted his charge, readied himself for the next phase of our clash.
-THWACK! THWACK! THWACK!
Rapidly firing arrows, I sought to maintain a safe distance while testing Carl's defensive capabilities.
The idea here wasn't to beat him but to improve. Even though my attacks weren't going to penetrate him, even the motion of attacking while maintaining my distance itself was training.
Also, I knew that my arrows might not breach his defenses entirely, but I wanted to observe how he adapted to the evolving dynamics of our confrontation.
The interplay of attack and defense unfolded as Carl, true to his disciplined nature, adjusted his stance, deflecting the arrows with the aura-clad shield.
CRACK!
The rhythmic sound of arrows impacting Carl's shield echoed through the training ground.
"You are definitely good."
The disciplined tank, however, didn't merely stay on the defensive.
With each step, he closed the distance, chasing after me while skillfully fending off the projectiles.
SWOOSH!
He swung his hammer from a distance, and a wave of an attack followed.
'A sound wave.'
It was one of the unique skills of the Braveheart family, where they would use sound attacks to attack. That was also what he used to disturb the energy of my blue arrow at the start.
'Vibrations to counter match the energy wave.'
I evaded the attack at one last moment with a burst of speed to the side.
RING!
But the balance disturbance was still there.
"You are open!"
And he didn't miss that momentary opening.
CRASH!
Swinging his hammer down, he hit the ground. He knew the distance was far away, and his attack wouldn't reach me.
SWOOSH!
The rock particles hurtled through the air, a chaotic barrage aimed at exploiting the temporary imbalance caused by Carl's skill.
'Focus.'
Despite the unexpected turn of events, I remained composed, relying on my agility to navigate the incoming storm.
With a series of swift movements, I brandished my daggers, each stroke cutting through the oncoming projectiles.
TAK! TAK!
The metallic clang of blades meeting rock resonated in the training ground as I parried and deflected the rocky onslaught. The precise choreography of the blade against stone showcased the fluidity and precision of my movements.
Even in the face of a surprise attack, the training and combat instincts honed through countless encounters allowed me to maintain control. Also, I was very precise with my daggers.
As the last remnants of the rock projectiles were dispersed, Carl seized the opportunity to close the distance.
With a determined expression, he unleashed his skill, [Charge of Bull], embodying the unstoppable force of a charging bull.
RUMBLE!
The ground beneath him trembled as he propelled himself forward with astonishing speed. The charge was characterized by its sheer power, a direct and forceful approach that aimed to overpower opponents in its path.
'He is using his skill.'
However, I had no intention of engaging in a direct confrontation with such a formidable offensive.
Dash.
I also didn't stay idle and activated my skills.
Eyes of Hourglass.
Both his movements were slowed, and I felt an increase in my speed.
SWOOSH!
In a flash, I moved with accelerated speed, gracefully evading the path of Carl's charging assault. The precision of my movements allowed me to sidestep the charging force, leaving Carl to surge past me, the momentum of his charge unchecked.
"Crumbling Mountains."
As Carl continued his charge with unwavering determination, he seamlessly transitioned into another skill.
'What?'
The ground beneath him trembled, and with calculated precision, he disturbed the earth, creating small mines. It was a skill that I had no knowledge of, and Carl possessed it.
The mines scattered across the training ground, strategically placed to anticipate my movements.
'He predicted it?'
It was a testament to Carl's ability to predict and counteract his opponent's actions. The mines, designed to restrict movement, created a challenging obstacle for me to navigate.
'It is too late.'
In the midst of my evasive maneuvers, I found myself inadvertently caught in the explosive range of one of the mines.
THUD!
The detonation disrupted my movement, causing a brief pause and inflicting some minor injuries. The surprise at Carl's ability to predict my trajectory left me momentarily off-guard.
"Grrr…."
My ankles were hurting, and I felt my movements restrained.
"You did well."
Carl also stopped his charge and was about to attack me. Even his charge was a bluff, now that I rethought about that. Countless different things passed through my head at that second.
