Chapter 4
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: Del Modor Admission
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The giant that had stood tall on the ground slowly crouched down and lay back in its original position.
Hiss-!
The cockpit opened, and Abel emerged.
His entire body was flushed red, and his clothes were completely soaked with sweat, but a bright smile lit up his face.
“Whew!”
Abel took a deep breath in and let it out.
The thrill of the giant standing straight on the ground was a sensation entirely new to him.
Sorry to Rabbit, but it was truly on another level.
It felt like the whole world was at his feet.
Like an omnipotent power coursed through his entire body.
‘I could get addicted to this.’
With that thought, Abel tried to climb down from the cockpit.
At that moment, a knight who had been waiting on the side rushed over to help him down.
“G-Good work. Really…….”
The knight’s face was filled with shock.
His voice trembled as he spoke to the boy, who was much smaller than him.
It was because the scene he had just witnessed was incredibly shocking.
“Thank you.”
Abel bowed his head politely and returned to his original spot.
As he passed by, he caught a glimpse—Scarlett’s eyes were shining even sharper than when he had first seen her.
Even for Scarlett, the owner of monstrous talent, what Abel had shown must have been utterly astonishing.
“D-Does that even make sense?”
In the distance, the knights who had been watching were buzzing about what they had just seen.
“Make sense? You think it does? Weren’t all the kids who came today orphans who’ve never even been near a Miles?”
“Exactly! That’s why it doesn’t make sense!”
If Abel had heard them, he would have laughed and said he’d show them even more impressive things later.
While everyone struggled to recover from the shock, one boy stepped forward and spoke.
“I’d like to give it a try this time!”
Brown hair, slanted eyes.
He had a overall rough-looking impression.
Abel looked at him.
He was the only one among those gathered whose name Abel knew.
In the original game, this boy had been selected by Scarlett and admitted to the academy.
The boy’s name was Jet.
‘His talent was decent enough, but he had a foul temper and caused trouble, so he got kicked out midway.’
He could be called a third-rate villain.
The kind who briefly blocks the player in the very early game before quickly exiting the stage.
Jet grunted as he climbed into the cockpit, followed by a harsh vibration rumbling with a grrrring- sound.
“Hmm.”
The knights, who had been talking about Abel, now watched with renewed interest and anticipation.
It was obvious they were all thinking, ‘Maybe this kid too?’
The activation sound didn’t stop immediately and continued for a few seconds.
The anticipation of those watching grew higher.
But that anticipation turned to disappointment in an instant.
Woooom-.
The activation sound, which had continued for about 10 seconds, suddenly cut off, and the twitching Miles slumped back to the ground.
The knight watched for a moment before rushing to the cockpit. Soon, the hatch opened, and an exhausted Jet stumbled out.
His whole body was drenched in sweat, and he looked like he might collapse any second.
Jet was supported by the knight and led to the side.
That was it.
“Next.”
The knight laid Jet down and returned, speaking as if nothing had happened.
The remaining candidates took turns climbing onto the Miles one by one. But none of them could even match Jet, let alone Abel.
Grrrooo-.
Those that activated only to immediately shut down were the better cases; the rest failed to activate at all.
‘Jet deserved to be picked.’
Compared to the other candidates, Jet holding out for even 10 seconds made him outstanding.
Of course, excluding Abel.
No matter how talented one might be, they became ordinary in the face of overwhelmingly superior talent. Just like now.
When the last boy, who had climbed onto the Miles, was dragged out limp and defeated.
Scarlett, who had been watching from afar, walked over and spoke.
“It’s over.”
At Scarlett’s cold voice, the boys, who had been half-slumped in exhaustion, tensed up again.
“You watched well. Follow them, and you’ll receive a modest compensation.”
Where Scarlett pointed, the attendants who had guided the boys earlier were standing.
Scarlett then looked at Abel and said.
“Abel. You, follow me.”
“Understood.”
It was the announcement that the test was finished.
The other kids didn’t look particularly surprised.
What Abel had shown was truly overwhelming.
Only Jet hung his head with a frustrated expression.
But that emotion didn’t reach Abel.
Abel’s attention was solely on the message floating in the air.
[Crane Among Chickens quest completed]
[Demitri’s Flame has been granted!]
[Crane Among Chickens (2) quest continues]
[You have twisted the story’s flow!]
[Mana Herb has been granted!]
Scarlett turned as if she had said all she needed to and started walking. Abel followed behind her.
The remaining boys stared blankly at their backs before following the attendants in another direction.
To return to where they came from.
The sight was truly contrasting.
* * *
From arrival to taking the test and announcing results right there on the spot.
It was a high-speed progression that showed Scarlett’s personality.
By her setting, Scarlett disliked pretense and cumbersome procedures. Her temperament was also quite impatient.
Just bringing Abel here immediately showed that.
‘The office is incredibly neat too.’
Abel thought as he looked around the interior of the office where Scarlett had led him.
For the office of the head of the prestigious Klein Count family, it felt starkly barren in its cleanliness.
A desk, chair, and a few bookshelves—that was all the furniture.
