Chapter 3
Chapter 3
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter Title: Weapon Creation
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"My ability is... Weapon Creation."
The protagonist, Han U-sol, conjured a sword out of thin air. Weapon Creation— it sounded ridiculously overpowered just hearing about it. As expected of the protagonist.
'...It's basically the superior version of my own ability.'
And to make matters worse, he went right before me, which made the comparison even starker.
Han U-sol seemed to sense it too, giving me an apologetic glance as he sat back down.
'...Not that I mind or anything.'
He was the protagonist, after all. He was clearly the strongest in the story. Feeling inferior to him would just be laughable.
Of course, since it was the upgraded version of my ability, others might inevitably compare us.
'Sure, it'd be annoying if people kept comparing us... but maybe this works out for the best.'
Summoning weapons from thin air—we had similar powers. I could use that as an excuse to strike up a conversation with Han U-sol.
'I want that weapon he just made. Maybe I should ask for it...'
A straight sword gleaming with a subtle golden hue, stretching straight ahead. The design was right up my alley. And it was probably powerful too.
My bone-deep collector's instinct as a weapon hoarder was kicking in.
'With his ability, he could probably churn out all sorts of badass, powerful weapons whenever he wants, right?'
For example, something like the 'Twisted Sword' I'd gotten in the game right before transferring to this world.
Before long, all the students had finished their introductions, and Silbi spoke up.
"Since it's enrollment day today, we'll just do a quick mana measurement and call it."
The teacher said that as she pulled a palm-sized orb from her pocket.
"Just place your hand on this and channel your mana into it. Easy, right?"
Not really getting it, Teacher. How do you channel mana, exactly?
Having cleared the hurdle of self-introductions, an even bigger one loomed ahead.
"Let's measure in the same order as the introductions? Na-rin, you first."
Yoon Na-rin closed her eyes and placed her hand on the orb. It glowed brightly for a moment before returning to normal.
"1570... Impressive! We might already have our top score."
That 1570 mana value seemed to be quite high. A look of joy spread across Yoon Na-rin's face.
As I watched her pass the orb to the person behind her, I fell into thought.
'No need to worry too much. Saldias World had a mana stat too.'
In the game, mana was consumed for body enhancement or skill use.
A body that had easily handled that kind of enhancement and skills should have no trouble just channeling mana.
'Try it with the same sensation as pulling a weapon from my inventory.'
Soon it was my turn. I placed my hand on the orb and closed my eyes. First, I imagined something flowing out from inside me. Like blood draining away.
'Oh. Feels like it worked.'
The orb glowed brightly, then returned to normal. Proof of success.
"Whoa... 2320! Na-rin's score was already super high, but... I didn't expect anyone to beat it!"
I'd overtaken Yoon Na-rin for first place. Not surprising—I was max level in the game, after all. My mana pool was pretty huge.
Yoon Na-rin didn't seem upset about losing first. She still looked satisfied just from her high score, her face full of contentment.
'Now, I wonder what this guy's score will be...'
I passed the orb back to Han U-sol in the row behind me. He placed his hand on it and channeled his mana.
"3... 3850...? That's not student-level at all...?"
Silbi exclaimed in shock. I'd barely claimed first place, and it was snatched away just like that.
'Not student-level, huh? Guess he could jump straight into active hero duty.'
As expected of the protagonist. Han U-sol passed the orb back, and soon the mana measurement test wrapped up.
First place: Han U-sol. Second: me. Third: Yoon Na-rin.
'Cute face, top-tier mana... She feels like the heroine.'
In the original story without me, it would've been first Han U-sol, second Yoon Na-rin. The cute girl as the runner-up to the protagonist was a classic cliché for the heroine. I mentally promoted Yoon Na-rin to top heroine candidate.
'Should probably get on friendly terms with Yoon Na-rin too.'
Priority one was befriending Han U-sol, but if she ended up with him, it'd be smart to build some rapport with her as well.
"That's it for today~ You're all free to go. Real classes start tomorrow."
At the teacher's words, the kids started getting up and leaving.
'I wanna see that weapon again... Maybe ask him?'
I stood from my seat and called out to Han U-sol.
"Hey..."
"Uh, yeah?"
"That... weapon you showed earlier. Could you summon it one more time?"
"Oh, sure..."
Han U-sol summoned the straight sword gleaming with subtle gold from thin air.
"Whoa..."
I stared blankly, mesmerized by its elegant form.
"Hey... do you think you could make one like this for me...?"
I'd planned to get closer first before asking, but it slipped out. Han U-sol looked troubled.
"Uh... sorry. Weapons I create can only be used by me."
Ah, damn. So Weapon Creation was exclusive to the creator.
I'd been an avid weapon collector in Saldias World, but every weapon I had, other hardcore players owned at least one too. Collecting wasn't just me.
That's why I wanted a one-of-a-kind weapon, unique to me. I'd hoped for a rare off-register weapon as an achievement reward for that reason. But if only the creator could use it...
'A single, powerful dedicated weapon just for me in the whole world... I wanted one.'
Disappointment tugged my lips downward. Han U-sol looked flustered by my reaction.
"H-Hey... you okay?"
"Yeah... see you tomorrow..."
I slumped my shoulders and headed back to the dorms.
By the time I flopped onto my bed in the dorm, my phone chimed with a notification.
"...What the hell."
Tapping the notification brought up a novel platform I'd never seen before. The only registered novel was Acamedy Academy.
'Does this mean I can finally read the novel and know what's coming up!?')
Brimming with excitement, I tapped the screen and started reading chapter 1.
Chapter 1 ended.
"...What."
It was just a recap of today's events. Aside from the worldbuilding and a bit on Han U-sol's ability, it was all the enrollment ceremony stuff that happened today.
I swiped for the next chapter. But only chapter 1 had been updated.
"...Fuck. What the hell."
I thought I'd finally get to read ahead like those munchkin protagonists, knowing the future plot inside out. But tossing me just one chapter? Who's this teasing?
No matter how many refreshes, chapter 2 didn't appear.
'...No way.'
A bad feeling crept in.
The chapter updated only after the ceremony ended, like it was taunting me. No guarantee it wouldn't happen again.
No, it felt like it definitely would.
I'd struggle blindly through events, and only after solving them would the novel update with 'Actually, this would've been way easier.' Just mocking me.
"This is... seriously..."
It reeked of someone deliberately screwing with me. Telling me after the fact? Pure mockery.
"Fuck... why are you doing this to me..."
Overwhelmed with grievance, tears welled up.
If they'd just never given me anything, fine. But updating the novel now to tease me? Why?
All I'd done was collect all the weapons and hit the achievement reward button. Why was I suffering like this? So unfair.
"Please, next chapter..."
I refreshed obsessively for a while. No next chapter.
"...Fucking bastard."
Furious at the stubborn absence of chapter 2, I opened the comments and hammered out a rant.
Aimed at the author who I suspected sent me here by uploading the novel.
Of course, no replies. No next chapter either.