'He is really good.'
It wasn't just about overwhelming strength but also combat talent. He possessed good judgment and made a clear plan.
'It was my mistake.'
After all these fights with monsters, it was the first time I had been trapped like this.
"You got me."
I answered his words as I saw him slowly approaching me.
'Though, that doesn't mean I am going to give up.'
I thought as I slowly activated the grey tendrils that I had put around Carl's body. It was a new idea that I had developed.
The ethereal threads extended and coiled around him, forming a connection bridge between us for me to use.
SWOOSH!
Using them as a grappling device, I pulled myself towards Carl, a swift and calculated movement that took advantage of the unexpected twist in our spar.
Simultaneously, I harnessed wind psions beneath me, allowing me to elevate slightly from the ground.
The combination of the tendrils and the controlled levitation helped me maneuver deftly, avoiding the remaining mines that might have hindered my progress.
"?"
I could see Carl's surprised face at my idea of approaching him rather than escaping, and he was caught off guard.
Eyes of Hourglass.
Noticing that he wouldn't be able to use his shield while I was approaching him rapidly, he activated his aura in an instant, covering his body.
SWOOSH!
In this unexpected aerial dance, I closed the distance between Carl and me with my daggers imbued in the same grey tendrils. The way to control such a movement was incredibly hard, and even with the time slowed in my eyes, I still wasn't able to control it perfectly.
SLASH!
Even then, I managed to slash Carl's body using the momentum I had gained with flight. With a spin movement, I aimed right through his shoulder.
The daggers, guided by the grey tendrils, cut through the air with precision. The blades passed through Carl's aura, which shimmered like a protective barrier around him.
"Hmm?"
I could feel the resistance against the incorporeal shield, but my attack managed to breach through, making contact with Carl's sturdy skin.
SLASH!
The sensation of the blades slicing through the air and grazing his shoulder was palpable, a testament to the success of my calculated maneuver.
Despite the resistance of his defensive aura, the attack left a mark on Carl, a visible testament to the effectiveness of the unexpected tactic.
THUD!
Then, I landed on the ground after my movement was finished. I was also surprised by the attack that had landed on his shoulder, as I didn't think I had the necessary strength.
"You. Why did you lower the strength of your aura?"
I met his gaze, realizing that he had intentionally adjusted the level of the spar. The surprise in my successful attack was partly due to Carl intentionally lowering his aura's strength, allowing me to land a blow.
"To adjust the level of the spar," Carl said, his tone firm. "The purpose of sparring is not to flaunt one's strength but to improve ourselves. We learn more in a real fight than in a one-sided display of power."
I couldn't help but respect the attitude he showed. After all, he was not afraid of the pain but instead tried to get used to it.
'So the reason why he didn't move at the start was to adjust the power of his aura, huh? What a weirdo.'
It seemed we had another training maniac here.
'Good.'
"Don't hold back and come at me." He said, grabbing his hammer once again. "Show me what you got."
His words ignited my competitive spirit as I grabbed my daggers.
"Okay."
Chapter 220 - Unmovable Mountain (4)
"Haaah…..Haaaah….."
Standing in the middle of the sparring field, I was breathing heavily as Carl stood in front of me. The sparring continued without sparring, and as my competitive spirit was ignited, I didn't hold back my attacks at all, exerting myself to the limits.
"You did well."
As I caught my breath, beads of sweat rolling down my forehead, I couldn't help but marvel at Carl's stamina. The relentless sparring had taken a toll on me, but the man standing before me seemed almost unaffected.
'What a monster.'
I thought, acknowledging the vast difference in our physical capabilities. As I observed Carl's minor wounds, I realized the sparring had become a test not just of skills but also of endurance and recovery. It was a stark reminder of the diverse strengths present among the students in the academy.
'It was the first time I have gone against such an enemy.'
Carl was like an unmovable mountain. The more I attacked, the more I became aware of how desperate I would be against him.