The corridor they had passed on the way here felt even more ornate by comparison.
“Hmm.”
While Abel surveyed the interior, Scarlett, who had sat at the desk reviewing documents, slowly spoke.
“Abel. Age between fourteen and sixteen. No parents, unknown origin. Correct?”
“Yes.”
“One year ago, you started learning at Vulcanus’s workshop, and six months ago, you began making a real name for yourself at the Red Bear Fighting Pit. And…… you built that machine yourself, right?”
“The frame was made with Vulcanus’s help, and the rest was just assembled from scrap parts.”
“Interesting.”
Scarlett smiled at Abel’s answer.
Truth be told, the story of a young boy building a Gigant himself at such a young age and becoming champion in an underground fighting pit would intrigue anyone.
No, it wouldn’t be strange if they were astonished.
But considering Scarlett’s life story, that level of reaction was appropriate.
Hadn’t she single-handedly revived a half-ruined family with her own skills?
Tap, tap-.
After asking Abel a few more questions, Scarlett organized the documents in her hand and set them aside.
Then, her red eyes fixed directly on Abel.
“You’re telling me piloting the Miles really was your first time?”
“Yes.”
Scarlett stared piercingly into Abel’s eyes, as if trying to discern truth from lie.
But Abel calmly continued without flinching.
“I learned this and that from Vulcanus, but he never suggested a guy like me try riding something as precious as a Miles. It’s worth hundreds of times my own price, after all.”
“Hmm.”
At that response, Scarlett stroked her chin and spoke.
“Be more careful with your words and actions from now on.”
“I apologize.”
“Apologizing so easily won’t suit you in the future either.”
Scarlett said to Abel, who had raised his head.
“There will be no shortage of people nitpicking your speech and conduct once you enter the academy.”
Before he knew it, a playful smile played on Scarlett’s lips.
“For the next week, you’ll receive etiquette training alongside everything else. Understood?”
“……Yes. Thank you.”
Abel bowed his head in genuine relief.
‘I’ve passed the first hurdle.’
He had thought anyone with eyes would pick him, but being called to the office and questioned about his past had made him uneasy.
But the moment he saw Scarlett’s playful smile, that anxiety melted away like snow.
Scarlett, with amusement in her eyes at Abel’s reaction, spoke.
“The biggest reason I chose you is, of course, your talent. Frankly, it was astonishing.”
This was another unexpected compliment.
Scarlett’s use of “astonishing” was as good as the highest praise.
She herself was the possessor of talent considered among the greatest in history.
In the game, she often dismissed what others would call impressive as “not bad.”
Scarlett tapped her fingers on the desk—tok, tok—and continued.
“First, take a look at this.”
Scarlett slid a single sheet of paper toward Abel.
Abel carefully picked it up and checked its contents.
[Del Modor Academy]
Del Modor.
An ancient term from when the Empire was still a kingdom, meaning “stalwart warrior.”
In the past, it was the name given to academies that trained knights.
Though its nature had changed somewhat now, the name remained the same.
Those appointed as “Gigant Riders” were stalwart warriors just the same.
‘Finally.’
Del Modor Academy was the main stage of this game.
Even before quests were given, Abel had been searching for a way to get there.
But even for Abel, a game veteran, it wasn’t easy.
Unlike other academies that selected purely based on talent, Del Modor was special.
So Abel had waited for Scarlett.
For her to come and choose him.
Scarlett pointed to the paper and said.
“You will enroll here. You’ll still have to take the exam, of course, but if the examiners’ eyes aren’t faulty, it shouldn’t be much of an issue.”
Wondering what she meant, he looked up to see Scarlett pointing at him.
“I just don’t think you’ll fail.”
“Thank you.”
“But ending it there would feel a bit unsatisfying. To stoke your motivation, I’ll make one promise.”
Scarlett leaned slightly forward as she spoke.
“If you place in the top three, I promise a special reward.”
Abel’s eyes sparkled at Scarlett’s words.
More than worry about getting in, he was filled with anticipation for what the special reward might be.
“I look forward to it.”
At his honest response, the smile on Scarlett’s lips deepened.
“Normally, I’d caution you about your speech, but I don’t dislike that confidence.”
Scarlett said that and continued looking at Abel.
“But prove that confidence with results.”
“I will keep it in mind.”
“Good. I’ll be busy with duties for a while, so we won’t see each other often. Our next talk will be next week at this time. Prepare for the exam while staying in the family estate. No other plans, I assume?”
“Yes.”
He had no other place or intention.
There was no better place than here to prepare for the exam.
“You’ll find someone waiting outside.”
“Understood. Then I’ll take my leave.”
Abel showed his respects to Scarlett, turned, walked to the door, and opened it.
As he closed the door, a maid who had been waiting nearby approached, bowed, and said.
“Greetings. I am Marygold, assigned to serve you from now on, Lord Abel.”
“Pleased to meet you.”
Abel bowed politely in response.
The maid seemed momentarily flustered, bowed once more, and then guided him through the mansion.
The mansion was quite large, and simply touring it took a considerable amount of time.
And for the first time since arriving in this world, Abel enjoyed a luxurious meal and rest.