Envisioning the fact that an enemy like Carl would stand before me immediately sent shivers down my spine.
'No chance of winning.'
It was the perfect display of the difference between one's stats. Looking at him and how he fought, Carl didn't seem to be engrossed in perfecting his hammer style or his magic.
'He just relies on overwhelming strength.'
It was like a stat-checker type of character from the game. I am a person who basically relies on exploiting the weakness of the enemies by creating favorable situations for myself. My main strength relies on my swiftness and high damage output in favorable times, but that is not the case for Carl.
He almost doesn't have a physical weakness aside from his 'low' speed, which is not even that low. Of course, against an Awakened of the same caliber as himself, his lack of technique training will become something negative, but amongst his peers, finding such people will be incredibly hard.
"Thanks."
I nodded my head against his words. Even though he may look stern, it felt like his compliments were genuine.
Carl nodded in response, but the air between us remained thick with unspoken words. It wasn't the first time I felt like this, as it reminded me of the military.
'Yeah, that guy is the direct representative of the military.'
From the corner of my eye, I noticed him glancing at me intermittently as if contemplating whether to say something.
'What does he want to talk about?' I wondered, my curiosity piqued. The awkward silence seemed to be hinting at an underlying conversation waiting to unfold.
"If you have something to say, just say it."
I decided to open my mouth first as it didn't seem like he was going to talk.
Carl turned his gaze toward me, his stern expression unchanged. There was a momentary hesitation before he spoke, "Where did you learn to fight like that?"
The question caught me off guard, and I studied Carl for a moment before responding. My response would be important.
'I guess I already gained his attention.'
"I've had my fair share of experiences. Learned along the way, I suppose."
"….." He didn't seem to believe me as he continued to seize at me. "You are different…." Then he mumbled.
"What do you mean?"
"You are different from the normal students," Carl began, his voice measured. "The way you wield those daggers, the precision in your movements, it's not like someone who just learned along the way. It's like you've fought to the death before."
His observation was sharp, and I didn't bother denying it. Instead, I met his gaze directly. "You're perceptive."
Carl nodded, a solemn expression on his face. "I come from a military family. Trained from a young age. I can tell when someone is a fighter, not just a student practicing moves."
'He is definitely good.'
It was said that sometimes, to get to know a man, exchanging blows with him is the best choice. I guess that is quite true.
A person who trained to be on the battlefield and who had been in a situation that made him seem more like an adult than a teenager. That was the feeling I got when I clashed with him, and it seemed he got the same.
"I can't shake the feeling that you've seen more than most students here," Carl remarked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"You should shake your feelings from time to time," I mumbled as I looked at the approaching guys. It seemed everyone had finished their spars now.
"…" Carl looked at me for a second before standing up like a tall mountain. "My father had always said…."
"In the chaos of battle, a soldier's only safety measure is their instinct. He used to tell me that if your instincts are sharp, you'll come home. His never failed him, and I've held onto that advice." Top of Form
"Is that so?" He seemed quite sure about me, but that was it. From what I knew about him, he wouldn't say much about me in any case.
"…..Next time we meet….I will be expecting much more…."
"I won't disappoint you then."
"That would be better."
Carl's departure was as stoic as his arrival, and I watched as he made his way toward a group of the main cast.
'Well, I guess that was a good reality check.'
With the strength I had underneath me, I thought I could at least go against some high-ranking individuals, but I should also be prepared in case someone like Carl appeared.
'After all, many of the bosses from the game are actually stat checkers.'
My previous fights had been all swift, thanks to the preparations I did, but that won't be the case every time I fight.
'Let's train more.'
With that thought, I slowly made myself out of the sparring grounds.
*********
As Carl left Astron, he met with his fellow group. Ethan, Julia, Lilia, and Lucas were already talking with each other sitting.
"Oh, Carl is here. You finished?" Julia asked.
"I did," Carl replied, taking a seat among the group. However, after he sat, the others continued talking about the game.