* * *
The week passed faster than expected.
During that time, Abel truly felt what it meant to have too few hours in the day, even if he split himself in two.
As a prospective academy student, he had to learn basics like speech, demeanor, what to uphold, and what to absolutely avoid.
This included even fundamentals like how to walk or dining etiquette.
It was less education and more a transformation of a street orphan like Abel into nobility.
‘It’s not like I’m really becoming a noble, but since most I’ll deal with are nobles…….’
It was tough, but necessary.
No reason to take deductions on superficial things when he was confident in his skills.
It was a process he had to go through to enter this world’s mainstream.
Even now, Abel was walking around the room while watching the mirror. To correct his walking.
“Hmm.”
After practicing for a while, Abel stopped in front of the mirror.
The reflection of Abel there was markedly different from a week ago.
Neatly combed black hair, much cleaner skin. And custom clothes made specially for him.
Just looking at his appearance, he resembled a young lord from a noble or wealthy merchant family.
Abel checked his face and attire, then carefully pulled out a necklace he had tucked inside his clothes.
‘Demitri’s Flame.’
It was the quest reward he had obtained.
It hadn’t suddenly popped out of thin air; Scarlett had sent it to him via an attendant.
In the original game, it was the necklace Jet wore, and its effect was very simple.
‘It creates a flame barrier to protect the wearer.’
One might ask what use that has for riding a Gigant, but that’s knowing only half the story.
Unlike Midget grades, higher-grade Gigants had various protective devices, but they weren’t foolproof.
Unlike the metal giant that was the Gigant, a human body wasn’t that sturdy.
‘Gigants come out fine, but riders faint from shock all the time.’
This necklace was an item that compensated for that inherent lack of defense to some extent.
Since most game items were Gigant-related, ones applicable to the body itself were extremely rare.
After resolving the Jet-related quest, Scarlett gave this as a reward, so Abel had used it in the game too.
And thanks to that, he knew the necklace’s hidden ability.
Abel checked the back of the necklace.
‘There it is.’
There was an empty slot.
He didn’t know what was originally there, but the key point was that inserting another material could enhance the necklace.
Of course, Abel knew exactly where to get the material to upgrade it.
Smiling as he examined the necklace, Abel put it back around his neck.
What Scarlett had given wasn’t just the necklace; there was something else, but it no longer existed in this world.
It had gone into Abel’s stomach.
‘To think I’d get a Mana Herb this early.’
Mana Herb was a spiritual medicine that increased mana capacity.
For Abel, whose mana had only recently begun to awaken and was nearly zero, it was absolutely essential.
[Abel]
[Race: Human]
[Physical Grade: E]
[Sync Rate: S]
[Mana: E]
[Owned Gigant: None]
[Skills: Beginner Gigant Crafting, Intermediate Gigant Repair, Mana Sensitivity]
Thanks to consuming the Mana Herb, his mana had risen from F to E grade in just a week.
‘If I play it right, I could quickly push it to D grade.’
With a pleased expression, Abel closed the status window.
He could stare at it proudly all day, but it was about time.
Today, there was no annoying etiquette training. Because it was ‘that day.’
Knock knock-.
As he checked his appearance in the mirror and adjusted his clothes nicely, someone knocked right on cue.
“Yes.”
“Young master, it’s time.”
It was Maid Marygold’s voice.
Abel immediately walked over and opened the door. Marygold, standing outside, bowed at once, and Abel smiled as he said.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
Today was the end of the week Scarlett had mentioned.
Normally, he would head to her office, but Marygold guided him not up, but down the stairs.
Eventually, the place they arrived at following Marygold was none other than the mansion’s main gate.
There stood a carriage larger than the one he had seen before, with the family’s emblem flag attached to one side.
Scarlett was standing right in front of that carriage.
“You’re here.”
“Yes.”
“Today, we’re going to Del Modor Academy. Any questions?”
“Is the exam today?”
“No. We’re going for enrollment registration, and the exam is in a month. So after finishing registration today and returning, we’ll begin proper training.”
“Understood.”
Abel planned to submit Scarlett’s letter of recommendation for enrollment registration.
Lending him a carriage with the family flag for such an occasion was Scarlett’s kindness.
“Get on. An escort knight will go with you.”
Scarlett glanced to the side and called the name of the knight who would accompany Abel.
“Dillon.”
“Yes.”
The knight waiting on the side approached and saluted.
It was the stern knight who had picked up Abel before.
“Please, board.”
His voice was extremely polite. Not just his speech, but his attitude was impeccably courteous.
A world away from his initial demeanor. Back then, Abel was just one candidate, but now he was an official guest of the family.
“Yes. Thank you.”
Abel replied politely and boarded the carriage.
Though it was just for registration today, his heart raced.
The academy was the game’s main stage. Most of the story unfolded there.
Thus, the academy was packed with things prepared for the player’s growth.
‘Loaded with juicy hidden pieces.’
Of course, Abel knew them very well.
‘What I need to get is already set.’
Abel sat upright in the carriage, his eyes sparkling.
Eyes full of anticipation.