"How was your last session? Any exciting battles or unexpected twists?"
"You won't believe what happened. I encountered this high-level boss unexpectedly, and the battle turned into complete chaos. I barely managed to survive."
"Boss battles are the best part! Did you get any rare loot or weapons?"
"Funny you mention that. I got a legendary sword drop. It's a game-changer, I tell you."
Irina, who had been quietly observing the conversation, couldn't resist joining in. Even though she had just started, she wanted to explore the game more, "It sounds like you had quite the adventure. Maybe we should plan a group expedition sometime."
Julia, with her competitive spirit, added, "Yeah, and we can see who gets the most epic loot. I'm always up for a 'friendly' competition."
"Cough…."
At the mention of friendly competition, Ethan couldn't help but cough a little. He had bruises all around his body as well as his face. The sword marks and the cuts added salt to the wound.
"Ethan knows it well, right?"
"You should have gone more easy on me."
"I already did, you know. If I put a little more strength, your arm would go off…."
"It felt like it did."
Julia, noticing the change in topic, turned to Carl. "Hey, Carl, speaking of partners, what happened to your usual sparring partner, Chris? Haven't seen him around lately."
Chris was the guy that was matched with Carl. He was also one of the top prospects of the academy and from an upper circle. Though he was a bit lazy and had a weird tendencies, Carl didn't mind if he did his job as a student.
But, now, he was failing to do so. Carl's expression darkened slightly. "Chris is on a leave of absence. Personal matters, he said."
"Then, what happened to this practical session."
"I got matched with another student."
"Hmm? Who was he?"
"Astron Natusalune."
At the mention of Astron, Irina flinched a little, and Ethan couldn't help but smile. In the group, Astron was known as an edgy, rude, yet interesting individual, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who crossed paths with him.
"Tch."
Of course, a girl who was once subjected to his demeanor disliked him. She still, didn't forget that time.
"You are still fretting over it?" Julia asked, her eyes filled with a slight spark.
"Of course," Lilia replied. "Those coming from random backgrounds don't know the etiquette of nobles. I can't stand rude people like that."
Ethan couldn't help but reminiscence a little. He was also a primary subject to his demeanor, so he knew it firsthand.
"You know, Astron's not all bad. He just has his own way of doing things." However, he liked how straightforward and blunt he was with his words.
Lilia raised an eyebrow. "His own way? It's more like a complete lack of manners. Nobility is about refinement and grace, not being rude and edgy. Don't you think so, Irina? You don't like him too, right?"
Lilia knew what Irina said about him, so she naturally knew she would take her side.
Irina stammered a little, caught off guard by the sudden attention. She hesitated, unsure of how to respond for some reason.
'Yes, he is annoying….But.'
There was a but in her thoughts. She did feel indeed uncomfortable about Astron, but expressing that discomfort seemed challenging for some reason.
"Irina?"
But as she noticed everyone looking at him, she couldn't help but speak.
"Yeah. He is indeed rude."
"Hmm…..Maybe." Julia nodded her head as she turned to look at Carl. "So? How was he?" And she asked. "Is he that good, just as Ethan mentioned?"
Carl nodded his head, offering his perspective on Astron. "He wasn't as weak as Ethan talked about him."
Even though Ethan praised Astron, he always mentioned that he was weak physically. But that didn't seem to be the case with Carl.
"And he also gave off a different vibe. It's hard to describe, but he's not someone you can underestimate. His fighting style is unconventional, and he has this intensity that makes you think twice before crossing blades with him."
Ethan smirked, pleased that someone else acknowledged Astron's prowess. "Told you he's not as bad as he seems. He's got a unique way of handling things, and in a fight, that can make all the difference."
He also got the same vibe from him, and seeing Carl relating to him made him feel even better than before.
"Hmm?"
And those words piqued Lilia's interest. After all, gaining the recognition of Carl wasn't something everyone could do at all.
'He might be useful.'
She took on a note in the corner of her mind to observe him more.